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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Letter From The Editor, Michael R. Conover Jan 2016

Letter From The Editor, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.


In The News, Jason Matthews, Joe N. Caudell Jan 2016

In The News, Jason Matthews, Joe N. Caudell

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.


Impact Of Sagebrush Nutrients And Monoterpenes On Greater Sage-Grouse Vital Rates, Brian R. Wing, Terry A. Messmer Jan 2016

Impact Of Sagebrush Nutrients And Monoterpenes On Greater Sage-Grouse Vital Rates, Brian R. Wing, Terry A. Messmer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) depend on sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) to complete its annual life cycle. The winter diet for sage-grouse consists almost entirely of sagebrush leaves, and individual birds may gain weight while foraging on sagebrush. Previous studies have reported higher crude protein and lower monoterpene concentrations in the sagebrush species selected as winter forage by sagegrouse. However, no studies have attempted to link female sage-grouse vital rates (i.e., nest initiation and success, egg fertility, clutch size, and adult survival) to crude protein or monoterpene concentrations of sagebrush plants browsed during pre-nesting periods. From March …


Lack Of Human Awareness And The Need For Increased Public Education Regarding The Zoonotic Parasite, Baylisascaris Procyonis, Jacob L. Ogdee, Scott E. Henke, David B. Wester Jan 2016

Lack Of Human Awareness And The Need For Increased Public Education Regarding The Zoonotic Parasite, Baylisascaris Procyonis, Jacob L. Ogdee, Scott E. Henke, David B. Wester

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Baylisascaris procyonis is a large parasitic nematode found in the small intestines of raccoons (Procyon lotor), the definitive host, and causes larva migrans in humans and other animals. Humans can become infected by ingesting B. procyonis eggs, which can remain viable in the environment for years and adhere to vegetation, soil, water, raccoon feces, or hands. Parasitic infections manifest in humans with neural and ocular larva migrans, characterized by clinical symptoms of head and body tilt, circling, recumbency, ataxia, blindness, nervous behavior, paralysis, and coma, leading to death. Prevalence of B. procyonis in humans is unknown. However, human …


Use Of Predator Hair To Enhance Perceived Risk To White-Tailed Deer In A Foraging Context, Thomas W. Seamans, Bradley F. Blackwell, Kimberly E. Linnell Jan 2016

Use Of Predator Hair To Enhance Perceived Risk To White-Tailed Deer In A Foraging Context, Thomas W. Seamans, Bradley F. Blackwell, Kimberly E. Linnell

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Deer react to predator scent in varying degrees even when exposed to unknown predators. This response could be genetically based and maintained as long as the population is exposed to predation. We tested whether predator scent in the form of hair would enhance perceived risk and serve as a foraging repellent to free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). During the winters of 2013 and 2014, we quantified alert behaviors and consumption of whole-kernel corn in response to current (coyote [Canis latrans]) and extirpated (bobcat [Lynx rufus]; black bear [Ursus americanus]) predator species alone …


Notes Terrestrial Mammal And Reptile Hazards In An Airport In The Brazilian Amazon, Weber Galvao Novaes, Nárjara V. Grossman, Dysianne S. Pimentel, Manrique Prada Jan 2016

Notes Terrestrial Mammal And Reptile Hazards In An Airport In The Brazilian Amazon, Weber Galvao Novaes, Nárjara V. Grossman, Dysianne S. Pimentel, Manrique Prada

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.


Response Of Greater Sage-Grouse To Surface Coal Mining And Habitat Conservation In Association With The Mine, Steven L. Petersen, B. Kirk Nicholes, S. Nicole Frey, Kevin M. Heaton, Dennis L. Eggett Jan 2016

Response Of Greater Sage-Grouse To Surface Coal Mining And Habitat Conservation In Association With The Mine, Steven L. Petersen, B. Kirk Nicholes, S. Nicole Frey, Kevin M. Heaton, Dennis L. Eggett

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) is a sagebrushobligate species that has experienced species-wide declines in population density and distribution. Sage-grouse habitats support human-related needs including domestic livestock grazing, urban development, and energy extraction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified energy extraction as a range-wide sage-grouse conservation threat. Mining has been of specific concern because of observed sage-grouse population declines and impaired habitat within close proximity to the activity. Mining may be particularly problematic for small, isolated sage-grouse populations. In southwestern Utah, proactive habitat improvements and predator management have been implemented to mitigate the potential effects of surface …


Wind Energy Development: Methods For Assessing Risks To Birds And Bats Pre-Construction, Todd Katzner, Victoria Bennett, Tricia Miller, Adam Duerr, Melissa Braham, Amanda Hale Jan 2016

Wind Energy Development: Methods For Assessing Risks To Birds And Bats Pre-Construction, Todd Katzner, Victoria Bennett, Tricia Miller, Adam Duerr, Melissa Braham, Amanda Hale

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wind power generation is rapidly expanding. Although wind power is a low-carbon source of energy, it can impact negatively birds and bats, either directly through fatality or indirectly by displacement or habitat loss. Pre-construction risk assessment at wind facilities within the United States is usually required only on public lands. When conducted, it generally involves a 3-tier process, with each step leading to more detailed and rigorous surveys. Preliminary site assessment (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tier 1) is usually conducted remotely and involves evaluation of existing databases and published materials. If potentially at-risk wildlife are present and the developer …


Adapting Strategies To Maintain Efficiency During A Cull Of Yellow-Legged Gulls, Sugoto Roy, Ray Ridley, Jeff Sandon, John R. Allan, Peter S. Robertson, Andrew Baxter Jan 2016

Adapting Strategies To Maintain Efficiency During A Cull Of Yellow-Legged Gulls, Sugoto Roy, Ray Ridley, Jeff Sandon, John R. Allan, Peter S. Robertson, Andrew Baxter

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Increasing populations of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the Mediterranean have created conflicts with seabird conservation, migrating raptors, and humans. As a mitigation measure, gulls are routinely culled in the region. Previous studies of extended culls show that catch per unit effort declines over time through a combination of population reductions and avoidance behaviors developing within the remaining population. We countered these problems during a 4-year cull of yellow-legged gulls in Gibraltar by matching the type and mode of deployment of firearms in response to changes in gull distribution and behavior. We found that shotguns were effective when …


A Benefit-Cost Analysis Decision Framework For Mitigation Of Disease Transmission At The Wildlife–Livestock Interface, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Steven J. Sweeney, Julie L. Elser, Ryan S. Miller, Matthew L. Farnsworth, Pauline Nol, Steven S. Shwiff, Aaron M. Anderson Jan 2016

A Benefit-Cost Analysis Decision Framework For Mitigation Of Disease Transmission At The Wildlife–Livestock Interface, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Steven J. Sweeney, Julie L. Elser, Ryan S. Miller, Matthew L. Farnsworth, Pauline Nol, Steven S. Shwiff, Aaron M. Anderson

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The economics of managing disease transmission at the wildlife–livestock interface have received heightened attention as agricultural and natural resource agencies struggle to tackle growing risks to animal health. In the fiscal landscape of increased scrutiny and shrinking budgets, resource managers seek to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs of disease mitigation efforts. To address this issue, a benefit-cost analysis decision framework was developed to help users make informed choices about whether and how to target disease management efforts in wildlife and livestock populations. Within the context of this framework, we examined the conclusions of a bene� t-cost analysis conducted …


Influence Of Transmission Line Construction On Winter Sage-Grouse Habitat Use In Southern Utah, Erica P. Hansen, A. Cheyenne Stewart, S. Nicole Frey Jan 2016

Influence Of Transmission Line Construction On Winter Sage-Grouse Habitat Use In Southern Utah, Erica P. Hansen, A. Cheyenne Stewart, S. Nicole Frey

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The construction and operation of electric power transmission lines (“power lines”) and their associated infrastructure has been identified as a conservation threat to the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse). The conservation buff er zones recommended by state and federal agencies to avoid potential impacts on breeding populations diff er because information regarding the effects of power lines on sage-grouse is lacking. Little information is available regarding sage-grouse responses to power lines placed in winter habitat. Hence, we evaluated sage-grouse habitat use before and after construction of the Sigurd-Red Butte (SRB) 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in winter habitat. The …


Efficacy Of Non-Lead Ammunition For Culling Elk At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Blake E. Mccann, William Whitworth, Robert A. Newman Jan 2016

Efficacy Of Non-Lead Ammunition For Culling Elk At Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Blake E. Mccann, William Whitworth, Robert A. Newman

Human–Wildlife Interactions

During 2010 to 2013, park staff and public volunteers culled 983 elk (Cervus elaphus) from Theodore Roosevelt National Park (United States) utilizing non-lead rifle ammunition as part of a sanctioned herd management operation. Because there is little empirical evidence available on the performance of non-lead ammunition, staff recorded information on tools and techniques relevant to the scenarios under which elk were culled and the outcome of each engagement. We also conducted a fi ring range experiment to evaluate the precision of nonlead ammunition used in park fi rearms. Specific objectives were to identify program factors predicting efficient destruction …


A Conceptual Model To Determine Vulnerability Of Wildlife Populations To Offshore Wind Energy Development, M. Wing Goodale, Iain J. Stenhouse Jan 2016

A Conceptual Model To Determine Vulnerability Of Wildlife Populations To Offshore Wind Energy Development, M. Wing Goodale, Iain J. Stenhouse

Human–Wildlife Interactions

As offshore wind energy development is planned in the United States, there is an increasing need for pre- and post-construction monitoring plans to be focused on species determined to be most vulnerable to hazards of a specific project. We propose a conceptual model that incorporates biological and sociological parameters. Specifically, we suggest that demographic, ethological/biological, and population sensitivity be considered with legal protection, economic importance, and/or stakeholder interest. We recommend that vulnerability determinations include qualitative and quantitative methods.


Wind Energy Development: Methods To Assess Bird And Bat Fatality Rates Post-Construction, Manuela Huso, Dan Dalthorp, T. J. Miller, Dawn Bruns Jan 2016

Wind Energy Development: Methods To Assess Bird And Bat Fatality Rates Post-Construction, Manuela Huso, Dan Dalthorp, T. J. Miller, Dawn Bruns

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Monitoring fatalities at wind energy facilities after they have been constructed can provide valuable information regarding impacts of wind power development on wildlife. The objective of this monitoring is to estimate abundance of a super-population of carcasses that entered the area within a designated period of time. By definition, the population is not closed and carcasses can enter as they are killed through collision with turbines, and leave as they are removed by scavengers or decompose to a point where they are not recognizable. In addition, the population is not inherently mobile, but can only change location through some external …


Opinion The Non-Mystery Of Non-Native Species, James T. Carlton Jan 2016

Opinion The Non-Mystery Of Non-Native Species, James T. Carlton

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.


Commentary Distance-Dependent Effectiveness Of Diversionary Bear Bait Sites, Stephen Stringham, Ann Bryant Jan 2016

Commentary Distance-Dependent Effectiveness Of Diversionary Bear Bait Sites, Stephen Stringham, Ann Bryant

Human–Wildlife Interactions

We (Stringham and Bryant 2015) previously reported on Bryant’s experiment in diversionary baiting of black bears (Ursus americanus). This occurred during the historically severe drought of 2007, in the Lake Tahoe Basin at the border of California and Nevada, USA. Effectiveness of baiting was inversely related to each community’s distance from the bait site. That has provoked the question whether conflict rates during the period of baiting would have fallen anyway even without baiting. We show here that the general trend during both pre and post-baiting years (2005–2006 and 2008–2009) was for an increase in conflicts during the …


Ecology Of Greater Sage-Grouse Populations Inhabiting The Northwestern Wyoming Basin, Casey J. Cardinal, Terry A. Messmer Jan 2016

Ecology Of Greater Sage-Grouse Populations Inhabiting The Northwestern Wyoming Basin, Casey J. Cardinal, Terry A. Messmer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Range-wide population declines of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) have been largely attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation. However, the specific conservation threats affecting the ecology of sage-grouse populations may diff er by region. Although the status of the Bear Lake Plateau and Valley (BLPV) sagegrouse populations in the Wyoming Basin has been monitored using male lek counts since the 1960s, little was known about their ecology, seasonal movements, and habitat use patterns. From 2010–2012, we radio-marked 153 sage-grouse (59 females and 94 males) with very high frequency necklace-style radio-collars throughout the BLPV study area, which encompassed parts …


Avian Fatalities At Wind Energy Facilities In North America: A Comparison Of Recent Approaches, Douglas H. Johnson, Scott R. Loss, K. Shawn Smallwood, Wallace P. Erickson Jan 2016

Avian Fatalities At Wind Energy Facilities In North America: A Comparison Of Recent Approaches, Douglas H. Johnson, Scott R. Loss, K. Shawn Smallwood, Wallace P. Erickson

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Three recent publications have estimated the number of birds killed each year by wind energy facilities at 2012 build-out levels in the United States. The 3 publications differ in scope, methodology, and resulting estimates. We compare and contrast characteristics of the approaches used in the publications. In addition, we describe decisions made in obtaining the estimates that were produced. Despite variation in the 3 approaches, resulting estimates were reasonably similar; about a quarter- to a half-million birds are killed per year by colliding with wind turbines.


Mitigating Wind Energy Impacts On Wildlife: Approaches For Multiple Taxa, Edward B. Arnett, Roel F. May Jan 2016

Mitigating Wind Energy Impacts On Wildlife: Approaches For Multiple Taxa, Edward B. Arnett, Roel F. May

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Mitigating impacts of wind energy development on wildlife is important for conservation and public acceptance of this energy source. We provide an overview of approaches to mitigate impacts of onshore wind energy development on wildlife, following steps in the mitigation hierarchy, including avoidance, minimization, and compensatory mitigation. Planning and avoiding predicted high-risk areas is fundamental to reduce impacts on birds and bats. Contrary to avoidance, once facilities are built, options to minimize impacts need to be tailored to species at the specifc site, and can be limited especially for bats. Curtailing wind turbine operations is the only approach proven effective …


Impacts Of Coyote Removal On Space Use By Greater Sage-Grouse, Elizabeth K. Orning, Julie K. Young Jan 2016

Impacts Of Coyote Removal On Space Use By Greater Sage-Grouse, Elizabeth K. Orning, Julie K. Young

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are in decline across western North America. Identification of management strategies to enhance populations, such as predator management, may be needed to reduce further declines, but unintentional effects associated with increased human activity should also be considered. We evaluated the effect of 3 levels of predator management effort on greater sage-grouse space use. Home range size, movement rate, seasonal movement timing, and inter-seasonal distances traveled were examined as behavioral responses relative to levels of coyote removal in Bighorn Basin, Wyoming. We observed larger home range sizes during brood-rearing but overall smaller annual core (25% …


Declining Populations Of Greater Sage-Grouse: Where And Why, Michael R. Conover, Anthony J. Roberts Jan 2016

Declining Populations Of Greater Sage-Grouse: Where And Why, Michael R. Conover, Anthony J. Roberts

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Scientists have been predicting the extinction of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) since 1916, and sage-grouse populations have declined relentlessly during the last century despite attempts to reverse the decline. In this review paper, we examined the scientific literature to evaluate hypotheses about why sage-grouse populations have declined. There is little support for the hypotheses that the decline is due to overhunting, parasites, food shortages, or collisions with power lines or fences. West Nile Virus (WNV) reduced sagegrouse up to 25% when the virus first reached the West during 2002, but sage-grouse have developed resistance to the virus since …


Economic Utility For The Anthropogenic Spread Of Wild Hogs, Joe N. Caudell, Emily Dowell, Katelyn Welch Jan 2016

Economic Utility For The Anthropogenic Spread Of Wild Hogs, Joe N. Caudell, Emily Dowell, Katelyn Welch

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive, exotic species that has spread through much of the United States through anthropogenic means. Many states have laws and regulations with the intent of preventing the illegal importation, introduction, and establishment of wild swine populations. However, in many cases, these laws have been ineffectual at stopping the anthropogenic spread of wild swine. To assess the risk for moving wild hogs, we examined various wild hog-related laws throughout the United States and assessed the potential reward for their illegal movement of releasing hogs for hunting purposes. We found that fines ranged from …


Grizzly Bear Space Use, Survival, And Persistence In Relation To Human Habitation And Access, Bogdan Cristescu, Gordon B. Stenhouse, Bernie Goski, Mark S. Boyce Jan 2016

Grizzly Bear Space Use, Survival, And Persistence In Relation To Human Habitation And Access, Bogdan Cristescu, Gordon B. Stenhouse, Bernie Goski, Mark S. Boyce

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Previous studies showed that the likelihood of a bear becoming a nuisance and thus being removed from a population (i.e., relocated or killed) depends on numerous factors such as natural food supply, sex, age, and reproductive status. Distances from a bear’s home range and activity centers to conflict zones such as towns, roads, and trails used by humans also affect the incidence of nuisance behavior and have been documented for grizzly/brown bears (Ursus arctos) in North America and Europe. But those studies did not quantify the relative influences by various factors on distance from conflict zones, or the …


An Analysis Of Human–Black Bear Conflict In Utah, Julie Ann Miller, Tom S. Smith, Janene Auger, Hal Black, Loreen Allphin Jan 2016

An Analysis Of Human–Black Bear Conflict In Utah, Julie Ann Miller, Tom S. Smith, Janene Auger, Hal Black, Loreen Allphin

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Conflict between black bears (Ursus americanus) and humans has occurred in Utah, but the records are largely incomplete. To document these events, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources initiated a black bear sightings and encounters database in 2003, and we updated it. From 2003–2013, there were 224 recorded events, with 10 attacks, 208 property damages, and 6 vehicle collisions. Most events took place at campsites (40%). The most common season for events was summer (78%). Most conflict occurred at night. The number of events has not increased over the last 10 years, with no significant relationship between the …


Short-Term Fate Of Rehabilitated Orphan Black Bears Released In New Hampshire, Wesley E. Smith, Peter J. Pekins, Andrew A. Timmins, Benjamin Kilham Jan 2016

Short-Term Fate Of Rehabilitated Orphan Black Bears Released In New Hampshire, Wesley E. Smith, Peter J. Pekins, Andrew A. Timmins, Benjamin Kilham

Human–Wildlife Interactions

We evaluated the release of rehabilitated, orphan black bears (Ursus americanus) in northern New Hampshire. Eleven bears (9 males, 2 females; 40–45 kg) were outfitted with GPS radio-collars and released during May and June of 2011 and 2012. Bears released in 2011 had higher apparent survival and were not observed or reported in any nuisance behavior, whereas no bears released in 2012 survived, and all were involved in minor nuisance behavior. Analysis of GPS locations indicated that bears in 2011 had access to and used abundant natural forages or habitat. Conversely, abundance of soft and hard mast was …


Evaluating Wildlife–Vehicle Collision Hotspots Using Kernel-Based Estimation: A Focus On The Endangered Asiatic Cheetah In Central Iran, Alireza Mohammadi, Mohammad Kaboli Jan 2016

Evaluating Wildlife–Vehicle Collision Hotspots Using Kernel-Based Estimation: A Focus On The Endangered Asiatic Cheetah In Central Iran, Alireza Mohammadi, Mohammad Kaboli

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The transportation networks within and adjacent to protected areas degrade natural habitats and contribute to a higher risk of mortality through roadkill. Following years of unplanned and unsustainable road network development in Iran, the protected areas of significant biodiversity value have suffered from such phenomenon. Yazd Province, one of Iran’s important biodiversity reservoirs for large mammals, especially the Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), has witnessed a noticeable rate of road expansion along with an associated anthropogenic development. A large percentage (7 out of 50–70) of Asiatic cheetahs has been lost due to vehicle collisions in the region over …


Opinion The “Non-Native” Enigma, Danny Caudill, Gretchen Caudill Jan 2016

Opinion The “Non-Native” Enigma, Danny Caudill, Gretchen Caudill

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Non-native species have been introduced to ecosystems throughout the world, and in some instances, have degraded the invaded system. Consequently, the distinction between native and non-native species has become an integral component of conservation planning. Recently however, the conservation value of the distinction has been questioned. We examine how the native versus non-native dichotomy is intrinsically ambiguous, which therefore limits the conservation utility of the designation in and of itself. A large degree of uncertainty exists as to whether many species are or are not native. Measures outside the non-native dichotomy (e.g., impacts, evolutionary ecology, paleontology) could better inform conservation …


Impact Of Wind Energy On Bats: A Summary Of Our Current Knowledge, Cris D. Hein, Michael R. Schirmacher Jan 2016

Impact Of Wind Energy On Bats: A Summary Of Our Current Knowledge, Cris D. Hein, Michael R. Schirmacher

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Since 2003, when it was discovered that large numbers of bats were being killed at wind turbines in the eastern United States, our understanding of the impact of wind energy development on bats has increased and consistent patterns of fatality, including seasonality and species composition have become evident. Yet, many questions remain despite the wealth of data collected across numerous post-construction monitoring studies. We synthesized the recent literature to provide an overview of our current understanding of patterns of bat fatalities at wind energy facilities in the United States and Canada. Our understanding of the impact of wind energy development …


Special Topic: Wildlife And Wing Energy: Are They Compatible? Introduction, Michael Hutchins, Bruce D. Leopold Jan 2016

Special Topic: Wildlife And Wing Energy: Are They Compatible? Introduction, Michael Hutchins, Bruce D. Leopold

Human–Wildlife Interactions

No abstract provided.


Visual And Olfactory Concealment Of Duck Nests: Influence On Nest Site Selection And Success, Jennifer S. Borgo, Michael R. Conover Jan 2016

Visual And Olfactory Concealment Of Duck Nests: Influence On Nest Site Selection And Success, Jennifer S. Borgo, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Selecting a nest site is an important decision for waterfowl. Because most nest failure is due to depredation, the primary selective pressure in choosing a nest site should be to reduce depredation risk. This task is difficult, however, because predators use differing tactics to locate nests, such as olfactory or visual cues. The purpose of this research was to evaluate both the olfactory and visual components of waterfowl nest site selection and nest depredation in North Dakota. We located waterfowl nests, monitored them until termination (hatched or depredated), and collected both visual and olfactory concealment characteristics of nest sites and …