Other Life Sciences Commons^™

An Evaluation Of Factors Affecting Establishment And Survival Of Russian Wildrye (Elymus Junceus Fisch.) On Foothill Ranges In Utah, Dale Lynn Drawe

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Several factors affecting establishment and survival of Russian wildrye were studied in the greenhouse and in the field.

Greenhouse studies conducted at Utah State University examined (1) the effects of competition on vigor and production of Russian wildrye, (2) moisture use by Russian wildrye and four weeds, and (3) effects of moisture level on emergence and seedling vigor.

During 1967 and 1969 at Tintic Valley field experiments were initiated to study effects on germination and seedling establishment of (1) seasons, (2) methods, and (3) intensities of seeding Russian wildrye. In 1968 and 1969 studies were made of phenology and root …

Seasonal Utilization Of Sago Pondweed By Waterfowl At Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Utah, Michael R. Sterling

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Seasonal utilization of sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.) by waterfowl was studied at Bear River Miqratory Bird Refuge by comparing amounts of sago production on a series of plots on Unit Four. One plot was available to carp and waterfowl; one only to carp; and one available to neither.

The cage used to eliminate carp and waterfowl use of a plot caused a significant increase in sago production. The increase was attributed to less turbidity and less wind and wave action within the cage.

Carp distribution was limited to deep-water portions of Unit Four, a small area, and …

The Role Of Agonistic Behavior In Regulation Of Density In Uinta Ground Squirrels (Citellus Armatus), Richard J. Burns

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Agonistic behavior of ground squirrels was studied for two years in north-eastern Utah at an elevation of 6,300 feet. The main objective was to determine what role agonistic behavior had in regulating density in a population. All individuals in an unconfined population were trapped I marked I and observed from towers. Detailed data on behavior and density were recorded.

Though loss from a variety of factors occurred throughout the year I agonistic behavior had an important role in regulating the population at least twice during the year. In spring some squirrels I usually yearling males and late emerging yearling females, …

The Abundance, Migration And Management Of Mule Deer In Dinosaur National Monument, Robert W. Franzen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Dinosaur National Monument, in northwestern Colorado and northeastern Utah, is comprised of 206,409 acres and contains several deer winter ranges. A need for deer studies developed because of winter deer mortality and deteriorating range conditions on some parts of the Monument.

Approximately 500 deer winter on the Yampa Bench and approximately 300 deer winter on the Island Park winter range. These are the two main winter ranges within the Monument.

Deer on the Yampa Bench migrated an average of 7.3 air miles to the south and summered on the Blue Mountain Plateau during the summer of 1966. This Plateau is …

Waterfowl Ecology And Utilization Of Uinta Mountain Water Areas, Steven Roger Peterson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Waterfowl utilization was recorded by observing study units at different elevations from the time water areas were thawed in the spring until they were frozen in the fall.

Sixteen species of waterfowl were observed in the Uinta Mountain; mallards, green-winged teal, pintails, and ring-necked ducks were breeders.

Ninety-eight percent of all waterfowl observed were below 10,000 feet.

Waterfowl numbers were highest during migratory periods and lowest in the breeding season.

Adult waterfowl were observed most often on natural water areas and beaver ponds greater than one acre.

Water areas at lower elevations had high indices of aquatic invertebrates and contained …

The Influence Of Salinity On The Growth And Reproduction Of Marsh Plants, D. K. Kaushik

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The water resources of the State of Utah are rapidly being developed for agriculture and industry. They are so extensively exploited that their continued and additional use must be justified on the basis of need and efficiency of utilization. To determine more accurately the quantity and quality of water needed to operate a marsh, a project was undertaken by the Utah Department of Fish and Game, the Engineering Experiment Station and the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at Utah State University. The study was divided into the two phases, one on quantity and one on quality of water. The present report …

Abundance, Movements, Harvest, And Survival Of Brown Trout And Mountain Whitefish In A Section Of Logan River, Utah, David W. Bridges

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Comprehensive population studies in the field of fisheries are in great demand. Many of our fishable waters are being changed, and we need to be able to predict the results of these habitat alterations. We must know how to include beneficial modifications in readjustments of habitat in order to create a fishery or prevent destruction of an existing one.

The acceptable situations for good fish production in large mountain streams are not well-known. A fishery can be properly managed only if the manager has sufficient knowledge of the carrying capacity of the habitat, the survival and mortality of the population, …

Farmers' Reactions Toward Upland Bird Hunting In Two Utah Counties, 1957, Frank J. Calkins

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Proof that public hunting on private lands is a growing Utah problem is, perhaps, most easily found by driving down any country lane. “No Trespassing" signs come one to a fence post or so it must seem to the pheasant hunter. His quarry is the most popular of Utah's farm game species and, unfortunately, the most popular subject of farmer-sportsmen disputes.

Reasoning that short seasons reduce hunter nuisances and property damage, landowners have long advocated three- to five-day pheasant seasons. And because of this and a former game department concern about overshooting the birds (Utah Fish and Game Commission, 1946) …

Selected Insecticides In The Control Of Invertebrates Possibly Associated With Avian Botulism, J. Larry Haddock

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Avian botulism or ''western duck sickness" has long been a major problem on duck marshes in the western part of the United States. This has been demonstrated to result from the ingestion of products of metabolism of bacterial cells of Clostridium botulinum type C. These products when ingested by waterfowl act as neurotoxins (Coburn, 1942). Studies have shown that many animal tissues are readily utilized as culture media by Cl. botulinum type C (Bell et al., 1955).

Since 1955 investigations have indicated a close relation between the occurrence of avian botulism and invertebrate population levels. It is thought that when …

An Introduction To The Ethology Of The Uinta Ground Squirrel (Citellus Armatus), David F. Balph

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study describes behavior of the Uinta ground squirrel (Citellus armatus) in a free-living population. Its objective is to provide basic behavioral information on a small mammal which can fill in part of the gaps in our knowledge of behavior and social organization of the vertebrates. This would contribute to the long-term goal of viewing the progressive evolutionary changes in behavior from lower forms to man.

The Airplane In Unit Sampling Of Mule Deer Populations In Harding County, South Dakota, Karl B. Kuhlmann

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The prairie deer region of South Dakota extends west from the Missouri River to the Black Hills. The region borders the states of Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, and is approximately 40,000 square miles in extent. Biologists believe that present deer numbers on these prairies are similar to those of pre-homestead days. The present large numbers of deer in certain counties have given many prairie ranchers and farmers cause for concern. The region's first deer season (bucks only) in 1952 resulted from earlier increases in mule and whitetail herds. After a closed season in 1953, a hunter's choice of …

Survey And Evaluation Of Big Game Exclosures In Utah, Stanford Young

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An "exclosure" is defined by Daubenmore (1940) as an experimental area which is protected from the activities of a particular class of animals by a barrier such as a fence or screen thereby controlling a single factor of environment, namely, the animal influence.

Several different types of exclosures are employed by the land management agencies in Utah. Small portable "paddocks" a few feet square are extensively used to gauge seasonal grazing pressure by livestock. Permanently fenced areas, ranging up to many acres in size, serve to demonstrate the effects of livestock use on the range. Another modification is the "big …

An Economic Evaluation Of Selected Treatments For Avian Botulism In Waterfowl On Utah Marshes, 1953-54, Donald A. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Each year thousands of western waterfowl succumb to disease, predators, mechanical injury and other decimating factors . Based on a review of records it is conservatively estimated that an average of 25,000 ducks have succumbed to botulism on western marsh areas annually.

In a recent study, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service valued each duck and goose at $8.00 (McLeod, 1950). Applying this value to the estimated annual numerical loss, a total of $200,000 has been lost each season in mortality of western waterfowl from botulism. Control of this malady would reduce annual waterfowl and monetary losses.

Prevention and …

Studies In The Life History And Ecology Of The American Pintail (Anas Acuta Tzitzihoa Vieliot) In Utah, Robert W. Fuller

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Wildlife management has been defined as lithe manipulation of wild populations of vertebrate animals in their relation to man and his interests" Wildlife management, then, could not exist in the absence ot either wildlife or humans. Converting this idea to the waterfowl situation, we can say that there are no waterfowl problems other than as they exist in the minds of men. (Wil1s, 1951) These words by the Chief of the IllinoIs Natural History Survey precede a plea for fundamental facts and a basic understanding of waterfowl upon which sound management can in turn be based. l"or only through sound …

The Status And Management Of Pheasant Posted Hunting Areas In Utah, William G. Parsons

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Since 1900 the ringneck pheasant Phasianus colchicus torquatus Gmelin has assumed major importance in the United states as an upland game bird. This is particularly evident in Utah where, in 1951, 76,000 hunters bagged an estimated one quarter million pheasants (8).

Some Of The Relationships Between Livestock Grazing And Duck Nesting In The Saltgrass Vegetation Type In Utah, Horatio W. Murdy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Little is known of the relationships between livestock grazing and duck nesting. This dearth of information occurs in spite of the fact that an understanding of these relationships is necessary in order to evaluate duck production on range land, and to formulate grazing policies for lands devoted to the production of ducks.

Recognizing the need for information on this subject, the Utah Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and the Wildlife Management Institute jointly sponsored a study, during 1948-1949, of livestock grazing-duck nesting relationships in the saltgrass vegetation type in northern Utah. The study was financed by the Institute and supervised by …

A Survey Of Extension Work In Wildlife Management And The Development Of A Guide To Wildlife Extension Work In Utah, Edwin V. Rawley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The most efficient wildlife research programs and the most satisfactory methods of applying their results are greatly enhanced if the information is present in such an interesting and understandable manner that it becomes of practical value of the people. Extension education has the function of translating the results of research into usable form and presenting it to the people. The development of a wildlife extension program is based on the needs of the people, and the various phases of the program are designed to meet and solve wildlife problems confronting the people. The purposes of this study are: 1. To …

Biology Of The Boxelder Bug In Cache Valley, Arab Bakir Al-Tikrity

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The boxelder bug, Leptocoria trivittatue (say), is a hanipterous insect belonging to the family corisidae. Although it rarely is a pest of agricultural crops, its habit of invading homes and other buildings for hibernation and to warm itself has made it an annoying household pest. It has proven to be a difficult insect to control. Only a few of the contact insecticides, useful in control of related insect pests, have given satisfactory control of the Boxelder Bug. Because it has not been considered a critical problem, it has not received detailed attention from the scientific investigators. Its close association with …

An Investigation Concerning The Incidence And Pathogenicity Of Pentatrichomonas Gallinarum And Its Relationship To Histomonas Meleagridis In Turkeys In Utah, Ross S. Hadfield

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Turkey raising has become big business. During the period 1942 to 1946, the average annual return in Utah amounted to about nine and one-half million dollars (4). This amount would have been increased considerably if the death loss among poults had been lower. As an example, using the percentage of mortality given by Miner (9, p. 5), it is estimated that the death-loss of turkeys in 1944 resulted in a loss of gross income by the farmers of Utah of more than four million dollars provided that the price the farmer received had remained the same.

Among the prevalent causes …

A Method Of Estimating Fishing Pressure And Harvest As Used On Logan River, Utah, Albert Frank Regenthal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Completely accurate statements of fishing pressure and harvest can only result from an ennumeration of all anglers and their catch. On most bodies of water it has not been economically feasible for management agencies to effect a complete census of fishermen and harvest. Practically, absolute accuracy is not necessary for management. The development of creel census methods resulting in estimates of known accuracy, yet requiring only a practical outlay of time and money, would be a step toward more effective management.

Harvest Of Wild And Stocked Fish From The Logan River Drainage, Louis S. Pechacek

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Logan River, one of Utah's better trout streams, has carried more than its share of the increased fishing pressure of the past few years. Careful management of the drainage by the U.S. Forest Service has kept the Logan River free of serious water fluctuations and relatively unpolluted by silt and wastes. The only noticeable fluctuations in the stream is the annual runoff cycle which usually reaches its peak in May. This alone has contributed greatly to the ability of the river to withstand the increased fishing pressure which it has done quite well. The increase in fishing pressure can …

Life History Of The Cutthroat Trout Salmo Clarkii Richardson In The Logan River, Utah, George Gordon Fleener

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The study of the cutthroat trout in the Logan River drainage was initiated in cooperation with the Utah Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit and the Utah Fish and Game Department during May of 1948. The first field work began that month. The taking of fish was terminated in November, 1949, although several trips were made into the study area as late as January, 1950.

Emergence And Survival Of Four Introduced Wheatgrasses As Influenced By Rate And Season Of Planting On Abandoned Farm Lands Of Utah, Donald N. Hyder

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A great deal has been accomplished in developing methods of restoring abused lands through seeding, yet there is much to be desired in refinement of techniques and in substantiation of previous experimental results. Controversial opinions as to the best season of planting indicate that additional trials are needed. New species need to be introduced, developed, and proved. Methods are needed which lead to more efficient utilization of those factors limiting the degree of success in establishment. Since moisture is the most predominant limiting factor throughout the arid and semi-arid range land, special attention is given to more efficient utilization of …

An Evaluation Of Trout Stocking In The Logan River Drainage, Nels Andrew Thoreson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One of the more important forms of recreation in Utah is fishing. Each year since the end of World War II more than 100,000 resident and 4,000 non-resident fishermen have taken to the streams and lakes of this state. They spend approximately $2,200,000 each year in the quest of fish, mostly trout. In 1916, 25,473 licenses were sold, in 1937 the number of licenses had risen to 41,200, in 1945 the sales amounted to 104,000 and in 1947 had increased to nearly 131,000. Because of the increased number of fishermen each year, the desirability of greater numbers of legal-sized fish …

Consumptive Use Of Water Studies In The Colorado River Area Of Utah, J. Y. Christiansen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

At the request of the State Engineer of Utah, a cooperative study beginning January 1, 1948, was initiated by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station and the Division of Irrigation, U. S. Soil Conservation Service. These research agencies are being assisted financially, and by consultation, by the State Engineer who has also made arrangements for certain observations to be made and furnished by the U. S. Geological Survey, U. S. Weather Bureau, and the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. The objective of this study is to obtain basic information regarding the consumptive use of water by agricultural crops, native vegetation, and …

Utilization Of Forage Plants And Diet Of Sheep On Utah Winter Range, Lisle R. Green

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Although there is an abundance of material available concerning forage consumption by livestock on pasture land and in the feed lot, there is relatively little known about the grazing habits and forage preferences of livestock under range conditions. There has been still less scientific effort expended toward solving the riddle of the grazing animal's diet under winter range conditions. Investigators have suggested means to determine the quantity of forage available on range areas, the carrying capacities of range lands, and methods of determining the degree to which forage has been utilized. The diet of the foraging animal is affected by …

Factors Influencing The Validity Of Pheasant Census Methods, Sevier County, Utah, Eldon H. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The measurement of animal populations is a most important phase of wildlife management. The initiation of systematic management of any unit of specific game habitat usually involves the measurement of the stock on hand as a primary step. In practice game inventory performs a twofold function; namely, as a medium determining the efficacy of past management practices as a basis for future manipulations and as an aid in the establishment of game protective or removal policies.

A census, in the sense applied in this study, is best defined as the enumeration of a population on a given area at a …

Investigations Of The Fishery Of Fish Lake, Utah, Vaughn D. Madsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Fish Lake, which is located in Sevier County, Utah, is considered to be one of the most productive lakes in the intermountain regions. It is visited annually by thousands of fishermen from Utah and surrounding states. In 1934, a thirteen day check made by the Utah Fish and Game Department showed that anglers caught 17,521 fish with a total weight of 13,844 pounds, and spent a sum of $27,246.21 on expenses.

Because of the great recreational value of Fish Lake, chiefly as a fishing resort, it is desirable to find out whether or not any great change has taken place …

Analysis Of Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Kill Records Of Five-Year Deer Removal From The Logan River Drainage Of Northern Utah, Wilmur Bartels

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Checking stations operated during the deer hunting season serve a two-fold purpose. It has long been recognized that such inspection stations aid greatly in the enforcement of hunting laws through the detection of illegal practices, and in many cases have been set up with this as a primary purpose. A more far reaching objective, however, is the collection of information to aid in the solution of the problems of maintenance of the range and the deer herd, and determination of the quality and quantity of the deer removal.

The Ecology Of Agropyron Inerme On Protected And Heavily Grazed Range Land In Cache Valley, Utah, Wallace R. Hanson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

During the past decade much attention has been attracted to the great range lands of the West. The inherently low productivity of these arid lands coupled with abnormal drought and constantly heavy use by livestock because of lack of grazing control, have caused these lands to become greatly depleted over most of the West. That the vegetation on most range land in the intermountain states is depleted appreciably is evident to the careful observer. Undoubtedly the vegetation of much of the range has decreased in quantity, but more serious in many cases is the decrease in quality. Valuable forage species …