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Current And Historic Freshwater Mollusk Distributions Of The Upper Coosa River Basin, Sabrina Felicitas Novak

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis contains summary data from all Tennessee Aquarium Research Institute (TNARI) survey activities of freshwater mollusks within the upper Coosa River basin (UCRB) from 1998 to 2003. Survey results of 4 different TNARI studies, a total of 515 separate collections, are presented. My component of the study examined 231 sites primarily in the Coosawattee and Etowah river basins in 2002 - 2003. In addition to the 231 sites surveyed, a large database was constructed from natural history museum records to evaluate temporal changes in species richness and distribution across the UCRB. Of 43 mussel and 33 snail species reported …

Genetic Methods Improve Accuracy Of Gender Determination In Beavers, Christen Lenney Williams, Stewart W. Breck, Bruce W. Baker

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Gender identification of sexually monomorphic mammals can be difficult. We used analysis of zinc-finger protein (Zfx and Zfy) DNA regions to determine gender of 96 beavers (Castor canadensis) from 3 areas and used these results to verify gender determined in the field. Gender was correctly determined for 86 (89.6%) beavers. Incorrect assignments were not attributed to errors in any one age or sex class. Although methods that can be used in the field (such as morphological methods) can provide reasonably accurate gender assignments in beavers, the genetic method might be preferred in certain situations.

A Watershed-Based Classification System For Lakes In Agriculturally-Dominated Ecosystems: A Case Study Of Nebraska Reservoirs, Henry N. N. Bulley

Department of Geography: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In recent decades substantial progress has been made in improving the quality of surface waters in the United States (Hawkins et al., 2000; EPA, 2000; EPA, 2001); nevertheless, much work remains to be done in assessing the state of impairment of lake waters. Impairment implies that the existing water quality of a lake, as measured by selected criteria (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, Secchi depth), exceeds a threshold value or standard that presumably reflects optimal attainable lake water quality conditions (or "reference" conditions) (Hughes, 1995; EPA, 2000; EPA, 2001). Such impaired waters are not suitable for designated uses such as drinking, …

Use Of Cre Recombinase And Sb Transposase To Engineer Transgenic Zebrafish, Jie Dong

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current transgenesis has become easier for certain species due to the recent development of exogenous non site-specific recombination systems such as Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon, and site-specific recombination systems such as Cre-loxP. Such recombination systems overcame two major problems caused by conventional transgenesis, position effect and copy number effect. SB is a reconstructed fish transposon that has shown to efficiently insert transgenes into heterologous mammalian chromosomes. The Cre-loxP system is frequently used to delete a given sequence from the genome or to target the integration of foreign DNA. The use of both systems in combination, however, has not yet been …

The Ecology And Relationships Of Chiropteran Ectoparasitic Communities Of Indiana, Christopher Michael Ritzi

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ectoparasites of bats are an important and largely unstudied area of mammalian ecology. The structure of ectoparasitic communities on bats, and their interactions with their hosts, may help in the understanding of roosting ecology, pa1iurition, and other aspects of host natural history. In this study, a vigorous survey of the ectoparasitic fauna of the bats ofindiana was undertaken, to determine if changes in species composition has occurred over the past 30 years. This survey resulted in the recovery of 51,980 parasites of 13 families from 2,816 host individuals of l O species, documenting 16 new host records and 14 …

Education In The Environment: A Hands-On Student Research And Outdoor Learning Experience: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending November 30, 2004, Margaret N. Rees

Reports (PLI Education)

During the past three-months, the focus of the university’s efforts has been 1) making progress on the hiring of permanent project managers for the Education in the Environment Strategy and the Forever Earth / Wonderful Outdoor World on the Water (WOW) projects; 2) completing legal review of the cooperative agreement and standard operating procedures required for the university to assume operations of the Forever Earth vessel; and 3) writing curriculum for the WOW and Forever Earth projects.

Attractiveness Of Brown Rice Baits To Non-Target Birds In Harvested Corn And Soybean Fields, George M. Linz, Gregory A. Knutsen, H. Jeffrey Homan, William J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Brown rice is used as a bait-carrier for the avicide DRC-1339 (3-chloro-4-methyladhe) when baiting blackbirds (Icteridae). In March and April 1996 and 1997, we assessed non-target granivorous bird use of rice-baited plots placed in harvested corn and soybean fields in eastern South Dakota for 168 observation hours. In both years combined, we identified 10 and 14 granivorous species in corn and soybean fields, respectively. In 1996 (X = 0.2, SE = 0.04) and 1997 (X = 1.2, SE = 0.38), total numbers of granivores min^-1 were similar between crops (P ≥ 0.322). In 1996, bird numbers …

Absorption, Distribution, And Excretion Of [14C]-3-Chloro-4 Methylaniline Hydrochloride In Two Species Of Birds Following A Single Oral Dose, David A. Goldade, John D. Tessari, John J. Johnston

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Ring-labeled [¹⁴C]-3-chloro-4-methylaniline hydrochloride (250 μg per bird) was delivered to 21 red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) and 21 dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) via oral gavage, and the distribution and excretion of radioactivity were determined at 15 and 30 min and 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h (n = 3 per time point). Direct measurement of radioactivity as well as measurement following combustion was accomplished using a liquid scintillation counter. Elimination from most tissues followed a two-compartment model, with very rapid elimination occurring between time 0 and 4 h and a much slower elimination …

Calcium Responses Of Chicken Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons To Methyl Anthranilate And Capsaicin, Michael L. Kirifides, Michael P. Kurnellas, Larry Clark, Bruce P. Bryant

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Using digital fluorescence imaging, we determined the effects of methyl anthranilate (MA), an avian irritant, and capsaicin (CAP), a mammalian irritant, on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in chicken trigeminal neurons. Concentration–response functions indicated that the threshold for inducing increases in [Ca2+]i was higher for CAP (30·mmol·l–1) than for MA (10·mmol·l–1). The maximum magnitudes of [Ca2+]i in response to MA and CAP were compared after normalization to 40·mmol·l–1 KCl. At equal concentrations (300·mmol·l–1), trigeminal neurons responded with a greater change in [Ca2+]i to MA (78% of KCl) than to CAP (43% of KCl). Furthermore, at 300·mmol·l–1, 48% of neurons responded to MA …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: November 16, 2004, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from October 19 Meeting (5 minutes)
3. Presentation of Biology Curriculum Strands – Paul Buck (15 min.)
4. Discussion of Possible Advisory Board Structures – Michael Reiland (15 min.)
5. Update from Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom (20 min.)
6. Discussion of Student Risk Analysis/Liability Issues (15 min.)
7. Standing Reports (10 minutes)
   A. UNLV/CESU Update – Nancy Flagg
   B. BLM Update – Michael Reiland
8. Committee Reports (5 min.)
   A. Building Committee – Angie Lara
9. Open Discussion / New Business (5 min.)
   A. January Meeting – Tuesday, January 18, 10:30 a.m., UNLV Paradise
   Campus
   B. Core …

Proposed Experimental Actions For Water Years 2005-2006 Colorado River, Arizona, In Glen Canyon National Recreation Area And Grand Canyon National Park, U.S. Department Of The Interior, Bureau Of Reclamation, National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey

All U.S. Government Documents (Utah Regional Depository)

In September 2002 the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service (NPS), and U.S. Geological Survey released an environmental assessment (EA) on proposed experimental releases from Glen Canyon Dam and removal of non‐native fish from the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona (Bureau of Reclamation, NPS, and USGS 2002). The experiment was developed by the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (GCMRC), cooperating scientists, and the Technical Work Group (TWG) of the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program (GCDAMP). It was recommended to the Secretary of the Interior by the Adaptive Management Work Group (AMWG), a …

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Annual Report 2003-2004 (English)

Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre: Newsletters and Publications

About the CCWHC
What We Do
Wildlife Disease Surveillance
Wildlife Disease Surveillance - Highlights from 2003
CCWHC Information Technology Centre
Information Services
Education
Wildlife Disease Response and Management
Publications and Reports
Financial Report for 2003-2004 - Revenues
Financial Report for 2003-2004 - Expenses
Staff and Associates of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre 2003-04

Refuge Update – November/December 2004, Volume 1, Number 5

RefugeUpdate (USFWS-NWRS)

Table of Contents:

In the Eye of the Storm, page 3 Bon Secour Refuge biologist details a storm’s aftermath.

Looking Beyond the Ecology to the Human History, page 5 Archaeology students survey Fish Springs Refuge.

Focus on . . . Water and Its Impact on Refuges, pages 8-19 Water is essential for all ecological processes. Nowhere is that more evident than on national wildlife refuges.

Sharing an Appreciation for Nature, page 6 Those who are visually disabled can appreciate any refuge.

The Nadca Probe, Issue 236

The Probe: Newsletter of the National Animal Damage Control Association

Observations of the "Rodentator" Device for Controlling Blackailed Prairie Dogs
Bruggers to Head NWRC
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Are rodents immune from contracting rabies?
The ICWDM Continues to Evolve
Wyoming Presents Grizzly Bear Management Proposal
Vantassel Moves to the University of Nebraska

The Industrial Symbiosis Research Symposium At Yale: Advancing The Study Of Industry And Environment, Marian Chertow, Weslynne Ashton, Radha Kuppalli

Yale School of the Environment Publications Series

Industrial symbiosis (IS), a sub-field of industrial ecology, is principally concerned with the cooperative management of resource flows through networks of businesses as a means of approaching ecologically sustainable industrial activity. Isolated researchers in a broad range of disciplines have investigated industrial symbiosis from a variety of starting points without a common agenda. The Industrial Symbiosis Research Symposium was held in January 2004 at Yale University, bringing together more than 30 experts from 15 countries to discuss critical questions and issues in this emerging area.The purpose of the Symposium was to give researchers an opportunity to share their knowledge and …

Fisheries Research Contract Report No. 10 - Mother-Of-Pearl Shell (Pinctada Maxima): Stock Evaluation For Management And Future Harvesting In Western Australia, Anthony M. Hart, Kim J. Friedman

Fisheries Research Contract Reports

The West Australian Pearling industry is one of Australia's most valuable aquaculture industries, currently generating around $120 - $160 million annually. The majority of pearl shell used to culture pearls come from the pearling beds in the inshore waters near Broome. The fishery for pearl oysters preferentially targets smaller (120mm - 165mm DVM) shell (hereafter defined as 'culture' shell), that are more suitable for culturing of pearls, leaving larger MOP oysters (175mm+) on the pearling grounds. These larger pearl oysters, the majority of which are female (protandric hermaphrodites), form a major component of the broodstock for the

fishery. Although MOP …

Inside Unlv, Cate Weeks, Carol C. Harter, Holly Ivy De Vore, Gian Galassi, Diane Russell

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Evaluation And Management Of Chronic Wasting Disease Transmission, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

National Wildlife Research Center Scientists Assess the Potential for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Transmission Between Wild and Domestic Cervids and Develop Methods to Reduce/Manage the Disease

Wildlife Services’ (WS) National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) is the only Federal research organization devoted exclusively to resolving conflicts between people and wildlife through the development of effective, selective, and acceptable methods, tools, and techniques. As increased urbanization leads to a loss of traditional wildlife habitat, the potential for conflicts between people and wildlife increases. Such conflicts can take many forms, but recently the potential for the transmission of diseases among wildlife, livestock, and …

2nd National Invasive Rodent Summit

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Papers (abstracts follow)

Historical perspectives and current ecological impacts of nutria in Louisiana
Urban desert islands
Flea control on wild rodents
An overview of rodent control to protect biodiversity on mainland New Zealand
Risk assessment of rodenticide use in New Zealand
Rodents on oceanic islands
Invasive species
Improving the management of rat control damage on the Caribbean National Forest
The USGS role in nutria research and management
Controlling roof rats (Rattus rattus) for protection of Puerto Rican parrots
Anticoagulant resistance in farm rat populations in the UK
Invasive rodent research priorities in New Zealand
The National Invasive Species Council
Integrated …

Red Rock Desert Learning Center Core Group Meeting: October 19, 2004, Red Rock Desert Learning Center

Reports (RRLC)

1. Introductions (5 min.)
2. Approval of Minutes from September 21 Meeting (5 minutes)
3. Review & Discussion of Suggested Core Curriculum Themes – Jeanne Klockow/Michael Reiland (20 min.)
4. Update from Line and Space Architects – Les Wallach/Henry Tom (20 min.)
5. Standing Reports (20 minutes)
   A. UNLV/CESU Update – Nancy Flagg
   C. BLM Update – Michael Reiland
6. Committee Reports (10 min.)
   A. Building – Angie Lara
   B. Design Oversight – David Frommer
   C. Educational Programs – Paul Buck
   D. Fund-Raising & Partnerships – Blaine Benedict
   E. NEPA – Charles Carroll
   F. Operations – Jack Ramsey
   G. Other Uses – Pat Williams
   H. Wild …

The History Of Federal And Cooperative Animal Damage Control, Donald W. Hawthorne

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

The predecessor of the Wildlife Services program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, was founded by C. Hart Merriam in 1885 with a Congressional appropriation of $5,000. These funds were used to organize a Section of Economic Ornithology as part of the Entomology Division of USDA. Merriam immediately hired longtime friend A. K. Fisher to be his assistant and the two shared a clerk. The new Section proved to be so popular with farmers and politicians that the Congress created a separate Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy in 1886. The Commissioner of Agriculture …

Indirect Effects Of Carnivores On Livestock Foraging Behavior And Production, Larry D. Howery, Thomas J. Deliberto

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

Direct effects of predation (i.e., killing of animals) can result in significant economic losses to livestock producers. A recent publication by the USDA, Wildlife Services (2002) identified the following losses: (1) livestock losses attributed to predators, predominantly coyotes (Canis latrans), reach about $71 million annually; (2) cattle and calf losses to predators in the United States totaled 147,000 head during 2000. A National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) study valued these losses at $51.6 million; (3) sheep and lamb losses to predators in the United States totaled 273,000 in 1999. A NASS study valued these losses at $16.5 million; (4) In …

Feral Swine Impacts On Agriculture And The Environment, Nathan W. Seward, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Gary W. Witmer, Richard M. Engeman

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

More than 30 species of exotic freeranging mammals have become established in the United States since European colonization (De Vos et al., 1956; McKnight, 1964; Roots, 1976). These species often become serious economic pests and can have grave consequences on their host environments (Cottam, 1956; De Vos et al., 1956; Mayer and Brisbin, 1991). True wild pigs (Suidae) are not native to the United States. Only the collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu; Tayassuidae) that inhabits the southwestern and south-central parts of the United States is native (Mayer and Brandt, 1982; Mayer and Wetzel, 1986). Feral swine (Sus scrofa …

Using Genetic Analyses To Identify Predators, C. L. Williams, J. J. Johnston

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

Coyote and dog depredation account for much of the economic losses to livestock in the United States (National Agricultural Statistical Service, 2000, 2001). However, depredation by other species (such as members of reintroduced wolf populations) can be more socially and politically contentious. Predators are often elusive and attacks on livestock are not often witnessed but the species of predator causing stock losses can sometimes be ascertained from evidence near the carcass (such as scat or hair), the attack pattern, or size and spacing of bite wounds. However, these species assignments can be subjective and may be influenced by the experience …

Non-Lethal Alternatives For Predation Management, John A. Shivik

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

The ethical milieu in which wildlife biologists and livestock producers work continues to change as the concepts of environmentalism and animal rights and welfare have become introduced and normalized (Singer, 1975). The American public, including livestock producers, are mired within a typically human psychological quagmire of having a high demand for benefit, but a low tolerance for cost — that is, economic forces. Americans tend to demand a cheap, reliable food supply, while simultaneously demanding the existence of animals that, through predation activities, drive up production costs. Ironically, members of the urban public who may find fault with food and …

Status And Management Of Coyote Depredations In The Eastern United States, John M. Houben

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

The populations of coyotes (Canis latrans) have increased dramatically in the eastern United States since the early 1900s (Hilton, 1978; Chambers, 1987; Hill et al., 1987; Witmer and Hayden 1992). The expansion of the coyote range into eastern North America has been summarized by Parker (1995) and characterized as two distinct geographical events: 1) the northern front moving across southern Ontario and the Great Lakes region and 2) the southern front colonizing the southeastern United States from Arkansas and Louisiana. These two fronts expanded throughout the northeastern and southeastern United States during the 1960s and 1970s, finally converging …

Selective Targeting Of Alpha Coyotes To Stop Sheep Depredation, M. M. Jaeger

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

Research to find more effective and socially acceptable solutions of managing coyote (Canis latrans) depredation has been ongoing for many years. The primary objective is to develop strategies that effectively reduce losses, not simply reduce coyote numbers. An important step in solving such conflicts is to clearly define the problem. In this case, it is important to know which coyotes are most likely to kill sheep and when and where their depredation is greatest. For a control strategy to be effective, it must be appropriate to these three defining characteristics. The hardest of these questions to resolve has been determining …

Economic Impact Of Sheep Predation In The United States, Keithly Jones

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

Though accounting for less than 1 percent of U.S. livestock industry receipts, sheep and goat operations are still important to the economies of several states in the Southern Plains, Mountain States and Pacific regions. Revenues from sales of lambs and culled ewes amount to more than three-fourths of the total receipts in the sheep industry. However, nearly 4 percent of the animals in the sheep industry are lost each year. Most of this loss is from predation. Predators include coyotes, domestic dogs, big cats, foxes and bears, and eagles. Predator losses are concentrated in the Southern Plains, Pacific States and …

Review Of Canid Management In Australia For The Protection Of Livestock And Wildlife — Potential Application To Coyote Management, L. R. Allen, P. J. S. Fleming

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

Australia has two introduced canid species — European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild dogs (which include dingoes, Canis lupus dingo, feral domestic dogs C. l. familiaris and their hybrids). Foxes were introduced into mainland Australia in the 1860s and quickly spread (Rolls, 1984; Jarman 1986). This dispersal and establishment is believed linked with the introduction and spread of European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus) (Saunders et al., 1995). Except in Tasmania, where previous introductions appear to have been unsuccessful, and in northern Australia, where the climate is unsuitable and rabbits are essentially absent, foxes have become …

Use Of Livestock Guarding Animals To Reduce Predation On Livestock, W. F. Andelt

Sheep and Goat Research Journal

Predation by coyotes (Canis latrans), domestic dogs, mountain lions (Felis concolor), black bears (Ursus americanus), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), and bobcats (Felis rufus) has been a major problem faced by domestic sheep, goat (NASS, 2000), and cattle (NASS, 2001) producers. Predators were reported to kill 273,000 sheep and lambs (NASS, 2000) and 147,000 cattle and calves (NASS, 2001) in the United States, and 61,000 goats in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (NASS, 2000) during either 1999 or 2000. Several methods, including the use of …