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Articles 61 - 90 of 296

Full-Text Articles in Natural Resources and Conservation

Use Of High Pressure Liquid Chromatography To Detect And Quantify Oxytetracycline Marks In Walleye Otoliths And Dorsal Spines, Michael J. Hawkins Jan 2002

Use Of High Pressure Liquid Chromatography To Detect And Quantify Oxytetracycline Marks In Walleye Otoliths And Dorsal Spines, Michael J. Hawkins

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oxytetracycline (OTC) is used to chemically mark calcified structures in walleye Stizostedion vitreum fry and fingerlings. Current visual methods for detection of these marks are subjective, and biologists are unable to quantify the amount of OTC in a sample. The goal of this study was to determine if high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a feasible and superior alternative for detecting and quantifying OTC in otoliths of fry-marked and spines of fingerlingmarked walleyes. Study objectives were to validate methodology of extraction of OTC from calcified tissue, detect and quantify extracted OTC using HPLC, and determine a cost comparison of current …

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Local And Systemic Controls On Fish And Fish Habitat In South Dakota Rivers And Streams: Implications For Management, Craig L. Milewski Jan 2001

Local And Systemic Controls On Fish And Fish Habitat In South Dakota Rivers And Streams: Implications For Management, Craig L. Milewski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Assessments of the health of rivers and streams in prairie environments would improve if the role of systemic patterns and processes among geologic-climatic settings in controlling physical habitat and fish communities were better defined. My research approach was based on a premise that assessments of the health of rivers and streams in prairie environments would benefit from studies that 1) examine the moderating effects of systemic patterns and processes by comparing physical habitat continua and fish communities among geologic-climatic settings, 2) determine the relative influence of locally interacting variables (e .g., channel shape and riparian vegetation) and systemic processes in …

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Population Characteristics And Sampling Methods Of Catfish For The James And Big Sioux Rivers, John E. Aterburn Jan 2001

Population Characteristics And Sampling Methods Of Catfish For The James And Big Sioux Rivers, John E. Aterburn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Concerns about the sustainability of catfish populations that produce large fish have increased because of abundant media images of large catfish and improvements in specialized fishing equipment. This study will help biologists address these concerns by providing important information about the channel catfish lctalurus punctarus and flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris populations of the James and Big Sioux rivers and by assessing the effectiveness of various gears used to sample catfish. I compared the number of channel catfish and flathead catfish caught on trotlines by riverine habitat type, hook type, and bait type along with electrofishing and different hoop net combinations. …

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The Status And Distribution Of The Topeka Shiner Notropis Topeka In Eastern South Dakota, Carmen M. Blausey Jan 2001

The Status And Distribution Of The Topeka Shiner Notropis Topeka In Eastern South Dakota, Carmen M. Blausey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Topeka shiner Notropis topeka is a small (< 75 mm) minnow that inhabits prairie streams in several north central plains states. Once widespread and abundant throughout its historic range, the Topeka shiner is now found only in isolated populations. Because of an 80% reduction in occurrence throughout their range, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Topeka shiner as endangered in January 1999. At the time, limited information on habitat preferences and dist1ibution existed for this species in South Dakota. The objectives of this study were to measure local habitat features and water quality conditions at the reach scale at Topeka shiner study sites, create a model using these data to determine favorable habitat conditions, and identify fish species commonly associated with Topeka shiners. Fish and habitat data were collected at 61 tributary sites of the James, Vermillion, and Big Sioux rivers from June through September in 1999 and 2000. Sample sites in 1999 were based on historic Topeka shiner records in the South Dakota Natural Heritage Database. Sample sites in 2000 were based on a draft GIS model identifying potential Topeka shiner streams. Fish were collected with seines between block nets and standard procedures were used to measure physical and hydrological features of stream reaches. Cyprinids dominated the fish community for each river basin during both sample years. Insectivores and omnivores were the dominant trophic classes for each river basin for both sample years. Fish community associations for Topeka shiners were based on two stepwise logistic regression models: abundance of individual species at each site and presence or absence of individual species at each site. The abundance model indicated that Topeka shiners were most commonly associated with orangespotted sunfish Lepomis lutrenis and tadpole madtoms Noturns gyrinus. The presence/absence model showed that Topeka shiners were typically associated with red shiners Notropis lutrenis, tadpole madtoms Noturns gyrinus, black bullheads Ameiurus melas, and bigmouth shiners Notropis dorsalis. Habitat preferences were based on three stepwise logistic regression models: physical habitat water quality, and substrate composition at the reach scale. The physical habitat model indicated that Topeka shiners are associated with stream reaches that had low animal use, overhanging vegetation, stream bank vegetation comprised of sedges/rushes, low depositional zones, and run macrohabitat. The water quality model did not indicate any favorable or preferred conditions. The substrate model indicated that Topeka shiners are associated with stream reaches that had fine gravel or cobble substrates. The results of my study will lead to a better understanding of Topeka shiner distribution and habitat, and aid federal and state agencies in making management decisions that provide for protection and preservation of this species.

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Utility Of Walleyes And Saugeyes As Secondary Predators In Small South Dakota Impoundments, Mark J. Ermer Jan 2001

Utility Of Walleyes And Saugeyes As Secondary Predators In Small South Dakota Impoundments, Mark J. Ermer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Walleye Stizostedion vitreum and saugeye (walleye x sauger S. canadense) fingerlings were concurrently stocked at equal densities into five small impoundments in 1997, 1988, and 1999 to evaluate relative survival, growth and their ability to restructure existing panfish communities. Prior to stocking, fish were differentially marked on the right or left side with freeze brands or with 700 ppm oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) to allow accurate identification of each fish as a walleye (fry mark) or a saugeye (fingerling mark). Spring and fall night electrofishing was used to sample the stocked percids, as well as potential competing species such as largemouth …

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Invertebrate Egg And Plant Seed Banks In Natural, Restored, And Drained Wetlands In The Prairie Pothole Region (Usa) And Potential Effects Of Sedimentation On Recolonization Of Hydrophytes And Aquatic Invertebrates, Robert Andrew Gleason Jan 2001

Invertebrate Egg And Plant Seed Banks In Natural, Restored, And Drained Wetlands In The Prairie Pothole Region (Usa) And Potential Effects Of Sedimentation On Recolonization Of Hydrophytes And Aquatic Invertebrates, Robert Andrew Gleason

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sediment is the major pollutant of wetlands, lakes, rivers, and estuaries in the United States and it poses unique threats to wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). Sediment may impact the success of wetland restorations because burial of invertebrate and plant propagules may impact hatching and germination success, and hence, may hamper successional changes throughout interannual climate cycles. Sedimentation also reduces the pool depth and volume, further exacerbating the recovery of hydrophyte communities in restored wetlands. I evaluated the potential impacts of sedimentation on prairie wetlands from several perspectives. First, I evaluated the effects of sedimentation on loss of …

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Food Habits And Diet Overlap Of Age-1 And Older Walleye And White Bass In Lake Poinsett, South Dakota, Andrew B. Starostka Jan 1999

Food Habits And Diet Overlap Of Age-1 And Older Walleye And White Bass In Lake Poinsett, South Dakota, Andrew B. Starostka

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

White bass Marone chysops and walleye Stizostedion vitreum coexist in several of the large glacial lakes in eastern South Dakota. I collected age-1 and older white bass and walleye in Lake Poinsett, South Dakota during May, July and September, 1998 to determine food habits and diet overlap using percent by weight to describe diets and Schoener's index (Cxy) to determine diet overlap. Macroinvertebrates were common prey items for white bass in all length groups during all sample dates. The primary macroinvertebrates consumed by white bass were corixids, amphipods and dipterans. Fish, as a group, were second in diet importance over …

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Owls Of The Idaho National Engineering And Environmental Laboratory (Ineel), Natalie A. Fahler Jan 1998

Owls Of The Idaho National Engineering And Environmental Laboratory (Ineel), Natalie A. Fahler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is a 2,315 km2 energy research and development site located on the Upper Snake River Plain of Southeast Idaho. Owl research was conducted on the site during the spring and summers of 1996-1997. Objectives were to: a) determine productivity, habitat use, and possible nest site selection factors of burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia ), b) verify the presence of small owl species including the boreal owl (Aegolius funereus), the northern saw-whet owl (A. acadicus), the western screech owl (Otus kennicottii), the flammulated owl (0. flammeolus), and the northern pygmy owl (Glaucidium gnoma), c) …

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Passerine Use Of Grasslands Managed With Two Grazing Regimes On The Missouri Coteau In North Dakota, Natoma A. Schneider Jan 1998

Passerine Use Of Grasslands Managed With Two Grazing Regimes On The Missouri Coteau In North Dakota, Natoma A. Schneider

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Several rotational grazing systems have been implemented on the Missouri Coteau in central and northcentral North Dakota as part of the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture (PP N). The impacts these systems have on grassland passerines are not fully understood. Objectives for this study include determining relative abundance, species composition and reproductive success of passerines as well as vegetation characteristics for rotational and traditional season-long grazing regimes. Passerine relative abundance and species richness were determined on rotational grazing systems during 1995-1997 and on season-long grazed pastures during 1996-1997 using 122 fixed, 100 m radius, point counts. Relative abundance was assessed by …

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The Wind Cave National Park Elk Herd: Home Ranges, Seasonal Movements, And Alternative Control Methods, Peter Bauman Jan 1998

The Wind Cave National Park Elk Herd: Home Ranges, Seasonal Movements, And Alternative Control Methods, Peter Bauman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Elk (Cervus elaphus ne/soni) herd organization, movements, and home range size in Wind Cave National Park (WICA) were studied from May 1996 to August 1997. Twenty radiocollared elk ( 10 males, 10 females) were relocated by ground and aerial telemetry. Radiocollared elk were relocated two times/week, resulting in 1,595 relocations ( 410 ground, 1, 185 aerial). Coefficients of association (CA) for radiocollared cows averaged 0.005 during spring/summer 1996, 0.033 during spring/summer 1997, and 0.295 during falVwinter 1996. Coefficients of association for radiocollared bulls averaged 0.011 during spring/summer 1996, 0.015 during spring/summer 1997, and 0.075 during faIVwinter 1996. Three cow subherds …

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Eastern South Dakota Wetlands, Rex R. Johnson, Kenneth F. Higgins, Michael L. Kjellsen, Charles R. Elliot Jan 1997

Eastern South Dakota Wetlands, Rex R. Johnson, Kenneth F. Higgins, Michael L. Kjellsen, Charles R. Elliot

Natural Resource Management Faculty Books

Diverse and extensive wetland resources have always been familiar parts of the landscape to farmers, hunters, and residents of eastern South Dakota. The journals and oral histories of adventurers, trappers, and natives and immigrants reveal how wetlands shaped the wildlife and the people who lived on and modified the land to meet their own needs. The history of South Dakota wetlands parallels the history and interactions of people and wetlands elsewhere in North America and the world. This interaction can best be characterized as constant conflict. Driven primarily by economics, farmers the world over expended tremendous energy to "reclaim" and …

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Wetland Resources Of Eastern South Dakota, Rex R. Johnson, Kenneth F. Higgins Jan 1997

Wetland Resources Of Eastern South Dakota, Rex R. Johnson, Kenneth F. Higgins

Natural Resource Management Faculty Books

The mere mention of the word "wetland" in coffee shops and other gathering places on the prairies today brings out emotions and opinions that run the gamut from saving them all to draining them all. To some people, what we do with wetlands has been, and still is, a personal choice, a matter of exercising individual rights on private property. To others, wetlands are community resources that provide values that touch all of society. They contend that what is done to and about wetlands is a community decision regardless of ownership. Herein lies the controversy we have experienced over wetlands …

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Habitat Area Requirements Of Prairie Wetland Birds In Eastern South Dakota, David E. Naugle Jan 1997

Habitat Area Requirements Of Prairie Wetland Birds In Eastern South Dakota, David E. Naugle

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The influence of area and vegetation structure on bird use of 830 semipermanent and seasonal wetlands (0.2-217.5 ha) was studied to evaluate vegetative needs and habitat area requirements of 20 breeding wetland bird species in eastern South Dakota in 1995-1996. Vegetative preferences of species varied, but most waterfowl and nongame species occur e4i more frequently in wetlands with intermediate cover-to-water ratios whereas five over-water nesting or secretive nongame species were found in wetlands with greater coverage of emergent vegetation. The occurrence of four nongame species that depend on vegetative structure to support the weight of their over-water nests also was …

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Early Life History Of Yellow Perch In Eastern South Dakota Lakes, Shannon Fisher Jan 1996

Early Life History Of Yellow Perch In Eastern South Dakota Lakes, Shannon Fisher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Yellow perch Perea flavescens are a popular South Dakota sportfish; however, inconsistent recruitment creates highly variable and unpredictable perch fishery quality. Before fishery managers can begin to develop and assess strategies to stabilize yellow perch recruitment, a better understanding of their early life history is required. I selected two natural lakes with differing yellow perch population types and monitored brood stock, spawning habits, and larval and juvenile life history patterns during 1995 and 1996. Pelican Lake was selected as a representative yellow perch population exhibiting inconsistent recruitment and Pickerel Lake as a population with relatively consistent recruitment. Yellow perch tended …

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Effects Of Wind Turbines On Nongame Birds In Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands In Southwestern Minnesota, Krecia L. Leddy Jan 1996

Effects Of Wind Turbines On Nongame Birds In Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands In Southwestern Minnesota, Krecia L. Leddy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One concern of wind power development for electrical energy generation has been the potential for bird collisions with wind turbines. The effects of wind turbines on nongame bird composition and density in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) grasslands was evaluated in summer 1995 along Buffalo Ridge in southwestern Minnesota. Bird density in CRP fields with wind turbines was compared with that found in cropland, pastureland, woodland, and CRP grasslands without the presence of wind turbines. Bird species composition and density were determined within fixed width (40 m) transects. Nongame bird species richness and density were greater in woodlands and CRP grasslands …

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Bioenergetics Of Walleye In Lake Oahe, South Dakota, Scott D. Bryan Jan 1995

Bioenergetics Of Walleye In Lake Oahe, South Dakota, Scott D. Bryan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The food habits, caloric density, and population dynamics of walleye Stizostedion vitreum were determined in 1993 and 1994 and combined with information on energetics and growth to determine the trophic interactions of walleyes in Lake Oahe, South Dakota. Monofilament gill nets were set at three depths in the water column (bottom, suspended, and surface) from May through September, 1994 to determine the effect of gill net placement on catch rates of walleyes. Catch per unit effort of walleyes was greater in bottom nets during July (5.2/net-h) than any other month or net location. In addition, 25- and 38-mm mesh sizes …

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Raptor Use Of The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Richard Wayne Hansen Jan 1994

Raptor Use Of The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Richard Wayne Hansen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Raptors are high trophic-level predators, and thus sensitive to environmental change. I conducted a basic ecological study of raptors using the Idaho National Environmental Laboratory (INEL), in southeastern Idaho, between 1991 and 1993 to assess effects of human activity on the site. Results were compared to previous raptor studies conducted on the INEL from 1974-1976 and in 1982, as well as with studies of rough-legged hawks, long-eared owls, and burrowing owls conducted during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Road-side raptor surveys were conducted from January through May in 1992 and 1993. Principle species recorded were rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, …

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Winter/Spring Population Characteristics Of White-Tailed Deer In An Agricultural/Wetland Complex In Northeastern South Dakota, Brian J. Kernohan Jan 1994

Winter/Spring Population Characteristics Of White-Tailed Deer In An Agricultural/Wetland Complex In Northeastern South Dakota, Brian J. Kernohan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Habitat preference, cover characteristics of corn, movements, and sexual segregation patterns of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were evaluated at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge (SLNWR) in winter (January - March) and spring (April - June), 1993 and 1994. An average of 20 radio-collared deer were monitored per season, which resulted in 4, 058 relocations. Habitat preference was assessed using 95 and 50% home range contours that were estimated using an adaptive kernel method. Agricultural crops (i.e., corn [Zea mays], row crops other than corn [e.g., soybeans [Glycine max]], small grains [e. g., wheat [Triticum aestivum]], and alfalfa [Medicago sativa]) were …

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Winter Diet And Nutritional Condition Of White-Tailed Deer In The Northern Black Hills, South Dakota, Robert G. Osborn Jan 1994

Winter Diet And Nutritional Condition Of White-Tailed Deer In The Northern Black Hills, South Dakota, Robert G. Osborn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Habitat deterioration in the northern Black Hills (NBH) of South Dakota may be responsible for declining white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population levels (Griffin et al. 1992). Because of the relationship between habitat and nutrition, a two-year research project was initiated in January 1992 to evaluate the physical and nutritional condition of white-tailed deer inhabiting five NBH winter subranges. Habitat variables were measured at 100 random locations on each study area. Pellet groups were collected throughout each study area at two-week intervals during January, February, and March 1992 and 1993. Five female white-tailed deer were collected from each study area in …

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Factors Limiting Overwinter Survival Of Young-Of-The-Year Largemouth Bass In South Dakota, Todd D. Kolander Jan 1992

Factors Limiting Overwinter Survival Of Young-Of-The-Year Largemouth Bass In South Dakota, Todd D. Kolander

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies were conducted to examine the effects of total length (TL), prey abundance, and water temperature on approximate body composition, condition index, and overwinter survival of young-of-the-year (YOY) largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in South Dakota. Growth and condition of YOY largemouth bass stocks from South Dakota and Wisconsin were also compared. Study areas included two South Dakota University impoundments (0.8 hectare each), a gravel pit (7. 3 hectare), and laboratory aquaria. Hatchery reared YOY largemouth bass were graded into short (19-45 mm TL) and long (58-135 mm TL) length groups. Overwinter mortality was 78% and 85% in the two impoundments, …

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Population Status And Characteristics Of Macrhybopsis Gelida, Platygobio Gracilis And Rhinichthys Cataractae In The Missouri River Basin, Selena J. Werdon Jan 1992

Population Status And Characteristics Of Macrhybopsis Gelida, Platygobio Gracilis And Rhinichthys Cataractae In The Missouri River Basin, Selena J. Werdon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Few sturgeon chub (Macrhybopsis gelida: Cyprinidae) have been collected in the last decade, therefore their status, habitat selection and morphology were investigated at 172 previous collection sites. Data on two ecologically similar species, Platygobio gracilis and Rhinichthys cataractae, were also collected. Macrhvbopsis gelida were collected at 28 sites on the Powder River (n = 158) in Wyoming and Montana, and at one site on the Yellowstone River (n = 1) in Montana. Age-I, Age-II and Age-III M. gelida were collected. Specimens were 37 to 95 mm in total length. Macrhvbopsis gelida were ripe in mid-June, at water temperatures of 18.3-22. …

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Prescribed Burning Guidelines In The Northern Great Plains, Kenneth F. Higgins, James L. Piehl, Arnold D. Kruse Jan 1989

Prescribed Burning Guidelines In The Northern Great Plains, Kenneth F. Higgins, James L. Piehl, Arnold D. Kruse

SDSU Extension Circulars

The use of fire to manage grasslands for wildlife is a relatively new management option for resource managers in the Northern Great Plains (NGP). Nearly all of the burning during the past 20-25 years has been conducted without the aid of specific guidelines for the region. This state-of-the-art set of recommendations was compiled because of this void. Records of 902 grassland fires (primarily on U.S. Fish and Wildlife lands), personal experiences, and synopses of other published fire research were used in developing the guidelines in this manual. Fifty-two percent of the 902 fires were in native prairie grasslands with lesser …

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Annotated Bibliography Of Fire Literature, Kenneth F. Higgins, David P. Fellows, J. Mike Callow, Arnold D. Kruse, James L. Piehl Jan 1989

Annotated Bibliography Of Fire Literature, Kenneth F. Higgins, David P. Fellows, J. Mike Callow, Arnold D. Kruse, James L. Piehl

SDSU Extension Circulars

Natural resource managers have greatly increased the use of fire to manage grassland habitats during the past two decades in the northern Great Plains region of the United States and Canada. In support of these efforts, we have compiled this annotated bibliography to provide a condensed reference of fire literature for those managers with an interest in fire ecology. References are arranged alphabetically by author and year, numbered consecutively, and referenced by number in the author and subject indexes that follow the bibliography. The intent in compiling the bibliography and indexes is more to identify subject matter and to direct …

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The Effect Of Grass Carp Introduction On Aquatic Vegetation And Existing Fish Populations In Two Small Prairie Lakes, David L. Bauer Jan 1988

The Effect Of Grass Carp Introduction On Aquatic Vegetation And Existing Fish Populations In Two Small Prairie Lakes, David L. Bauer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Within two years after triploid grass carp introduction in 2.3 hectare Prior Lake in South Dakota, aquatic vegetation coverage and height in the water column were significantly lower (P<0.005). During the same two year period, triploid grass carp did not significantly reduce aquatic vegetation coverage or height in the water column in 11.4 hectare East Lake Eureka, also in South Dakota. Stocking densities were 49 fish/hectare and 61 fish/hectare (229 mm mean total length) in Prior Lake and East Lake Eureka, respectively. The biomass of prey fish in East Lake Eureka in 1986 was quite high with 88.3, 85.3 and 17.3 kg/hectare for black bullhead (Ictalurus melas), yellow perch (Perea flavescens), and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), respectively. The biomass of northern pike (Esox lucius) was also high at 13.8 kg/hectare. A Proportional Stock Density (PSD) of 11 and Relative Weight (WK) of 117 indicated a relatively healthy bluegill population in East Lake Eureka. However, the PSD value for black bullheads was lower (8) while their condition was relatively good (K=l.58). The yellow perch population appeared to be over-populated in East Lake Eureka with a PSD of only 5 and a relatively low condition factor (K=l.14). The northern pike population in East Lake Eureka had a PSD value of 53, but a slightly low Wr of 94. Available prey/predator ratio indicated that there was an excess of prey fish for most size classes of predators. Because no significant vegetation reduction occurred in East Lake Eureka, no changes in existing fish populations could be attributed to grass carp introduction or aquatic vegetation reduction. Data gathered on existing fish populations in East Lake Eureka will serve as a pre-treatment data set to be compared to future conditions if aquatic vegetation is reduced. Fish sampling in Prior Lake was greatly reduced due to a winterkill which occurred in the late winter of 1986. Bluegill and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were the most abundant fish species found in Prior Lake in 1987. Bluegill appeared to be overpopulated as their PSD value was 1; a high Wr of 109 may have indicated improved conditions immediately following the winterkill. Results for the largemouth bass in Prior Lake were similar with a low PSD (7) and a high w~ (112). Winterkill (Prior Lake) and lack of aquatic vegetation control by grass carp (East Lake Eureka) prohibited making conclusions about the effect of grass carp introduction on the existing fish populations in the two lakes. Further research needs to be conducted in South Dakota to determine appropriate grass carp stocking rates for South Dakota waters, and to evaluate what effect grass carp introduction and aquatic vegetation reduction has on existing fish populations.

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Electrophoretic, Morphometric, And Meristic Comparisons Of Walleye Broodstock In South Dakota, Chantel M. Waltner Jan 1988

Electrophoretic, Morphometric, And Meristic Comparisons Of Walleye Broodstock In South Dakota, Chantel M. Waltner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Electrophoretic and morphological variability among walleyes collected from three upper Missouri River tributaries and a glacial lake in South Dakota was investigated, and an upper Mississippi River stock was electrophoretically compared to the South Dakota stocks. Allele frequencies of two (MDH-3, GMP-3) of the twenty-one loci examined differed significantly (P<0. 05) between South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. Contingency chi-square tests of allele frequencies showed homogeneity among walleyes from the Missouri River tributaries, and significant (P<0.001) heterogeneity (P<0.001) at the GMP-3 locus between Missouri River and glacial lake stocks. A dendogram derived from Nei unbiased genetic identity values produced separate branchings for the South Dakota and Mississippi River walleyes. All four walleye stocks in South Dakota were morphologically variable, although no one character could be used as a diagnostic tool to separate the stocks visually. Discriminant function analysis of eight of the most powerful discriminatory characters was successful in correctly classifying walleyes by origin with 83-97% accuracy.

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Growth, Survival, And Vulnerability To Predation Of Stocked Walleye (Stizostedion Vitreum) Fingerlings, James D. Wolters Jan 1988

Growth, Survival, And Vulnerability To Predation Of Stocked Walleye (Stizostedion Vitreum) Fingerlings, James D. Wolters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In laboratory tanks, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and northern pike (Esox Lucius consumed fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) 2.6 times more frequently than walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and 5.7 times more than lepomids. Prey were more vulnerable in circular than rectangular tanks. In field studies, walleye fingerlings averaging 35 mm and 53 mm (mean total length) were stocked in two ponds (3- and 7- hectares) respectively: both contained largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch (Perca flavescenes), green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus), and fathead minnows. Aquatic insects dominated the diet of largemouth bass for 3 days after walleye were stocked, indicating that walleye fingerlings …

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Waterfowl Production On Three Types Of Artificial Nesting Structures In South Dakota Wetlands, Marcy Haworth Jan 1988

Waterfowl Production On Three Types Of Artificial Nesting Structures In South Dakota Wetlands, Marcy Haworth

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Artificial nesting structures are currently being used by various agencies to offset the decline in waterfowl production due to predation losses and degradation of nesting habitats. However, the various structure types available are not equally attractive to nesting waterfowl. This study looked at 3 types of artificial nesting structures – open topped cone baskets, round hay bales, and concrete culverts – and evaluated their used, success, and production in South Dakota. Structure type and site characteristics were correlated to occupancy rates and nesting success. Sixty-eight baskets and 205 bales were monitored during 1986, and 154 baskets, 200 bales, and 20 …

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Forage Potential Of Seasonal Wetlands, Daniel Edward Hubbard Jan 1988

Forage Potential Of Seasonal Wetlands, Daniel Edward Hubbard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Investigations on aspects of seasonal wetland forage potential were conducted in eastern South Dakota. The quantity and quality of the standing crop of vegetation in 6 seasonal wetland communities were assessed at the end of the growing season in 1983 and in 2 seasonal-wetland-dominated basins and their associated uplands (native mixed-grass prairie) over the growing season in 1985. Crude protein (CP), ash, detergent fiber, and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) values were measured on the above-ground material of whitetop [Scolochloas festucacea (Willd.) Link], slough sedge (Carex atherodes Spreng.), burred (Spargnaium eurycarpum Engelm.), and smartweed (Polygonum amphibium L. var. emersum …

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Productivity, Movements, And Habitat Use Of Nesting And Brooding Wild Turkey Hens In Gregory County, South Dakota, Keith Stephen Day Jan 1988

Productivity, Movements, And Habitat Use Of Nesting And Brooding Wild Turkey Hens In Gregory County, South Dakota, Keith Stephen Day

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Radio-equipped wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens (n=53) were monitored in a prairie river breaks environment in south-central South Dakota during 1986 and 1987. Seventy percent (36 of 47 adults and 1 of 6 juveniles) of the monitored hens nested. Hens that nested prior to 7 May selected nest sites in woodland habitats, while hens nesting later than 7 May selected nest sites in grassland habitats. Hens nested at sites with higher (P<0.05) percent visual obstruction, percent shrub cover, presence of overhanging vegetation, and habitat diversity than found at random control sites. Nest sites also allowed greater field of vision and opportunities for escape than random controls. Discriminant models developed from variables measured at nest and control sites were effective in distinguishing between the 2 categories. Seventeen of 39 (43.6%) clutches hatched, and 11 broods survived to mid-August. Poult survival in 1986 was 42.9%, with all poult mortality occurring during the first 2 weeks post-hatch. Accurate data for poult survival was not obtainable during 1987, but survival appeared to be similar to 1986. Broods moved up to 3.5 km from nest sites before establishing definite ranges. Broods ranges were composed of ≥50% woodland types, while woodlands comprised only 30.8% of the study area. Mean range size increased 3-fold from the 0-4 week age class (Age 1) to the 4+ week age class (Age 2). Broods used habitats in proportion to availability within ranges. However, grasslands were used more than expected (P<0.05) between 0631 hr and 1130 hr over the summer, and less than expected (P<0.05) by Age 2 broods between 1131 hr and 1630 hr. Woodlands were used more than expected between 1131 hr and 1630 hr over the summer, but not significantly so. Seventy-seven percent of all brood sightings made between 0631 hr and 1130 hr, and 67% of all sightings made between 1631 hr and 2030 hr were in grassland habitats. Seventy-two percent of all brood sightings made between 1131 hr and 1630 hr were in woodlands. Grassland brood use sites had greater forb cover, less grass cover, and were closer to habitat edges than random control sites (P<0.05). Discriminant analysis effectively reclassified grassland brood use sites, but not control sites. Age 1 broods sued grassland sites with greater overhead (> 30 cm) shrub cover, and nearer habitat edges than sites used by Age 2 broods (P<0.05). Woodland brood use sites were nearer (P<0.05) habitat edges than random controls. No significant differences could be found between woodland sites used by Age 1 and Age 2 broods. Discriminant analysis was ineffective in distinguishing between classes for woodland brood use sites or between ages for either woodland or grassland brood use sites.

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Conservation Of Least Terns And Piping Plovers Along The Missouri River And Its Major Western Tributaries In South Dakota, Monica Jean Schwalbach Jan 1988

Conservation Of Least Terns And Piping Plovers Along The Missouri River And Its Major Western Tributaries In South Dakota, Monica Jean Schwalbach

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Interior least terns (Sterna antillarum) and piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are listed as endangered or threatened over all of their breeding range, including South Dakota (SD). Investigations were made into the status, distribution, production, habitat characteristics, and factors limiting productivity of least terns and piping plovers in SD. The study area included the Missouri River from the North Dakota state line to Ponca State Park, Nebraska, and the lower 1/3 of the Grand, Moreau, Cheyenne, and White rivers. Least tern numbers increased substantially (253; 367) between 1986 and 1987, but plover numbers increased only slightly (187; 197). Terns and plovers …

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