Hunting Trips Research Articles

Perceptions and practices of Swedish wild boar hunters in relation to African swine fever before the first outbreak in Sweden

BackgroundThe first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Sweden was detected in 2023 in wild boar. This study was conducted before the first ASF outbreak with the objective of investigating Swedish hunters’ perceptions and practices pertaining to ASF ahead of any potential future outbreak.A mixed-methods interview study with Swedish wild boar hunters, consisting of focus group discussions and a questionnaire, was undertaken between October 2020 and December 2021. Six focus groups were conducted online, and an online questionnaire with questions related to practices and habits concerning hunting, the use of bait and hunting trips was sent to all members of the Swedish Hunting and Wildlife Association. A total of 3244 responses were received.ResultsThree general themes were identified in a thematic analysis of the data from the focus groups: hunters are willing to engage in ASF prevention and control, simplicity and feasibility are crucial for the implementation of reporting, sampling and control measures, and more information and the greater involvement of the authorities are required in ASF prevention and control. Results from the questionnaire showed that the use of bait was common. Products of animal origin were rarely used for baiting; the most common product used was maize. Hunting trips abroad, especially outside of the Nordic countries, were uncommon.ConclusionsHunting tourism and the use of bait do not seem to constitute a major risk for the introduction of ASF to wild boar populations in Sweden. The accessibility of relevant information for each concerned stakeholder and the ease of reporting and sampling are crucial to maintain the positive engagement of hunters.

The Stone Age of Qeqertarsuup Tunua (Disko Bugt). A regional analysis of the Saqqaq and Dorset cultures of Central West Greenland

The present text is a revised version of the Ph.D. thesis ‘Tent Rings and Stone Tools’ defended by the author on March 11th 2005 at the University of Copenhagen. Saqqaq and Dorset sites excavated by the author in the southern part of Qeqertarsuup Tunua (Disko Bugt) form the empirical basis for a comparison of Saqqaq and Dorset settlement in the area. Earlier reconstructions of the cultural history were based mainly on observations of stratified middens. In contrast to this, the present work focuses on the ‘horizontal dimension’ within the archaeological record. As a consequence, settlement patterns, dwelling types and the spatial organisation of dwellings are the principal objectives. Saqqaq and Dorset settlement patterns are broadly similar and it is concluded that there is little evidence to suggest any major difference in economy or adaptation between the two periods. Both Saqqaq and Dorset settlement patterns are characterised by a number of large settlements located strategically near the most productive biotopes. Minor settlements, most often occupied during the warm season, are found within the catchment area, indicating annual recurring dispersal of the population during the warmer months. Only Sydostbugten, in Southeastern Qeqertarsuup Tunua, appears to exhibit significant differences between Saqqaq and Dorset settlement patterns. Large Dorset settlements have not been found in Sydostbugten and it is suggested that this area, probably due to climatic oscillations, was less attractive for settlement during the Dorset period than it was in the Saqqaq. Consequently, the Dorset people seem only to have utilised Sydostbugten for specialised seasonal camps. Saqqaq and Dorset accommodation comprises distinct summer and winter dwellings. During both periods, the summer dwellings are characterised by what are believed to be single family tents. These occur in two principal varieties: Tent rings, with a central hearth, and mid-passage tent rings, where the interior is divided in two by parallel lines of stones. This difference in architecture is suggested to result from variation in the social composition of the inhabitants. Winter dwellings of both the Saqqaq and Dorset cultures are characterised by more solidly built structures. In the Saqqaq culture there are ‘platform dwellings’ and mid-passage structures filled with fire-cracked rocks. During the Dorset, the winter dwellings are characterised by ‘double-platform dwellings’, in which a central floor area divides the interior into two platforms that are often paved. The presence of more than one hearth or lamp stand, as well as ‘mirrored’ distributions of the most frequent tool categories to the left and right of the central floor area, is interpreted as a result of these dwellings being occupied by two families. Chapter 7 focuses on Saqqaq raw material distribution from killiaq sources in the vicinity of Qaarsut and Angissat. The raw material distribution from these two sources is characterised as a regional and local system. The procurement and subsequent distribution of raw materials from Angissat in Southern Qeqertarsuup Tunua appears thus to have been imbedded in the local resource exploitation. Much of the raw material extraction appears to have been carried out by hunting parties visiting the outcrop during summer hunting trips. In contrast to this, Qaarsut at Nuussuaq shows evidence of a more comprehensive production of preforms, which were distributed through-out Western Greenland. Economically as well as socially, there appear to be numerous similarities between the Saqqaq and Dorset cultures. However, when evaluating the radiocarbon dates, there appears to be discontinuity between the two periods as is also suggested by earlier excavations of stratified deposits. In Sisimiut District, to the south of Qeqertarsuup Tunua, the latest Saqqaq dates overlap with the oldest Dorset dates. Theoretically, there could be continuity between the two periods outside Qeqertarsuup Tunua, however the archaeological evidence for such a development has yet to be found. When the cultural history of Qeqertarsuup Tunua is compared with that of Peary Land, the dwelling types and chronological units appear very similar. In the case of Dorset and Independence II, the similarities also extend to include the lithic inventory. As a consequence it is difficult to maintain a division between Dorset in Western and Southern Greenland and Independence II in the High Arctic.

What waterfowl hunters want: exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences

Canadian and American waterfowl hunters were surveyed to identify their hunting trip preferences. Respondents were individuals that were now participating or had participated in waterfowl hunting, and most had hunted the majority of the last five years. We identified four latent classes of waterfowl hunters that varied in their preferences for harvest, access effort, length of travel, quantity of waterfowl seen, and the potential for interference/competition. We found a diminishing return associated with the number of waterfowl harvested, and that ‘devoted’ and ‘local’ hunters did not perceive appreciable benefit from harvesting more birds beyond harvesting a single bird. Results highlight the importance of not only considering population size, but also the location of habitat for people and waterfowl. Our results provide waterfowl managers important insights into the heterogeneity of North American waterfowl hunters by highlighting differences in priorities for waterfowl hunting trips. Notably, to address this heterogeneity, managers could consider the balance of objectives, actions and resources designed to satisfy current waterfowl hunters. Managing access to improve the likelihood that hunters will see and have opportunities to harvest some waterfowl has benefit to hunters.

Intergroup Cooperation in Shotgun Hunting Among BaYaka Foragers and Yambe Farmers from the Republic of the Congo

Whereas many evolutionary models emphasize within-group cooperation or between-group competition in explaining human large-scale cooperation, recent work highlights a critical role for intergroup cooperation in human adaptation. Here we investigate intergroup cooperation in the domain of shotgun hunting in northern Republic of the Congo. In the Congo Basin broadly, forest foragers maintain relationships with neighboring farmers based on systems of exchange regulated by norms and institutions such as fictive kinship. In this study, we examine how relationships between Yambe farmers and BaYaka foragers support stable intergroup cooperation in the domain of shotgun hunting. In the study village, shotgun hunting is based on a specialization-based exchange wherein Yambe farmers contribute shotguns and access to markets to buy cartridges and sell meat while BaYaka foragers contribute their specialized forest knowledge and skill. To understand how costs and benefits are distributed, we conducted structured interviews with 77 BaYaka hunters and 15 Yambe gun owners and accompanied hunters on nine hunting trips. We found that hunts are organized in a conventional manner within a fictive kinship structure, consistent with the presence of intercultural mechanisms to stabilize cooperation. However, because bushmeat demand is high, gun owners can gain significant cash profit, while compensating hunters only with cigarettes, alcohol, and a traditional hunter’s portion of meat. To level payoffs, hunters strategically hide kills or cartridges from gun owners to feed their own families. Our results illustrate how each group prioritizes different currencies (e.g., cash, meat, family, intergroup relations) and provide insights into how intergroup cooperation is stabilized in this setting. The example of this long-standing intergroup cooperative system is discussed in terms of its contemporary entwinement with logging, the bushmeat trade, and growing market intersection.

Spatial and temporal responses to incentives: An application to wildlife disease management

When participating in recreation individuals decide on where to go (locations) and when to participate (which time periods), and they respond to changes in external factors (e.g., environmental quality changes, provision of incentives). In examining economic decision-making, economists focus mostly on location choices, thus the behavioral and welfare impacts of the incentives associated with time choices are largely unknown. In this paper, we develop and estimate a flexible econometric model that combines spatial and temporal choices. The model is applied to examine individuals’ location and time choices of their recreation trips in response to extended recreation seasons that are proposed to encourage hunting for wildlife disease management. The data are from an online revealed and stated preference survey of recreational hunters in Alberta, Canada. We find that individuals substitute activities spatially and temporally, take more hunting trips, and gain welfare benefits when they can more flexibly choose the time of activities. Our findings show that increases in time flexibility can be used as an incentive to encourage beneficial outcomes.

Faunal remains from the Upper Paleolithic site of Nahal Rahaf 2 in the southern Judean Desert, Israel

Nahal Rahaf 2 (NR2) is an Early Upper Paleolithic (ca. 35 kya) rock shelter in the southern Judean Desert in Israel. Two excavation seasons in 2019 and 2020 revealed a stratigraphical sequence composed of intact archaeological surfaces attributed to the ‘Arkov-Divshon’ cultural entity of the arid southern Levant. We present the faunal assemblages from the site, which are rare among the desert sites due to preservation problems. Our results suggest that the residents of the site exploited prime adult caprines (Capra cf. Capra ibex), but were also engaged in hunting of gazelles (Gazella cf. Gazella gazella), whose carcasses were selectively transported to the site and processed for within-bone nutrients. Long-range hunting trips are suggested by the body-part selection in relatively small bovids, and by the presence of species representing wetter habitat patches 20-30 km north of the site. The bi-focal emphasis on generalized gazelle and age-specific caprine hunting, is unique among Late Pleistocene sites from the Levant. The proportion of caprines increases through the stratigraphic sequence, suggesting more specialized economy through time and in inverse relations to site use intensity.

Theodore Roosevelt, Naturalist in the Arena ed. by Char Miller and Clay S. Jenkinson

Reviewed by: Theodore Roosevelt, Naturalist in the Arena ed. by Char Miller and Clay S. Jenkinson Julie Courtwright Theodore Roosevelt, Naturalist in the Arena. Edited by Char Miller and Clay S. Jenkinson. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2020. vii + 264 pp. Illustrations, index. $24.95 paper. Theodore Roosevelt: Naturalist in the Arena, edited by Char Miller and Clay S. Jenkinson, is an anthology about Theodore Roosevelt (TR)'s enduring legacy as a conservationist and lover of nature. It is a familiar topic, but the writers attempt to add fresh perspectives by studying Roosevelt's "manifold encounters with the great outdoors" through an interdisciplinary lens (xiv). The result is an appealing and readable book that highlights both TR's familiar and less familiar connections with nature, as well as his quirky behavior and notable intellect. Some of the writers also explore Roosevelt's less laudable opinions, most notably his evolving attitudes toward race, and their connection to the president's "intellectual and affective response to the natural world" (xiv). The editors have divided the book into three sections. The first, "Field Notes," examines Roosevelt's lesser-known work as a "scientist and curator, observer and recorder" (xiv). Here, writers feature TR as a writer, bird-lover, and urban explorer. Melanie Choukas-Bradley's chapter about Roosevelt's love affair with Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC, is a fascinating window into his everyday relationship with nature, independent of his famous trips to the American West. For Great Plains enthusiasts, Thomas Cullen Bailey and Katherine Joslin include an analysis of Roosevelt's writing, including Hunting Trips of a Ranchman (1885) and its relationship to the president's personal grief and the Great Plains landscape. The second section, "Outside Influences," explores TR's relationship with notable individuals such as George Bird Grinnell, Gifford Pinchot, John Muir, and William T. Hornaday. Jenkinson's chapter, "The Cowboy, the Crusader, and the Salvation of the American Buffalo," is the most Great Plains-centric chapter. It describes Roosevelt and Hornaday's separate hunting trips to the Northern Plains, taken at a time when the number of bison in the region was negligible and declining fast. Hornaday, chief taxidermist at the National Museum of Natural History, collected bison specimens for preservation at his museum. Both men had "conversion experiences" (xix) regarding the bison, although Roosevelt initially viewed their extermination as an unfortunate consequence of white conquest of the West. Hornaday, after personally killing some of the last wild bison in the Plains, worked to save the animals from extinction. Eventually the two men met and joined forces as prominent members of the American Bison Society, a group charged with preservation. After multiple chapters focused on details surrounding Roosevelt's relationship with nature, section 3 widens the scope to place Roosevelt as a naturalist within the context of history and the world. Elliott West connects Roosevelt's thoughts and actions about big business, immigration, and conservation to the American West and its place within the American story, while Ian Tyrrell looks at Roosevelt's influence on the world stage and his impact on conservation beyond the United States. There are occasional errors in the book. The University of Iowa is not at Ames (138), for example, and at least one author presents an ahistorical interpretation of the near-extinction of the bison (127). At other times, the book would have benefited from closer [End Page 267] editing. Jenkinson is unclear about whether Roosevelt and Hornaday were true friends or just professional acquaintances, for example. There are also virtually no historical women in the entire book. Inconsistencies and omissions aside, Theodore Roosevelt: Naturalist in the Arena is a welcome addition to the Roosevelt historiography. Its interdisciplinary approach allows for diverse topics and points of view, grounded by their shared connection to the natural world and Roosevelt's place within it. Julie Courtwright Department of History Iowa State University Copyright © 2023 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Modelling the impact of hunting on the coexistence of congeneric deer species in Central Amazonia

AbstractThe long‐term coexistence of sympatric species is dependent on segregation in at least one of three niche dimensions: space, time or feeding habits. Hunting by people can influence species' temporal and spatial patterns and consequently affect their coexistence. We tested the hypothesis that hunting influences spatial and temporal patterns of coexistence of two sympatric deer species (Mazama americana and Mazama nemorivaga) in central Amazonia. We described deer hunting patterns using data from an 18‐year community‐based hunting monitoring program and predicted the spatial distribution of deer hunting trips. We used camera traps to (1) estimate the habitat use patterns of each species through conditional occupancy, (2) evaluate whether these species interact and (3) assess how modelled hunting intensity affects deer habitat occupancy. We also tested the temporal overlap of activity time between both species and hunters. We did not find evidence of hunting effects on occupancy and interaction, nor of spatial segregation among the deer species. M. americana was primarily nocturnal and M. nemorivaga primarily diurnal. The overlap between species' temporal activities was relatively low, suggesting temporal niche segregation between species. Hunting activity was mainly diurnal and overlapped with M. nemorivaga active hours. However, we found that M. americana was more frequently hunted than M. nemorivaga. The probability of daytime activity was not influenced by hunting intensity. Temporal segregation, with asynchrony of activity periods, seems to be the mechanism behind the coexistence of M. americana and M. nemorivaga in Central Amazonia. The absence of hunting effects on brocket deer species in our study area suggests a low impact of harvest on both species' behaviour. This indicates that contexts of low human density and large extensions of pristine forests can enable hunted brocket deer populations to be sustained through source‐sink dynamics.

Freelisting as a suitable method to estimate the composition and harvest rates of hunted species in tropical forests

The aim of this study was to test the use of measures obtained from freelisting as possible surrogates of the harvest rate of game species. For this purpose, we interviewed 100 rural and urban hunters in southwestern Amazonia to obtain the frequency of citations of each hunted species through freelisting and gather information on the number of individuals hunted per species in the last five hunting events through hunting recalls. We assessed the relationship between the percentage of records per species by each method through a generalized linear model, and then compared the predicted values obtained from this model with the values observed in our dataset using Pearson’s correlation. During freelisting, forty-three taxa were listed in 608 citations as hunted by the informants. Freelisting provided data on around twice the number of species obtained from recalls. During the last five hunting trips, urban hunters reported the hunting of 164 individuals of 18 species, representing 54.5% of the freelisted species. Rural hunters caught 146 individuals of 21 species, 60.0% of the freelisted species. We found a strong logistic relationship between the harvest rates, i.e., percentage of individuals hunted per species from recalls, and the freelisting percentage citations of game species, with the estimated and observed values of harvest rates highly matching (Pearson's R = 0.98, p < 0.0001). The freelisting method allowed a good estimate of the composition and the harvest rates of hunted species. The formula produced in this study can be used as a reference for further studies, enabling researchers to use freelisting effectively to assess the composition of hunted species and to address the difficulty of obtaining reliable data on species harvest rates in tropical forests, especially in short-term studies and contexts in which hunters distrust research.

Combining Citizen Science Data and Satellite Descriptors of Ecosystem Functioning to Monitor the Abundance of a Migratory Bird during the Non-Breeding Season

Migratory birds are particularly exposed to habitat changes in their breeding and non-breeding grounds. Remote sensing technologies offer an excellent opportunity to monitor species’ habitats from space at unprecedented spatiotemporal scales. We analyzed if remotely sensed ecosystem functioning attributes (EFAs) adequately predict the spatiotemporal variation of the Woodcock’s (Scolopax rusticola) relative abundance in southwest Europe, during autumn migration and wintering periods. We used data gathered from Woodcock monitoring through citizen science (N = 355,654 hunting trips) between 2009 and 2018. We computed a comprehensive set of EFAs on a weekly basis from three MODIS satellite products: enhanced vegetation index (EVI), tasseled cap transformation (TCT), and land surface temperature (LST). We developed generalized linear mixed models to explore the predictive power of EFAs on Woodcock’s abundance during the non-breeding season. Results showed that Woodcock abundance is correlated with spatiotemporal dynamics in primary productivity (measured through the EVI), water cycle dynamics (wetness component of TCT), and surface energy balance (LST) in both periods. Our findings underline the potential of combining citizen science and remote sensing data to monitor migratory birds throughout their life cycles—an issue of critical importance to ensure adequate habitat management in the non-breeding areas.

고려시기 사냥의 성행(盛行)과 대책

In Goryeo, hunting was not just military training or a hobby activity. It was a very important occupation. Livestock farming began early, but it had a difficult time spreading broadly due to its need for agricultural byproducts. Wildlife provided various resources that human beings needed along with livestock. People would hunt savage beasts such as the tiger, leopard, bear, and wolf. They would also hunt the roe deer, deer, hare, and boar. The hawk and the pheasant were the most important birds to hunt. It is estimated that the hare, pheasant, deer, roe deer, and fox were captured most. Once captured, wildlife served various uses. The tiger, leopard, bear, marten, otter, deer, and roe deer provided previous skins, and the marten and fox supplied clothes materials. The deer, hare, and wild goose were used as offerings at important sacrificial ceremonies at the national level. The most important use of wildlife was food. Good examples of wildlife that provided food materials include the deer, roe deer, hare, boar, and pheasant. Wildlife was traded in the market or used as a gift or bribe. Being recognized for their international value, the hawk, tiger, bear, leopard, marten, and otter skins served very important purposes in diplomatic relations. Almost all the social classes engaged in hunting. Local officials and military commanders would mobilize many people on their hunting trips. Yangsucheok and Hwacheok engaged in hunting as their full-time job. Hunting was very dangerous and hindered farming often, which made the government put restrictions on hunting. An emphasis on livestock farming was deeply related to hunting as the spread of livestock farming led to a lower need for hunting. It was very important how the government would deal with Yangsucheok that was fully devoted to hunting as a job while serving no compulsory labor. Between late Goryeo and early Joseon, there were active efforts to reduce discrimination against them including providing them with farming land, helping them settle down in an agricultural village, encouraging them to marry common people, and changing their title to Baekjeong. The strong martial nature of the Goryeo society is deeply connected to the prevalence of hunting as hunting required archery and horse riding skills along with bravery and agility.

Nangaghneghput – our way of life

Like all Indigenous people, I believe my home – the land and waters of St Lawrence Island in the Bering Strait – is the most special and sacred place on Earth. For thousands of years, my ancestors thrived here. Even throughout the millennia when there were periodic changes in climate, the variety and quantity of the natural resources sustained us. Whales, walrus, seals, seabirds, and millions of fish migrate through the strait between southern oceans and Arctic seas as the sea ice retreats in spring and advances in fall. However, we are now experiencing astonishing environmental change that is causing an unsettling shift in the traditional, ageless rhythms of our communities. Siku, sea ice, remains the most real and powerful presence in our relationship with our world in the Arctic. It defines our seasons and activities. For instance, our sea ice is important even as it begins to break apart and retreat north. It calms the wind-driven ocean waves and provides the perfect platform for finding, harvesting, and safely retrieving seals and walrus. The spring hunting season remains the most critical time for ensuring our communities’ food security, which depends on the complex interaction between the quality of the sea ice, wind direction and strength, general weather conditions, and marine mammals’ migration timing and location. However, as the condition of our sea ice weakens, our traditional hunting seasons are dissolving and blending together, with hunter safety becoming an increasing concern. We are traveling farther with less sea ice and with what seems like more disruptive, stormy weather during our hunting trips. Also with warmer seas, we are experiencing growing threats to the Arctic marine ecosystems on which we depend, including harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, an unusual degree of mass mortality events involving marine mammals, and, perhaps most seriously, the destabilization of the Bering Sea food web. As the ice-free season lengthens to allow increasing commercial fishing and large vessel traffic, we are contending with oil and gas contamination, extensive marine debris, noise pollution, and increased risk of catastrophic accidents. Not only does this all challenge Arctic Indigenous people’s way of life, it also presents major unanswered national and international governance questions. Arctic Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and communities are indispensable to understanding and responding effectively to an evolving Arctic. Once commonly known as traditional ecological knowledge, IK goes beyond observations and ecological research. It is a systematic way of thinking applied to phenomena across biological, physical, cultural, and spiritual systems. It has developed over millennia and continues to do so as a living process, including knowledge acquired today and in the future, passed on from generation to generation. It is not something simply to be documented as data to be used by others for their own purposes. Instead, its true value is found when it is applied by our IK experts and knowledge bearers to questions about the health, condition, and well-being of their world – the land, waters, air, and all who inhabit it. It offers a unique “way of knowing” that can help complete humankind’s understanding of the Arctic, and which is necessary for informing scientific research and public policy. Indigenous Knowledge is grounded in the fundamental cultural belief of respecting and conserving the gifts the Creator provides us. Only by cherishing the blessing of a harvested walrus (or whale, or seal) are we worthy of continued successful hunting. Even our thoughts while accepting the gift offered to us must be proper and respectful, because they reflect how well we care for and conserve what is given. We give thanks. The cultural practice of humbly sharing our harvest is an expression of this understanding. While it is beyond translation, this profoundest IK and way-of-knowing in my language is Esla. It encompasses and connects all things. One of my mentors, the late Caleb Pungowiyi, would share a lesson from his grandmother to “listen to the whispers of the grass”. We must realize the importance of being closely connected to our environment, to open our ears to hear, or our eyes to see, or any of our senses to experience. We must open ourselves even to what may seem irrelevant. So while the natural world is acting strangely and the traditional rhythms of our lives are unsettled, the Arctic will always be our home, eternal and sacred. It seems that we now are struggling with our land and waters and are not in balance with them, as before; but our communities will continue adapting and will rely on our IK to maintain our relationship properly with our world. VERA K METCALF Eskimo Walrus Commission, Nome, AK

Understanding Determinants of Hunting Trip Productivity in an Arctic Community

We examine factors underlying hunting productivity among Inuit in Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. Specifically, we focus on the role of gasoline use as the main variable of interest—commonly cited as a crucial determinant of hunting participation. Over the course of 12 months, 10 hunters recorded their on-the-land activities using a GPS tracking system, participatory mapping sessions, and bi-weekly interviews. A multivariable linear regression model (MvLRM) was applied to assess whether factors such as consumables used (i.e. heating fuel, gasoline, oil, food), distances traveled, or the number of companions on a trip were associated with the mass of edible foods returned to the community. Results indicate that, despite being positively associated with hunting trip productivity when assessed through a univariable linear regression model, gasoline is not a statistically significant determinant of standalone trip yield when adjusting for other variables in a multivariable linear regression. Instead, factors relating to seasonality, number of companions, and days on the land emerged as more significant and substantive drivers of productivity while out on the land. The findings do not suggest that access to, or the availability of, gasoline does not affect whether a hunting trip commences or is planned, nor that an increase in the amount of gasoline available to a hunter might increase the frequency of trips (and therefore annual productivity). Rather, this work demonstrates that the volume of gasoline used by harvesters on standalone hunting trips represent a poor a priori predictor of the edible weight that harvesters are likely to return to the community.

Movement ecology, breeding, diet, and roosting behavior of barn owls (Tyto alba) in a transboundary conflict region

Transboundary frontiers often contain wildlife habitats that are fractured by geopolitical borders, which could have adverse effects on the wildlife that inhabit those areas. We examined the movement, breeding, roosting, and diet of 15 GPS-tagged barn owls (Tyto alba) along the Israeli-Jordanian and Israeli-Palestinian Authority borders. Our results showed that 80% of the barn owls hunted across the border. On average, the owls engaged in 5.4 hunting trips per night, 16% of which were cross-border excursions, and they crossed the borders as frequently as expected randomly, highlighting the importance of wildlife protection on all sides. Hunting movement, rather than cross-border activity, had an effect on the annual reproductive success and diet composition. Specifically, female owls that spent more time at the nest and engaged in longer distance hunting trips had higher reproductive success. Eighty percent of the females roosted outside of the nest box at a median distance of 908 m (range = 199–4112 m). Only 13.3% of the owls (2/15 owls) roosted across the border. These results increase our understanding of the movement, breeding, and roosting behavior of a non-migratory avian raptor. However, a serious lack of cooperation and communication between bordering countries hampers our ability to understand the full effects of differing environmental policies on a species that knows no borders.

Wild meat hunting and use by sedentarised Baka Pygmies in southeastern Cameroon

As a result of sedentarisation many Baka Pygmies have changed their mobility patterns away from nomadic lifestyles to living in roadside villages. These settled groups are increasingly dependent on cultivated foods but still rely on forest resources. The level of dependence on hunting of wild animals for food and cash, as well as the hunting profiles of sedentarised Pygmy groups is little known. In this study we describe the use of wild meat in 10 Baka villages along the Djoum-Mintom road in southeastern Cameroon. From data collected from 1,946 hunting trips by 121 hunters, we show that most trips are of around 13 hours and a median of eight hours. A mean ± SD of 1.15 ± 1.11 animal carcasses are taken in a single trip; there was a positive correlation between duration of trips and carcasses. A total of 2,245 carcasses of 49 species of 24 animal families were taken in the study; species diversity was similar in all villages except one. Most hunted animals were mammals, with ungulates contributing the highest proportion. By species, just over half of the animal biomass extracted by all hunters in the studied villages was provided by four mammal species. Most animals were trapped (65.77% ± 16.63), followed by shot with guns (22.56% ± 17.72), other methods (8.69% ± 6.96) and with dogs (2.96% ± 4.49). A mean of 7,569.7 ± 6,103.4 kg yr−1 (2,080.8–19,351.4) were extracted per village, giving 75,697 kg yr−1 in total, which is equivalent to 123 UK dairy cattle. In all villages, 48.07% ± 17.58 of animals hunted were consumed by the hunter and his family, around 32.73% ± 12.55, were sold, followed by a lower percentage of carcasses partially sold and consumed (19.21% ± 17.02). Between 60% and 80% of carcasses belonged to the “least concern” category, followed by “near threatened”, “vulnerable” and, rarely “endangered”. The only endangered species hunted was the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). We suggest that hunting is a critical activity that provides a vital source of food for our study communities. Measured wild meat extraction levels are likely to be sustainable if hunter densities do not increase.

Seasonal and Regional Differences in Economic Benefits of Turkey Hunting

ABSTRACTWild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris; hereafter, turkey) hunting is a popular outdoor recreation activity in many states, including Tennessee, USA. Despite its cultural and social significance, economic benefits associated with turkey hunting are largely unknown. Past economic studies either focused on other big game species or provided generic value for big game, and do not offer benefit estimates specific to turkey. We estimated a demand model for turkey hunting trips in Tennessee and quantified per‐trip and statewide aggregate value of turkey hunting. We compared the net economic value of turkey hunting trips between hunting seasons (autumn and spring) and wildlife management regions that differ in many aspects including turkey population, hunting regulations, etc. Per person per trip value of turkey hunting ranged between US$34 and US$90 depending on the modeling assumption regarding hunters’ opportunity cost of time. Moreover, estimated value differed among regions and between hunting seasons, with the value of a turkey‐hunting trip in the spring season being twice that of the autumn season. Many states in southern United States, including Tennessee, have recently experienced declines in turkey populations and are in need of economic justifications for investment in research and management. Our results are useful to wildlife agencies in characterizing economic benefits of turkey hunting and evaluating the welfare implications of regulations (e.g., closure, reduction in season length) restricting or expanding hunting opportunities. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.

Observations of Annual Walrus (<i>Odobenus rosmarus divergens</i>) Migrations in the Nearshore Waters of the Chukotka Peninsula from 1990 to 2012

After the end of the commercial harvest, research regarding the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in Russia was reduced and focused on the observation of animals at land-based haul-outs. This paper presents the long-term observations of the distribution, relative abundance, and direction of seasonal movements of walruses in the offshore waters of the Chukotka Peninsula, based on data obtained in 1990 – 2012. Observations of Pacific walruses and other marine mammals were conducted mainly from April through November, but some were conducted all year round. In some years up to 30 Native Chukotkan observers were employed at this task. Some watched from observation posts in Native villages onshore, and others from motorboats during hunting trips. These observations have shown that walruses are rare in January and February in the nearshore waters of the Chukotka Peninsula. Their numbers begin to increase in March. The northward movement of walruses begins in April, and walruses migrate from the Bering Sea to the Chukchi Sea throughout the summer months and early autumn. Based on observations from posts located directly in front of the southern Bering Strait, I conclude that 106 – 1055 walruses pass through the Bering Strait from July to September, to the northwest and north. At the haul-outs in the Gulf of Anadyr, the relative number of walruses remains stable during the summer (up to 11 000 individuals at all haul-outs in total based on observers’ estimates) and decreases only with the appearance of ice in October – November.

BOGUSLAVO RADVILOS ĮVAIZDIS PAGAL JO PRIVATŲ DIENORAŠTĮ – POMĖGIAI, PRAMOGOS, SVEIKATA / BOGUSLAVAS RADVILA’S IMAGE BASED ON HIS PRIVATE DIARY – HOBBIES, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH

BOGUSLAVAS RADVILA’S IMAGE BASED ON HIS PRIVATE DIARY – HOBBIES, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH ELŻBIETA B A G I Ń S K A The article offers a glance at the personality of Boguslavas Radvila (Bogusław Radziwiłł) (1620–1669), the last male representative of the Radvila Biržai branch, the Master of the Stables of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Governor of the Duchy of Prussia (as of 14 October 1657), through the records in his personal diary (1661–1666). The diary ontains information on B. Radvila’s private life which is discussed in the article. When speaking about B. Radvila’s image, which becomes obvious from the related to his ealth and character is analysed. Moreover, the uniqueness and importance of B. Radvila’s private diary as an historical source in the analysis of his personality and every-day life is revealed. The preserved part of Boguslavas Radvila’s private diary covers the period from 1 October 1661 to 31 August 1666, thus determining the chronological framework of this article. The material presented in the private diary is much more extensive than the information pertaining to the same period (1661–1666) contained in the published autobiography of the Duke. Most of the private diary records were made in Konigsberg. Boguslavas Radvila kept his diary consistently, tried not to let a single day pass without a record, at times a very brief one. The private diary is an initial source, more authentic than the autobiography. It is free from propaganda- and eulogy-related features, contains very few chronological “gaps”. Arguably, the diary has additional value as a source of the later compiled Boguslavas Radvila’s autobiography. Despite the abovementioned virtues, Boguslavas Radvila’s private diary has hitherto been little used in historical research. The article analyses Boguslavas Radvila’s records pertaining to his library, archives, and kunstkamera, which at that time were located in Konigsberg, and discusses the Duke’s taste for accumulating valuable items. The analysed information on Boguslavas Radvila’s entertainment preferences and spare-time activities includes the attended theatre performances, the viewed firework displays, and his passion for gambling, particularly card games. Information as to his alcohol consumption habits has also been discussed. Other entertainments worth mentioning include horse riding, target shooting, and fishing. The diary suggests that Boguslavas Radvila’s true passion was hunting. He was so meticulous about registering the hunting trips, his trophies, and misadventures that an assumption can be made that this is the most consistent information in the diary. The total of huntingrelated records throughout the diary (01/10/1661–31/08/1666) was estimated at 120. In addition, the information pertaining to Boguslavas Radvila’s health was analysed. Although the diary supports the facts detectable in historiography about the Duke’s serious health issues, it also lets us qualify or doubt certain propositions, e.g., that suggesting that on 14 October 1664, while in Minsk, Boguslavas Radvila suffered a heart attack. The article closes with the analysis of Boguslavas Radvila’s emotional state which he himself would define as “melancholy” and very personal records describing his dreams. The conclusions drawn by the author of the article allow a better understanding of Boguslavas Radvila’s personality, the contrariety between the Duke’s public image and his private self, eflective of his inner world.

Hunting practices in northern Australia and their implication for disease transmission between community dogs and wild dogs

This survey aimed to understand hunting practices involving domestic dogs in remote Indigenous communities in northern Australia and, in the context of disease transmission, describe the domestic-wild dog interface and intercommunity interactions of hunting dogs during hunting activities. A cross-sectional survey of 13 hunters from communities of the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) of Queensland gathered information on demographics of hunters and hunting dogs, hunting practices and past encounters with wild dogs during hunting trips. Social networks that described the connections of hunters between NPA communities from hunting expeditions were developed. Most hunters interviewed were not aware of any diseases that could be transmitted to dogs (n = 11) or humans (n = 9) from wild animals while hunting. More than half (n = 7) of the respondents had experienced at least one wild dog encounter during hunting in the year prior to the interview. A map of the relative risk of interactions between wild and hunting dogs during hunting trips allowed the identification of high-risk areas in the NPA; these areas are characterised by dense rainforests. The social networks at the community level resulted in relatively large density measures reflecting a high level of intercommunity connectedness. This study contributes to our knowledge of Australian Indigenous hunting practices and supports the potential for disease transmission at the domestic-wild dog interface and intercommunity level through contacts between hunting dogs during hunting activities. Insights from this study also highlight the need for educational programs on disease management in Indigenous communities of northern Australia.

Duties of Vizier during the Mamlūk Period 648-923 AH / 1250-1517 AD

The duties of viziers are classified into essential and additional duties. As for the essential duties which were variable and diverse during the period of Mamlūk sulṭāns.The vizier had to attend the coronation of the sulṭān. The advice and opinion in management of the sultanate is one of the vizier’s duties.Viziers also maintained the sultanate and was choosing employees and presenting them to the sulṭān. Among duties of vizier, he wrote letters to sulṭān issued to princes and sulṭāns and showing letters to sulṭān issued to princes and sulṭāns and showing letters sent to sulṭān and replying them.Vizier also played role in country stability and ending chaos by celebrating the sulṭān to his position and maintaining his kingdom.The vizier was to supervise onto the resources of the state in its various forms of customs,taxes,as well as other resources that he used to supervise the salary payments for employers,soldiers and their expenses. As for the additional duties, the vizier used to undertake seditions and revolutions whether inside or outside the state and calming down disputes.The vizier went with the sulṭān during hunting trips and had to attend the formal celebrations of sulṭān. The viziers of the Mamlūk period paid great attention to the religious establishments and premises that were represented in mosques;where they constructed some mosques by the orders of their sulṭāns whereas some of the viziers established some mosques in their names to live eternally in their memory.Moreover, the viziers performed a vital role during the plague represented in the rinsing house of the dead that had stood as a great role during the spreading of plague. The vizier used to hold the duties of the vizierate besides to an additional senior state job such as:al-Ustādārīyah (treasury house),private treasury and al-Dawādārīyah.Actually,both jobs were shared in some duties as vizierate was abolished several times in the Mamūk period and that is why the viziers practiced much of the duties of theUstādārīyah.