Innovative Solutions to Human–Wildlife Conflicts
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University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Publications Plant Health Inspection Service February 2006 Innovative Solutions to Human–Wildlife Conflicts Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_usdanwrc Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons "Innovative Solutions to Human–Wildlife Conflicts" (2006). USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications. 743. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_usdanwrc/743 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Miscellaneous Publication No. 1597 Innovative Solutions to Human–Wildlife Conflicts National Wildlife Research Center Accomplishments, 2006 U.S. Department of Agriculture National Wildlife Research Center Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 4101 LaPorte Ave. Wildlife Services Fort Collins, CO 80521–2154 http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ws/nwrc Main telephone number NWRC Field Stations (970) 266–6000 FAX: (970) 266–6032 Bismarck, ND Olympia, WA (701) 250–4468 (360) 956–3925 Information Services FAX: (701) 250–4408 FAX: (360) 534–9755 (970) 266–6015 FAX: (970) 266–6010 Gainesville, FL Sandusky, OH e-mail: [email protected] (352) 375–2229 (419) 625–0242 FAX: (352) 377–5559 FAX: (419) 625–8465 Animal Care (970) 266–6204 Hilo, HI Philadelphia, PA (808) 961–4482 (215) 898–3092 Research Programs FAX: (808) 961–4776 FAX: (215) 898–5753 Birds: (970) 266–6133 Mammals: (970) 266–6084 Logan, UT Starkville, MS Product Development: (970) 266–6159 (435) 797–1348 (662) 325–8215 Wildlife Disease: (970) 266–6122 FAX: (435) 797–0288 FAX: (662) 325–8704 Millville, UT, Office Kingsville, TX (435) 245–6091 (361) 593–2426 FAX: (435) 245–3156 FAX: (361) 593–4311 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, recommendation or endorsement by USDA over others not mentioned. USDA age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of any product mentioned. parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political Product names are mentioned solely to report factually on available data and beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived to provide specific information. from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for This publication reports research involving pesticides. All uses of pesticides communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc., must be registered by appropriate State and/or Federal agencies before they should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). can be recommended. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250–9410, CAUTION: Pesticides can be injurious to humans, domestic animals, desirable or call (800) 795–3272 (voice) or (202) 720–6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal plants, and fish or other wildlife if they are not handled or applied properly. opportunity provider and employer. Use all pesticides selectively and carefully. Follow recommended practices for disposal of surplus pesticides and pesticide containers. Cover photo credit: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photo of a double-crested cormorant. Issued January 2007 Contents Introduction 1 Developing Methods 4 Bird Research Program 5 Mammal Research Program 15 Product Development Research Program 27 Program Support 38 Wildlife Disease Research Program 43 Providing Wildlife Services 56 National Support 57 International Cooperation 62 Valuing and Investing in People 66 2005 Publication Awards 68 Supporting Student Research 68 Enhancing Information and Communication 70 Information Services 71 Seminars 74 Meetings, Workshops, and Conference Presentations 76 Publications 77 i Introduction Nilgai antelope with a radio collar is released in Texas. (APHIS photo by Tyler Campbell.) National Wildlife Research Center Mission—The mission of the U.S. Department of Expertise—NWRC employs more than 150 Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services (WS) Program scientists, technicians, and support personnel is to provide Federal leadership in managing at its Fort Collins, CO, headquarters and at field problems caused by wildlife. The National Wildlife stations in several other States. NWRC scientists Research Center (NWRC) functions as the research have expertise in a wide range of disciplines, arm of WS by applying scientific expertise to the including animal behavior, wildlife biology, wildlife development of information and practical methods sensory biology, epidemiology, chemistry, wildlife to resolve problems caused by the interaction of diseases, immunology, reproductive physiology, people and wildlife. As part of WS’ strategic plan statistics, toxicology, wildlife genetic for ensics, to improve the coexistence of people and wildlife, and veterinary medicine. NWRC’s research is NWRC has identified four strategic program goals: organized under four programs: (1) developing methods, (2) providing wildlife services, (3) valuing and investing in people, and • The Bird Research Program focuses on reducing (4) enhancing information and communication. bird damage to crops and aquaculture facilities; WS is dedicated to helping meet the wildlife-damage reducing bird–aircraft collisions; developing new management needs of the United States by building bird repellants; and reducing predation losses on NWRC’s strengths in these four key areas. This and property damage caused by vultures. annual research highlights report is structured around these program goals. • The Mammal Research Program examines the ecology, behavior, and management of mammalian predators in relation to livestock, game animals, and threatened and endangered species; develops methods for reducing invasive species damage on islands; and provides solutions to problems associated with foraging mammals. • The Wildlife Disease Research Program explores ways to reduce the spread and transmission of diseases from wildlife to humans and domestic animals; monitor wildlife for pathogens; provide risk assessments for agriculture and human health and safety; and assist WS operations for surveillance and monitoring efforts. • The Product Development Research Program encompasses studies for pesticide registration, formulation chemistry, chemical analysis, benefit–cost analysis, and wildlife contraceptive development. Introduction 1 Construction Update—The NWRC headquarters BSL–3 level facilities have safeguards that are is located on 43 acres on the Foothills Research designed to prevent the spread of agents that may Campus of Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort be transmitted through respiration. The renovation Collins. During fiscal year 2006, several planning created a BSL–3-enhanced laboratory plus two and construction activities took place, related to standard animal rooms and six animal cubicles that completing the Master Plan for the NWRC site. can be used for BSL–3 animal disease research. This renovated space will be used beginning in the Renovation was completed on a portion of the spring of 2007 for BSL–3 research studies, after a existing Animal Research Building to create break-in period under BSL–2 conditions. Biosafety Level 3 (BSL–3) laboratory space and animal holding and testing space for ongoing wildlife disease research and diagnostics. 2 Introduction Artist’s rendering of the NWRC Invasive Species Research Building. (Ben Robbins, BurkettDesign, Denver, CO; reproduced by permission.) Construction of the Invasive Species Research The last building to be constructed as part of the Building (ISRB) was completed in November NWRC Headquarters Master Plan is a new Wildlife 2006. The 25,000-ft2 ISRB will provide NWRC with Disease Research Building (WDRB). The WDRB indoor animal research space specifically designed will house most of NWRC’s BSL–3 disease research to hold wild animal species that are not native to and will be constructed to BSL–3-Ag standards. the United States. The building will be capable of During 2006, the environmental assessment, a writ- maintaining tropical climates with high humidity ten Program of Requirements, and the “30-percent and high temperatures and will contain a diagnostic design” of this anticipated 25,000-ft2 WDRB were imaging laboratory. This laboratory will provide completed. Final design and construction will take digital radiography and ultrasound capabilities for place in 2007 and 2008 with a planned completion all research and animal-care needs on the entire date of December 31, 2008. NWRC site. Introduction 3 Developing Methods GOAL: Increase effective methods available for wildlife damage management. The management of starling populations in feedlots and dairies is a difficult problem for agricultural producers. (APHIS file photo.) Bird