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- Keyword
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- Ursus americanus (6)
- Black bear (5)
- Boiga irregularis (5)
- Canis latrans (5)
- Coyote (4)
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- Invasive species (4)
- Repellents (4)
- Supplemental feeding (4)
- Behavior (3)
- Brown treesnake (3)
- Exotic species (3)
- Sturnus vulgaris (3)
- Acetaminophen (2)
- American black bear (2)
- Aquaculture (2)
- Black-tailed deer (2)
- Body composition (2)
- Brucella abortus (2)
- Brucellosis (2)
- Conifer damage (2)
- Diet (2)
- Fertility control (2)
- Food avoidance learning (2)
- Foraging (2)
- Guam (2)
- Health profile (2)
- Home ranges (2)
- Immunocontraception (2)
- Interactions (2)
- Methiocarb (2)
Articles 1 - 30 of 97
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Quantification Of Plasma And Egg 4,4′ Dinitrocarbanilide (Dnc) Residues For The Efficient Development Of A Nicarbazin-Based Contraceptive For Pest Waterfowl, John J. Johnston, Walter M. Britton, Alexander Macdonald, Thomas M. Primus, Margaret J. Goodall, Christi A. Yoder, Lowell A. Miller, Kathleen A. Fagerstone
Quantification Of Plasma And Egg 4,4′ Dinitrocarbanilide (Dnc) Residues For The Efficient Development Of A Nicarbazin-Based Contraceptive For Pest Waterfowl, John J. Johnston, Walter M. Britton, Alexander Macdonald, Thomas M. Primus, Margaret J. Goodall, Christi A. Yoder, Lowell A. Miller, Kathleen A. Fagerstone
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Urbanization and associated landscaping has increased the abundance of year-round habitat for waterfowl, resulting in vegetation damage, loss of recreational activities, air transportation mishaps and health hazards. As part of a research program to develop socially acceptable techniques for management of pest bird populations, we are evaluating nicarbazin as a contraceptive in pest and surrogate avian species. As reproductive studies with Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) are tedious due to the difficulty of conducting controlled field studies and/or breeding geese in captivity, we evaluated the effects of oral nicarbazin administration on the production and hatchability of chicken studies are …
Non-Target Impacts Of Strychnine Baiting To Reduce Pocket Gopher Populations On Forest Lands In The United States, Dale L. Nolte, Kimberly Wagner
Non-Target Impacts Of Strychnine Baiting To Reduce Pocket Gopher Populations On Forest Lands In The United States, Dale L. Nolte, Kimberly Wagner
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Reforestation efforts are often severely hindered on sites that contain high populations of pocket gophers (Thmmysspp). Strychnine baiting is a technique used to suppress pocket gopher populations until seedlings are established. Strychnine bait is applied below ground in pocket gopher burrows, however, primary and secondary hazards remain a concern. A study to assess primary hazards indicated that some individual rodents died post strychnine baiting but there was not a long-term negative impact on non-target rodent populations. Possible secondary hazards reflect the potential for predators OT scavengers to encounter poisoned pocket gophers. Concerns that pocket gophers may surface before …
Novel Field Sampling Procedure For The Determination Of Methiocarb Residues In Surface Waters From Rice Fields, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, Mike Avery, Pat Bolich, M.O. Way, John J. Johnston
Novel Field Sampling Procedure For The Determination Of Methiocarb Residues In Surface Waters From Rice Fields, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, Mike Avery, Pat Bolich, M.O. Way, John J. Johnston
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Methiocarb was extracted from surface water samples collected at experimental rice field sites in Louisiana and Texas. The sampling system consisted of a single-stage 90-mm Empore extraction disk unit equipped with a battery-powered vacuum pump. After extraction, the C-18 extraction disks were stored in an inert atmosphere at -10 °C and shipped overnight to the laboratory. The disks were extracted with methanol and the extracts analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with a methanol/water mobile phase. Methiocarb was detected by ultraviolet absorption at 223 nm and quantified with the use of calibration standards. Recoveries from control surface water samples fortified …
Differential Responses Of Coyotes To Novel Stimuli In Familiar And Unfamiliar Settings, Charles E. Harris, Frederick F. Knowlton
Differential Responses Of Coyotes To Novel Stimuli In Familiar And Unfamiliar Settings, Charles E. Harris, Frederick F. Knowlton
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
We studied behavioral responses of captive and wild coyotes (Canis latrans) toward novel objects and artificial scent stations to determine how they might respond to novel stimuli used in coyote management and research. When captive coyotes encountered novel stimuli in unfamiliar surroundings they showed little avoidance, while the same stimuli caused avoidance and neophobic reactions among coyotes when encountered in familiar surroundings. In the field phase of the study, radio-collared coyotes in southern Texas were intensively monitored in order to relate space-use patterns to the locations where these coyotes were exposed to artificial scent stations. Coyotes were more …
The Demographic Response Of Bank-Dwelling Beavers To Flow Regulation: A Comparison On The Green And Yampa Rivers, Stewart W. Breck, Kenneth R. Wilson, Douglas C. Anderson
The Demographic Response Of Bank-Dwelling Beavers To Flow Regulation: A Comparison On The Green And Yampa Rivers, Stewart W. Breck, Kenneth R. Wilson, Douglas C. Anderson
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
We assessed the effects of flow regulation on the demography of beavers (Castor canadensis) by comparing the density, home-range size, and body size of bank-dwelling beavers on two sixth-order alluvial river systems, the flow-regulated Green River and the free-flowing Yampa River, from 1997 to 2000. Flow regulation on the Green River has altered fluvial geomorphic processes, influencing the availability of willow and cottonwood, which, in turn, has influenced the demography of beavers. Beaver density was higher on the Green River (0.5–0.6 colonies per kilometer of river) than on the Yampa River (0.35 colonies per kilometer of river). Adult …
Targeting Alphas Can Make Coyote Control More Effective And Socially Acceptable, Michael M. Jaeger, Karen M. Blejwas, Benjamin N. Sacks, Jennifer C.C. Neale, Mary M. Conner, Dale R. Mccullough
Targeting Alphas Can Make Coyote Control More Effective And Socially Acceptable, Michael M. Jaeger, Karen M. Blejwas, Benjamin N. Sacks, Jennifer C.C. Neale, Mary M. Conner, Dale R. Mccullough
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Research at the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC) has improved our understanding of how to reduce sheep depredation while minimizing the impact on coyotes. Analysis of a 14-year data set of HREC coyote-control efforts found that sheep depredation losses were not correlated with the number of coyotes removed in any of three time scales analyzed (yearly, seasonally and monthly) during corresponding intervals for the next 2 years. Field research using radiotelemetry to track coyotes supported and explained this finding. For example, in 1995, dominant “alphas” from four territories were associated with 89% of 74 coyote-killed lambs; “betas” and …
Determination Of Cabergoline By Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Picogram Detection Via Column Focusing Sample Introduction, Bruce A. Kimball, Thomas J. Deliberto, John J. Johnston
Determination Of Cabergoline By Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Picogram Detection Via Column Focusing Sample Introduction, Bruce A. Kimball, Thomas J. Deliberto, John J. Johnston
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
An electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method was developed for low-picogram detection of an ergot alkaloid, cabergoline, in coyote plasma extracts. Cabergoline is under investigation as an abortifacient in canid species. Central to the successful development of this method was the ability to introduce relatively large sample volumes into the mass spectrometer. This was achieved by focusing the analyte on a conventional high-performance liquid chromatography guard column prior to elution into the spectrometer. Volumes up to at least 900 μL could be injected onto the guard column using a 100% aqueous mobile phase. Cabergoline retained on the column was eluted …
Evaluation Of Chemical Repellents For Reducing Crop Damage By Dickcissels In Venezuela, M. L. Avery, E. A. Tillman, C.C. Lauker
Evaluation Of Chemical Repellents For Reducing Crop Damage By Dickcissels In Venezuela, M. L. Avery, E. A. Tillman, C.C. Lauker
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
In Venezuela, lethal control of wintering Dickcissels (Spiza americana) is considered a threat to the species survival. To help farmers protect their rice and sorghum crops from depredations by Dickcissels and to minimize the killing of large numbers of these birds, alternative non-lethal crop protection measures are needed. To that end, the responses of captive Dickcissels to three bird-repellent chemicals applied to rice seed were evaluated. In one-cup feeding trials, treatments of methiocarb (0.05% g g-1, applied as Mesurol® 75% wettable powder) and anthraquinone (0.5%, applied as Flight Control® ) reduced consumption of rice by 70% …
Effects Of Trapping And Subsequent Short-Term Confinement Stress On Plasma Corticosterone In The Brown Treesnake (Boiga Irregularis) On Guam, Tom Mathies, Todd A. Felix, Valentine A. Lance
Effects Of Trapping And Subsequent Short-Term Confinement Stress On Plasma Corticosterone In The Brown Treesnake (Boiga Irregularis) On Guam, Tom Mathies, Todd A. Felix, Valentine A. Lance
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
The effects of capture in a live trap and subsequent handling stress on plasma concentrations of corticosterone and other sex steroids were examined in wild male and female brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis), an introduced species on Guam that has been implicated in the extirpation or decline of many of that island's vertebrate species. Males and females that spent 1 night in a trap had plasma levels of corticosterone about four and two times higher, respectively, than those of the respective free-ranging controls. Mean plasma levels of corticosterone of snakes that had spent 3 nights in a trap were …
Efficacy Of Wolfin To Repel Black-Tailed Deer, Dale L. Nolte, Kimberly K. Wagner
Efficacy Of Wolfin To Repel Black-Tailed Deer, Dale L. Nolte, Kimberly K. Wagner
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Deer and elk provide many desirable recreational opportunities but also can cause severe conflicts with humans. Excluding them from agricultural resources or from roadways is desirable, but fencing is expensive. A chemical barrier would offer a feasible alternative to reduce damage caused by deer. A series of three tests was conducted to assess whether black-tailed deer avoided areas treated with Wolfin, a synthetic predator odor. Wolfin failed to repel deer during any of these trials. We conclude that Wolfin, as applied within this study, is unlikely to reduce problems roused by free-ranging deer. West. J Appl. For. 16(4):182-186.
Porcine Zona Pellucida Immunocontraception: Long-Term Health Effects On White-Tailed Deer, Lowell A. Miller, Ken Crane, Stan Gaddis, Gary J. Killian
Porcine Zona Pellucida Immunocontraception: Long-Term Health Effects On White-Tailed Deer, Lowell A. Miller, Ken Crane, Stan Gaddis, Gary J. Killian
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
As part of a 9-year study on the contraceptive effects of Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP) on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), we analyzed serum chemistry panels during the first 4 years. This included the first 2 years when does were being actively immunized, and 2 years post-immunization. The chemistry panel was designed to detect pathologies that might result from the immunization of the deer. Blood chemistry results did not suggest any pathological changes resulting from the immunization. Seasonal differences in serum cholesterol were similar in both the control and PZP-treated groups. Seasonal changes in the mean body weights of …
Decline Of The Red-Winged Blackbird Population In Ohio Correlated To Changes In Agriculture (1965-1996), Bradley F. Blackwell, Richard A. Dolbeer
Decline Of The Red-Winged Blackbird Population In Ohio Correlated To Changes In Agriculture (1965-1996), Bradley F. Blackwell, Richard A. Dolbeer
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Based on North American Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data since 1966, Ohio has traditionally hosted 1 of the highest breeding season densities of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) of any U.S. state or Canadian province. However, from 1966 through 1996, breeding populations of red-winged blackbirds in Ohio showed a marked decline (x̅ % change/yr in birds per route = -3.9), with breeding population indices decreasing by over 53%. Because the red-winged blackbird successfully adapted to habitats created by agricultural expansion over the last century and became a recognized pest of crops such as corn (Zea mays), …
The Role Of Predation In Wildlife Population Dynamics, Eric M. Gese, Frederick F. Knowlton
The Role Of Predation In Wildlife Population Dynamics, Eric M. Gese, Frederick F. Knowlton
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
The role predation plays in the dynamics of prey populations is controversial. Our understandings of predator-prey relationships is complicated by a multitude of factors in the environment and a general lack of knowledge of most ecological systems. Various other factors, besides predation, may regulate or limit prey populations, and various factors influence the degree to which predation affects prey populations. Furthermore, some factors may create time lags, or even cause generational effects, that go unnoticed. Herein, we review the role of predation in wildlife population dynamics, some of the factors influencing predator-prey interactions, and attempt to indicate where the professional …
Analysis Of Pesticide Gas Cartridges, John J. Johnston, Carol A. Furcolow, Doreen G. Griffin, Randal S. Stahl, John D. Eisemann
Analysis Of Pesticide Gas Cartridges, John J. Johnston, Carol A. Furcolow, Doreen G. Griffin, Randal S. Stahl, John D. Eisemann
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Charcoal and sodium nitrate, the active ingredients in pesticide gas cartridges, are quantified via carbon analysis and ion chromatography, respectively. Linearity was excellent (R2 > 0.995) over a range consisting of 50-150% of the target concentration for both ingredients. The coefficient of variation for the replicate analyses of gas cartridges over multiple days was <4% for both analytes. Using the results from the analysis of two batches of gas cartridges, theoretical populations were modeled and used to determine practical sampling strategies to support a quality control program for a gas cartridge manufacturing operation. This modeling indicates that the analysis of three cartridges from each of five different lots would produce mean values for both active ingredients that are within 5% of the true mean >99% of the time.
Determination Of Diazacon In Quail Feed And Quail Serum By Ion Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography, John J. Johnston, Margaret J. Goodall, Jerome C. Hurley, Christi A. Yoder, Lowell A. Miller
Determination Of Diazacon In Quail Feed And Quail Serum By Ion Pair Reversed-Phase Chromatography, John J. Johnston, Margaret J. Goodall, Jerome C. Hurley, Christi A. Yoder, Lowell A. Miller
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Liquid chromatographic (LC) methods were developed for quantitating the potential avian contraceptive DiazaCon in quail feed and serum. DiazaCon was extracted from ground quail feed with basic n-butyl chloride. The n-butyl chloride extract was evaporated to dryness. The DiazaCon residues were dissolved in an aqueous methanolic ion pairing solution and quantitated by LC at 206 nm. Avian sera was combined with an equal volume of a pH 4 aqueous solution of ion pairing reagent and filtered to remove interfering proteins. DiazaCon was quantitated by LC. Mean recoveries for 500 and 2000 ppm fortified feed were 89.1 and 91.0%, …
Determination Of 4,4′-Dinitrocarbanilide (Dnc), The Active Component Of The Antifertility Agent Nicarbazin, In Chicken, Duck, And Goose Plasma, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, Margaret A. Goodall, Christi Yoder, Doreen Griffin, Lowell A. Miller, John J. Johnston
Determination Of 4,4′-Dinitrocarbanilide (Dnc), The Active Component Of The Antifertility Agent Nicarbazin, In Chicken, Duck, And Goose Plasma, Thomas M. Primus, Dennis J. Kohler, Margaret A. Goodall, Christi Yoder, Doreen Griffin, Lowell A. Miller, John J. Johnston
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
4,4′-Dinitrocarbanilide (DNC) was extracted from chicken, duck, and goose plasma and isolated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. DNC was detected by ultraviolet absorbance at 347 nm and quantified by comparison to a calibration standard. Recovery data were determined by analyzing DNC-fortified control plasma. The mean recovery of DNC in fortified chicken plasma samples was 99.7 ± 1.9% for 0.18 and 9.1 ppm DNC, and in fortified duck and goose plasma samples was 99.5 ± 4.9% and 101.4 ± 4.5%, respectively, for 0.18, 9.1, and 18 ppm DNC.
A New Approach To Understanding Canid Populations Using An Individual-Based Computer Model: Preliminary Results, William C. Pitt, Frederick F. Knowlton, Paul W. Box
A New Approach To Understanding Canid Populations Using An Individual-Based Computer Model: Preliminary Results, William C. Pitt, Frederick F. Knowlton, Paul W. Box
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Ensuring the welfare of wild canid populations depends upon the ability to integrate species biology, the environmental aspects upon which those populations depend, and the factors controlling species abundance. Toward this end, we developed an individual-based computer model using Swarm to mimic natural coyote populations. Swarm is a software platform that allows the user to describe individual behaviors for all individuals, link those behaviors in each concurrent time step, and assemble behaviors and objects in a hierarchical framework. Our model stands apart from previous modeling efforts because it relies on field data and explicitly incorporates behavioral features, such as dominance …
Surgical Sterilization As A Method Of Reducing Coyote Predation On Domestic Sheep, Cassity Bromley, Eric M. Gese
Surgical Sterilization As A Method Of Reducing Coyote Predation On Domestic Sheep, Cassity Bromley, Eric M. Gese
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Predation by coyotes (Canis latrans) on domestic sheep is a problem for many livestock producers throughout the United States Intermountain West. We examined whether surgical sterilization of coyote packs would modify their predatory behavior and reduce predation rates on domestic sheep as compared to coyote packs with pups. From June 1997 to December 1997, we gathered baseline information on coyote pack size and movements. In winter 1998, we surgically sterilized and radio-collared members of 5 coyote packs. We also captured and radio-collared members of 6 packs that remained intact (i.e., reproductive). During summer 1998, only 1 sterile pack …
Effect Of Primary And Secondary Repellents On European Starlings: An Initial Assessment, Roger W. Sayre, Larry Clark
Effect Of Primary And Secondary Repellents On European Starlings: An Initial Assessment, Roger W. Sayre, Larry Clark
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Wildlife managers need chemical repellents that are effective at deterring damage by birds, but these repellents must be environmentally and toxicologically safe. The number of commercially available bird repellents has been reduced because of concerns about environmental safety. Currently, there are 2 categories of avian repellents. Chemicals that are reflexively avoided by birds because they irritate the peripheral chemical senses are referred to as primary repellents. Chemicals that cause gastrointestinal illness and learned avoidance of ancillary sensory cues that are paired with the illness are known as secondary repellents. Secondary repellents most often identified as the most effective avian repellents …
Survival Of Avian Carcasses And Photographic Evidence Of Predators And Scavengers, Richard M. Kostecke, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier
Survival Of Avian Carcasses And Photographic Evidence Of Predators And Scavengers, Richard M. Kostecke, George M. Linz, William J. Bleier
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Scavenging of carcasses may bias estimates of mortality following the use of pesticides. To assess carcass survival, we monitored bird carcasses in crop stubble, grassland, roadside, and wooded habitats in east-central South Dakota in early spring. Survival rates differed among habitat types in 1997 but not in 1998. Survival rates did not differ among species of carcass in 1997 or 1998. Within 5 d, 66% of carcasses had been scavenged in both 1997 and 1998. To assess potential hazards of secondary poisoning, we used infrared-triggered camera systems to identify predators and scavengers of live birds and bird carcasses. Mammals ( …
Comparison Of Commercial Deer Repellents, Andy Trent, Dale L. Nolte, Kimberly Wagner
Comparison Of Commercial Deer Repellents, Andy Trent, Dale L. Nolte, Kimberly Wagner
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Foraging deer can severely hinder regeneration of newly stocked stands. Chemical repellents (along with fencing and individual tree shelters) are socially acceptable nonlethal tools to reduce deer damage. New products are continually entering the market, but their efficacy varies greatly. Availability or even registration of these products does not equate with effectiveness. Some repellents may contain active ingredients at concentrations below avoidance thresholds. Others may contain ingredients that don’t repel the target species. The Olympia Field Station of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center has conducted numerous studies to identify trends that …
Gray Wolf Restoration In The Northwestern United States, Ed Bangs, Joe Fontaine, Mike Jimenez, Tom Meier, Carter Niemeyer, Doug Smith, Kerry Murphy, Deb Guernsey, Larry Handegard, Mark Collinge, Rod Krischke, John Shivik, Curt Mack, Issac Babcock, Val Asher, Dominic Domenici
Gray Wolf Restoration In The Northwestern United States, Ed Bangs, Joe Fontaine, Mike Jimenez, Tom Meier, Carter Niemeyer, Doug Smith, Kerry Murphy, Deb Guernsey, Larry Handegard, Mark Collinge, Rod Krischke, John Shivik, Curt Mack, Issac Babcock, Val Asher, Dominic Domenici
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations were eliminated from Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, as well as adjacent southwestern Canada by the 1930s. After human-caused mortality of wolves in southwestern Canada began to be regulated in the 1960s, populations began expanding southward. Dispersing individuals occasionally reached the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States, but lacked legal protection there until 1974, after passage of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. In 1986, wolves from Canada successfully raised a litter of pups in Glacier National Park, Montana, and a small population was soon established. In 1995 and 1996, wolves from western …
Managing Wolf Conflict With Livestock In The Northwestern United States, Ed Bangs, John A. Shivik
Managing Wolf Conflict With Livestock In The Northwestern United States, Ed Bangs, John A. Shivik
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Wolves (Canis lupus) were once common throughout North America but were deliberately exterminated in the lower 48 United States, except in northeastern Minnesota, primarily because of depredations on livestock. Wolves remained abundant in areas with few livestock such as most of Canada and Alaska. Sixty years after being nearly exterminated, the gray wolf was listed under the United States Endangered Species Act (Act) in 1974. The combination of natural recovery in NW Montana, and reintroduction in central Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone area (NW Wyoming, eastern Idaho, and SW Montana) has resulted in an expanding wolf population (Bangs …
Chemical Repellents And Other Aversive Strategies In Predation Management, J.R. R. Mason, J.A. Shivik, M.W. Fall
Chemical Repellents And Other Aversive Strategies In Predation Management, J.R. R. Mason, J.A. Shivik, M.W. Fall
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Chemical repellents and other aversive strategies are the core of non-lethal wildlife management. These strategies typically depend on irritation (pain), conditioning, or fear for their effectiveness, and none is universally successful. Thus, conditioned food aversions deter browsing and foraging by deer (virginianus , O. hemionus), but are less useful with predators, because killing, not consumption, is the behavior of interest. Broadly speaking, the utility of non-lethal strategies is affected by number and density of wildlife species, availability of alternative foods, palatability and novelty of treated items, and intensity of pain, sickness, or fear used to establish avoidance. Some …
Infrequent Cowbird Parasitism On Common Grackles Revisited: New Records From The Northern Great Plains, Brian D. Peer, H. Jeffrey Homan, Spencer G. Sealy
Infrequent Cowbird Parasitism On Common Grackles Revisited: New Records From The Northern Great Plains, Brian D. Peer, H. Jeffrey Homan, Spencer G. Sealy
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
We report nine new records of Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) parasitism on the Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula): six from Benson County, North Dakota, and three from Delta Marsh, Manitoba. These observations represent 30% of the total number of records of parasitism on this host. Parasitism frequencies were 0.8% of 727 nests in North Dakota, and 4.0% of 75 nests in Manitoba. The data from Manitoba, combined with previous data from this location (Neudorf and Sealy 1994), yields a parasitism frequency of 3.4% of 119 nests examined. These parasitism frequencies are the highest recorded for the Common …
Importance Of Bacterial Decomposition And Carrion Substrate To Foraging Brown Treesnakes, S.M. Jojola-Elverum, J.A. Shivik, L. Clark
Importance Of Bacterial Decomposition And Carrion Substrate To Foraging Brown Treesnakes, S.M. Jojola-Elverum, J.A. Shivik, L. Clark
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Brown treesnakes are an invasive species to the island of Guam that have caused extensive ecological and economic damage. Efforts to control the snake population have included trapping using live mouse lures, but for logistical and economic reasons a synthetic lure is needed. When searching for live food, brown treesnakes use both visual and odor cues. However, when searching for carrion, odor cues are sufficient. Attempts to develop synthetic lures based on chemical reconstruction of the complex carrion odor have not succeeded. We provide evidence that a microbial–substrate interaction is important for bait take by brown treesnakes. Microbial cultures taken …
Territorial Defense By Coyotes (Canis Latrans) In Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Who, How, Where, When, And Why, Eric M. Gese
Territorial Defense By Coyotes (Canis Latrans) In Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Who, How, Where, When, And Why, Eric M. Gese
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Territorial defense and maintenance are an important facet of the social ecology of most carnivore species. From January 1991 to June 1993, we observed 54 coyotes (Canis latrans) for 2507 h in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, during which we observed 112 instances of territory defense. The identity of the coyotes involved in challenging and evicting intruding animals was known. Alpha coyotes were most likely to be involved in territorial evictions of intruding animals, followed by beta individuals; pups participated little in territory defense. Coyotes evicting intruders generally had a numerical advantage when challenging the intruders. Territory-defense rates were …
Evaluation Of Mirrors To Deter Nesting Starlings, Thomas W. Seamans, Charles D. Lovell, Richard A. Dolbeer, Jonathon D. Cepek
Evaluation Of Mirrors To Deter Nesting Starlings, Thomas W. Seamans, Charles D. Lovell, Richard A. Dolbeer, Jonathon D. Cepek
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) nesting in buildings and other structures can cause health, nuisance, and safety problems. We evaluated effectiveness of flashing lights combined with mirrors, and mirrors alone, as deterrents for starlings nesting in starling nest boxes in northern Ohio, 1998-2000. Each year, 100 nest boxes attached to utility poles were randomly assigned equally among 4 treatments (including untreated boxes): 1998- mirrored (internally placed on the back and 2 side walls of nest boxes), mirrored with red-flashing lights, and mirrored with green-flashing lights; 1999-convex mirror above entrance hole, convex mirror at back of nest box, and flat …
Density Of Prairie Skinks (Eumeces Septentrionalis) In Old-Field Habitats, William C. Pitt
Density Of Prairie Skinks (Eumeces Septentrionalis) In Old-Field Habitats, William C. Pitt
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
From 1996–1998 I estimated the density of prairie skinks (Eumeces septentrionalis) in old fields and evaluated the influence of habitat characteristics on density. I estimated prairie skink density from a trapping grid using a mark-recapture method in seven old fields. For each field I estimated arthropod density, percent plant cover and recorded field age and if the field had been burned in the last 5 y. Arthropod density was highly variable among years and fields. Percent plant cover did not explain this variation, as it varied little among fields and years. Prairie skink density ranged from 58–206 adults …
Monitoring Changes In Feral Swine Abundance And Spatial Distribution, Richard M. Engeman, Bernice Constantine, Mark Nelson, John Woolard, Jean Bourassa
Monitoring Changes In Feral Swine Abundance And Spatial Distribution, Richard M. Engeman, Bernice Constantine, Mark Nelson, John Woolard, Jean Bourassa
USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications
Swine (Sus scrofa) have been introduced in many places throughout the world, and in many places they adversely affect the environment, economically impact agriculture, and/or harbor diseases transmittable to domestic livestock or humans. An easily applied method to assess their abundance is an important need for their management. To monitor efficacy of a swine control program in Florida, data from passive tracking plots provide an index of feral swine abundance. The same track data coupled with plot locations to numerically describe the spatial pattern of swine activity gave an index of pervasiveness, and a simple rate of interception …