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United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

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Characteristics Of Current And Historical Kit Fox (Vulpes Macrotis) Dens In The Great Basin Desert, Wendy M. Arjo, Tim J. Bennett, Adam J. Kozlowski Feb 2003

Characteristics Of Current And Historical Kit Fox (Vulpes Macrotis) Dens In The Great Basin Desert, Wendy M. Arjo, Tim J. Bennett, Adam J. Kozlowski

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We examined the ecological and physical characteristics of den sites for 13 adult kit fox (Vulpes macmtis) in western Utah from December 1998 to February 2001. We also compared current and historical den distribution among habitat types. The number of den sites used was not influenced by home-range size (P = 0.11) or season (P = 0.40), but was influenced by geographical area. Home-range size was smallest (P = 0.007) and the number of dens used was greatest (P = 0.009) in mountainous areas. Ecological and physical characteristics of single-use dens (n = …

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Baiting Blackbirds (Icteridae) In Stubble Grain Fields During Spring Migration In South Dakota, G. M. Linz, G.A. Knutsen, H.J. Homan, W.J. Bleier Feb 2003

Baiting Blackbirds (Icteridae) In Stubble Grain Fields During Spring Migration In South Dakota, G. M. Linz, G.A. Knutsen, H.J. Homan, W.J. Bleier

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Blackbirds (Icteridae) annually damage US$5–8 million of ripening sunflower in the northern Great Plains. Baiting blackbirds with avicide-treated rice during spring migration might reduce the regional breeding population. In March and April 1996–1997, we simulated a baiting program in eastern South Dakota to compare attractiveness of rice-baited plots placed in fields of corn and soybean stubble. Blackbirds used plots in corn stubble more often than plots in soybean stubble and chose rice-baited plots over unbaited reference plots. We conclude that blackbirds can be successfully baited with avicide-treated rice placed in corn stubble. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Predator Odours As Reproductive Inhibitors For Norway Rats, Vera V. Voznessenskaya, Sergey V. Naidenko, Natalia Yu. Feoktistova, Georgy J. Krivomazov, Lowell A. Miller, Larry Clark Feb 2003

Predator Odours As Reproductive Inhibitors For Norway Rats, Vera V. Voznessenskaya, Sergey V. Naidenko, Natalia Yu. Feoktistova, Georgy J. Krivomazov, Lowell A. Miller, Larry Clark

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We examined the influence of predator odor on reproductive output of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). Naive laboratory rats responded to predator chemical cues with reduced litter sire and skewed sex ratio. We found that exposure to predator urine had its greatest effect on implantation and maintenance of implantation when predator urine was applied to the bedding of rats during the first third of gestation. Based on the physical appearance of corpora lutea and uterine implantation scars, we found that the reduction in litter sire was due to resolution of the embryos during the early part of gestation. Subsequently, …

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Temporal Genetic Variation In A Coyote (Canis Latrans) Population Experiencing High Turnover, Christen Lenney William, Karen Blejwas, John J. Johnston, Michael M. Jaeger Feb 2003

Temporal Genetic Variation In A Coyote (Canis Latrans) Population Experiencing High Turnover, Christen Lenney William, Karen Blejwas, John J. Johnston, Michael M. Jaeger

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are mobile, adaptable canids found in a wide range of habitats across North America, with range extensions into previously unoccupied areas in the western and eastern United States. Although long-distance dispersal capabilities in both sexes (Harrison 1992) and relatively large proportions of transient coyotes that do not exhibit fidelity to a single territory (typically 13–34% of a population— Andelt 1985; Windberg and Knowlton 1988) suggest that coyotes exist as a panmictic population, other aspects of coyote behavior may increase the likelihood of local population structure.

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Ineffectiveness Of Sulfur-Based Odors As Nesting Deterrents Against European Starlings, Randolph J. White, Bradley F. Blackwell Jan 2003

Ineffectiveness Of Sulfur-Based Odors As Nesting Deterrents Against European Starlings, Randolph J. White, Bradley F. Blackwell

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Sulfurous volatiles have been shown to elicit avoidance behavior by snow geese (Cben caerulescens Linnaeus), possibly because of their association with potentially toxic levels of selenium in some plant species. We questioned whether an avoidance response to sulfur and sulfur-based products might be exhibited by other avian species, specifically European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris L) and whether the behavior might extend beyond the feeding context (that is, negatively affecting nesting). The European starling is an omnivorous species with a well-developed olfactory capability and can distinguish between plant volatiles when selecting nest material and, therefore, could possibly detect …

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Determination Of 4,4'-Dinitrocarbanilide (Dnc), A Component Of Nicarbazin, In Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis) Eggshells Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Randal S. Stahl, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Teresa L. Buettgenbach, John J. Johnston Jan 2003

Determination Of 4,4'-Dinitrocarbanilide (Dnc), A Component Of Nicarbazin, In Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis) Eggshells Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Randal S. Stahl, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Teresa L. Buettgenbach, John J. Johnston

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

A method was developed using high-performance liquid chromatography to assay 4,4'-dinitrocarbanilide (DNC), the active ingredient in Nicarbazin, in eggshells collected from Canada geese fed a formulated feed fortified with Nicarbazin at doses of 0, 125, 250, and 500 μg/g. The method was developed using chicken eggshells fortified with DNC. The method was used to quantify DNC in both the shell-associated membranes and the calcified shell extracellular matrix. These values were compared to those obtained for a composite sample consisting of both the membranes and the calcified shell extracellular matrix. The validated method was used to quantify DNC in eggshells from …

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A General Model For Predicting Brown Tree Snake Capture Rates, Richard M. Engeman, N. Paige Groninger, Daniel S. Vice Jan 2003

A General Model For Predicting Brown Tree Snake Capture Rates, Richard M. Engeman, N. Paige Groninger, Daniel S. Vice

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The inadvertent introduction of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) to Guam has resulted in the extirpation of most of the island’s native terrestrial vertebrates, has presented a health hazard to small children, and also has produced economic problems. Trapping around ports and other cargo staging areas is central to a program designed to deter dispersal of the species. Sequential trapping of smaller plots is also being used to clear larger areas of snakes in preparation for endangered species reintroductions. Traps and trapping personnel are limited resources, which places a premium on the ability to plan the deployment …

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An Economic Assessment Of The Potential For Predator Management To Benefit Puerto Rican Parrots, Richard M. Engeman, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Felipe Cano, Bernice Constantin Jan 2003

An Economic Assessment Of The Potential For Predator Management To Benefit Puerto Rican Parrots, Richard M. Engeman, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Felipe Cano, Bernice Constantin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The Puerto Rican parrot is one of the ten most endangered birds in the world, with the only wild population comprised of 30-40 birds. Predation has been identified as one of the factors limiting Puerto Rican parrot productivity in the wild, and the loss of a very few birds can have a great impact on the species. Management of red-tailed hawks, and black rats, feral cats and Indian mongooses, as well as further management of pearly-eyed thrashers is potentially beneficial to the parrot population. Because funding for the recovery of this rare species is finite, an analytical examination of the …

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Prevalence And Economic Value Of Feral Swine Damage To Native Habitat In Three Florida State Parks, Richard M. Engeman, Henry T. Smith, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Bernice Constantin, John Woolard, Mark Nelson, Daniel Griffin Jan 2003

Prevalence And Economic Value Of Feral Swine Damage To Native Habitat In Three Florida State Parks, Richard M. Engeman, Henry T. Smith, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Bernice Constantin, John Woolard, Mark Nelson, Daniel Griffin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) adversely affect the environment in many of the places where they have been introduced. Such is the case in Florida, but quantification and economic evaluation of the damage can provide objective bases for developing strategies to protect habitats. Swine damage to native wet pine-flatwoods at three state parks in Florida was monitored from winter 2002 to winter 2003. Economic valuations of damage were based on the US dollar amounts that wetland regulators have allowed permit applicants to spend in attempts to replace lost resources. The parks had different swine management histories and the damage …

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Evaluation Of Gnrh Contraceptive Vaccine Using Domestic Swine As A Model For Feral Hogs, Lowell Miller, Jack Rhyan, Gary Killian Jan 2003

Evaluation Of Gnrh Contraceptive Vaccine Using Domestic Swine As A Model For Feral Hogs, Lowell Miller, Jack Rhyan, Gary Killian

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We determined the effect of a GnRH vaccine on reproductive function of sexually mature 5-month female and male domestic swine. The vaccine, GonaConTM, developed at NWRC contains a GnRH peptide conjugated to KLH, combined with AdjuVacTM adjuvant also developed at NWRC. Four groups of ten females were given single IM immunizations either of 800μg GnRH vaccine, 1600μg GnRH vaccine, a prime and boost of 400μg GnRH vaccine and a sham dose adjuvant alone (control). At 8 months old, females were evaluated daily for estrus and bred by artificial insemination if in standing heat. Females not showing heat after 60 days …

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Coyote-Activated Frightening Devices For Reducing Sheep Predation On Open Range, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Michael J. Lavelle, Steve Moyles Jan 2003

Coyote-Activated Frightening Devices For Reducing Sheep Predation On Open Range, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Michael J. Lavelle, Steve Moyles

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Domestic sheep ranching is an important agricultural industry in the United States and coyote (Canis latrans) depredation on lambs and ewes continues to challenge ranchers and agencies responsible for protecting sheep. Lethal methods used in controlling coyote depredation include aerial gunning, toxicants, trapping, and calling and shooting. Nonlethal methods include frightening devices, fences, livestock protection animals, and stringent husbandry practices. Ranchers and agencies responsible for controlling coyote depredation need frightening devices that are more effective than those currently available. We describe a field evaluation of 2 animal-activated frightening devices: an acoustic device and an acoustic device with a …

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Aspects Of Swift Fox Ecology In Southeastern Colorado, David E. Andersen, Thomas R. Laurion, John R. Cary, Robert S. Sikes, Mary A. Mcleod, Eric . M. Gese Jan 2003

Aspects Of Swift Fox Ecology In Southeastern Colorado, David E. Andersen, Thomas R. Laurion, John R. Cary, Robert S. Sikes, Mary A. Mcleod, Eric . M. Gese

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We studied the ecology of swift fox on the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS) in southeastern Colorado from March 1986 to September 1987. Forty-two foxes were captured 162 times; 23 were radio-collared. Mean minimum convex polygon home range size of 5 adult swift fox was 29.0 km2 (range = 12.8 to 34.3 km2) and although home ranges of adjacent social groups overlapped, core areas described by 50% harmonic means were almost entirely exclusive. Swift fox diet (as determined from scats) consisted primarily of small and medium-sized mammals (monthly mean % volume = 64%), arthropods (Χ̅ = 19%), …

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Management Of Rodent Populations At Airports, Gary W. Witmer, Jessica W. Fantinato Jan 2003

Management Of Rodent Populations At Airports, Gary W. Witmer, Jessica W. Fantinato

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Birds pose serious hazards at U.S. airports because of the potential for collisions with aircraft. Raptors, in particular, are hazardous to aircraft safety due to their size, hunting behavior, and hovering/soaring habits. Reduction of rodent populations at an airport may decrease raptor populations in the area and therefore, reduce the risk that raptors pose to aircraft. Rodent populations can be reduced by population management (i.e., use of rodenticides) or by habitat management (i.e., vegetation management, barriers, and land uses) that reduces the area’s carrying capacity for rodents. We discuss potential approaches to reduce rodent populations at airports within the context …

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Comparison Of Isoflurane And Sevoflurane For Anesthesia In Beaver, Stewart W. Breck, James S. Gaynor Jan 2003

Comparison Of Isoflurane And Sevoflurane For Anesthesia In Beaver, Stewart W. Breck, James S. Gaynor

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We compared the hemodynamic and respiratory effects, recovery time, and cost of two gas inhalants (isoflurane and sevoflurane) for anesthetic induction and maintenance of beaver (Castor canadensis) during surgery to implant radio transmitters in the peritoneal cavity. Heart rate, respiratory rate, relative hemoglobin saturation with oxygen (SpO2), and body temperature were measured every 5 min for the first 45 min, and arterial blood gas was measured once, 25 min into the anesthetic procedure. Induction for either agent was smooth and rapid. Heart rate and respiratory rate both decreased during the procedure though neither was lower than …

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Potential Chemicals To Manage Llght Goose Populations, John Cummings, Pete Poulos Jan 2003

Potential Chemicals To Manage Llght Goose Populations, John Cummings, Pete Poulos

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Over-abundant light geese are having long-term negative effects on the Arctic tundra ecosystem. Significant damage to native plants, increases in soil degradation and impacts on bird communities are likely to be the main consequences (Batt 1998). The extent of which over-abundant light geese reduce food and cover for other wildlife on wintering grounds and migration routes is not well documented, although anecdotal observations suggest that light geese could compete with wintering waterfowl for food, i.e. Louisiana rice fields (J. L. Curnmings, National Wildlife Research Center, personal observation).

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Efficacy Of Zinc Phosphide For Controlling Norway Rats, Roof Rats, House Mice, Peromyscus Spp., Prairie Dogs And Ground Squirrels: A Literature Review (1942-2000), John D. Eisemann, Brett E. Petersen, Kathleen A. Fagerstone Jan 2003

Efficacy Of Zinc Phosphide For Controlling Norway Rats, Roof Rats, House Mice, Peromyscus Spp., Prairie Dogs And Ground Squirrels: A Literature Review (1942-2000), John D. Eisemann, Brett E. Petersen, Kathleen A. Fagerstone

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Zinc phosphide has been used as a control agent for commensal rodents for over 60 years. Studies utilizing zinc phosphide as a population control agent were gathered and summarized to determine its efficacy when baiting the Norway rat, roof rat, house mouse, Peromyscus spp., prairie dog and ground squirrel. Efficacy information was abundant for rats, squirrels, and prairie dogs. However, efficacy data for baiting mice with zinc phosphide was limited. Overall the data show that in both laboratory and field testing, control levels of greater than 70% can be achieved for commensal rodent pests. Bait acceptance appeared to be …

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Wildlife Road-Kills In An Urban Park In Florida, Henry T. Smith, Robert M. Barry, Richard M. Engeman, Stephanie A. Shwiff, William J.B. Miller Jan 2003

Wildlife Road-Kills In An Urban Park In Florida, Henry T. Smith, Robert M. Barry, Richard M. Engeman, Stephanie A. Shwiff, William J.B. Miller

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Wildlife mortality due to collisions with motor vehicles is a problem within managed natural areas in Florida and worldwide (Skoog 1982; Smith et al. 1994; Foster and Humphrey 1995; Jackson 1996; Bertwistle 1999; Brown et al. 1999; Evink 1999; Gunther and Biel 1999; Phillips 1999; Trombulak and Frissell 2000; Hels and Buchwald 2001; Bard et al. 2002a,b; Fahrig et al. 2002; Foresman 2002; Gilbert et al. 2002). We here report wildlife mortality due to collisions with vehicles during 1997-2000 at John U. Lloyd State Park (JULSP), a 125.75-ha, mixed-use, urban state park located approximately 8 km south of Fort Lauderdale, …

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Challenges Of Implementing The Double-Crested Cormorant Environmental Impact Statement, Kristina Casscles Godwin, D. Tommy King, Peter Butchko, Richard Chipman Jan 2003

Challenges Of Implementing The Double-Crested Cormorant Environmental Impact Statement, Kristina Casscles Godwin, D. Tommy King, Peter Butchko, Richard Chipman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Double-crested cormorant populations have increased over the last 20 years within the continental United States. Problems associated with this increase include impacts to commercial aquaculture, damage to property, vegetation, recreational fisheries, and natural resources, as well as concerns over inter-specific competition. Implementation of the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement for the management of double-crested cormorants will be a monumental task. Several state and federal agencies, along with private citizens and various interest groups will have parts to play. USDA/APHIS/Wildlife Services is expected to have a large part in the implementation of the plan. We discuss the proposed actions to be taken …

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The Emergence Of Major Avian Diseases In North America: West Nile Virus And More, Robert G. Mclean Jan 2003

The Emergence Of Major Avian Diseases In North America: West Nile Virus And More, Robert G. Mclean

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Some major diseases of wild birds have emerged dramatically in North America recently due in part to the rapid global movement of animals and pathogens and major changes in the size, quality, and continuity of natural habitats. These diseases include invasive pathogens, emergence of new disease agents or syndromes, and reemergence of some established diseases. A prominent example is West Nile virus that invaded North America, became easily established, and has expanded throughout the continent within 4 years. A number of factors have influenced the frequency of occurrence, the variety of species affected, and the geographical extent of these emergent …

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Fear And Loathing: The Modulatory Affect Of Stress On Memory Formation And Its Wildlife Management Implications, Arla G. Hile Jan 2003

Fear And Loathing: The Modulatory Affect Of Stress On Memory Formation And Its Wildlife Management Implications, Arla G. Hile

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

An ongoing challenge for wildlife managers is that target species habituate to or forget about hazing, even though the animals must be somewhat stressed by the hazing. Although stress and efficient memory formation/retrieval are considered to be incompatible, research suggests that the effect of stress on memory is complex. Mild and intense stress can impair memory formation and chronic stress can disrupt memory retrieval. Intermediate stress, however, actually enhances the formation of new memories, particularly long-term memories. Unfortunately, these conclusions are based data from only a very few domesticated species under highly controlled conditions. In nature the variation in baseline …

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Liquid Chromatographic Determination Of 4,4'-Dinitrocarbanilide, The Active Component Of The Infertility Agent Nicarbazin, In Chicken, Duck, Goose, And Snake Eggs, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, Margaret A. Goodall, Christi Yoder, Thomas Mathies, Lowell Miller, John J. Johnston, Kurt C. Vercauteren Jan 2003

Liquid Chromatographic Determination Of 4,4'-Dinitrocarbanilide, The Active Component Of The Infertility Agent Nicarbazin, In Chicken, Duck, Goose, And Snake Eggs, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, Margaret A. Goodall, Christi Yoder, Thomas Mathies, Lowell Miller, John J. Johnston, Kurt C. Vercauteren

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

4,4'-Dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) was extracted from chicken, duck, goose, and snake eggs and isolated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. DNC was detected by ultraviolet absorbance at 347 nm and quantitated by comparison with a calibration standard. Recoveries of DNC from fortified control chicken, duck, goose, and snake egg samples were determined for DNC levels of 0.16, 10, and 16 μg/g. The mean recoveries from chicken, duck, goose, and snake eggs were 92±4, 88±9, 87±7, and 95 ±6%, respectively. The method limits of detection for DNC in chicken, duck, goose, and snake eggs ranged from 0.015 to 0.035 μg/g. The reported method is …

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Evaluation Of Gnrh Contraceptive Vaccine In Captive Feral Swine In Florida, G. Killian, L. Miller, J. Rhyan, T. Dees, D. Perry, H. Doten Jan 2003

Evaluation Of Gnrh Contraceptive Vaccine In Captive Feral Swine In Florida, G. Killian, L. Miller, J. Rhyan, T. Dees, D. Perry, H. Doten

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We evaluated a GnRH contraceptive vaccine in penned feral swine that were captured throughout Florida. In March 2002, pigs (~7-30kg) were segregated by sex and assigned to two GnRH treatments, given as a single IM injection in the rump using AdjuVac adjuvant. Ten males and 9 females received 1000μg GnRH-KLH; 10 males and 9 females received 2000μg GnRHKLH. Untreated males and females served as controls. In mid-June 2002, blood was taken and males and females were combined into two large breeding pens. Animals were euthanized in December and blood and tissue samples were taken. Reduced testicular and ovarian size, and …

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Oral Rabies Vaccination: Reducing Economic Uncertainty Via Response Surface Analysis, Ray T. Sterner, Matthew A. Kling, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Dennis Slate Jan 2003

Oral Rabies Vaccination: Reducing Economic Uncertainty Via Response Surface Analysis, Ray T. Sterner, Matthew A. Kling, Stephanie A. Shwiff, Dennis Slate

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Economic uncertainty surrounds the distribution of Raboral V-RG7 as an oral rabies vaccine (ORV) bait for the containment or elimination of raccoon-variant rabies in the United States. This paper describes a costs-savings model of ORV. It also describes Excel XP7 code that was prepared to compute potential net savings (NS) and benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) associated with Raboral V-RG7 bait distributions. Currently, baits and bait distributions are relatively expensive; individual baits are produced at a cost of $1.27 for federal use and typically dispensed at >75 baits/km2. Distribution is estimated at $8.62/km2, $15.80/km2, and $33.30/km2 for …

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Coyote-Activated Frightening Devices For Reducing Sheep Predation On Open Range, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Michael J. Lavelle, Steve Moyles Jan 2003

Coyote-Activated Frightening Devices For Reducing Sheep Predation On Open Range, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Michael J. Lavelle, Steve Moyles

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Domestic sheep ranching is an important agricultural industry in the United States and coyote (Canis latrans) depredation on lambs and ewes continues to challenge ranchers and agencies responsible for protecting sheep. Lethal methods used in controlling coyote depredation include aerial gunning, toxicants, trapping, and calling and shooting. Nonlethal methods include frightening devices, fences, livestock protection animals, and stringent husbandry practices. Ranchers and agencies responsible for controlling coyote depredation need frightening devices that are more effective than those currently available. We describe a field evaluation of 2 animal-activated frightening devices: an acoustic device and an acoustic device with a …

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Mycobacterial Diseases In Wildlife, Gary W. Witmer, Thomas Deliberto, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Peter Butchko Jan 2003

Mycobacterial Diseases In Wildlife, Gary W. Witmer, Thomas Deliberto, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Peter Butchko

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Mycobacterium infections occur in numerous wildlife species worldwide and this bacterial genus can also cause disease in humans and livestock. Two Mycobacterium species and one subspecies that infect wildlife are important from a wildlife damage management perspective. Mycobacterium avium, avian tuberculosis, is a ubiquitous and cosmopolitan disease of wild and domestic birds. Wild and domestic ruminants are host to M. avium paratuberculosis, also known as Johne’s disease. Finally, Mycobaterium bovis, bovine tuberculosis, is primarily associated with domestic and wild bovines and ungulates, but also infects many other species of mammals. Eradicating these diseases from wildlife populations is …

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Status Of Double-Crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax Auritus Research And Management In North America, Scott J. Werner, Shauna L. Hanisch Jan 2003

Status Of Double-Crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax Auritus Research And Management In North America, Scott J. Werner, Shauna L. Hanisch

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The Double-crested Cormorant, the most abundant of North America’s six cormorant species, has rebounded to high numbers after new extirpation in the 1960s and early 1970s. Enhanced environmental regulations and the availability of prey fishes facilitated the resurgence of Double-crested Cormorant populations by the mid-1970s and numbers have continued to increase steadily in most geographic regions through the present. The North American population of Double-crested Cormorants has been estimated at one to two million birds. Concerns about impacts of Double-crested Cormorants on aquacultural stock, sport fish populations, other birds, vegetation, private property, and local economies have been raised. Economic impacts …

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Low Mitochondrial Dna Variation In Double-Crested Cormorants In Eastern North America, Juliann L. Waits, Michael L. Avery, Mark E. Tobin, Paul L. Leberg Jan 2003

Low Mitochondrial Dna Variation In Double-Crested Cormorants In Eastern North America, Juliann L. Waits, Michael L. Avery, Mark E. Tobin, Paul L. Leberg

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Double-crested Cormorant (Phohoiornx audus) numbers are increasing throughout eastern North America. We compared variation for five portions of mtDNA to determine if genetic differences existed among portions of the breeding range that would need to be considered when formulating management programs. Sequences for four mtDNA regions were identical across sample locations: frequencies of two haplotpes of the mitochondria1 Control Region were similar across sampling locations. There is no evidence of restricted gene flow among breeding areas, or between subspecies with different migratory patterns.

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Chemical Repellents For Reducing Crop Damage By Blackbirds, Michael L. Avery, John L. Cummings Jan 2003

Chemical Repellents For Reducing Crop Damage By Blackbirds, Michael L. Avery, John L. Cummings

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Chemical repellants are intended to prevent birds from feeding on a particular food (the crop) at a given location. To be considered effective, a chemical repellent must produce 1 of 2 responses (1) depredating birds remain but feed on an alternative non-crop food item or (2) depredating birds leavc and go elsewhere to feed. The search for a safe, cost-effective chemical repellent has spanned decades. During the 1950s, 196Os, and 199Os, repellent screening programs, using captive red-winged blackbirds (Aaelaius Dboeniceus), brown-headed cowbirds (Molorhrus ater), and European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), identified numerous potentially useful compounds. …

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Predator Presence Affects The Reproductive Success Of Prey In Outdoor Conditions, Sergey V. Naidenko, Svetlana V. Naidenko, Larry Clark, Vera V. Voznessenskaya Jan 2003

Predator Presence Affects The Reproductive Success Of Prey In Outdoor Conditions, Sergey V. Naidenko, Svetlana V. Naidenko, Larry Clark, Vera V. Voznessenskaya

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

The reproductive outcomes of laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) housed at different distances (2, 20 and 80 m) from a predator (Lynx lynx) were investigated. Virgin female (n = 120) and m3ie (n = 40) rats of an outbred laboratory population were used for the experiments. Groups of rats (one male and three females) were housed in standard cages in close proximity to the predator Litter size, sex ratio. number of live pups, number of placental scars and corpora lurea were counted; and pre- and post-implantation losses were calculated for each female. The reproductive success …

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A Review Of Pathogens Of Agricultural And Human Health Interest Found In Blackbirds, Larry Clark, Robert G. Mclean Jan 2003

A Review Of Pathogens Of Agricultural And Human Health Interest Found In Blackbirds, Larry Clark, Robert G. Mclean

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Because of their numbers and close association with humans and agriculture. the role of blackbirds in disease transmission has been of concern. Unfortunately fear systematic and quantitative studies have been carried out that bear on this issue. We review the extant literature on zoonoses and pathogens of agricultural concern where there is documented evidence for the involvement of blackbirds and starlings. It is clear that blackbirds can exacerbate levels of risk for failures in agricultural biosecurity and human health. To what degree these levels of risk are raised is largely unknown and should be the focus of future studies because …

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