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Nesting Ecology And Productivity Of The Cuban Sandhill Crane On The Isle Of Youth, Cuba, Xiomara Galvez Aguilera, Vicente Berovides Alvarez, Felipe Chavez-Ramirez Jan 2005

Nesting Ecology And Productivity Of The Cuban Sandhill Crane On The Isle Of Youth, Cuba, Xiomara Galvez Aguilera, Vicente Berovides Alvarez, Felipe Chavez-Ramirez

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We studied nesting ecology and productivity of the Cuban sandhill crane in the Isle of Youth Cuba between 1997-2003. The nesting season extended from late march through June, but due to variable weather conditions could begin in February or extend through July. Overall, 71.1% of nests located produced eggs, while 84.1% of nests with eggs hatched at least one chick. Mean clutch size was 1.72 eggs. There were significant differences in hatching rates (G = 19.05, P < 0.01) and successful nests between years (G = 9.59, P < 0.10). Chicks/successful nest and rainfall during the breeding period (r = 0.6) were positively correlated. Percent successful nests was negatively correlated with total rainfall during the breeding season (r = -0.50). Causes of egg or nest failure included nest abandonment, predation, flooding, and infertility. In regards to breeding biology we recorded feather painting prior to nesting activity, false nests, and a re-nesting attempt after nest destruction. All nests were built on dry land. Cranes selected four of 11 habitat types present in the study area for nesting: open savannah (SNA) (24.2%), semi-closed natural savannah (SSC) (50.67%), open pine woodland (SPPA) (17.7%), and secondary savannah (SS) (7.7%). Palm density, seedlings, and forbs were lower at nest sites compared to random points, while ground cover of sand and litter was greater at nest sites. There were no significant differences in frequency of plant species among nest sites and random points (G = 3.78, P > 0.05). Tree species richness was less at nest sites, likely due to dominance of Tabebuia lepiodphylla and Byrsonima crassifolia species. Significant differences (G …


Definition Of Subpopulations Within Mid-Continent Sandhill Cranes: A Nuclear Approach, K. L. Jones, G. L. Krapu, D. Brandt, M. V. Ashley Jan 2005

Definition Of Subpopulations Within Mid-Continent Sandhill Cranes: A Nuclear Approach, K. L. Jones, G. L. Krapu, D. Brandt, M. V. Ashley

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The evolution and population dynamics of migratory sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) have been the subject of many studies. Although these previous studies have made significant progress explaining sandhill evolution on a large scale, they have been insufficient to explain the geographically partitioned variation in morphology seen in this species. The objective of this study is to quantify the population structure and/or gene flow within and between migratory sandhills using 12 microsatellite DNA loci and 192 samples collected across three populations. Contrary to the lower rates of gene flow seen between the three major migratory populations, high rates of …


Annual Movements Of Pacific Coast Sandhill Cranes, Gary L. Ivey, Caroline P. Herziger, Thomas J. Hoffmann Jan 2005

Annual Movements Of Pacific Coast Sandhill Cranes, Gary L. Ivey, Caroline P. Herziger, Thomas J. Hoffmann

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The subspecies composition of migratory sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) which stage and winter along the Lower Columbia River in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington is uncertain, but may include all 3 using the Pacific Flyway: lesser (G. c. canadensis), Canadian (G. c. rowani), and greater (G. c. tabida). However, the status of rowani has been debated. During 2001-02, we captured and marked 8 cranes using a noose line trapping technique, and attached Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTTs) to 6 to ascertain locations of their breeding areas, migration corridors and winter sites. Morphometric data …


Capture Of Sandhill Cranes Using Alpha-Chloralose, Matthew A. Hayes, Barry K. Hartup, Jeanne Marie Pittman, Jeb A. Barzen Jan 2005

Capture Of Sandhill Cranes Using Alpha-Chloralose, Matthew A. Hayes, Barry K. Hartup, Jeanne Marie Pittman, Jeb A. Barzen

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

From 1990 – 2001, 188 captures of 166 different greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were made through the experimental use of alpha-chloralose (AC) in Wisconsin (Hayes et al., 2003). Captures occurred in August (n = 28, 15%), September (n = 136, 72%) and October (n = 24, 13%). Capture of all members in the target social group was relatively high (59%). Territorial pairs were captured more successfully (2 of 2 cranes were captured 69% of the time) than family groups (3 of 3 cranes were captured 50% of the time, and 4 of 4 cranes were captured …


An Obligation To Publish, Stephen A. Nesbitt Jan 2005

An Obligation To Publish, Stephen A. Nesbitt

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

To be justifiable any wildlife study should strive to attain and describe new knowledge or refine existing understanding. Published results of field studies are often the products that conclude the study, though not always. But, as E.O. Wilson wrote in Consiliance: The Unity of Knowledge, “One of the structures of the scientific ethos is that a discovery does not exist until it is safely reviewed and in print.” Putting knowledge to page requires effort and, frequently, the abandonment of ones own ego. However, ego notwithstanding, this is not the only reason to publish research findings. Whether we are trying to …


Injuries And Abnormalities Of Sandhill Cranes Captured In Florida, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Marilyn G. Spalding, Stephen T. Schwikert Jan 2005

Injuries And Abnormalities Of Sandhill Cranes Captured In Florida, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Marilyn G. Spalding, Stephen T. Schwikert

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Observations of gross pathological abnormalities were made during handling of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) captured for banding in Florida. One hundred fifty-six of 1,331 (11.7%) cranes examined showed evidence of one or more anomalies that were the result of disease, congenital deformity, or injury. Most frequent were abnormalities of the legs and feet, followed by abnormalities of the bill. Injuries of the eyes, head, and neck were also noted. Many of these birds were observed subsequent to banding and survived for several years with their injuries, though some never succeeded in reproducing.


International Crane Foundation Sponsored Environmental Education: Conservation Of The Cuban Sandhill Crane, Korie M. Klink Jan 2005

International Crane Foundation Sponsored Environmental Education: Conservation Of The Cuban Sandhill Crane, Korie M. Klink

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) has supported crane conservation, education and research activities in Cuba since 1995. Groups of American educators and researchers visit the island, contributing to annual crane festivals, school activities, survey work, assessments and cross-cultural communication. The goals of ICF’s environmental education program in Cuba are to: Disseminate information about ICF and crane conservation to American and Cuban educators and students, and to empower them to carry on ICF’s mission in their classrooms and communities; Participate actively in the Cuban Crane Festival while interacting with and supporting Cuban educators, biologists, and professionals; Develop activities, educational programs and …


Genetic Assessment Of Non-Migratory Sandhill Crane Populations, K. L. Jones, F. Chavez-Ramirez, X. Galvez-Aguilera, L. Torella, M. V. Ashley Jan 2005

Genetic Assessment Of Non-Migratory Sandhill Crane Populations, K. L. Jones, F. Chavez-Ramirez, X. Galvez-Aguilera, L. Torella, M. V. Ashley

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Partial migration, the tendency of a segment of a population to remain resident while others migrate between their seasonal breeding and wintering ranges, is well known for many bird species. The objective of this study is to quantify the population structure and historical and recent gene flow patterns among non-migratory sandhills using microsatellite DNA genotyping of a large number of sandhills collected from six populations; and to assess if the population subdivisions are consistent with theories of partial migration. Our results indicate a complex web of gene flow within non-migratory populations, as well as between migratory and non-migratory populations. Gene …


Proceedings Of The Ninth North American Crane Workshop, January 17–20, 2003, Table Of Contents Jan 2005

Proceedings Of The Ninth North American Crane Workshop, January 17–20, 2003, Table Of Contents

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

No abstract provided.


Reintroduction Techniques: Post-Release Performance Of Sandhill Cranes (1) Released Into Wild Flocks And (2) Led On Migration By Ultralight Aircraft, Richard P. Urbanek, Joseph W. Duff, Scott R. Swengel, Lara E. A. Fondow Jan 2005

Reintroduction Techniques: Post-Release Performance Of Sandhill Cranes (1) Released Into Wild Flocks And (2) Led On Migration By Ultralight Aircraft, Richard P. Urbanek, Joseph W. Duff, Scott R. Swengel, Lara E. A. Fondow

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Two methods of reintroducing a migratory population of whooping cranes (Grus americana) were tested with costume/ isolation-reared juvenile greater sandhill cranes (G. canadensis tabida): (1) release into wild flocks during autumn staging and (2) leading on autumn migration by ultralight aircraft. Birds in the first group were released singly, and all integrated quickly into the wild flocks and adopted similar behavioral patterns. Birds in the second group were led to winter on an inland site on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Most of the birds led by ultralight aircraft remained in their juvenile cohort through the …


Sandhill Crane Use Of Managed Chufa Wetlands In New Mexico, John P. Taylor, Loren M. Smith Jan 2005

Sandhill Crane Use Of Managed Chufa Wetlands In New Mexico, John P. Taylor, Loren M. Smith

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Natural wetland food plants help meet energetic requirements for sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis). Chufa (Cyperus esculentus) tubers were found to be a prominent item in the winter diet of cranes in New Mexico and Texas. In 1996 and 1997, chufa production was compared among mowing, discing, and sustained-flooding treatments intended to enhance chufa tuber growth. Sandhill crane numbers were monitored on wetlands during winter flooding to determine treatment preferences. No differences in sandhill crane use of treated wetlands were found in 1996, however in 1997, crane use was higher on disked field than sustained flood fields …


An Adaptive Approach To Channel Management On The Platte River, Kent Pfeiffer, Paul Currier Jan 2005

An Adaptive Approach To Channel Management On The Platte River, Kent Pfeiffer, Paul Currier

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The mission of the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust is to protect and manage habitat in the Platte valley for whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and other migratory birds. The plan for meeting this mission calls for the creation and maintenance of eleven habitat complexes distributed through the central Platte valley. Each habitat complex is intended to consist of 1,000 ha of wet meadows and adjacent roost habitat of open, unvegetated river channel. Reduced flows in the river have caused its channel to narrow with banks that are often heavily wooded. Formerly mobile sand bars have stabilized and support dense …


Migration Chronology, Routes, And Distribution Of Pacific Flyway Population Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Michael J. Petrula, Thomas C. Rothe Jan 2005

Migration Chronology, Routes, And Distribution Of Pacific Flyway Population Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Michael J. Petrula, Thomas C. Rothe

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Managers of migratory game birds require accurate information about bird movements to delineate populations, protect important habitats, and regulate harvest. Data describing movements of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) belonging to the Pacific Flyway Population (PFP) are lacking. We used satellite telemetry to monitor movements of PFP lesser sandhill cranes (Grus c. canadensis) captured in the upper Cook Inlet and Bristol Bay regions of Alaska. Satellite transmitters were deployed on 19 flightless young (colts) and 3 adults over 3-years (2000-2002). Chronology, routes, and stopover or staging areas were identified for fall and spring migration periods. On average, …


Natural Fertility In Whooping Cranes And Mississippi Sandhill Cranes At Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Jane M. Nicolich, George F. Gee, David H. Ellis, Scott G. Hereford Jan 2001

Natural Fertility In Whooping Cranes And Mississippi Sandhill Cranes At Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Jane M. Nicolich, George F. Gee, David H. Ellis, Scott G. Hereford

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The first fertile whooping crane (Grus americana; WC) egg produced through natural breeding at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (patuxent) was laid in 1991. Prior to that time, all fertile whooping crane eggs were the result of artificial insemination. Since 1991, eight different whooping crane pairs at Patuxent have produced fertile eggs through natural breeding. Mean fertility averages over years for each pair range from 40% to 93%. Fertility rates for each pair also vary greatly between years, from 0% to 100%, but the causes of the variance are unknown. Experiences with natural fertility in Mississippi sandhill cranes (G …


Counting Cranes: How Much Effort Is Enough?, Douglas H. Johnson, Roderick C. Drewien, Douglas S. Benning Jan 2001

Counting Cranes: How Much Effort Is Enough?, Douglas H. Johnson, Roderick C. Drewien, Douglas S. Benning

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Accurate population estimates of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are important because management decisions, such as establishing hunting regulations, are based on those estimates. Counts often are made during aerial surveys when the cranes are congregated. A complete census may be feasible if the area to be surveyed is small and adequate resources are available. For large areas, resources may be inadequate for a census so partial counts (sample surveys) are made. Because cranes are gregarious, the counts in a sample of units may contain either a disproportionately large, or a disproportionately small, fraction of the total, leading to …


Nocturnal Roost Site Selection And Diurnal Habitat Use By Sandhill Cranes During Spring In Central Nebraska, Craig A. Davis Jan 2001

Nocturnal Roost Site Selection And Diurnal Habitat Use By Sandhill Cranes During Spring In Central Nebraska, Craig A. Davis

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

During spring 1998 and 1999, the Platte River Whooping Crane Maintenance Trust conducted ground and aerial surveys of staging sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis; hereafter, cranes) to detennine roost site selection and habitat-use patterns along a l20-Ian stretch of the Platte River in south-central Nebraska. Cranes peaked at 232,023 during 22-28 March 1998 and 206,074 during 28 Februaty-6 March 1999 in the study area, a portion of the total crane staging area in the Platte River Valley. Diurnal observations showed that 48% of the cranes were in com fields, 34% in lowland grasslands, 13% in alfalfa fields, and 5% …


Hematological And Serum Chemistry Norms For Sandhill And Whooping Cranes, Glenn H. Olsen, Melina M. Hendricks, Lindsay E. Dressler Jan 2001

Hematological And Serum Chemistry Norms For Sandhill And Whooping Cranes, Glenn H. Olsen, Melina M. Hendricks, Lindsay E. Dressler

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The nonnal values used as a diagnostic tool and for comparison of cranes were established in the early 1970's. In that early study, no effort was made to look at factors such as age, sex, or subspecies. In addition, during the early study disease problems (primarily disseminated visceral coccidiosis) and nutritional problems were undiagnosed and uncontrolled. For 2 years during the annual health examinations of cranes at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (patuxent), we collected blood from healthy cranes for analysis. We found significant differences between the values reported from the 1970's and the values seen in this study …


The One-By-One Method For Releasing Cranes, David H. Ellis, Daniel P. Mummert, Richard P. Urbanek, Matthew Kinloch, Carolee Mellon, Tressa Dolbeare, Damien P. Ossi Jan 2001

The One-By-One Method For Releasing Cranes, David H. Ellis, Daniel P. Mummert, Richard P. Urbanek, Matthew Kinloch, Carolee Mellon, Tressa Dolbeare, Damien P. Ossi

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Although the trend for the past 2 decades has been toward releasing naive groups of juveniles after a lengthy acclimation period, in 5 separate releases (1996-2000) we tested the idea that naive juvenile greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) would survive better if released singly into a wild flock of predator-wary birds than if left as a group, inexperienced at foraging and ill prepared to avoiding predators. We released 3 groups of hand-reared juveniles (n = 12 [1996]; n = 8 [1998], n = 12 [1999]) into a wild flock of sandhill cranes (ca 300 birds) on wintering …


Platte River Cooperative Agreement And Proposed Program: Efforts To Protect, Restore, And Manage Habitat For Whooping Cranes, Least Terns, And Piping Plovers, Clayton Derby, Dale Strickland Jan 2001

Platte River Cooperative Agreement And Proposed Program: Efforts To Protect, Restore, And Manage Habitat For Whooping Cranes, Least Terns, And Piping Plovers, Clayton Derby, Dale Strickland

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

On 1 July 1997 the states of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado and the U.S. Department of the Interior signed the "Cooperative Agreement for Platte River Research and Other Efforts Relating to Endangered Species Habitats Along the Central Platte River, Nebraska" (Cooperative Agreement). In the Cooperative Agreement, the four parties set forth a "Proposed Platte River Recovery Implementation Program" (Program). The proposed incremental Program uses adaptive management to provide benefits to whooping cranes (Grus americana), least terns (Sterna albifrons), and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus). The proposed Program will also test the assumption that it is possible …


The Use Of Radio Transmitters To Monitor Survival Of Sandhill Crane Chicks, Marilyn G. Spalding, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Stephen T. Schwikert, Robert J. Dusek Jan 2001

The Use Of Radio Transmitters To Monitor Survival Of Sandhill Crane Chicks, Marilyn G. Spalding, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Stephen T. Schwikert, Robert J. Dusek

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

To determine cause of death of Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) chicks, in 1996-99 we glued shorttenn transmitters on newly hatched chicks. At about 10 days of age, these were replaced with surgically implanted subcutaneous transmitters in the field. Chicks were then recaptured at 55 to 65 days of age for more pennanent transmitters. This combination of transmitter configurations allowed us to track individuals through their rapid-growth period.


Lessons From The Motorized Migrations, David H. Ellis, George F. Gee, Kent R. Clegg, Joseph W. Duff, William A. Lishman, William J. L. Sladen Jan 2001

Lessons From The Motorized Migrations, David H. Ellis, George F. Gee, Kent R. Clegg, Joseph W. Duff, William A. Lishman, William J. L. Sladen

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Ten experiments have been conducted to determine if cranes can be led on migration and if those so trained will repeat migrations on their own. Results have been mixed as we have experienced the mishaps common to pilot studies. Nevertheless, we have learned many valuable lessons. Chief among these are that cranes can be led long distances behind motorized craft (air and ground), and those led over most or the entire route will return north come spring and south in fall to and from the general area of training. However, they will follow their own route. Groups transported south and …


Use Of Traditional Indian Trapping Methods To Capture Sandhill Cranes, Scott G. Hereford, Tracy E. Grazia, Meenaksid Nagendran,, Ali Hussain Jan 2001

Use Of Traditional Indian Trapping Methods To Capture Sandhill Cranes, Scott G. Hereford, Tracy E. Grazia, Meenaksid Nagendran,, Ali Hussain

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The Mississippi sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pulla) is an endangered, nonmigratory subspecies of sandhill crane located only in Jackson County, Mississippi, on and adjacent to the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. Maintaining a marked population is essential to long-term monitoring efforts. Past trapping techniques such as walk-in traps and coffin traps were useful but not effective in capturing many cranes, wary of such obvious manmade devices. In 1998, refuge personnel recruited Master Bird Trapper, Ali Hussain from India, to demonstrate his low-tech, time-tested techniques. Hussain's traps such as the clap trap and nooses were highly portable, inexpensive, …


Whooping Crane Egg Management: Options And Consequences, David H. Ellis, George F. Gee Jan 2001

Whooping Crane Egg Management: Options And Consequences, David H. Ellis, George F. Gee

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Eggs to build captive whooping crane (Grus americana) flocks and most eggs for reintroduction experiments have come from second viable eggs in 2-egg clutches in Canada. Four years ago, egg removal ceased. Based on reproductive rates for years when second eggs were removed and for years when eggs were not removed, we project numbers of young fledging in the wild and in captivity for the 2 most likely egg-management strategies. From existing data sets, we find that reproductive performance was, on average, better during the era of routine removal of the second viable eggs than when no manipulation …


Ingested Metal In Whooping Cranes: An Endoscopic Technique For Removal And Implications For The Release Program, Glenn H. Olsen, Michael Wise Jan 2001

Ingested Metal In Whooping Cranes: An Endoscopic Technique For Removal And Implications For The Release Program, Glenn H. Olsen, Michael Wise

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Since 1993 when the whooping crane (Grus americana) release program in Florida started, 21 whooping cranes at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (patuxent) have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal foreign bodies (primarily metal objects). A technique for safely removing these objects has been developed. The technique uses a flexible gastric endoscope to enter the proventriculus or ventriculus, and a snare or forceps passed down a channel of the endoscope to retrieve the foreign bodies. The technique is very successful, with the whooping crane usually back to its pen the next day. The longterm survival of the whooping cranes …


Models For The Adaptive Harvest Management Of Rocky Mountain Sandhill Cranes: Problems And Potential, William L. Kendall, Roderick C. Drewien Jan 2001

Models For The Adaptive Harvest Management Of Rocky Mountain Sandhill Cranes: Problems And Potential, William L. Kendall, Roderick C. Drewien

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The migratory Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of the greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida) breeds primarily in river valleys, marshes, and meadows of western Montana and Wyoming, southeastern Idaho, northern Utah, and northwestern Colorado. The RMP winters primarily in the Middle Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico, with smaller concentrations in the southwestern parts of that state, southeastern Arizona, and the northern highlands of Mexico. The San Luis Valley of Colorado is used as a stopover in both the spring and fall migrations. The RMP has been hunted on a permit basis since 1981, and currently these cranes …


A Reintroduction Experiment Involving Mated Pairs Of Parent-Reared Greater Sandhill Cranes In Northern Arizona, Daniel P. Mummert, David H. Ellis, Carol L. Chambers Jan 2001

A Reintroduction Experiment Involving Mated Pairs Of Parent-Reared Greater Sandhill Cranes In Northern Arizona, Daniel P. Mummert, David H. Ellis, Carol L. Chambers

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

In April 1997, 4 mated pairs of adult greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were abrupt-released at Monnon Lake, Arizona. Five of 8 adult cranes died within 10 days of release. One crane flew from the release area within 10 days after release and was never relocated. One pair of cranes, with 1 pair member sustaining a broken wing 4 days after release, survived for 4 months and demonstrated the importance of maintaining pair bonds after release. The cause of death of at least 5 birds was predation. The high immediate mortality and complete long-term mortality experienced in …


Minimum Survival Rates For Mississippi Sandhill Cranes: A Comparison Of Hand-Rearing And Parent-Rearing, David H. Ellis, George F. Gee, Glenn H. Olsen, Scott G. Hereford, Jane M. Nicolich, Nancy J. Thomas, Meenakshi Nagendran Jan 2001

Minimum Survival Rates For Mississippi Sandhill Cranes: A Comparison Of Hand-Rearing And Parent-Rearing, David H. Ellis, George F. Gee, Glenn H. Olsen, Scott G. Hereford, Jane M. Nicolich, Nancy J. Thomas, Meenakshi Nagendran

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Hand-reared (56) and parent-reared (76) juvenile Mississippi sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pulla) were produced at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (patuxent), Laurel, Maryland over a 4-year period (1989-92) and released at the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), Gautier, Mississippi in a controlled experiment. Hand-reared survival rates proved higher than for parent-reared survival for each time category: 6 months, 86% versus 75%; 1 year, 77% versus 68%; 2 years, 66% versus 53%; 3 years, 55% versus 43%: partial data for fourth and fifth years were 57% versus 31 % and 48% versus 37%.


Developing A Migratory Whooping Crane Flock, Robert H. Horwich Jan 2001

Developing A Migratory Whooping Crane Flock, Robert H. Horwich

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Research on crane reintroductions within the last 15 years has produced information necessary to effect a successful reintroduction of a migratory whooping crane (Grus americana) flock. There are 4 main problems to solve for such a reintroduction: (1) inducing a high survival rate of the reintroduced cranes, (2) encouraging normal reproduction with conspecifics, (3) teaching the reintroduced cranes the migration route, and (4) inducing fear of humans in the reintroduced cranes. Use of an isolation-rearing method by the author, using puppets, sounds, and costumes, has led to a consistent, over 80%, survival rate for the reintroduced young cranes …


The Effects Of Semen Collection On Fertility In Captive, Naturally Fertile, Sandhill Cranes, Guojun Chen, George F. Gee, Jane M. Nicolich, Joanna A. Taylor Jan 2001

The Effects Of Semen Collection On Fertility In Captive, Naturally Fertile, Sandhill Cranes, Guojun Chen, George F. Gee, Jane M. Nicolich, Joanna A. Taylor

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We tested to see if semen collection interferes with fertility in naturally fertile pairs of cranes. We used 12 naturally fertile, Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) pairs for this study, 6 control and 6 experimental. All pairs had previously produced fertile eggs. Semen was collected on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons from 26 February 1993 to 4 June 1993. We used standard artificial insemination methods to collect and to evaluate the semen and spermatozoa. Semen collection had minimal effect on semen quality and semen quantity. Semen volume, sperm density, sperm motility, sperm morphology, sperm viability, sperm number …


Multiple Spatial Scale Analysis Of Whooping Crane Habitat In Nebraska, Amy L. Richert, Kevin E. Church Jan 2001

Multiple Spatial Scale Analysis Of Whooping Crane Habitat In Nebraska, Amy L. Richert, Kevin E. Church

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technologies were used to evaluate whooping crane stopover habitat in Nebraska. The goal of the research was to investigate habitat selection at multiple spatial scales. The GIS database consisted of all confirmed whooping crane sightings reported in Nebraska from 1975-1996 and land cover information delineated from color infrared aerial photographs and Landsat Thematic Mapper data. Results suggest that whooping cranes select roost habitat by recognizing site-level and landscape-scale land cover composition. Wetland is the most strongly selected habitat type at all spatial scales examined. This presentation emphasizes methods used to analyze habitat selection …