Theory of the Hunter-Covey Interface

We established mathematical models and explored the role of a learned response (avoidance behavior) to understand and manage the hunter-covey interface. Furthermore, we examined the dynamic nature of the probability of flush, given encounter, in a population that learned to avoid hunters as time passed. Learning rate was defined as the proportion of a covey that leaves the naive population and enters the experienced population per unit of hunter-covey contact. The conditional probability of flushing and shooting at a covey, given a covey encounter, declined through the season. This is because the probability of flushing was lower for experienced than for naive coveys and the population of experienced coveys grew with exposure. Thus, quality of hunting declined at a faster rate than quail population; i.e., birds became more wary as the hunting season progresses. The birds\u27 ability to avoid hunters provided an explanation of the sudden reappearance of bobwhites contributing to reproduction in areas where hunters were unsuccessful the previous hunting season. Management can use our models to manipulate the interface and obtain a desired population following the hunting season

Minimizing Use of Aquaculture Ponds by Double-Crested Cormorants Phalacrocorax Auritus and Other Fish-Eating Birds

Methods used to minimize abundance of double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), and great egrets (Arded alba) at aquaculture facilities have limited success because of the birds\u27 ability to habituate to the applied technique. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate and quantify the effects of overhead lines on minimizing number of cormorants, egrets and herons. We measured the long-term (01 December 2000 to 14 April 2001) effectiveness of exclusion barriers positioned every 30 m at 8 aquaculture ponds in southeastern Arkansas and the post-removal of the barrier effects from 15 April to 31 May 2001. The exclusion barrier limited the number of cormorants landing on treatment ponds significantly (P \u3c 0.001, by 10-fold), had a greater effect on herons (P \u3c 0.001, by 19-fold), and completely excluded egrets. Over 200 hours of observations with the barriers installed and an additional 90 hours of post-treatment observation resulted in 23,200 cormorant observations at the site. Eight treatment ponds averaged 429 cormorant landings (1.9 birds per hour) compared to 4,240 cormorant s landings (15.6 birds per hour) on 8 control ponds. Although the physical barrier did not exclude all cormorants and other fish-eating birds from a pond, this technique offers a nonlethal, cost-efficient, easy installation and removal, and low maintenance method to minimize depredation at aquaculture ponds

Migration Patterns of Double-crested Cormorants Wintering in the Southeastern United States

Migration patterns of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) wintering in the southeastern U.S. are poorly understood. Movement data were analyzed from 28 cormorants captured in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi and equipped with satellite transmitters. Four (three immature, one adult) cormorants did not migrate and stayed in the southeastern U.S. throughout the year. During spring, cormorants captured in Alabama migrated east of the Mississippi River and primarily west of the Appalachian Mountains. Cormorants from Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi migrated north along the Mississippi River Valley, the Missouri River Valley and/or the Ohio River Valley. The earliest departure for spring migration was 26 March, whereas the latest departure was 12 May. Adult cormorants departed for spring migration earlier than immature cormorants. The average departure date for fall migration was 1 October. Mean duration of spring migration was twelve days, and cormorants traveled an average of 70 km per day

Effects of Hurricane Bret on Northern Bobwhite Survival in South Texas

The impacts of intense storms such as hurricanes on wildlife rarely are documented. We had the opportunity to monitor the impact of Hurricane Bret on northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) survival and reproduction in Brooks County, Texas. On 22 August 1999, Hurricane Bret struck our study area, which received \u3e 45 cm of rain and experienced wind gusts \u3e160 km/h. We documented the survival of bobwhite adults (n = 82), broods (n = 15), and nests (n = 4) via radiotelemetry before and after the hurricane. Only 11 (13%) adult bobwhites were killed, with 4 killed directly from exposure to the hurricane. Broods experienced higher mortality, with 7 (47%) broods killed during the hurricane. Six of the 7 dead broods were \u3c 1 week old. Sizes of the 8 surviving broods were reduced from a mean brood size of about 11 chicks prior to the hurricane to a mean size of 4 after the hurricane (P = 0.01). Of the 4 nests monitored, 3 were depredated and eggs in 1 nest hatched the weekend of the storm. Hurricanes may negatively impact the survival of young (i.e., \u3c 2 weeks old) bobwhite broods

Structural insights into the transcriptional and translational roles of Ebp1.

Accepted versio

Remote detection of invasive alien species

The spread of invasive alien species (IAS) is recognized as the most severe threat to biodiversity outside of climate change and anthropogenic habitat destruction. IAS negatively impact ecosystems, local economies, and residents. They are especially problematic because once established, they give rise to positive feedbacks, increasing the likelihood of further invasions and spread. The integration of remote sensing (RS) to the study of invasion, in addition to contributing to our understanding of invasion processes and impacts to biodiversity, has enabled managers to monitor invasions and predict the spread of IAS, thus supporting biodiversity conservation and management action. This chapter focuses on RS capabilities to detect and monitor invasive plant species across terrestrial, riparian, aquatic, and human-modified ecosystems. All of these environments have unique species assemblages and their own optimal methodology for effective detection and mapping, which we discuss in detail

Winter and Summer Home Ranges and Core Use Areas of Double-crested Cormorants Captured near Aquaculture Facilities in the Southeastern United States

Numbers of Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) wintering in the southeastern United States have increased dramatically during the last 30 years concomitant with the rise of the aquaculture industry in this region. These cormorants commonly foraged at commercial aquaculture facilities and thereby came into conflict with farmers. Various interest groups are seeking ecologically sound strategies for minimizing the effects of burgeoning cormorant populations. Therefore, this study was conducted to estimate winter and summer home ranges of cormorants captured in the southeastern U.S. and determine whether age class, body mass, density of aquaculture facilities and availability of roost sites influenced size of these home ranges. Mean ± SE home range size and core use area of satellite transmitter-marked cormorants wintering in the southeastern U.S. from 1999 to 2001 were 17,490 ± 1,986 km2 (N = 37) and 1,550 ± 265 km2 (N = 37), respectively. Winter home range size was not affected by region, age class or body mass. Summer home range and core use area of marked cormorants was 30,547 ± 6,197 km2 (N = 6) and 3,124 ± 1,019 km2 (N = 6), respectively

DURABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN URINARY INCONTINENCE AND POSITIVE TREATMENT RESPONSE IN PATIENTS WITH OVERACTIVE BLADDER SYNDROME FOLLOWING LONG-TERM ONABOTULINUMTOXINA TREATMENT: FINAL RESULTS OF 3.5-YEAR STUDY

status: publishe