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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Using Wedelia As Ground Cover On Tropical Airports To Reduce Bird Activity, Michael A. Linnell, Michael R. Conover, Tim J. Ohashi
Using Wedelia As Ground Cover On Tropical Airports To Reduce Bird Activity, Michael A. Linnell, Michael R. Conover, Tim J. Ohashi
Human–Wildlife Interactions
aircraft collisions (i.e., bird strikes) are a major problem at airports worldwide, often because birds are attracted to airfields to feed on seeds, insects, or rodents that abound in the grassy areas near runways and taxiways. We compared an alternative ground cover, wedelia (Wedelia trilobata), to existing vegetation (control plots) on the airfield at Lihue Airport, Kauai, Hawaii, to determine if bird populations on the airport could be reduced by eliminating their forage base. We studied wedalia because it is a low-growing plant that did not need mowing, was easily established in plots, and out-competed other plants, resulting …
Human–Wildlife Conflicts: Emerging Challenges And Opportunities, Terry A. Messmer
Human–Wildlife Conflicts: Emerging Challenges And Opportunities, Terry A. Messmer
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Wildlife management has been defined as the art and science of applying scientific knowledge and ecological principles to manage wildlife populations for human objectives. Historically, wildlife managers have sought to maintain or increase desirable wildlife species (e.g., game fish, birds, and mammals) to meet human food and recreational needs by directly manipulating their habitats or the populations themselves. However, many contemporary rural and urban environments are inhabited by much larger populations of wildlife than were present a century ago. As local wildlife populations increase, so can the damage caused by them. Additionally, because many rare species inhabit private lands, the …
Sharpshooting Suburban White-Tailed Deer Reduces Deer–Vehicle Collisions, Anthony J. Denicola, Scott C. Williams
Sharpshooting Suburban White-Tailed Deer Reduces Deer–Vehicle Collisions, Anthony J. Denicola, Scott C. Williams
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Too many deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) are one of the primary reasons local governments implement lethal deer management programs. However, there are limited data to demonstrate that a reduction in deer (Odocoileus spp.) densities will result in a decline in DVCs. We conducted sharpshooting programs in 3 suburban communities to reduce deer numbers and to address rising DVCs. Annual or periodic population estimates were conducted using both helicopter snow counts and aerial infrared counts to assess population trends. Management efforts were conducted from 3 to 7 years. Local deer herds were reduced by 54%, 72%, and 76%, with resulting reductions …
Deer–Vehicle Collision Statistics And Mitigation Information: Online Sources, Terry A. Messmer, Destiny R. Messmer
Deer–Vehicle Collision Statistics And Mitigation Information: Online Sources, Terry A. Messmer, Destiny R. Messmer
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Although good data are lacking, published estimates suggest that >1.5 million deer– vehicle collisions (DVCs) occur annually in the United States. The estimated losses exceed 1 billion dollars. In some states, DVCs are a major cause of reportable accidents. Federal, state, and private partners have cooperated in monitoring trends in DVCs and implementing mitigation measures. Most of this information about such measures is readily available via the Internet. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with a broad overview of and a guide to the information currently available online to mitigate DVCs.
Factors Affecting Autumn Deer–Vehicle Collisions In A Rural Virginia County, William J. Mcshea, Chad M. Stewart, Laura J. Kearns, Stefano Liccioli, David Kocka
Factors Affecting Autumn Deer–Vehicle Collisions In A Rural Virginia County, William J. Mcshea, Chad M. Stewart, Laura J. Kearns, Stefano Liccioli, David Kocka
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Vehicular collisions with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a safety and economic hazard to motorists. Many efforts to reduce deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) have proven unsuccessful, but deer reduction has been a primary management tool in several states. The Virginia Department of Transportation geo-located all known DVCs in Clarke County, Virginia, from August through December 2005 (n = 246) and 2006 (n = 259). We estimated harvest intensity, deer population density, amount of forest and housing development, presence of row crops, and traffic volume and speed for 228 road segments (each 500 m in length) within the county to …
Relationship Between Raccoon Abundance And Crop Damage, James C. Beasley, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.
Relationship Between Raccoon Abundance And Crop Damage, James C. Beasley, Olin E. Rhodes Jr.
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Wildlife damage to crops is a widespread concern among agricultural producers and wildlife professionals. In the United States, raccoon (Procyon lotor) damage to field corn (Zea maize) has become a serious concern, as raccoon depredation to corn has increased significantly in recent years. However, little information is available to suggest the underlying factors responsible for recent increases in raccoon depredation on agricultural crops because there is a limited understanding of the ecological factors influencing wildlife damage to crops at local scales. During 2004, we initiated a study to elucidate the ecological factors influencing depredation to field …
Evaluation Of Physical Barriers To Prevent Prairie Dog Colony Expansion, Gary Witmer, James Gionfriddo, Michael Pipas
Evaluation Of Physical Barriers To Prevent Prairie Dog Colony Expansion, Gary Witmer, James Gionfriddo, Michael Pipas
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Expansion of black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies on public and private lands can result in damage to property. Physical barriers to prairie dogs can be used to minimize human–wildlife conflicts. We evaluated 17 existing barriers in the Fort Collins and Boulder, Colorado, areas. Most barriers were made of a single row of vinyl material; these barriers sustained high levels of damage, primarily from wind, and were frequently breached by prairie dogs digging underneath them. Barriers that included a vegetation and a vinyl barrier or a double-vinyl barrier were wind damaged and breached less frequently than the single-vinyl …
Demographics Of Non-Hunted White-Tailed Deer Populations In Suburban Areas, Anthony J. Denicola, Dwayne R. Etter, Thomas Almendinger
Demographics Of Non-Hunted White-Tailed Deer Populations In Suburban Areas, Anthony J. Denicola, Dwayne R. Etter, Thomas Almendinger
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Burgeoning deer populations in urban and suburban areas, along with the inherent problems stemming from this increase, are becoming increasingly widespread. To address these problems, wildlife biologists need quality baseline data of herd composition for harvest and treatment forecasts for management and fertility control research programs. In this study, we provide white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population data from 4 areas where localized suburban white-tailed deer populations were substantially reduced utilizing sharpshooting as a management tool. In each area, legal hunting was nonexistent for >10 years preceding the sharpshooting program. The areas ranged in size from 300 ha to …
Evolution Of The Field Of Wildlife Damage Management In The United States And Future Challenges, James E. Miller
Evolution Of The Field Of Wildlife Damage Management In The United States And Future Challenges, James E. Miller
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Through the early twentieth century, people in rural areas of North America either dealt with problems caused by wildlife by killing the problem species, eliminating its habitat, changing crops or husbandry practices, tolerating the damage, or moving to a new area devoid of such problem animals. However, many of these solutions are impractical today with the increase in human populations, the increased expansion of development into previously rural landscapes, the increased fragmentation of land ownership, and the increasing movement of people into metropolitan areas. Because of current local, state, and federal ordinances and regulations, along with the impacts of animal …
Intrafield Patterns Of Wildlife Damage To Corn And Soybeans In Northern Indiana, Travis L. Devault, James C. Beasley, Lee A. Humberg, Brian J. Macgowan, Mónica I. Retamosa, Ollin E. Rhodes Jr.
Intrafield Patterns Of Wildlife Damage To Corn And Soybeans In Northern Indiana, Travis L. Devault, James C. Beasley, Lee A. Humberg, Brian J. Macgowan, Mónica I. Retamosa, Ollin E. Rhodes Jr.
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Management programs aimed at reducing wildlife damage to row crops rely on information concerning the spatial nature of wildlife damage at local and landscape scales. In this study we explored spatial patterns of wildlife damage within individual corn and soybean fields by describing relationships between specific locations where wildlife damage was recorded and distances from such locations to various habitat types that presumably influenced animal abundance and movements in our study area. Using stratified random sampling, we conducted depredation surveys of 100 corn fi elds and 60 soybean fields from May through October both in 2003 and 2004 and recorded …
A Landscape-Level Survey Of Feral Hog Impacts To Natural Resources Of The Big Thicket National Preserve, Pedro M. Chavarria, Roel R. Lopez, Gillian Bowser, Nova J. Silvy
A Landscape-Level Survey Of Feral Hog Impacts To Natural Resources Of The Big Thicket National Preserve, Pedro M. Chavarria, Roel R. Lopez, Gillian Bowser, Nova J. Silvy
Human–Wildlife Interactions
We conducted a survey of the impact of feral hog (Sus scrofa) on the natural resources of the Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNP), a unit of the National Park Service. We worked in 3 management units: Lance Rosier, Big Sandy, and Turkey Creek. Random stratified sampling was conducted to assess impacts from hog damage on resources by vegetation type at a landscape scale. Landscape features such as topography, soil moisture, soil type, and dominant vegetative cover types were used to predict hog damage. The overall damage to vegetation from hog rooting or wallowing averaged 28% within the 3 …
Effi Cacy Of Cpth-Treated Egg Baits For Removing Ravens, Peter S. Coates, Jack O. Spencer, Jr., David J. Delehanty
Effi Cacy Of Cpth-Treated Egg Baits For Removing Ravens, Peter S. Coates, Jack O. Spencer, Jr., David J. Delehanty
Human–Wildlife Interactions
Human-altered landscapes have provided resource subsidies for common ravens (Corvus corax) resulting in a substantial increase in raven abundance and distribution throughout the United States and Canada in the past 25 years. Ravens are effective predators of eggs and young of ground-nesting birds. During 2002–2005, we tested whether chicken egg baits treated with CPTH (3-chloro-p-toluidine hydrochloride) could be used to manage raven numbers in an area where raven depredation was impacting sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) and greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations in Nevada. We performed multiple raven surveys at a treatment site and …
Influence Of Habitat Patch Characteristics On The Success Of Upland Duck Nests, Jaiume M. Jiménez, Michael R. Conover, Raymond D. Deuser, Terry A. Messmer
Influence Of Habitat Patch Characteristics On The Success Of Upland Duck Nests, Jaiume M. Jiménez, Michael R. Conover, Raymond D. Deuser, Terry A. Messmer
Human–Wildlife Interactions
When there is a rich guild of nest predators that use different modalities and techniques to locate hidden nests, we hypothesized that no habitat patch characteristic will consistently predict nest success, because if such a characteristic existed then predators would develop a search image based on it and use that characteristic to increase their hunting efficiency for nests. We tested this prediction in the Prairie Pothole region of North Dakota by characterizing the features of 16 habitat patches that contained >1,800 dabbling duck nests. Nest success was monitored during both the early and late nesting season over 2 years. Nest …
Development Of An Internet Center For Wildlife Damage Management (Html.Www.Ianr.Unl/Wildlife), Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert H. Schmidt, Paul D. Curtis, Greg K. Yarrow
Development Of An Internet Center For Wildlife Damage Management (Html.Www.Ianr.Unl/Wildlife), Scott E. Hygnstrom, Robert H. Schmidt, Paul D. Curtis, Greg K. Yarrow
Proceedings of the Eighteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1998)
Wildlife damage problems are experienced by all segments of society. Row crops, forages, rangeland, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and turf are all susceptible to wildlife damage at various stages of development. Agricultural producers lose billions of dollars each year due to crop damage caused by deer, voles, blackbirds, and other wildlife species (Conover et al. 1995). In addition, over 75,000 people are injured annually or become ill in North America due to wildlife-related incidents. For most of these problems, IPM principles can be applied to reduce damage to tolerable levels. Information, materials, and services on wildlife damage management are available through …
Predator Urines As Chemical Barriers To White-Tailed Deer, Jerrold L. Belant, Thomas W. Seamans, Laura A. Tyson
Predator Urines As Chemical Barriers To White-Tailed Deer, Jerrold L. Belant, Thomas W. Seamans, Laura A. Tyson
Proceedings of the Eighteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1998)
The authors assessed whether bobcat (Lynx rufus) or coyote (Canis latrans) urine could reduce white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) use of established feeding areas or trails. A four-week experiment evaluating deer use of eight feeding stations, four each with coyote or bobcat urine was conducted at a 2,200 ha fenced facility in northern Ohio with high deer densities (38/km2). At this same facility, the authors also monitored deer use of four trails where coyote urine was applied. For both experiments, urine was placed in holders positioned at ground level within 2 m of …
Evaluation Of Electronic Frightening Devices As White-Tailed Deer Deterrents, Jerrold L. Belant, Thomas W. Seamans, Laura A. Tyson
Evaluation Of Electronic Frightening Devices As White-Tailed Deer Deterrents, Jerrold L. Belant, Thomas W. Seamans, Laura A. Tyson
Proceedings of the Eighteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1998)
The authors evaluated the effectiveness of the motion-activated Usonic Sentry (with and without strobe), motion-activated Yard Gard, and Electronic Guard for deterring white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from preferred feeding areas from February to April 1996. Two four-week experiments were conducted, monitoring deer use (number of intrusions and corn consumption) at eight feeding stations in a 2,200 ha fenced facility in northern Ohio with high deer densities (≥ 38/km2). During these experiments, one of the devices was positioned at each of four sites. The mean (± SE, n = 4) daily number of deer intrusions at feeding …
Research And Management Of Bird Depredations At Catfish Farms, Mark E. Tobin
Research And Management Of Bird Depredations At Catfish Farms, Mark E. Tobin
Proceedings of the Eighteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1998)
Depredations by fish-eating birds are a major constraint on production at commercial catfish facilities in the southeastern United States. A recent survey of catfish farmers estimated total losses due to direct predation by birds and costs associated with employing preventive measures at $17 million, or 4% of national sales. In 1988, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) established a research station in Mississippi to develop more effective methods for reducing the impact of birds on southeastern aquaculture farms. This paper describes the impact of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus, DCCO) on the catfish industry, …
Historical Forces Shaping Americans’ Perceptions Of Wildlife And Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Michael R. Conover, Denise O. Conover
Historical Forces Shaping Americans’ Perceptions Of Wildlife And Human-Wildlife Conflicts, Michael R. Conover, Denise O. Conover
Eighth Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference (1997)
From colonial times until the 19th century, the dominant American view of wildlife and its management was dualistic—wildlife species were divided into good animals (those which had commercial value or could be eaten) or bad animals (those which threatened the colonists’ safety or food supply). Philosophically, early colonial Americans believed that the environment was to be manipulated for man’s purposes. Under the impact of modernization, Darwinian influence, over-exploitation of resources, and environmentally-conscious professionals, Americans in the late 19th century began to appreciate the recreational value of wildlife and to develop a more protective attitude toward it. Still the dichotomy between …
Bird Abundance At Accomack County Southern Landfill, Melfa, Virginia, In Relation To Various Management Activities, Laura Francoeur, Martin Lowney
Bird Abundance At Accomack County Southern Landfill, Melfa, Virginia, In Relation To Various Management Activities, Laura Francoeur, Martin Lowney
Eighth Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference (1997)
Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat to aircraft safety. We conducted a 1-year ecological study to address concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Accomack County, Virginia, officials over potential wildlife hazards caused by the Accomack County Southern Landfill. During 48 surveys conducted from December 1995 to December 1996, we observed 112,693 birds at the landfill ( x =503). Nine species represented 97% of all observations. Bird numbers varied during the year, increasing during winter and declining during summer. Bird abundance appeared unaffected …
A Comparison Of Attitudes Held By Wildlife Damage Managers And Animal Rights Activists, James B. Armstrong, Melissa E. Hutchins
A Comparison Of Attitudes Held By Wildlife Damage Managers And Animal Rights Activists, James B. Armstrong, Melissa E. Hutchins
Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings
We designed an instrument to measure attitudes about a variety of animal use issues, collect information on animal-related activities, and determine demographic characteristics of the sample. We administered the instrument to 151 Animal Rights Information and Education Service (ARIES) and 150 National Animal Damage Control Association (N ADC A) members. Based on analysis of the data, we concluded that these 2 groups differ greatly on their attitudes about human use of animals. In addition, they differ greatly in background and types of activities in which they participate. Thus, attempts to bring these groups together for discussion must start with the …
Immunocontraception And Possible Application In Wildlife Damage Management, Lowell A. Miller
Immunocontraception And Possible Application In Wildlife Damage Management, Lowell A. Miller
Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings
lmmunocontraception technology appears to have viable application in wildlife damage management. However, administration of these vaccines is presently performed by syringe injection or remote delivery by darts or bio-bullets. In order for immunocontraception to be successful for broad scale application to free-roaming animals, the vaccine must be delivered in an oral form. Recent advances in molecular biology, immunology, and pathology of mucosal infection gives us tools to develop effective oral vaccines. Oral immunocontraceptive vaccine encapsulated in adhesive liposomes or non-virulent live vectors holds promise as a practical approach for immunocontraception of free-roaming wildlife. Issues of safety, species specificity, regulatory constraints, …
Wildlife Damage Managers And Euthanasia, Robert H. Schmidt
Wildlife Damage Managers And Euthanasia, Robert H. Schmidt
Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings
Wildlife damage managers regularly are faced with decisions that include whether and how animals will be killed. Euthanasia refers to death without pain or distress, i.e., a humane death. The American Veterinary Medical Association has developed guidelines for euthanasia (Andrews et al. 1993). These guidelines affect many of the methods and technologies involved in wildlife damage management. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, barbiturates, and gunshots are appropriate methods of euthanizing wildlife when necessary and when applied in the prescribed manner.
Survey Of The Nuisance Wildlife Control Industry With Notes On Their Attitudes And Opinions, Thomas G. Barnes
Survey Of The Nuisance Wildlife Control Industry With Notes On Their Attitudes And Opinions, Thomas G. Barnes
Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings
A total of 138 nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCO) attending a wildlife control operators short-course were surveyed for information about their business and attitudes regarding management of urban wildlife problems. One hundred and thirty-one (94.9% response rate) returned the survey. Seventy-two percent of the respondents operated a nuisance wildlife business. Of these respondents, 47.7% also operated a full-time pest control business. Over 65% of NWCO had been in business <5 years and 89% reported their business was successful as a result of either increased nuisance animal problems, satisfied customers, a growing customer base, enjoyment of their work, or by providing a high level of service. Over 30% of NWCO had annual billings >$ 100,000. Respondents based fees on either the animal species and number removed, on a contract or flat fee basis, or based on time and number of trips required to resolve …
Twelfth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Summary, Ronald E. Masters, J. Grant Huggins
Twelfth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Summary, Ronald E. Masters, J. Grant Huggins
Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings
No abstract provided.
Research Priorities In Wildlife Damage Management, James E. Miller
Research Priorities In Wildlife Damage Management, James E. Miller
Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings
Based on a survey of 97 wildlife damage management professionals (60% response rate of 161 mailed questionnaires), field, research, and administrative personnel felt that the top 3 current wildlife damage management (WDM) research needs were: development of more effective and efficient techniques of damage assessment, effectiveness of education and conflict resolution programs on WDM issues, and repellent/aversive techniques. Respondents indicated that human dimensions research related to effectiveness of public education and conflict resolution would be the highest future research need. Large and small mammals were identified as key species groups needing research with preventive methods and aversive agents as practices …