Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 29, No.4. December 1997

The Prairie Naturalist

BUTTERFLY SPECIES IN NATIVE PRAIRIE AND RESTORED PRAIRIE ▪ D. M. Debinski and A. M. Babbit

BACK-CALCULATED LENGTH-AT-AGE ESTIMATES FROM TWO SCALE RADII ▪ K. L. Hurley, K. L. Pope, and D. W. Willis

DIET OF NORTH DAKOTA ELK DETERMINED FROM RUMEN AND FECAL ANALYSES ▪ R. G. Osborn, J. A. Jenks, and W. F. Jensen

INTERSPECIFIC COMPETITION FOR FOOD BETWEEN WHITE-FOOTED MICE AND EASTERN WOODRATS ▪ B. G. Aloiau, D. M. Post, and E. A. Home

NESTING PIPING PLOVER AND LEAST TERN ON THE KANSAS RIVER ▪ W. H. Busby, D. W. Mulhern, P. G. Kramos, and D. A. …

A Vegetation Based Approach To Biodiversity Gap Analysis In The Agastyamalai Region, Western Ghats, India, B. R. Ramesh, Shaily Menon, Kamaljit S. Bawa

Shaily Menon

Protected areas in India have historically been established on an ad hoc basis with little attention to the conservation value of an area. This study focuses on a set of protected areas in the Agastyamalai region of the Western Ghats (WG), India. We examine forest loss and land-use changes in the study area from the early 1900s to 1960 and from 1960 to 1990. We use GIS to perform a biodiversity gap analysis of the protected areas in the study site. We produce a detailed map of existing floristic types and use it to generate layers corresponding to floristic species …

Terrestrial Natural Communities Of Nebraska - Version I, Gerry Steinauer, Steven B. Rolfsmeier

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: White Papers, Conference Presentations, and Manuscripts

The Nebraska Natural Heritage Program has been collecting information and data including published literature, field observations and vegetation plot data over the last 10 years of development of Nebraska’s natural community classification. The classification contains 27 wetland and 36 upland communities including forest, woodland, shrubland, herbaceous, and sparsely vegetated (e.g. rock outcrop) types. The community types were distinguished primarily on plant species composition and to a lesser extent on soils, hydrology and geographic location. The classification contains descriptions of each community type that include dominant species, soils, range, and other ecological information. The classification is designed to be flexible enough …

Enhancement Of Deer Repellent Efficacy With Visual Cues, Milo E. Richmond, James J. Messina

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Previous research on deer repellents by the authors suggests that visual cues (warnings) coupled with application of an effective repellent may enhance the protection afforded by the repellent. We report the results of 2 separate experiments designed to evaluate and partition the effects of such visual cues in practical applications of 3 candidate repellents. In the first experiment, we established 1-ha plots in late succession old fields in Warren County, New Jersey. Plots were treated with bobcat urine, Deer Stopper®, water, and no treatment. Treatment application was made to 5-cm strips of cotton cloth attached to ¼-in cotton rope that …

Attempted Relocation Of A Ring-Billed Gull Roost At Washington National Airport, Jessica Dewey, Martin Lowney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Gulls, particularly ring-billed gulls [Larus delawarensis], have been identified as a threat to aircraft operations at Washington National Airport (now Ronald Reagan National Airport) in northern Virginia. Through bird surveys conducted in 1992, 1993, and 1997, an estimated 7,000 gulls were observed roosting during winter on the Potomac River near the airport. A harassment program was run on 5 consecutive evenings, 24-28 February 1997, to relocate the roosting gulls. Six to 8 people shot pyrotechnics from shore and 2 boats for 2 hours prior to dusk each evening. Each evening the gulls arrived consistently later than the prior …

Characteristics Of Gray Squirrel Release Sites Selected By Kentucky Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators, Sara Steen-Ash, Thomas G. Barnes, Jeff T. Hutchinson, Jeffery L. Larkin, Brian E. Washburn, Jason L. Weese, Henry F. Yacek Jr.

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A telephone survey of Kentucky nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) (n=66) was conducted in April of 1997 to assess their knowledge and practices regarding nuisance gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) release-site habitat. Thirty-three percent of NWCOs (n=22) trapped and relocated >1 nuisance gray squirrel in the previous year and these individuals/companies were selected for the survey. NWCOs trap and release >1,700 squirrels annually in Kentucky. Sampled release sites varied in size from 18 to 5,200 acres, and >70% were classified as poor to marginal habitat. Three of the release sites sampled provided adequate to optimum gray squirrel habitat. Actual …

What Do Driver’S Education Manuals Contain Relative To Wildlife And Animal Dangers On Roads?, A. L. Robinson, P. F. Scanlon, J. A. Parkhurst

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Most states in the U.S. provide driver’s education manuals (DEMs) as instructional material for instruction of novice drivers. U.S. territories and other countries also provide DEMs. DEMs were requested from U.S. states and territories and acquired from a number of foreign sources. Content was examined relative to animals and safe driving. Of the 42 U.S. DEMs reviewed, 20 had specific advice about coping with animals on the road, 25 used signs involving animals as illustrations, 6 dealt specifically with deer, and 14 referred to farm animals (i.e., horseback riders, animal drawn vehicles, range animals). The Ontario, Canada, and Victoria, Australia, …

Potential Demand For Programs On Nuisance Wildlife Among Wildlife-Related Program Offerings To Urban/Suburban Organizations, S. M. Leslie, P. F. Scanlon, O. T. Clarke

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Program planners of 114 organizations in the Roanoke Valley area of Virginia responded to the likelihood of their scheduling programs on wildlife-related topics. Among the topics offered was “Controlling Wildlife Pests and/or Their Damage.” Responses were organized by type of organization (civic club, neighborhood organization, educational/PTA organization, environmental/hobby organization, garden/plant club) and whether they were “highly likely” (HL), “somewhat likely” (SL), “not likely” (NL), or “not sure” (NS) they would schedule such a program. Results on likelihood of scheduling were as follows: 31 civic clubs (1 HL, 4 SL, 33NL, 4 NS); 26 neighborhood organizations (5 HL, 7 SL, 5 …

Repellency Of Methyl Anthranilate To Captive Great Egrets, Michael L. Avery, John S. Humphrey, David G. Decker

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Because effective deterrents are hard to find, it has been suggested that methyl anthranilate (MA) be applied to the surface of fish ponds to discourage bird predation. We conducted two short-term evaluations of a formulation for this use, ReJeX-iT TP-40. First, we assessed the response of tropical fish to TP-40 applications in small wading pools. After 15 minutes, all fish virtually were motionless at or near the bottom of the pool. Fish in the control pools actively swam and most were within 3 cm of the surface of the pool. No mortality occurred, and fish activity returned to almost normal …

Conference Summary: What Have We Learned?--Where Do We Go From Here?, James E. Miller

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Since I am charged with providing some closing comments this morning, let me begin by having those of you who are still with us to join me in providing a round of applause to Jim Parkhurst, Phil Eggborn, and Martin Lowney, the Conference Planning Committee, and to those on the Conference Program Committee; to the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, session moderators; and to all of you as participants who helped make this 8th Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference so successful. And, as most of you know who have ever planned and conducted such a conference, there are always a number of …

Cost Comparisons For White-Tailed Deer Live Capture Techniques, Robert L. Pooler, Paul D. Curtis, Milo E. Richmond

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

During March 13 - July 16, 1996, we captured 75 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) using dart guns, rocket nets, and Clover traps on the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, New York. We compared the labor and cost efficiency of these trapping techniques and reported on mortalities. Darting from a vehicle ($196/deer), and rocket-netting ($172/deer) were similar in time and cost efficiency. Darting from a blind was more costly ($358/deer) due to minimal time devoted to the technique and a high initial material investment. Clover traps were relatively inefficient (15.2 hours/deer) and costly ($895/deer), primarily due to a lack …

Efficacy Of Deer StopperTm Repellent For Reducing White-Tailed Deer Damage To Ornamental Plantings, James B. Armstrong, M. Keith Causey, John T. Owen

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

A 2-year study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of Deer Stopper^TM repellent for reducing white-tailed deer damage to ornamental plantings. Efficacy testing was conducted on a captive deer herd at Auburn University’s White-tailed Deer Research Facility and the Stimpson Wildlife Sanctuary, Jackson, AL. Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), a highly preferred browse species in this area, was used as the test plant at all study sites. Plants were arranged randomly between treatment and control. Treatment plants were sprayed with prescribed applications of Deer Stopper^TM and percent defoliation and browsing estimated for each plant. Repeated measures analysis …

Development Of An Integrated Canada Goose Management Program In Virginia, Martin Lowney, Phil Eggborn, Gary Costanzo, Don Patterson

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Wildlife managers in the State of Virginia developed an integrated Canada goose (Branta canadensis) damage management program in 1996 to address increasing damage caused by resident (non-migratory) Canada geese, primarily in urban/suburban areas. The previous Canada goose damage management program relied primarily on harassment and relocation. The integrated program was made available to citizens, homeowner associations, businesses, organizations, city and county governments, and state and federal agencies in 1997. The Integrated Canada Goose Management Program was developed by U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Department of …

Controlling Great-Tailed Grackle Damage To Citrus In The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, James F. Glahn, Jose D. Palacious, Melvin V. Garrison

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) damage to citrus is a serious concern to producers in the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Damage caused by grackles pecking fruit is initiated by breeding colonies in the spring on immature fruit and extends through the fall and winter on ripening fruit. The most significant damage occurs during the post-breeding period of July through September when neither the currently registered DRC-1339-treated dog food bait nor frightening strategies are effective. Observations by Texas Wildlife Services personnel suggested that watermelon was highly attractive to grackles during the period when dog food baits are poorly …

Bird Abundance At Accomack County Southern Landfill, Melfa, Virginia, In Relation To Various Management Activities, Laura Francoeur, Martin Lowney

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat to aircraft safety. We conducted a 1-year ecological study to address concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Accomack County, Virginia, officials over potential wildlife hazards caused by the Accomack County Southern Landfill. During 48 surveys conducted from December 1995 to December 1996, we observed 112,693 birds at the landfill (x̄=503). Nine species represented 97% of all observations. Bird numbers varied during the year, increasing during winter and declining during summer. Bird abundance appeared unaffected by …

The Press And Citizen Participation: A Content Analysis, Lisa Pelstring, James Shanahan, Ben Perry

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

We conducted a content analysis of regional New York State newspapers to assess media coverage of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) deer management program. The goal of this analysis was to ascertain media depiction of DEC’s deer management program during the 1985-97 time period. Specifically, this research examines how deer management issues were portrayed both prior to and after implementation of a DEC public participation program (the Citizen Task Force [CTF] process) to determine if deer management issues received more favorable coverage after CTFs were implemented.

Conservation Of A Dinosaur In Modern Times: South Carolina’S Alligator Management Program, Walter E. Rhodes

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) conservation is necessary given the animal's role in wetland ecosystems and its economic value. Although the alligator appears to be no longer threatened with extinction, the reptile’s perceived reputation and a burgeoning human population combine to create a management paradox. Alligator management in South Carolina consists of a Nuisance Control Program, a Private Lands Harvest Program, and public education. Annually, over 750 alligator complaints are received by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and harvest averages about 250 animals. To address alligator/human interaction in rural habitats, a harvest on private lands was …

An Evaluation Of Farmer Applications Of Deer Damage Controls, Peter A. Fritzell Jr., Glenn Dudderar, R. Ben Peyton

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Damage to agricultural crops caused by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) continues to be a significant concern of farmers in Michigan and elsewhere in the United States. Policy changes that promise to reduce deer numbers may be long in coming, but better application of available damage control techniques may be an immediate alternative for farmers awaiting relief. Conversations with farmers, extension agents, and wildlife professionals suggest that some damage control techniques are underutilized by Michigan farmers, whereas other techniques are applied with little success despite promising field trials. We investigated producers’ practices to identify common weaknesses in how deer …

The Use Of Gis To Delineate Potential Urban Deer Habitat, David M. Kocka, Frederick M. Garst

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Overabundant deer herds in urban environments often require new and creative approaches to properly evaluate the situation and gain support for population management. To determine potential white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) habitat for the Harrisonburg, Virginia, Deer Task Force, a geographic information systems (GIS) map was created that reflected current land use in the city. Data were compiled using 2m resolution Digital Ortho Quarter Quads. Using this backdrop, land use zones were digitized on-screen. Wooded (13%), Agricultural (20%), and Open Areas (14%) land use types accounted for nearly half the city's land area and represent a conservative estimate of …

Developing Urban Deer Management Plans: The Need For Public Education, Deborah Green, Glen R. Askins, Phillip D. West

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

Independent public opinion surveys concerning urban deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management were conducted in two Virginia communities. A total of 346 citizens were interviewed in two Random Digit Dial telephone surveys. In addition to questions concerning management techniques and their administration, participants were asked about their experience with deer, their awareness of problems with deer in the area, and their enjoyment of deer. In both localities, non-lethal controls were preferred over lethal controls; trapping and relocation, fencing, repellents, and birth control measures were favored by a majority of residents. The only lethal control acceptable to residents in both communities …

Response From Cooperative Extension Personnel To Citizen Requests For Information About Wildlife, Shannon Thurston, Gary J. San Julian

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

With the increasing urbanization of rural areas, conflicts between homeowners and wildlife are becoming more common. County extension offices frequently receive telephone calls from individuals who are experiencing problems with wildlife. In most cases, extension staff provides assistance over the phone or by mail. However, there are no guidelines for the distribution of information nor is there training for extension personnel. Each county office collects and distributes information differently. Because there is no follow-up to inquiries, little is known about what the homeowners actually do or whether the problems were solved. With some wildlife species, there is a question of …

Abalone Aquaculture In Western Australia. Discussion Paper And Draft Policy Guidelines., Cameron Westaway, Jeff Norriss

Fisheries management papers

The purposes of this discussion paper is to highlight relevant issues associated with abalone aquaculture development and outline a set of draft policy guidelines. The paper is being disseminated to members of the aquaculture industry, commercial and recreational fishing bodies and the broader community to allow comment.

Resource Law Notes Newsletter, No. 41, Fall Issue, Aug. 1997, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center

Resource Law Notes: The Newsletter of the Natural Resources Law Center (1984-2002)

No abstract provided.

The Oldest Operating Wetland Mitigation Bank In The U.S. A Review Of The Goose Creek Wetland Bank In Chesapeake, Virginia; It's Development And Utilization, Thomas A. Barnard Jr., Carl Hershner, Megan Greiner, Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Wetlands Program

Reports

No abstract provided.

Survey Of Mollusks Of The Niobrara River: Final Report, Patricia W. Freeman, Keith Perkins

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

We surveyed the mollusks of the Niobrara River in Nebraska from 1992–1996. We found two species of unionid clams and ten species of snails that either must live in water or near water. Both clams and snails are poorly sampled in the state, however we attribute the low number of species of unionid clams in the Niobrara to its cold, fast flow and rocky bottom. In contrast, the Platte River is slower moving with a muddy bottom and has at least 11 species of unionid clams. Each species has been mapped with latitude/longitude coordinates. Specimens have been curated and are …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 29, No.3. September 1997

The Prairie Naturalist

FISHING STATISTICS IN KANSAS PUT-AND-TAKE RAINBOW TROUT FISHERIES ▪ R. D. Schultz and D. D. Nygren

DISTRIBUTIONAL STATUS Of UNCOMMON FISHES AND AN AMPHIBIAN FROM NORTHEASTERN MISSOURI ▪ R. A. Hrabik,

DIET OF A RELICT POPULATION OF THE EASTERN WOODRAT IN NEBRASKA ▪ H. H. Genoways, P. W Freeman, and M. K. Clausen

ANIMAL SPECIES MONITORED BY THE SOUTH DAKOTA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM ▪ E. D. Stukel and D. C. Backlund

Dedication

Announcements

Biology Of Shovelnose Sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus, In The Lower Platte River, Nebraska, Robin L. Hofpar

School of Natural Resources: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

No abstract provided.

The John Muir Newsletter, Fall 1997, The John Muir Center For Regional Studies

Muir Center Newsletters, 1981-2015

Fall 1997 NEWSLETTER Intimacies of a New England Trip: John Muir's 1898 Excursion by j. Parker Huber (Editor's note: Parker Huber, a regular contributor to these ■pages, here excerpts and discusses a few days of John Muir's life from the pages of Muir's journal of 1898 and from his letters.) ohn Muir's extensive travels included five trips to New England, finch occurred in 1893,1896,1898,1903 and 1911. His longest fxposure to New England came in late summer and autumn of 1898. This visit had three phases: first an overnight on Cape Cod, ; which is considered here, followed by a tour …

Idealwise Algebraic Independence For Elements Of The Completion Of A Local Domain, William Heinzer, Christel Rotthaus, Sylvia Wiegand

Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit: Staff Publications

Over the past forty years many examples in commutative algebra have been constructed using the following principle: Let k be a field, let S k[xl Xn]x,xn) be a localized polynomial ring over k, and let a be an ideal in the completion S of S such that the associated prims of a are in the generic formal fiber of S; that is, p N S (0) for each p Ass(S/a):. Then S embeds in S/a, the fraction field Q(S) of S embeds in the fraction ring of S/a, and for certain choices of a, the intersection D Q(S) f3 (S/a) …

Applications Of Geographic Information Systems, Remote-Sensing, And A Landscape Ecology Approach To Biodiversity Conservation In The Western Ghats, Shaily Menon, Kamaljit S. Bawa

Shaily Menon

The mountains along the west coast of peninsular India, the Western Ghats, constitute one of the unique biological regions of the world. Rapidly occurring land-cover and land-use change in the Western Ghats has serious implications for the biodiversity of the region. Both landscape changes as well as the distribution of biodiversity are phenomena with strong spatial correlates. Recent developments in remote-sensing technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow the use of a landscape ecology and spatial analysis approach to the problem of deforestation and biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats. Applications of this approach include analyses of land-cover and land-use …