 |
| Birds |
| What
explains differences among species in parent and offspring
responses to brood size variation? |
|
Student:
Daniel Barton
Degree:
Ph.D. Organismal Biology and Ecology Program
Advisor:
Thomas E. Martin
Funding
Source(s):
National Science Foundation
NSF EPSCoR
US Geological Survey
US Department of Agriculture
Project
Duration: 2005-2010
UM
Project Affiliation:
DBS-OBE and MTWCRU
|
Objectives:
Life
history theory explains variation in age-specific fecundity
and mortality, which is enigmatically arranged along
a ‘slow-fast’ gradient. Species at the ‘slow’ end
express long life span, low fecundity, and low reproductive
effort, while species at the ‘fast’ end express
the converse. Despite the nearly universal nature of
this pattern and its critical connections to evolutionary
biology and population biology, we do not know what selective
(environmental) factors create and maintain this variation.
Food limitation, age-specific mortality, and offspring
quality are advanced as alternative explanations. Comparative
studies of these alternatives have classically either
ignored or confounded phenotypic plasticity in life history
traits with among-species variation in mean trait expression,
limiting the power of these tests. We integrate life
history theory with phenotypic plasticity theory to generate
predictions for how plasticity in traits should vary
among life histories under each alternative. For example,
rate of feeding offspring is a key life history trait.
It varies substantially among species and incurs both
energetic costs to parents (reproductive effort) and
benefits to offspring (e.g. increased growth, survival).
Thus, the reaction norm of parental feeding rates integrates
two key life history tradeoffs, between current and future
reproduction and number and quality of offspring, and
represents a key component of life history. Predictions
for the evolution of within- and among-species variation
in reaction norms are generated under alternative hypotheses
and we test them using natural and experimentally induced
variation in brood size.
Progress
and Status:
We
tested whether food limitation or age-specific mortality
explain variation in parental feeding behavior over natural
brood size variation among 29 songbird species from Arizona,
Argentina, South Africa, and Venezuela. Our results supported
the age-specific mortality hypothesis and suggested species
with high adult mortality increase feeding rate proportionately
with increasing brood size, while species with low adult
mortality do not. In contrast, food limitation theory
predicts proportional adjustment of feeding rate across
species and this hypothesis was rejected. This suggests
an important role for adult mortality in the evolution
of provisioning strategies, which are a key component
of life histories. However, alternatives remain and experimentally
induced variation in brood size will provide stronger
inference. Experimental brood size manipulations began
in 2007 and are ongoing. We manipulated clutch size and
measured parental and offspring responses at 180 nests
of 20 species in Arizona and Venezuela. Behavioral data
summary and analysis are underway.
|
| Does
nest size constrain clutch size in tropical birds?
Nest attentiveness and food limitation in tropical
birds. |
| Student:
Atilio L Biancucci
Degree: M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor: Thomas E. Martin
Funding Source(s):
National Science Foundation
Project Duration: 2007-2008
UM Project Affiliation:
WBIO – MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
The study of reproductive strategies
is a central topic in the development of life history
theory. Passerine birds show a wide range of reproductive
strategies, which makes them a useful group to test
hypotheses about life histories. Latitudinal variation
in life history strategies along slow tropical-fast
north temperate gradient has been well described, yet,
it largely unexplained pattern. Small clutch size and
low nest attentiveness are typical traits of slow-tropical
strategies, and they are also unexplained. I focus
on testing explanatory hypotheses for the latitudinal
variation in those two traits. I specifically tested
the hypotheses (1) that high nest predation rate in
the tropics favors smaller nest sizes, which constrains
clutch size, and (2) that food limitation constrains
nest attentiveness in tropical birds.
Progress and Status:
To test predictions of the first hypothesis
I compared predation rates, nest sizes (controlling
for body mass), and clutch sizes among 14 north temperate
(Arizona) and 22 tropical (Venezuela) bird species.
I further conducted an experiment to test if nest predation
increases with nest size in tropical birds. I found
a positive relationship between nest predation rate
and nest size. I experimentally demonstrated that nest
predation increases with nest size, through 282 position
swaps of old nests of 5 species with different nest
sizes. Given that nest size was not related with clutch
size, and that nest size did not change between latitudes,
I rejected the hypothesis of clutch size reduction
due to nest size in tropical birds.
To test predictions of the food limitation
hypothesis I carried out a food supplementation experiment
in Venezuela. I supplemented food at nest of two bird
species during the incubation period. I filmed these
nest and controls, every other day to test if nest
attentiveness increase with food availability. I am
currently processing these data.
|
| Interspecific
variation in growth strategy among coexisting passerines |
| Student:
Yi-Ru Cheng
Degree: M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor: Thomas E. Martin
Funding Source(s):
US Geological Survey
US Department ofAgriculture
Project Duration: 2006-2008
UM Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Understanding why growth strategies differ
among species is a critical question in evolutionary
biology. Many studies focused on the variation in the
growth rates of body mass. Yet, the variation of growth
strategy cannot be fully captured without understanding
the relative growth rates of different body components.
Different body components may compete for resources
during growth and results in differential growth rates.
Life history theory predicts that growth strategy as
a whole should be optimized in different environments.
Therefore, species should prioritize their resources
to the growth of components that has functional priority
(e.g. locomotor). Altricial birds hatch relatively
undeveloped and provide a system to study the variation
of growth strategy. I answered these two questions
with a series of altricial species that coexist in
a north temperate habitat in northern Arizona:
1. Do the growth and development rates of different components
trade off?
2. Can nest predation and foraging behavior explain the
variation of differential growth strategies?
Specifically, I am interested in three
morphological components (mass, tarsus and wing chord)
and one intrinsic component, endothermy. I tested the
ability of nest predation risk and foraging behavior
to explain the differential growth strategies among
species. Nest predation should favor faster development
of components that have advantages for leaving the
nest earlier. Alternatively, the growth and development
of different morphological components may be favored
based on specific foraging behavior (e.g. tarsus in
ground foragers).
|
| Flammulated
Owl Citizen Monitoring – 2008 mini-report |
| Supervisor:
Amy Cilimburg
Funding Source(s):
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Project Duration: 2007-2008
UM Project Affiliation:
UM Avian Science Center - MTCWRU
|
Progress
and Status:
In 2008, the Avian Science Center continued a Flammulated
Owl citizen monitoring program initiated the previous year.
This project was funded by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
with in-kind support from the Avian Science Center and the
Helena National Forest.
We continued to survey routes around the greater Missoula
area, and volunteers were once again primarily Five Valleys
Audubon Society (FVAS) volunteers. We advertised in the FVAS
newsletter, contacted all the 2007 volunteers, and held one
training session. We had 12 observers participate in the
Missoula area; they surveyed 7 transects at least once and
detected 6 owls. As we look to expand the program, we will
likely need additional outreach efforts both within FVAS
and elsewhere in the community.
We also initiated a new citizen monitoring effort in the
Helena area. We did this with significant assistance from
Denise Pengeroth of the Helena National Forest and the Helena
Birds and Beasleys store (where the equipment boxes were
housed), and with great enthusiasm from the Last Change Audubon
Society. We held one extensive training session at the HNF
office and over 20 participants attended. In all, 18 volunteers
surveyed 11 transects at least once and detected 15 owls.
We are in the process of sending out a questionnaire to these
volunteers in order to assess ways to improve the program.
The primary challenge with this 2008 season was the cool
and wet weather that made early season surveys impossible
and likely affected our June detection rates. Overall results
may be “off” from other years based on the potential
for missed detections from observers or late or failed breeding
attempts by the owls.
At the Avian Science Center, Amy Cilimburg spearheaded all
efforts. She is now working with Montana Audubon and hopes
to collaborate with the ASC in order to continue and expand
the program. Kristina Smucker is now the ASC lead and is
collating the data and updating our website, including the
Flammulated Owl mapping site. See http://avianscience.dbs.umt.edu/research_landbird_flam.htm
for more of the story. We will also be presenting our citizen
monitoring program, together with efforts done in conjunction
with five National Forests in our region, September 25, 2008
at the Raptor Conference in Missoula.
|
| A
demographic and landscape analysis for common loons
in Northwest Montana |
Student: Christopher Hammond
Degree:
M. Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Mike Mitchell
Funding
Source(s):
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, State Wildlife Grant
Project
Duration: 2005-2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Since I was interested in protecting resources that contribute
to the longevity of common loons, it was logical to address
long-term management needs by investigating both demographic
and landscape relationships responsible for current population
levels and distribution. My research was designed to
1) address how population dynamics (i.e. fecundity, occupancy,
and stability) were linked to territory distribution
and abundance, 2) address how population dynamics were
related to habitat, disturbance, and intraspecific competition,
3) address how population dynamics were related to lake
and landscape scales effects, and 4) estimate occupancy,
colonization, and abandonment rates of lakes.
Progress and Status:
I designed my research to evaluate the relationships between
disturbance (as measured by the number of houses, resorts,
and campgrounds in relation to lake size), habitat, intraspecific
interactions and territory occupancy and reproduction. I
used occupancy models to explore the dynamics underlying
occupancy of potential lakes. I observed that landscape scale
effects were important to occupancy of loon territories.
The abundance of feeding lakes and the number of territorial
pairs within 10 km were equally important for explaining
probabilities of occupancy. I suggest managers protect both
occupied, as well as, unoccupied lakes, especially when in
close proximity to clusters of territorial pairs and feeding
lakes. I observed that lake scale effects were more important
to reproductive potential than landscape scale effects. I
found a significant negative relationship with islands and
a significant positive relationship with shoreline complexity
on reproduction. Shoreline disturbance did not appear important
when compared to other factors, but there are factors associated
with Montana’s outreach and education program that
probably affected this result. For increasing reproduction
I suggest managers continue current management activities,
but include a greater focus on protecting nesting habitat
on lakes without islands. I also suggest managers continue
to mitigate for disturbance while exploring other ways to
evaluate the effects of disturbance on occupancy and reproduction.
The student presented results
of his research at the Joint Meeting
of the Montana Chapter of The Wildlife
Society and Society for Vertebrate Biology
and received the Best Masters Paper Award.
The student received his degree and submitted
a paper titled "Territory Occupancy
by Common Loons in Response to Disturbance,
Habitat, and Intraspecific Relationships" that
is currently under review with the Journal
of Wildlife Management. This research
has also led to a new conservation plan
for common loons in Montana which will
be submitted to the United State Fish
and Wildlife Services March of 2009 as
required by the funding grant.
|
| Assessment
of aspen habitats for enhancing songbird utilization
and reproductive success |
Student:
Amy Johnson
Degree:
M.Sc.
Organismal Biology and Ecology.
Advisor:
Thomas E. Martin
Funding
Source(s):
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Project
Duration: 2008-2010
UM
Project Affiliation
DBS - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Habitat selection and use is dependent
upon landscape features, such as patch size and landscape
context. Species diversity and richness vary among
differing landscapes. In the north temperate United
States, deciduous forests have high species diversity.
However, many of these forests are being reduced and
fragmented. Aspen stands, in particular, are significantly
changing due to natural and anthropogenic influences.
Previous studies have focused on how forest fragmentation
in the Eastern United States negatively affects avian
populations, but few studies have been conducted in
the West. Results of western studies have not been
consistent in whether or not fragmentation and landscape
context have a negative effect on avian populations.
Local landscape features, such as patch size, conifer
encroachment, or agriculture encroachment, may greatly
affect avian populations by limiting nest-site selection,
altering predator habitat and abundance, or limiting
food resources. In the Western United States, aspen
stands provide nesting and foraging sites for many
Passerines. As a result, bird abundance and diversity
could be greatly affected by the reduction of aspen
or the change in landscape context of aspen stands.
I am interested in how landscape features associated
with changing aspen populations, such as patch size
and landscape context, affect the breeding biology
of Passerines in western Montana.
Progress and Status:
This fall I will be working towards identifying
key topics and issues that will contribute the the
development of my research proposal. A study area will
be chosen in Western Montana, and the first field season
will begin Summer 2009.
|
| Do
parasites play an important role in life history trait
evolution? |
Student: Ania Majewska
Degree:
Ph.D. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Thomas E. Martin
Funding
Source(s):
National Science Foundation
Project
Duration: 2008-2013
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU - M-EID
|
Objectives:
Life
history traits are arranged along a ‘slow-fast’ gradient.
For example, passerine birds in tropical regions
are typified by slow development and ‘slow’ life
history strategies (i.e. low fecundity, high adult
survival) whereas birds of North temperate regions
exhibit the opposite traits. The causes of this broad
variation in life history strategies are poorly understood.
A possible explanation may be selection for high
offspring quality. In ‘slow’ tropical
species, resources allocated to development may be
reduced and instead shunted to enhancing the immune
function essential for high quality offspring and
high adult survival. Indeed, longer developmental
periods are correlated with increased adult survival
across passerine species, and with reduced parasite
prevalence, suggesting enhanced disease resistance.
Thus, ‘slow’ life history strategies
of tropical passerines may reflect a need for better
immune function due to the presumed larger impact
of parasites on hosts in tropics compared to north
temperate region. Lack of seasonality in the tropics
may result in the maintenance of high levels of parasite
abundance year round and may result in higher selection
pressure on the host. However, whether geographic
variation in parasite abundance and/or virulence
exists and whether tropical vs. temperate hosts invest
differentially in immune function, remains unclear.
To determine whether parasites play an important
role in life history trait evolution, I plan to examine
parasite diversity, abundance and virulence as well
as host’s immune function in a comparative
study using phylogenetically and ecologically similar
passerine species from North temperate Arizona and
tropical Borneo.
|
| Effect
of climate change and elk browsing on population trajectories
and trophic interactions in a high elevation riparian
ecosystem |
Principal
Investigator:
Thomas E Martin
Funding
Source(s):
US Geological Survey
US Department of Agriculture
Project
Duration: 1985-ongoing
UM
Project Affiliation:
MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Measure
and examine annual variation in avian nest success
and predation, adult survival, population size, habitat
selection, small mammal density and species composition,
vegetation density and species composition in a high-elevation
riparian ecosystem in north-central Arizona relative
to climate variation and elk browsing.
Progress
and Status:
Climate
has had large consequences over the past 22 years
for seven bird species and 6000 nests by affecting
trophic levels below (plants) and above (predators)
them. Winter snowfall has declined strongly across
the 22 years of study, as typical throughout western
North America, which has increased over-winter densities
of elk in the study area. This decline in snowfall
and increase in overwinter elk was strongly associated
with the loss of deciduous vegetation (aspen, canyon
maple, New Mexican locust) that represents preferred
bird habitat, and birds have declined in abundance
associated with the decline in preferred habitat.
In addition, summer precipitation has also declined
over the 22 years of study and drier summers have
yielded greater predation on offspring.
The
direct effects of climate on differing trophic levels
together with indirect effects arising from altered
interactions among trophic levels substantially change
ecosystem structure. An exclosure experiment was
initiated in the fall of 2004 to test the effects
of elk and winter snow on plant, bird and small mammal
communities. Three large (10 ha) exclosures were
established on three different canyons. Results through
2008 already show a large effect on aspen recruitment
and ground cover, and a slower effect on maple and
locust recruitment; plant abundance and diversity
(e.g., increased perennial flower diversity) have
increased in the 4 years since fence establishment.
In addition, several bird species have already increased
in abundance compared with adjacent controls. Small
mammal species also show responses, with some species
(deer mice, wood rats) increasing and others (chipmunks)
decreasing on fenced areas compared with controls.
Continuation
of this project will help to differentiate the interacting
effects of elk browsing and climate on plant reproduction,
and subsequent effects on higher trophic levels (birds,
small mammals).
|
| Ecological
determinants of variation in life history strategies
between related tropical and temperate birds |
Principal
Investigator:
Thomas E. Martin
Funding
Source(s):
National Science Foundation
Project
Duration: 2001-2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Measure
demographic and life history strategies (clutch size,
nest predation, development rates, parental care,
adult survival rates) of bird species in montane
Venezuela (Yacambu National Park) to compare with
related bird species in the long-term Arizona study.
Examine the relative importance of nest predation,
food limitation, and adult mortality on variation
in demography and life history strategies.
Progress
and Status:
Life
history strategies are comprised of age-specific
fecundity and mortality, plus parental care behaviors
and developmental rates influencing these fitness
components. Altogether these traits determine demography
of populations in ecological time and influence evolution
of phenotypes to provide critical insight into environmental
selection pressures. By examining geographic variation
in life history strategies and the selection pressures
favoring differing strategies, new insights are gained
into the environmental influences on population regulation.
Particularly strong insight is gained by comparing
phylogenetic relatives in different geographic regions
because it allows examination of differing historical
pressures on populations and species.
We located and monitored nearly 4,500 nests in tropical
Venezuela. The results to date show that adult mortality
can be of greater importance in the longer-lived tropical
birds than temperate birds and explain large regional differences
such as smaller clutch sizes, lower parental effort, slower
development and cooler embryo temperatures. This has led
to discovery of broad patterns that have never been recognized
previously. For example, we documented for the first time
that there is a general world-wide pattern of parents exhibiting
lower nest attentiveness (less time on the nest) during
incubation than north temperate birds. This then explains
long incubation periods in a way never before considered.
Nest predation can influence strategies within each region,
but does not explain differences among regions. Finally,
we netted and banded more than 4,000 birds to allow examination
of adult survival.
This
work includes an important training component for
young Latin American scientists. The perception that
reproduction cannot be studied in the field is corrected
by training young scientists in the conduct of this
field work and 5-6 young Latin American scientists
are included on the field crew each year. In addition,
the most motivated are invited to the lab in Montana
where they are taught to write their first publications
on the life history of some species that is previously
undescribed.
|
| Influence
of embryonic metabolic rate and incubation temperature
on incubation length variation in neotropical passerines |
Student:
Alina Niklison
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife
Advisor:
Thomas E. Martin
Funding
Source(s):
National Science Foundation
University of Montana
Project
Duration: 2005 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Test
the role of species-specific embryo metabolism and
sensitivity of metabolism to temperature as explanations
of interspecific variation in length of embryonic
development (i.e., incubation) periods.
Progress
and Status:
Causes
of interspecific variation in the length of embryonic
developmental periods are poorly understood. Incubation
temperature can explain some variation in developmental
periods, but substantial variation remains unexplained.
Here we examine two previously untested alternatives.
Adult metabolic rates differ among species and similar
differences among embryos may explain some variation
in embryonic development rates; higher metabolism
may allow faster cellular proliferation. Alternatively,
metabolic rates are temperature dependent, and metabolic
rates might respond differentially to temperature
among species and compensate for differing incubation
temperatures. These alternatives are untested across
any taxa. Therefore, we examined them in tropical
Venezuela by measuring embryonic metabolism at four
temperatures in 15 passerine species with incubation
periods ranging from 12 to 27 days. Embryonic metabolic
rates responses to temperature were different among
species even at constant embryonic age. Furthermore,
species with lower average daily incubation temperature
are less sensitive to changes in temperature than
species with higher average incubation temperatures.
Differences in embryonic mass specific metabolic
rate among species explained a significant amount
of variation in incubation periods after correcting
for incubation temperature. Thus, differences in
the “rate of living” as manifested through
metabolism can influence developmental trajectories.
Graduated
May 2008
|
| Sex-specific
investment in incubation and the reproductive biology
of two tropical antbirds |
Student:
Brian Schwartz
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Thomas E. Martin
Funding
Source(s):
National Science Foundation
US Geological Survey
Project
Duration: 2006-2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Empirical
studies of bi-parental incubation, which have focused
on north temperate species, demonstrated that males
are less effective than females in time spent incubating
the clutch and maintaining proper egg temperatures.
Life history strategies of tropical birds have features
that should more often promote the evolution of equal
sex roles in parental care duties. Time and energy
contributions of males that participate in incubation
might then be particularly large in tropical compared
with temperate species.
The objective of our research was to investigate allocations
of time and energy between males and females in tropical
passerines that exhibit bi-parental incubation. For two
related and ecologically similar species, Slaty Antwren
(Myrmotherula schisticolor) and Plain Antvireo (Dysithamnus
mentalis), we asked four questions with respect to sex-specific
parental effort and incubation effectiveness:
1) Do males and females share nest attentiveness equally?
2) Do temperatures experienced by developing embryos differ
between male and female parents?
3) Do these two related and ecologically similar species
exhibit similar patterns of sex-specific parental effort?
and
4) Does sex-specific parental effort change with age of
the embryo?
Progress
and Status:
We
measured sex differences in nest attentiveness and
egg temperatures during 2006 and 2007 in a tropical,
cloud forest in northern Venezuela. We found sexes
were similar in their daytime nest attentiveness
in Slaty Antwrens, but males invested greater time
than females in Plain Antvireos. Despite being equally
capable at re-warming cold eggs, males in both species
incubated clutches at cooler temperatures than females
but at different stages of embryonic development.
For the first time in two nidicolous species, we
demonstrated that males and females physiologically
increase the amount of heat delivered to embryos
as eggs approach hatching independent of parental
time spent on the nest. Our results suggest that
males may benefit embryonic development by minimizing
time eggs experience cold temperatures during female
absences, and concurrently benefit female physiological
condition for future nesting efforts. I defended
my thesis February 2008 and accepted a Ph.D. position
with Dr. Hubert Schwabl at Washington State University
investigating hormonal mechanisms for variation in
developmental life history.
Graduated
May 2008.
|
| Population
structure and dispersal of black-backed woodpeckers,
a disturbance-dependent species |
Student:
Jennifer C. Woolf
Degree:
Ph.D. Wildlife Biology
Advisors:
Fred W. Allendorf
Michael K. Schwartz
Funding
Source(s):
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program
US Forest Service, Region 1
Bureau of Land Management Glacier National Park, The Glacier
Fund
American Association of University Women P.E.O.
Northwest Scientific Association Danny On Memorial Scholarship
Bertha Morton Scholarship Yellowstone to Yukon and Wilburforce
Foundation
National Center for Fire Analysis Five Valleys Audubon
National Science Foundation
Project
Duration: 2003 - 2009
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - DBS - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
My
primary objective is to describe the dispersal dynamics
of black-backed woodpeckers to better inform the
management of this disturbance-dependent species.
Progress
and Status:
We
completed field collection of genetic samples from
275 black-backed woodpeckers and 97 hairy woodpeckers
in six regions of the northwestern U.S., Alberta
and Quebec. I have completed genetic lab analyses
and I am currently writing my dissertation with an
expected completion in spring 2009. In black-backed
woodpeckers, we found substantial genetic differentiation
between woodpeckers in Oregon, South Dakota, yet
little evidence of genetic differentiation within
the Rocky Mountains or between the Rocky Mountain
region and Quebec. This pattern may be explained
by generally contiguous forest between these regions
which may allow gene flow over large distances. In
contrast, Oregon and South Dakota are much closer
to the Rocky Mountains, yet are separated by areas
of non-forested habitat. Male black-backed woodpeckers
cross these gaps in forested habitat at higher rates
than females. Hairy woodpeckers show a similar pattern,
however, they are much less genetically differentiated
than black-backed woodpeckers at the same spatial
scales.
|
| Bird
monitoring surveys in southeastern Montana |
Researcher:
Jock Young
Funding Source(s):
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Bureau of Land Management
Project
Duration: 2007 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
Avian Science Center – DBS
MTCWRU
|
Progress and Status:
With
additional cooperation and funding from the Bureau
of Land Management (thanks to Gayle Sitter) and the
Custer National Forest (thanks to Tom Whitford),
we hired, trained, and supervised four field technicians
for bird surveys in two targeted areas of southeastern
Montana.
We re-visited point-count transects surveyed in 2007 and
added a few more, for a total of 10 transects in the Decker/Tongue
River region (mostly in Big Horn County), and 14 transects
in the Willow Creek anticline near Baker (mostly Fallon
and Wibaux counties, but extended this year into North
Dakota). The anticline transects were surveyed twice, and
the Decker transects once, between May 21 and July 5.
We also implemented a new survey method this year. We conducted
area searches in places of interest, as an alternative
method to address our twin goals of species inventory and
long-term monitoring. Area searches were approximately
an hour long and covered 40 acres or more. The technicians
experimented with the best ways to detect the most species
diversity while still conducting a repeatable survey. We
will compare the sampling efficiency of the two methods.
|
| Conservation
of pheasants in North West Frontier Province (NWFP),
Pakistan |
Student: Iftikhar Zaman
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Dan Pletscher
Funding
Source(s):
Shikari Safari Club International Foundation
Bart O’Gara Memorial Fund
Project
Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO – MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Pheasants
belong to the avian order Galliformes and are important
environmental indicators. Among 49 species of pheasants
in the world, 5 of them are endemic to Pakistan with
distribution in the Himalaya and remote northern
parts of the country. Due to increase in human population,
encroachment, poaching, and habitat disturbance pheasants
are threatened and vulnerable. Besides ecological
importance of pheasants they have also aesthetic
values which mainly contribute to their decline in
population in wake of poaching in their native local
habitat. Because cheer pheasant was extirpated locally
and other pheasants were declared endangered or threatened
by the IUCN, the NWFP wildlife department started
a captive breeding program in early 1980s for these
pheasants and their subsequent re-introduction into
suitable habitat in the province. I focused on different
initiative, interventions, and relevant documents
to compile a comprehensive report on conservation
of pheasants in the NWFP. Established in early 19980s,
captive breeding program in Dhodial Pheasantry in
district Mansehra has served not only as an ex-situ
conservation tool but also as a platform for reintroduction
of pheasants. Awareness and public education programs
are also being implemented in different areas as
a tool for conservation of pheasant at a larger scale.
The Wildlife Department involved local communities
in effective conservation of wildlife resources on
sustainable basis. Review of documents and interventions
of different conservation-based organization has
shown that pheasants’ surveys are not conducted
in a proper, systematic, and consistent manner. There
is a lack of in-depth research, effective survey
protocols, and database on the basis of which estimate
of wild population cannot be ascertained. There is
a lack of coordination and networking among conservation-based
organizations and the NWFP Wildlife Department has
to struggle for finances and support. I recommend
that regular pheasant survey must be ensured and
international organizations must implement projects
in core zones of these valuable birds. Database should
be developed and properly maintained for effective
assessment and implementation of projects in the
future. Poaching and lack of public awareness about
these birds are also main contributing factors. For
education and awareness, intensive and extensive
programs must be carried out to sensitize people
about importance of these birds: and for discouraging
poaching there is a dire need to strictly implement
existing rules and regulations.
Progress
and Status:
Completed
non-thesis degree May 2008.
|
|
| Fish
and Amphibians |
| Evaluating
effects of small dams on the fish community and developing
conceptual guidelines to assess removal |
Student: Aubree Benson
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology.
Advisor:
Lisa Eby
Funding
Source(s):
Northwestern Energy
US Forest Service
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Project
Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
The
main objectives are to:
1) determine the impacts of two small dams in the Clearwater
River on native migratory bull trout spawning populations
within the river basin,
2) determine the distribution of exotic species, and
3) use these data to develop conceptual guidelines to explore
tradeoffs of demographic impacts to native populations
versus allow for the expansion of exotic fishes to help
decide if these dams should be removed to benefit the native
fish community.
Progress
and Status:
For
two years, we have captured migratory bull trout below
both dams, implanted radio transmitters, and passed
them over the dams to monitor their movements throughout
the year. We are now aware of 5 potential bull trout
spawning areas in the Clearwater River Drainage. Several
of these populations are impacted by individuals passing
downstream over the dam and not being able to return
to spawn. The effects of these loses to the potential
spawning are being quantified with a population model.
To determine the distribution of fish species throughout
the basin, we have completed basin-wide electrofishing
surveys, snorkeled below the dams and in the spawning
tributaries and operated a fish ladder at the larger
dam. The final field work will be completed in fall
2008. Given the discovered impacts to several migratory
bull trout spawning population and the limited potential
for expansion of exotic species present in the area,
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is moving forward
with the necessary ecological assessments and anticipates
removal of the larger dam within the next two years.
The smaller dam will be modified to select against
passage of exotic species, but allow for passage of
bull trout.
|
| Demography
and landscape ecology of the Columbia spotted frog and
other amphibians in western Montana: effects of spatial
arrangement of seasonal habitats and introduced fish |
|
Principal
Investigator:
Bryce A. Maxell
Degree
Ph.D. Wildlife Biology
Advisors:
Lisa Eby and Andrew Sheldon
Funding
Source(s):
Region 1 U.S. Forest Service
US Geological Survey
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Bureau of Land Management
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
EPA
IUCN Declining Amphibians Population Task Force
Project
Duration: 2000-2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO – FOR – DBS/MTCWRU –
MT Natural Heritage Program
|
Objectives:
The
project links an extensive landscape inventory for several
amphibian and reptile species to intensive population
dynamics studies of a single amphibian species. First,
all standing water bodies in randomly selected watersheds
across western Montana are being surveyed for amphibians
and aquatic reptiles in order to:
1) assess the current status of these species in relation
to a variety of land use practices;
(2) establish a baseline of presence/non detection information
that can be used to monitor these species’ status
over time; and
3) improve our understanding of the geographic distribution
of these species. Second, intensive demographic studies
of the Columbia spotted frog are being conducted in 6 watersheds
across western Montana in order to assess the local and
landscape population dynamics of this species in relation
to the introduction of exotic salmonid fishes.
Progress
and Status:
Through
the 2008 field season, 571 watersheds and more than 8,650
water bodies have been inventoried. This has resulted
in >10,373 species records with numerous extensions
of known geographic ranges and maximum elevations. The
presence of the Idaho Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus)
has been confirmed in Montana for the first time with
hundreds of individuals found in 15 tributaries of 4
watersheds in Mineral County. Western toads have been
found breeding at less than 3% of sites surveyed and
the deadly chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis)
has been detected across Montana, suggesting it may be
the cause of declines observed in both western toads
and northern leopard frogs. Mass mortalities of Tiger
Salamanders have also been found across eastern Montana,
suggesting the widespread presence of Ambystoma tigrinum
virus. This inventory information is being continually
updated in statewide conservation plans for amphibians
and reptiles as part of Montana’s Comprehensive
Fish, and Wildlife Conservation Planning process. To-date,
the focal demographic study has resulted in the marking
of more than 12,000 Columbia spotted frogs and more than
30,000 individual captures. The study has documented
growth rates, survival rates, movement rates, and age
structures in watersheds with and without introduced
salmonids. This project has also involved 3 undergraduate
thesis projects investigating diet and breeding behavior
of Columbia spotted frogs and the abundance and diet
of their gartersnake predators.
|
| Mammals |
| Conservation
and status of Markhor (Capra falconeri) in the northern
parts of North West Frontier Province, Pakistan |
|
Student:
Sajjad Ali
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Dan Pletscher
Funding
Source(s):
Shikari Safari Club International
Foundation
Project
Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO
- MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Pakistan
is blessed with a great variety of wild flora and fauna,
including a rich diversity of wild Caprinae (sheep and
goats) represented by 7 species divided into 12 subspecies.
These animals are found in Balochistan and Sindh in the
south and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and
Northern Areas in the north. Markhor is a wild goat which
belongs to the family Bovidae and sub family Caprinae.
In 1992, it was transferred from Appendix II to Appendix
I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The inclusion
of markhor in Appendix I brought an end to the trophy
hunting program for markhor which was initiated by the
North West Frontier Province Wildlife Department (NWFP
WD) in 1983. In 1993, the NWFP WD involved local communities
in conservation of wildlife through notifying Community
Game Reserve Rules under the Wildlife Act of 1975. In
1997, with special approval of CITES, the NWFP WD launched
the community-based markhor trophy hunting program in
the Province. Eighty percent of the permit fee is deposited
in a Village Conservation Fund (VCF) as an incentive
to encourage involvement of local communities in conservation
of markhor and other associated wildlife species. This
has resulted in a positive change in the attitudes of
local people towards wildlife which led to an increase
in the population of markhor in community managed conservation
areas (CMCA). The markhor conservation program in CMCAs
was as effective as in government managed protected areas.
Credit for this achievement goes to the NWFP WD for involvement
of the local community in conservation of natural resources.
In NWFP, markhor face a number of threats that include
habitat fragmentation, dependence of local communities
on natural resources, unawareness, poaching, and lack
of conservation funds making conservation of markhor
a challenging task both for the government and local
communities. The community-based markhor conservation
program in NWFP succeeds due to the economic incentive.
Uncertainty prevails about the sustainability of this
program because a complete ban on markhor trophy hunting
by government and/or non-government conservation organizations
could occur. For the long term sustainability of the
markhor conservation program, it is essential to explore
alternative means of income and to build the capacity
of local communities in the field of conservation.
Progress
and Status:
Completed
non-thesis degree May 2008.
|
| Wolf
Monitoring Protocols |
|
Research
Associate: David Ausband
Funding
Source(s):
Nez Perce Tribe – Idaho
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Defenders of Wildlife
Wolf Recovery Foundation, Inc.
Department of National Resource Council
The Oregon Zoo Foundation
The Mountaineers Foundation
Project Duration: 2006 - 2011
UM
Project Affiliation:
MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently proposed removing
Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the
Northern Rockies. As Endangered Species Act protections
are removed so too are federal monitoring dollars used
to gauge overall wolf population health. States and
tribes in the Northern Rockies are now faced with the
task of monitoring wolf populations, specifically Breeding
Pairs, to ensure their conservation with much limited
budgets. Radiotelemetry has been the primary tool for
monitoring wolves in the Northern Rockies, requiring
intensive trapping and handling of wolves. Maintaining
radiocollared wolves dispersed widely across the landscape
is an expensive and logistically difficult monitoring
approach and its efficacy as the sole method for monitoring
will wane as federal funding declines. Recently, the
Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Montana
Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit began a research
project to develop cost effective yet accurate methods
for monitoring wolves in Idaho.
We used logistic regression and data collected from wolves
in the Northern Rockies over the last 20 years to estimate
the probability a pack of a given size contains a Breeding
Pair. Our results indicate that if pack size is known
then the probability that the pack contains a Breeding
Pair can be accurately estimated. In addition, to test
new monitoring methods we identified 4 study areas
based on wolf density ranging from low to high (2 low,
2 high). We have VHF and GPS collared wolves in the
study areas to determine wolf density and to allow
comparisons of wolf abundance estimates from new methods
to estimates obtained from radiotelemetry. In the summer
of 2007, we surveyed 478 predicted rendezvous sites
and without the aid of radiotelemetry, collected over
250 genetic samples and in 2008 we collected over 1,950
genetic samples to use for population estimation in
our study areas. We also surveyed 2,000 hunters in
2007 & 2008 in our 4 study areas to ascertain the
accuracy of their wolf observations. Preliminary results
show the public is largely truthful in their reporting
and that public observations may be one tool for monitoring
wolves in the future. For use in roadless areas, we
have developed an automated tool called a “howlbox” which
can remotely survey an area by broadcasting a wolf
howl, recording responses, and then shutting down until
the next scheduled broadcast.
|
| Using
models to address uncertainty in management of black
and brown bears |
|
Student:
Julie Beston
Degree:
Ph. D. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Elizabeth Crone
Funding
Source(s):
NSF EPSCoR
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
The Nature Conservancy
Project
Duration: 2005-current
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
1. Use statewide harvest data to estimate
harvest rates and demographic structure of Montana black
bears.
2. Conduct meta-analyses of black bear and grizzly bear
demography using published and unpublished research findings
from North America.
3. Compare models of black bear harvest strategies to determine
their value in maintaining populations and establish, if
possible, management criteria from harvest data.
4. Model the effects of salmon fishing strategies on grizzly
bear population viability.
Progress and Status:
Bears are important members of their ecosystems
and carry cultural and recreational importance to humans.
Managers must make decisions that impact bear populations.
Bears are solitary and long-lived, and it is difficult
and expensive to collect data needed to make the best
decisions. Through my work, I incorporate knowledge from
previous studies and examine the consequences of uncertainty
through mathematical models to guide management. This
reduces costs for managers and can focus future studies
on gaps in understanding.
To date, I found that the female segment of the Montana
black bear population is being harvested at an annual rate
of about 10%, and there are indications that the population
may be declining.
I have also created a suite of population models for grizzly
bears in British Columbia. Simulations show that serious
(>50%) declines in salmon escapement will jeopardize
population viability, regardless of which model best represents
reality.
Research addressing other projects is in progress.
|
|
| Wild
ungulate survey, spring 2008. Dulan International Hunting
Area, Qinghai, China |
Principal
Investigator:
Richard B. Harris
Funding
Source(s):
Foundation for North American Wild Sheep
Robert M. Lee Foundation
Project
Duration: 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Objectives
of the Dulan International Hunting Area (DIHA) stuff
were to obtain approximate counts of important large
mammals species in areas in which they conduct hunts.
Principle species of interest were blue sheep, argali,
and white-lipped deer, although other species were
to be observed and recorded. Although some government
officials in Dulan wished to know the total numbers
for selected species within the county, DIHA staff
did not expect or require a population estimate. Rather,
rough counts were considered useful in their own right.
Objectives
of personnel from the University of Montana, in addition
to assisting with field work, were to i) understand
survey methods previously used by DIHA staff, ii) make
suggestions for improvement to these methods where
it was clear that such improvements could easily be
adopted, and iii) improve documentation and facilitate
dissemination of survey results.
Progress
and Status:
We
used vehicles, horses, and foot travel to access remote
mountain areas, searching for animals visually, inspecting
animals groups using spotting scopes, plotting locations
of animal groups using 1:40,000 satellite imagery and
GPS units, and recording the number of animals using
hand-held tally meters. In total, we observed from
6,392 to 6,688 blue sheep (depending on assumptions
regarding duplicate counts of individuals) during 16
days of actual field survey. An additional 205 argali
were documented in the surveyed areas, as were 55 white-lipped
deer, 23 red deer, and an undocumented number of Tibetan
gazelles (as well as additional blue sheep, observed
while traveling between survye areas but not recorded).
We cannot estimate the true number of animals present
within surveyed areas, but 2 replicated surveys on
different days resulted in similar counts. At present,
we have no good method to estimate the total number
of blue sheep (or argali, or other species) present
within the hunting area, because we do not know if
sampled areas were representative. We are currently
working on ways to estimate the amount of area effectivley
sampled in this steep terrain, and have plans to work
toward models that would allow estimation of true abundance
under the sampling contraints we faced.
|
| Relationships
between plateau Tibetan foxes (Vulpes ferrilata) and
plateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) |
|
Principal
Investigator:
Richard B. Harris
Funding
Source(s):
Robert M. Lee Foundation
Denver Zoological Foundation
Cooperators:
East China Normal University
Qinghai Province Wildlife Management Bureau
Dulan International Hunting Area
Project
Duration: 2006-2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Quantify
correlates of habitat use of Tibetan foxes, focusing
on their movements, den-site selection, and home range
location relative to the distribution and density of
plateau pikas. Quantify food habits of Tibetan foxes
via analysis of verified fox scats.
Progress
and Status:
The
Chinese Ph.D. student at East China Normal University
(Liu Qunxiu) has completed field work and is now analyzing
data and writing papers. One paper (on home range patterns
of the first 3 collared foxes) has been published in
Acta Theriologica Sinica (in Chinese). A short report
on biological aspects of Vulpes ferrilata as been published
online by the IUCN Canid Specialist Group. Mammalian
Species account of Vulpes ferrilata, of which Harris
is a co-author, is forthcoming.
|
| Multiscale
effects of roads on black bears |
|
Student:
Ben Jimenez
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Mike Mitchell
Funding
Source(s):
Idaho Fish and Game, MTCWRU
Project
Duration: 2007 - 2009
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO/MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Black
bears (Ursus americanus), are a highly adaptable landscape
species with few natural predators. With high road densities
and increasing traffic volumes throughout much of their
range however, the potential effects of roads on bears
as well as the habitat which they rely upon are of growing
concern (IUCN Bear Specialist Group 2007). The black
bear population within the Coeur d’Alene (CDA)
river watershed of Northern Idaho is exposed to high
road densities and moderately high hunting pressure.
Hunting regulations allow for the use of bait and dogs
in both spring and fall hunting seasons, and dogs are
permitted for non-lethal pursuit during the summer pursuit
season. In an effort to better understand the effects
of these pressures on black bears, the objectives of
this study are as follows:
1. Provide a fine scale analysis of habitat selection of
black bears (2nd and 3rd order habitat selection).
2. Assess the effects of road density and traffic volume
on this multi-scale habitat selecetion.
3. Assess alterations to daily activity patterns due to
seasonal shifts in traffic volumes.
4. Evaluate potential functional habitat loss for black
bears within the area.
Progress and Status:
Between
June 1, 2007, and July 25, 2008, we captured 43 black
bears, and instrumented 28 adults with Global Positioning
Systems (GPS) collars. Collars are set to acquire positions
at 20 minute intervals from April 10 - November 10. Thus
far, 3 collars retrieved during the fall of 2007, plus
11 collected from dens in the winter of 2008 have yielded
a total of 75,772 locations. Analysis of this data is
currently underway. The remainig 20 collars will be collected
from dens this fall and winter.
|
| Management
effectiveness of Chitral Gol National Park, North West
Frontier Province, Pakistan |
|
Student:
Mohammad Ayaz Khan
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Dan Pletscher
Funding
Source(s):
Shikari Safari Club International Foundation
Bart O’Gara Memorial Fund
Project
Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO – MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Protected
areas are instrumental in conservation of biological
diversity, providing a continuous sustainable flow of
goods and services to people, and maintaining balance
in ecosystems. However, the range and quality of environmental,
social, and economic benefits realized from protected
areas depends upon their effective management. Protected
area managers, donors, and other conservation organizations
are struggling to enhance management effectiveness of
protected areas to achieve the desired objectives. Management
assessment is the door way to improved management which
includes assessment of inputs, processes, strategies,
implementation, results, and gap identification. Management
assessment not only helps managers learn about past management,
but also provides a base for future planning. I assessed
the management effectiveness of Chitral Gol National
Park in the NWFP of Pakistan since its establishment
(1984). I used three different approaches: analysis of
Markhor (Capra falconeri) populations; the WWF/World
Bank tracking tool; and socio-economic data. However,
Markhor as a management indicator makes the crux of the
report due to the availability of 18 years (1989 to 2006)
data on the Markhor population. The results show the
management of the Park is effective in achieving the
objective of its establishment. There is a pressing need
to establish a comprehensive database covering all aspects
of management (biological, social, and administrative)
for comprehensive assessment. I also recommended focusing
on education and awareness of local communities living
around the Park. Research by students, establishment
of PA website, PA conferences at national and provincial
levels, establishment of a wildlife institute, provision
of equipment, and capacity building of the protected
area manager are imperative for enhancing the management
effectiveness of protected areas in the country. I also
conclude that a network of contiguous protected areas
is more effective than a single isolated protected area.
Trans-boundary management of Chitral Gol with Afghanistan
will help conserve flagship and keystone species like
Markhor, Snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and other associated
wildlife on a larger landscape.
Progress
and Status:
Completed
non-thesis degree May 2008.
|
| Habitat
selection of the North American Porcupine (Erethizon
dorsatum) in Western Montana |
|
Student:
Katie Mally
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Kerry R. Foresman
Funding
Source(s):
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks
Montana Audubon
Project
Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Assess resource selection of porcupine at the second and
third order with the use of resource selection functions,
quantify home range, and collect demographic information
(mortalities and reproduction)
Progress and Status:
Surveys requesting reports of porcupine sightings were
distributed throughout Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks
regions 1, 2, & 3 during the summer of 2006. Surveys
were distributed to groups thought to potentially have
knowledge of porcupine locations; these groups included
biologists, trail crews, veterinarians, outfitters,
as well as many others. One hundred and eight two surveys
were returned and used to model selection using resource
selection functions in a used versus available framework.
With this method porcupine sightings were used points
and randomly generated points within the study area
were available points. To account for the influence
of human density on the survey a covariate distance
to roads was generated and included in the model. The
idea was that more surveys would be returned in areas
with higher human density and that as distance from
roads increases human densities decrease. Our model
showed the lack of conifer species to have the largest
influence on porcupine selection at the second order
followed by elevation, and the occurrence of broadleaf
and shrub species in order of greatest influence.
Porcupines in the Bitterroot
Valley were radio-collared in the
summer of 2007 to begin to quantify
habitat selection at the third (within
home range) order. Seven individuals
were live trapped and radio-collared
along the Bitterroot River on Lee
Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge,
Teller Wildlife Refuge, and a privately
owned ranch. Five individuals were
collared during the summer of 2008
bringing the total to twelve, five
males and seven females. Individuals
were located during both the day
and night beginning in May and running
through August. At each location
a suite of habitat variables were
recorded at both the individual's
location as well as at a random location.
There have been 327 locations to
date. These locations will be used
to again model habitat selection
this time at the third order using
resource selection functions in a
used versus available framework.
Each collar has a mortality
switch allowing us to perform necropsies
on all mortalities. There have been
three mortalities to date; two were
attributed to starvation and one
to pest control. When females are
located a search of the area is formed
to attempt to locate offspring and
confirm reproduction.
Further analysis will
be continued into the fall. A thesis
defense is scheduled for December
of this year.
|
|
| Effects
of biological sources of variation on mark-recapture
estimates for black bears based on non-invasive genetic
sampling |
Student:
Barb McCall
Degree:
M.S. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Mike Mitchell
Funding
Source(s):
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Project
Duration: 2006-2009
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO/MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
1.
Explore biological causes of variations in capture
probability and closure violation of black bears by
modeling apparent survival (f), recruitment (f), and
recapture probability (p) by year as a function of:
a. Sex
b. Season
c. Movement rates
d. Average home range size
e. Distance captured from grid edge
2.
Determine the biological causes of yearly variations
in black bear vital rates by modeling apparent survival
(f), recruitment (f), recapture probability (p), and
population growth rate (?) of all years as a function
of:
a. Huckleberry production
b. Buffaloberry production
c. Serviceberry production
d. Mountain ash production
3.
Determine the population growth rate (?), apparent
survival (f), recruitment rate (f), and the recapture
probability (p) of black bears in the Purcell Mountains
of Idaho (2003-2006)
Progress
and Status:
Currently
analyzing mark-recapture data through program MARK
using the Pradel model.
Conducted
a field season during June-August 2008 to collect bear
DNA in the Coeur d'Alene Mountains, Idaho. This project
geographically and spatially overlapped with GPS collared
black bears. Information gained will be used to determine
encounter rates of GPS collared bears to hair snares
and to estimate abundance of black bears in the Coeur
d'Alene Mountains.
|
| Predicting
occupancy, pack size, and breeding pair status for wolves
in the Northern Rocky Mountain Ecosystem |
|
Student:
Alison Mynsberge
Degree:
Ph.D. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Mike Mitchell
Funding
Source(s):
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Nez Perce Tribe
Idaho Fish and Game
Project
Duration: 2008-2012
UM
Project Affiliation:
MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
The
removal of wolves from the Endangered Species Act will
affect wolf monitoring in the Northern Rocky Mountain
Ecosystem. The number of wolves and the number of breeding
pairs must continue to be estimated in Montana, Idaho,
and Wyoming to ensure continued recovery and to prevent
relisting, and population estimates will also be necessary
for creating harvest guidelines. However, funding available
for wolf monitoring will decrease as states assume management
of wolves. The goal of this project is to develop methods
that will allow states in the Northern Rocky Mountain
Ecosystem to efficiently monitor wolves after delisting.
Specifically, this research will use patch occupancy
modeling to derive estimates of important population
parameters while reducing monitoring costs.
Progress
and Status:
Current
efforts include compiling data on wolf packs in the Northern
Rocky Mountain Ecosystem and developing databases of
variables that may influence wolf demographics. Researchers
conducting related projects have placed GPS collars on
several wolves in both Idaho and Montana, and we will
use home ranges determined from the movements of these
wolves to set the patch size for occupancy modeling.
|
| Dispersal
characteristics and habitat use of dispersing Puma |
|
Student:
Jesse Newby
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
L. Scott Mills
Funding
Source(s):
Panthera: Partners In Wild Cat Research
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Project
Duration: 2005-2009
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Interpopulation
movements play a critical role in the genetic and demographic
maintenance of large carnivore populations making landscape
connectivity essential to conservation. Puma populations
naturally rely on immigration supplied by young dispersing
animals. Puma research to date has focused on small
areas and barely addressed dispersal. The strength
of our research is built upon collaboration with four
long-term research projects in the Greater Yellowstone
Area and Central Montana. We are incorporating results
of these studies into a common framework to examine
puma dispersal. In addition, this data is being used
to examine other population parameters and develop
monitoring methodologies. Using VHF and GPS locations
obtained on known dispersing individuals we are attempting
to meet the following objectives:
1. Develop and test a priori models of the potential landscape
characteristics and anthropogenic factors influencing dispersal
movements within each system.
2. Compare the relationship between disperser and adult
cat habitat use.
3. Compare habitat models across systems to develop a robust
model depicting areas likely to constrain or facilitate
interpopulation connectivity. The resulting model is to
be used in the management of puma populations at a landscape
level.
4. Supply testable predictions and potential new directions
for ongoing research into puma dispersal.
Research
findings are expected to play a significant role in
future puma management by supplying an empirically
based understanding of population processes, and habitat
characteristics that strongly influence population
connectivity.
Progress
and Status:
Over
the past year our work has included:
1. Collaborating with other puma researchers to determine
and prioritize information needs and incorporating data
from across studies to meet them. The collaboration brings
together research conducted by The Hornocker Wildlife Institute,
Wildlife Conservation Society, and Montana Fish Wildlife
and Parks. In addition we are working with Beringia South’s
ongoing puma research in Wyoming. In this area we deployed
2 GPS/Satellite collars on dispersing males last year and
intend to deploy 1-2 more this winter.
2. We have incorporated life history and location data
from all of these studies into a final database. Additionally,
location data from MTFWP Garnet Mountain study has been
attributized with habitat variables and is being analyzed
to assess population vital rates and characterize habitat
use.
3. We have developed a priori models of landscape and anthropogenic
variables which may influence dispersal movements, as well
as how these may differ between adult and dispersing pumas.
These models are being tested using Generalized Linear
Mixed Models both within and between study areas. The goal
is to find a robust model depicting habitat use of dispersing
pumas that can be used in gaining insights into dispersal
ecology and on the ground management.
|
| Aspects
of environmental education in north west frontier province,
Pakistan |
|
Student:
Mohammad Niaz
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor:
Dan Pletscher
Funding
Source(s):
Shikari Safari Club International Foundation
Bart O’Gara Memorial Fund
Project
Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO – MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
With the increase in human population and
technological development, environment-related problems
have grown complex and challenging. Human activities
have resulted in deterioration of landscapes, forests,
wetlands, rangelands, wilderness, wildlife, and natural
areas. Major international conferences in 1970s focused
on improvement of environmental quality through environmental
education programs. Environmental education, a lifelong
process, focuses on different target groups for developing
positive and responsible environmental behavior through
experiential learning. I focused on different aspects
of Environmental Education (EE) in the North West Frontier
Province of Pakistan. Because EE deals with developing
a positive change in attitude, I focused on three target
groups including teachers, students, and the public because
of their indispensable role and inter-relationship with
the environment. I examined relevant documents such as
policies, plans, and strategies of governmental and non-governmental,
environment-based organizations and agencies in NWFP.
All the documents and developmental interventions highlight
approaches to EE but lack practical implementation and
a proper assessment mechanism. Therefore, EE programs
occur in less than one per cent of the total schools
in the province due to the fact that it is not prioritized
and infused into the curricula. I not only identified
existing gaps in approaches and implementation process
of the EE programs but also provided guidelines for effective
awareness and education programs. There is a dire need
for development of an EE database, coordination among
environment-based organizations, experiential learning,
infusion of EE into existing curricula, and capacity
building of teachers in conducting meaningful EE programs.
Schools and local communities both in urban and rural
areas need extensive and intensive focus to effect a
behavioral change. I conclude that long-term, conservation-based
projects as well as informal and proactive approaches
to promoting EE would help encourage environmental awareness
and participation of different target groups. Traditional
teaching methods through formalistic lecturing should
be replaced with enquiry-based and environment-based
learning.
Progress and Status:
Completed non-thesis degree May 2008.
|
| Effects
of Rocky Mountain Elk on small mammals and nutrient cycling |
|
Student:
Elliott W.R. Parsons
Degree:
Ph.D. DBS.
Advisor:
John Maron
Funding
Source(s):
US Department of Agriculture
Project
Duration: 2006-2009
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO - DBS - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
My research examines how impacts of Rocky
Mountain elk on plant community structure indirectly
affect both small mammal populations and nutrient cycling.
Specifically, we are 1) quantifying how elk influence
small mammal populations and habitat structure, and 2)
determining how elk influence plant community structure
and how this in turn affects leaf litter biomass, decomposition,
nutrient availability, and plant germination and growth.
Progress and Status:
Paired elk exclosure and control plots
are employed to determine how elk impacts on vegetation
influence small mammal populations and nutrient cycling.
Summer 2008 was our 4th year of small mammal trapping.
Trapping efforts to date show strong impacts of elk exclusion
on rodent abundance and community structure. Leaf litter
collected from 144 leaf litter traps deployed during
2007 show that gains in a the number of deciduous stems
that occurs in the absence of elk browsing results in
greater amounts of deciduous leaf litter. We are using
estimates of how elk exclusion influences the quality
and quantity of litter to determine how elk influence
nutrient cycling through changes in vegetation. In addition,
concurrent work is revealing that litter decomposition
rates for aspen, maple, and white fir leaves differ.
Between August 2007 and May 2008, on average, aspen litter
bags lost 66%, maple lost 50% and white fir lost 18%
of their mass. These differences in rates of decomposition
were unaffected by underlying differences in soil temperature
where measurements were obtained.
|
| Understanding
territory size to improve estimates of wolf pack abundance
and distribution |
|
Student:
Lindsey Rich
Degree:
M.Sc. Wildlife
Advisor:
Mike Mitchell
Funding
Source(s):
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Project
Duration: 2008 - 2010
UM
Project Affiliation:
WBIO – MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
1: Estimate average wolf territory size for Montana and determine
if this size varies significantly throughout the state,
annually, seasonally, or between nocturnal and diurnal
periods.
2: Explore causes for
the variation in size, shape, and
distribution of wolf territories
in Montana by modeling territory
size as a function of:
a. Human and road density
b. Type of prey and prey density
c. Land cover and land ownership
d. Collared pack size and longevity
e. Presence, longevity, and size of surrounding packs
f. Livestock density and control actions as a result of
depredations
g. Slope and Elevation
3: Explore if wolves’ have
core areas of use and if they do,
determine if these core areas can
be modeled as a function of:
a. Human and road density
b. Type of prey and prey density
c. Land cover and land ownership
d. Livestock density and control actions as a result of
depredations
e. Slope and elevation
f. Distance to territory edge
g. Reproductive status of the pack
4: Determine if a
patch occupancy model using hunter
surveys can accurately (within ± 20%
of MFWP’s minimum wolf pack
count) estimate wolf pack abundance
and distribution in Montana by modeling
hunter detection probability of wolves
as a function of:
a. Hunter Density
b. Road Density
c. Land Cover
|
| Conservation
of pheasants in North West Frontier Province (NWFP),
Pakistan |
| Student:
Iftikhar Zaman
Degree: M.Sc. Wildlife Biology
Advisor: Dan Pletscher
Funding Source(s):
Shikari Safari Club International Foundation
Bart O’Gara Memorial Fund
Project Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM Project Affiliation:
WBIO – MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Pheasants belong to the avian order Galliformes
and are important environmental indicators. Among 49
species of pheasants in the world, 5 of them are endemic
to Pakistan with distribution in the Himalaya and remote
northern parts of the country. Due to increase in human
population, encroachment, poaching, and habitat disturbance
pheasants are threatened and vulnerable. Besides ecological
importance of pheasants they have also aesthetic values
which mainly contribute to their decline in population
in wake of poaching in their native local habitat. Because
cheer pheasant was extirpated locally and other pheasants
were declared endangered or threatened by the IUCN, the
NWFP wildlife department started a captive breeding program
in early 1980s for these pheasants and their subsequent
re-introduction into suitable habitat in the province.
I focused on different initiative, interventions, and
relevant documents to compile a comprehensive report
on conservation of pheasants in the NWFP. Established
in early 19980s, captive breeding program in Dhodial
Pheasantry in district Mansehra has served not only as
an ex-situ conservation tool but also as a platform for
reintroduction of pheasants. Awareness and public education
programs are also being implemented in different areas
as a tool for conservation of pheasant at a larger scale.
The Wildlife Department involved local communities in
effective conservation of wildlife resources on sustainable
basis. Review of documents and interventions of different
conservation-based organization has shown that pheasants’ surveys
are not conducted in a proper, systematic, and consistent
manner. There is a lack of in-depth research, effective
survey protocols, and database on the basis of which
estimate of wild population cannot be ascertained. There
is a lack of coordination and networking among conservation-based
organizations and the NWFP Wildlife Department has to
struggle for finances and support. I recommend that regular
pheasant survey must be ensured and international organizations
must implement projects in core zones of these valuable
birds. Database should be developed and properly maintained
for effective assessment and implementation of projects
in the future. Poaching and lack of public awareness
about these birds are also main contributing factors.
For education and awareness, intensive and extensive
programs must be carried out to sensitize people about
importance of these birds: and for discouraging poaching
there is a dire need to strictly implement existing rules
and regulations.
Progress and Status:
Completed non-thesis degree May 2008.
|
|
| Populations |
| A
risk assessment framework for defining scientifically-defensible
recovery goals for listed species |
Post-Doc
Researcher:
Cynthia Hartway
Principal Investigator: L. Scott Mills
Funding Source(s):
SERDP Department of Defense
US Geological Survey
Project Duration: 2006 - 2008
UM Project Affiliation:
WBIO - MTCWRU
|
Objectives:
Our objective is to develop and test tools to improve management
of listed species on Department of Defense (DoD) installations.
This project is collaborative with the Wildlife Co-op units
at University of Idaho and University of Wyoming. The primary
goal of the UM portion of this project is to develop guidelines
for prioritizing management actions for species of concern
for which little data exists. We combine a systematic review
of the effects of management actions on key life history attributes
for well-studied species (for example, the effect of predator
removal programs on bird nest success) with a demographic modeling
approach to determine how alternate management actions should
translate to changes in population growth for data-poor species.
We will disseminate this information to land managers in a
helpful way to guide on the ground decision making.
Progress and Status:
We have completed our extensive review and meta-analyses on the
effects of common management actions on vital rates. In sum,
we have quantitative information on the effect of 5 common
management actions (controlled burns, grazing/mowing, predator
removal, contaminant removal and herbivore removal) on survival
and reproductive rates for 169 species from 5 taxonomic groups
(amphibians, birds, mammals, plants and reptiles). To determine
the effect of these management actions on potential population
growth of data-poor species, we have developed a population
modeling approach that requires only basic life history information
(e.g., age at reproductive maturity, maximum lifespan and
reproductive output, etc.). Tailoring these models to the
life history of specific species of concern, we can map the
parameter space for which population growth is positive,
negative or stable. We combine these results with our review
data regarding which vital rates can be altered and by how
much by management actions to formulate broad guidelines
on the efficacy of alternate management options. Our results
will also be pertinent to prioritizing research or data collection
efforts. We are in the process of developing a website that
displays these results in an easy-to-use graphical format.
A secondary objective of our project
evaluates existing methods for determining population
trend from count data. We developed a trend estimation
method that works well even with multiple observations
missing from the time series. Because the status
quo in monitoring programs for most agencies
is to strive to obtain an unbroken time series,
even if funding or logistic constraints lead
to poor abundance estimates, our finding is revolutionary:
we argue that that trend estimates may be improved
by diverting effort away from annual monitoring
and towards increasing time series length or
improving precision of the abundance estimates
for years that data are collected.
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