DOCSLIB.ORG

Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan STATE OF WASHINGTON November 2007 Western Gray Squirrel Recovery Plan by Mary J. Linders and Derek W. Stinson by Mary J. Linders and Derek W. Stinson Washington Department of FISH AND WILDLIFE Wildlife Program In 1990, the Washington Wildlife Commission adopted procedures for listing and de-listing species as en- dangered, threatened, or sensitive and for writing recovery and management plans for listed species (WAC 232-12-297, Appendix E). The procedures, developed by a group of citizens, interest groups, and state and federal agencies, require preparation of recovery plans for species listed as threatened or endangered. Recovery, as defined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the process by which the decline of an en- dangered or threatened species is arrested or reversed, and threats to its survival are neutralized, so that its long-term survival in nature can be ensured. This is the final Washington State Recovery Plan for the Western Gray Squirrel. It summarizes the historic and current distribution and abundance of western gray squirrels in Washington and describes factors af- fecting the population and its habitat. It prescribes strategies to recover the species, such as protecting the population and existing habitat, evaluating and restoring habitat, potential reintroduction of western gray squirrels into vacant habitat, and initiating research and cooperative programs. Interim target population objectives and other criteria for reclassification are identified. The draft state recovery plan for the western gray squirrel was reviewed by researchers and representatives from state, county, local, tribal, and federal agencies, and regional experts. This review was followed by a 90-day public comment period. Responses to many of the public comments are included in Appendix G. All comments received were considered in preparation of the final recovery plan. For additional informa- tion about western gray squirrels or other state listed species, check our web site (http://wdfw.wa.gov/wild- life.htm), or contact: Endangered Species Section Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 600 Capitol Way North Olympia, WA 98501-1091 This report should be cited as: Linders, M. J., and D. W. Stinson 2007. Washington State Recovery Plan for the Western Gray Squirrel. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia. 128+ viii pp. Cover photos by Rod Gilbert (squirrel) and Carl Dugger (background). Cover and title page illustration by Darrell Pruett WASHINGTON STATE RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL Mary J. Linders and Derek W. Stinson Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Program 600 Capitol Way N Olympia, Washington November 2007 Approved: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________ Director, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Date TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................... v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 1 TAXONOMY ................................................................................................................................. 1 DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................................. 2 GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION ........................................................................................... 2 North America .................................................................................................................................2 Washington .....................................................................................................................................4 NATURAL HISTORY ................................................................................................................... 6 Behavior ..........................................................................................................................................6 Diet ..................................................................................................................................................6 Nesting Structures and Use .............................................................................................................7 Reproduction ...................................................................................................................................8 Longevity, Survival, and Sources of Mortality ...............................................................................8 Population Structure, Density, and Fluctuations ...........................................................................10 Home Range, Seasonal Movements, and Dispersal .....................................................................12 Ecological Relationships ...............................................................................................................14 HABITAT REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 18 Forest Types ..................................................................................................................................18 Stand Characteristics .....................................................................................................................20 Nest Trees .....................................................................................................................................24 Foraging Habitat and Factors Affecting Food Availability ...........................................................25 Western Gray Squirrel Habitat and Characteristics of Pre-settlement Ponderosa Pine Forest .....27 POPULATION STATUS ............................................................................................................. 28 California ......................................................................................................................................28 Oregon ..........................................................................................................................................28 Washington: Past ...........................................................................................................................29 Washington: Present ......................................................................................................................30 HABITAT STATUS ..................................................................................................................... 38 Past and Present ............................................................................................................................38 Current Ownership and Land Use ................................................................................................39 CONSERVATION STATUS ....................................................................................................... 42 Federal ..........................................................................................................................................42 California and Oregon ..................................................................................................................42 Washington ...................................................................................................................................42 MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................. 42 Habitat Protection and Restoration ...............................................................................................43 Surveys ..........................................................................................................................................43 Research ........................................................................................................................................44 Outreach and Education ................................................................................................................45 FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT CONTINUED EXISTENCE ................................................ 46 Adequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms ............................................................................46 Habitat Destruction and Degradation ...........................................................................................49 Population Size and Isolation ......................................................................................................54 Disease ..........................................................................................................................................55 Other Human-related or Natural Factors ......................................................................................55 November 2007 ii Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................................... 59 PART TWO: RECOVERY ........................................................................................................... 60 RECOVERY GOAL .................................................................................................................... 61 INTERIM RECOVERY OBJECTIVES .....................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Survey of the Taxonomic and Tissue Distribution of Microsomal Binding
    Survey of the Taxonomic and Tissue Distribution of Microsomal Binding Sites for the Non-Host Selective Fungal Phytotoxin, Fusicoccin Christiane Meyer3, Kerstin Waldkötter3, Annegret Sprenger3, Uwe G. Schlösset, Markus Luther0, and Elmar W. Weiler3 a Lehrstuhl für Pflanzenphysiologie, Ruhr-Universität, D-44780 Bochum, Bundesrepublik Deutschland b Pflanzenphysiologisches Institut (SAG) der Universität, D-37073 Göttingen, Bundesrepublik Deutschland c KFA Jülich, D-52428 Jülich, Bundesrepublik Deutschland Z. Naturforsch. 48c, 595-602(1993); received June 4/July 13, 1993 Vicia faba L., Fusicoccin-Binding Sites. Taxonomie Distribution, Tissue Distribution, Guard Cell Protoplasts The recent identification of the fusicoccin-binding protein (FCBP) in plasma membranes from monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous angiosperms has opened the basis for an elucida­ tion of the toxin’s mechanism(s) of action and indicated a widespread occurrence of the FCBP in plants. Results of a detailed taxonomic survey of fusicoccin-binding sites are reported. Bind­ ing sites were not found in prokaryotes, animal tissues, fungi and algae including the most direct extant ancestors of the land plants (Coleochaete). From the Psilotales (Psilophytatae) to the monocotyledonous angiosperms, all taxa analyzed possessed high-affinity microsomal fusicoccin-binding sites. A heterogeneous picture emerged for the Bryophvta. Anthoceros cri- spulus (Anthocerotae), the only hornwort available to study, lacked fusicoccin binding. Within the Hepaticae as well as the Musci, species lacking and species exhibiting toxin binding were found. The binding site thus seems to have emerged very early in the evolution of the land plants. The tissue distribution of fusicoccin-binding sites was studied in Vicia faba L. shoots. All tissues analyzed showed fusicoccin binding, although not to the same extent.
    [Show full text]
  • The Distribution and Habitat Selection of Introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus Carolinensis, in British Columbia
    03_03045_Squirrels.qxd 11/7/06 4:25 PM Page 343 The Distribution and Habitat Selection of Introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, in British Columbia EMILY K. GONZALES Centre for Applied Conservation Research, University of British Columbia, Forest Sciences Centre, 3004-2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4 Canada Gonzales, Emily K. 2005. The distribution and habitat selection of introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis,in British Columbia. Canadian Field-Naturalist 119(3): 343-350. Eastern Grey Squirrels were first introduced to Vancouver in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in 1909. A separate introduction to Metchosin in the Victoria region occurred in 1966. I surveyed the distribution and habitat selection of East- ern Grey Squirrels in both locales. Eastern Grey Squirrels spread throughout both regions over a period of 30 years and were found predominantly in residential land types. Some natural features and habitats, such as mountains, large bodies of water, and coniferous forests, have acted as barriers to expansion for Eastern Grey Squirrels. Given that urbanization is replacing conifer forests throughout southern British Columbia, it is predicted that Eastern Grey Squirrels will continue to spread as habitat barriers are removed. Key Words: Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, distribution, habitat selection, invasive, British Columbia. The vast majority of introduced species do not suc- such as backyards, parks, and cemeteries (Pasitschniak- cessfully establish populations in novel environments Arts and Bendell 1990). EGS co-occur with North (Williamson 1996). Many successful non-native species American Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are human comensals which thrive in human-modified throughout much of their range where habitat special- environments (Williamson and Fitter 1996; Sax and ization and not competition determines the differences Brown 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Behavioral Aspects of Western Gray Squirrel Ecology
    Behavioral aspects of western gray squirrel ecology Item Type text; Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) Authors Cross, Stephen P. Publisher The University of Arizona. Rights Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. Download date 11/10/2021 06:42:38 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/10150/565181 BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS OF WESTERN GRAY SQUIRREL ECOLOGY by Stephen Paul Cross A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of. the DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY WITH A MAJOR IN ZOOLOGY In the Graduate College THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 1 9 6 9 THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA GRADUATE COLLEGE I hereby recommend that this dissertation prepared under my direction by St e p h e n Paul Cross_______________________________ entitled B E H A V I O R A L A S P E C T S OF W E S T E R N G RAY__________ S Q U I R R E L E C O LOGY___________________________________ be accepted as fulfilling the dissertation requirement of the degree of D O C T O R OF P H I L O S O P H Y_____________________________ Dissertation Director Date After inspection of the final copy of the dissertation, the following members of the Final Examination Committee concur in its approval and recommend its acceptance:* This approval and acceptance is contingent on the candidate's adequate performance and defense of this dissertation at the final oral examination.
    [Show full text]
  • The Inventory Chapter Summarizes the Fish and Wildlife Protection, Restoration, and Artificial Production Projects and Programs in the Yakima Subbasin
    Table of Contents: Chapter 3 1 Organization of the Inventory Chapter 3 2 Current Management Activities 4 2.1 International 4 2.1.1 United States-Canada Pacific Salmon Treaty 4 2.2 Federal Government 5 2.2.1 Bureau of Reclamation 5 2.2.2 Environmental Protection Agency 5 2.2.3 Fish and Wildlife Service 6 2.2.4 National Forest Service 6 2.2.5 Natural Resources Conservation Service 6 2.2.6 NOAA Fisheries 7 2.2.7 Yakima Training Center 7 2.3 Tribes 7 2.3.1 Yakama Nation 7 2.4 State Government 8 2.4.1 State of Washington 8 2.4.2 Washington Conservation Commission 9 2.4.3 Washington Department of Natural Resources 9 2.4.4 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 10 2.4.5 Washington Department of Ecology 11 2.4.6 Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation 11 2.4.7 Conservation Districts 11 2.5 Local Government 11 2.5.1 Growth Management Act 12 2.5.2 Shoreline Management Act 12 2.5.3 State Environmental Policy Act 12 2.5.4 Benton County 13 2.5.5 Kittitas County 13 2.5.6 Yakima County 14 2.5.7 City of Yakima 14 2.5.8 Tri-County Water Resources Agency 15 2.5.9 Roza-Sunnyside Board of Joint Control (RSBOJC) 15 2.6 Other 16 2.6.1 Timber Fish and Wildlife Agreement 16 2.6.2 Agriculture, Fish, and Water (AFW) Process 16 Chapter 3-1 2.6.3 The Nature Conservancy 16 2.6.4 Tapteal Greenway 16 2.6.5 Washington Trout 17 2.6.6 Pheasants Forever 17 2.6.7 Ducks Unlimited 17 2.6.8 Cowiche Canyon Conservancy 17 2.6.9 Yakima Greenway Foundation 18 2.7 Major Umbrella Programs, Projects, or Organizations 18 2.7.1 Yakima Tributary Access and Habitat Program (YTAHP)
    [Show full text]
  • West-Side Prairies & Woodlands
    Washington State Natural Regions Beyond the Treeline: Beyond the Forested Ecosystems: Prairies, Alpine & Drylands WA Dept. of Natural Resources 1998 West-side Prairies & Woodlands Oak Woodland & Prairie Ecosystems West-side Oak Woodland & Prairie Ecosystems in Grey San Juan Island Prairies 1. South Puget Sound prairies & oak woodlands 2. Island / Peninsula coastal prairies & woodlands Olympic Peninsula 3. Rocky balds Prairies South Puget Prairies WA GAP Analysis project 1996 Oak Woodland & Prairie Ecosystems San Juan West-side Island South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems Oak Woodland & Prairie Prairies Ecosystems in Grey Grasslands dominated by Olympic • Grasses Peninsula Herbs Prairies • • Bracken fern South • Mosses & lichens Puget Prairies With scattered shrubs Camas (Camassia quamash) WA GAP Analysis project 1996 •1 South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems Mounded prairie Some of these are “mounded” prairies Mima Mounds Research Natural Area South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems Scattered shrubs Lichen mats in the prairie Serviceberry Cascara South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems As unique ecosystems they provide habitat for unique plants As unique ecosystems they provide habitat for unique critters Camas (Camassia quamash) Mazama Pocket Gopher Golden paintbrush Many unique species of butterflies (Castilleja levisecta) (this is an Anise Swallowtail) Photos from Dunn & Ewing (1997) •2 South Puget Sound Prairie Ecosystems Fire is
    [Show full text]
  • Symposium on the Gray Squirrel
    SYMPOSIUM ON THE GRAY SQUIRREL INTRODUCTION This symposium is an innovation in the regional meetings of professional game and fish personnel. When I was asked to serve as chairman of the Technical Game Sessions of the 13th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners this seemed to be an excellent opportunity to collect most of the people who have done some research on the gray squirrel to exchange information and ideas and to summarize some of this work for the benefit of game managers and other biologists. Many of these people were not from the southeast and surprisingly not one of the panel mem­ bers is presenting a general resume of one aspect of squirrel biology with which he is most familiar. The gray squirrel is also important in Great Britain but because it causes extensive damage to forests. Much work has been done over there by Monica Shorten (Mrs. Vizoso) and a symposium on the gray squirrel would not be complete without her presence. A grant from the National Science Foundation through the American Institute of Biological Sciences made it possible to bring Mrs. Vizoso here. It is hoped that this symposium will set a precedent for other symposia at future wildlife conferences. VAGN FLYGER. THE RELATIONSHIPS OF THE GRAY SQUIRREL, SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS, TO ITS NEAREST RELATIVES By DR. ]. C. MOORE INTRODUCTION It seems at least slightly more probable at this point in our knowledge of the living Sciuridae, that the northeastern American gray squirrel's oldest known ancestors came from the Old \Vorld rather than evolved in the New.
    [Show full text]
  • Genista Monspessulana – Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom, Canary Broom
    Application for WoNS candidacy Genista monspessulana – Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom, Canary Broom Contact: Ashley Millar - (08) 9334 0312; Department of Environment and Conservation (WA) October 2010 Introduction Genista monspessulana (L.) L.A.S.Johnson (Fabaceae), also known more commonly as Montpellier Broom, Cape Broom and Canary Broom, is a woody legume weed with significant current and potential impacts on forestry production, biodiversity of natural ecosystems, grazing systems, access to amenity areas and fire risk. Infestations occur in all temperate states of Australia, with particularly severe infestations in the Adelaide Hills, southern Tasmania, central and southern Great Dividing Range of NSW, central Victoria and south west WA. G. monspessulana was ranked 37th in the initial evaluation of weeds nominated for Weeds of Natural Significance (WONS) (Thorp and Lynch 2000), with a particularly high impact score due to its formation of dense, impenetrable thickets arising from a long-lived soil seed bank (source: Henry et al . 2010). Species description: G. monspessulana is an erect, perennial slender shrub which grows up to 5-6m. It has trifoliolate petiolate leaves which are more or less glabrous. This species has yellow flowers which are produced from August to January. G. monspessulana occurs in loamy soil through to lateritic and peaty sand and is commonly found along rivers and roadsides (Parsons and Cuthbertson 2001; FLORABASE DEC 2010). G. monspessulana is native to the Mediterranean region that has become established, and is considered a persistent and deleterious plant, in several other regions of the world, including the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. It is considered deleterious because of its ability to form dense almost mono-cultural stands, which replace and suppress native flora and economically valuable timber plants (Lloyd 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Tree Squirrels
    Tree Squirrels When the public is polled regarding suburban and urban wildlife, tree squirrels generally rank first as problem makers. Residents complain about them nesting in homes and exploiting bird feeders. Interestingly, squirrels almost always rank first among preferred urban/suburban wildlife species. Such is the Figure 1. The Eastern gray squirrel is from the deciduous paradox they present: We want them and we don’t and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of eastern North want them, depending on what they are doing at any America, and was introduced into city parks, campuses, given moment. and estates in Washington in the early 1900s. (Drawing by Elva Paulson) Although tree squirrels spend a considerable amount of time on the ground, unlike the related ground squirrels, they are more at home in trees. Washington is home to four species of native tree squirrels and two species of introduced tree squirrels. Native Washington Tree Squirrels The Douglas squirrel, or chickaree (Tamiasciurus douglasii) measures 10 to 14 inches in length, including its tail. Its upper parts are reddish-or brownish-gray, and its underparts are orange to yellowish. The Douglas squirrel is found in stands of fir, pine, cedar, and other conifers in the Cascade Mountains and western parts of Washington. The red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, Fig. 4) is about the same size as the Douglas squirrel and lives in coniferous forests and semi-open woods in northeast Washington. It is rusty-red on the upper part and white or grayish white on its underside. The Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus, Fig. 2) is the largest tree squirrel in Washington, ranging from 18 to 24 inches in length.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Gray Squirrel Survival in a Seasonally-Flooded Hunted Bottomland Forest Ecosystem
    Squirrel Survival in a Flooded Ecosystem. Wilson et al. Eastern Gray Squirrel Survival in a Seasonally-Flooded Hunted Bottomland Forest Ecosystem Sarah B. Wilson, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Dr. Auburn University, AL 36849 Stephen S. Ditchkoff, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Dr. Auburn University, AL 36849 Robert A. Gitzen, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Dr. Auburn University, AL 36849 Todd D. Steury, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 602 Duncan Dr. Auburn University, AL 36849 Abstract: Though the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is an important game species throughout its range in North America, little is known about environmental factors that may affect survival. We investigated survival and predation of a hunted population of eastern gray squirrels on Lown- des Wildlife Management Area in central Alabama from July 2015–April 2017. This area experiences annual flooding conditions from November through the following September. Our Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 365 days for all squirrels was 0.25 (0.14–0.44, 95% CL) which is within the range for previously studied eastern gray squirrel populations (0.20–0.58). There was no difference between male (0.13; 0.05–0.36, 95% CL) and female survival (0.37; 0.18–0.75, 95% CL, P = 0.16). Survival was greatest in summer (1.00) and fall (0.65; 0.29–1.0, 95% CL) and lowest during winter (0.23; 0.11–0.50, 95% CL). We found squirrels were more likely to die during the flooded winter season and mortality risk increased as flood extent through- out the study area increased.
    [Show full text]
  • (GISD) 2021. Species Profile Cytisus Scoparius. Available F
    FULL ACCOUNT FOR: Cytisus scoparius Cytisus scoparius System: Terrestrial Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Plantae Magnoliophyta Magnoliopsida Fabales Fabaceae Common name giesta (Portuguese), Scotch broom (English), common broom (English), Irish broom (English), broomtops (English), European broom (English), Besenginster (German), genêt à balais (French) Synonym Sarothamnus scoparius , (L.) Wimmer ex Koch Spartium scoparium , (Linn.). Genista scoparius , (Lam.). Similar species Summary The densely growing Cytisus scoparius is a shrub indigenous to Europe and northern Asia that favours temperate climates and is found in abundance on sandy pastures and heaths. It is sparingly naturalized in sandy soil in North America. It grows best in dry, sandy soils in full sunlight and can also do well on soils high in boron. Where introduced, it colonizes pastures and cultivated fields, dry scrubland and \"wasteland\", and native grasslands. Most rapid spread of the plant has occurred along waterways where the seed is distributed by water. It is also spread rapidly along roads, where the seed is distributed by passing vehicles. Wind, birds, and other animals may also transport seeds. Seed re-introduction may occur from the sheep droppings during grazing. view this species on IUCN Red List Species Description Hoshovsky (1986) reports that is a perennial shrub of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. The shrubs are 1-2 metres high and deciduous. The green branches are strongly angled and appear naked or almost so. The leaves are trifoliolate with petioles 2-10mm long. The leaflets are obovate to oblanceolate, entire, strigose, and 6-12mm long. Unlike Cytisus monspessulanus (French broom) and Spartium junceum (Spanish broom), the yellow flowers of C.
    [Show full text]
  • Eimeria Sciurorum (Apicomplexa, Coccidia) from the Calabrian Black Squirrel (Sciurus Meridionalis): an Example of Lower Host Specificity of Eimerians
    BRIEF RESEARCH REPORT published: 28 July 2020 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00369 Eimeria sciurorum (Apicomplexa, Coccidia) From the Calabrian Black Squirrel (Sciurus meridionalis): An Example of Lower Host Specificity of Eimerians Jana Kvicerova 1*, Lada Hofmannova 2, Francesca Scognamiglio 3 and Mario Santoro 4 1 Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceskéˇ Budejovice,ˇ Czechia, 2 Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia, 3 Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Italy, 4 Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy Edited by: Arvo Viltrop, Host specificity plays one of the key roles in parasitism. It affects the evolution and Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia diversification of both host and parasite, as well as it influences their geographical Reviewed by: distribution, and epidemiological significance. For most of parasites, however, host Phoebe Chapman, specificity is unknown or misrepresented because it is difficult to be determined The University of accurately. Here we provide the information about the lower host specificity of Eimeria Queensland, Australia Colin James McInnes, sciurorum infecting squirrels, and its new host record for the Calabrian black squirrel Moredun Research Institute, Sciurus meridionalis, a southern Italian endemic species. United Kingdom *Correspondence: Keywords: squirrels, coccidia, host specificity, endemic species, parasite dispersal, southern Italy Jana Kvicerova [email protected] INTRODUCTION Specialty section: This article was submitted to The host specificity of a parasite—the degree to which the parasite is adapted to its host/s, and the Zoological Medicine, number of host species that can successfully be used by the parasite—is the result of a long-term a section of the journal adaptation process undergone by both the host and the parasite (1, 2).
    [Show full text]
  • Wildlife Species
    Wildlife Species This chapter contains information on species featured in each of the ecoregions. Species are grouped by Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish. Species are listed alphabetically within each group. A general description, habitat requirements, and possible wildlife management practices are provided for each species. Wildlife management practices for a particular species may vary among ecoregions, so not all of the wildlife management practices listed for a species may be applicable for that species in all ecoregions. Refer to the WMP charts within a particular ecoregion to determine which practices are appropriate for species included in that ecoregion. The species descriptions contain all the information needed about a particular species for the WHEP contest. However, additional reading should be encouraged for participants that want more detailed information. Field guides to North American wildlife and fish are good sources for information and pictures of the species listed. There also are many Web sites available for wildlife species identification by sight and sound. Information from this section will be used in the Wildlife Challenge at the National Invitational. Participants should be familiar with the information presented within the species accounts for those species included within the ecoregions used at the Invitational. It is important to understand that when assessing habitat for a particular wildlife species and considering various WMPs for recommendation, current conditions should be evaluated. That is, WMPs should be recommended based on the current habitat conditions within the year. Also, it is important to realize the benefit of a WMP may not be realized soon. For example, trees or shrubs planted for mast may not provide cover or bear fruit for several years.
    [Show full text]