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Home / Equine Research Bank / Ecol Evol / Interacting effects of age, density, and weather on survival...
Ecology and evolution2014; 4(19); 3851-3860; doi: 10.1002/ece3.1250

Interacting effects of age, density, and weather on survival and current reproduction for a large mammal.

Abstract: Individual-based study of natural populations allows for accurate and precise estimation of fitness components and the extent to which they might vary with ecological conditions. By tracking the fates of all 701 horses known to have lived on Sable Island, Canada, from 2009 to 2013 (where there is no predation, human interference, or interspecific competition for food), we present a detailed analysis of structured population dynamics with focus on interacting effects of intraspecific competition and weather on reproduction and survival. Annual survival of adult females (0.866 ± 0.107 [[Formula: see text] ± SE]) was lower than that of 3-year-olds (0.955 ± 0.051), although annual fecundity (producing a foal in a year that was observed during our census) was higher in adults (0.616 ± 0.023) compared to 3-year-olds (0.402 ± 0.054). Milder winters and lower densities during gestation increased fecundity. Density negatively impacted survival for all age and sex categories; however, highest adult female survival was observed during high-density years coupled with a harsh winter, the result expected if pregnancy loss during winter or loss of foals in spring improved survival. Three-year-old females, which reproduced at lower rates, experienced higher survival than adults. Our results contrast with a previous study of feral horses that suggested recently feral ungulates might be artificially selected to reproduce even when costs to survival are high. In part, this may be because of the comparably long history of feralization (250 years; at least 25 generations) for Sable Island horses.
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Publication Date: 2014-09-18 PubMed ID: 25614799PubMed Central: PMC4301048DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1250Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study employed an individual-based tracking method on a population of 701 horses on Sable Island, Canada to evaluate the impact of ecological conditions, interspecific competition and weather on reproduction and survival. The study contradicted a prior study of feral horses’ reproduction survival relationship and found that adult female horse survival was highest in high-density years accompanied by harsh winters.

Research Methodology

  • The research employed an individual-based study on a population of 701 horses on Sable Island, Canada from 2009 to 2013. The choice of location was influenced by the absence of predation, human interference, or interspecific competition for food. This setting provided a suitable environment to study the structured population dynamics.
  • The horses were observed and their survival and current reproduction rates were recorded in the study period. Researchers analyzed survival and fecundity rates (the ability to produce offspring per year) across different age groups and under varying ecological conditions.

Key Findings

  • The annual survival of adult females (0.866 ± 0.107) was found to be lower than that of 3-year-olds (0.955 ± 0.051). This indicates a higher mortality risk for adult females within the study period.
  • Adult females, however, recorded a higher annual fecundity (0.616 ± 0.023) compared to 3-year-olds (0.402 ± 0.054), pointing out greater reproductive capacity in adults than the younger 3 year-old group.
  • A positive correlation was found between milder winters and lower population densities during gestation with increased fecundity rates. This suggests that favorable climates and less population pressure lead to an increased likelihood of producing offspring.
  • Density negatively impacted the survival for all age and sex categories. Paradoxically, the highest adult female survival was noted during high-density years coupled with harsh winters.
  • This high survival rate during harsh conditions for adult females was hypothesized to be due to pregnancy loss in winter or the loss of foals in spring, which ultimately improved survival rates of the adults.

Contradiction with Previous Studies and Possible Explanation

  • The results contradicted a previous study on feral horses which suggested that these animals might be artificially selected to reproduce even when survival costs are high. This apparent discrepancy might be ascribed to different feralization ages of the horse populations studied. The Sable Island horses had a considerably long feralization history (250 years; at least 25 generations).

Cite This Article

APA
Richard E, Simpson SE, Medill SA, McLoughlin PD. (2014). Interacting effects of age, density, and weather on survival and current reproduction for a large mammal. Ecol Evol, 4(19), 3851-3860. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1250

Publication

Ecology and evolution
ISSN: 2045-7758
NlmUniqueID: 101566408
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 4
Issue: 19
Pages: 3851-3860

Researcher Affiliations

Richard, Emmanuelle
  • Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada.
Simpson, Steven E
  • Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada.
Medill, Sarah A
  • Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada.
McLoughlin, Philip D
  • Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E2, Canada.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Medill SA, Janz DM, McLoughlin PD. Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Feral Horses and the Influence of Physiological and Social Factors.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13132133pubmed: 37443930google scholar: lookup
  2. Mott R, Prowse TAA, Jackson MV, Rogers DJ, O'Connor JA, Brookes JD, Cassey P. Measuring habitat quality for waterbirds: A review.. Ecol Evol 2023 Apr;13(4):e9905.
    doi: 10.1002/ece3.9905pubmed: 37038530google scholar: lookup
  3. Manning JA, McLoughlin PD. Environmental and demographic drivers of male mating success vary across sequential reproductive episodes in a polygynous breeder.. Ecol Evol 2019 May;9(9):5106-5117.
    doi: 10.1002/ece3.5066pubmed: 31110665google scholar: lookup
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