Digital Commons Network^™

Wildland Fire In Ecosystems Effects Of Fire On Soil And Water, Jan L. Beyers, James K. Brown, Matt D. Busse, Leonard F. Debano, William J. Elliot, Peter F. Folliott, Gerarld R. Jacoby, Jennifer D. Knoepp, Johanna D. Landsberg, Daniel G. Neary, James R. Reardon, John N. Rime, Peter R. Roichaud, Kevin C. Ryan, Arthur R. Tiedemann, Malcolm J. Zwolinski

Joint Fire Science Program Synthesis Reports

This state-of-knowledge review about the effects of fire on soils and water can assist land and fire managers with information on the physical, chemical, and biological effects of fire needed to successfully conduct ecosystem management, and effectively inform others about the role and impacts of wildland fire. Chapter topics include the soil resource, soil physical properties and fire, soil chemistry effects, soil biology responses, the hydrologic cycle and water resources, water quality, aquatic biology, fire effects on wetland and riparian systems, fire effects models, and watershed rehabilitation.

Contaminant Exposure And Reproductive Health Of Sandhill Cranes In The Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska., Matthew S. Schwarz, Christina D. Lydick, Karen J. Nelson, Timothy S. Gross

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

The central Platte River Valley provides crucial staging habitat for the endangered whooping crane (Grus americana) and the mid-continent population of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). Platte River flow depletions and the conversion of native wet meadows for agriculture and other purposes has decreased the cranes natural habitat in the central Platte River Valley, and waste corn now makes up most of the cranes diet while they are in the Valley.

The purpose of this research was to measure organochlorine, elemental contaminant, and pesticide exposure to sandhill cranes from the central Platte River Valley, and to evaluate their reproductive condition. Pesticides …

Gambelia Wislizenii (Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard). Arboreal Behavior., Stephen C. Adolph, Sean P. Fogarty '06

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

In the North American southwest, leopard lizards (genus Gambelia) are characteristically ground dwelling (Stebbins 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, 3rd ed., Houghton-Mifflin, New York. 533 pp.; Smith 1946. Handbook of Lizards, Comstock Publishing Co., Ithaca, New York. 557 pp.). In G. wislizenii, climbing is not mentioned in several substantive ecological studies of this species (Parker and Pianka 1976. Herpetologica 32:95-114; Tanner and Krogh 1974. Herpetologica 30:63-72), and to our knowledge, only a few seconds exist of climbing in this species. Clark (1974. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 77:68) observed a G. wislizenii perched 30 cm …

Feral Cats: An Overview, Margaret R. Slater, Stephanie Shain

State of the Animals 2005

Humans and cats have a long and complex history together. Since the nineteenth century, contradictory ideas about the need to protect and care for cats have moved us toward a shift in ideas, values, and behaviors to a more benign perception of cats than was generally the case in previous centuries. In some quarters, but not all, even feral cats have begun to be seen as worthy of our study and humane treatment. In many countries, the welfare of all cats has become a focus of public concern, but nowhere is the shift in values reflected more than in the …

Natural History And Conservation Biology Of A Southern West Virginia Contour Surface Mine Reptile And Amphibian Community, Zachary James Loughman

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

During the 2004-2005 field seasons, natural history of a herpetofaunal community was studied on an abandoned contour surface mine in Eccles, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This study is the first natural history investigation of amphibian and reptile populations present on an abandoned mine site. Specific natural history parameters for each order on the mine were investigated to determine what effect the post mining landscape had on herpetofaunal communities. Pond breeding caudates population success was dependent on life history parameters. Anurans were efficient at re-colonization, with 12 of a possible 14 species collected on the mine site. Anuran diversity was linked …

Prevalence Of Pathogenic Yersinia Enterocolitica Strains In Pigs In The United States, Saumya Bhaduri, Irene V. Wesley, Eric J. Bush

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Yersinia enterocolitica is considered an important food-borne pathogen impacting the pork production and processing industry in the United States. Since this bacterium is a commensal of swine, the primary goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of pathogenic Y. enterocolitica in pigs in the United Sates using feces as the sample source. A total of 2,793 fecal samples were tested for its presence in swine. Fecal samples were collected from late finisher pigs from 77 production sites in the 15 eastern and midwestern pork-producing states over a period of 27 weeks (6 September 2000 to 20 March 2001). …

Facts From A Year Of Drought: Forage Competition Between Livestock And The Mongolian Pika (Ochotona Pallasi) And Its Effects On Livestock Densities And Body Condition, Vroni Retzer

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Burrowing small mammals in grasslands have long been regarded as pests because they compete for forage with livestock and reduce the forage availability for livestock by destroying pastures through their intensive digging activity.

In order to investigate forage competition between the Mongolian Pika (Ochotona pallasi) and livestock an exclosure experiment consisting of four different treatments was set up. The treatments were: 1) accessible only for pikas, (only pika) 2) accessible only for livestock, (only livestock) 3) accessible for both herbivore groups (pika & livestock) and 4) no grazing (no grazing). During the investigation period all requirements for forage …

Preface, Georg Miehe, Ravčigijn Samjaa, Karsten Wesche

Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei / Exploration into the Biological Resources of Mongolia, ISSN 0440-1298

Preface to Erforschung biologischer Ressourcen der Mongolei, band 9, 2005.

First paragraph:

The present volume 9 of ”Biologische Ressourcen der Mongolei” continues the cooperation between the National University of Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar, and German academic institutions, mainly led by the University of Halle-Wittenberg. Thus, the volume stands in a tradition stretching now over 40 years (described in the respective chapter written by Stubbe et al.), but also raises new issues and topics. The chapters provided by Ts. Jamsran, W. Hilbig, E. Jäger, M. Stubbe und A. Stubbe demonstrate nicely that this cooperation is not only based on continued institutional …

Natal Dispersal Of Beavers In The Embarras River Watershed In Central Illinois, Erin A. Cleere

Masters Theses

Dispersal is an important mechanism influencing the dynamics, genetics, spatial distribution and size of wildlife populations (Gese and Mech 1991). Natal dispersal may afford individuals breeding opportunities and access to resources, while reducing inbreeding and competition with family members. However, dispersal also can be risky if mortality rates are high or if mates or suitable habitat are unavailable. When dispersal costs are high, subadults may be better off remaining in their natal territory.

Although a number of previous studies have investigated natal dispersal in beavers (Castor canadensis), conclusions regarding the percentage of subadults that disperse, timing of dispersal, evidence of …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending March 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending September 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the first quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for three core group meetings
• Wild horse and burro curriculum completed and vetted through local, regional, and national levels
• Historical curriculum completed and ready for review by core group
• Two RRDLC PowerPoint presentations coordinated, written, and illustrated by Public Lands Institute staff for BLM presentations to the Clark County School District Executive Cabinet and the Board of Trustees.
• RRDLC informational handouts provided to community members, teachers, and students at Joshua Jubilee community event and Clark …

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Quarterly Progress Report, Period Ending December 31, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Executive Summary

Activity highlights during the first quarter of Year Two include the following actions toward task agreement deliverables:

• Agenda and minutes prepared and distributed for two core group meetings
• Historical curriculum 100% completed
• Cultural curriculum 100% completed
• Night sky curriculum 50% completed
• Green Building curriculum 25% completed
• Communications/Outreach Plan revised and prioritized
• RRDLC newsletter under final review by BLM state office

Oliver Ranch Science School Complex & Wild Horse And Burro Facility: Annual Progress Report, Year Ending June 30, 2005, Margaret N. Rees

Oliver Ranch Project

Assist in project coordination between numerous stakeholders such as the Clark County School System, Desert Research Institute, Community College of Southern Nevada, UNR Cooperative Extension, Nevada State College, local museums, state parks, non-profit organizations, federal agencies, and the public to ensure appropriate educational curricular activities and venues are provided for in the conceptual design of the School and the Wild Horse and Burro facility where appropriate as well as assist in the NEPA process as needed. The activities will be conducted at least in part by university faculty, staff and students as part of the university’s research, teaching, and service …

Education About The Environment Discover Mojave Programs, Public Lands Institute

Presentations (PLI Education)

Increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action” (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978)

Abundance Of Plodia Interpunctella (Hubner) And Cadra Cautella (Walker) Infesting Maize Stored On South Carolina Farms: Seasonal And Non-Seasonal Variation, Richard T. Arbogast, Shahpar R. Chini

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Seasonal trends and short-term fluctuations in abundance of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) and Cadra cautella (Walker) infesting maize stored on two South Carolina farms were studied during three storage seasons (September 1990–June 1993). Coils of corrugated paper placed on the grain surface were used to trap mature larvae seeking pupation sites. Temperatures in the grain (18-cm-deep) and in the bin headspace were recorded hourly, and grain moisture content was measured weekly. Weekly mean numbers of moth larvae, and adults of two natural enemies, trapped in the coils were used for tracking changes in their abundance over time. The most significant findings …

Phytoplankton Biomass And Species Composition Of Lake Gölbaşı (Hatay-Turkey), Mehmet Naz, Mustafa Türkmen

Turkish Journal of Biology

Seasonal distributions of phytoplanktonic organisms in Lake Gölbaşı were investigated in samples collected from 2 stations between May, 2001, and April, 2002. At each station, monthly sampling was performed from the surface water. The flora consisted of 41 taxa belonging to Bacillariophyta (24), Chlorophyta (12), Pyrrophyta (2), Cyanophyta (2) and Chrysophyta (1). During the 1-year study period, the most dominant group was Chrysophyta followed by Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta and Pyrrophyta. The highest numbers of Chrysophyta were observed in both stations in May, 2001, January, 2002 and April, 2002. Bacillariophyta had the highest biomass in both stations, followed by Chrysophyta, Pyrrophyta, …

Deer-Vehicle Collisions In Arkansas, Philip A. Tappe

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Bears Remain Top Summer Predators, Shannon M. Barber, L. David Mech, P. J. White

United States Geological Survey, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Publications

In the ten years since wolves (Canis lupus) were restored to Yellowstone National Park (YNP), elk (Cervus elaphus) numbers have substantially decreased. The northern range elk herd is the largest elk herd in Yellowstone, and constitutes the majority of the park’s elk population. During 1994–2005, early winter counts of northern Yellowstone elk decreased from 19,045 to 9,545. Also, during winters 2000–2004, calf:cow ratios declined from 29:100 to 12:100, and were among the lowest recorded during the past several decades. Though many factors (e.g., predation, hunting, and drought) likely contributed to this decreasing abundance and low recruitment, …

Environmental Factors Affecting Seed Persistence Of Annual Weeds Across The U.S. Corn Belt, Adam S. Davis, John Cardina, Frank Forcella, Gregg A. Johnson, George Kegode, John L. Lindquist, Edward C. Luschei, Karen A. Renner, Christy L. Sprague, Martin M. Williams Ii

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Weed seedbanks have been studied intensively at local scales, but to date, there have been no regional-scale studies of weed seedbank persistence. Empirical and modeling studies indicate that reducing weed seedbank persistence can play an important role in integrated weed management. Annual seedbank persistence of 13 summer annual weed species was studied from 2001 through 2003 at eight locations in the north central United States and one location in the northwestern United States. Effects of seed depth placement, tillage, and abiotic environmental factors on seedbank persistence were examined through regression and multivariate ordinations. All species examined showed a negative relationship …

Terrestrial Behavior Of Ateles Spp., Christina J. Campbell, Filippo Aureli, Colin A. Chapman, Gabriel Ramos-Fernández, Kim Matthews, Sabrina E. Russo, Scott Suarez, Laura Vick

School of Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications

Spider monkeys (Ateles spp.) are well known for their highly arboreal lifestyle, spending much of their time in the highest levels of the canopy and rarely venturing to the ground. To investigate terrestriality by Ateles and to illuminate the conditions under which spider monkeys venture to the ground, we analyzed ad libitum data from 5 study sites, covering 2 species and 5 subspecies. Three of the sites are in Central/North America: Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama (Ateles geoffroyi panamensis), Santa Rosa National Park, Costa Rica (A. g. frontatus), and Punta Laguna, Mexico (A. g. yucatanensis). The 2 remaining sites are …

European Conference, Cynhadledd Ceiliog Y Rhos = 3rd International Black Grouse Conference (Llys Fasi Agricultural College, Ruthin, North Wales: March 20-25, 2005): Conference Review

Galliformes Specialist Group and Affiliated Societies: Conference Proceedings

The Countryside Council for Wales: The 2005 Black Grouse Conference, Roger Lovegrove

Spatially explicit modelling of black grouse (Tetrao tetrix L.) habitat quality evolution induced by green alder (Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) C. Koch) expansion on abandoned meadows in the northern French Alps, Samuel Decout, Philippe Delcros, and Jean-Jacques Brun

Factors affecting black grouse numbers: An overview of the part of predators [Short note], M. Loneux, Karl-Heinz Kolb, J.-C. Ruwet, and P. Poncin

Modelling the influence of climate on black grouse population dynamics in Lüneburger Heide (North Germany), Michèle Loneux, Manfred Lütkepohl, Jann Wübbenhorst, and James K. Lindsey

Modelling …

Studies On The Fisheries And Biology Of Oreochromis Urolepsis (Pisces: Cichilidae) In The Mtera Resorvoir (Tanzania), F M M Chale

Tanzania Journal of Science

The fisheries and some aspects of the biology of Oreochromis urolepis of the Mtera Reservoir (Tanzania) were examined in August 2002. It was observed that there was no proper management of the reservoir's fisheries. Beach seine fishing dominated the fishery. Nearly all the O. urolepis caught by this type of gear were juveniles. The number of fish caught by the beach seines was very high, some times up to 4,000 fish per haul. The beach seines also destroy the spawning sites for the tilapias. Mean total lengths of O. urolepis caught in gillnets of legal mesh sizes (ranging from 88 …

Size Matters: A Test Of Boldness In Eight Populations Of The Poeciliid Brachyraphis Episcopi, Culum Brown, Victoria Braithwaite

Sentience Collection

Individual variation in behaviour within populations may be explained in part by demographics and long-term, stable individual psychological differences. We examined the relation between boldness (taken as the time to emerge from a shelter and explore a novel environment) and body size in eight populations of the poeciliid Brachyraphis episcopi originating from sites upstream and downstream of waterfalls in four rivers that run into the Panama Canal. The relation between body size and time to emerge from a shelter was positive, with larger fish taking longer to emerge. This relation differed between downstream and upstream sites, being significant in the …

Distribution Of Chemistry And Sexual Fecundity In The Lichenized-Fungi, Xanthoparmelia Cumberlandia And Xanthoparmelia Coloradoensis On Boulder Mountain, Aquarius Plateau, Ut, Heather Bird Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Three aspects of Xanthoparmelia cumberlandia and Xanthoparmelia coloradoënsis populations found at two elevations are explored: clustering of secondary chemicals and the resulting implications for taxonomic distinctions, the usefulness of thallus size as an indirect measure of sexual fecundity, and the frequency of sexual reproduction.

First, we use clustering of 46 chemicals produced by X. cumberlandia and X. coloradoënsis to evaluate the adequacy of the current taxonomic distinction between them. Using principal components analysis and UPGMA, we find that the currently recognized species boundaries indicated by the presence of stictic acid in X. cumberlandia and salazinic acid in X. coloradoënsis are …

Annotated Bibliography Of The Florida Applesnail, Pomacea Paludosa (Say) (Gastropoda: Ampullariidae), From 1824 To 1999, Richard L. Turner, Paula M. Mikkelsen

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

The Florida applesnail, Pomacea paludosa (Say, 1829), inhabits freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands of the southeastern United States and Cuba, where it is prey to several species of birds, reptiles, and fish, particularly the snail kite, limpkin, American alligator, and redear sunfish. It has additionally been a staple in the diet of several native human populations. Introduction of exotic aquatic vegetation and the management practices of the 1900s have impacted the availability of P. paludosa to its predators, some of which are listed on federal and state registries of species that are endangered, threatened, or of special concern. Its association …

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.

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 …

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 …

Upwelling And Degree Of Nutrient Consumption In Nanwan Bay, Southern Taiwan, Chen-Tung Arthur Chen, Bing-Jye Wang, Li-Yu Hsing

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The newly proposed Degree of Nutrient Consumption (DNC) of upwelled waters was used to evaluate the upwelling process in Nanwan Bay off the southern tip of Taiwan. DNC values were found to be low in subsurface waters or in newly upwelled waters. In general, a low DNC value was detected alongside other traditionally used upwelling indicators such as lower temperature, pH and % oxygen saturation but higher salinity, nutrients and chlorophyll a. On the other hand, the DNC value could be several times higher in aged upwelled water found in the surface layer.

Growth Of Stygobitic (Orconectes Australis Packardi) And Epigean (Orconectes Cristavarius) Crayfishes Maintained In Laboratory Conditions, Ann-Simone Cooper, Robin L. Cooper

Biology Faculty Publications

This study reports on maintenance and growth of the cave crayfish, Orconectes australis packardi, and the epigean crayfish, Orconectes cristavarius, with laboratory conditions for 1 and 2 years. The O. a. packardi survived well compared to the O. cristavarius in captivity. The poor survival of the epigean species was probably due to unsuitable conditions. The epigean as well as the cave crayfish molted and grew in captivity, but without any significant difference in molt frequency between species. In the first year, total body length was obtained to assay growth, whereas in the second year the more accurate measure …