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A Discriminant Function Model Of Gray-Headed Junco Habitat, Andrew R. Grainger

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper presents a description of gray-headed junco habitat in the form of a model based on discriminant function analysis. Junco nests were found by searching randomly located grids on a 7.8 km² study area in central Utah. Vegetation data was gathered on 500 m² circular plots surrounding nests and contrasted with similar data from searched grids where nests were not found. The model explains 28 percent of the between-groups variance and correctly classifies 68 percent of the plots.

Plant cover types are good predictors of areas where gray-headed juncos nest, while plant community type descriptions do not …

Park Visitor Responses To Natural Hazards, Lee H. Rentz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Natural hazards have been an increasing problem in wildland recreation areas. This study attempted to identify factors affecting park visitor perception of and preparedness for hazards.

A model was formulated incorporating three major independent variables which might affect park visitor responses to hazards. These were: (1) previous experience, (2) information about hazards provided by the park administration (such as warnings located on signs or in brochures), and (3) visitor perception of whether responsibility for hazards rests with the individual or with an outside authority such as government or God. Trip length and knowledge of hazards were also thought to be …

Physiological Response To Hooking Stress In Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides), A. Wayne Gustaveson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Recent concern about large initial and delayed mortalities resulting from tournament angling for largemouth bass has indicated that it would be desirable to further evaluate the fate of fish that are released after being captured by angling. This study was designed to evaluate sublethal physiological disruptions caused by hooking stress after largemouth bass were played under standardized conditions (0-5 minutes) and to estimate the time needed for recovery of the homeostatic mechanisms (to 72 hours). Blood lactate was used as a measure of metabolic fatigue; plasma osmolality and chloride measurements were used to evaluate osmoregulatory disturbances and gill ion-exchange; and …

Population Dynamics And Net Production Of Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) In Two Areas Of A High Gradient Mountain Stream, Jeffrey C. Gosse

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Estimates of the brown trout (Salmo trutta) population were made in two areas of the Blacksmith Fork River, Cache County, Utah, from June 1972 to June 1973. Additional data were obtained on movement, growth, mortality, biomass, production, and yield.

Population density was highly variable in the area where habitat alterations had occurred, but was relatively uniform where the habitat was undisturbed. The brown trout exhibited little movement except during spawning season. Instantaneous growth and mortality rates are provided for each age group.

Mean annual biomass in the two areas was 12.0 and 10.2 grams per square meter and …

Organochlorine Pesticide Residue, Physico-Chemical, And Bacteriological Profile Of The Lower Rio Grande River Of Texas, Juan H. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

An investigation was conducted to determine if the widespread and abundant use of organochlorine pesticides in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas has had any effect on the microbial flora in the water and in the bottom sediments of the Lower Rio Grande River of Texas.

Rio Grande River water and bottom sediments were cultured for microbial flora, were analyzed for pesticide residues, and the physicochemical properties of the water were determined. Samples were taken at four different sites during a ten month sampling period in 1974.

Traces of organochlorine residues were found in the water, and higher concentrations …

Abstracts Of Contributed Papers, Iowa Academy Of Science [90th Meeting], April 21-22, 1978, Iowa Academy Of Science

Iowa Academy of Science Documents

Presentation abstracts from the annual meeting of the Iowa Academy of Science

Microhabitat Selection In Two Species Of Heteromyid Rodents, Cliff A. Lemen, Michael L. Rosenzweig

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

An experiment was conducted to determine the microhabitat preferences of two heteromyid rodents, Dipodomys ordi and Perognathus flavus. This experiment used marked seeds and the atomic absorption spectrophotometer in order to study the environment as a mosaic of microhabitats. The results of our analysis indicate that these two heteromyids are microhabitat selectors. The preferences of the rodents are, D. ordi: grass habitat 0.0%, near grass habitat 22.5%, open habitat 77.4%, and P. flavus: grass habitat 46.2%, near grass habitat 32.2%, open habitat 21.4%. The overlap between the two species is only 0.43.

Science In The Sea-Can The Scientists Endure 200 Mile Jurisdiction?: A Case Study Of The R/V Trident 1973-1975, Barbara Ray

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

Before the 1958 Continental Shelf Convention scientists were free to do their research anywhere in the oceans except within a narrow band of territorial waters. Since that time national jurisdiction has closed off increasing amounts of the sea. Most coastal areas and continental shelf areas now require coastal state consent prior to commencing work. Possible reasons for this closure include 1) fear of natural resource exploitation, 2) fear of military exploitation, or 3) growing feelings of nationalism among the developing countries. This paper is divided into two parts. The first deals at length with the development of the issue of …

Improving On The Contingent Fee, Kevin M. Clermont, John D. Currivan

Cornell Law Faculty Publications

Two basic fees--contingent and hourly--dominate the variety of fees that lawyers charge clients for pursuing damage claims. Each of these two types has its advantages; each is plagued with substantial disadvantages. This Article proposes a new type of fee, one that preserves the respective advantages of the two present fees while minimizing their distinct disadvantages.

In essence, the proposed fee calls for the payment, on a contingent basis, of an amount computed by adding one component tied to hours worked and another component linked to amount recovered. The preferability and feasibility of this proposed fee argue for the abolishment, or …

Experiments In Attempted Interspecific And Interpopulational Hybridzation Of Grass Shrimp Of The Genus Palaemonetes (Caridea Palaemonidae), Mark Andrew Boston

OES Theses and Dissertations

The present study investigates the interfertility of Palaemonetes populations, Interspecific crosses were attempted between representatives of sympatric :populations of P. pugio, P. vulgaris, and P. intermedius, Intraspecific crosses were undertaken between geographically separated :populations of P. pugio. Laboratory conditions of 25°c, 25°/oo, and 14.5 hour photoperiod per day were maintained for all breeding attempts, Under these conditions interspecific hybridization of Palaemonetes pugio and P. vulgaris was not feasible. P. intermedius could not be hybridized with P. pugio and P. vulgaris. At 40 days of age P. pugio juveniles were significantly larger than P. vulgaris juveniles of …

Reclassification Of The Gray Wolf In The United States And Mexico, With Determination Of Critical Habitat In Michigan And Minnesota

Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery: Annual Reports

The Service issues a final rulemaking which provides for the reclassification of the gray wolf in the United States and Mexico, and for the determination of critical habitat for species of gray wolf in Michigan and Minnesota. The reclassification is considered to accurately express the current status of the gray wolf, based solely on an evaluation of the best available biological data. The special regulations being established in Minnesota are deemed necessary and advisable to provide for the future well-being of the species. Although an increased legal take of wolves committing depredations on domestic animals will be authorized, this take …

Volume 2, Number 3 (March 1978), The Otec Liaison

The OTEC Liaison

No abstract provided.

Some Problems Concerning The Control Of Bird Damage In Southwestern Nigeria , M. Akande

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The problems of controlling bird damage, especially to crops, may be both social and practical. The practical problems are subject to environmental and ecological factors. The social problems relate to lack of adequate biological knowledge of the pest species, lack of confidence between farmers and researchers, persistent government red tapes, and human feelings. Damage is often as a result of feeding and nesting activities. Control measures include both prevention of contact between birds and crops by erection of barriers, use of chemical repellents and scaring devices, and attempted reduction in numbers of pest species, by shooting and trapping. None of …

"Vexar" Plastic Netting To Reduce Pocket Gopher Depredation Of Conifer Seedlings, Richard M. Anthony, Victor G. Barnes Jr., James Evans

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

In 1976, we began a comprehensive evaluation of "Vexar" seedling protectors as a means of reducing damage to conifer seedlings by pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.). The protectors are cylinders of plastic netting that gradually decompose in sunlight. The evaluation is being conducted on four national forests in three western states. Three conifer species, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa), and Shasta red fir (Abies magnifica var. shastensis), are under study. After two growing seasons, gophers have caused only 5 percent mortality among "Vexar"-enclosed seedlings compared to 20 percent mortality among unprotected …

Rodent Population Control For Public Health And Safety, Allan M. Barnes

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Rodent populations - particularly those that live in close proximity to man - constitute a perennial and often severe threat to man's health as reservoirs and often as direct sources of infection for a wide variety of viral, rickettsial, and bacterial disease producing agents. The following will discuss the place of rodent population reduction for the control of plague, a bacterial disease of rodents transmitted by fleas endemic in the western United States.

Improvements In The Use Of 4-Aminopyridine For Protecting Agricultural Crops From Birds, Jerome F. Besser

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

In 1976 and 1977, studies to improve the use of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a chemical frightening agent for protecting crops from blackbird damage, were conducted in sunflower in North Dakota, corn in Ohio, grain sorghum in Kansas, and sprouting rice in Arkansas and Texas. Because of the high vulnerability of sunflower, much of the effort was concentrated in this crop, despite the 1976 federal registration of a 4-aminopyridine product, Avitrol^R FC Corn Chops-99S, in 14 midwestern states. Hand baiting the perimeter of fields appeared effective in protecting sunflowers from damage by three species of blackbirds, but was ineffective in protecting …

Establishing Native Forbs To Reduce Black-Tailed Deer Browsing Damage To Douglas-Fir, Dan L. Campbell, James Evans

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Principal methods being used to alleviate browsing damage to Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seedlings by black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) in the Pacific Northwest are animal repellents applied to foliage and plastic mesh cylinders around individual seedlings. As an alternate method, we demonstrated that prompt establishment of highly palatable native forbs reduced summer browsing on planted seedlings to the point that black-tailed deer were no longer a factor limiting Douglas-fir regeneration. We believe that establishing native forbs is a sound ecological approach to deer-reforestation problems; furthermore, it should have wide utility because it integrates forest- and wildlife-management …

Control Of Ground Squirrels In California Using Anticoagulant Treated Baits, Dell O. Clark

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Anticoagulant treated grain baits have been used to control vertebrate pest depredations in California for over 30 years. The use of anticoagulant treated baits has increased seven (7) times in the past seven (7) years; the majority for the use of ground squirrel, Spermophilus spp., control. Since 1968-69, an average of 1,747,828 net over 5,700,919 gross acres per year has been treated for ground squirrel control.

Current use patterns for ground squirrel control with anticoagulant treated baits include: (1) Repeated spot baitings, and (2) exposure of bait in bait boxes.

Experimental work and many years of operational field use have …

Conference Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

A total of 436 people registered. They came from 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 other countries: Canada, Egypt, England, France, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Switzerland, and Venezuela. The international representation contributed greatly to the success of the Conference by providing an exchange of information on an international level.

Toxic Collar For Control Of Sheep-Killing Coyotes: A Progress Report, Guy E. Connolly, Richard E. Griffiths Jr., Peter J. Savarie

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The toxic sheep collar is the most selective method known for killing coyotes that prey on domestic sheep. The concept dates back to the early 1900's, and has been studied at the Denver Wildlife Research Center (DWRC) since 1974. Field tests with sodium cyanide (NaCN) in 1975 were unsuccessful due to repellent properties of the toxicant and to the apparent reluctance of coyotes to attack tethered lambs wearing bulky collars. Coyotes attacked one or more tethered, collared lambs in 7 of the 19 test pastures. In all, 14 collared lambs were attacked. Eight of the collars were punctured but no …

Bird Damage Research At The University Of California, Davis, A. Charles Crabb

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The University of California, Davis, starling research program was broadened in 1976 to encompass agricultural pest birds in general. Under new direction there were a number of applied problems studied. The effects of feeding cattle only between 1600 hours and 0800 hours on cattle weight gain was studied with results indicating slower weight gains and lower meat quality when compared to cattle fed ad lib. Feed component selection by starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was also studied finding that a starling selected diet contains a higher percentage of the high protein components than present in a commercially prepared dairy feed …

World Bird Damage Problems, John W. De Grazio

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

There is a lack of information on bird-caused economic losses on a worldwide basis. Some estimates are available for specific problems in the United States, Canada, and parts of Oceania and Europe, but loss estimates are almost totally lacking in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. To justify development of control programs, it is desirable that reliable data on losses be obtained. Such data are helpful at all levels of decision-making about bird control, from research to implementation.

Bird damage situations throughout the world are similar, involving many of the same crops and genera of birds.

This report summarizes major damage …

A Public Information Program On Predator Damage Control, David S. Decalesta

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

A public information and education program was developed in Oregon to defuse a controversy between environmentalists and livestock growers over management of predator damage control. Emphasis was placed on involving special interest and leadership/influential groups in the program and participa-tion was high. Attempts were made to involve the "general public" but response to solicitation and participation were low. Participating groups thought the program was of high value and expressed the need for additional information. Attitudes and beliefs of the special interest groups were changed little by the program, but constructive communications between the groups increased and the controversy dwindled. A …

Brodifacoum (Talon™ Rodenticide), A Novel Concept, A.C. Dubock, D.E. Kaukeinen

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Brodifacoum, a new rodenticide, is described. This anticoagulant is shown to be of exceptional potency and capable of controlling resistant rodents as well as several non-commensal species. Results demonstrate that, in contrast to first generation anticoagulants, a bait concentration of only 50 ppm is adequate to give control and in only a single feeding for most species. In common with other anticoagulants, vitamin K₁ is an effective antidote. In contrast with other acute rodenticides, symptoms are delayed and no bait shyness is observed. The results of laboratory and field trials from many parts of the world are summarized and …

Electromagnetic Repellers—Fact Or Fiction?, William D. Fitzwater

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

The effectiveness of devices that supposedly repel a large number of invertebrate and vertebrate animals by emitting oscillating electromagnetic impulses is investigated. While scientific support that electromagnetic forces affect biological systems exists, these data are based on animals confined under higher intensity fields than are seemingly produced by commercial units. A number of instances of field use of the devices is discussed. These indicate little objective support for the units.

8th Vertebrate Pest Conference 1978 Frontmatter

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

CONTENTS

Management Of Blackbird And Starling Winter Roost Problems In Kentucky And Tennessee, Kenneth M. Garner

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Blackbirds and starlings in winter roosts create conflict problems in five major categories: 1) Public Health, 2) Agricultural Crop, 3) Wildlife Competition, 4) Structural, 5) Safety. After identification of problems created by an individual roost and roost site, problems are solved by one or a combination of seven methods: 1) No Action, 2) Move the Roost, 3) Alteration of Agricultural Practices, 4) Bird Proofing, 5) Move Birds from Feeding or Loafing Site, 6) Population Reduction at Feedlots, 7) Population Reduction of Roosts.

Control Of The Multimammate Rat, Mastomys Natalensis (A. Smith) In The Irrigated Fields Of The Republic Of Burundi, Jacques Giban

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Irrigated cultivations have been developed in Burundi with the aid of the European Fund for Development. Three major rodent species are considered pests, but one of them is far more important and can survive flooding: Mastomys natalensis, the multimammate rat. The biological cycle of the species is well identified, with peak populations generally in the July-October period. A first attempt to prevent the damages consisted of slight changes in the timing of some cultivations. The second step was to find a rodenticide and a bait that could have practical use in that country. Corn paraffin blocks poisoned with chlorophacinone …

Vertebrate Pest Control In Urban/Suburban Areas, Ronald M. Gilman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Urban/suburban vertebrate pest control problems present unique challenges because of the people-afflicted environment in which they occur. People are a major consideration in effective urban/ suburban vertebrate pest control because of their emotions and changing values. Those responsible for today's vertebrate pest control must anticipate and consider this element of increasing importance and use it to their advantage rather than let it become a liability.

Damages Caused By Cotton Rat, Sigmodon Hispidus Zanjonensis, On Sugar Cane In San Pedro Sula, Honduras , A. Gonzalez Romero, G. Tello Sandoval, J. Sernasecundino, V.M. Aguilar Ramirez

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 8th (1978)

Technical assistance was given to Compañía Azucarera Hondureña, S.A. (Agro-Industrial Co.), Honduras, Central America, to determine if a campaign against noxious rodents to agriculture crops was needed. Several trappings were carried out at different places using snap traps to determine the population structure of rodents associated with the crop, and live traps to determine the index or density of the Sigmodon hispidus rat population, which was identified as being responsible for the damage to sugarcane. Results were 43.24% adult males, 14.86% young males, 31.41% adult females, and 10.47% young females. Of the adult females captured, 54.83% were pregnant with an …