Digital Commons Network^™

Effectiveness Of Snap And A24-Automated Traps And Broadcast Anticoagulant Bait In Suppressing Commensal Rodents In Hawaii, Aaron B. Shiels, Tyler Bogardus, Jobriath Rohrer, Kapua Kawelo

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Commensal rodents (invasive rats, Rattus spp.; house mice, Mus musculus) are well established globally. They threaten human health by disease transfer and impact economies by causing agricultural damage. On island landscapes, they are frequent predators of native species and affect biodiversity. To provide managers with better information regarding methods to suppress commensal rodent populations in remote island forests, in 2016 we evaluated the effectiveness of continuous rat trapping using snap-traps, Goodnature^®A24 self-resetting rat traps, and a 1-time (2-application) hand-broadcast of anticoagulant rodenticide bait pellets (Diphacinone-50) applied at 13.8 kg/ha per application in a 5-ha forest on Oahu, …

A Review Of Rat Lungworm Infection And Recent Data On Its Definitive Hosts In Hawaii, Chris N. Niebuhr, Susan I. Jarvi, Shane R. Siers

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Rat lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) is a zoonotic nematode that causes rat lungworm disease (angiostrongyliasis), a potentially debilitating form of meningitis, in humans worldwide. The definitive hosts for rat lungworm are primarily members of the genus Rattus, with gastropods as intermediate hosts. This parasite has emerged as an important public health concern in the United States, especially in Hawaii, where the number of human cases has increased in the last decade. Here we discuss the current knowledge of the rat lungworm, including information on the life cycle and host species, as well as updates on known infection levels. Three …

Harnessing Population Genetics For Pest Management: Theory And Application For Urban Rats, Matthew Combs, Kaylee Byers, Chelsea Himsworth, Jason Munshi-South

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Effective management of rodent pests requires an ecological understanding of how they move through their environment and how those movements influence the invasion, persistence, or reinvasion of problematic colonies. Traditional methodologies used to describe rodent movement patterns, such as mark-recapture, are hindered by their time-consuming nature and limited geographic scope. As such, our understanding of how rodents interact with urban environments remains limited. Population genetic principles and tools have the capacity to greatly increase our understanding of rodent population dynamics, ecological relationships, and movements across space, but this field is often unapproachable to non-scientist pest management professionals (PMPs). In this …

Numbers Of Human Fatalities, Injuries, And Illnesses In The United States Due To Wildlife, Michael R. Conover

Human–Wildlife Interactions

I reviewed published and unpublished papers, government reports, and websites to estimate how many people are injured or killed each year by wildlife or stricken by a zoonotic disease. Over 47,000 people annually in the United States sought medical attention after being attacked or bitten by wildlife, and approximately 8 people died annually. Most bites were by snakes, birds, rodents, and raccoons (Procyon lotor). Each year, wildlife–vehicle collisions resulted in >59,000 human injuries and >440 human fatalities, while wildlife–aircraft collisions added 16 more injuries and 10 fatalities. I also found that >68,000 people each year sought medical …

Seal And Polar Bear Behavioral Response To An Icebreaker Vessel In Northwest Greenland, Kate Lomac-Macnair, José Pedro Andrade, Eduardo Esteves

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Icebreaker vessels are important scientific tools, enabling access and research within the polar regions of the world, including the High Arctic. These vessels have the potential to overlap with marine mammal habitats in infrequently studied areas. Marine mammal behavioral responses to icebreaker vessel presence and distance at which responses occur are not well documented or understood. During the Petermann 2015 Expedition on the icebreaker Oden, seal and polar bear (Ursus maritimus) data were collected in Petermann Fjord (Northwest Greenland), the adjacent Nares Strait region, and transit to and from Thule, Greenland over 31 days (July 30 to …

Efficacy Of An Online Native Snake Identification Search Engine For Public Use, Scott E. Henke, Samantha S. Kahl, David B. Wester, Gad Perry, David Britton

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Visual methods of species identification are used both in research and recreational contexts because they are inexpensive, non-invasive, and believed to be effective among uniquely identifiable individuals. We examined the ability of the general public to identify live snakes (Serpentes) that are native to the United States using an online snake identification search engine (SISE) produced by the North America Brown Tree Snake Control Team (NABTSCT) website, http://www.nabtsct.net. The SISE consisted of participants answering 7 descriptive questions concerning a snake and then reviewing photographs of snakes that matched that description. Using 3 species of snakes native to Texas, USA, 21% …

Application Strategy For An Anthraquinone-Based Repellent And The Protection Of Soybeans From Canada Goose Depredation, Scott J. Werner, Matthew Gottlob, Charles D. Dieter, Joshua D. Stafford

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Agricultural crops can sustain extensive damage caused by Canada geese (Branta canadensis) when these crops are planted near wetlands or brood-rearing sites. From 2000 to 2015, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks spent >$5.6 million to manage damages caused by Canada geese to agricultural crops (primarily soybeans) in South Dakota, USA. For the purpose of developing a repellent application strategy for nonlethal goose damage management, we comparatively evaluated the width of anthraquinone applications (i.e., 9.4 L Flight Control^® Plus goose repellent/ha [active ingredient: 50% 9,10-anthraquinone] at 0–36 m versus 0–73 m perpendicular to the edge of wetlands …

Estimating Waterbird Abundance On Catfish Aquaculture Ponds Using An Unmanned Aerial System, Paul C. Burr, Sathishkumar Samiappan, Lee A. Hathcock, Robert J. Moorhead, Brian S. Dorr

Human–Wildlife Interactions

In this study, we examined the use of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) to monitor fish-eating birds on catfish (Ictalurus spp.) aquaculture facilities in Mississippi, USA. We tested 2 automated computer algorithms to identify bird species using mosaicked imagery taken from a UAS platform. One algorithm identified birds based on color alone (color segmentation), and the other algorithm used shape recognition (template matching), and the results of each algorithm were compared directly to manual counts of the same imagery. We captured digital imagery of great egrets (Ardea alba), great blue herons (A. herodias), …

Foraging Preferences Of Barnacle Geese On Endophytic Tall And Red Fescues, Tuuli-Marjaana Koski, Kari Saikkonen, Tero Klemola, Marjo Helander

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Many grasses (Poaceae) have symbiotic fungal endophytes, which affect livestock by producing unpalatable or harmful secondary compounds. Less is known about the repelling effects of fungal endophytes on avian grazers despite potential wildlife management implications. Herbivorous goose (Branta spp.) species may become a nuisance in recreational use areas via fecal littering. Planting these areas with grasses that avian grazers avoid may help mitigate this damage. In 2016, we studied the foraging preference of the barnacle geese (B. leucopsis) with endophytic (E+) or endophyte-free (E-) red fescue (Festuca rubra) and/or tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix) in …

European Starlings Fly Before They Fledge, Jeremiah L. Psiropoulos, Lisa A. Selner

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Aircraft bird strikes are increasing globally. Bird strikes constitute a major human health and safety risk and result in millions of dollars in economic impacts. Invasive avian species, such as the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris; starlings), have been implicated in bird strikes in North America. Because this species is highly adaptive and has been successful at establishing in new areas, such as airports, it is essential that managers better understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them. Herein we present a case study regarding a novel observation of unique starling nesting behavior that may pose a risk …

Berryman Institute Professional And Program Awards, Terry Messmer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The Berryman Institute (BI) is a national organization based in the Department of Wildland Resources at Utah State University. We are dedicated to improving human–wildlife relationships and resolving human–wildlife conflicts through teaching, research, and extension.

Donations, Orders, Email List

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This is the information about donations, orders, and the email list.

Tracking Canada Geese Near Airports: Using Spatial Data To Better Inform Management, Ryan J. Askren, Brett E. Dorak, Heath M. Hagy, Michael W. Eiccholz, Brian E. Washburn, Michael P. Ward

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The adaptation of birds to urban environments has created direct hazards to air transportation with the potential for catastrophic incidents. Bird–aircraft collisions involving Canada geese (Branta canadensis; goose) pose greater risks to aircraft than many bird species due to their size and flocking behavior. However, information on factors driving movements of geese near airports and within aircraft arrival/departure areas for application to management are limited. To address this need, we deployed 31 neck collar-mounted global positioning system transmitters on Canada geese near Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, USA during November 2015 to February 2016. We used the …

Cover, Editorial Staff, Journal Information

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This includes the cover, editorial staff, and journal information.

Table Of Contents

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This is the table of contents.

Human–Wildlife Interactions: 2019 In Review, Terry A. Messmer

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This is the Letter from the Editor.

In The News, Jason Matthews, Joe N. Caudell

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Items in the news.

Train–Elephant Collisions In A Biodiversity-Rich Landscape: A Case Study From Rajaji National Park, North India, Ritesh Joshi, Kanchan Puri

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Linear developments like railways and highways have a negative impact on ecological processes of wildlife species at a landscape level. The impacts in terms of wildlife mortality and threat to surviving populations of species have been well-studied; however, less work has been done to understand the potential causes of train–wildlife collisions, particularly large mega-fauna such as Asian elephants (Elephas maximus; elephant). In this case study, we review train–elephant collisions (TECs) that occurred in Rajaji National Park (RNP) and discuss some potential causes of TECs along with mitigation measures. The RNP, located in the upper Gangetic plains of northern …

Temporal Variation Of Moose–Vehicle Collisions In Alaska, Lucian R. Mcdonald, Terry A. Messmer, Michael R. Guttery

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Collisions between vehicles and wildlife have long been recognized to pose threats to motorists and wildlife populations. In addition to the risk of injury or mortality faced by the motorists involved in wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs), other drivers are also put at risk due to road obstructions and traffic congestions associated with WVCs. Most WVCs in Alaska involve moose (Alces alces), an animal that is sufficiently large to pose a threat to property and human life when involved in collisions. We analyzed the temporal variation in the number of moose–vehicle collisions (MVCs) reported in the 4 most populous boroughs …

Cost–Benefit Analysis Of Coyote Removal As A Management Option In Texas Cattle Ranching, R. Kyle Brewster, Scott E. Henke, Benjamin L. Turner, John M. Tomeček, Alfonso Ortega-S.

Human–Wildlife Interactions

The monetary value of livestock losses attributed to coyote (Canis latrans) predation in North America has increased during the past 20 years. In Texas, USA alone in 2011, these loses were estimated at $6.9 million. To mitigate coyote-related livestock losses, several lethal and nonlethal control methods have been developed. However, there remains a need for better information to guide management decisions regarding cost-effective predator control strategies for livestock production systems. We acquired data, which was used in the model, from published literature from 1960 to present day, subject matter experts, and anecdotal information on coyote ecology. We developed …

Wildlife Damage To Crops Adjacent To A Protected Area In Southeastern Mexico: Farmers’ Perceptions Versus Actual Impact, Gabriel Can-Hernández, Claudia Villanueva-García, Elías José Gordillo-Chávez, Coral Jazvel Pacheco-Figueroa, Elizabeth Pérez-Netzahual, Rodrigo García-Morales

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–wildlife conflicts occur when wildlife has an adverse effect on human activities (e.g., predation of livestock, crop raiding). These conflicts are increasing, particularly in areas surrounding natural protected areas, where villagers engage in subsistence agriculture. Crop damage may cause farmers to retaliate and harm wildlife species considered responsible for the damage. Among the factors that determine the intensity of the conflict are the frequency of the damage and the amount of biomass consumed relative to the perceptions, values, and cultural history of the farmers affected. To better understand the conflicts between farmers and wildlife, we compared farmer perceptions of wildlife …

Similar Breeding Success Of Bearded Vultures In Disturbed And Undisturbed Areas Shows Evidence Of Adaptation Capabilities, Vincent Comor, Nicolas Poulin, Mathieu Boos

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Retraction notice: We have been informed that because of logistical reasons the authors of Comor et al. (2019) were unable able to provide the answers requested by Duriez et al. (2020) regarding the protocols, the quantitative data, or the small and unbalanced sample sizes. At the authors' request, the article by Comor et al. published in Human–Wildlife Interactions 13(3) has been retracted.

Human activities are usually considered as disturbing factors impeding the breeding success of wild animals. Protected areas can then be set up to restrict such activities aiming to improve wildlife’s breeding success and conservation. To test for the …

Hunter And Public Opinions Of A Columbian Black-Tailed Deer Population In A Pacific Northwest Island Landscape, Robert P. Wingard, Paul R. Krausman

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Management decisions are influenced by public acceptance for wildlife; thus, knowledge of public concerns and management preferences can be an advantage to natural resource decision makers. Wildlife managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are concerned that the Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus; deer) population on Whidbey Island, Washington, USA, exceeds social carrying capacity (i.e., a publicly acceptable population). In summer 2014, we designed a self-administered mail questionnaire to assess opinions of residents and a phone survey to assess the opinions of Whidbey Island deer hunters about Columbian black-tailed deer. We hypothesized that residents would …

Book Review: Ecology And Management Of Terrestrial Vertebrate Invasive Species In The United States, Lucian R. Mcdonald

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This is a book review of Ecology and Management of Terrestrial Vertebrate Invasive Species in the United States.

Busy To Burnout: Finding Life Balance In The Human–Wildlife Interactions Profession, Rosanna M. Vail

Human–Wildlife Interactions

This is the article for The Back Page section.

Monographs And Books

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Order forms for Human-Wildlife Interactions monographs and books.

Rapid Prototyping Of Mixing Elements In Bioreactor System, Angela Clyde, Chris Cooper, Aaron Dryden, Erik Olson, Jaden Markos, Ryan Randall, Spencer Lynch, Mark Smith

Biological Engineering

Emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, have revolutionized the way in which engineers prototype innovative designs. Here, students optimized a procedure for rapidly prototyping mixing elements in a Thermo Fisher Scientific bioreactor, using 3D printing. Impellers were designed using AutoCAD and SolidWorks drafting software, 3D printed on a Fortus 3D printer, and evaluated via application specific bioreactor simulations.

Three different bioreactor applications were modeled – high density cell culture, solid dissolution, and microcarrier cell culture – each with their own impeller designs and testing procedures.

Project Objectives:

• Develop an iterative process for rapid prototyping bioreactor impellers.

• Design and …

3 Day Emergency Dialysis Kit, Luke Fillingim, Aaron Marshall, Brandi Thielman

Biological Engineering

Following natural disasters, dialysis clinics are unable to provide treatment for their patients. Many city facilities and vital services, such as water and power, can remain damaged or unavailable for as many as a few weeks

In one instance, it was reported that after a natural disaster the five leading causes of dialysis clinics becoming inoperable were: damage to reverse osmosis systems, interruption of water supply, failure of electrical power supply, structural damage to buildings and failure of telecommunications³.

Unfortunately, patients with end stage renal disease have the potential to become very sick in a matter of days …

Unclogging The Pipeline: Advancement To Full Professor In Academic Stem, Helga Van Miegroet, Christy Glass, Ronda R. Callister, Kimberly Sullivan

Ecology Center Publications

Purpose: Women remain underrepresented in academic STEM, especially at the highest ranks. While much attention has focused on early-career attrition, mid-career advancement is still largely understudied and undocumented. This paper analyzes gender differences in advancement to full professor within academic STEM at a mid-size public doctoral university in the western US, before and after the NSF-ADVANCE Program (2003-2007).

Methodology: Using faculty demographics and promotion data between 2008 and 2014, combined with faculty responses to two waves of a climate survey, the magnitude and longevity of the impact of ADVANCE on mid-career faculty advancement across gender is evaluated.

Findings: This study …

Detecting Soil Macrofauna Using Ground-Penetrating Radar, Melanie N. Stock, David J. Hart, Nicholas J. Balster

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

Fossorial amphibians spend up to ten months belowground, but research into this critical habitat has been impeded by a lack of noninvasive detection methods. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), however, offers a promising tool because amphibians have theoretically strong electromagnetic (EM) contrasts relative to the soil matrix, and thus potentially high detectability. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate GPR by (2) experimentally-inducing three soil thermal regimes that promote stratification in the burrowing depths of 15 Eastern American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus americanus) during the winter of 2011–2012 in Madison, WI, USA. We calculated reflectability and established the unique …