Translocation of Yellow-bellied Marmot to McNary National Wildlife Refuge Summary 2018 Prepared by Sheri Whitfield

This summary covers activities associated with the trapping and relocation of yellow-bellied marmot to McNary National Wildlife Refuge (i.e. trapping, construction of new release enclosure, additional habitat modifications, monitoring and supplemental feeding) in 2018.

INTRODUCTION

The yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) is one of the largest ground dwelling in the Pacific Northwest. Ground squirrels are important components of ecological systems due in large part to their life . They loosen move, mix and aerate soils, bring nutrients from deep soil layers to the surface, increase the rate of water infiltration into the soil, reduce soil compaction, and increase soil fertility (Yensen and Sherman 2003). Marmots serve as a prey base for complex predator food chains (i.e. raptors, badgers, ) (Yensen and Sherman 2003).

Marmots were once located on the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (ALE) within Hanford Reach National Monument (Monument), managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Monument was set aside to protect and restore biologically diverse ecosystems and to protect cultural resources. Marmots are believed to be extirpated from the ALE primarily due to repeated wildfires and habitat degradation. USFWS personnel attempted to reestablish marmots within the ALE in 2009 using a “hard” release method. The project entailed releasing marmots into log piles, with no protective barriers against predators or to prevent the immediate dispersal of marmots. The release of marmots on the ALE has been unsuccessful. In order to eventually conduct successful translocations to the Monument, new methods using a “soft release” within a constructed enclosure were attempted at McNary National Wildlife Refuge where the marmots could be more closely monitored due to proximity to the office and headquarters of staff. This report details the effort to learn about “soft release” methods, and these methods will be transferred to the Monument based on what was learned at McNary NWR.

Yellow-bellied marmots have been successfully reintroduced onto the McNary National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In 2017, marmots were trapped and released at four enclosures on the McNary NWR using a “soft” release method. The method included creating a rock pile, adding additional soil for digging, protective barriers for use to evade predators and fencing enclosing a 2.5-acre area. During monitoring efforts in 2018, efforts to determine if marmots were continuing to use these areas on the refuge were conducted. USFWS personnel are anticipating reintroduction of marmots to the ALE in the spring 2019 or 2020, based on monitoring and success of this project at McNary NWR.

STUDY AREA: SLOUGH 4 AND PENINSULA UNIT

The release sites located on McNary NWR at Slough 4 ( Enclosures 1A & 1B) and Peninsula Unit (Enclosures 5 & 6) were constructed with created rock piles, cover cavities created out of cardboard tubing, and fencing around release site. The location of the four yellow-bellied marmot release sites are identified on Map 1.

Map 1. Yellow-bellied marmot release sites on Slough 4 and Peninsula Unit at McNary NWR.

2018 Monitoring Objectives

The objectives of the experimental relocation of marmots include:

 Relocate and establish a population of yellow-bellied marmots to the McNary NWR.  Monitor predator activity at release sites  Determine period of activity and onset of estivation/

On February 1, 2018, USFWS personnel deployed one trail camera at each of the release enclosures 1A, 1B, 5, and 6 to determine if moved to these sites during 2017 were still using these areas. Monitoring efforts in 2018, determined marmots were using the release sites from the trap and release efforts conducted in 2017. Cameras were set at each of the four locations to record activity of emergence and ensure adequate viewing and documentation of marmot activities. Trail camera data captured yellow-bellied marmot emergence on or before February 1, 2018 (Figure 1 & 1). In addition, to the monitoring conducted by remote cameras, personnel conducted observations of marmots during weekly visits to the sites. Because yellow- bellied marmots are known to whistle or chirp to alert colonies, marmot alarm calls were recorded when heard. Any other observations were also recorded, although it was occasionally difficult to observe the animals because they react to the observer’s presence by hiding or changing their behavior.

Figure 1. Yellow-bellied marmots at Slough 4.

Figure 2. Yellow-bellied marmots at Peninsula Unit. Excavated natural were documented within and around enclosure 6 on the Peninsula Unit (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Natural activity outside the marmot enclosure.

Marmots are using the area, however it is evident marmots are traveling inside and outside of the enclosure pens. Multiple escape diggings can be identified around the marmot enclosure perimeters (Figure 4). On one occasion, marmots were observed foraging outside enclosure 6 and as personnel approached, marmots were documented running back into the enclosure and to the safety of the rock structure. Trailing is evident in each of the enclosures as well as indicated in Figure 5.

Figure 4. Marmot digging in and out of enclosure.

Figure 5. Marmot trailing inside the enclosure.

Yellow-bellied marmots were captured on camera footage throughout the spring and summer during monitoring efforts (Figure 6, 7, and 8).

Figure 6. Marmots on Peninsula Unit enclosure 5.

Figure 7. Marmots on Peninsula Unit enclosure 6.

Figure 8. Marmots captured on camera footage.

Graph 1. Yellow-bellied marmots observed daily per camera. Yellow-bellied Marmots Observed Daily Per Camera 7

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0 date 2-Jul 6-Jul 4-Jun 8-Jun 4-Feb 8-Feb 1-Apr 5-Apr 9-Apr 4-Mar 8-Mar 10-Jul 14-Jul 18-Jul 22-Jul 26-Jul 30-Jul 3-Aug 7-Aug 3-May 7-May 12-Jun 16-Jun 20-Jun 24-Jun 28-Jun 12-Feb 16-Feb 20-Feb 24-Feb 28-Feb 13-Apr 17-Apr 21-Apr 25-Apr 29-Apr 12-Mar 16-Mar 20-Mar 24-Mar 28-Mar 11-May 15-May 19-May 23-May 27-May 31-May

Camera 1A Camera 1B Camera 5 Camera 6

Graph 2. Total number of yellow-bellied marmots observed each day. Total Number Yellow-bellied Marmots Observed Each Day 14

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0 5-Jul 7-Jun 1-Feb 8-Feb 5-Apr 1-Mar 8-Mar 12-Jul 19-Jul 26-Jul 2-Aug 9-Aug 3-May 14-Jun 21-Jun 28-Jun 15-Feb 22-Feb 12-Apr 19-Apr 26-Apr 15-Mar 22-Mar 29-Mar 10-May 17-May 24-May 31-May

Predator Monitoring

In addition, predator activity in and around the enclosures was monitored during weekly visits. Marmots are vulnerable to numerous predators including coyotes (Canis latrans), badgers (Taxidea taxus) and various raptors species. No evidence of badger activity has been observed at the marmot enclosures. scat, and tracks have been identified in and around marmot enclosures. Trail camera footage captured coyote pups on the marmot rock structure at enclosure 6 (Figure 9 & 10). There is currently no information on aerial predation, as it would be unusual and rare for our trail camera monitoring to record any predation by raptors.

Figure 9. Coyote pups on marmot enclosure 6.

Figure 10. Coyote inside the yellow-bellied marmot enclosure 6.

Estivation/Hibernation

Marmots hibernate but emergence can occur in the fall months (Barash 1989). However, marmots can be active any time of the year if weather conditions are mild (Anthony 1962). Typically, marmots are diurnal, but some activity may occur at night (Hamilton 1934; Grizzell 1955; Hayes 1976). Peak activity is higher in the morning and reduced at midday during the summer due to high ambient temperatures and heat stress (Webb 1980).

The final recorded yellow-bellied marmot observation occurred on August 3, 2018 (Figure 11). On August 9, the biologist observed tampering to the trail cameras at marmot site 5 & 6. Camera straps were missing and cameras were discovered on the ground approximately 15 feet from original setup location. The biologist made a decision to remove all trail cameras from the four locations on August 9, 2018.

Figure 11. Final recording of yellow-bellied marmots on August 3, 2018.

Supplemental Feeding

Marmots eat a variety of plant and are generalist herbivores (Frase and Armitage 1989). Supplemental feeding of lettuce and carrots occurred at the Slough 4 and Peninsula Unit marmot enclosures each week after grass and forbs were no longer available starting on May 3, 2018 and ended on July 26, 2018. Trail camera footage captures marmots foraging on lettuce and carrots (Figure 12 & 13).

Figure 12. Marmots feeding.

Figure 13. Marmots foraging on carrots provided from supplemental feeding.

MCNARY NWR - FIELD 4 – 2018 ENCLOSURE

Introduction

On January 23, 2018, the Reach Museum contacted the USFWS regarding possibly trapping yellow-bellied marmots. Marmots were problematic at that location because the animals had been damaging vehicles in the parking lot (by chewing wire, etc.), digging under walls and destroying property. Because of the successful trapping and release efforts of yellow-bellied marmots to McNary NWR, during the 2017-2018 calendar year, USFWS personnel determined the best course of action would be to construct a new yellow-bellied marmot release enclosure. The new site was selected based on potential soil depth; soil type and vegetation cover (Map 2). This site is adjacent to slough three and an old agricultural field on McNary NWR.

Map 2. Field 4 #1 yellow-bellied marmot 2018 enclosure.

Construction Timeline

Construction of the marmot release enclosure occurred February 12-19, 2018. Two USFWS personnel prepared the area for “soft release” by assembling a rock and dirt pile with cardboard tubing and large tree limbs (logs). Wire fencing was built around the rock pile enclosing the 2.4- acre area. Mesh fencing was added along the bottom half of the fence extending at ground level into the enclosure as added predator protection (Figure 14).

Figure 14. USFWS personnel adding mesh fencing to marmot enclosure.

Trapping Efforts

Trapping at the Reach Museum during February 2018. Pre-bating of traps was conducted from February 20 -25, 2018 and live trapping occurred on February 26 and 28, 2018 and consisted of a total of 8 live traps (Havahart brand) monitored by the wildlife biologist and two volunteers. Traps were set next to an active burrow and covered with burlap. Burrows were determined active from obvious scat and tracks. Additionally, traps were set next to areas (i.e. shed, wall structure, theater) that were identified as potential problems during conversations with Reach Museum staff. On actual trap days, traps were open and fresh bait added as needed at least 0.5 hour before sunrise to limit anthropogenic disturbance during trapping. All traps were checked approximately every 30 minutes.

Eight live traps, 2 different types (Havahart Double-Door # 1045 [36”], and Havahart X-Lg. Double-Door # 1050 [41”]) were used at the Reach Museum (Figure 15 & 16).

Figure 15. Havahart double-door trap # 1045.

Figure 16. Havahart x-lg. double door trap # 1050.

Gender and age of marmots when trapped was determined by using weight as the guideline. Normally, male marmots are heavier than females. The sex and age ratios were therefore estimated based on weight (males 2.95kg – 5.22kg and females 1.59kg – 3.57kg). Typically, juvenile marmots weigh less than adult marmots. Marmots were identified as juveniles if they were not within the weight range for adult male or female marmots.

Temperatures on both trap days ranged from 29 degrees Fahrenheit to 54 degrees Fahrenheit. Five yellow-bellied marmots were captured from the Reach Museum. The table below provides capture and release data during the 2018 trapping efforts (Table 1). The trapping data sheets and “yellow-bellied marmot relocation trapping codes cheat sheet” attached as appendix to this report.

Table 1. Trapping data sheet of yellow-bellied marmots. Source Colony Date Trap # Capture Time Sex Age Reach Museum 2/26/2018 D9 8:00 F Adult Reach Museum 2/26/2018 D2 9:10 U Juvenile Reach Museum 2/26/2018 D1 9:10 U Juvenile Reach Museum 2/26/2018 D6 13:20 F Adult Reach Museum 2/28/2018 D6 10:15 U Juvenile

Monitoring

Monitoring objectives at the Field 4 enclosure are similar to those described previously (i.e. predation, estivation/hibernation). One trail camera was deployed on February 26, 2018 at enclosure to record yellow-bellied marmot activity. Monitoring at the new location, included vocalizations, and observations. Trail camera placement to ensure adequate viewing and documentation of marmot activities (Figure 17 & 18).

Figure 17. Marmot at new enclosure built in 2018.

Figure 18. Yellow-bellied marmot at Field 4 enclosure.

Trail camera footage and general observations documented that immediate dispersal by marmots may have occurred. Of the five marmots trapped and released, trail camera footage shows one marmot continues to use the enclosure. Numerous digging trails under the fence, possibly by marmots, was obvious the first week after introduction (Figure 19).

Figure 19. Obvious digging documented within first week after reintroduction.

Supplemental Feeding

Supplemental feeding of lettuce and carrots occurred at the Field 4 marmot enclosure each week after grass and forbs were no longer available starting on May 3, 2018 and ended on July 26, 2018. Trail camera footage captures marmot foraging on lettuce and carrots (Figure 20).

Figure 20. Trail camera footage captures marmot eating from supplemental feeding.

Estivation/Hibernation

The final recorded yellow-bellied marmot observation at the Field 4 enclosure occurred on June 20, 2018 (Figure 21). Trail camera was removed from this location on August 9, 2018.

Figure 21. Last recorded marmot on the Field 4 enclosure on June 20, 2018.

TWO RIVERS - HABITAT AREA ENHANCEMENT

Introduction

Currently yellow-bellied marmots are using the railroad tracks along the Quarry-Pond Road on the Two Rivers Unit (Map 3). The tracks are owned by the rail system and not located within the boundary of the refuge. There was some concern that the railroad may not want marmots affecting their track and that the marmot might be vulnerable to control efforts if they continued to inhabit that area directly beneath the track. Two large rock piles were created in 2017 to encourage marmots to move from the railroad tracks and re-establish on to the refuge.

Map 3. Two Rivers Marmot Site

Site Preparation

During the weeks of February 28- March 2 and March 5 -8, 2018, additional habitat construction occurred at the Two Rivers marmot site. Using a chainsaw, Russian olive trees were removed. A backhoe was used to clear vegetation in the area. Russian olive tree limbs were stacked into brush piles as additional habitat for yellow-bellied marmots (Figure 22 & 23).

Figure 22. Brush piles created as yellow-bellied marmot habitat.

Figure 23. Yellow-bellied marmot habitat at Two Rivers.

Monitoring

Marmots have not been monitored regularly at this site. USFWS staff of a marmot sitting on the rock pile constructed in 2017 and 1 marmot occupying the brush pile during the spring/summer 2018 have observed one marmot.

HANFORD REACH NATIONAL MONUMENT

Marmots were once located on the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve (ALE) within Hanford Reach National Monument. Marmots are believed to have been extirpated from the ALE primarily due to repeated wildfires and habitat degradation. USFWS personnel are interested in reestablishing marmots to the ALE in spring 2019. This project would entail a “soft” release method using protective barriers against predators and fence to prevent the immediate dispersal of marmots.

On April 17, 2018, wildlife biologist Sheri Whitfield and Heidi Newsome conducted a field visit to the Monument to identify potential yellow-bellied marmot release enclosure areas. Four areas were GPSd’ and are currently in preparation for 106 Consultation (Map 4).

Map 4. Potential yellow-bellied marmot enclosure locations.

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES 2019

Because of the Refuge Complex split, the responsibility for monitoring of marmot occupancy and maintenance of marmot enclosures, as well as any additional translocation of marmots to McNary NWR is transferred to staff assigned to the Complex.

Staff assigned to that Complex and reported in a similar but separate report would conduct future work on yellow-bellied marmots on Hanford Reach National Monument.

Management Recommendations

 Habitat improvements (i.e. forb or grass planting, invasive weed removal) at yellow- bellied marmot enclosures Slough 4 (1A, 1B) and Peninsula Unit (5 & 6).  Investigate yellow-bellied marmot reproductive success.  Monitor predator activity at release enclosures.  Determine period of activity and onset of estivation/hibernation.  The enclosures at McNary, Slough 4 #1, and Peninsula Unit require annual maintenance (i.e., wire fence, rock structures).  Some regular monitoring should take place at the Two rivers sites to document use  Construct enclosures and move project to HRNM

LITERATURE

Anthony, M. 1962. Activity and behavior of the woodchuck in southern Illinois. Occasional Papers of the C. C. Adams Center for Ecological Studies 6:1-25.

Barash, D. P. 1989. Marmots: Social behavior and ecology. Stanford University Press, Stanford, CA.

Frase, B. A. and K. B. Armitage. 1984. Foraging patterns of yellow-bellied marmots: Role of kinship and individual variability. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 16:1-10.

Grizzell, R. A. 1955. A study of the southern woodchuck, Marmota monax monax. American Midland Naturalist 53:257-93.

Hamilton, W. J., Jr. 1934. The life history of the rufescent woodchuck, Marmota monax rufescens Howell. Annals of Carnegie Museum 23:85-178.

Hayes, S. R. 1976. Daily activity and body temperature of the southern woodchuck, Marmota monax monax, in northwestern Arkansas. Journal of Mammalogy 57:291-99.

Webb, D. R. 1980. Environmental harshness, heat stress, and Marmota flaviventris. Oecologia 44:390-95.

Yensen, E. and P. W. Sherman. 2003. Ground-dwelling squirrels of the Pacific Northwest. Boise, Idaho.