Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons^™

Vocalizations Of Sandhill Cranes, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Richard A. Bradley

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The structure and context of 20 vocalizations given by adult or juvenile sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are described. Purr calls were given under various circumstances (e.g., pre-flight, feeding, aggression) and communicated information over a short distance. Flight calls, guard calls, and urtison calls were full-voiced calls that carried information over greater distances. Calls given in flight were distinguishable from other calls. Guard calls were given in several different circumstances and served multiple functions; other calls were given in very specific contexts. Beyond the basic communication of information to other cranes, vocalizations may function in mate selection and in …

Computer Simulations Of Possible Futures For Two Flocks Of Whooping Cranes, Claire M. Mirande, John R. Cannon, Kimberly Agzigian, Rozanne E. Bogart, Sarah Christiansen, Jason Dubow, A. Katya Fernandez, Dustin K. Howarth, Claudia Jones, Katherine G. Munson, Sonal I. Pandya, Gina Sedaghatkish, Kevin L. Skerl, Susan A. Stenquist, Jennifer Wheeler

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We conducted computer simulations using the program VORTEX (version 7) to project population sizes, growth rates, genetic diversity, and probabilities of extinction over the next 100 years for 2 flocks of whooping cranes (Grus americana), the Aransas/Wood Buffalo population and the experimental Florida population. Standard runs based on best estimates of demographic. genetic, and environmental parameter values were used as a baseline to which several alternative scenarios were compared. Results generally supported the conclusion of the earlier Population Viability Assessment (Mirande et al. 1991) that the AransaslWood Buffalo population will continue to grow steadily with less than a …

Use Of Dredged Material To Construct Winter Whooping Crane Habitat, Darrell E. Evans, Thomas V. Stehn

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and nearby coastal marshes serve as the winter home for the only natural flock of whooping cranes (Grus americana), In recent years shoreline erosion and the subsequent loss of wintering habitat have been observed on the refuge adjacent to the GulfIntracoastal Waterway (GIWW). In 1988 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) District, Galveston, Texas, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) entered into an informal agreement to attempt to slow shoreline/habitat loss on the refuge. Efforts to curtail habitat loss have included armoring the most erosive reaches with temporary concrete erosion control …

The Effect Of Disturbance On The Reproduction And Management Of Captive Cranes, Claire M. Mirande, James W. Carpenter, Ann M. Burke

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

A retrospective analysis of egg laying histories and observations of crane pairs at the International Crane Foundation and the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center indicates that disturbance associated with captivity has adverse impacts on captive breeding. Females on public display laid significantly fewer eggs than those off display (P < 0.05). Crane pairs moved to other pens (other than adjacent pens) or hetween facilities laid slightly fewer eggs than those birds which were not moved. although the results were not statistically significant (P = 0.188). Pen design and construction also appeared to have adverse impacts on breeding. In addition, human activities, intraspecific interactions, and rearing methods influence a bird's response to disturbance, and, therefore, these factors must also be considered in an effective crane management program. Modifying procedures to minimize disturbance, timing necessary disturbances after the breeding and molt seasons, and carefully monitoring birds for signs of stress can result in increased reproductive potential for captive, endangered cranes.

Use Of Cross-Fostered Whooping Cranes As Guide Birds, Roderick C. Drewien, Wendy L. Munroe, Kent R. Clegg, Wendy M. Brown

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We tested the use of wild, cross-fostered, adult whooping cranes (Grus americana) as guide birds to adopt and lead young whooping cranes on a predetermined migration route in the Rocky Mountains. We captured 3 wild adults (1 male and 1 female in 1993, 1 male in 1994) during winter at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (Bosque NWR), New Mexico, and moved them to captive facilities 80 kIn from Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge (Grays Lake), Idaho, where they had originally been raised by sandhill crane (G. canadensis) foster parents. Adults were held for 6.75-7 …

Western Australian Fisheries - The Way Forward (1997), Western Australian Fisheries

Fisheries Published Reports

Western Australia's fisheries have a bright future.

The State has a pristine marine environment which is enjoyed by both commercial and recreational fishing interests, and the wider community.

There are over 600,000 Western Australians for whom recreational fishing is a favourite pastime and each year they contribute an estimated $500 million to the State's economy. As the popularity of recreational fishing continues to rise so does the sector's importance in overall management of our fisheries.

The commercial industry contributes about $1 billion annually, derived from a wide variety of fish stocks, the major ones being rock lobster, prawns, scallops, abalone …

Identification Of Potential Reintroduction Sites For Whooping Cranes In The Prairie Provinces Of Canada, Dale G. Hjertaas, Brian W. Johns, Wendy J. Lyon

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Action 2.3.3.2.2.1 of the national recovery plan for the whooping crane (Grus americana) calls for the establishment of an independent flock of whooping cranes in Canada, separate from the Wood Buffalo-Aransas flock, that attains a minimum of 25 breeding pairs by 2020 A. D. Potential reintroduction sites include the Prairie Provinces and possibly parts of western Ontario (Edwards et al. 1994). The first step in completing this action is to identify potential reintroduction sites in the 3 Prairie Provinces. We initially screened areas suggested to us by government and Ducks Unlimited biologists. The most important screening criteria were …

Lake Winona Committee Documents, Cal R. Fremling

Cal Fremling Papers

Documents for the Lake Winona Committee, including meeting agendas and memos, handwritten notes, and a news clipping from the Winona Daily News concerning a funding plan for dredging Lake Winona. 8 pages. Part of the Cal R. Fremling Collection.

Swimming Behavior In The Fox Squirrel, Sciurus Niger (Rodentia: Sciuridae), From Northeastern Arkansas, Stanley E. Trauth, David H. Jamieson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Revised Status Of Rare And Endangered Unionaea (Mollusca: Margaritiferidae, Unionidae) In Arkansas, John L. Harris, Peter J. Rust, Alan D. Christian, William R. Posey Ii, Chris L. Davidson, George L. Harp

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Harris and Gordon (1987) reviewed the distribution and status of 18 rare and /or endangered unionacean bivalve species (commonly referred to as clams, mussels, freshwater mussels, naiads) that occur or have occurred in Arkansas. They discussed four species that were federally listed as endangered, four species that were considered endangered or extirpated within Arkansas, four species considered threatened within Arkansas, four species of special concern within Arkansas, and two species for which the conservation status was considered uncertain due to questions regarding taxonomic validity. Numerous unionacean field surveys have been performed during 1986 1996, and a substantial database of new …

Age, Growth And Condition Of Largemouth Bass, Micropterus Salmoides, Of Lake Ashbaugh, Arkansas, Ronald L. Johnson, Rosalyne M. Davis

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The population size structure, length at age and condition of 140 largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, were studied for Lake Ashbaugh, Arkansas. Scales and otoliths were used for age and length at age determination of individual bass. Length at age was determined by back-calculation and relative weight was used to measure condition. The Lake Ashbaugh population is dominated by young, slow growing bass in poor condition. Ninety-one percent of the largemouth bass in Lake Ashbaugh were less than four years of age, with age 3+ bass serving as the dominant year class. Proportional and relative stock density values were 25 and …

Survey Of Mollusca (Bivalva: Unionacea) Inhabiting Myatt Creek, Fulton County, Arkansas, Chris L. Davidson, George L. Harp, John L. Harris

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

A Taxonomic Study Of The Class Insecta In The Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area With Notes On The Life History Of Belostoma Lutarium (Stal), And Hesperocorixa Lucida (Abbott), Cabell County, West Virginia, Eric Wilhelm

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area (GBWMA), Cabell County, West Virginia, is a wetlands system adjacent to the Ohio River composed of wetlands varying in age from 4 to 60 years. This system is annually flooded by the Ohio River, yet insect communities remain unique to each vegetation type or microhabitat. Nine vegetative communities from two wetlands were sampled and compared using chi-square analysis to determine if the insect communities were unique. A total of 34,975 specimens, representing 23 families, were collected over ten sample intervals. Chi-square analysis on seven families common to all sites indicated that each vegetative community yielded …

Radiation And Gas Exchange Of Understory Species At Boreas: Research Annual Performance Report For Period June 15, 1997- June 14, 1998, E. A. Walter-Shea, T. J. Arkebauer

School of Natural Resources: Documents and Reviews

No abstract provided.

Spring Population Estimates Of Rocky Mountain Greater Sandhill Cranes In Colorado, Douglas S. Benning, Roderick C. Drewien, Douglas H. Johnson, Wendy M. Brown, Erwin L. Boeker

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We developed an aerial survey to estimate the Rocky Mountain Population (RMP) of greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabidn) (greaters) annually during March 1984-95 in the San Luis Valley, Colorado (SLV). We flew aerial transects covering a 21,220-ha contiguous area. Aerial photographs of crane flocks were taken to correct for estimation errors. We employed ground surveys to correct for presence of lesser sandhill cranes (G. c. canadensis) (lessers), which mixed with RMP cranes. To adjust for RMP cranes not in the survey area, we made ground counts in traditional use areas outside the SLY. During 1984-95, 5 …

Use Of Ultralight Aircraft For Introducing Migratory Crane Populations, Kent R. Clegg, James C. Lewis, David H. Ellis

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) were used as the research surrogate for whooping cranes (Grus americana) to determine if captive-reared cranes could be led by an ultralight aircraft (UL) along a migration route and if, after release on a wintering area, they would integrate with wild cranes and migrate north in spring to their natal area without assistance. In 1995, KRC raised 15 cranes to fledging and trained them to respond to his vocal imitation of a sandhill crane brood call. Chicks learned to follow him as he walked, drove an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) , …

Microsatellite Dna Loci For Genetic Studies Of Cranes, Travis C. Glenn, Ryan S. Ojerio, Wolfgang Stephan, Michael J. Braun

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

MicrosateIIites are short tandem arrays of simple DNA sequences (e.g., [AC]_n, where n ~ 10), which are often highly polymorphic among individuals. These repetitive elements are rapidly becoming the molecular genetic marker of choice for genetic mapping, parentage analyses, and fundamental popUlation genetics. We have isolated more than 50 microsatellite loci from the whooping crane (Grus americana). The microsatellites cloned from whooping cranes are unusually short and infrequent in comparison to other birds and especially so in comparison to mammals or reptiles. However, at least 13 of the 20 primer pairs developed amplify polymorphic loci. Paternity for …

Mortality Of Radio-Equipped Sandhill Crane Colts At Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon, Gary L. Ivey, Eric J. Scheuering

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

We radio-equipped 142 greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida) colts at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon, during 1991-95 to document prefledging mortality factors. Fates of 19 colts were undetermined. A total of 23 colts survived to fledge (19% of known fates). Evidence collected from the carcasses and death sites indicated that predators were responsible for the largest number of colt deaths (64), followed by unknown causes (13), parasitic gapeworms (Cyastoma spp.) (8), drowning (7), intraspecific aggression (5), study-related mortality (I), roadkill (I), and hay swather (1). Of 64 colts killed by predators, 26 were lost to mink …

Modeling The Population Dynamics Of Gulf Coast Sandhill Cranes, Douglas H. Johnson, William L. Kendall

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The Mid-continent Population of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) has a large geographic range. contains nearly 500,000 birds, and is hunted in much of its range. The population includes 3 subspecies; the numbers of 2 of these are uncertain, and they should be afforded protection from hunting that would be detrimental to their population. The 2 subspecies of concern tend to concentrate in the eastern part of the Great Plains during fall and spring and to winter along the Gulf Coast in Texas. This paper uses the limited information availahle ahout the Gulf Coast subpopulation in a model. We …

Subspecies Composition Of Sandhill Crane Harvest In North Dakota, 1968–94, William L. Kendall, Douglas H. Johnson, Stanley C. Kohn

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

North Dakota is a major fall staging area for the Mid-continent Population (MCP) of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis), which is composed of 3 subspecies: the greater (G. c. tabida), Canadian (G. c. rawani), and lesser (G. c. canadensis). The number of cranes killed by hunters in North Dakota averaged 6,793 during the 1990-94 seasons, ranking second highest among crane-hunting states. The distribution of harvest among subspecies is important, due to concerns about the poorly known status of these subspecies, especially the greater. We estimated subspecies composition of the harvest in North Dakota by …

Nesting Success And Production Of Greater Sandhill Cranes During Experimental Predator Control At Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon,1982–83, Carroll D. Littlefield, John E. Cornely

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Greater sancfrtill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida) nest commonly on Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon, but depredations by common ravens (Corvus corax) and coyotes (Canis latrans) contributed substantially to low recruitment during the 1970's. An experimental predator removal study was initiated in 1982 to determine if nesting success and recruitment would increase if predator populations were reduced. We monitored 120 crane nests located in 2 treatment areas (ravens and coyotes removed, and only ravens removed) and 1 control area (40 nests per area). Nesting success between the 2 predator control areas differed significantly during the …

Sandhill Crane Use Of The Mid-Pecos Valley Of Eastern New Mexico, James B. Montgomery Jr.

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) were monitored during winters 1989-94 in the mid-Pecos River Valley of eastern New Mexico to detennine how many used this region following a population decline in the 1980's. Numbers annually increased to a late October/early November peak (X = 7,017), fluctuated around 6,000 through December, declined in January (X = 3,531), and again peaked in February/early March (X = 5,737). Annual crane use-days (weekly counts X 7) varied from 500,545 to 1,007,673 (X = 760,606). Cranes foraged mainly in corn and sorghum stubble and alfalfa fields. Crop averages (ha) during 1990-92 were alfalfa 21,449, …

An Experimental Release Of Whooping Cranes In Florida: The First Three Years, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Martin J. Folk, Marilyn G. Spalding, James A. Schmidt, Stephen T. Schwikert, Jane M. Nicolich, Marianne Wellington, James C. Lewis, Tom H. Logan

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Fifty-two juvenile whooping cranes (Grus americana) were soft-released in Florida from February 1993 to April 1995. The birds were released in groups ranging in size from 5 to 14 individuals. The first-year survival rate was 0.42 for all years combined. First-year rates for each year were 0.36 for 1993, 0.32 for 1994, and 0.47 for 1995. Most mortality (62%) occurred during the first 3 months following release. The survival rate of 0.81 the second year after release was similar to that of Florida sandhill cranes (G. canadensis pratensis) (0.87). Predation by bobcats (Lynx rufus) …

Causes Of Mississippi Sandhill Crane Mortality In Captivity, 1984–95, Glenn H. Olsen, George F. Gee

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

During 1984-95, 111 deaths were documented in the captive flock of Mississippi sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pulla) housed at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Trauma was the leading cause of death (37%), followed by infectious/parasitic diseases (25%), anatomic abnormalities (15%), and miscellaneous (8%). No positive diagnosis of cause of death was found in 19% of the necropsies. Chicks < 2 months old suffered 76 % of captive deaths. Trauma, the greatest cause of deaths of captive juveniles and adults, is likely limited to collisions in the wild. Infectious/parasitic diseases and anatomic abnormalities could affect wild chick survival at similar rates to those of captive chicks.

Whooping Crane Mortality At Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 1982–95, Glenn H. Olsen, Joanna A. Taylor, George F. Gee

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Whooping cranes (Grus americana) have been reared at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center since 1966. During 1982-95 there were 103 mortalities caused by infectious and parasitic diseases (46%), trauma (21 %), anatomic abnormalities (17%), miscellaneous conditions (12 %) I and open or no diagnoses (5 %). The implications that disease may have on new whooping crane flocks in Florida and Canada are discussed, based on these mortality factors in captivity.

Summary Of Sandhill Crane Hunting Seasons In North Dakota, 1968–94, David E. Sharp, John E. Cornely

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

The migratory Mid-continent Population (MCP), containing 3 subspecies, is the most numerous of all sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) populations. During fall the MCP uses major staging areas in the Canadian prairie provinces and northcentral United States. In North Dakota, sport hunting of the MCP resumed in 1968, after being closed during 1916-67. The resumption and expansion of crane hunting in North Dakota during 1968-94 followed a gradual panern of implementation. Subspecies considerations, the presence of whooping cranes (G. americana), crop depredation complaints. and public reaction influenced the geographic and temporal expansion of seasons. Harvests gradually increased …

Avian Tuberculosis In A Whooping Crane: Treatment And Outcome, S. Bret Snyder, Michael J. Richard, Carol U. Meteyer

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

A whooping crane (Grus americana) confirmed as suffering from Mycobacterium avium infection was treated for 1 year with daily doses of rifampin (45 mg/kg) and ethambutol (30 mg/kg) and 2 doses of M. vaccae antigen. Remission of disease occurred during therapy; however, recrudescence to active infection was suspected by 10 months after the antitubercular drugs were discontinued when the crane exhibited weight loss and had thickening of bowel wall as seen on radiographs. A second therapeutic regimen using azithromycin was then initiated (40 mg/kg fed daily) and was accompanied by a second remission within 6 weeks. After 16 …

Metal Consumption By Whooping Cranes And Possible Zinc Toxicosis, Marilyn G. Spalding, Stephen A. Nesbitt, Martin J. Folk, Lee R. Mcdowell, Maria S. Sepulveda

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Fourteen captive-reared whooping cranes (Grus americana) were transferred to a pen for soft-release in Florida. Nine were killed by predators within 6 months. We found metal objects in the stomachs of 6 of these 9 either by radiography or at necropsy. All 6 had elevated serum zinc (Zn) concentrations (x = 10.3 ± 2.7 flg/ml, range 7.2-14 .ug/ml) when compared to 3 without metal in their stomachs (X = 2.4 ± 0.92 flg/ml, range 1.6-3.4 J1.g/ml). We observed lethargy, abnormal posture, anemia, and elevated white blood cell counts in 2 cranes at or near the time of elevated …

Pair Formation By Color-Marked Whooping Cranes On The Wintering Grounds, Thomas V. Stehn

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Observations were made of color-marked whooping cranes (Grus americana) at Aransas during the 1977-94 winters. Suhadult cranes wintered near their juvenile home ranges in flocks averaging 3.12 birds. One and 2 winters prior to nesting, subadults at Aransas tended to form duos apart from other subadults. Frequencies of association 1 year prior to nesting averaged 65.4%. However, 27.7 % of pair bonds (n = 18) formed during spring migration or on the breeding grounds without any observed prior association at Aransas. Sixty-eight banded cranes formed pairs. Pair members averaged 1.06 years difference in age. Winter territories of adults …

Food And Energy Intake Rates Of Wintering Whooping Cranes Foraging On Two Selected Food Items, Felipe Chavez-Ramirez, Jay T. Nelson, R. Douglas Slack

Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop

Number, mass, and potential energy of food items consumed by wintering whooping cranes (Grus americana) foraging on blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and woltberry (Lycium carolinianum) fruit were estimated and compared between 2 consecutive winter periods. Mass consumed was determined through field observations by quantifying the number of items taken per unit time and the average, or modal, weight of each food item determined from collections. Gross energy intake was determined by calculating the product of mass consumed times gross energy (kJ/g) of each food item. Potential energy retained was calculated by determining metabolizable energy …