Marco Musiani Lab
Wildlife Ecology Research Group
Researchers
1
Projects Funded
1
conservation partners
1
About us
We conduct research on the ecology and evolutionary biology of terrestrial large mammals in western North American landscapes.
Our contributions
Our contributions
1. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF HUMANS ON A TOP PREDATOR
We documented habitat selection for wolves, and detected the human factors (e.g. industrial activities) influencing wolf movements and predation [1,2]. Forestry may improve habitat for primary prey of wolves (moose, deer), which then increase, incidentally increasing predation on caribou. In addition, wolves may travel more efficiently on linear features, such as roads, seismic lines or trails, especially during the winter, and therefore encounter more caribou. In some jurisdiction, wolves are then controlled by government authorities to alleviate impacts on endangered caribou, with additional impacts including mortality and stress [3].
1. Muhly*, Johnson, Hebblewhite, Neilson, Fortin, Fryxell, Latham, Arienti, McLoughlin , Merrill , Paquet, Patterson, Schmiegelow , Scurrah, Musiani. (2019). Functional Response of Wolves to Human Development across Boreal Ecosystems. Ecology and Evolution. 9(18): 1–15.
2. Pigeon, MacNearney, Hebblewhite, Musiani, Neufeld, Cranston, Stenhouse, Schmiegelow, Finnegan. (2020). The density of anthropogenic features explains seasonal and behaviour-based functional responses in selection of linear features by a social predator. Scientific Reports. (10): 1-13.
3. Bryan*, Smits, Koren, Paquet, Wynne-Edwards, Musiani. (2015). Heavily hunted wolves have higher stress and reproductive steroids than wolves with lower hunting pressure. Functional Ecology. 29(3): 347-356.
1. DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF HUMANS ON A TOP PREDATOR
We documented habitat selection for wolves, and detected the human factors (e.g. industrial activities) influencing wolf movements and predation [1,2]. Forestry may improve habitat for primary prey of wolves (moose, deer), which then increase, incidentally increasing predation on caribou. In addition, wolves may travel more efficiently on linear features, such as roads, seismic lines or trails, especially during the winter, and therefore encounter more caribou. In some jurisdiction, wolves are then controlled by government authorities to alleviate impacts on endangered caribou, with additional impacts including mortality and stress [3].
1. Muhly*, Johnson, Hebblewhite, Neilson, Fortin, Fryxell, Latham, Arienti, McLoughlin , Merrill , Paquet, Patterson, Schmiegelow , Scurrah, Musiani. (2019). Functional Response of Wolves to Human Development across Boreal Ecosystems. Ecology and Evolution. 9(18): 1–15.
2. Pigeon, MacNearney, Hebblewhite, Musiani, Neufeld, Cranston, Stenhouse, Schmiegelow, Finnegan. (2020). The density of anthropogenic features explains seasonal and behaviour-based functional responses in selection of linear features by a social predator. Scientific Reports. (10): 1-13.
3. Bryan*, Smits, Koren, Paquet, Wynne-Edwards, Musiani. (2015). Heavily hunted wolves have higher stress and reproductive steroids than wolves with lower hunting pressure. Functional Ecology. 29(3): 347-356.
Caribou Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Genetics & Planning
The discovery of associations between regions of DNA (neutral and non-neutral) and ecological traits of caribou allowed us to define Evolutionarily Significant Units in the caribou, which inhabit the Canadian Rockies/Western Canada [1, 2]. Finding these patterns may not be exclusive to caribou populations, but may also be found in behaviourally bimodal populations of other animals and plants [2]. We then found that human impacted habitats not only promote the isolation of caribou populations, but also facilitate wolf predation of these animals, which affect the structure of caribou population [3].
- Weckworth*, Hebblewhite, Mariani, Musiani. (2018). Lines on a map: conservation units, meta-population dynamics and recovery of woodland caribou in Canada. Ecosphere. 9(7)(e02323)
- Cavedon*, Goubili*, Heppenheimer, vonHoldt, Mariani, Hebblewhite, Hegel, Hervieux, Serrouya, Steenweg, Weckworth*, Musiani. (2019). Genomics, environment and balancing selection in behaviorally bimodal populations: the caribou case. Molecular Ecology.
- Gubili*; Mariani; Weckworth*; Galpern; McDevitt*; Hebblewhite; Nickel; Musiani. (2017). Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of connectivity patterns: a basis for prioritizing conservation efforts for threatened populations. Evolutionary Applications. 10: 199-211
Caribou Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Genetics & Planning
The discovery of associations between regions of DNA (neutral and non-neutral) and ecological traits of caribou allowed us to define Evolutionarily Significant Units in the caribou, which inhabit the Canadian Rockies/Western Canada [1, 2]. Finding these patterns may not be exclusive to caribou populations, but may also be found in behaviourally bimodal populations of other animals and plants [2]. We then found that human impacted habitats not only promote the isolation of caribou populations, but also facilitate wolf predation of these animals, which affect the structure of caribou population [3].
- Weckworth*, Hebblewhite, Mariani, Musiani. (2018). Lines on a map: conservation units, meta-population dynamics and recovery of woodland caribou in Canada. Ecosphere. 9(7)(e02323)
- Cavedon*, Goubili*, Heppenheimer, vonHoldt, Mariani, Hebblewhite, Hegel, Hervieux, Serrouya, Steenweg, Weckworth*, Musiani. (2019). Genomics, environment and balancing selection in behaviorally bimodal populations: the caribou case. Molecular Ecology.
- Gubili*; Mariani; Weckworth*; Galpern; McDevitt*; Hebblewhite; Nickel; Musiani. (2017). Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of connectivity patterns: a basis for prioritizing conservation efforts for threatened populations. Evolutionary Applications. 10: 199-211
3. "LOSERS & WINNERS" ANIMAL RESPONSES TO HUMAN LAND-USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Using movement ecology methodologies, our research documented the ways that both predators and prey species respond to human land use and also how prey species respond to predators. We also studied the variations of reactions among different groups of animals, from dispersers to residents, and from females to males [1]. It was also shown that predation was accurately detectable using the Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and cluster analyses. This approach enabled us to document how, in moderately developed areas, wolves and bears could travel on human-made leaner (linear) features, and hunt more efficiently as a consequence [2,3]. These studies are widely used by conservation managers, as they have indicated unintended consequences of the development on predators and its increased impacts on prey. These findings also have implications for conservation planning, since habitat requirements for animals in their core areas differ from the requirements for dispersing animals, thus, different actions are needed within core and corridors areas.
- Benz, Boyce, Thurfjell, Paton, Musiani, Dormann, Ciuti*. (2016). Dispersal ecology informs design of large- scale wildlife corridors. PLoS ONE. 11: e0162989.
- Kermish-Wells*, Massolo, Stenhouse, Larsen, Musiani. (2018). Space–time clusters for early detection of grizzly bear predation. Ecology and evolution. 8: 382-395.
- Finnegan, Pigeon, Cranston, Hebblewhite, Musiani, Neufeld, Schmiegelow, Duval, Stenhouse. (2018). Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears. PloS one. 13: e0195480.
3. "LOSERS & WINNERS" ANIMAL RESPONSES TO HUMAN LAND-USE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Using movement ecology methodologies, our research documented the ways that both predators and prey species respond to human land use and also how prey species respond to predators. We also studied the variations of reactions among different groups of animals, from dispersers to residents, and from females to males [1]. It was also shown that predation was accurately detectable using the Global Positioning System (GPS) collars and cluster analyses. This approach enabled us to document how, in moderately developed areas, wolves and bears could travel on human-made leaner (linear) features, and hunt more efficiently as a consequence [2,3]. These studies are widely used by conservation managers, as they have indicated unintended consequences of the development on predators and its increased impacts on prey. These findings also have implications for conservation planning, since habitat requirements for animals in their core areas differ from the requirements for dispersing animals, thus, different actions are needed within core and corridors areas.
- Benz, Boyce, Thurfjell, Paton, Musiani, Dormann, Ciuti*. (2016). Dispersal ecology informs design of large- scale wildlife corridors. PLoS ONE. 11: e0162989.
- Kermish-Wells*, Massolo, Stenhouse, Larsen, Musiani. (2018). Space–time clusters for early detection of grizzly bear predation. Ecology and evolution. 8: 382-395.
- Finnegan, Pigeon, Cranston, Hebblewhite, Musiani, Neufeld, Schmiegelow, Duval, Stenhouse. (2018). Natural regeneration on seismic lines influences movement behaviour of wolves and grizzly bears. PloS one. 13: e0195480.
4. LIVING SYSTEMS VS CLIMATE CHANGE
4. LIVING SYSTEMS VS CLIMATE CHANGE
Our research indicates potential effects of climate change in northern environments and demonstrated research and information gaps, especially on plants and herbivores [1].
1. Diepstraten*, Jessen*, Fauvelle, Musiani. (2018). Does climate change and plant phenology research neglect the arctic tundra?. Ecosphere. 9(9)(e02362)
4. LIVING SYSTEMS VS CLIMATE CHANGE
4. LIVING SYSTEMS VS CLIMATE CHANGE
Our research indicates potential effects of climate change in northern environments and demonstrated research and information gaps, especially on plants and herbivores [1].
1. Diepstraten*, Jessen*, Fauvelle, Musiani. (2018). Does climate change and plant phenology research neglect the arctic tundra?. Ecosphere. 9(9)(e02362)
5. DISEASE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION MEDICINE IN NORTH AMERICAN ECOSYSTEMS
Our findings show that climate change is impacting ungulates like caribous, in terms of numbers and species’ range shifts –with demonstrated effects also on the distribution of parasites [1]. In other systems, parasites of wild ungulates might be transmitted to domestic ungulates in areas where the two overlap, due to land-use changes and encroachment of livestock in wilderness areas. Our research combined ecological approaches (movement monitoring with GPS) and conservation medicine to assess disease transmission risk between wildlife and livestock [2]. As an example, we documented increased occurrence of a parasite (Fascioloides magna) as a consequence of elk migration and commingling with beef cattle [3].
- Verocai, Hoberg , Simard , Beckmen , Musiani , Wasser , Cuyler , Manseau , Chaudhry , Kashivakura , Gilleard. (2020). The biogeography of the caribou lungworm, Varestrongylus eleguneniensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) across northern North America. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. (11): 93-102.
- Pruvot, Musiani, Boyce, Kutz, Orsel. (2020). Integrating Livestock Management and Telemetry Data to Quantify Interactions between Wildlife and Livestock. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 174(104846)
- Pruvot, Lejeune, Kutz, Hutchins, Musiani, Massolo, Orsel. (2016). Better Alone or in Ill Company? The Effect of Migration and Inter-Species Comingling on Fascioloides magna Infection in Elk. PloS one. 11: e0159319.
5. DISEASE ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION MEDICINE IN NORTH AMERICAN ECOSYSTEMS
Our findings show that climate change is impacting ungulates like caribous, in terms of numbers and species’ range shifts –with demonstrated effects also on the distribution of parasites [1]. In other systems, parasites of wild ungulates might be transmitted to domestic ungulates in areas where the two overlap, due to land-use changes and encroachment of livestock in wilderness areas. Our research combined ecological approaches (movement monitoring with GPS) and conservation medicine to assess disease transmission risk between wildlife and livestock [2]. As an example, we documented increased occurrence of a parasite (Fascioloides magna) as a consequence of elk migration and commingling with beef cattle [3].
- Verocai, Hoberg , Simard , Beckmen , Musiani , Wasser , Cuyler , Manseau , Chaudhry , Kashivakura , Gilleard. (2020). The biogeography of the caribou lungworm, Varestrongylus eleguneniensis (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) across northern North America. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. (11): 93-102.
- Pruvot, Musiani, Boyce, Kutz, Orsel. (2020). Integrating Livestock Management and Telemetry Data to Quantify Interactions between Wildlife and Livestock. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 174(104846)
- Pruvot, Lejeune, Kutz, Hutchins, Musiani, Massolo, Orsel. (2016). Better Alone or in Ill Company? The Effect of Migration and Inter-Species Comingling on Fascioloides magna Infection in Elk. PloS one. 11: e0159319.
