Private Ranches Research Articles

Whole Genome Sequencing and Re-sequencing of the Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger): A Resource for Monitoring Diversity in ex Situ and in Situ Populations.

Genome-wide assessment of genetic diversity has the potential to increase the ability to understand admixture, inbreeding, kinship and erosion of genetic diversity affecting both captive (ex situ) and wild (in situ) populations of threatened species. The sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), native to the savannah woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, is a species that is being managed ex situ in both public (zoo) and private (ranch) collections in the United States. Our objective was to develop whole genome sequence resources that will serve as a foundation for characterizing the genetic status of ex situ populations of sable antelope relative to populations in the wild. Here we report the draft genome assembly of a male sable antelope, a member of the subfamily Hippotraginae (Bovidae, Cetartiodactyla, Mammalia). The 2.596 Gb draft genome consists of 136,528 contigs with an N50 of 45.5 Kbp and 16,927 scaffolds with an N50 of 4.59 Mbp. De novo annotation identified 18,828 protein-coding genes and repetitive sequences encompassing 46.97% of the genome. The discovery of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) was assisted by the re-sequencing of seven additional captive and wild individuals, representing two different subspecies, leading to the identification of 1,987,710 bi-allelic SNVs. Assembly of the mitochondrial genomes revealed that each individual was defined by a unique haplotype and these data were used to infer the mitochondrial gene tree relative to other hippotragine species. The sable antelope genome constitutes a valuable resource for assessing genome-wide diversity and evolutionary potential, thereby facilitating long-term conservation of this charismatic species.

Spotted hyaena (Crocuta crocuta) habitat occupancy in a national park, hunting area and private ranch in western Zimbabwe

AbstractEstimating habitat occupancy is one of the methods used in assessing how large carnivores utilise their environment, thereby enabling conservationists to make informed decisions for conservation management. We modelled spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta habitat occupancy in western Zimbabwe using sixty camera stations in a national park, a hunting area and a private ranch. Mean occupancy of the spotted hyaena was ψ = 0.617, SE = 0.147 and ψ = 0.502, SE = 0.107 during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Occupancy was high in clayey soils and grasslands in the national park and the safari area, a behaviour attributed to denning site preferences and possibly prey movement. Therefore, with changing land‐use, spotted hyaenas are likely to inhabit areas outside the national park as they search for food while restricting their dens to areas along grasslands that have clayey soils.

Potential Bacillus anthracis Risk Zones for Male Plains Bison ( Bison bison bison) in Southwestern Montana, USA.

A re-emergence of anthrax, a zoonosis caused by the long-lived, spore-forming Bacillus anthracis, occurred with a multispecies outbreak in southwestern Montana, US in 2008. It substantially impacted a managed herd of about 3,500 free-ranging plains bison ( Bison bison bison) on a large, private ranch southwest of Bozeman, with about 8% mortality and a disproportionate 28% mortality of mature males; a similar high rate occurred in male Rocky Mountain elk ( Cervus canadensis nelson). Grazing herbivores are particularly at risk for anthrax from ingesting spore-contaminated soil and grasses in persistent environmental reservoirs. We predicted areas of mature male bison habitat preference on the landscape by using GPS collar data and a resource selection function model using environmental covariates. We overlaid preferred areas with ecologic niche, model-based predictions of B. anthracis environmental reservoirs to identify areas of high anthrax risk. Overlapping areas were distributed across the ranch and were not confined to pastures associated with the previous outbreak, suggesting that ongoing pasture exclusion alone will not prevent future outbreaks. The data suggested vaccination campaigns should continue for bison, and the results can be used to prioritize carcass surveillance in areas of greatest overlap.

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma ovis in an outbreak of hemolytic anemia in sheep from Veracruz, Mexico.

Mycoplasma ovis is a small, pleiotropic bacterium, which parasitizes the external surface of erythrocytes of several species of artiodactyl mammals, especially sheep and goats. We here report an outbreak of ovine mycoplasmosis in a sheep flock of a private ranch (Universidad Veracruzana) in Veracruz, Mexico. For the identification of Mycoplasma and other hemoparasitic bacterial agents, we stained blood smears with the DiffQuick® technique and additionally amplified several fragments of 16S rDNA gene. We detected the presence of morulas in erythrocytes from 30 sick female adult sheep, and found Mycoplasma ovis DNA in all of them. Furthermore, three of these animals also tested positive for Anaplasma ovis. Our findings represent the first record of M. ovis and A. ovis in an outbreak of hemolytic anemia in a sheep flock, leading to severe livestock loss in a ranch of Mexico. This study highlights the importance of establishing an active surveillance of both pathogens in the country.

Impacts of wind turbines on redheads in the Laguna Madre

ABSTRACTFreshwater ponds adjacent to the Laguna Madre along the lower Texas coast provide an important and heavily used source of fresh water for the redhead (Aythya americana) throughout winter. A 267‐turbine wind farm was constructed within the core wintering area of the redhead on a private ranch along the western coast of the Laguna Madre, in 2010. Our objective was to investigate the effects of this wind farm on the habitat and potential displacement of redheads and their use of coastal ponds along the lower Texas coast. We conducted weekly aerial surveys to monitor coastal pond use by wintering redheads from mid‐October through mid‐March during pre‐construction (2000–2003) and post‐construction (2012–2014) of the wind farm. Pond availability and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) within the wind farm were significantly correlated during pre‐construction (n = 16, R2 = 0.53, P = 0.035) and post‐construction (n = 11, R2 = 0.64, P = 0.003). However, the number of ponds available at each PDSI level within the wind farm decreased during post‐construction (paired t = 3.2, n = 5, P = 0.033). The average number of redheads detected per survey on coastal ponds within the wind farm decreased by 77% from pre‐construction to post‐construction. Redhead abundance on ponds across the entire Laguna Madre increased by an average of 3.26 times between pre‐construction and post‐construction, partly due to increases in the continental redhead population. It appears that the wind farm has altered the use of coastal ponds by redheads during winter. Future wind farm placement along the lower Texas coast should consider coastal pond distribution and the dynamics of redhead use between coastal ponds and foraging areas in the Laguna Madre. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Analysis of the Spatial Relationship between Cattle and Wild Ungulates across Different Land-Use Systems in a Tropical Savanna Landscape

In many African savanna landscapes, domestic and wild herbivores cooccur across different land-use systems, but the role of land-use in shaping their spatial relationship is poorly understood. We evaluated the spatial relationship between cattle and wild herbivores categorized by body sizes and feeding habits across different land-use types, namely, private ranches (PR), transitional lands (TRL), and pastoral grazing areas (PGA), in Laikipia County, Kenya. Cattle and wild herbivores spatial distribution data were obtained from Kenya’s Department of Resources Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS). Spatial relationships between cattle and different wild herbivore guilds were analyzed using Ripley’s bivariateK12function. In PR, wild herbivore guilds showed significant attraction to cattle at short distances. In TRL, wild grazers, mixed feeders, megaherbivores, and medium-sized ungulates exhibited significant attraction to cattle. Additionally, repulsion was observed between cattle and browsers at short distances under this land-use system. In PGA, wild grazers, mixed feeders, and megaherbivores repelled strongly with cattle at short distances while browsers and medium-sized ungulates were significantly attracted to cattle. Cattle and wild herbivores were more randomly and independently distributed in PR than in TRL and PGA. These spatial relationships imply better coexistence between cattle and wild herbivores in PR than in TRL and PGA.

A GIS Scheme for Forage Assessment and Determination of Rangeland Carrying Capacity

Several geospatial datasets across the rangelands of the North West province of South African were integrated in order to develop a Rangeland Grazing Suitability Scheme using a GIS environment. Results of the scheme showed that private ranches and protected areas in medium and high rainfall zones are highly productive with higher carrying capacity and available foliage to animals than the communal areas and the low rainfall zones. Private ranches and protected areas are under-grazed while the communal areas are exposed to high exploitation and overgrazing in all rainfall zones. The scheme demonstrates the level of grazing that a particular rangeland should be exposed to and it could be very helpful for cattle ranchers and extension personnel in selecting areas for grazing for a given period of time. The scheme has a capacity for balancing forage availability in relation to forage demands by animal units. It is envisaged that adoption of this scheme by stakeholders and rangeland managers would increase the efficiency of rangeland monitoring process thereby increasing their productivity.

Evaluating derived vegetation indices and cover fraction to estimate rangeland aboveground biomass in semi-arid environments

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to assess a satellite data for quantifying and mapping the spatial distribution of rangeland biophysical parameters (aboveground biomass) from different geographic locations in the North West province, South Africa. The major factors affecting the quality and conditions of the rangelands, which are rainfall zones and grazing intensity were used to define sampling classes. Remote sensing vegetation indices (NDVI and SAVI) and vegetation cover fraction (SMA) were used to quantify the aboveground biomass. Regression models of the aboveground biomass as a function of spectral indices and vegetation fraction were compared using Bland Altman Model. Results showed that private ranches in high rainfall areas yielded the highest aboveground biomass (159 kg 100 m -2 ) while the lowest biomass yield (10 kg 100 m -2 ) was obtained from the communal rangelands in the low rainfall area. The SAVI performed well (0.64) in the low rainfall areas but the coefficient of determination between the AGB and SAVI was not significant (at p ≤ 0.05). The SMA also performed better than the NDVI (0.53) in the low rainfall areas but because of its weaknesses (0.57 and 0.48) in the high and medium rainfall areas, respectively, this tool is not ideal for quantifying AGB in the North West Province. In spite of its weakness in the low rainfall areas (0.47), the NDVI had displayed stronger coefficient of determination (0.63 and 0.70) with the AGB in the medium and high rainfall zones respectively. From a management perspective, remote sensing techniques appears to be a good alternative for managing and monitoring spatial and temporal AGB production, which is a major determinant factor for rangeland quality assessment. Key words: Aboveground biomass, NDVI, Rangeland, Remote Sensing, SAVI, SMA

Conservation implications of wildlife translocations; The state's ability to act as conservation units for wildebeest populations in South Africa

Wildlife translocations have historically assisted in re-establishing species in areas of extinction and are currently employed in over 50 countries. Ironically, they may also be responsible for the extinction of pure genetic lineages via hybridization, thereby negatively impacting endangered, indigenous, and rare species. Due to recent evolutionary divergence, black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou) and blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) can mate and produce fertile offspring when sympatric. A total of 6929 translocated black and blue wildebeest from 273 private ranches and 3 provincial protected areas protected (PPAs) were documented over 5 years, across 5 South African provinces. We analyzed dispersal patterns and wildlife ranching economics to identify conservation implications and to infer if translocations are likely to persist in their current form. Findings indicate (1) 58.45% of sampled private ranches manage for both wildebeest populations, (2) blue wildebeest males are primarily translocated, (3) wildebeest are introduced across provincial lines, (4) wildebeest are introduced to within and amongst the private and commercial industry from multiple sources, and (5) wildebeest revenue accounted for 20.8% of revenue generated from all wildlife translocations. Unwanted conservation implications concern ecological integrity, genetic swamping, and regulatory efficiency. We caution against risks posed by the game industry upon the PPA's ability to function as nature conservation units and act as stocking sources and the plausibility that black wildebeest populations incorporate varying degrees of introgressive hybrids. Moreover, wildebeest account for 1/5 of revenue generated from all game translocations. This is indicative of its likelihood to persist in their current form, thereby inducing hybridization and facilitating outbreeding depression. We caution that concerns are likely to worsen if no intervention is taken. Lastly, we coin the concept of Ecological Sustainable Network (ESN); we designed a framework for standardizing procedures to advance effective wildlife translocation practices worldwide.

Blue-black grassquit (Volatina jacarina) leucocyte and average weight reference values

The bird species Volatina jacarina is popularly known as blue-black grassquit. They are widely distributed geographically and are not considered threatened for extinction. They are popularly domesticated because of their pleasant singing they can be found in many households. That means Veterinarians are sometimes confronted with those animals. This requires a certain knowledge about these birds, including in terms of reference values. Due to the lack of hematological data for this species, the present study aimed to calculate reference values for leukocytes and mean weight for this bird. To this end, 13 blue-black grassquit were captured at a private ranch located in Guarapari (ES), Southeastern Brazil. The birds were weighed for the determination of their average weight. Moreover, blood samples were drawn in order to conduct a leukocyte count. The mean weight found for V. jacarina was 11.7 ± 3.2 g. The average values determined for leukocytes were 53.8 ± 14.6% lymphocytes, 45.1 ± 15.2% for heterophils and 1.2 ± 1.5 for monocytes. The data found was compared with those in the literature, thus contributing to a better knowledge of the species.

The numbers of the beast: Valuation of jaguar (Panthera onca) tourism and cattle depredation in the Brazilian Pantanal

Large carnivores fascinate people because of their beauty and potential as human predators and have therefore become focal species for the ecotourism industry. Wildlife tourism has grown exponentially and has often been used as a financial argument for species conservation. However, carnivores depredate livestock, leading to a direct economic conflict with rural livelihoods, often resulting in lethal retaliation action. Here we show that jaguar ecotourism represents a gross annual income of US$6,827,392 in land-use revenue across a representative portion the Brazilian Pantanal, the world's largest wetland. Considering the aggregate costs of jaguar depredation on livestock within the same area, we estimate that the resident jaguar population would induce a hypothetical damage of only US$121,500 per year in bovine cattle losses. This large discrepancy between economic gains and losses reinforces the importance of wildlife tourism as a conservation tool in boosting tolerance of jaguars in private ranches. We also evaluate the partnership between ecotourism and cattle ranchers, in which cattle losses induced by jaguars could be compensated by a system of voluntary donations from tourists, ensuring that both traditional livestock husbandry and ecotourism can co-exist within the same ranches, thereby promoting landscape-scale jaguar conservation.

Pathogen Exposure in Cattle at the Livestock-Wildlife Interface.

Land use is an important driver of variation in human infectious disease risk, but less is known about how land use affects disease risk in livestock. To understand how land use is associated with disease risk in livestock, we examined patterns of pathogen exposure in cattle across two livestock ranching systems in rural Kenya: private ranches with low- to medium-intensity cattle production and high wildlife densities, and group ranches with high-intensity cattle production and low wildlife densities. We surveyed cattle from six ranches for three pathogens: Brucella spp., bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Leptospira serovar Hardjo. We found that exposure risk for Leptospira was higher on private ranches than on group ranches, but there was no difference in exposure by ranch type for Brucella or BVDV. We hypothesize that variation in livestock and wildlife contact patterns between ranch types may be driving the pattern observed for Leptospira exposure and that the different relationships we found between exposure risk and ranch type by pathogen may be explained by differences in transmission mode. Overall, our results suggest that wildlife-livestock contact patterns may play a key role in shaping pathogen transmission to livestock and that the magnitude of such effects likely depend on characteristics of the pathogen in question.

Land use intensification and implications on land degradation in the Boteti area: Botswana

Arid and semi-arid areas worldwide face challenges of over utilization of rangelands, with a possibility of declining into degraded lands. Overgrazing by livestock and persistent deforestation of woodlands has been reported in the rangelands of Boteti Sub- District of Botswana. This study focuses on depicting changing patterns of land use that have come about as a result of a forcing from natural phenomenon. Periodic droughts and the drying up of the Boteti river which has been a source of livelihood for a long time has manifested on land utilization trends around the villages of Boteti District. New patterns of land use have since emerged as an adaptation strategy against the drier environment. The study mapped land use and land cover around two ‘river village settlements’. Land degradation indicators were identified within the various land cover categories. Results show that communities have shifted from flood recession farming to dry-land farming with emphasis on livestock. The latter are ironically privileged by government policies that are skewed toward livestock production, especially the introduction of fenced private ranches and conservation areas. As a result, they have relentlessly exerted more pressure on the communal land, manifesting itself through moderate to severe incidents of land degradation.

English

This study was initiated with the purpose to assess the dairy value chain in Lemu-Bilbilo district of Arsi zone, Ethiopia. This study made use of both qualitative and quantitative data collected from primary and secondary sources. Different Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques were utilized to collect primary data in July 2012. The dairy value chain in Lemu-Bilbilo district involves six distinct value adding activities including input supply, production, gathering, processing, transportation and retail trading. The proportion of milk off-take rate by dairy producers was only 15%. Some of the challenges for dairy production at input, production, processing and marketing stage include low quality and poor timeliness of Artificial Insemination (AI) service, information gap on credit services, feed shortage, lack of awareness and knowledge regarding improved feed formulation, unavailability of government and private ranches and multiplication centers for the supply of improved dairy animals. Therefore, to create knowledge based commercial dairy development in the area, there is an urgent need to encourage the introduction and development of improved forage seed, organize recurrent training for dairy producers on improved forages, feed conservation, formulation and feed preservation techniques. Key words: Dairy; market channel; gross margin; forage; artificial insemination.

Review of the Masked Bobwhite Recovery Effort

The masked bobwhite (Colinus virginianus ridgwayi) was discovered near Sasabe, Sonora in August 1884. Excessive grazing coupled with prolonged drought during the 1890s caused habitat degradation and extirpation of the species in the United States by 1912. The decline of the bobwhite population in Mexico happened later due to similar circumstances. Livestock grazing was not pervasive until the 1940s-1950s in Sonora. The subspecies was thought to be extinct in Mexico by 1960. However, in 1964 a population was discovered between Benjamin Hill and Hermosillo, Sonora. The Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1985 for the re- establishment of the masked bobwhite. There have been four components to the masked bobwhite program on the refuge: captive rearing, release of birds into suitable habitat, habitat manipulation, and cooperation with Mexico. Approximately 98% of the masked bobwhites in the world are in captivity at Buenos Aires NWR and are housed in an indoor facility in Arivaca, Arizona. At that facility the birds are paired by a geneticist and up to 120 pairs are bred each year. Eggs are incubated and hatched and birds are either retained as future breeding stock or prepared for release. Overall, . 31,000 captive-reared bobwhites have been released in the Altar Valley, Arizona with . 21,000 being released on the refuge alone. To date they have not been self- sustaining. Preparation for release includes placing birds in flight pens where they remain for several weeks to a few months to gain exposure to native foods, experience raptor pressure, and become strong flyers. A soft release is normally used with birds being introduced to their new habitat from the confines of a small release pen on-site. A new parent-reared technique is currently being tried and promises improvement in wildness of released birds. This technique limits exposure of bobwhite family groups to humans and other bobwhite family groups until day of release. The bobwhite, as an edge species, needs early successional vegetation, diversity of grasses and forbs, and leguminous shrubs capable of providing cover and winter food. Traditionally, prescribed fire has been the primary management tool used by refuge personnel to improve habitat for masked bobwhites. Currently, Buenos Aires NWR is applying soil aeration treatments in uplands, revegetating with native plant species, constructing brush piles, and converting velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) woodlands to grasslands to promote bobwhite habitat. Work with Mexico has involved cooperation with the Mexican government, private ranchers, Mexican biologists, and zoological facilities to implement bobwhite surveys, establish conservation easements, and enhance habitat.

Habitat Space Used by Northern Bobwhites and Texas Tortoises on South Texas Rangelands

South Texas rangelands are increasingly managed for recreational hunting, particularly northern bobwhite (Colinus virgianus). Effects of habitat management for game species on non-game species are largely unknown. Large private ranches used for recreational hunting could also provide habitat for the threatened Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri). We studied habitat use of Texas tortoises and northern bobwhites on a private ranch in South Texas that undergoes active habitat management. In 2015, tortoises (n = 12) and bobwhite hens (n = 42) were tracked during their active and breeding seasons, respectively, with radio-telemetry. Satellite images were analyzed using ArcGIS 10.3 to delineate habitat through unsupervised classification for relevant habitat categories. Habitats were delineated based on reflectance. Differences in percent habitat composition of observed and random home ranges (100% Minimum Convex Polygon) of tortoises were not significant, but were significant for quail in 3 of 5 habitat categories in only 1 of 2 pastures. These observed quail home ranges included more areas corresponding to light woody cover and moderate herbaceous cover and fewer areas corresponding to sparsely vegetated or bare ground than random home ranges. Tortoise home ranges included more areas with woody brush cover than bobwhite home ranges. Bobwhite home ranges included more areas associated with moderate grass and herbaceous cover than tortoises. This study will continue in 2016 and will include more quail home ranges in areas with tortoises. This research seeks to determine the compatibility of managing for recreational hunting while maintaining landscape characteristics important to Texas tortoises.

Distance Sampling to Assess Post-Grazing Northern Bobwhite Recovery in South Texas

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) require habitat structure with substantial grass cover for nesting, predator avoidance, and thermal refuge. During the past 2 decades, many land managers have reduced or completely eliminated livestock across South Texas rangelands with the goal of improving bobwhite habitat. How bobwhites respond to post-grazing habitat recovery is unknown. Our objective is to investigate how bobwhites respond to the vegetative changes following removal of grazing. Our study is being conducted on a private ranch in Jim Hogg County, Texas and involves 3 different areas of post-grazing habitat recovery: a 1,246 ha area rested from grazing for 15 years; a 1,133 ha area rested 3 years from high grazing (7 ha/AU); and a 1,254 ha area rested 3 years from moderate grazing (14 ha/AU). Distance sampling surveys will be conducted on the 3 areas during December 2015 and 2016. Transects will be placed 400 m apart spanning all 3 study. Data collected during these surveys will be used to estimate bobwhite density on the 3 study areas and will be compared between sites and years. We hypothesize that the 15 years post-grazing area will have higher and more evenly distributed bobwhite density than the 3 years post-grazing at high intensity or medium intensity area.

Genetic Diversity and Relatedness Within and Among Northern Bobwhite Coveys in South Texas

Although biologists have studied northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) genetic diversity and population structure, there is little known about the genetic diversity, structure, and relatedness of their winter coveys. Both flexible mating strategies and the fall shuffle may have implications for inbreeding and genetic diversity in northern bobwhite populations. Our goal was to determine genetic diversity and relatedness for coveys on a private ranch in Jim Hogg County in South Texas. During the 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 hunting seasons, 96 northern bobwhites were sampled from 29 coveys. We analyzed 11 northern bobwhite microsatellite DNA loci, measured genetic structure with an Analysis of Molecular Variance and FST, and determined an inbreeding coefficient (Fi). We determined Queller and Goodnight’s coefficients of relatedness (R) and then used a maximum-likelihood algorithm in COLONY to assign relationships (parent–offspring, full siblings, and half siblings). Most genetic variation (92%) was within coveys. The overall FST was 0.073, indicating moderate genetic structure among coveys. Relationship coefficients ranged from –0.82 to 1.00 but most of the bird pairs were unrelated (R = -0.004 ± 0.002 SE). In 2010–2011, COLONY assigned 130–149 half sibling, 1–4 full sibling, and 0–3 parent-offspring pairs (n = 2,887, 5 trials, probability >0.99). Thirteen coveys (56%) had related individuals (n = 20 pairs). In 2011– 2012, COLONY assigned 5–10 half sibling and 1 full sibling pairs (n = 161). Two coveys (33%) had related individuals (2 pairs). The occurrence of relatives in different coveys suggests that the fall shuffle is effective at mixing families and the high half sibling count among coveys may suggest polygamy. These strategies may help northern bobwhite populations maintain moderate genetic diversity.

How State Historic Preservation Offices Say “Yes”

How State Historic Preservation Offices Say “Yes” Erik Hein (bio) “Better Check with the SHPO,” is a phrase many preservationists either hear or say on a regular basis. Of course, they are referring to the State Historic Preservation Offices that can be found in 59 states and territories as well as the District of Columbia. SHPOs are defined in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) as having specific responsibilities for our federal historic preservation program as well as for establishing their own state programs. Their role is to say “yes” to owners and developers who want to rehabilitate properties in historically and architecturally appropriate ways; to citizens who want to see significant places recorded, recognized and preserved; and to federal agencies that make sure that their projects, the permits they issue or the grants they award are not used to destroy the places that matter to all of us. SHPOs rely on the funding they receive from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), which they must match with their own state funds. Authorized and appropriated by Congress, the amount of HPF funding available is always subject to change, so the preservation community must be continually vigilant in advocating for funding support. As of this printing, the authorization for the HPF expired on September 30, 2015. There is now a broad legislative effort underway to ensure that our national commitment to historic preservation remains intact. SHPOS PROMOTE STATE AND LOCAL PRIORITIES SHPOs are the product of a national historic preservation program that is unique to the United States. Rather than relying on a centralized, top-down or national “ministry” or some other government entity, our national program, defined by the NHPA, established a system whereby states and local governments would be required to have a voice in determining what historic resources were important in their communities. [End Page 58] Click for larger view View full resolution Applicants for historic tax credits work closely with their SHPO to make sure their rehabilitation projects meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. One prominent tax credit success story is the Fox Theater in Oakland, California, which underwent a $70 million rehabilitation following a prolonged period of vacancy and deterioration. PHOTO BY NATHANAEL BENNETT. SHPOs can be effective advocates for the protection of significant local and regional places because they are positioned to know what resources are important in their states. They maintain comprehensive survey information and are the official repositories of vast amounts of historical data, maps, artifacts and other materials that help tell the stories of the communities in their respective states. There is great variety from state to state not only in the volume of information but also in how this information can be acquired, stored, digitized and shared. Much depends on available funding but also on the types of resources in a state. For example, Western states frequently are more comprehensive in listing archaeological resources while Eastern states’ data sets contain more built resources. Guiding all of the work of the SHPOs are State Preservation Plans, which are required as a condition of the federal funding SHPOs receive. These plans are far reaching and cover topics ranging from ensuring that diverse cultures are represented to addressing the potential impacts of flooding or other climate-related issues. They also describe how the SHPO will provide public education and outreach as well as technical assistance. To ensure that the plans reflect the concerns, priorities and values of many different communities, SHPOs actively seek public input and participation from diverse stakeholders. You can find copies of state plans on the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/preservation-planning/stateplan-links.html. [End Page 59] Click for larger view View full resolution State Historic Preservation Offices gather information about archeological resources as well as built heritage. Archeologists from the Texas Historical Commission, the SHPO, were excited to uncover, on a private ranch, French cannons buried by the Spanish at Fort Saint Louis in 1689. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION. SHPOS CONNECT STATE AND LOCAL PROJECTS TO FEDERAL RESOURCES Protecting the places that matter to their communities is sometimes difficult. In today’s challenging economic environment, funding sources for preservation...

Community tourism and its role among agropastoralists in Laikipia County, Kenya

The authors present survey findings from agropastoral households living near tourist attraction sites and undertake agropastoral activities, conservation, and community tourism enterprises in Laikipia, Kenya. Laikipia is a major wildlife migration route, popular with private conservancies and ranches, attracting large numbers of tourists. The authors explore the key determinants of participation in community tourism and find that communication and road infrastructure, membership of community groups, and security aspects influence household participation in community tourism. Policies aiming to improve infrastructure and security and to encourage the formation of investment groups would enhance participation in community tourism activities and raise household incomes.