Grus Canadensis Pratensis Research Articles

HAEMOPROTEUS BALEARICAE AND OTHER BLOOD PARASITES OF FREE-RANGING FLORIDA SANDHILL CRANE CHICKS

We obtained blood smears from 114 Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) chicks in Osceola and Lake Counties, Florida, USA, during 1998-2000. Leucocytozoon grusi was observed in 11 (10%) chicks; Haemoproteus antigonis was observed in eight (7%) chicks; and three (3%) chicks were infected with Haemoproteus balearicae. One chick infected with H. balearicae suffered from severe anemia (packed cell volume = 13%) and was later found moribund. At necropsy this bird also had severe anemia and damage to the heart possibly due to hypoxia. This is the first report of H. balearicae in free-ranging North American cranes.

Ultrasonographic imaging of the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) intertarsal joint.

Tendon ossification in the crus and tarsometatarsal regions of cranes makes ultrasonography difficult everywhere except for joints, where ossification is absent. Normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the adult Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) intertarsal joint is described on the basis of ultrasonography that was performed on the limbs of a cadaver, which were dissected and cross-sectioned subsequently, to correlate ultrasonographic images with anatomic structures. Intertarsal joints of five normal sandhill cranes and two cranes with known intertarsal abnormalities were then imaged bilaterally in transverse and sagittal planes. Ultrasonographic imaging can be used to evaluate the soft-tissue structures on the dorsal and plantar aspects of the intertarsal joint of cranes, and it is a useful adjunct to physical and radiographic examination for localizing injuries to this area.

Natal Dispersal in Florida Sandhill Cranes

Knowledge of natal dispersal is essential for understanding how nonmigratory crane populations expand and how this process can be augmented by relocation or reintroduction. We conducted a study from 1988 to 1999 and found that natal dispersal in Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) was female-biased. Females (n = 16) dispersed an average of 11.6 km from their natal territory. Male (n = 12) dispersal averaged 3.9 km. This difference was significant (P 0.05) or affected by gender (P > 0.05). Male philopatry and female-biased natal dispersal are consistent with theories of a resource-based mating system. Timing of the start of dispersal (family breakup) was found to be more closely tied to the female's laying the subsequent clutch than to the age of the juvenile crane.

Investigation into semen characteristics of naturally-fertile pairs in vitro and their correlation with fertility in Florida Sandhill crane

Semen characteristics of naturally fertile pairs and their correlation with fertility of eggs in Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) were examined. Six pairs were used in this experiment, and all of them that had bred before were housed in open individual pens. These pairs were isolated physically each other but not visually and audibly. Semen was collected twice (Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon) from February 26 to June 4, 1993. The standard methods at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were used collecting and evaluating the semen and spermatozoa, and incubating the eggs. There were statistically individual variations (p<0.05) about successful collecting attempts, semen volume, semen concentration, spermatozoon’s motility, spermatozoon’s number per collection, live spermatozoon’s number, male’s response to semen collection, and morphology of spermatozoa except the giant cell. There was a significantly (p<0.05, correlation coefficient was (0.73 or (1.00) negative correlation between fertility of eggs and, the multiple value of semen (sperm) characteristics of naturally fertile pairs in Florida sandhill crane.

HELMINTH AND ARTHROPOD PARASITES OF EXPERIMENTALLY INTRODUCED WHOOPING CRANES IN FLORIDA

Nine species of nematodes, unidentified larval nematodes, three species of trematodes, two species of acanthocephalans and a single species of chewing louse were collected from 1993 to 1995 from 25 introduced whooping cranes (Grus americana) in Florida (USA). In spite of a quarantine procedure involving anthelmintic therapy, three helminth parasites may have been introduced from captive populations. Other parasites acquired were similar to those found in a local congener, the Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), or only occurred infrequently.

Radiographic analysis of the development of the pelvic limb of captive-reared cranes (Grus spp.)

For captive-reared cranes, pelvic limb abnormalities in chicks have been identified as significant morbidity/mortality factors. An important component of the diagnosis of limb abnormalities is the understanding of the normal limb. This study was undertaken to describe the normal, radiographic development of the femur, tibiotarsus, tarsometatarsus, and fibula of the whooping crane (Grus americana), Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis), and Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus). Crane chicks were anesthetized and their pelvic limb bone development evaluated radiographically on a weekly to bimonthly basis from one to fourteen weeks of age. Body weight, bone length, diaphyseal width, and physeal development and closure were evaluated. Based on the radiographic analysis, the gross development of the long bones of the pelvic limb of whooping, Florida sandhill, and Siberian cranes was found to be similar among the three species, and not dissimilar from other avian species which have been studied. Repeated handling, anesthesia, and radiographic exposure did not produce any behavioral, developmental, or physical abnormalities in the studied cranes when compared to cranes of the same species raised using the same methods. This is the first work to describe pelvic limb bone development in these species. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A complex alloantigen system in Florida sandhill cranes, Grus canadensis pratensis: evidence for the major histocompatibility (B) system.

The B blood group system constitutes the major histocompatibility complex (Mhc) in birds. The Mhc is a cluster of genes largely devoted to the processing and presentation of antigen. The Mhc is highly polymorphic in many species and, thus, useful in the evaluation of genetic diversity for fitness traits within populations of a variety of animals. Correlations found between particular Mhc haplotypes and resistance to certain diseases emphasize the importance of understanding the functional significance of diversity of the Mhc, particularly in species threatened with extinction. As part of studies focused on genetic diversity in wild birds, serological techniques were used to define a highly polymorphic alloantigen system in seven families of Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis). The results of analyses with antisera produced within the crane families and with chicken Mhc antigen-specific reagents revealed a single major alloantigen system that is likely the Mhc of the Florida sandhill crane. Preliminary experiments indicate that these crane alloantisera will provide a means of defining the Mhc in other species of cranes.

Home Range and Habitat Use of Florida Sandhill Cranes

Radio-marked subadult and territorial adult Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) used home ranges averaging 2,132 ha and 447 ha, respectively. Territorial adult range size was influenced by season, social status, and habitat quality. Subadult range sizes were largest and territorial adult ranges were smallest during the nesting season. Open, upland habitat (pastures and pasture-transition) use was greater (P : 0.05) than expected. Forested habitat, open water, and emergent palustrine wetlands were used equivalent to or less than their availability.

Nesting, Renesting, and Manipulating Nesting of Florida Sandhill Cranes

Mean laying date of 53 Florida sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pratensis) nests during 1983-87 was 12 March. Mean clutch size for 99 nests was 1.72. Clutch size was not affected by laying date or clutch sequence. Seventy-eight percent of pairs that abandoned or had eggs removed from first or second nests renested; 38% of nests hatched successfully. Intervals between clutches were 18-20 days, irrespective of laying date or the number of days of incubation that preceded nest loss. Nest incubation during daylight hours was shared equally by males and females but was not uniformly distributed throughout the day. Removal of eggs was an effective method of prolonging nesting; however, it would be impractical to use egg removal to synchronize laying dates as part of a large-scale cross-fostering effort. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 52(4):758-763 A cross-fostering study conducted in the Rocky Mountain states revealed that sandhill cranes can foster-rear whooping cranes (Grus americana) and the adopted offspring will migrate along the route used by their foster parents (Drewien and Bizeau 1978). The success of this approach and the existence of a substantial population of nonmigratory sandhill cranes in Florida (Williams 1978) prompted an investigation into the possibility of and methodology for developing a nonmigratory population of whooping cranes in Florida similar to one that existed in Louisiana until the 1940's (Lowery 1974). No nonmigratory whooping cranes exist today; consequently, a study to predict the migratory propensity of a migratory species fosterreared by nonmigratory parents was undertaken in 1981 with greater sandhill cranes (G. c. tabida) as surrogates for whooping cranes (Nesbitt 1982). A problem with this approach that became apparent early in the study was the difference in laying dates between Florida sandhill cranes and greater sandhill cranes, and more importantly, whooping cranes in the wild or in captivity. There may be several ways to circumvent this problem: the photoperiod could be artificially manipulated to hasten egg production in captive cranes, or nesting of candidate, wild, foster parents could be prolonged. To establish nonmigratory whooping cranes using Florida sandhill cranes as foster parents in Florida, we needed an understanding of nesting biology of the resident subspecies. Prior knowledge of peak egg-laying dates, mean clutch size, renesting tendency, interval between clutches, nest attentiveness, and differences in nest attentiveness between sexes would aid in establishment and management of a nonmigratory flock anywhere in the southern United States. Published information on nesting of Florida cranes has come primarily from southcentral Florida. Walkinshaw (1949, 1973, 1976, 1982), Thompson (1970), and Bishop and Collopy (1987) described nests and nesting habitat. Walkinshaw (1985) also described nest attentiveness of male and female Florida sandhill cranes and greater sandhill cranes (Walkinshaw 1965a). Littlefield and Ryder (1968) presented additional information on nesting behavior of color marked male and female greater sandhill cranes in Oregon. The purpose of my study was to evaluate the possibility and best method of prolonging nesting in wild Florida cranes and gain greater understanding of their nesting biology. I appreciate the Florida Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation, for providing access to Paynes Prairie. F. M. and T. J. Cone, C. L. Brice, and H. M. and J. Z. Chitty allowed access to their property. Field assistance was provided by A. S. Wenner, S. T. Schwikert, and J. H. Hintermister V, R. D. Bjork, and K. S. Williams; their help was crucial to this study. Greater sandhill crane eggs used in Florida came from normal nesting pairs in Wisconsin or from captive pairs at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Patuxent Research Center in Laurel, Maryland. I am indebted to personnel with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, International Crane Foundation, and Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. Financial support was provided, in part, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Species Program.

Productivity of Sandhill Cranes in South Central Florida

Selected reproductive parameters of sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) were monitored in south central Florida from 1973 to 1979. Means and ranges () of percentage of pairs with young, brood size, and number of juveniles/100 adults were 38.9 (28.6-78.3), 1.42 (1.24-1.50), and 27.7 (18.6-56.5), respectively. Dates of 8 nests with eggs ranged from 23 February to 26 May; mean number of eggs in 7 clutches was 1.86. Percentage of pairs with young, assumed to be an index of the number of breeding adults, was strongly correlated (r = 0.99) with juveniles/100 adults, whereas brood size was not (r = 0.12). Most (97%) variation in percentage of pairs with young was explained by rainfall in January and March, with high winter rainfall apparently stimulating reproduction and high March rainfall reducing productivity. Drainage of southern Florida wetlands during the past 50+ years has probably altered the quantitative relationship between amount of rainfall and crane reproduction and may be a factor in local variation in productivity in areas with similar rainfall regimes. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 47(1):178-185 The Florida sandhill crane is a nonmigratory subspecies of the sandhill crane occurring from the Okefenokee Swamp in extreme southeastern Georgia to southern Florida. Although no actual censuses of this subspecies have been conducted, recent estimates of the total population range from about 4,000 to 6,000 (Braun et al. 1975, Williams 1978, Nesbitt 1982). Williams (1978) concluded that the population is probably undergoing a slow decline. The subspecies is currently classified as threatened by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Less is known about the reproductive biology of Florida sandhill cranes than for the northern, migratory subspecies (G. c. tabida and G. c. rowani). Most of the available reproductive data for the Florida population is from the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (N.W.R.), Palm Beach County (Thompson 1970) and the Kissimmee Prairie region (Walkinshaw 1949, 1973, 1976, 1979). Additional information on reproductive parameters of Florida sandhills in other parts of the range and under varying environmental conditions is needed to better assess the present status and possible future trends of the population and to provide a sound basis for its management. This paper reports on productivity of cranes in south central Florida from 1973 to 1979. Principal support for the study was provided by Archbold Expeditions, Inc. An aerial survey in 1973 was made possible through the cooperation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and funding from the New York Zoological Society. I thank R. L. Buckbee, D. E. Carter, R. Carter, D. Durrance, J. W. Fitzpatrick, J. Freeling, B. Kittleson, J. F. Lincer, C. E. Lohrer, E. C. Lohrer, F. E. Lohrer, W. McDiffett, D. Moskovits, A. Smith, J. A. Stallcup, A. M. Waggener, Jr., C. E. Winegarner, G. E. Woolfenden, D. J. Worley, and F. M. Yusko for aid in surveys or records of pairs and family groups. I also thank J. H. Hendrie, D. B. Childs, J. B. DeVane, G. Darroh, W. Prescott, W. J. Scarborough and Sons, Lykes Brothers, Inc., and Bright Hour Ranch for allowing access to their lands.

Coccidia of Sandhill Cranes, Grus canadensis

Eimeria gruis Yakinoff and Matschoulsky 1935, Eimeria reichenowi Yakimoff and Matschoulsky 1935, and an Adelina species are described from sandhill cranes in the United States. E. gruis was found in the feces of 11 of 14 Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) and 62 of 72 greater sandhill cranes (G. c. tabida) from Florida, 5 of 14 greater sandhill cranes from Arizona, and 4 of 16 lesser sandhill cranes (G. c. canadensis) from Texas. E. reichenowi was found in the feces of 12 of 14 Florida sandhill cranes and 66 of 72 greater sandhill cranes from Florida, 4 of 14 greater sandhill cranes from Arizona, and 5 of 16 lesser sandhill cranes from Texas. Adelina sp. was found in the feces of 3 of 14 Florida sandhill cranes and 2 of 72 greater sandhill cranes from Florida. The Adelina species is considered to be a spurious parasite of the cranes.

AVIAN POX IN FLORIDA SANDHILL CRANES

Cutaneous elevations were present on the feet, legs and heads of four Florida sandhill cranes, Grus canadensis pratensis, (one free-living, three penreared birds). As a result of examination of the elevations by light- and electron microscopy, it was determined that the lesions were caused by poxvirus. This is the first record of pox in cranes in North America.

A Colony of Sandhill Cranes in Mississippi

The small isolated colony of Florida sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) in southeastern Mississippi was studied during 1963 through the spring of 1970. The important feeding and nesting habitats are boggy savannas and swamps. The total estimated population is between 38 and 40 birds. The egg-laying period was between April 4 and May 20. Thirty nests were found containing an average of 1.7 eggs per completed set. From a total of 51 eggs, 22 were collected for propagation purposes; 29 were left in the nests and 18 successfully hatched. Four nests were abandoned and none was destroyed by predation. The colony is endangered by pine plantations, drainage, an interstate highway, and increasing housing developments. The establishment of state, federal, or private refuges is recommended if the colony is to survive. SANDHILL CRANES IN MISSISSIPPI * Valentine and Noble 761 Variations in clutch size) hatchability, and weather prior to oviposition are unlikely to significantly affect the mean numbel of ruffed grouse per brood at hatching in southern Ontario. It will be necessary to account for gross variations in observed age ratios among years by other variables such as percentage of nests that are destroyed, phenology of nest destruction, renesting rate, and immature mortality rate.