Are Black Bears Declining in Montana? Inference from Multiple Data Sources in the Face of Uncertainty

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Are Black Bears Declining in Montana? Inference from Multiple Data Sources in the Face of Uncertainty University of Montana ScholarWorks at University of Montana Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers Graduate School 2010 Are black bears declining in Montana? Inference from multiple data sources in the face of uncertainty Julie Ann Beston The University of Montana Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Beston, Julie Ann, "Are black bears declining in Montana? Inference from multiple data sources in the face of uncertainty" (2010). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 53. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/53 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at ScholarWorks at University of Montana. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at University of Montana. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ARE BLACK BEARS DECLINING IN MONTANA? INFERENCE FROM MULTIPLE DATA SOURCES IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY By JULIE ANN BESTON B.S. in Biology and Mathematics, Truman State University, 2005 Dissertation presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Fish and Wildlife Biology The University of Montana Missoula, MT Fall 2010 Approved by: Perry Brown, Associate Provost for Graduate Education Graduate School Elizabeth Crone, Chair Wildlife Biology Vanessa Ezenwa Division of Biological Sciences Mark Hebblewhite Wildlife Biology Scott Mills Wildlife Biology Michael Mitchell Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Beston, Julie, Ph.D., Fall 2010 Fish and Wildlife Biology Are black bears declining in Montana? Inference from multiple data sets in the face of uncertainty Chairperson: Dr. Elizabeth Crone Carnivores are managed both to maintain populations and reduce conflict with humans, but data-based decision-making is difficult due to the expense of data collection. When new fieldwork is impossible, we can benefit from available data in assessing populations. I used demographic and harvest data to assess the population status of black bears (Ursus americanus) in Montana. I conducted a hierarchical Bayesian meta-analysis of black bear demographic studies to evaluate geographic structuring and estimate vital rates and population growth rate. Adult survival is higher in the west than the east, but the reverse is true for fecundity. The mean population growth rate is 0.97 (0.93, 1.00) in the west, but variability among populations suggests many are increasing. I analyzed the sex and age of bears harvested in Montana, 1985-2005, to estimate harvest rate and population size. The harvest rate of females is 4.3% and the total population is 30- 40000. Montana’s population is stable or increasing. I modeled discrete and continuous spatial variation in population growth rate with varying movement and habitat distributions. In order for the entire population to be stable, fewer than 20% of individuals can disperse, which is reasonable based on the literature. Landscapes with 20-30% source habitat were generally able to sustain populations. I applied a similar approach to brown bears (U. arctos) in British Columbia, where management of salmon and bears occur independently despite the reliance of brown bears on salmon. I conducted a demographic meta-analysis and used several models and parameter combinations to evaluate the consequences of salmon reduction and bear harvest. While both affect populations, bear harvest has a more dramatic effect. My research highlights the application of available data when new fieldwork is not feasible. Both intensive, demographic data and extensive data, like statewide harvest information, are useful in evaluating population status and management actions. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone at the University of Montana who made this work possible. Elizabeth Crone is a great advisor, and without her commitment, I could not have succeeded. Jeanne Franz is an invaluable asset to the Wildlife Program who always had the answers or could direct me to someone who did. My committee; Scott Mills, Mark Hebblewhite, Vanessa Ezenwa, and Mike Mitchell; were generous, both with criticism and support, and improved my ability as a scientist. Mike Mitchell, in particular, helped me land this great project and facilitated communication with the powers that be who were interested in my work. Thanks also go to various funding sources. Elizabeth, the College of Forestry and Conservation, and the Wildlife Program, largely thanks to Dan Pletcher, were essential in keeping me fed and working. Rick Mace and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks provided guidance, data, and funding for my work on black bears. M. Sanjayan gave me the opportunity to get paid working on some vastly different questions with the Nature Conservancy and also introduced me to Richard Geo, who was my connection for the final chapter of my dissertation on grizzly bears. I also received support through the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR program. Many individuals and agencies provided information for the analysis in chapter 2, including: T. Berens, Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources; W. Bolduc, R. Cross and J. Vashon, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife; K. Bunnell, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; K. Burguess, New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife; J. Cardoza, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife; K. Cartwright, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission; H. Hristienko, Manitoba Conservation; H. Jolicoeur, Québec Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et de la Faune; E. Kowal, Saskatchewan iii Environment & Resource; R. Mace, Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks; G. MacHutchon, Wildlife Biology Consultant, British Columbia; P. Murphy, New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources; M. Obbard, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; L. Olver, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; C. Ryan, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; H. Spiker, Maryland Department of Natural Resources; S. Still, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; A. Timmins, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department; R. Winslow, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish; P. Zager, Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Thanks also to the many biologists and field technicians who collected those data. Finally, the unwavering support and encouragement of my family helped pull me through the hard times and keep me focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. My husband, Adam, and my daughter, Journey, gave me the motivation to keep working toward the future that we envision together. My parents, Mike and Diana Bates, my sister, Amanda Stephens, and my awesome niece, Wendy, were the best cheerleaders anyone could wish for. This dissertation is really for all of them. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................... iii LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................... vii LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................... viii CHAPTER 1 – Introduction and overview .................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 2 – Variation in life history and demography of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) ................................................................................................................... 6 Abstract … ................................................................................................................. 6 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7 Methods…… ............................................................................................................ 10 Results..... ................................................................................................................ 14 Discussion.... ............................................................................................................ 16 CHAPTER 3 – What do harvest data tell us about American black bears? .............. 38 Abstract …... ............................................................................................................ 38 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 39 Methods …............................................................................................................... 43 Estimating harvest rate....................................................................................... 43 Using harvest to detect declines .......................................................................... 47 Results …... ............................................................................................................. 48 Estimating harvest rate....................................................................................... 48 Using harvest to detect declines .......................................................................... 50 Discussion ............................................................................................................... 50 v CHAPTER 4 – Spatial
Recommended publications
  • Baylisascariasis
    Baylisascariasis Importance Baylisascaris procyonis, an intestinal nematode of raccoons, can cause severe neurological and ocular signs when its larvae migrate in humans, other mammals and birds. Although clinical cases seem to be rare in people, most reported cases have been Last Updated: December 2013 serious and difficult to treat. Severe disease has also been reported in other mammals and birds. Other species of Baylisascaris, particularly B. melis of European badgers and B. columnaris of skunks, can also cause neural and ocular larva migrans in animals, and are potential human pathogens. Etiology Baylisascariasis is caused by intestinal nematodes (family Ascarididae) in the genus Baylisascaris. The three most pathogenic species are Baylisascaris procyonis, B. melis and B. columnaris. The larvae of these three species can cause extensive damage in intermediate/paratenic hosts: they migrate extensively, continue to grow considerably within these hosts, and sometimes invade the CNS or the eye. Their larvae are very similar in appearance, which can make it very difficult to identify the causative agent in some clinical cases. Other species of Baylisascaris including B. transfuga, B. devos, B. schroeder and B. tasmaniensis may also cause larva migrans. In general, the latter organisms are smaller and tend to invade the muscles, intestines and mesentery; however, B. transfuga has been shown to cause ocular and neural larva migrans in some animals. Species Affected Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are usually the definitive hosts for B. procyonis. Other species known to serve as definitive hosts include dogs (which can be both definitive and intermediate hosts) and kinkajous. Coatimundis and ringtails, which are closely related to kinkajous, might also be able to harbor B.
    [Show full text]
  • Wolf Interactions with Non-Prey
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center US Geological Survey 2003 Wolf Interactions with Non-prey Warren B. Ballard Texas Tech University Ludwig N. Carbyn Canadian Wildlife Service Douglas W. Smith US Park Service Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc Part of the Animal Sciences Commons, Behavior and Ethology Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Environmental Policy Commons, Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration Commons, and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons Ballard, Warren B.; Carbyn, Ludwig N.; and Smith, Douglas W., "Wolf Interactions with Non-prey" (2003). USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. 325. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/usgsnpwrc/325 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the US Geological Survey at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 10 Wolf Interactions with Non-prey Warren B. Ballard, Ludwig N. Carbyn, and Douglas W. Smith WOLVES SHARE THEIR ENVIRONMENT with many an­ wolves and non-prey species. The inherent genetic, be­ imals besides those that they prey on, and the nature of havioral, and morphological flexibility of wolves has the interactions between wolves and these other crea­ allowed them to adapt to a wide range of habitats and tures varies considerably. Some of these sympatric ani­ environmental conditions in Europe, Asia, and North mals are fellow canids such as foxes, coyotes, and jackals. America. Therefore, the role of wolves varies consider­ Others are large carnivores such as bears and cougars.
    [Show full text]
  • Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management
    Utah State University DigitalCommons@USU All Graduate Theses and Dissertations Graduate Studies 8-2017 Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management Jarod D. Raithel Utah State University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd Part of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons Recommended Citation Raithel, Jarod D., "Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human- Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management" (2017). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 6633. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/6633 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Studies at DigitalCommons@USU. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Graduate Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@USU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. INTEGRATING BLACK BEAR BEHAVIOR, SPATIAL ECOLOGY, AND POPULATION DYNAMICS IN A HUMAN-DOMINATED LANDSCAPE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT by Jarod D. Raithel A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in Ecology Approved: _______________________ _______________________ Lise M. Aubry, Ph.D. Melissa J. Reynolds-Hogland, Ph.D. Major Professor Committee Member _______________________ _______________________ David N. Koons, Ph.D. Eric M. Gese, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member _______________________ _______________________ Joseph M. Wheaton, Ph.D. Mark R. McLellan, Ph.D. Committee Member Vice President for Research and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY Logan, Utah 2017 ii Copyright Jarod Raithel 2017 All Rights Reserved iii ABSTRACT Integrating Black Bear Behavior, Spatial Ecology, and Population Dynamics in a Human-Dominated Landscape: Implications for Management by Jarod D.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring Wolverines in Northeast Oregon
    Monitoring Wolverines in Northeast Oregon January 2011 – December 2012 Final Report Authors: Audrey J. Magoun Patrick Valkenburg Clinton D. Long Judy K. Long Submitted to: The Wolverine Foundation, Inc. February 2013 Cite as: A. J. Magoun, P. Valkenburg, C. D. Long, and J. K. Long. 2013. Monitoring wolverines in northeast Oregon. January 2011 – December 2012. Final Report. The Wolverine Foundation, Inc., Kuna, Idaho. [http://wolverinefoundation.org/] Copies of this report are available from: The Wolverine Foundation, Inc. [http://wolverinefoundation.org/] Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife [http://www.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy/publications.asp] Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation [http://www.owhf.org/] U. S. Forest Service [http://www.fs.usda.gov/land/wallowa-whitman/landmanagement] Major Funding and Logistical Support The Wolverine Foundation, Inc. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation U. S. Forest Service U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wolverine Discovery Center Norcross Wildlife Foundation Seattle Foundation Wildlife Conservation Society National Park Service 2 Special thanks to everyone who provided contributions, assistance, and observations of wolverines in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and other areas in Oregon. We appreciate all the help and interest of the staffs of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation, U. S. Forest Service, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the National Park Service. We also thank the following individuals for their assistance with the field work: Jim Akenson, Holly Akenson, Malin Aronsson, Norma Biggar, Ken Bronec, Steve Bronson, Roblyn Brown, Vic Coggins, Alex Coutant, Cliff Crego, Leonard Erickson, Bjorn Hansen, Mike Hansen, Hans Hayden, Tim Hiller, Janet Hohmann, Pat Matthews, David McCullough, Glenn McDonald, Jamie McFadden, Kendrick Moholt, Mark Penninger, Jens Persson, Lynne Price, Brian Ratliff, Jamie Ratliff, John Stephenson, John Wyanens, Rebecca Watters, Russ Westlake, and Jeff Yanke.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology of the European Badger (Meles Meles) in the Western Carpathian Mountains: a Review
    Wildl. Biol. Pract., 2016 Aug 12(3): 36-50 doi:10.2461/wbp.2016.eb.4 REVIEW Ecology of the European Badger (Meles meles) in the Western Carpathian Mountains: A Review R.W. Mysłajek1,*, S. Nowak2, A. Rożen3, K. Kurek2, M. Figura2 & B. Jędrzejewska4 1 Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Pawińskiego 5a, 02-106 Warszawa, Poland. 2 Association for Nature “Wolf”, Twardorzeczka 229, 34-324 Lipowa, Poland. 3 Institute of Environmental Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland. 4 Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Waszkiewicza 1c, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland. * Corresponding author email: [email protected]. Keywords Abstract Altitudinal Gradient; This article summarizes the results of studies on the ecology of the European Diet Composition; badger (Meles meles) conducted in the Western Carpathians (S Poland) Meles meles; from 2002 to 2010. Badgers inhabiting the Carpathians use excavated setts Mustelidae; (53%), caves and rock crevices (43%), and burrows under human-made Sett Utilization; constructions (4%) as permanent shelters. Excavated setts are located up Spatial Organization. to 640 m a.s.l., but shelters in caves and crevices can be found as high as 1,050 m a.s.l. Badger setts are mostly located on slopes with southern, eastern or western exposure. Within their territories, ranging from 3.35 to 8.45 km2 (MCP100%), badgers may possess 1-12 setts. Family groups are small (mean = 2.3 badgers), population density is low (2.2 badgers/10 km2), as is reproduction (0.57 young/year/10 km2). Hunting by humans is the main mortality factor (0.37 badger/year/10 km2).
    [Show full text]
  • Eradication of Stoats (Mustela Erminea) from Secretary Island, New Zealand
    McMurtrie, P.; K-A. Edge, D. Crouchley, D. Gleeson, M.J. Willans, and A.J. Veale. Eradication of stoats (Mustela erminea) from Secretary Island, New Zealand Eradication of stoats (Mustela erminea) from Secretary Island, New Zealand P. McMurtrie1, K-A. Edge1, D. Crouchley1, D. Gleeson2, M. J. Willans3, and A. J. Veale4 1Department of Conservation, Te Anau Area Office, PO Box 29, Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 0640, New Zealand. <[email protected]>. 2Landcare Research, PB 92170, Auckland, NZ. 3The Wilderness, RD Te Anau-Mossburn Highway, Te Anau, NZ. 4School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, NZ. Abstract Stoats (Mustelia erminea) are known to be good swimmers. Following their liberation into New Zealand, stoats reached many of the remote coastal islands of Fiordland after six years. Stoats probably reached Secretary Island (8140 ha) in the late 1800s. Red deer (Cervus elaphus) are the only other mammalian pest present on Secretary Island; surprisingly, rodents have never established. The significant ecological values of Secretary Island have made it an ideal target for restoration. The eradication of stoats from Secretary Island commenced in 2005. Nine-hundred-and-forty-five stoat trap tunnels, each containing two kill traps, were laid out along tracks at a density of 1 tunnel per 8.6 ha. Traps were also put in place on the adjacent mainland and stepping-stone islands to reduce the probability of recolonisation. Pre-baiting was undertaken twice, first in June and then in early July 2005. In late July, the traps were baited, set and cleared twice over 10 days.
    [Show full text]
  • The 2008 IUCN Red Listings of the World's Small Carnivores
    The 2008 IUCN red listings of the world’s small carnivores Jan SCHIPPER¹*, Michael HOFFMANN¹, J. W. DUCKWORTH² and James CONROY³ Abstract The global conservation status of all the world’s mammals was assessed for the 2008 IUCN Red List. Of the 165 species of small carni- vores recognised during the process, two are Extinct (EX), one is Critically Endangered (CR), ten are Endangered (EN), 22 Vulnerable (VU), ten Near Threatened (NT), 15 Data Deficient (DD) and 105 Least Concern. Thus, 22% of the species for which a category was assigned other than DD were assessed as threatened (i.e. CR, EN or VU), as against 25% for mammals as a whole. Among otters, seven (58%) of the 12 species for which a category was assigned were identified as threatened. This reflects their attachment to rivers and other waterbodies, and heavy trade-driven hunting. The IUCN Red List species accounts are living documents to be updated annually, and further information to refine listings is welcome. Keywords: conservation status, Critically Endangered, Data Deficient, Endangered, Extinct, global threat listing, Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable Introduction dae (skunks and stink-badgers; 12), Mustelidae (weasels, martens, otters, badgers and allies; 59), Nandiniidae (African Palm-civet The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is the most authorita- Nandinia binotata; one), Prionodontidae ([Asian] linsangs; two), tive resource currently available on the conservation status of the Procyonidae (raccoons, coatis and allies; 14), and Viverridae (civ- world’s biodiversity. In recent years, the overall number of spe- ets, including oyans [= ‘African linsangs’]; 33). The data reported cies included on the IUCN Red List has grown rapidly, largely as on herein are freely and publicly available via the 2008 IUCN Red a result of ongoing global assessment initiatives that have helped List website (www.iucnredlist.org/mammals).
    [Show full text]
  • The Scientific Basis for Conserving Forest Carnivores: American Marten, Fisher, Lynx and Wolverine in the Western United States
    United States The Scientific Basis for Conserving Forest Carnivores Department of Agriculture Forest Service American Marten, Fisher, Lynx, Rocky Mountain and Wolverine Forest and Range Experiment Station in the Western United States Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 General Technical Report RM-254 Abstract Ruggiero, Leonard F.; Aubry, Keith B.; Buskirk, Steven W.; Lyon, L. Jack; Zielinski, William J., tech. eds. 1994. The Scientific Basis for Conserving Forest Carnivores: American Marten, Fisher, Lynx and Wolverine in the Western United States. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-254. Ft. Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 184 p. This cooperative effort by USDA Forest Service Research and the National Forest System assesses the state of knowledge related to the conservation status of four forest carnivores in the western United States: American marten, fisher, lynx, and wolverine. The conservation assessment reviews the biology and ecology of these species. It also discusses management considerations stemming from what is known and identifies information needed. Overall, we found huge knowledge gaps that make it difficult to evaluate the species’ conservation status. In the western United States, the forest carnivores in this assessment are limited to boreal forest ecosystems. These forests are characterized by extensive landscapes with a component of structurally complex, mesic coniferous stands that are characteristic of late stages of forest development. The center of the distrbution of this forest type, and of forest carnivores, is the vast boreal forest of Canada and Alaska. In the western conterminous 48 states, the distribution of boreal forest is less continuous and more isolated so that forest carnivores and their habitats are more fragmented at the southern limits of their ranges.
    [Show full text]
  • Tenth Western Black Bear Workshop
    PROCEEDINGS of the TENTH WESTERN BLACK BEAR WORKSHOP The Changing Climate for Bear Conservation and Management in Western North America Lake Tahoe, Nevada Image courtesy of Reno Convention and Visitors Authority 18-22 May 2009 Peppermill Resort, Reno, Nevada Hosted by The Nevada Department of Wildlife A WAFWA Sanctioned Event Carl W. Lackey and Richard A. Beausoleil, Editors PROCEEDINGS OF THE TENTH WESTERN BLACK BEAR WORKSHOP 18-22 May 2009 Peppermill Resort, Reno, Nevada Hosted by Nevada Department of Wildlife A WAFWA Sanctioned Event Carl W. Lackey & Richard A. Beausoleil Editors International Association for Bear Research and Management SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR WORKSHOP SPONSORS International Association for Bear Research & Management Wildlife Conservation Society Nevada Wildlife Record Book Nevada Bighorns Unlimited - Reno Nevada Department of Wildlife Carson Valley Chukar Club U.S. Forest Service – Carson Ranger District Safari Club International University of Nevada, Reno - Cast & Blast Outdoors Club Berryman Institute Suggested Citation: Author’s name(s). 2010. Title of article or abstract. Pages 00-00 in C. Lackey and R. A. Beausoleil, editors, Western Black Bear Workshop 10:__-__. Nevada Department of Wildlife 1100 Valley Road Reno, NV 89512 Information on how to order additional copies of this volume or other volumes in this series, as well as volumes of Ursus, the official publication of the International Association for Bear Research and Management, may be obtained from the IBA web site: www.bearbiology.com, from the IBA newsletter International Bear News, or from Terry D. White, University of Tennessee, Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, P.O. Box 1071, Knoxville, TN 37901-1071, USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Sierra Nevada Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes Necator): a Conservation Assessment
    Sierra Nevada Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes necator): A Conservation Assessment John D. Perrine * Environmental Science, Policy and Management Department and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology University of California, Berkeley Lori A. Campbell** USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station Sierra Nevada Research Center Davis, California Gregory A. Green Tetra Tech EC Bothell, Washington Current address and contact information: *Primary Author: J. Perrine, Biological Sciences Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0401 [email protected] **L. Campbell, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 Perrine, Campbell and Green R5-FR-010 August 2010 NOTES IN PROOF • Genetic analyses by B. Sacks and others 2010 (Conservation Genetics 11:1523-1539) indicate that the Sacramento Valley red fox population is native to California and is closely related to the Sierra Nevada red fox. They designated the Sacramento Valley red fox as a new subspecies, V. v. patwin. • In August 2010, as this document was going to press, biologists on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest detected a red fox at an automatic camera station near the Sonora Pass along the border of Tuolomne and Mono Counties. Preliminary genetic analyses conducted at UC Davis indicate that the fox was a Sierra Nevada red fox. Further surveys and analyses are planned. • The California Department of Fish and Game Region 1 Timber Harvest Program has established a Sierra Nevada red fox information portal, where many management-relevant documents can be downloaded as PDFs. See: https://r1.dfg.ca.gov/Portal/SierraNevadaRedFox/tabid/618/Default.aspx Sierra Nevada Red Fox Conservation Assessment EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This conservation assessment provides a science-based, comprehensive assessment of the status of the Sierra Nevada red fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) and its habitat.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change Predicted to Shift Wolverine Distributions, Connectivity, and Dispersal Corridors
    Ecological Applications, 21(8), 2011, pp. 2882–2897 Ó 2011 by the Ecological Society of America Climate change predicted to shift wolverine distributions, connectivity, and dispersal corridors 1,5 1 1 2 3 KEVIN S. MCKELVEY, JEFFREY P. COPELAND, MICHAEL K. SCHWARTZ, JEREMY S. LITTELL, KEITH B. AUBRY, 1 4 2 2 JOHN R. SQUIRES, SEAN A. PARKS, MARKETA M. ELSNER, AND GUILLAUME S. MAUGER 1USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 800 East Beckwith, Missoula, Montana 59801 USA 2University of Washington Climate Impacts Group, 3737 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, Washington 98105 USA 3USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3625 93rd Avenue SW, Olympia, Washington 98512 USA 4USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, 790 East Beckwith, Missoula, Montana 59801 USA Abstract. Boreal species sensitive to the timing and duration of snow cover are particularly vulnerable to global climate change. Recent work has shown a link between wolverine (Gulo gulo) habitat and persistent spring snow cover through 15 May, the approximate end of the wolverine’s reproductive denning period. We modeled the distribution of snow cover within the Columbia, Upper Missouri, and Upper Colorado River Basins using a downscaled ensemble climate model. The ensemble model was based on the arithmetic mean of 10 global climate models (GCMs) that best fit historical climate trends and patterns within these three basins. Snow cover was estimated from resulting downscaled temperature and precipitation patterns using a hydrologic model. We bracketed our ensemble model predictions by analyzing warm (miroc 3.2) and cool (pcm1) downscaled GCMs. Because Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)-based snow cover relationships were analyzed at much finer grain than downscaled GCM output, we conducted a second analysis based on MODIS-based snow cover that persisted through 29 May, simulating the onset of spring two weeks earlier in the year.
    [Show full text]
  • OREGON FURBEARER TRAPPING and HUNTING REGULATIONS
    OREGON FURBEARER TRAPPING and HUNTING REGULATIONS July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2022 Please Note: Major changes are underlined throughout this synopsis. License Requirements Trapper Education Requirement By action of the 1985 Oregon Legislature, all trappers born after June 30, Juveniles younger than 12 years of age are not required to purchase a 1968, and all first-time Oregon trappers of any age are required to license, except to hunt or trap bobcat and river otter. However, they must complete an approved trapper education course. register to receive a brand number through the Salem ODFW office. To trap bobcat or river otter, juveniles must complete the trapper education The study guide may be completed at home. Testing will take place at course. Juveniles 17 and younger must have completed hunter education Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) offices throughout the to obtain a furtaker’s license. state. A furtaker’s license will be issued by the Salem ODFW Headquarters office after the test has been successfully completed and Landowners must obtain either a furtaker’s license, a hunting license for mailed to Salem headquarters, and the license application with payment furbearers, or a free license to take furbearers on land they own and on has been received. Course materials are available by writing or which they reside. To receive the free license and brand number, the telephoning Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, I&E Division, 4034 landowner must obtain from the Salem ODFW Headquarters office, a Fairview Industrial Drive SE, Salem, OR 97302, (800) 720-6339 x76002. receipt of registration for the location of such land prior to hunting or trapping furbearing mammals on that land.
    [Show full text]