Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter: Fall 1998 - Volume 5(4) Date of this Version 1998 Document Type Article Abstract Forward -- Scott Craven; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group 1998 Annual Meeting September 23, 1998, 6-8 Pm, Buffalo, Ny; Next Edition…Center, Internet, Wildlife Damage Management TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Newsletter: Fall 1998 - Volume 5(4) Date of this Version 1998 Document Type Article Abstract Forward -- Scott Craven; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group 1998 Annual Meeting September 23, 1998, 6-8 Pm, Buffalo, Ny; Next Edition Deadlines; The Wildlife Society Wildlife Damage Management Working Group 1998 Report To Council; Candidates For The Working Group Officers - December 1998 ; 1998-99 Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Officers; Wildlife Damage Management Working Group Ballot - December 1998; Wildlife Damage Management Around The World - Part 2; Sika Deer Management In Nikko National Park, Japan; Current Status And Future Direction; Contributors To This Issue ; Application For Membership / The Wildlife Society DOWNLOADS Since November 09, 2010 COinS
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Nathan P. Snow , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Benjamin Smith , United States…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications Nathan P. Snow , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Benjamin Smith , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Michael J. Lavelle , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Michael P. Glow , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Kayleigh Chalkowski , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Bruce R. Leland , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, San Antonio, Texas Follow Sarah Sherburne , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Justin W. Fischer , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Keely J. Kohen , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Seth M. Cook , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Hatton Smith , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Kurt C. VerCauteren , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Ryan S. Miller , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Kim M. Pepin , United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado Follow Document Type Article Date of this Version 2024 Citation Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2024) 233: 106347 doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106347 Abstract Introductions of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) into free-ranging wildlife can be difficult to control and devastating for domestic livestock trade. Combating a new TAD introduction in wildlife with an emergency response requires quickly limiting spread of the disease by intensely removing wild animals within a contiguous area. In the case of African swine fever virus (ASFv) in wild pigs (Sus scrofa), which has been spreading in many regions of the world, there is little information on the time- and cost-efficiency of methods for intensively and consistently culling wild pigs and recovering carcasses in an emergency response scenario. We compared the efficiencies of aerial operations, trapping, experimental toxic baiting, and ground shooting in northcentral Texas, USA during two months in 2023. Culling and recovering carcasses of wild pigs averaged a rate of 0.15 wild pigs/ person hour and cost an average of $233.04/wild pig ($USD 2023) across all four methods. Aerial operations required the greatest initial investment but subsequently was the most time- and cost-efficient, costing an average of $7266 to reduce the population by a standard measure of 10 %, including recovering carcasses. Aerial operations required a ground crew of ~7 people/helicopter to recover carcasses. Costs for reducing the population of wild pigs using trapping were similar, although took 13.5 times longer to accomplish. In cases where carcass recovery and disposal are needed (e.g., response to ASFv), a benefit of trapping was immediate carcass recovery. Toxic baiting was less efficient because both culling and carcass recovery required substantial time. We culled very few wild pigs with ground shooting in this landscape. Our results provide insight on the efficiencies of each removal method. Strategically combining removal methods may increase overall efficiency. Overall, our findings inform the preparation of resources, personnel needs, and deployment readiness for TAD responses involving wild pigs. DOWNLOADS Since November 23, 2024 Included in Natural Resources and Conservation Commons , Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons , Other Environmental Sciences Commons , Other Veterinary Medicine Commons , Population Biology Commons , Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons , Veterinary Infectious Diseases Commons , Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology Commons , Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons , Zoology Commons COinS
United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 2-2018 Document Type Article Citation Marks, D.M. 2018. Mute Swans. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 14p. Abstract Mute swans (…United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series Date of this Version 2-2018 Document Type Article Citation Marks, D.M. 2018. Mute Swans. Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 14p. Abstract Mute swans ( Cygnus olor ) are an invasive species originally brought to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for ornamental ponds and lakes, zoos and aviculture collections. Original populations were located in northeastern states along the Hudson Valley but have since expanded to several Midwestern states and portions of the western U.S. and Canada. Mute swan damage includes competing with native waterfowl, destroying native plants, spreading disease, and colliding with aircraft. They are also considered a nuisance in some areas due to their abundant fecal droppings and aggressiveness towards people. Mute swans can impact ecosystems by foraging on native plants and competing with native species for food and habitat. Mute swans forage primarily on submerged aquatic vegetation, and each swan consumes 4 to 8 pounds of vegetation per day. While feeding, mute swans use their feet to expose plant shoots and roots for foraging, and to help dislodge food for cygnets (i.e., young swans). This damages aquatic substrates and vegetation surrounding preferred foods. Mute swans typically consume less than 50 percent of what they remove. Results from one study showed their diet overlaps considerably with many native waterfowl species that overwinter in the lower Great Lakes or temporarily use the area during migration. Mute swans are known for their highly territorial behavior during their breeding season, and may compete with native wildlife for space and associated resources. Of particular concern are potential impacts on threatened and endangered species. During the breeding season, mute swans sometimes displace other native waterfowl from preferred nesting locations, and may kill adult and juvenile ducks and geese. During one incident in Maryland, a large molting flock of mute swans caused a colony of least terns ( Sterna antillarum ) and black skimmers ( Rynchops niger ) to abandon a nesting colony by trampling nests, eggs, and chicks. The mute swans also displaced nesting common terns ( Sterna hirundo ). In 2011 in Michigan, a mute swan nest was found in the middle of a black tern ( Chlidonias niger ) colony that had previously supported approximately 54 black terns in 2009. Only a few black tern nests remained, approximately 30 to 40 feet away from the swan nest. DOWNLOADS Since March 03, 2018 COinS
A new dataset turns bird color from description into data The post Identifying where birds fall on the color wheel appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
As populations continue to decline, organizations work to understand and support birds in North America The post LISTEN: Keeping birds on the map appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
An unidentified disease in salamanders rings alarm bells The post Researchers rush to understand deadly new disease appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Rose Pest Solutions (Rose) is set to host an open house at its new Gurnee, Ill., location on Thursday, April 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., where Curtis Rand, president of Rose, will join Gurnee Mayor Thomas Hood to preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening. The…Rose Pest Solutions (Rose) is set to host an open house at its new Gurnee, Ill., location on Thursday, April 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., where Curtis Rand, president of Rose, will join Gurnee Mayor Thomas Hood to preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening. The Gurnee location is at 4156 […] The post Rose Pest Solutions to open new Illinois location first appeared on Pest Management Professional.
Cubs captured in photos give hope for endangered species The post Watch: Elusive and endangered leopard family caught on camera appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
The honor is given annually to those who make outstanding contributions to the wildlife profession The post Three winners announced for TWS’ Special Recognition Award appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
May is both Garden for Wildlife® Month and Mental Health Awareness Month! To celebrate these two important causes, we’ve pulled together 6 ways your garden can help support mental health. … Read more The post Wildlife Gardening Can Provide Mental Health Benefits, Too! appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation…May is both Garden for Wildlife® Month and Mental Health Awareness Month! To celebrate these two important causes, we’ve pulled together 6 ways your garden can help support mental health. … Read more The post Wildlife Gardening Can Provide Mental Health Benefits, Too! appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.
Florida halts sloth imports as Orlando tourist destination is under investigation The post Dozens of sloths dead, criminal investigation underway appeared first on The Wildlife Society.
Trees are essential to life on Earth. They absorb and store CO 2 , support animals, fungi, and insects, hold soil in place, manage water cycles, and provide people with vital resources such as wood, food, and cooling shade during hot weather. Despite their importance, forests around the world are…Trees are essential to life on Earth. They absorb and store CO 2 , support animals, fungi, and insects, hold soil in place, manage water cycles, and provide people with vital resources such as wood, food, and cooling shade during hot weather. Despite their importance, forests around the world are undergoing a major shift. New research shows that many forest ecosystems are becoming more uniform, losing biodiversity, and growing less resilient. These findings come from a large international study published in the journal Nature Plants . By examining more than 31,000 tree species across the globe, scientists were able to map how forests are likely to change in the coming decades. Their analysis focused on shifts in species makeup, long-term stability, and how forests function as ecosystems. Forests Are Shifting Toward Fast Growing Species The study found that fast-growing tree species are becoming increasingly dominant. At the same time, slower-growing trees with specialized traits face a growing risk of decline or extinction. Jens-Christian Svenning, Professor and Director of the Danish National Research Foundation's Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) at the Department of Biology, Aarhus University, and a senior author of the study, says this trend is deeply concerning. He points especially to the danger faced by tree species that exist only in small, isolated regions of the world. "We are talking about highly unique species, especially concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions, where biodiversity is high and ecosystems are tightly interconnected. When specialized, native species disappear, they leave gaps in ecosystems that alien species rarely fill, even if those species are fast-growing and highly dispersive," says Jens-Christian Svenning. The Trees That Support Forest Stability Are at Risk The species under the greatest threat are slow-growing trees that thrive in stable environments. According to Svenning, these trees often have thick leaves, dense wood, and long lifespans, and they are especially common in moist tropical and subtropical forests. "They form the backbone of forest ecosystems and contribute to stability, carbon storage, and resilience to change," says Jens-Christian Svenning. If climate change and forest exploitation continue at current levels, forests are likely to favor fast-growing trees with lighter leaves and lower wood density. These traits allow rapid growth over short periods. Common examples include species of acacia, eucalyptus, poplar, and pine. "Although these species establish and grow well, they are more vulnerable to drought, storms, pests, and climatic shocks. This makes forests less stable and less effective at storing carbon over the long term," says Jens-Christian Svenning. Why Non Native Trees Are Spreading The research also highlights the growing role of naturalized tree species, meaning trees that originated elsewhere but now grow wild in new regions. Nearly 41 percent of these species share traits like rapid growth and small leaves, which help them survive in disturbed environments. However, Svenning notes that these trees rarely replace the ecological roles of native species. "Moreover, in landscapes affected by today's and tomorrow's disturbances, naturalized species can make it even harder for native trees to survive, because competition for light, water, and nutrients intensifies," he adds. Tropical Forests Face the Greatest Losses The study shows that tropical and subtropical regions are likely to experience the most severe impacts from forest homogenization. These areas are expected to see the largest increases in tree species endangerment. "This is where many slow-growing tree species with naturally small ranges occur. Because they are confined to very limited areas, these species are especially vulnerable and risk disappearing entirely if their habitats are destroyed or taken over by fast-growing species," explains the study's first author, young professor Wen-Yong Guo from the School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai. Guo also notes that fast-growing and naturalized species are expected to continue spreading worldwide as environmental disturbances increase. "At the same time, we forecast rising number of naturalized and fast-growing tree species adapted to increasing disturbance throughout the world. Hence, in the colder parts of the Northern Hemisphere, the likely dominant dynamic is the invasion of such species," says Wen-Yong Guo. Human Activity Is Driving Forest Change According to the researchers, human actions are the main force behind these changes in forest composition. "Human-driven climate change, deforestation for infrastructure, intensive forestry, logging, and global trade in tree species all play a role. Fast-growing trees are often actively promoted because they produce timber or biomass quickly. But ecologically, they are often fragile and more prone to disease," explains Wen-Yong Guo. Why Forest Management Needs to Change Using future modeling scenarios, the researchers examined how tree species are likely to spread or decline over time. Their results show that naturalized species already present in forests are expected to become even more dominant in the decades ahead. This makes protecting slow-growing tree species increasingly urgent, says Jens-Christian Svenning. He emphasizes the need for forest management strategies that actively support these species and prioritize ecosystem restoration. "When establishing new forests, far more emphasis should be placed on slow-growing and rare tree species. This would make forests more diverse and resilient. These species should also be actively promoted in conservation and restoration efforts, where they often interact positively with the recovery of richer communities of large animals, which themselves are also important for future ecosystem functioning," concludes Jens-Christian Svenning.
The LeConte’s thrasher has always been elusive—its pale plumage blends into the desert landscapes it calls home. But the sand-colored songbird is growing even more difficult to spot. Its population … Read more The post California’s Prop 45: Vote No on Fast-Tracking Pollution & Habitat Destruction appeared first on The…The LeConte’s thrasher has always been elusive—its pale plumage blends into the desert landscapes it calls home. But the sand-colored songbird is growing even more difficult to spot. Its population … Read more The post California’s Prop 45: Vote No on Fast-Tracking Pollution & Habitat Destruction appeared first on The National Wildlife Federation Blog.