Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Rodent Control In The Conservation Of Endangered Species, A.P. Buckle, M.G.P. Fenn

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1992

The commensal rodent pest species have spread from their ancestral homes in Asia to inhabit many natural ecosystems worldwide. The introduction of these exotics has often had a significant effect on endemic plant and animal species but their impact has, perhaps, been most severe on off-shore and oceanic islands where nesting birds, insects, terrestrial molluscs, reptiles and amphibians are all vulnerable. Conservationists have used a variety of control approaches either to reduce or eliminate the pressure of competition and predation exerted by introduced rodents on island populations of endangered species. Successful projects have involved a sequence of carefully-planned operations. Firstly, …

Toxicity Of Compound 1080 To Magpies And The Relationship Of Dose Rates To Residues Recovered, Richard J. Burns, Guy E. Connolly

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1992

The acute oral LD₅₀ of Compound 1080 to magpies was estimated at 1.78 mg/kg indoors, 1.91 mg/kg outdoors in summer, and 2.30 mg/kg outdoors in winter. Postmortem 1080 residues were detected in 75 of 76 treated birds. Higher doses yielded higher 1080 residues. Within dose levels, birds surviving longer carried lower residues. In a separate test, an average residue of 0.09 ppm was found in 8 birds treated at 1.59 mg/kg and euthanized 24 h post dosing. The adjusted dietary LC₅₀ of Compound 1080 to magpies tested indoors was estimated at 16 ppm. During LC₅₀ tests, the …

Developing A Strategy Of Predator Control For The Protection Of The California Least Tern: A Case History, Peter H. Butchko, Maynard A. Small

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1992

In recent years, predation has been determined to be a seriously limiting factor in the reproduction of the endangered California least tern (Sterna antillarum browni) at many of its nesting colonies. Among them is a major colony at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base near Oceanside, CA. Early efforts to control predation were limited in effectiveness. In 1988, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Damage Control Program was contracted to provide control of mammalian and avian predators. The development of the successful strategy that has evolved over four years is discussed, with emphasis on the development and application of …

Field Efficacy Evaluation Of Diphacinone Paraffin Bait Blocks And Strychnine Oat Groats For Control Of Forest Pocket Gophers (Thomomys Spp.), D.L. Campbell, J.P. Farley, P.L. Hegdal, R.M. Engeman, H.W. Krupa

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1992

The effectiveness of bait and the effectiveness of operational baiting were both evaluated for controlling forest pocket gophers (Thomomys spp. ) with strychnine oat groat bait and diphacinone paraffin block bait. Radio-telemetry monitoring and recovery of pocket gophers showed that control of individual pocket gophers 1 month after baiting was 72% for strychnine bait and 62% for diphacinone bait. Reduction in pocket gopher activity from operational baiting was based on censusing activity in sample plots. After 1 month the reduction in activity was 61% for strychnine oats and 36% for diphacinone blocks. Bait blocks implanted with radio transmitters were …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 24, No.1 March 1992

The Prairie Naturalist

HABITAT CONSERVATION FOR NESTING LEAST TERNS AND PIPING PLOVERS ON THE PLATTE RIVER, NEBRASKA ▪ J. W. Ziewitz, J. G. Sidle, and J. J. Dinan

DIURNAL FLIGHT TIME OF WINTERING CANADA GEESE: CONSIDERATION OF REFUGES AND FLIGHT ENERGETICS ▪ J. E. Austin and D. D. Humburg

MYCOTOXIN OCCURRENCE IN WASTE FIELD CORN AND INGESTA OF WILD GEESE IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS ▪ K. F. Higgins, R. M. Barta, R. G. Neiger, G. E. Rottinghaus, and R. I. Sterry

NOTES

Cost of Nest Reuse by Western Kingbirds ▪ T. M. Bergin

A New Record for Falcate Spurge in the Midwest …

Coprolite Analysis: A Biological Perspective On Archaeology, Karl J. Reinhard, Vaughn M. Bryant Jr.

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The most remarkable dietary remains recoverable from archaeological contexts are coprolites. Coprolites are desiccated or mineralized feces that are preserved in sheltered and open sites in arid regions, primarily in the New World. These dietary remains are remarkable from several perspectives. They typically contain a variety of macroscopic and microscopic remains that form interrelated data sets for the reconstruction of diets. Because contexts containing coprolites are typified by excellent preservation, the remains coprolites contain tend to be in better states of preservation than dietary remains recovered from nonfecal deposits. Coprolites also contain the well-preserved remains of intestinal parasites and pathogens …

Overview Of The Symposium On Walleye Stocks And Stocking, Daryl G. Ellison, William G. Franzin

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: Staff Research Publications

Rising angler interest in walleye Stizostedion vitreum, a general decline in natural recruitment in some waters, and increasing demands for stocking have produced a need to evaluate stocking strategies. Such evaluations were the subject of the Walleye Stocks and Stocking Symposium summarized herein. Among walleye stocking evaluations reported in the symposium, 32% of fry stockings, 32% of small-fingerling stockings, and 50% of advanced-fingerling stockings were considered successful. Further improvement in stocking success requires research into the factors that affect survival. Matching stocking times and places to appropriate food resources appears to be a key element in successful introductions of …

Nebraska's Vanishing Species, Greg Wingfield

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: Staff Research Publications

Nebraskans are blessed with a rich heritage - friendly, hard-working people, unique landforms and diverse natural resources, including native species of plants and animals. Unfortunately, an irreplaceable part of this heritage, our threatened and endangered species, is vanishing.
Simply stated, a threatened species is one likely to become endangered. An endangered species is one so rare that it is in danger of becoming extinct. Extinction is the loss of a species from this world.

Nonfederal Automated Weather Stations And Networks In The United States And Canada: A Preliminary Survey*, Steven J. Meyer, Kenneth G. Hubbard

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Not all weather data are collected by federal agencies. Fueled by the need for more specific meteorological data in real or near-real-time, the number of automated weather stations (AWSs) and AWS networks has expanded to the state and private sector over the past decade. This study employed a survey to determine the spatial extent and disposition of these nonfederal AWSs and AWS networks in the United States and Canada, the type of measurements taken, the operating procedures (i.e., maintenance and data-retrieval techniques), and the uses of the data (e.g., research, public service, agency needs). The rapid growth and expansion in …

Opportunities To Increase Tree Planting In Shelterbelts And The Potential Impacts On Carbon Storage And Conservation, James R. Brandle

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Why Can The Weighting Parameter Of The Muskingum Channel Routing Method Be Negative?, Jozsef Szilagyi

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Atmospheric Effects On The Ndvi--Strategies For Its Removal, Y. J. Kaufman, D. Tanré, B. N. Holben, B. L. Markham, Anatoly A. Gitelson

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

The compositing technique used to derive global vegetation index (NDVI) from the NOAA-AVHRR radiances, reduces the residual effect of water vapor and aerosol on the NDVI. The reduction in the atmospheric effect is shown using a comprehensive measured data set for desert conditions, and a simulation for grass with continental aerosol. A statistical analysis of the probability of occurrence of aerosol optical thickness and precipitable water vapor measured in different climatic regimes is used for this simulation. It is concluded that for a long compositing period (e.g. 27 day), the residual aerosol optical thickness and precipitable water vapor is usually …

Ectoparasitism As A Cause Of Natal Dispersal In Cliff Swallows, Charles R. Brown, Mary Bomberger Brown

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Nestling Cliff Swallows (Hirundo pyrrhonota) in southwestern Nebraska that were relatively heavily parasitized by hematophagous fleas (Ceratophyllus celsus) and swallow bugs (Oeciacus vicarius) dispersed to nonnatal colonies to breed the subsequent year, whereas nestlings that were relatively lightly parasitized returned to their natal colony to breed. There were no significant differences between dispersers and nondispersers in natal clutch size, natal brood size, relative hatching date, natal body mass, natal nest's distance from the colony's center, and natal nest's age. There were no sex differences in dispersal tendencies. Dispersing birds tended to move to smaller colonies …

13.2.15. Human Disturbances Of Waterfowl: Causes, Effects, And Management, Carl E. Korschgen, Robert B. Dahlgren

Waterfowl Management Handbook

Human disturbances of waterfowl can be intentional or unintentional. They may result from overt or directed activities or may be ancillary to activities not initially thought to be of concern to birds. Some of these disturbances are manifested by alertness, fright (obvious or unapparent), flight, swimming, disablement, or death. Therefore, persons responsible for waterfowl management areas should be aware of the problems from human disturbance and should design management and facilities that increase public appreciation of waterfowl.

In the last 20 years, the intensity of water-based recreation increased drastically, especially on inland waters. Waterfowl are wary, seeking refuge from all …

13.2.7. Identifying The Factors That Limit Duck Production, James K. Ringelman

Waterfowl Management Handbook

Low duck populations in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s prompted unprecedented action from the natural resources community. Agencies and private organizations that were traditionally involved with waterfowl management redoubled their efforts, in the process forming partnerships with groups that were relatively new to the waterfowl management arena. Many resource managers who have had relatively little experience with waterfowl habitat management now find themselves expected to manage duck populations for increased production. Decades of waterfowl research and management experience have provided them with many potential management tools. Unfortunately, the absence of general guidelines for directing waterfowl management actions has put …

13.3.7. Ecology Of Playa Lakes, David A. Haukos, Loren M. Smith

Waterfowl Management Handbook

Between 25,000 and 30,000 playa lakes are in the playa lakes region of the southern high plains (Fig. 1). Most playas are in west Texas (about 20,000), and fewer, in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Colorado. The playa lakes region is one of the most intensively cultivated areas of North America. Dominant crops range from cotton in southern areas to cereal grains in the north. Therefore, most of the native short-grass prairie is gone, replaced by crops and, recently, grasses of the Conservation Reserve Program. Playas are the predominant wetlands and major wildlife habitat of the region.

More than 115 …

13.3.6. Ecology Of Montane Wetlands, James K. Ringelman

Waterfowl Management Handbook

Most waterfowl managers envision typical waterfowl habitat as the undulating or flat terrain characteristic of the prairie pothole region of the north-central United States or the aspen parklands of Canada. However, several other habitats in North America provide valuable resources for breeding and migrating waterfowl. Among these is the Rocky Mountain region of the western United States, which stretches in a band 100&#;500 miles (160&#;800 km) wide and 1,240 miles (1,984 km) long from south-central New Mexico to northern Montana (Figure).

Some Rocky Mountain wetland complexes contain waterfowl breeding densities that equal or exceed those of prairie breeding habitat, and …

13.1.6. Life History And Habitat Needs Of The Wood Duck, Katie M. Dugger, Leigh H. Fredrickson

Waterfowl Management Handbook

The wood duck is North America’s most widely distributed endemic species, and most of its wintering and breeding range falls within the 48 contiguous states (Fig. 1). The wood duck inhabits forested wetlands and, because of its need for nest cavities, is closely tied to North America’s remaining forest resources. Habitat destruction, market hunting, and liberal hunting seasons contributed to drastic declines and, in some cases, regional eradication of local wood duck populations. Subsequent implementation of hunting restrictions and the high reproductive rate of the species are responsible for the recovery of wood duck populations to current stable levels.

As …

Wildlife Health Centre Newsletter, Volume 1-1, Winter 1992

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre: Newsletters and Publications

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre is underway!
How the CCWHC will work
How to contact the Centre
The people involved
The logo
Disease update

Wildlife Damage News, Volume 3, Winter 1992

Wildlife Damage News

CONTENTS:
Coons in the Chimney
Excluding Bats from Structures
International Resolution Supports Regulated Trapping
Species Profile - Woodchuck
Wildlife Veterinarians Adopt Position Statement on Oral Rabies Vaccine
NYS Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators Become Organized
A Wildlife Professional Talks About Animal Rights and Animal Welfare
Current Literature
Meetings of Interest
The Northeast Association of Wildlife Damage Biologists

Mink (Mustela Vison)

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: Publications

Mink:
Description
Distribution and Abundance
Habitat and Home
Habits
Foods
Reproduction
Mortality
Importance

A Implementation Plan For The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Richard A. Gersib, Kenneth F. Dinan, Jon D. Kauffeld, Michael D. Onnen, P. Joe Gabig, John E. Cornely, Gerald E. Jasmer, Joseph M. Hyland, Kenneth J. Strom

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: White Papers, Conference Presentations, and Manuscripts

Nebraska's Rainwater Basin (RWB) wetland area is identified by the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) as a waterfowl habitat area of major concern in North America. The Rainwater Basin area is recognized as the focal point of a spring migration corridor used by millions of ducks and geese annually (Figure 1). This migration corridor is shaped like an hourglass, with the Rainwater Basin and Central Platte River located at the constriction.

The Probe, Issue 118 - January/February 1992

The Probe: Newsletter of the National Animal Damage Control Association

THE PROBE
National Animal Damage Control Association
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1992
Last Chance for NADCA Membership & Logo Contest!
NRA& Utah State Positions Now Available
NADCA Membership Meeting at Vertebrate Pest Conference

13.2.14. Management Of Habitat For Breeding And Migrating Shorebirds In The Midwest, Jan Eldridge

Waterfowl Management Handbook

Shorebirds have always relied on the extensive network of natural wetlands from Texas to North Dakota. This network has now been fractured by wetland drainage and agriculture to the point where suitable wetlands are absent in much of the Midwest. Habitat loss and the resulting risk of population decline highlight the importance of management of shorebirds on refuges, hunting clubs, and preserves for both breeding and migrating species.

Because shorebirds, like waterfowl, depend on wetlands throughout the year, the loss of natural wetlands in the Midwest poses a real threat. Unfortunately, shorebirds are slow to recover from population declines caused …

13.4.5. A Technique For Estimating Seed Production Of Common Moist-Soil Plants, Murray Laubhan

Waterfowl Management Handbook

Seeds of native herbaceous vegetation adapted to germination in hydric soils (i.e., moist-soil plants) provide waterfowl with nutritional resources including essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that occur only in small amounts or are absent in other foods. These elements are essential for waterfowl to successfully complete aspects of the annual cycle such as molt and reproduction. Moist-soil vegetation also has the advantages of consistent production of foods across years with varying water availability, low management costs, high tolerance to diverse environmental conditions, and low deterioration rates of seeds after flooding.

The amount of seed produced differs among plant species …

Sr-Isotope Record Of Quaternary Marine Terraces On The California Coast And Off Hawaii, Kenneth R. Ludwig, Daniel R. Muhs, Kathleen R. Simmons, James G. Moore

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Strontium-isotopic ratios of dated corals have been obtained from submerged reefs formed during Quaternary glacial periods off the Hawaiian islands. These data, combined with data from deep-sea sediments, tightly constrain the secular variation of marine ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr for the past 800,000 yr. Although long-term trends are apparent, no significant (>0.02‰), rapid (<100,000 yr) excursions in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr were resolved nor did we observe any samples with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr greater than that of modern seawater. Strontium in mollusks from elevated marine terraces formed during interglacial periods on the southern California coast show resolvable and consistent variations in …

Aminostratigraphy And Oxygen Isotope Stratigraphy Of Marine Terrace Deposits Palos Verdes Hills And San Pedro Areas Los Angeles County California, Daniel R. Muhs, Gifford H. Miller, Joseph F. Whelean, George L. Kennedy

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Amino acid and oxygen isotope data for fossils from terraces of the Palos Verdes Hills and San Pedro areas in Los Angeles County California shed new light on the ages of terraces sea level history marine paleotemperatures and late Quaternary tectonics in this region Low terraces on the Palos Verdes peninsula correlate with the 80 ka and 125 ka sea level highstands that are also recorded as terraces on other coasts In San Pedro the Palos Verdes sand the deposit on what is mapped as the first terrace by Woodring and others 1946 was previously thought to be a single …

The Last Interglacial-Glacial Transition In North America: Evidence From Uranium-Series Dating Of Coastal Deposits, Daniel R. Muhs

United States Geological Survey: Staff Publications

Considerable uncertainty exists as to whether the last interglacial was relatively "short" (~10 ka) or "long" (-20-60 ka), although most investigators generally agree that the last interglacial correlates with all or part of deep-sea oxygen-isotope stage 5. A compilation of reliable U-series ages of marine terrace corals from deposits that have been correlated with isotope stage 5 indicates that there were three relatively high sea-level stands at ca 125-120 ka, ca. 105 ka, and ca. 85-80 ka, and these ages agree with the times of high sea level predicted by the Milankovitch orbital-forcing theory. At a number of localities, however, …