Digital Commons Network^™

Project Spotlight: Morro Bay Watershed 319 National Monitoring Program Project. National Water Quality Evaluation Project Notes., Karen Worcester, Thomas J. Rice, Jo Beth Mullens

Earth and Soil Sciences

No abstract provided.

Quality Wool Production At Lower Cost, Peter Metcalfe

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Low wool prices are forcing farmers to reduce their sheep management costs but, fortunately, cost cutting is not resulting in lower wool production, poorer wool quality or lessened sheep care on the best wool growing properties.

Windbreaks For Livestock Operations, Vernon Quam, Ladon Johnson, Bruce Wight, James R. Brandle

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

Windbreaks play an important role in the protection of livestock, particularly in young animals and in areas with cold northerly winds during the winter and early spring. Properly placed windbreaks can provide benefits to feedlots, livestock pastures, and calving areas. Reducing wind speed in winter lowers animal stress, improves animal health, and increases feeding efficiency. Livestock windbreaks provide significant amounts of wildlife habitat, protect the working environment in and around the livestock area, and screen noise and odors associated with livestock operations.

Specific needs of animals dictate that special attention be given to access, snow storage, and drainage when planning …

The Processing Pathway Of Prelamin A, Michael Sinensky, K. Fantle, M. Trujillo, T. Mclain, A. Kupfer, M. Dalton

Faculty Publications, Biological Sciences

The conversion of mammalian prelamin A to mature lamin A proceeds through the removal of 18 amino acids from the carboxyl terminus. The initial step in this processing is the isoprenylation of a CAAX box cysteine. This proteolytic event is distinctive for prelamin A among the known prenylated mammalian proteins. Since the carboxyl terminus of prelamin A is removed during maturation, it is not obvious that this protein would undergo the two reactions subsequent to prenylation observed in other CAAX box proteins-the endoproteolytic removal of the carboxyl-terminal 3 amino acids and the subsequent methylation of the now carboxyl-terminal cysteine. To …

Snake: The Plain And Its People, E. B. Bentley, Bill Bonnichsen, John C. Freemuth, Bill Hackett, Glenn Oakley, F. Ross Peterson, Mark G. Plew, Todd Shallat, Steve Stuebner

Faculty & Staff Authored Books

Idaho's longest river curves west through desert landscapes, cutting deep through ancient formations, flowing through space and time. How have humans dealt with the desert? How have we been shaped by the land? SNAKE: The Plain and Its People explores the physical and ecological roots of Idaho civilization through science, social science, photography and art.

Comparison Of Dietary Overlap Between Allopatric And Sympatric Geckos, Paul D. Klawinski, R. Kathryn Vaughan, Daniel Saenz, William Godwin

Faculty Publications

Two gecko species, Hemidactylus turcicus and Cyrtopodion scabrum, have been introduced into the Port of Galveston, Texas. While H. turcicus has been established for a longer period of time, the relatively recent introduction of C. scabrum near the entrance of the Port has apparently led to the displacement of H. turcicus in that area. This has resulted in a distribution in which the two populations’ are largely allopatric except for a narrow band of sympatry at the periphery of each of their ranges. We examined stomach contents of both species in allopatry and sympatry in order to determine if …

Land Use Patterns In Relation To Lake Water Quality In The Long Pond, North Basin Watershed, Problems In Environmental Science Course (Biology 493), Colby College, Colby Environmental Assessment Team, Colby College

Colby College Watershed Study: Long Pond, North (2006, 1994)

Long Pond has been used recreationally over time for boating, fishing and swimming. Additional uses include drinking water and various types of waste disposal. In past winters, sawdust from lumber mills has been placed on the ice that covers the north basin of Long Pond (Ed Mayer pers. comm.). This may raise total phosphorus levels at depth and could lead to problems in the future. Activities which raise organic sediments input into the lake should be avoided.

A major purpose of our study was to analyze the present water quality of Long Pond, North Basin, including the biotic and abiotic …

Ua3/8/1 L.Y. Lancaster Professorship Report, Wku Ogden College Of Science & Technology

WKU Administration Documents

Report of activities by Dr. Blaine Ferrell, L.Y. Lancaster Professor for the year 1993-94, funded by Ogden Foundation.

Bird Dispersal Techniques, Thurman W. Booth

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Birds, especially migratory birds, provide enjoyment and recreation for many and greatly enhance the quality of our lives. These colorful components of natural ecosystems are often studied, viewed, photographed, hunted, and otherwise enjoyed. Unfortunately, bird activities sometimes conflict with human interests. Birds may depredate agricultural crops, create health hazards, and compete for limited resources with other more favorable wildlife species. The management of bird populations or the manipulation of bird habitats to minimize such conflicts is an important aspect of wildlife management. Problems associated with large concentrations of birds can often be reduced through techniques of dispersal or relocation of …

Blackbirds, Richard A. Dolbeer

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

The term blackbird loosely refers to a diverse group of about 10 species of North American birds that belong to the subfamily Icterinae. Identification, range, habitat, food habits, general biology, and damage to crops of Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), Common Grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), Great-tailed Grackles (Q. mexicanus), Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater), Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus), Brewer’s Blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalus), and Rusty Blackbirds (E. carolinus).

Preface And Table Of Contents

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

This handbook is a comprehensive reference of North American vertebrate species that can cause economic damage to resources or become a nuisance at various times and places. It is intended for use by extension agents and specialists, wildlife biologists, animal control officers, public health personnel, pest control operators, teachers and students of wildlife biology, and others who deal with wildlife damage problems.

Wildlife damage management is an essential part of contemporary wildlife management. During the past decade there has been significant research and development in this field. This publication is a condensation of current, research-based information on wildlife that cause …

Obtaining Assistance To Control Wildlife Damage, Philip S. Gipson, Russel F. Reidinger Jr.

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

The Wildlife Society (TWS) policy statement for wildlife damage control (1992) states: “Prevention or control of wildlife damage . . . is an essential and responsible part of wildlife management.” The role of wildlife damage control in our society is changing and so is public perception of it. This change is recognized among wildlife managers and researchers. Efforts are under way to make the wildlife damage control profession more responsive to concerns of society. Formal petition for the establishment of a Wildlife Damage Working Group within TWS was made to the Wildlife Society Council on March 21, 1993 and the …

Mountain Lions (Felis Concolor), James E. Knight

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

The mountain lion (cougar, puma, catamount, panther) is the largest cat native to North America. The mountain lion (Felis concolor) can be found in a variety of habitats including coniferous forests, wooded swamps, tropical forests, open grasslands, chaparral, brushlands, and desert edges. Mountain lions are carnivorous. The range of the mountain lion in North America. Mountain lions are shy, elusive, and primarily nocturnal animals that occasionally are active during daylight hours. Mountain lions are predators on sheep, goats, cattle, and horses. House cats, dogs, pigs, and poultry are also prey.

Weasels, F. Robert Henderson

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Weasels (Mustela nivalis and M. erminea) belong to the Mustelidae family, which also includes mink, martens, fishers, wolverines, badgers, river otters, black-footed ferrets, and four species of skunks. Three species of weasels live in North America. Some authors report finding weasels only in places with abundant water, although small rodents, suitable as food, were more abundant in surrounding habitat. The weasel family belongs to the order Carnivora. Weasels are active in both winter and summer; they do not hibernate. Occasionally weasels raid poultry houses at night and kill or injure domestic fowl.

Moles, F. Robert Henderson

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Yates and Pedersen (1982) list seven North American species of moles. They are the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus), hairy-tailed mole (Parascalops breweri), star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata), broad-footed mole (Scapanus latimanus), Townsend’s mole (Scapanus townsendii), coast mole (Scapanus orarius), and shrew mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii). Out of the seven species that occur in North America, three inhabit lands east of the Rocky Mountains (Yates and Pedersen 1982). The mole lives in the seclusion of underground burrows, coming to the surface only rarely, and then often by accident. The …

Opossums, Jeffrey J. Jackson

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

An opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a whitish or grayish mammal about the size of a house cat. Opossums are found in eastern, central, and west coast states. Habitats are diverse, ranging from arid to moist, wooded to open fields. Foods preferred by opossums are animal matter, mainly insects or carrion. Opossums usually live alone, having a home range of 10 to 50 acres (4 to 20 ha). Although opossums may be considered desirable as game animals, certain individuals may be a nuisance near homes where they may get into garbage, bird feeders, or pet food. Laws protecting opossums …

Wild Pigs, Reginald H. Barrett, Grant H. Birmingham

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) include both feral hogs (domestic swine that have escaped captivity) and wild boar, native to Eurasia but introduced to North America to interbreed with feral hogs. Christopher Columbus first introduced members of the family Suidae into North America in 1493 in the West Indies. A variety of habitats, from tidal marshes to mountain ranges, are suitable for wild pigs. Types of food vary greatly depending on the location and time of year. Wild pigs are intelligent animals and readily adapt to changing conditions. Wild pigs can cause a variety of damage. Wild pigs are …

Jackrabbits And Other Hares, James E. Knight

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Three major species of jackrabbits occur in North America: Blacktail jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), whitetail jackrabbits (L. townsendii), and showshoe hare (L. americanus). The whitetail jackrabbit is found mainly in the north central and northwestern United States and no further south than the extreme north central part of New Mexico and southern Kansas. Members of the genus Lepus are born well-furred and able to move about. Hares consume 1/2 to 1 pound (1.1 to 2.2 kg) of green vegetation each day. Jackrabbits are considered nongame animals in most states and are not protected …

Shrews, Robert H. Schmidt

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

The shrew (Sorex cinereus) is a small, mouse-sized mammal with an elongated snout, a dense fur of uniform color, small eyes, and five clawed toes on each foot. Shrews are broadly distributed throughout the world and North America. Shrews vary widely in habitat preferences throughout North America. Shrews are in the taxonomic order Insectivora. Shrews are among the world’s smallest mammals. Most species of shrews do not have significant negative impacts and are not abundant enough to be considered pests.

Birds At Airports, Alfred J. Godin

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Birds are a serious hazard to aviation. A bird or a flock of birds that suddenly rises from a runway or surrounding area may collide with incoming or departing aircraft and cause the aircraft to crash, possibly resulting in the loss of human life. Bird collision with aircraft is commonly known as “bird strike.” Damage caused to aircraft usually results from collision of one or more birds with the engines and/or fuselage. Although most bird strikes do not result in crashes, they do involve expensive structural and mechanical damage to aircraft. The incidence of this problem worldwide makes bird strike …

Eagles, Bart W. O'Gara

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus and Aquila chrysaetos) are the largest bird of prey in North America. Golden eagles in North America occur in greatest numbers from Alaska southward throughout the mountain and intermountain regions of the West and into Mexico. Eagles frequent a wide variety of habitats. Although regional and seasonal differences in food habits exist, golden eagle prey consists mostly of small mammals such as jackrabbits, cottontails, prairie dogs, and ground squirrels. Eagle courtship displays consist of a series of “roller coaster” dives and other aerial maneuvers. Juvenile golden eagles leave the nesting territory as early as May …

Hawks And Owls, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Scott R. Craven

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Hawks and owls are birds of prey and are frequently referred to as raptors— a term that includes the falcons, eagles, vultures, kites, ospreys, northern harriers, and crested caracaras. There are two main groups of hawks: accipiters and buteos. Accipiters are the forest-dwelling hawks. North American species include the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Cooper’s hawk (A. cooperii), and sharpshinned hawk (A. striatus). The buteos are known as the broadwinged or soaring hawks. They are the most commonly observed raptors in North America. Typical species include the red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), …

House Finches (Linnets), Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

House finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), also known as linnets, are about the same size as house sparrows. House finches are abundant residents throughout the western United States and Mexico. The house finch is most abundant in the warm valleys of California near cultivated lands. House finches are primarily seed eaters, and before the introduction of cultivated fruits, they probably lived largely on weed seeds. House finches nest in a great variety of places. House finches peck and feed on practically all deciduous fruits, berries, grains, vegetable seed, and flower seed. House finches are classified as migratory nongame birds in …

Scrub (Or California) Jay, Jerry P. Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

The scrub (or California) jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is distinguished by its crestless head, olive-gray back, and white throat, outlined in blue. Scrub jays are found in the western United States, parts of Mexico, and in central Florida. Scrub jays commonly inhabit the oak and brush-covered foothills of the mountains, timbered canyons, river bottoms, oak-lined sloughs and creeks, as well as the shade trees and dense shrubbery of residential areas. Beal (1910) reported that the diet of the scrub jay consisted of 73% plant and 27% animal matter. The plant matter was about one-third fruits and berries, and two-thirds …

Pigeons (Rock Doves), David E. Williams, Robert M. Corrigan

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Pigeons (Columbia livia) typically have a gray body with a whitish rump, two black bars on the secondary wing feathers, a broad black band on the tail, and red feet. Pigeons are found throughout the United States (including Hawaii), southern Canada, and Mexico. Pigeons are highly dependent on humans to provide them with food and sites for roosting, loafing, and nesting. Pigeons are primarily grain and seed eaters and will subsist on spilled or improperly stored grain. The common pigeon was introduced into the United States as a domesticated bird, but many escaped and formed feral populations. Pigeon …

Crowned Sparrows, Jerry Clark, Scott E. Hygnstrom

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

White-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) are distinguished by their pink or yellowish bill, erect posture, gray throat and breast, and prominent crown streaked with black and white. Geographic races, including the mountain (Z. l. oriantha), Gambel’s (Z. l. gambelii), Nuttall’s (Z. l. nuttalli), and Puget Sound white-crowned sparrow (Z. l. pugetensis) show minor differences in head pattern, bill color, and song. Their songs vary geographically, but consist primarily of clear whistles. White-crowned sparrows are abundant in the western United States. They breed primarily …

House Sparrows, William D. Fitzwater

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

The house or English sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a brown, chunky bird about 5 3/4 inches (15 cm) long, and very common in human-made habitats. The house sparrow was first introduced in Brooklyn, New York, from England in 1850 and has spread throughout the continent. The house sparrow is found in nearly every habitat except dense forest, alpine, and desert environments. House sparrows are primarily granivorous. Breeding can occur in any month but is most common from March through August. House sparrows consume grains in fields and in storage. The house sparrow is afforded no legal protection by …

Crayfish, James F. Fowler, Wendell Lorio, Greg Lutz

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Crayfish, also called crawfish, crawcrab, crab, stonecrab, crawdad, creekcrab, and other local names, are native to fresh waters on all continents except Africa, where they have been widely introduced. Most damage associated with crayfish is the result of crayfish burrowing in home lawns. Crayfish may be protected by law in some states.

Frogs And Toads, Paul E. Moler

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Frogs and toads are amphibians with four legs and no tail. At least 85 species of frogs are native to the United States, and there are three well-established exotic species. Frogs occur in almost all nonmarine habitats. Most frogs have a two-phased life cycle, including an aquatic larval form (tadpole) and a terrestrial or semiaquatic adult form. Although some species spend most of their adult lives away from water, most frogs native to North America must return to water to lay eggs. The greatest potential for economic damage is at fish farms and hatcheries. Laws pertaining to frogs vary from …

Nonpoisonous Snakes, James L. Byford

Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Handbook

Of the many kinds of snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) found in the United States, only the following are harmful: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes, and sea snakes. Some species of nonpoisonous snakes occur throughout several states, but the majority have only limited ranges. Snakes are not very mobile, and even though some are fairly adaptable, most have specific habitat requirements. All snakes are predators, and the different species eat many different kinds of food. Snakes are specialized animals, having elongated bodies and no legs. A nonpoisonous snake bite has no venom and can do no more harm than frighten …