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Côté, Steeve D.

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Steeve D.

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Université Laval. Département de biologie

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Voici les éléments 1 - 10 sur 13
  • PublicationAccès libre
    Spring-loaded reproduction : effects of body condition and population size on fertility in migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus)
    (Canadian Science Publishing, 2013-06-21) Pachkowski, Mélanie Dawn; Côté, Steeve D.; Festa-Bianchet, Marco
    In many ungulates, female fecundity is affected by body condition and has important effects on population dynamics.In some species, females adopt a conservative strategy, reducing reproductive effort when population density is high. Weinvestigated what factors affect the probability of gestation in adult female caribou (Rangifer tarandus(L., 1758)) from theRivière-George herd in northern Quebec and Labrador over 5 years that spanned various population sizes and trends. Similar toother populations of migratory caribou, the probability that a female was pregnant in spring increased with body mass andpercent body fat. The probability of gestation appeared to be reduced by high infestation of warbles (Hypoderma tarandi(L., 1758)).The proportion of females pregnant varied between years and was lower at high population size. Females of similar mass,however, were pregnant regardless of whether the population was increasing at low density, had reached a peak, or wasdeclining. Compared with other ungulates that reduce maternal expenditure at high density, female caribou of the Rivière-George herd may have a risk-prone reproductive strategy
  • PublicationAccès libre
    Nitrogen allocation to offspring and milk production in a capital breeder
    (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2013-08-01) Côté, Steeve D.; Barboza, Perry S.; Taillon, Joëlle
    Nitrogen (N) is a limiting nutrient for many herbivores, especially when plant availability and N content are low during the period of maternal investment, which is common for arctic ungulates. We used natural abundance of N isotopes to quantify allocation of maternal nitrogen to neonatal calves and milk in wild migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We contrasted female-calf pairs from two herds in northern Quebec/Labrador, Canada: Rivière-George herd (RG; low population size with heavy calves) and the Rivière-aux-Feuilles herd (RAF; high population size and small calves). We assessed whether females of both herds relied on body protein or dietary N to produce the neonatal calf and milk at calving and weaning. Female caribou of both herds relied mostly on body N for fetal development. RAF females allocated less body N to calves than did RG females (92% vs. 95% of calf N), which was consistent with the production of calves that were 8% smaller in RAF than in RG. Allocation of body N to milk was also high for both herds, similar at calving for RAF and RG females (88% vs. 91% of milk N, respectively), but lower in RAF than RG females (95% vs. 99% of milk N) at weaning, which was consistent with a small but significantly greater reliance on dietary N supplies to support milk production at weaning. Female caribou used body protein stores to ensure a constant supply of N for fetal growth and milk production that minimized the effects of trophic mismatches on reproduction. The combination of migration and capital investment may therefore allow females to produce calves and attenuate the effects of both temporal and spatial mismatches between vegetation green-up and calf growth, which ultimately would reduce trophic feedbacks on population growth. Our data suggest that small changes in maternal allocation of proteins over the long period of gestation produce significant changes in calf mass as females respond to changes in resources that accompany changes in the size and distribution of the population.
  • PublicationRestreint
    Is mother condition related to offspring condition in migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) at calving and weaning?
    (National Research Council, 2012-03-02) Côté, Steeve D.; Festa-Bianchet, Marco; Taillon, Joëlle; Brodeur, Vincent
    Maternal characteristics can affect offspring traits, yet they are seldom included when considering density dependence of juvenile traits and population dynamics. We quantified the influence of population size and maternal traits on body condition of migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758)) calves at birth and weaning. We contrasted female–calf pairs of the Rivière-George (RG) herd, which has recently declined to low population size, with pairs of the much larger Rivière-aux-Feuilles (RAF) herd. Calves of the RAF herd were lighter, smaller, and leaner than calves of the RG herd at both birth and weaning. Differences between herds, however, were much greater at weaning than at calving, suggesting a combined effect of herd size and summer range conditions on calf growth. Maternal mass was positively related to calf body condition during both periods. The positive influence of maternal mass on calf body condition was greater for RAF than RG calves at birth, but it was similar for the two herds at weaning. Our results show that the negative effect of population size on calf body condition can be modulated by maternal mass at calving, and that the positive effect of maternal mass is greater at weaning.
  • PublicationRestreint
    Integrative use of spatial, genetic, and demographic analyses for investigating genetic connectivity between migratory, montane, and sedentary caribou herds
    (Blackwell scientific, 2007-09-06) Boulet, Marylène; Bernatchez, Louis; Couturier, Serge; Côté, Steeve D.; Otto, Robert D.
    Genetic differentiation is generally assumed to be low in highly mobile species, but this simplistic view may obscure the complex conditions and mechanisms allowing genetic exchanges between specific populations. Here, we combined data from satellite‐tracked migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus), microsatellite markers, and demographic simulations to investigate gene flow mechanisms between seven caribou herds of eastern Canada. Our study included one montane, two migratory, and four sedentary herds. Satellite‐tracking data indicated possibilities of high gene flow between migratory herds: overlap of their rutting ranges averaged 10% across years and 9.4% of females switched calving sites at least once in their lifetime. Some migratory individuals moved into the range of the sedentary herds, suggesting possibilities of gene flow between these herds. Genetic differentiation between herds was weak but significant (FST = 0.015): migratory and montane herds were not significantly distinct (FST all ≤ 0.005), whereas sedentary herds were more differentiated (FST = 0.018–0.048). Geographical distances among sedentary herds limited gene flow. Historical estimates of gene flow were higher from migratory herds into sedentary herds (4Nm all > 9) than vice‐versa (4Nm all < 5), which suggests migratory herds had a demographic impact on sedentary herds. Demographic simulations showed that an effective immigration rate of 0.0005 was sufficient to obtain the empirical FST of 0.015, while a null immigration rate increased the simulated FST to > 0.6. In conclusion, the weak genetic differentiation between herds cannot be obtained without some genetic exchanges among herds, as demonstrated by genetic and spatial data.
  • PublicationRestreint
    Resistance to abomasal nematodes and individual genetic variability in reindeer
    (Blackwell Science, 2005-10-24) Côté, Steeve D.; Stien, Audun; Irvine, R Justin; Dallas, John F; Marshall, Freda; Halvorsen, Odd; Langvatn, Rolf; Albon, Steve
    Resistance to parasites is believed to have a widespread influence on demographic and adaptive processes. In systems where parasites impose a fitness cost on their host, heterozygotes may be selected because they are more resistant to parasites than homozygotes. Our objective was to assess the relationships between genomewide individual heterozygosity and abomasal nematode burdens in female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) after the effects of host age, locality, season, and year had been accounted for. Samples were obtained from 306 female reindeer that were culled and genotyped at nine microsatellite loci. Reindeer in our study populations are mainly parasitized by the gastrointestinal nematodes Ostertagia gruehneri and Marshallagia marshalli. The infection intensity of each parasite differed between subpopulations, and among host age classes, seasons and years. We found no significant relationships between abomasal worm burdens, or lumen and mucosa larvae, of either O. gruehneri or M. marshalli and individual heterozygosity (or mean d(2)) alone or in interactions with host age, locality, and year. Although we analysed one of the largest data set available to date on gastrointestinal nematodes of a wild ruminant, we used a typical data set of nine genetic neutral markers that may have had low power to detect heterozygosity-fitness correlations. We conclude that the proportion of the variance in parasite resistance explained by individual heterozygosity for neutral genetic markers is low in Svalbard reindeer and in vertebrates in general, and we suggest that the candidate-gene approach might be more fruitful for further research on gene-fitness correlations.
  • PublicationAccès libre
    The effect of radio-collar weight on survival of migratory caribou
    (Wildlife Society, 2014-06-18) Couturier, Serge; Festa-Bianchet, Marco; Côté, Steeve D.; Rasiulis, Alexandre
    Radio transmitters are widely used in wildlife management; therefore, it is essential to assess any effects that they may have on animal survival. We compared the survival of 269 randomly selected adult migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) fitted with either light very high frequency or heavy Argos satellite collars during the same period. Heavy collars reduced annual survival of caribou in a declining population with generally poor body condition by about 18%. Accurate estimates of survival are crucial for management decisions and possible effects of collars should be considered when calculating estimates.
  • PublicationRestreint
    Comparison of gross visual and microscopic assessment of four anatomic sites to monitor Besnoitia tarandi in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus)
    (Wildlife Disease Association, 2012-07-01) Brodeur, Vincent; Beauchamp, Guy; Côté, Steeve D.; Kutz, Susan; Taillon, Joëlle; Simard, Manon; Elkin, Brett; Ducrocq, Julie; Croft, Bruno; Campbell, Mitch; Cooley, Dorothy; Cuyler, Christine; Lair, Stéphane
    The objective of this study was to establish a standardized protocol to monitor Besnoitia tarandi prevalence and intensity in barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus) herds by: 1) calculating the relative sensitivity and specificity of the gross visual assessment of four anatomical sites compared with microscopic evaluation, and 2) determining which of four anatomical sampling sites was the most sensitive for detecting B. tarandi cysts by microscopy. Sampled tissues consisted of the conjunctiva of the left eye and skin sections from the rostrum, metatarsus, and thigh from 312 harvested caribou. Diagnosis of infection with B. tarandi was based on observation of at least one cyst by microscopic examination. For each tissue, the maximal density of cysts (number of B. tarandi cysts/mm(2) in the section examined) was calculated for a measured area consisting of the dermis extending from the epidermis of the skin to the base of the hair follicles and adnexal structures. For the conjunctiva, the entire submucosa was evaluated. Gross visual evaluation markedly underestimated B. tarandi prevalence in caribou with a relative sensitivity ranging from 0.29 in the conjunctiva to 0.13 in the skin section from the thigh, whereas relative specificities ranged from 0.98 to 1.00. The metatarsus and rostrum skin sections had the highest probabilities of cyst detection of all four anatomical sampling sites. The metatarsus harbored significantly higher densities of B. tarandi cysts than the rostrum, thigh, or conjunctiva. In conclusion, microscopic evaluation of a skin section from the anterior aspect of the mid-third portion of the metatarsal region could be used as a standardized comparative indicator of density of B. tarandi infection in Rangifer.
  • PublicationRestreint
    Variations in calf body mass in migratory caribou : the role of habitat, climate, and movements
    (American Society of Mammalogists, 2009-04-14) Couturier, Serge; Côté, Steeve D.; Otto, Robert D.; Huot, Jean; Weladji, Robert B.
    Individual differences in body mass exert a major influence on several life-history traits of mammals. We investigated the factors influencing variation in body mass of calves of migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) at birth (June, 19 years of data) and in autumn (October, 15 years of data) in the Rivière-aux-Feuilles (Feuilles, 1991–2003) herd and the Rivière-George (George, 1978–2003) herd in Québec and Labrador, Canada. Mass at birth (hereafter, birth mass) did not differ between herds, possibly because part of their winter ranges overlapped. However, Feuilles calves were smaller in autumn than George calves, possibly reflecting differences in summer ranges. The birth mass of calves also varied with year, likely as the outcome of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Birth and autumn body mass were influenced positively by habitat quality in June, estimated by the normalized difference vegetation index. The North Atlantic Oscillation of the previous winter was positively correlated with autumn mass of the George calves. Previous winter snowfall was negatively related to the mass of George calves, and daily movement rates in summer were negatively correlated with the mass of calves of both herds in autumn. Birth mass was positively related with productivity in October in the George herd and also with productivity 3 and 4 years later, which corresponds to the beginning of reproduction of females. We suggest that a mechanism of delayed quality effect of the calves could have been involved in the decrease of fall productivity and population size of the George herd.
  • PublicationRestreint
    Weather conditions and variation in timing of spring and fall migrations of migratory caribou
    (American Society of Mammalogist, 2016-11-10) Dussault, Christian; Côté, Steeve D.; Le Corre, Mael René Vincent
    Species that make long-distance migrations face changes in the phenology of natural processes linked to global climate changes. Mismatch between the onset of resources and arrival on breeding grounds or changes in the conditions faced during migration such as early snowmelt in northern environments could have severe impacts on migrant populations. We investigated the impact of local weather and broad-scale climate and of the availability of forage resources on timing of spring and fall migrations of migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) from the Rivière-George and Rivière-aux-Feuilles herds in northern Québec and Labrador, Canada. We tested the effect of local weather using data provided by the Canadian Regional Climate Model, a large-scale climate index, snow and ice cover, and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index on departure and arrival dates of 377 spring migrations and 499 fall migrations of female caribou. Since 2000, except for the spring arrival, migrations tended to occur earlier. Spring arrival was delayed when caribou encountered mild temperatures and abundant precipitation during migration, as early snowmelt may increase cost of movements. At greater population sizes, caribou seemed to limit the time spent on summer range by arriving later and departing earlier, possibly to limit competition for summer forage. During fall, caribou adjusted their migration to conditions en route because they arrived earlier if November was snowy and mild, possibly to limit the costs of moving through deep snow. Like numerous migrant species, most caribou herds are declining, and it is crucial to assess which environmental factors affect migrant populations. Our study contributes to the understanding of the impact of local weather conditions and climate change on migratory land mammals.
  • PublicationAccès libre
    Temporally dynamic habitat suitability predicts genetic relatedness among caribou
    (The Royal Society Publishing, 2014-08-13) Dussault, Christian; Pellissier, Loïc; Yannic, Glenn; Côté, Steeve D.; Le Corre, Mael René Vincent; Bernatchez, Louis
    Landscape heterogeneity plays a central role in shaping ecological and evolutionary processes. While species utilization of the landscape is usually viewed as constant within a year, the spatial distribution of individuals is likely to vary in time in relation to particular seasonal needs. Understanding temporal variation in landscape use and genetic connectivity has direct conservation implications. Here, we modelled the daily use of the landscape by caribou in Quebec and Labrador, Canada and tested its ability to explain the genetic relatedness among individuals. We assessed habitat selection using locations of collared individuals in migratory herds and static occurrences from sedentary groups. Connectivity models based on habitat use outperformed a baseline isolation-by-distance model in explaining genetic relatedness, suggesting that variations in landscape features such as snow, vegetation productivity and land use modulate connectivity among populations. Connectivity surfaces derived from habitat use were the best predictors of genetic relatedness. The relationship between connectivity surface and genetic relatedness varied in time and peaked during the rutting period. Landscape permeability in the period of mate searching is especially important to allow gene flow among populations. Our study highlights the importance of considering temporal variations in habitat selection for optimizing connectivity across heterogeneous landscape and counter habitat fragmentation.