COVID-19 lockdown splits activity peaks of two mesopredators and potentially relaxes interspecific competition in rural habitat

COVID-19 lockdown has provided a unique example of a sudden and significant reduction of human presence in a rural area, especially in villages with high tourist pressure. We used camera-trapping to investigate the effect of reduction of human activity due to COVID-19 lockdown in a rural area on activity patterns of species considered urban exploiters and urban adapters. The activity patterns of both predators changed slightly and activity peaks shifted without significant differences in temporal niche overlap. The stone marten, an urban exploiter, had a bimodal activity pattern and shifted the main peak of its activity earlier during COVID-19 lockdown. It was quick to respond to the decrease in human presence in the first half of the night by increasing activity in that time. Meanwhile, the red fox, an urban adapter, showed larger variation in activity patterns and shifted summer and autumn-winter activity peaks to later at night or even early morning. These changes resulted in slight differences in the overlap of activity rhythms of both species. Stone marten and red fox have adapted their activity to avoid human encounter and are active mainly at night, responding by a small extent to reduction of human presence during COVID-19 lockdown, which occurs mainly during the day. However, COVID-19 lockdown and lower human mobility may partially reduce interspecific competition induced by anthropogenic activities in rural areas.

Widespread Exposure to Mosquitoborne California Serogroup Viruses in Caribou, Arctic Fox, Red Fox, and Polar Bears, Canada.

Northern Canada is warming at 3 times the global rate. Thus, changing diversity and distribution of vectors and pathogens is an increasing health concern. California serogroup (CSG) viruses are mosquitoborne arboviruses; wildlife reservoirs in northern ecosystems have not been identified. We detected CSG virus antibodies in 63% (95% CI 58%-67%) of caribou (n = 517), 4% (95% CI 2%-7%) of Arctic foxes (n = 297), 12% (95% CI 6%-21%) of red foxes (n = 77), and 28% (95% CI 24%-33%) of polar bears (n = 377). Sex, age, and summer temperatures were positively associated with polar bear exposure; location, year, and ecotype were associated with caribou exposure. Exposure was highest in boreal caribou and increased from baseline in polar bears after warmer summers. CSG virus exposure of wildlife is linked to climate change in northern Canada and sustained surveillance could be used to measure human health risks.

Corona XVII – feeling puckish

Our resident insectivore, Mole, continues his latest series – The Corona Files. This time, Mole reflects on what we have learned from the pandemic.

Susceptibility of Wild Canids to SARS-CoV-2.

We assessed 2 wild canid species, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans), for susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. After experimental inoculation, red foxes became infected and shed infectious virus. Conversely, experimentally challenged coyotes did not become infected; therefore, coyotes are unlikely to be competent hosts for SARS-CoV-2.