Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Research Articles

Schedule of Presupplemental Molt of White Pelicans with Notes on the Bill Horn

Journal Article Schedule of Presupplemental Molt of White Pelicans with Notes on the Bill Horn Get access F. L. Knopf F. L. Knopf Department of Wildlife Science Utah State University and Utah Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit Logan, Utah 84322 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Condor, Volume 77, Issue 3, 1 July 1975, Pages 356–359, https://doi.org/10.2307/1366249 Published: 01 July 1975 Article history Accepted: 06 June 1974 Published: 01 July 1975

Pine and Montane Vole Age Estimates from Eye Lens Weights

Lens weights were a satisfactory basis for estimating ages of 124 pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) and 517 montane voles (M. montanus) of known age. Other body and cranial measurements were of little added value for estimating ages when considered over a full two-year age range. Analyses of covariance showed no differences attributable to sex, season of birth, or laboratory generation in the lens weight-age regressions. Montane voles from small (1-4), medium (5-6), and large (7-10) litters had significantly different regressions, although pine voles from small (1-2) vs. large (3-4) litters did not differ. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 39(3):550-556 Various species of microtine rodents are central problems in both ecological theory (Krebs et al. 1973) and pest management (Forbes 1972, Federal Cooperative Extension Service 1959), and age specific data are needed to understand their basic population processes (e.g., Schaffer and Tamarin 1973). In pest management situations age specific birth and death rates are frequently the essential basis for accurately estimating effects of proposed or actual management decisions. If, as seems possible, reproductive inhibitors should replace toxic mortality agents in vole management programs (Richmond and Stehn, unpublished data), then data on age specific rates and age structure will be even more important, because in general birth rate perturbations will have a greater impact on population age structure (and thereby on potential rate of increase) than death rate changes. For these and other applications we sought to develop age estimation formulae for pine and montane voles. Our data are established mammalian aging criteria: eye lens weights and several morphologic measurements from known-age series of laboratory animals. Morris (1972) thoroughly reviewed this field, and Friend (1968) reviewed the lens weight technique sp cifically. We thank M. E. Richmond for assistance throughout the project and S. G. Fisher and D. Q. Thompson for reviewing the manus ript. R. Stehn, J. Jannett, J. Stone, and K. Tonnessen provided essential technical assistance. R. H. Foote kindly lent the electrobalance. The Cornell University Office of Computer Services and the University of Massachusetts Computing Center supplied machine time. METHODS AND MATERIALS The pine voles used here were of the first through fourth laboratory generations from animals originally collected near New Paltz, Ulster County, New York. The montane voles were first through third or fourth generation laboratory descendants of animals collected near Moran, Teton County, Wyoming. The pine voles were born between 1 February 1969 and 12 January 1 Supported by U.S. Department of Interio Award Contract 14-16-0008-1037 and a Ford Foundation Grant to the Cornell Program in Pest Management Ecology. A contribution from the New York Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and Wildlife Management Institute, cooperating). 2 Present address: Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65201. 550 J. Wildl. Manage. 39(3):1975 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.96 on Sun, 02 Oct 2016 06:40:27 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms VOLE AGE ESTIMATES ? Gourley and Jannett 551

Changes in Blood Proteins of Deer during Gestation and Suckling

Quantitation of total serum proteins (TSP), albumin, and alpha-, beta-, and gamma-globulins was done for 22 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus): 7 pregnant does having 11 fetuses during 115-194 days gestation, and 2 pairs of twin male fawns from birth to 24 days of age (one pair was allowed [N+] and the other not allowed [N-] to suckle their dams). During gestation, mean TSP were approximately 54 and 30 mg/ml of serum in does and fetuses, respectively; TSP, albumin, and alphaglobulin of does tended to decrease during gestation but beta-globulin tended to increase. Does' gammaglobulin decreased significantly with gestation time. Fetal alphaand beta-globulin remained relatively constant throughout gestation, but fetal TSP and albumin tended to increase during gestation. Mean TSP in neonatal deer were 55.0 and 37.7 mg/ml for N+ and Nfawns, respectively. Corresponding respective values for albumin, alpha-globulin, and beta-globulin were 27.8 and 22.9, 6.3 and 7.2, and 8.5 and 15.2 mg/ml of serum. Gamma-globulin was absent from Nfawns. Mean gamma-globulin in N+ fawns was 12.3 mg/ml; it decreased exponentially from 26.6 mg/ml on day 1 to 2.9 mg/ml on day 24 and exhibited a half-life of approximately 13 days. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 39(2):346-354 The serum proteins have been studied in many animal species, and comparative qualitative and quantitative studies of these proteins have been done in adult animals. A study of the blood proteins of the adult white-tailed deer and the natural variation of blood proteins in this wild ruminant recently was presented by Miller et al. (1965). The serum proteins of fetuses and young growing animals also have been studied, and an excellent review has appeared (Kekwick 1959). For the white-tailed deer, an investigation of the blood composition of nursing deer fawns and the milk and blood of their dams was conducted by workers in Michigan (Youatt et al. 1965). Polymorphism was found to exist in the postalbumin portion of fawn serum protein (Seal and Erickson 1969). Polymorphisms in the hemoglobin of adult and juvenile white-tailed deer also were reported in the same paper. Detectable quantities of serum immunoproteins were shown to have been synthesized in the bovine fetus rather than to have c ossed the placenta (Miller and Hubbert 1972). However, this fetal biosynthesis was also shown to be nonsignificant quantitatively (Trevorrow and Washburn 1970). The principal part of immunoproteins found in the young animal, therefore, was either transferred in utero to the fetus or was absorbed from the colostrum. The type of placentation dictates whether the principal avenue is the in utero route. Multilayered syndesmochorial placentation in the deer (Harrison and Hamilton 1952), as in the sheep, dictates the principal avenue of absorption of immunoproteins in both species to be from the colostrum. Quantitation of changes in composition of blood proteins of the dam and fetus done longitudinally with gestation has not been reported, to our knowledge. Changes in 1 Authorizxed by the Director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station for publication as Paper No. 4275 in the journal series. 'Present address: Virginia Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061. 346 J. Wildl. Manage. 39(2):1975 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.131 on Sat, 15 Oct 2016 04:16:53 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms BLOOD PROTEINS OF DEER * Hartsook et al. 347 concentration of plasma proteins of the fetal calf were reported by Baetz et al. (1971). Therefore, one purpose of this report was to provide data on blood protein changes for the dam and fetus of the white-tailed deer during the latter period of gestation. Changes with time in the concentration of serum proteins of normal deer fawns suckling their dams have been presented by Tumbleson et al. (1970). A second purpose of this report was to compare, qualitatively and quantitatively, the blood proteins of deer fawns either allowed or not allowed to suckle their dams from birth through 24 days of age. We wish to thank P. Briggs for assistance with electrophoretic separations and quantitations. MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aerial Pesticide Applications and Ring-Necked Pheasants

In 1970 aerial applications were made to a 24-hectare section in southwestern Idaho utilizing ethyl parathion in May, demeton and DDT-toxaphene in June, and trichlorfon and demeton in July. Aerial application resulted in a very uneven distribution of chemicals on the ground. Gas chromatographic analysis of residues collected on glass plates during aerial applications showed ranges of 0-2058 ,igrams per plate within the treated area. Observations on penned and radio-equipped wild pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) revealed no direct mortality from the spraying. Penned pheasants 5-15 days old exhibited symptoms of organophosphorus poisoning, but recovered. Cholinesterase and weight gains did not differ significantly in treated and untreated penned pheasants. According to the results of sweep net samples, insect populations were significantly lower in the treated area compared to the untreated area. Juvenile pheasants collected in the treated area consumed significantly fewer insects than birds taken in the untreated area. Applications of certain organochlorines and organophosphorus pesticides probably kill some pheasants, especially young birds, but results suggest that use of demeton, ethyl parathion, DDT-toxaphene, and trichlorfon at recommended application rates does not cause major pheasant losses in southwestern Idaho. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 38(4):679-685 Pesticides, particularly the persistent organochlorines, have contributed to the decline of several species of raptorial and fish-eating birds (Peakall 1970). Organochlorines have also produced harmful effects in the ring-necked pheasant (Azevedo et al. 1965, Baxter et al. 1969). The use of DDT and many other organochlorines has rapidly declined in the pheasant range of southwestern Idaho in recent years. The development of insect resistance and legal restrictions have deleted a number of uses for organochlorines. Organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides have replaced the organochlorines. Some of these chemicals have a high initial toxicity but residue problems are comparatively minor. The organophosphorus pesticides may pose a threat to ground-feeding birds. The pheasant, a ground resident, may be directly harmed by the high dermal and oral toxicity of certain organophosphorus insecticides. Christensen (1969) found that methyl parathion caused substantial mortality of 1to 10-day-old pheasant chicks under minimum exposure conditions. Thus, additional research with other organophosphorus pesticides is justified, especially under field conditions. The objective in this study was to evalu1 Contribution from the Idaho Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish and Came Department, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Range Sciences, University of Idaho, cooperating. 2 Present address: Department of Zoology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T iW5. 3 The laboratory portion of the research was supported under Contract 68-02-0552 by the Division of Pesticide Community Studies, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, through the Idaho Department of Environmental and Community Services. J. Wildl. Manage. 38 (4):1974 679 This content downloaded from 40.77.167.21 on Mon, 25 Jul 2016 04:07:01 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 680 PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS AND PHEASANTS * Messick et al. Table 1. Pesticides applied by fixed-wing aircraft to the spray zone on Gold Island, Idaho, during 1970. Rate of Date of Chemicals and application application concentration (kg/ha) a 22 May ethyl parathion (47%) 0.9 24 June demeton (25%) DDT0.3 (demeton) toxaphene (25% DDT, 2.4 (DDT-) 50% toxaphene) 4.7 (toxaphene) 23 July demeton (25%) 0.3 (demeton) trichlorfon (80%) 1.2 (trichlorfon) a Expressed as active ingredient applied with 46.7 kg H20 per hectare. ate the effects of selected organochlorines and organophosphates on pheasants and their insect food supplies, utilizing both wild and penned birds. We explored the degree of exposure, survival, nesting success, movement patterns, consumption of insects, and cholinesterase inhibition under pesticide-treated and control conditions. We thank the following who helped with various phases of this work: J. Uranga, J. Gabica, H. Homan, B. Wood, V. Bowman, M. Howard, J. Martin, and scouts in Explorer Post 60.

Winter Pregnancy Rates and Subsequent Fall Cow/Calf Ratios in Elk

Free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) wintering at the Hardware Ranch Game Management Unit near Logan, Utah were diagnosed for pregnancy by rectal palpation. Anatomical changes in gravid and nongravid uteri of cattle were found directly applicable to elk. Correlations between winter pregnancy rates and subsequent fall cow/calf ratios indicated that pregnancy checks would give wildlife managers a sixto eight-month forecast of an elk herd's productivity, assuming preand postpuberal losses remained constant. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 38(4):789-791 Intensified elk management programs require detailed reproductive information to provide a knowledgeable basis for herd manipulations. Available information on various species demonstrates that reproductive processes vary from one population to another, as variables such as climate, weather, and forage change. Rectal palpation generally is accepted to be the most reliable method of detecting pregnancies in bovine, particularly in the early and midgestational periods (Arthur 1964). Greer and Hawkins (1967) first reported the rectal approach for pregnancy determinations in elk. Fig. 1 shows the close correlation between fetal sizes of elk and cattle. It indicates similar fetal growth curves for these two species. METHODS AND MATERIALS The Cache elk herd and the Hardware Ranch Game Management Unit near Logan, Utah provide excellent opportunities to study reproductive parameters. In cooperation with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, free-ranging elk were trapped on the winter feed grounds at the Ranch and cows aged as mature or yearling (Hancock and Low 1956) were examined for pregnancy by rectal palpation during the 196970, 1970-71, and 1971-72 winters. A plastic arm-length glove was used to protect the hand and arm. After the elk were properly restrained in a Powder River squeeze chute, the gloved hand was lubricated and inserted into the rectum. Internal organs were contacted; the genitalia palpated, and the animal's reproductive status recorded. Similarities between cattle and elk uterine and ovarian locations and structure, as well as the senior author's previous experience with cattle, increased the efficiency of elk palpation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Nineteen adult and 5 yearling elk were trapped and rectally palpated during the 1969-70 winter, 60 adults and 23 yearlings in 1970-71, and 39 adults and 13 yearlings in 1971-72 (Table 1). There were no significant differences between the pregnancy rates observed during the 3-year study when statistically tested by chi-square. It is assumed that representative samples were taken and no preor postpuberal losses 1 A contribution of the Utah Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Utah State University, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Management Institute, cooperating. 2 Present address: Ralston Purina Company, Checkerboard Square, St. Louis, Missouri 63199. J. Wildl. Manage. 38 (4):1974 789 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.149 on Sat, 09 Jul 2016 06:59:36 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 790 WINTER PREGNANCY RATES IN ELK o Follis and Spillett

Distribution, Taxonomic Status, and Characteristics of Coyotes in Maine

Eastern coyotes (Canis latrans var.) may have appeared in Maine as early as 1936; their range now includes most of eight western counties and eastward extensions into central and northwestern Maine. Ninety coyotes, killed in 1968-73, were examined and new distribution records are given. Skull and tooth characteristics of Maine coyotes tended to be intermediate to those of dogs and western coyotes. Adult males averaged 15.8 kg and females 13.7 kg; the mean body measurements were 1251 : 363 : 209 and 116 mm for males and 1179: 343 : 197 and 113 mm for females. Carrion, snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus), small mammals, and miscellaneous items composed most of the stomach contents of 51 coyotes killed in the fall and early winter. Identification of Maine canids is discussed. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 38(3):447-454 Aldous (1939) described 12 wild canids captured in central Penobscot County. Some of these were identified as coyotes, some as dogs, and others as hybrid offspring (coydogs) of dogs and coyotes. From 1936 to 1944 the Unit (Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit) received 35 additional canids from various localities and all but two were identified as dogs; one from Franklin County closely resembled a coyote and one from Kennebec County was identified as a coyote-dog hybrid by H. H. T. Jackson of the Biological Survey. Sixteen more canids were killed and sent to the Unit for identification between 1944 and 1953; 15 of these were dogs but one was identified as a dog-coyote cross by H. F. Quick and J. M. Murray of the University of Maine. We have little information on the occurrence of coyotelike animals between 1953 and 1962, because of incomplete records; however, some unidentified canids were submitted from Waldo County where they were reported to be numerous. One canid killed in 1961 in Somerset County was identified as C. latrans thamnos by R. H. Manville of the U. S. National Museum (Carson 1962). For the period of 1962 to mid-1968, we could find no record that canids had been submitted to the Unit. The above canids posed taxonomic problems. The criteria useful for differentiating western canids were applied to canids of New England. This application caused confusion because of phenotypic and behavioral changes in coyotes resulting from hybridization and perhaps natural selection. Moreover, the larger New England animals varied more than did western coyotes. Based on findings of recent studies, the wild canids (except for foxes) received by Unit personnel since mid-1968, have quite clearly been coyotes or dogs and not hybrids of these animals-although individual characters were frequently of doubtful specific affinity. We thank H. L. Mendall and M. W. Coulter, University of Maine, J. L. Paradiso, U. S. National Museum, and H. Silver, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, for critical reviews of the manuscript. We are also indebted to Paradiso for help in identifying canid skulls and to personnel 1The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game, U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Maine, and the Wildlife Management Institute, cooperating. J. Wildl. Manage. 38 (3):1974 447 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.101 on Sat, 08 Oct 2016 05:29:34 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 448 COYOTES IN MAINE Richens and Hugie

Effects of Dieldrin in Penned Pheasants through the Third Generation

Effects of Dieldrin in Penned Pheasants through the Third Generation

Movements of Canada Geese Color-Marked Near Southwestern Lake Erie

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) utilizing the marshes of southwestern Lake Erie were observed in 1969-70 to ascertain their local movements, flight patterns, area of use, and relationship to the Tennessee Valley population of Canada geese. Geese (n = 989) were color-marked with 7.6-cm (3-inch) vinylite collars according to sex, age, individual, and biweekly period between 15 October and 31 December in 1969 and 1 October and 31 December in 1970. Peak populations of 19,600 geese by mid-October and 21,500 by early November occurred in 1969 and 1970, respectively. Three subflocks were identified on the basis of roosting and feeding locations and corresponded to the three trapping sites where they were marked. Movements of 35 family groups to previously unused areas were inversely proportional to family size. Nearly 40 percent of geese marked in 1969 were seen on the study area in 1970, and 75 percent frequented the same areas. The goose population on the area is increasing more rapidly than is possible by natural reproduction alone. Evidence suggests both a shifting of geese onto the area as well as maintenance of subflock integrity by area and time. A significant, direct relationship existed between roost departure time and both temperature and percent sky cover but not between roost departure time and wind speed. A highly significant, direct relationship existed between numbers of geese killed and both temperature and barometric pressure, but the amount of sky cover and wind did not influence kill. Fall departure of collared geese from the area was gradual in both years, though slower in 1970. Evidence for temporary movement across Lake Erie to Canada, which affected censuses, is presented. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama, was the principal wintering area of collared birds, which also wintered in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina as well as Ohio. Wintering locations were known for 12 birds for both years. Only 5 of the 12 wintered at the same location both years. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 38(2):275-289 This study was undertaken to ascertain local movements and flight patterns of Canada goose concentrations near southwestern Lake Erie, to learn the factors influencing movements and use of activity areas, to examine dispersal from the area of concentration, and to investigate the relationship of these geese to the Tennessee Valley population. The study encompassed the period July 1969-July 1971; field work took place from late September until early January. Canada geese were uncommon in the Lake Erie marshes until about 1950. Fall populations slowly increased to a peak of about 1,000 birds by the late 1950's. Establishment of the 1,052.6-hectare (2,600-acre) Crane Creek State Wildlife Area in 1951 by the Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and, particularly, the 1,943-hectare (4,800-acre) Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in 1961 contributed to the population increase. Most important to the sudden increase in peak fall goose populations, however, was the project cooperatively initiated at the Wildlife Area and the Refuge (adjacent facilities) to reestablish local nesting of giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) in the Lake Erie marsh region. One hundred pairs of pinioned adults were placed in a 16.2-hectare (401A contribution of The Ohio Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit (supported by the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, The Ohio Division of Wildlife, The Ohio State University, and The Wildlife Management Institute) and Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project, Ohio W-104-R-14. 2 Present address: Wetlands Management Office, P.O.B. 48, Madison, South Dakota 57042. J. Wildl. Manage. 38 (2):1974 275 This content downloaded from 207.46.13.129 on Mon, 18 Apr 2016 06:46:33 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 276 MOVEMENTS OF COLOR-MARKED GEESE Koerner et al.

The Reproductive Cycle in the Male Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana in Missouri

Histological sections of the testes and a tympanum growth curfe were used to determine sexual maturity at a body length of 120 mm. Sexually mature frogs were at least in their second full season after transformation. Peak breeding activity occurred during July. Comparisons were made with the female breeding cycle. Trans. Kans. Acad. Sci., 77 (1), 1974. Little has been published regarding reproduction of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeianv) from natural populations. This is surprising considering their widespread North American distribution and their importance as game and laboratory animals. Willis, Moyle and Baskett (1956) reported on the reproductive characteristics of sexual maturity, time and duration of breeding for female bullfrogs in Missouri. The purpose of this paper is to examine the reproductive cycle of male bullfrogs and to correlate this information with the female reproductive pattern (Willis et al., 1956). This paper also presents data on the growth of the tympanum and its relationship to the attainment of sexual maturity. Materials and Methods Male bullfrogs were collected twice monthly during the summer of 1962 and 1963 at the University of Missouri's Ashland Wildlife Area. Supplemental collections were made from farm ponds in Boone County, Missouri. Immature frogs used in this study were primarily collected from the Schell-Osage Wildlife Area in Vernon County. Frogs were pithed and measured on a fishery measuring board. Sex of all frogs were confirmed by dissection. Ages of the frogs were estimated as described by Schroeder and Baskett (1968). Histological sections were prepared and stained with a modified Schorr stain. The maximum antero-posterior diameter of the tympana was measured by . . a vernler ca lper. Results and Discussion Testicular Weight. Testis weight for most size groups from May through August indicated a decline that coincided with the summer breeding season (Table 1). Many investigators (Glass and Rugh, 1944 Rana pzpiens; Lofts, 1964Rana esculenta; Mizell, 196WRana pipiens and Lofts, Wellan and BenTransactions of the Kansas Academy of Science, Vol. 77, No. 1, 1974. Published FeXbruary n, 1975. IThis paper is a contribution from the Missouri Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit: U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Wildlife Management Institute, Missouri Conservation Commission, and University of Missouri cooperating. This study was, in part, supported by funds from the University of Missouri Research Council. 2Present address: Department of Biology, University of Evansville, Evansville, Indiana 47701

Summer Behavior of Immature Radio-Equipped Woodcock in Central Maine

The behavior of 15 immature American woodcock (Philohela minor) was studied in central Maine during the summers of 1969 and 1970 using radiotelemetry. The monitored birds used a variety of nocturnal sites including old fields, bogs, powerlines, highway medians, woods roads, and forest clearings. Old fields were occupied more often than any other type of opening. Second growth-hardwoods, alders, hardwood-conifers, and conifers were utilized as diurnal cover. Diurnal locations of radioequipped woodcock averaged 15 m from major breaks in the forest canopy. Four birds were monitored continuously during the day and night to determine periods of activity. Although the birds were active throughout the day, very little activity was recorded after they moved to nocturnal sites. No apparent difference was found in the daily patterns of movement between immature male and female woodcock. Crepuscular movements between diurnal covers and nocturnal areas averaged 332 m. A composite summer range for the 15 woodcock during 183 woodcock-days was 1060 hectares. The data suggest that immature woodcock are quite mobile during the summer and utilize most of the forest openings occurring within 1-3 km of good nesting habitat. Most of these openings are also used for singing grounds by males in the spring. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 37(4):462-469 The behavior of immature (hatching-year) woodcock was investigated using radiotelemetry during September 1969, and from June to September 1970. The objectives of the study were to determine the summer movements of immature woodcock, and to investigate temporal patterns of behavior, such as feeding and resting, while in diurnal coverts and on nocturnal fields. These aspects of summer behavior are little known despite many previous studies (Pettingill 1936; Mendall and Aldous 1943; Sheldon 1961, 1967; Krohn 1970, 1971; Liscinsky 1972). Our appreciation is extended to the following for their aid in planning and implementing this study and reviewing this paper: H. L. Mendall, Maine Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit; M. W. Coulter and S. D. Schemnitz, University of Maine; J. Peppard, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game; and W. B. Krohn, U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. We also express our thanks to the wildlife students at the University of Maine who helped with the field work and to J. W. Morgan for technical assistance. This study was supported by the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife through contract No. 14-160008-945A with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game and the Univer-

Dry Matter and Energy Intake in Relation to Digestibility in White-Tailed Deer

Two digestion-intake trials were eonducted with 24 male and female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns during January, February, and Mareh 1971. Within eaeh trial deer were randomly assigned to one of six treatments representing a basal diet diluted with oak sawdust in levels of 0, 15, 25, 30, 35, and 45 pereent. Dry matter (DM) digestibility and the digestible energy (DE) eontent ( keal DE/gram ) were highly eorrelated with the pereent dilution. Dry matter intake (grams/BW[kg body weight]0 75/day) inereased as digestibility deereased from a high of 3.44 keal DE/gram to 2.17 keal DE/ gram; below this point intake deereased. Digesftible energy intake ( keal DE/BW0 75/day + SE ), on the other hand, remained relatively eonstant (155.2+7.46) keal above 2.17 keal DE/gram. The data indieate that these animals were able to maintain a constant energy balanee, elose to the maintenanee requirements of fawns, by adjusting dry matter intake when fed diets of medium to high digestibility (DE > SO pereent ) . Below 2.17 keal DE/gram, energy intake deereased with the decrease in dry matter intake. The point (2.17 keal DE/gram) representing the interseetion of two regression lines for DM intake versus keal DE/gram of feed was taken to be the threshold at whieh digestive traet fill began to limit the dry matter and energy intake of these animals. These results are diseussed in terms of a theoretieal model of the intake mechanism of ruminants. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 37(2): 95-20 Z Studies of domestic ruminants have shown thatn for diets of low digestibility, there is a positive correlation between voluntary dry matter intake and digestibility. For highly digestible diets, there is a negative correlation ( Blaxter et al. 1961, Conrad et al. 1964). Montgomery and Baumgardt (1965) (Fig. 1) have examined this phenomenon and constructed a model of the intake regulatory mechanism of ruminants. According to this model, various feeds can be thought of as points on a continuum from low to lligh digestibility. Ruminants are able to regulate dry matter intake over a wide portion of this continuum so that their energy 1 Published with lie approval of the Director of ie Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station as Journal Article No. 4186. Authorized April 17, 1972. Supported in part by U.S. Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station Contract No. 23-()0-124, Supplement No. 16, and the Pennsylvania Game Gemmission. Paper number lS9 of the Pennsylvania Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. intake remains equal to their need. At the igh r levels of digestibility, this is done by increasing intake as digestibility decreases, explaining the negative correlation between digestibility and intake observed at high levels of digestibility. As digestibility further decreases, a point is reached where the animal is eating to the maximum capacity of the digestive tract. This point is the threshold where digestive tract fill begins to limit intake. Above this threshold the animal is able to increase its intake for each decrease in digestibility. Below this threshold (all or a part of) the digestive tract remains filled to capacity, but as the digestibility of the feed decreases so does the rate of passage. The effect is decreased intake for each decrease in digestibility. For a given animal the location of the fill threshold along the continuum of digestibility depends on its energy requirements. For maintenance the threshold assumes its lowest value, below which the animal enters J. Wildl. .Manage. 37(2):1973 195 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.158 on Fri, 18 Nov 2016 04:12:27 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms Table 1. Ingredients of the basal diet.

Survival and Movements of Transplanted and Adopted Red Fox Pups

The recovery rates and dispersal distances of transplanted juvenile red foxes (Vulpes fulvs) were compared with those of controls released an their natal range. Transplanted juvenile foxes included one group held in captivity for 2 to 4 weeks before release (Group 1)> one group added to other resident litters (Group 2), and nine farnily groups each consisting of an adult female and her offspring (Group 3). The overall recovery rate was not significantly different among Groups 1, 2, and 3, but rates of each of iese groups tended to be higher than those of the controls. Mortality aier ian hunting and trapping, was higher in the group held captive than in Xall other groups. Dispersal in all groups did not begin until late Se?tember and early October. Only one of ie nine transplanted adult females showed a tendency to home back to the original den. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 37(T):69-72 There are few published reports on the rearing of young foxes by foster parents or survival estimates for transplanted versus nol1-transplanted foxes. Marcstromas ( 1968 ) study in Sweden indicated that eansplanted red foxes survived as well as those released at the point of capture. However Errington and Berry (1937) presented evidence that for red foxes kept in captivity, survival was better in those released in fall than in those released at a younger age in spring. Sheldon (1950:37) noted that a litter of Sweek old pups was adopted by one adult male red fox in captivity. Kleiman ( 1968:5) observed two arctic fox vixens (Alopex lagopus L.) in captivity retrieving each other's cubs. In other carnivores Verts (1967) indicated that captive lactating skunks ( Mephitis mephitis) accepted orphaned young in early stages of development, and Erickson and Miller (1963:585) reported adoption in the brown bear (Ursus arctos). In a 1 Present address: Pennsylvania Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Pennsylvarlia State University, University Park, Pa. 16802. review of mammalian adult-young relationshipsa Spencer-Booth (1970) pointed out the wide variability between species in their readiness to adopt offspring and the complexity of the adoption process. This paper compares the mortality of juvenile red foxes removed from their natal ranges and transplarlted int() unfamiliar areas with that of juveniles captured and released on their natal ranges. All foxes were captured and rele!ased in Iowa during 196S1Y10. This study was financed by the Iowa Conservation Commission, by NIH Training Grant No. 5 T01 GM01779, by U. S. Atomic Ersergy Commission ( C00-133282) directed by Dr. J. R. Tester, and the U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. We thank G. G. Good who assisted in all phases of the field work. Ann H. Jones, Drs. E. D. Klonglan, and R. B. Finley reviewed the manuscript.

Percentage of Raccoons and Skunks Reached by Egg Baits

Chicken eggs containing demethylchlortetracycline (I)MGT) were distributed on a 25-squaremile study area during August and September 1970. Eighty-seven percent of the raccoons ( Procy071 lotor ) and 29 percent of the skunks (Mephitis mephitis) collected during the follonving 7 months had consumed treated eggs. BAITS FOR RACCOONS AND SKUNKS * Nelson and Linder 1327 predation on experimental cotton rat populations. J. Wildl. Mgmt. 32( 4 ) :69S711. WATSON, A., AND R. Moss. 1970 ( 1969 ) . Dominance, spacing behaviour and aggression in relation to population limitation in vertebrates. Pages 167-218. In A. Watson [Editor], Animal populations in relation to their food resources Symp. British Ecol. Soc. X. 47Tpp. WIEGERT, R. G. 1972a. Animal populations in relation to their food resources. Edited by A. Watson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford and Edinburgh. 1970. 477pp. g 5 net. J. Wildl. Mgmt. 36(2):676477. 1972b. Population dynamics of cotton rats ( Sigmodon h. hispidt4s ) and meadow voles ( Microtus p. pennsylvanicus ) in field enclosures in South Carolina. Bull. Georgia Acad. Sci. 30. ( In press. ) Received for publication April 13, 1972. Many people believe that lethal toxicants should not be used to reduce animal populations that cause damage. A substitute technique that has received attention is the use of chemosterilants to limit reproduction ( Balser 1964 ) . One of the problems in using chemosterilants for animal control is getting the baits containing the chemical to the target species. Preliminary studies in South Dakota indicated iat severe weather 1 Funds were provided by Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Project W-75-R in South Dakota through the Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit ( South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife South Dakota State University; and Wildlife Management Institute, cooperating). conditions and limited movements of skunks and raccoons precluded studies of bait distribution during winter and early spring ( Nelson 1972 ) . The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of eggs for baits during summer and fall for skunks and raccoons. METHODS AND MATERIALS C:hicken eggs containing 50 mg DMCT, a physiological marker masked in 1 ml of cherry flavored syrup, were distributed in a 25-square-mile study area in Brookings and Lake counties in east-central South Dakota. The study area is located in an agricultural region with wetland areas found among a li ited movements of skunks IITERATURE CITED CALDWELL, L. D. 1964. An in^restigation of competition in natural populations of mice. J. Mammal. 45(1):12-30. PETRUSEWICZ, K. 1963. Population growth induced by disturbance in the ecological structure of the population. Ekologia Polska Seria A 11 ( 3 ): 87-125. ( Polish summary. ) PROVO, M. 1962. The role of energy utilization, habitat selection, temperature and light in the regulation of a Sigmodon population. Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. of Georgia. 73pp. SCHNELL, J. H. 1964. An experimental study of carrying capacity based on the disappearance rates of cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidis Komareki) introduced into enclosed areas of natural habitat. Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. of Georgia. 45pp. 1968. The limiting effects of natural This content downloaded from 207.46.13.64 on Sat, 03 Sep 2016 04:51:17 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

Environmental Sources of Variation of Bighorn Sheep Physiologic Values

Environmental Sources of Variation of Bighorn Sheep Physiologic Values

Pecking as a Mortality Factor in Penned Ring-Necked Pheasant Chicks

Pecking of chicks by adult hen pheasants ( Phasisnus colchicus) accounted for a known mortality of 2 to 14 percent of chicks hatched in pens 0.82S to 40 acres in size in a series of studies on pheasant reproduction conducted in Ohio from 1951 through l954. Repeated observations of pecking as a cause of mortality of confined juvenile pheasants raise questions as to the possible occurrence of pecking in wild populations. The purpose of this paper is to report observations of pecking of juveniles by adult hens as a cause of mortality in confined populations of ring-necked pheasants. These observations resulted from four studies of the behavior and productivity of confined pheasants, conducted from 1951 to 1954 by graduate students of ie Ohio Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, The Ohio State University, Columbus, in cooperation wii the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Results of this work are available only in theses. The observations on which this report is based were made by R. J. Smith, F. W. Kessler, W. L. Muhlbach, and V. D. Semones. I thank Helen C. Schultz and Dr. G. C. Sanderson for editorial assistance.

Factors Affecting Growth and Body Size of Roe Deer

Differences in body size of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in four study areas in Denmark were investigated in relation to climate, soils, vegetation types and forest cultures, quality of available forage, population density of roe deer, and other environmental factors. Rumen samples, body weights and measurements, reproductive tissues, and lower jaws were obtained from 73 deer during the study. Body weights and measurements and sex and age data were available from several hundred deer from earlier studies. Field-dressed weight, length of the lower jaw, and femur length showed significant differences among the study areas. The largest deer and those with the most rapid growth were from the two areas that had lower soil fertility, lower ratios of agricultural land to the forest area, lower ratios of perimeter to total forest area, and lower densities of deer. Chemical ana]yses of washed and unwashed rumen contents indicated that the forage being consumed by the deer was of essentially equal quality on the four study areas. In Denmark, soil quality appears to be a primary factor determining density of roe deer or biomass but does not appear to directly regulate body size. Body size is most directly related to population density. The mechanisms by wllich density influences body size are apparently social pressures, which affect energy expenditure and food intake, and competition during spring and early summer when foods of high nutritive quality may be limited and physiological demands of the deer are greatest. Regional differences in growth and body size of roe deer have been observed throughout Europe. Selective hunting, practiced for long periods on numerous large estates in Europe, has failed to bring about increases in size of roe deer and their antlers the specific objectives of the prevailing system of game management. Bubenik (19i59), Hennig (1962), Stubbe (1966), Sagesser (1966), and others have described regional differences in body size and antler quality of roe deer. Ueckermann (1957) attempted to relate size differences to forest composition and to-the relationship of forest edge to field. He also emphasized the importance of the characteristics of the substrate as did Hesse (1921) and Sagesser ( 1966 ) . Bubtenik and Bubenik (1967) have pointed to the significance of environmental stress. Little attention, however, has been directed toward the effect of nutrition on the growth and size of roe deer, and little information is available in 1 Present address: Alaska Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Alaska, College. 64 comparison with the information available for North Ameriean deer. Speeulation by European workers on the possible eauses of regional differences in body size has usually been based on information about only one or a few of the environmental variables that might be involved (for example, vegetative coimposition, substrate, density, and similar factors). Suffieient data have not been available to allow a eonelusive appraisal of the faetors that may influenee body size. This study in Denmark was planned to investigate the influenee of variations in forage quality on the growth and size of roe deer, although it was neeessary to eonsider other faetors of the environment, sueh as vegetative eover types and roe deer density. Because it later beeame apparent that faetors other than forage quality might have a dominant influenee on bo!dy size, the seope of the study was broadened. We aeknowledge the eoolperation and assistanee of Count Ahlefeldt-Bille, J. Due, and P. Thaarup in the use of the study This content downloaded from 157.55.39.215 on Wed, 31 Aug 2016 04:23:09 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms GROWTH AND SIZE OF ROE DEER * Klein and Strandgaard 65 areas. We also appreciate the help of gamekeepers E. Holm and O. Poulsen and foresters O. Jacobsgaard, J. Nielsen, and A. Karlskov. H. Berthelsen did the food habits analyses of the rumen samples and the laboratory work. Chemical analyses of the rumen samples were done by Professor F. Sch,dnheyder and Grete Risgaard at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Aarhus. F. Christoffersen did much of the collecting of the specimen material, and B. Kristiansen assisted in the statistical analyses of the data. Christoffersen, Kristiansen, and J. Andersen were useful sources of information and ideas throughout the study.

Sexual Dimorphism in Beaver Neutrophils

Journal Article Sexual Dimorphism in Beaver Neutrophils Get access Joseph S. Larson, Joseph S. Larson Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01002 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Stephen J. Knapp Stephen J. Knapp Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01002 Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 52, Issue 1, 26 February 1971, Pages 212–215, https://doi.org/10.2307/1378451 Published: 26 February 1971 Article history Accepted: 08 October 1970 Published: 26 February 1971

Dieldrin Effects on Susceptibility of Penned Pheasants to Hand Capture

The offspring of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) which were given 16 capsules once a week of lactose or combinations of lactose and 4, 6, or 10 mg technical grade dieldrin were placed in outdoor pens when 5 weeks of age. In July, August, October, December, and January, these young pheasants were caught by hand. They were more easily caught if both parents had received dieldrin, followed in order by those where hens only and cocks only had received dieldrin. In conducting studies of the effects of dieldrin on pheasants, we observed that chicks produced by parents given dieldrin appeared to be more readily caught by hand than those hatched from parents not given dieldrin. All of the chicks were then caught by hand several times over a 6nlonth period to document differences in susceptibility to capture. Baxter et al. (1969) reported that pheasant chick behavior in a visual cliff test was apparently affected by dieldrin given their parents. Effects of dieldrin on the relearning of visual discrimination and vigilance behavior by sheep have been reported by VanGelder et al. ( 1969). James and Davis ( 196S) reported DDT effects on discrimination ability of the bobwhite quail (Colinus vir. . gtnzanus . We are grateful to W. L. Tucker, South Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station Statistician, for his advice on data analysis. The South Dakota Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit is jointly supported by the South Dakota Department of Games, Fish and Parks, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, South Dakota State University and Wildlife Management Institute. METHODS AND PROCEDURES First generation stock used in this study vt7as purchased from South Dakota Pheasant Company, Canton, South Dakota, in the winter of 1969. Second generatioln birds were offspring we raised from birds purchased from Ringneck Ranch, Frederick, South Dakota, which were given capsules vv-eekly containing 0, 4, 6, or 10 mg dieldrin for 17 weeks from February-June, 1968. From February-June, 1969, all of these yearling birds were given 16 weekly doses of 0, 4, 6, or 10 mg dieldrin. Technical grade dieldrin (furnished by Shell Chemical Company) was administered with lactose in No. 5 gelatin capsules; pure lactose capsules were given to control birds. Based on average food consumption, a 6-mg capsule would correspond to approximately 20 ppm in the diet (Baxter et al. 19699. The general regimen of diet and care followed in this study was that described by Baxter et al. ( 1969 ) . Individually numbered eggs were incubated in pedigree cages; chicks were wing banded at hatching. Chicks used in this study were from 14 hatches betw7een April S-July 12, 1969. They were kept in brooders for 5 weeks and each weekly hatch was then placed outside in a 16x 16-ft pen. On July 14, lS, and 24, all the chicks in pens were caught for the first time. Chicks were again caught on August 18 and October 1. In December, birds were separated

Effect on Acceptability and Fecundity to Pigeons of Coating SC 12937 Bait with Zein or Ethocel

Effect on Acceptability and Fecundity to Pigeons of Coating SC 12937 Bait with Zein or Ethocel

Elevated and Floating Nest Structures for Canada Geese

Two types of goose nesting structures have been designed by the Colorado Division of Game, Fish and Parks. These structures are being used successfully by a resident flock of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in north-central Colorado, primarily Larimer County. The two types of structures are: (1) an elevated single-pole structure which consists of a nest box mounted on a 9-ft post, and (2) a floating canoe-like platform which supports a nest box. The materials, construction, and suggestions for erecting both types of structures are discussed. The Colorado Division of Game, Fish and Parks became active in Canada goose propagation in 1957. Between 1957 and 1962, a total of 34 adult Canada geese, and 381 goslings obtained primarily from the Denver metropolitan flock, were released in Larimer County, north-central Colorado, in an attempt to establish a resident breeding population (Will 1969:5). By 1962, the resident flock was considered well established and in need of no additional introductions (Grieb 1963). At the end of the production season of 1968, the Larimer County flock totaled approximately 1,555 (Will 1969:126). Both the Denver and Larimer County flocks contain primarily giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) (Hanson 1965). Although Larimer County includes a great number of water areas, natural nesting sites for Canada geese are extremely limited. The success and growth of the resident population in recent years has been attributed to the availability of a large number and variety of nesting structures. Of the 440 goose nests established in 1967 and 1968, 59 percent were on man-made sites which included a variety of elevated, ground, and floating structures. In 1967, 59 percent of the 186 available nesting structures were used by nesting geese. In 1968, 68 percent 1Present address: Idaho Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Idaho, Moscow. of the 201 available structures were used. Nesting success on all types of structures uring the 2-year period was 76 percent, while nests on natural sites were only 51 percent successful. Of the 22 nests destroyed by predators during the 2 years, 18 (82 percent) were located on the ground while only 4 (18 percent) were located on nesting structures. Nest desertion appeared to be no greater on man-made sites than on natural sites. Two improved types of nesting structures are being used extensively in Larimer County and are far superior in construction, maintenance, and acceptability by Canada geese, to other types that have been tried. The two types are: (1) an elevated single-pole structure which consists of a nest box mounted on a single pole, and (2) a floating canoe-like platform which supports a nest box. G. I. Crawford is credited with the design of both types of nesting structures. Details on materials, dimensions, and suggestions for construction are available upon request. SINGLE-POLE NEST STRUCTURE The single-pole structure consists of a 6-inch x 9-ft post treated with pentachlorophenol, which supports a 19-X 32-inch nest box (Fig. la). One continuous piece of snow fence, with 21/4 inches between laths, is nailed to a top and bottom frame to