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Insect and pollinator populations are vitally important to the health of ecosystems, food production, and economic stability, but are declining worldwide. New, cheap, and simple monitoring methods are necessary to inform management actions and should be available to researchers around the world. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available, close‐focus automated camera trap to monitor insect–plant interactions and insect behavior. We compared two video settings—scheduled and motion‐activated—to a traditional human observation method. Our results show that camera traps with scheduled video settings detected more insects overall than humans, but relative performance varied by insect order. Scheduled cameras significantly outperformed motion‐activated cameras, detecting more insects of all orders and size classes. We conclude that scheduled camera traps are an effective and relatively inexpensive tool for monitoring interactions between plants and insects of all size classes, and their ease of accessibility and set‐up allows for the potential of widespread use. The digital format of video also offers the benefits of recording, sharing, and verifying observations. Declines in insect and pollinator populations have led to a need for high‐quality, accessible monitoring. We found that off‐the‐shelf, close‐range game cameras can significantly improve insect‐plant monitoring.

Species detections often vary depending on the survey methods employed. Some species may go undetected when using only one approach in community‐level inventory and monitoring programs, which has management and conservation implications. We conducted a comparative study of terrestrial mammal and bird detections in the spring and summer of 2021 by placing camera traps at 30 locations across a large military installation in northern Michigan, USA and testing replicate soil samples from these sites for environmental DNA (eDNA) using an established vertebrate metabarcoding assay. We detected a total of 48 taxa from both survey methods: 26 mammalian taxa (excluding humans, 24 to species and two to genus) and 22 avian taxa (21 to species and one to genus). We detected a relatively even distribution of mammalian taxa on cameras (17) and via eDNA analysis (15), with seven taxa detected from both methods. Most medium‐to‐large carnivores were detected only on cameras, whereas semi‐fossorial small mammals were detected only via eDNA analysis. We detected higher bird diversity with camera traps (18 taxa) compared to eDNA analysis (eight taxa; four taxa were detected with both methods), but cameras alone were most effective at detecting smaller birds that frequently occupy arboreal environments. We also used Bayesian spatial occupancy models for two widely distributed game species (white‐tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, and ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus) that were moderately detected with both survey methods and found species‐specific site use (occupancy) estimates were similar between cameras and eDNA analysis. Concordant with similar studies, our findings suggest that a combination of camera trap and eDNA surveys could be most useful for assessing the composition of terrestrial mammal communities. Camera traps may be most efficient for assessing bird diversity but can be complemented with eDNA analysis, particularly for species that spend considerable time on the ground. We conducted a comparative study of terrestrial mammal and bird detections by placing camera traps at 30 locations across a large military installation in northern Michigan, USA and testing replicate soil samples from these sites for environmental DNA (eDNA) using an established vertebrate metabarcoding assay. We detected relatively even numbers of mammalian taxa on cameras and via eDNA analysis, but many medium‐to‐large carnivores were detected only on cameras, whereas semi‐fossorial small mammals were detected only via eDNA analysis. Cameras alone were most effective at detecting smaller birds that frequently occupy arboreal environments, but eDNA analysis was a useful complementary tool for detecting larger birds that spend considerable time on the ground.

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of droughts and intensity of seasonal precipitation in many regions. Semiaquatic mammals should be vulnerable to this increased variability in precipitation, especially in human-modified landscapes where dispersal to suitable habitat or temporary refugia may be limited. Using six years of presence-absence data (2007-2012) spanning years of record-breaking drought and flood conditions, we evaluated regional occupancy dynamics of American mink (Neovison vison) and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in a highly altered agroecosystem in Illinois, USA. We used noninvasive sign surveys and a multiseason occupancy modeling approach to estimate annual occupancy rates for both species and related these rates to summer precipitation. We also tracked radiomarked individuals to assess mortality risk for both species when moving in terrestrial areas. Annual model-averaged estimates of occupancy for mink and muskrat were correlated positively to summer precipitation. Mink and muskrats were widespread during a year (2008) with above-average precipitation. However, estimates of site occupancy declined substantially for mink (0.56) and especially muskrats (0.09) during the severe drought of 2012. Mink are generalist predators that probably use terrestrial habitat during droughts. However, mink had substantially greater risk of mortality away from streams. In comparison, muskrats are more restricted to aquatic habitats and likely suffered high mortality during the drought. Our patterns are striking, but a more mechanistic understanding is needed of how semiaquatic species in human-modified ecosystems will respond ecologically in situ to extreme weather events predicted by climate-change models.

For over a century there have been continual efforts to incorporate nature into urban planning. These efforts (i.e., urban reconciliation) aim to manage and create habitats that support biodiversity within cities. Given that species select habitat at different spatial scales, understanding the scale at which urban species respond to their environment is critical to the success of urban reconciliation efforts. We assessed specieshabitat relationships for common bat species at 50-m, 500-m, and 1 km spatial scales in the Chicago (U.S.A.) metropolitan area and predicted bat activity across the greater Chicago region. Habitat characteristics across all measured scales were important predictors of silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagansj and eastern red bat (lasiurus borealis) activity, and big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscusj activity was significantly lower at urban sites relative to rural sites. Open vegetation had a negative effect on silver-haired bat activity at the 50-m scale but a positive effect at the 500-m scale, indicating potential shifts in the relative importance of some habitat characteristics at different scales. These results demonstrate that localized effects may be constrained by broader spatial patterns. Ourfindings highlight the importance of considering scale in urban reconciliation efforts and our landscape predictions provide information that can help prioritize urban conservation work. Durante más de un siglo ha habido esfuerzos continuos para incorporar a la naturaleza dentro de la planeación urbana. Estos esfuerzos (es decir, la reconciliación urbana) buscan administrar y crear habitats que mantengan a la biodiversidad dentro de las ciudades. Ya que las especies seleccionan el habitat a diferentes escalas espaciales, entender la escala a la que las especies urbanas responden a su ambiente es critico para el éxito de los esfuerzos de reconciliación urbana. Evaluamos las relaciones especie-habitat para especies comunes de murciélagos a escalas espaciales de 50 m, 500 m y 1 km en el área metropolitana de Chicago (E.U.A.) y pronosticamos la actividad de murciélagos en la región metropolitana de Chicago. Las características de habitat en todas las escalas medidas fueron pronosticadores importantes de la actividad del murciélago plateado (Lasionycteris noctivagans,) y del murciélago rojo occidental (Lasiurus borealis), y la actividad del gran murciélago marrón (Eptesicus fuscus)fue significativamente menor en los sitios urbanos que en los rurales. La vegetación abierta tuvo un efecto negativo sobre la actividad del murciélago plateado a escala de 50 m pero tuvo un efecto positivo a escala de 500 m, lo que indica cambios potenciales en la importancia relativa de algunas características de habitat a diferentes escalas. Estos resultados demuestran que los efectos localizados pueden ser inhibidos por patrones espaciales más generales. Nuestros resultados resaltan la importancia de considerar la escala en los esfuerzos de reconciliación urbana y nuestros pronósticos de paisaje proporcionan información que puede ayudar apriorizar el trabajo de conservación urbana.

Predation risk for aquatic prey is affected by habitat characteristics and the predator community. Relative predation risk for aquatic prey from terrestrial and aquatic predators may differ in drought and nondrought conditions because access to aquatic prey may be affected by water depth. We compared predation risk for crayfish in a human-dominated landscape during severe drought conditions to that during a nondrought year with a standardized assay in which tethered crayfish were exposed to predators. We placed trail cameras at tethering locations to detect whether mortality was from terrestrial or aquatic predators. We evaluated effects of crayfish size, in-stream characteristics, and landscape context on crayfish mortality. Risk factors for crayfish changed between the drought and nondrought conditions. During the drought of 2012, predation risk was associated negatively with cover of submerged vegetation, whereas crayfish size was the main risk factor in 2013 when streams returned to normal or above-normal streamflow. Risk was driven primarily by aquatic predators, although predation by terrestrial predators increased during the drought. Predation risk was related positively to stream size and negatively to urbanization, but only during nondrought conditions. Increased variability in hydrology expected under climate change may alter predation risk for crayfish and other aquatic prey in streams.

Habitat selection by mammalian carnivores may be driven by prey availability, physical characteristics of the habitat, and landscape context. However, the cues used by carnivores to select habitat are often unclear. We examined the seasonal diet of American mink Neovison vison and determined if the abundance of a primary prey, crayfish, was an important driver of habitat use during summer in an agricultural landscape in Illinois. We also evaluated effects of stream size, water depth, riparian buffer width, and urbanization on occupancy of stream segments by mink. We collected mink scats during three seasons and tested for seasonal differences in the percentage of occurrence and volume percentage of prey classes in the diet of mink. Crayfish remains were the dominant component of mink scats during summer. In summer 2012, we performed occupancy surveys for mink and concurrently measured crayfish densities and habitat features in 59 stream segments. Site occupancy by mink was related positively to presence of local areas with high crayfish concentrations (hotspots) instead of local habitat characteristics that might indicate high prey densities. Mink also were associated negatively with degree of urbanization and stream size. Our study highlights the effectiveness of integrating data on diets and occupancy modeling to obtain insights on cues used by carnivores to select habitat.

Pituophis ruthveni (Louisiana Pinesnake) is considered to be one of the rarest snake species in North America and, accordingly, was federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2018. Although much previous work has demonstrated the species' tight association with its primary prey, Geomys breviceps (Baird's Pocket Gopher), relatively little work has been done on habitat selection, hampering management and conservation efforts. Here we use a variety of technologies, including traditional radio-telemetry, automated radio-telemetry, and subsurface temperature loggers, to monitor Louisiana Pinesnake behavior and habitat use for one of the few remaining populations of the species. We find support for previous studies indicating that Louisiana Pinesnakes exhibit bimodal seasonal activity patterns and preferences for areas with Baird's Pocket Gophers. However, we also document extensive individual variation in behavior and habitat use with some individuals exhibiting small home ranges (8.36 ha) in relatively open habitats and others with much larger home ranges (166.83 ha) in relatively closed habitats. These results suggest that Louisiana Pinesnake habitat selection, although largely restricted to areas with pocket gophers, can be extremely variable in other habitat features. Based on subsurface temperatures, our results suggest that snakes are most often found relatively close to the surface (88% of observations within 15 cm of surface) when utilizing burrows. Although we document relatively high annual survival (56%) compared to previous studies, we also detected Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the fungal causative agent for snake fungal disease, in 3 of our 7 individuals included in the study, highlighting the continued threats facing the species.

Human-wildlife conflict is increasing as urbanization expands and wildlife species adjust to living near people. Translocation is often used to manage human-wildlife conflict because it is considered to be humane, yet fates of translocated animals are largely unknown. As an urban adapter, woodchucks ( Marmota monax ) are a common source of human-wildlife conflict due to their burrowing, foraging, and scent-marking behavior. We examined survival and movements of 27 nuisance woodchucks captured by a nuisance wildlife operator in the Chicago metropolitan area, radiomarked with internal transmitters, and translocated to exurban release sites mimicking typical practices. We also captured and radiomarked 16 resident woodchucks from the release landscape for comparison. Translocated woodchucks moved farther than residents immediately post release with no evidence of homing and most left the release site. Annual survival did not differ between translocated and resident woodchucks. However, survival was extremely low (0.18) compared to previous estimates for woodchucks, primarily due to high predation by coyotes ( Canis latrans ). Translocation should be used only when other nonlethal methods are ineffective (e.g., exclusion, removing food sources, selecting unpalatable plants for gardens). When necessary, the practice of translocation could be improved by reducing predation risk for translocated animals, either by selecting release sites with low predation risk, or by using soft-release methods, such as acclimation enclosures or artificial burrows.

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of droughts and intensity of seasonal precipitation in many regions. Semiaquatic mammals should be vulnerable to this increased variability in precipitation, especially in human-modified landscapes where dispersal to suitable habitat or temporary refugia may be limited. Using six years of presence-absence data (2007-2012) spanning years of record-breaking drought and flood conditions, we evaluated regional occupancy dynamics of American mink (Neovison vison) and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) in a highly altered agroecosystem in Illinois, USA. We used noninvasive sign surveys and a multiseason occupancy modeling approach to estimate annual occupancy rates for both species and related these rates to summer precipitation. We also tracked radiomarked individuals to assess mortality risk for both species when moving in terrestrial areas. Annual model-averaged estimates of occupancy for mink and muskrat were correlated positively to summer precipitation. Mink and muskrats were widespread during a year (2008) with above-average precipitation. However, estimates of site occupancy declined substantially for mink (0.56) and especially muskrats (0.09) during the severe drought of 2012. Mink are generalist predators that probably use terrestrial habitat during droughts. However, mink had substantially greater risk of mortality away from streams. In comparison, muskrats are more restricted to aquatic habitats and likely suffered high mortality during the drought. Our patterns are striking, but a more mechanistic understanding is needed of how semiaquatic species in human-modified ecosystems will respond ecologically in situ to extreme weather events predicted by climate-change models.

Within the tumour microenvironment, CD4 + T cells can promote or suppress antitumour responses through the recognition of antigens presented by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules 1 , 2 , but how cancers co-opt these physiologic processes to achieve immune evasion remains incompletely understood. Here we performed in-depth analysis of the phenotype and tumour specificity of CD4 + T cells infiltrating human melanoma specimens, finding that exhausted cytotoxic CD4 + T cells could be directly induced by melanoma cells through recognition of HLA class II-restricted neoantigens, and also HLA class I-restricted tumour-associated antigens. CD4 + T regulatory (T Reg ) cells could be indirectly elicited through presentation of tumour antigens via antigen-presenting cells. Notably, numerous tumour-reactive CD4 + T Reg clones were stimulated directly by HLA class II-positive melanoma and demonstrated specificity for melanoma neoantigens. This phenomenon was observed in the presence of an extremely high tumour neoantigen load, which we confirmed to be associated with HLA class II positivity through the analysis of 116 melanoma specimens. Our data reveal the landscape of infiltrating CD4 + T cells in melanoma and point to the presentation of HLA class II-restricted neoantigens and direct engagement of immunosuppressive CD4 + T Reg cells as a mechanism of immune evasion that is favoured in HLA class II-positive melanoma. A survey of the CD4 + T cells in human melanomas indicates that immune evasion is mediated through direct stimulation of neoantigen-specific tumour-reactive regulatory T cells by HLA class II-positive melanoma cells.