Animal Sciences Commons^™

Siberian Tiger Species Survival Plan: A Strategy For Survival, U. S. Seal, T. F. Foose

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The wild population of Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) is estimated at about 300 in six separate populations. Since an effective population size of at least 500 is necessary for long-term survival and evolution, and since the wild populations are not going to be able to expand in their natural habitat, it is evident that a captive breeding program is necessary for sustained preservation of this form. There are 1000 living Siberian tigers in zoos; only three outside of Russia are wild-born. About 250 are in North American zoos. Although about 68 wild-caught animals have been brought into zoos, six …

Mate And Nest-Site Fidelity Among Tree Swallows In Central Minnesota, Carol Fiedler, Alfred Grewe

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Movement of tree swallows (lridoprocne bicolor) between successive breeding sites and pair bond formation was analyzed from data collected between 1965 and 1978 in central Minnesota. A lasting pair bond did not seem to exist between breeding pairs. The majority of the breeding pairs were found to separate after one year. Those that did remate usually did so in the same or an adjacent nest box. Age and reproductive success did not appear to affect whether a pair remated or divorced. Movement of the male and female the year following their mating did seem to be a factor. Males tended …

Earthworms Of Two Minnesota Forest Areas, R. O. Morgenweck, W. H. Marshall

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

This paper reviews Lumbricidae records for Minnesota and reports on two collections in northern areas of the state. The first site, Itasca State Park, lies to the northwest with "Maple-basswood representative of climax forest to the south and southeast" and " Spruce-fir stands representative of climax forest to the north and northeast" (Buell and Gordon 1945). The Cloquet Forestry Center (CFC); site of the other collection, is near Duluth, 150 miles to the east, where the forests are largely coniferous. Here seven forest types, as described by Wenstrom (1973), and known to be used by American woodcock (Philohela minor), were …

A Vertebrate Survey Of Kasota Prairie, Kenneth Hessenius

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Kasota Prairie is a 30-acre tract of near-virgin prairie in Le Seur County, Minnesota. The vertebrate population at the prairie was studied to determine its significance as habitat for those species. Several species of birds which require prairie or prairie-like habitat were found to be nesting there. Many other avian species also utilize the area for feeding purposes. Small mammal populations were highly influenced by annual prairie maintenance burning.

Aquaculture In Cooling Water Recirculated From A Generating Plant, John G. Woiwode, Ira R. Adelman

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Recirculating cooling water from an electric generating plant accumulated dissolved and suspended solids up to ten times that of the make-up water from the Mississippi River. Channel catfish (lctalurus punctatus) and tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) were grown In the cooling water, in clear well water, and in a mixture of the two for seven months as part of an investigation of the use of cooling water for commercial aquaculture. Health of both species was generally excellent in test and control waters; growth was commercially acceptable; bioaccumulation of contaminants was negligible. Organoleptic taste quality was not acceptable, although the cause of the …

Minnesota Colonial Waterbird Nesting Site Inventory, Carrol L. Henderson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Since colonial nesting waterbirds comprise an Important portion of Minnesota's avifauna, it Is important to establish an accurate Inventory of their nesting areas. Knowledge of the status of these species can be used to assess the level of the state's environmental quality. The inventory is also useful in aiding planners and developers so that undesirable impacts on colonies can be avoided or minimized. The Nongame Wildlife Program in the Department of Natural Resources has identified 239 colony sites in Minnesota which are occupied by 16 species. This Inventory process is the first step necessary to carry out future research, management, …

Utilization Of Wood Duck Nest Boxes By Wildlife Near Cohasset, Minnesota, Robert T. Bohm

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Twenty-seven wood duck boxes located along the Mississippi River near Cohasset, Minnesota were monitored for winter and spring wildlife use from 198o-1982. During these three yearn, overall nest box use was 84 percent, 72 percent, and 82 percent, respectively; winter utilization was 44 percent, 56 percent, and 68 percent; spring utilization was 48 percent, 44 percent, and 37 percent. Most winter use was by red squirrels, gray squirrels, and starlings. Principal spring use was by wood ducks and common goldeneyes, During the course of the study, wood duck use decreased and common goldeneye use Increased. Aspects of the nesting season …

Browse Use By Eastern Cottontails In A S.E. Minnesota Farmstead Shelterbelt, Robert K. Swihart, Richard H. Yahner

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Use of woody vegetation as winter food by eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) was investigated in a southeastern Minnesota farmstead shelterbelt. Cottontails browsed on 11 species but exhibited a clear preference only for gooseberry (Ribes spp). When snow covered herbaceous vegetation during late winter, cottontails relied more heavily on high fiber, lower protein woody browse. Shelterbelt management that allows invasion of gooseberry and blackcap raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) provides winter food for cottontails and may reduce damage to planted trees.

Aquaculture In Recirculating Cooling Water From An Electric Generating Plant, John G. Woiwode, Ira R. Adelman

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Recirculating cooling water from an electric generating plant accumulated dissolved and suspended solids up to ten times that of the make-up water from the Mississippi River. Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) were grown in the cooling water, in clear well water, and in a mixture of the two for seven months as part of an investigation of the use of cooling water for commercial aquaculture. Health of both species was generally excellent In test and control waters; growth was commercially acceptable; bioaccumulation of contaminants was negligible. Organoleptic quality was not acceptable, although the cause of the off-flavor …

Alternative Hypotheses On Ecological Effects Of Meningeal Parasite (Parelaphostrongylus Tenuis), Glen F. Cole

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

P. tenuis is a ubiquitous parasite of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) that can cause mortality in woodland caribou (Rangerifer tarandus) and moose (Alces alces). A hypothesis that P. tenuis prevents overlapping distributions of these species in southern boreal regions was inconsistent with distribution records. A revised hypothesis that P. tenuis does not prevent overlapping distributions if deer exist at natural densities was consistent with these records but did not state the parasite's ecological effects. A hypothesis that P. tenuis allows deer to outcompete woodland caribou or moose on portions of natural environments or in man-modified environments where deer densities are …

Distribution Of Small Mammals On The Apostle Islands, Gail E. Kantak

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Five weeks of small mammal trapping on the Apostle Islands in 1978 yielded few captures. The low capture rate was attributed to low invasion rates and high extinction rates. Distribution records of small mammal species on individual islands were compiled from studies conducted as early as 1917. The distribution of many small mammal species on these islands remains largely undocumented, and further study is desirable before the patterns are disrupted by human activity.

Observations Of Diatom Populations In The Snake River, Minnesota, Donald G. Kaddatz, Keith M. Knutson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Nesting Ecology Of The Red-Winged Blackbird In North Central Minnesota, Daniel W. Moulton

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Reproductive success of a Red-winged Blackbird population nesting in marsh-like habitat In north central Minnesota was estimated. Territorial defense by males began in late April, and nest initiation occurred from mid-May through about mid-July. Nest-starts appeared to be divided into two categories: initial attempts which occurred in late May with a high degree of synchrony, and renesting attempts which occurred from about June 4-July 8, The nesting season lasted only about two months. A minimum of 20 percent of marked females renested on the study area, and others may have renested elsewhere. Three of the six females that renested switched …

Age Study Of Minnesota Red Fox Using Cementum Annulae Counts And Tooth X-Rays, Dennis E. Simon, Merrill J. Frydendall

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

A prerequisite to the proper management of an animal species is understanding of its population dynamics. Attempting this, the age structure of 297 red fox trapped or shot in southern Minnesota was investigated, using the techniques of tooth sectioning and x-ray. Results from two seasons (1977 and 1978) were similar, with 76.8 percent of the harvested population being juveniles (78.4 percent, 1977 and 74.6 percent, 1978), whereas only 0 .6 percent of the total were in the 4½ year old class. The percentage of juveniles corresponds closely to the numbers predicted by a Department of Natural Resources model developed by …

Ultrastructural Features Of Spicules Of Five Species Of Minnesota Sponges, Louise A. Rollins, Lynn C. Hyland

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Winter Sampling Of Benthic Stream Fishes In Minnesota With A One-Man Net, James E. Erickson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Newly designed one-man nets were used extensively between 1973 and 1977 to collect fishes in a variety of stream habitats in southeastern Minnesota. They proved to be especially effective In winter sampling of benthic stream fishes such as Etheostome zonale, Etheostome ceeruleum, Percina phoxocephala, Percina shumardi, Percina caprodes, Rhinichthyes cataractae, and Noturus flavus. Effectiveness and potential importance of these one-man nets as winter sampling devices was demonstrated during three consecutive winters of use In the Cannon River at Welch, Goodhue County, Minnesota.

Macroinvertebrate Populations In The Upper Mississippi River, David R. Mcconville

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The macroinvertebrate community of the Mississippi River near Monticell, Minnesota, was examined for 22 months. Quantitative bottom fauna information was obtained by use of concrete block artificial substrate sampling units. Representative organisms were obtained from seven (7) orders, 15 families and 35 genera of benthic macroinvertebrates. All taxa collected displayed definite seasonal trends. The Orders Trichoptera, Diptera, and Ephemeroptera were the most abundant groups collected, Trichoptera (Hydropsyche and Cheumatopsyche) were the dominant members of the benthic population in both numbers and biomass. Midges and blackflies were the dominant Diptera. Pseudocloeon, Stenonema, and Ephemerella were the most frequently collected mayflies.

Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorhynchus) In The Minnesota River, Paul Durkee, Brian Paulson, Robert Bellig

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The shovelnose sturgeon, Scaphirhyncus platorhyncus, according to Eddy and Underhill (1974) has not been reported from the Minnesota River for a number of years. Recently, Wilcox et. al. (1978) reported a single adult taken in 1974, and two others in 1976. Our survey of the fishes in the Minnesota River showed a substantial number of shovelnose sturgeon, at least in certain locations. Twenty specimens were taken in 42 gill net days. Other data obtained included food habits and age-length relationships. Food habits were determined through volumetric analysis of stomach contents, and ages were obtained by sectioning the marginal pectoral fin …

Nesting And Brood Rearing Habitat Of The Upland Sandpiper, John C. Dorio, Alfred H. Grewe

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

The upland sandpiper population breeding in Morrison county in central Minnesota was studied in 1975 and 1976. Nests were found in old fields (73 percent), pastures (20 percent), and in a sedge-grass meadow (7 percent). Most nests were discovered in vegetation 22.5 to 35.0 cm tall and on the average were 13.2 m. from an aspen or willow edge. Seven grasses and 23 forbs made up the plant species composition at 14 nest-sites. Brood rearing areas were old fields and over-grazed pastures. Upland sandpipers prefer to feed in vegetation that does not exceed 10 cm.

Distribution And Ecology Of Orconectes Iowaensis Fitzpatrick And Orconectes Rusticus (Girard) In Minnesota, Gary S. Phillips, Larry A. Reis

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

During 1979, a field study was conducted to determine the species of crayfish present in southern Minnesota. Specimens of Orconectes iowaensis Fitzpatrick, Orconectes rusticus (Girard), and Orconectes virilis (Hagen) were collected. These represent new state records for O. iowaensis and O. rusticus. O. iowaensis appears restricted to the Root River drainage system in extreme southeastern Minnesota. O. rusticus was found in the West Fork of the Des Moines River in southwestern Minnesota and the Cedar River drainage system in south central Minnesota. Notes on the ecology of these species are included.

The Effects Of Dieldrin On Chickens, Sondra Severson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

In this study, insecticide residues in chicken eggs, livers, and fats were monitored in a flock of chickens for seventy-nine days. The test group was fed dieldrin in their drinking water for eighteen days and then was returned to normal water for forty-two more days. The sacrificed birds of the test group showed a 0.39 ppm average increase in dieldrin residue in the eggs, 0 .14 ppm in the livers and 9.54ppm in the fats when compared with the control eggs. livers and fats respectively. The I-test calculations showed these results to be significant.

Observations of the embryos from the …

Vasectomization & Colloidal Particle Uptake By Cells Of The Caput Epididymis, Gaylan Smith, Wayne A. Becker

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

India ink was injected into the rete testes of 15 male mice and 15 male rats. The progress of the particulate matter through the epididymis was examined by histological methods at intervals from 4 to 24 hours. Preliminary observations suggest that vasectomization does not alter the ability of the proximal caput epididymis to absorb particulate matter.

Fish Species, Some Uncommon, Collected From The Lower Minnesota River, Daniel B. Wilcox, Bruce D. Lorenz, Vincent Kranz

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Fish collections were made in the lower Minnesota River in the vicinity of the Black Dog Generating Plant and at the intake structure of the plant from April, 1976, to April, 1977 as part of a section 316(b) demonstration study. Composition of the fish community of the area is reported along with notes on several species whose occurrence was considered unusual . New information on the occurrence of river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio Rafinesque) and river darter (Percina shumardi, Girard) to the Minnesota River is also presented.

Mammals Of Southwestern Minnesota, Carl H. Ernst, Lee French

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Ranges of the 45 wild mammals occuring in southwestern Minnesota are discussed and documented. Eight other species that either formerly occurred in the area or might exist but have not yet been documented also are considered. Seven species are recorded from southwestern Minnesota for the first time: Scalopus aquaticus, Myotis keenii, Lasionycteris noctivagans, Marmota monax, Spermophilus franklinii, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, and Rattus norvegicus.

Revised Distribution Records Of Some Minnesota Fishes, Craig P. Anderson, James E. Erickson, Jon Ross, James C. Undershill

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Recent collections of fishes from Minnesota have resulted in the addition of one species, Fundulus sciadicus (Cyprinodontidae), to the state's inland faunal list. Additional information on the distribution of 12 other species (Notropis topeka, Notropis spilooterus, Ictiobus byprinellus, Carpiodes byprinus, Moxostoma valenciennesi, Notorus flavus, Morone chrysops, Lepomis megalotis, Stizostedion canadense, Percina shumardi, Etheostoma caeruleum, and Cottus bairdi) is presented. These new records are the result of field work in the Missouri River, Red River, and Lake Superior drainage systems of Minnesota.

Impact Of Dog Predation On Minnesota Whitetail Deer, Terry John Kreeger

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

A survey was conducted among conservation officers in Minnesota to investigate predation by dogs (Canis familiaris) on the whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the distribution of dog-killed deer within the state. Of the 124 conservation officers checked, 95 confirmed 407 deer killed by dogs from April 1, 1975, through March 31, 1976. Officers also received 1,483 complaints of dogs chasing deer and 626 dogs were destroyed in this activity. Ninety-four percent of these dogs were thought to be domestic, as opposed to feral. The effects of long-distance chases of deer by dogs, prey selectivity and the profile of the free-roaming …

Morone Chrysops (Rafinesque): The White Bass In Lake Superior, Jay T. Hatch, Byron F. Clark

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

On August 18, 1975, a young-of-the-year white bass, Morone chrysops was beach seined from Lake Superior at Marquette, Michigan. This is the first reported occurrence of the species in Lake Superior or its tributaries since an unverifiable sighting about 1880. Most likely the species has been recently introduced or has migrated through the St. Mary's River from Lake Huron or Lake Michigan.

Chlorofluorocarbon Effects On Cardiac, Pulmonary, And Respiratory Patients, Mildred E. Olson

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

Research results from studies of the physiological effects of aerosal propellants on animals and people are summarized. The papers selected for this summary were published between 1968 and 1975. Effects of the 15 chlorofluorocarbons used as propellants have been recorded on the cardiac, pulmonary and respiratory functions of a number of animal species as well as man. The fifteen propellants have been classified into four groups on the basis of their degree of toxicity. Fluorocarbon 11, the most frequently used propellant, is in group 1, the most toxic. The relative toxicity of each of the 14 other propellants compared with …

Comparison Of Artificial Substrates In Bottom Fauna Studies On A Large River, David R. Mcconville

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

During the summer of 1974, five types of artificial substrates and grab sampling were evaluated for sampling efficiency in pool No. 3 of the Upper Mississippi River. A total of 35 taxa of organisms were collected by the different techniques. Ponar grab sampling collected representatives of only eight taxa, whereas concrete block samplers collected 22 taxa . Intermediate in taxonomic collection were the Hester-Dendy samplers with 21 taxa, the barbecue basket samplers with 20 taxa, the Miller samplers with 17 taxa, and conservation webbing with 12 taxa. The barbecue basket samplers were the most productive, yielding at least five times …

Studies On Schistosome Dermatitis ('Swimmer's Itch") In Minnesota, Donald E. Gilbertson, Richard Wedlund

Journal of the Minnesota Academy of Science

A preliminary study was conducted to determine the causative agents of schistosome dermatitis ( "swimmer's itch") in Minnesota and to determine the incidence schistosome infection in vector snails. A total of 1180 snails were collected from ten different localities, eight of which were sites of known schistosome activity . The incidence of schistosome infection in snails from individual areas was always less than 10 percent. Cercariae of Trichobilharzia ocellata from Lymnaea stagnalis were the most frequently-found schistosomes in our study.