Publications by authors named "J Janecka"
Understanding of predator feeding ecology, interactions among co-occurring predator species, and seasonal changes is critical for conservation management given the important role that predators play in shaping their ecosystems, but is lacking for most regions of the world. Dietary studies have demonstrated varying conclusions in the role that resource partitioning plays in the maintenance of predator communities due to complex inter-related factors that may shape prey use. We used DNA metabarcoding on 581 scat samples to determine the dietary composition, similarity, diversity, and niche overlap of eight predator species (Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus), snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Tibetan brown bear (Ursus arctos pruinosus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), Tibetan fox (Vulpes ferrilata), red fox (V.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe report the first chromosome-length genome assemblies for three species in the mammalian order Pholidota: the white-bellied, Chinese, and Sunda pangolins. Surprisingly, we observe extraordinary karyotypic plasticity within this order and, in female white-bellied pangolins, the largest number of chromosomes reported in a Laurasiatherian mammal: 2n = 114. We perform the first karyotype analysis of an African pangolin and report a Y-autosome fusion in white-bellied pangolins, resulting in 2n = 113 for males.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Comprehensive global range maps for all existing mammal species are crucial for biodiversity studies and conservation efforts, facilitating better understanding of their distribution.
- The maps are created through a meticulous process involving digital interpretation, georeferencing, and alignment across multiple taxonomic databases, including HMW, CMW, and MDD.
- Although expert maps have limitations in detail and precision, the provided georeferenced shapefiles, accompanied by species metadata, enhance accessibility and the potential for future updates through an online platform.
Article Synopsis
- The jaguarundi is a small wild cat that used to live from central Argentina to southern Texas, but has not been seen in Texas since 1986.
- Researchers conducted extensive camera-trap surveys in Texas and Mexico, but found no jaguarundis in Texas after over 350,000 trap nights, while they did detect some in Mexico.
- The study concludes that the jaguarundi is likely extinct in the U.S., recommending state and federal agencies to begin recovery efforts, including habitat identification and potential reintroduction in Texas.
Patterns of spatial genetic variation can be generated by a variety of ecological processes, including individual preferences based on habitat. These ecological processes act at multiple spatial and temporal scales, generating scale-dependent effects on gene flow. In this study, we focused on bobcats (), a highly mobile, generalist felid that exhibits ecological and behavioral plasticity, high abundance, and broad connectivity across much of their range.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF