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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Natural Resources and Conservation

South Dakota State University

1981

Articles 1 - 5 of 5

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Woodpecker Nesting Habitat In A Prairie River Woodland, J. Barry Parrish Jan 1981

Woodpecker Nesting Habitat In A Prairie River Woodland, J. Barry Parrish

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Differences in nest site selection of the common flicker (Colaptes auratus), yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), downy woodpecker (Picoides pubescens), and red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) were studied on the Big Sioux River riparian forest of eastern South Dakota during 1980 and 1981. Nest site preferences were compared using two-group stepwise discriminant analysis. Randomly selected potential nest trees showing no previous signs of cavity excavation were included as control groups. The yellow-bellied sapsucker-red-headed woodpecker function was the most efficient in separating groups because both species had specific nest site preferences. Sapsuckers nested only in live green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), characteristically in park-like …


Initial Growth And Survival Of Bluegills And Black Bullheads Stocked With Largemouth Bass In South Dakota Ponds, James J. Shelley Jan 1981

Initial Growth And Survival Of Bluegills And Black Bullheads Stocked With Largemouth Bass In South Dakota Ponds, James J. Shelley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Initial growth and survival rates were estimated for bluegills (Leponis macrochirus) and black bullheads (Ictalurus melas) stocked simultaneously with largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in ponds throughout South Dakota. Mean first year survival for bluegills and black bullheads stocked in eastern South Dakota ponds was 28.6% and 67.7%, respectively. Differences in first year bluegill growth throughout the state were not detected. Total lengths for bluegills averaged 52.4 mm after one growing season statewide and 137.1 mm after two growing seasons in southeastern South Dakota ponds. Significant (P<.05) geographical differences in first year growth of black bullheads were detected with mean lengths ranging from 67.7 mm in northwest ponds to 115.5 mm in southeast ponds. The average total length for black bullheads after two growing season in southeastern South Dakota ponds was 215.2 mm. The combined effects of pH, turbidity, and bicarbonate alkalinity accounted for 67.5% of the variation in first year bluegill growth. The pond parameters total number of growing days, fish present prior to stocking, and pond surface area when combined accounted for 73.9% of the variation in first year black bullhead growth. Differences in bluegill relative weight values were not detected throughout South Dakota; the average for the state was 105.2. Mean black bullhead condition factors (K) for fish with total lengths between 128 and 191 mm were 1.85 and 1.45 for pre- and post-spawning periods, respectively. Bullheads probably spawned between 29 May and 26 June 1980.


Growth And Survival Of Largemouth Bass In Newly Stocked South Dakota Impoundments, Clifton C. Stone Jan 1981

Growth And Survival Of Largemouth Bass In Newly Stocked South Dakota Impoundments, Clifton C. Stone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of five different stocking combinations and differences in climatic and morphological conditions within South Dakota on initial growth and survival of the largemouth bass (Micropertus salmoides). Forage species stocked with bass included gold shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus). Bass only stocking was also evaluated. First eyar survival values for 16 eastern South Dakota ponds ranged from 1 to 100%, with a mean of 50.2%. Bass exhibited poorest survival when stocked with black bullheads. Analysis of variance indicated no significant difference (P …


Home Range, Home Range Expansion, Dispersal, And Mortality Of Juvenile Red Foxes In Southeastern South Dakota, Floyd M. Demaray Jan 1981

Home Range, Home Range Expansion, Dispersal, And Mortality Of Juvenile Red Foxes In Southeastern South Dakota, Floyd M. Demaray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Data from aerial and landowner surveys showed that red fox (Vulpes vulpes) families on the Sinai study area decreased from 13 (5.2 per township) in 1976 to 11 (4.4 per township) in 1977. The majority (88%) of the active red fox dens was located in pastures and idle lands although these cover types constituted only 24% of the available cover. Twenty-nine juveniles and 3 adults were captured and marked during spring, 1976. Trappers and hunters returned 62% of the tags placed on juvenile foxes. During spring, 1977, 15 juveniles and 2 adult red foxes were marked. Three juveniles were subsequently …


Movement And Distribution Of Esocids And Forage Fishes In A Power Plant Cooling Reservoir, Douglas T. Henley Jan 1981

Movement And Distribution Of Esocids And Forage Fishes In A Power Plant Cooling Reservoir, Douglas T. Henley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and 2 northern pike (E. Lucius) were surgically implanted with untrasonic transmitters and tracked in a South Dakota cooling reservoir from June 1979 to June 1980. The fishes inhabited the intake area of the reservoir during the summer (temperature range, 27.5 – 31.5˚ C) and the discharge area during the winter (temperature range, 4.5 – 31.5˚C). In the spring and fall, the fishes were located throughout the reservoir (temperature range, 12.0 – 28.5˚C). Highest rates of movement for the esocids were recorded during the spring (675 – 1,100 m/day). The lowest rates were recorded during late …