Tule Elk Research Articles

BODY WEIGHT AND RUMEN–RETICULUM CAPACITY IN TULE ELK AND MULE DEER

The relationship between body size and rumen‐reticulum capacity among conspecific individuals is predicted to be isometric. We examined whether the relationship between body weight and rumen‐reticulum capacity was isometric in adult male and female tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes ) and in adult female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). We detected no effect of sex on this relationship in elk, and the slope of the regression was 1.0 for one measure of rumen‐reticulum capacity and ,1.0 for another. Among deer, the slope of the relationship was ,1.0 in one measure of rumen‐reticulum capacity, and we detected no relationship with the other.

Hematologic values for tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes).

Hematologic values for 99 tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) from California (USA) are presented. These were obtained from individuals from three captures at Tomales Point (Point Reyes National Seashore, California) from 1997-98. Differences between capture groups were assessed. Greatest differences were detected between yearling bulls and cows in December 1998 which may be a reflection of age and reproductive status.

Population Dynamics of Tule Elk at Point Reyes National Seashore, California

The presence of locally abundant wildlife raises questions about natural regulation and ecological consequences of overpopulation. We sought to establish precise information about population size, structure, and productivity to examine the role of natural regulation in a closed tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) population at Point Reyes National Seashore, California, USA. We estimated an instantaneous exponential growth rate of 0.19 with an adjusted R 2 = 0.98 during 1998, 20 years after the elk were introduced. We estimated annual survival for adult cows of nearly 0.95. Calf survival from birth through the rut ending during October-November was 0.85. Male calves exhibited higher mortality than female calves. Cow mortality was associated with the calving season. We measured a 42% increase in cow:calf density from 0.733 ha -1 to 1.043 ha -1 during 1996-1998. We observed a density-correlated reduction in the rate of increase and in the cow:calf ratios prior to high precipitation El Nino Southern Oscillation years, 1993, 1996, and 1997, precipitation >1.23 m year -1 . Given the high population growth rate and model evaluation of management scenarios, park managers will need to use a suite of approaches, such as contraception and removal, to maintain the elk population at levels at or near the closed-range carrying capacity for years between El Nino events.

Improved immunofluorescence assay for detection of Giardia and Cryptosporidium from asymptomatic adult cervine animals.

We tested an improved immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in detecting Giardia and Cryptosporidium from feces of asymptomatic adult cervine animals. Samples were concentrated by sucrose flotation before being stained by fluorescent monoclonal antibody and examined microscopically. The detection limit was determined as 500 G. intestinalis cysts or 200 C. parvum oocysts/g of sample. Among the 82 samples collected from adult fallow deer, Columbian black-tailed deer, and Tule elk in northern California, 3 (3.7%) contained G. intestinalis cysts, which were confirmed by a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) following immunomagnetic capture (IC) of cysts. C. parvum oocysts were detected in a total of 13 (15.9%) samples, and oocysts from 2 such samples were smaller than oocysts from the other 11 samples. C. parvum identification was also confirmed by specific IC-PCR and sequencing of the PCR product. In addition, a C. muris-like organism was detected in 2 (2.4%) samples. Findings obtained with the improved IFA confirmed that cysts/oocysts may pass unnoticed in adult cervine animals and that subclinically infected individuals could serve as potential carriers of infection for humans and other animals via contaminated feces or water.

Use of Fecal Steroid Metabolites to Estimate the Pregnancy Rate of a Free-Ranging Herd of Tule Elk

The ability to measure reproductive hormones in urine and feces permits physiologic evaluations of free-ranging animal populations. The data from previous reports indicate specific events such as gonadal recrudescence, ovulation, conception, pregnancy, and lactation can be detected and defined by fecal hormone analysis in a wide range of animals. The present study was undertaken to determine if combined data from a ongitudinal and cross-sectional hormonal study of free-ranging cow tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) and simultaneously collected observational data would permit an accurate estimation of the pregnancy rate of the population, Ovarian and placental function were monitored in 34 radiocollared cow tule elk from the onset of ovarian recrudescence in the summer of 1996, through the calving season in the spring of 1997. Estrogen and progesterone metabolites were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in fecal samples collected from both radiocollared and uncollared cows. The radiocollared cows were located and identified for individualized observations of fecal deposition and later confirmation of pregnancy by observation of nursing. Hormonal concentrations from the samples collected from the radiocollared cows in which pregnancy and outcome were known were used to set criteria for designation of a cow as pregnant in the cross-sectional samples collected from a population of approximately 208 uncollared cows. Progesterone metabolite (PdG) concentrations were 100% reliable at predicting pregnancy within the first trimester of gestation through parturition, while estrogen metabolite (E 1 C) concentrations were not a reliable indicator until the last trimester of gestation. A progesterone metabolite concentration > 1.01 ug/g dry mass feces (dmf) after the breeding season was set as confirmation of pregnancy status in fecal samples collected from uncollared cows. Analysis of hormonal concentrations after the 1997 calving season in conjunction with observations of nursing permitted pregnancy detectio estimates via the calving rate of the collared cows for the 1996-97 breeding and calving season. These same parameters were estimated and evaluated in the uncollared cows. Our results provide strong evidence that the measure of fecundity in free-ranging animals can be obtained through fecal steroid analyses, and that this measure is an accurate predictor of fertility.

Ehrlichia spp. in cervids from California.

Blood samples from six mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), 15 black-tailed deer (O. hemionus columbianus), and 29 elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) were assayed for human monocytic and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and serology to determine whether or not cervids are involved in the maintenance of these potential human pathogens in California (USA). The deer were sampled in August to October 1992-95. The 29 tule elk from Point Reyes National Seashore were sampled in August 1997. All deer were seronegative for antibodies to HGE/Ehrlichia equi, while the E. equi seroprevalence among elk was 17%. The 16S rDNA PCR prevalence in deer was 38% (in mule deer and black-tailed deer) for Ehrlichia-like sp. of white-tailed deer, 5% (one black-tailed deer only) for E. equi, and 0% for E. chaffeensis. The PCR prevalence in elk was 0% for Ehrlichia-like sp. of white-tailed deer, 31% for E. equi, and 0% for E. chaffeensis. The E. equi from two positive elk samples was successfully propagated in HL-60 cell cultures. DNA sequencing confirmed that the Ehrlichia-like sp. sequences from deer in California were closely related to sequences reported from white-tailed deer from Oklahoma and Georgia. The E. equi strain from deer and elk resembled other E. equi strains from California. These results suggest that cervids may be important in the natural maintenance of E. equi in California.

Metapopulations and Wildlife Conservation

Development of rural landscapes is converting once-vast expanses of open space into pockets of habitat where wildlife populations exist in isolation from other members of their species. The central concept of metapopulation dynamics -- that a constellation of partially isolated patches can yield overall stability to a system that is chaotic at the level of the individual patch -- offers an important new way of thinking about the conservation and management of populations dispersed among small habitat fragments. This approach is proving to be a rich resource for biologists hoping to arrest the current catastrophic loss of biodiversity.An understanding of metapopulation theory and analysis is critical to the modern practice of wildlife conservation and management. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, addressing the needs of an applied professional audience for comprehensible information to integrate into their practices. Leading conservation biologists, ecologists, wildlife managers, and other experts consider the emergence and development of metapopulation theory and explore its applicability and usefulness to real-world conservation programs.Introductory chapters provide background information on basic concepts such as models, genetics, landscape configuraton, and edges and corridors. Subsequent chapters present detailed methods of analyzing metapopulation structure. Case studies of an array of vertebrate species, including the Swedish pool frog, the northern spotted owl, Stephens' kangaroo rat, Florida scrub jay, Mediterranean monk seal, Steller sea lion, tule elk, and others, illustrate nuances of metapopulation theory analysis and its practicalapplications.Contributors describe what metapopulation approaches bring to wildlife conservation and management, present models of how metapopulation thinking has been applied in specific situations, and suggest the analysis required in given cases. Metapopulations and Wildlife Conservation is essential reading for anyone working in the field of wildlife conservation and managment.

Radiometric culture of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis from the feces of tule elk.

To determine if Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis has persisted in tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) at Point Reyes National Seashore (California, USA), 100 fresh fecal samples were collected. Feces were cultured on a modified BACTEC 12B radiometric medium for detection of M. avium paratuberculosis. Four samples, coming from two separate groups of elk tested positive for M. avium paratuberculosis. Thus, a noninvasive technique was used to document the continued presence of M. avium paratuberculosis in elk at Point Reyes National Seashore. These findings document persistence of this organism for a period of at least 13 yr in a free ranging herd of elk, with a 6 yr absence of observed clinical signs.

Elk and Deer Diets in a Coastal Prairie-Scrub Mosaic, California

We examined the diets of reintroduced tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes Merriam) and resident Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus Richardson) inhabiting the coastal prairie-scrub mosaic of Tomales Point, the northernmost portion of the Point Reyes Peninsula, Calif., during 1979-81. The elk diet differed between years whereas the deer diet did not. The pattern of seasonal quality of elk and deer diets, as measured by fecal nitrogen (FN) was similar between species and years. This was achieved although botanical composition differed between herbivores in some seasons. Dietary overlap was lowest in the wet winter months when fecal nitrogen was highest and vegetative standing crop was lowest. Conversely, dietary overlap was highest in the dry summer months when fecal nitrogen was lowest and vegetative standing crop highest. Both herbivore species showed selection and avoidance of certain plant species in June of both years. These findings are compared to other cervid-habitat systems.

Biopolitical Management of Mountain Lions, Tule Elk, and Black Bears in California

Biopolitical Management of Mountain Lions, Tule Elk, and Black Bears in California

The 'individualization' of large North American mammals.

The enforcement of wildlife laws and the captive breeding of threatened/endangered species requires the ability to identify individual animals. DNA profiles of a variety of large North American mammals, birds, and fish were generated using ten different oligonucleotide probes. The probes tested were four multilocus probes [33.6, 33.15, JE46, and (TGTC)5] and six 'human unilocus' probes [MS1 (D1S7), CMM101 (D14S13), YNH24 (D2S44), EFD52 (D17S26), TBQ7 (D10S28), and MS43 (D12S11). Each of the probes was chemically synthesized, and labeled by the attachment of alkaline phosphatase; after hybridization, the probes were detected by chemiluminescence catalyzed by the enzyme. Initial screening against zoo blots including samples of bear, wolf, large cat, wild sheep, deer, birds, marine mammals, and fish indicated that three multilocus probes [33.15, 33.6, (TGTC)5] gave informative patterns containing 15-40 bands for most or all of the animals tested, as did two of the 'human unilocus' probes (MS1 and CMM101). The other five probes appeared informative only in some species (for example, YNH24 against canids). Subsequent screenings of populations within species were used to determine genetic diversity by analysis of observed bandsharing (S). Large heterologous populations, such as white-tailed deer, exhibited highly diverse band patterns (S < or = 0.2). Geographically isolated and/or genetically constricted animals, such as endangered Mexican wolves, Tule elk, and Columbian white-tailed deer, exhibited much higher frequencies of bandsharing (0.6 < or = S < or = 0.95).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Timing of Structural Growth at Northwest Stevens Field as Evidenced by Stevens Channel Geometries

Stacked upper Miocene Stevens sandstone bodies at Northwest Stevens (Tule Elk) are the product of two coalescing turbidite channels which reflect the influence of growing structure during deposition. One channel can be traced from the south through ARCO's 555 zone unit, the 26R and 2B pools at Elk Hills, and into Northwest Stevens. The 800-ft-thick T' turbidite sands from this channel form offlapping geometries and structural/stratigraphic traps due to deposition across the rising northwest-plunging nose of the Northwest Stevens anticline. They are medium- to coarse-grained with abundant mudstone interbeds and are interpreted to represent a depositional channel fill which grades laterally to less permeable finer grained overbank deposits along the east side of Northwest Stevens. The second coeval channel can be traced from McKittrick through Asphalto and the 24Z pool at Elk Hills into Northwest Stevens, where it forms a 1,700-ft-thick sequence of 80 to 500-ft-thick sand packages at the 7R pool. Sand-shale ratios in these pebbly sandstones are nearly 9 to 1 with abundant conglomeratic interbeds. These channel sands display blocky electric log signatures, have lenticular geometries at the top of the sequence and offlapping geometries at the base, and document deposition in a structural low adjacent to themore » rising Northwest Stevens structure. The upper Miocene correlation point (UMPC) is sanded out at the 7R pool, indicating that turbidite sand deposition there persisted into lower Reef Ridge time. Well correlations indicate only minor erosive deposition and amalgamation; thus, the sand bodies at Northwest Stevens are additive to the section.« less

Copper Deficiency in Tule Elk at Point Reyes, California

Tule elk (Cervus eiirphus uuuuos serum, x’ 2 1.4 ppm). These levels were consistent with documented coppsr defi- ciency in wild and domestfe ruminants. Copper serum levels increased in response to copper enriched dietary supplements and declined after the elk stopped eating the supplements. Analysis of plant and soil samples showed both are deficient in copper and normal in molybdenum and sulfur-sulfatss. Deficiency in plants and sops at Point Reyes are probably due to low copper levels in the underlyitq granitic parent material. Key Words: Corvus ebhus tumuodes, copper, molybdenum and sulfur levels in elk, vegetation and sops

Antler anomalies in tule elk.

Antler anomalies were evident in tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) within 1 yr of reintroduction to Point Reyes, California (USA). These anomalies are consistent with previously described mineral deficiency-induced anomalies in cervids. The elk were judged deficient in copper. Low levels of copper in soils and vegetation at the release site, exacerbated by possible protein deficiency due to poor range conditions, are postulated as likely causes of the antler anomalies.

Comparative Dynamics of Introduced Tule Elk Populations

Growth rates in 2 re-established populations of tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) were followed 6 and 7 years beyond the time of introduction. The elk population at Grizzly Island, California, grew at the maximum potential rate, whereas that at Point Reyes, California, grew at half the theoretical potential. The lower rate of growth at Point Reyes was attributed to an initial pulse of adult mortality, low calving rates, and high subadult mortality. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 51(1):20-27 Studies of introduced ungulate populations immediately following release are limited. The paucity of such information has led to experimental manipulation of populations to duplicate growth from low numbers (McCullough 1979, 1982). We report growth rates for 2 reintroductions of tule elk at Point Reyes and Grizzly Island, California. Both areas supported tule elk, at least seasonally, in pristine times but not since the 1860's (McCullough 1969). Reintroductions of elk began in 1977. Ten adult elk (2 males and 8 females) were transported in March 1978 from San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Merced County, to a holding pen on a 1,030ha fenced portion of Point Reyes. Nine calves (1978 cohort) were born while the animals were confined within the pen (Ray 1981). Ten adults and 7 surviving calves (4 males and 3 females) were released to the entire range in September 1978. Three adult males from the Owens Valley, Inyo County, were reintroduced in December 1981. They were sighted occasionally in January and February 1982, but subsequently disappeared, and are not considered further. Seven adult elk (4 males and 3 females) were relocated to Grizzly Island from the Tule Elk State Reserve, Tupman, Kern County in February 1977. The animals were restricted to a holding pen until released, on site, in May. A yearling female, originally from Owens Valley, was released at Grizzly Island later that year. In May 1978, an adult female from Owens ValThis content downloaded from 153.90.6.19 on Wed, 25 Jun 2014 13:23:08 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions J. Wildl. Manage. 51(1):1987 INTRODUCED ELK POPULATIONS * Gogan and Barrett 21 ley joined the herd. One of the original 4 adult males was moved to another release site. An adult male was poached in November 1979, and a male seriously injured in the rut was sacrificed in September 1982. In 1978, both populations numbered 17 elk. We thank W. H. Sohrweide for sharing his observations of tule elk at Grizzly Island with us. Thanks are due J. J. Aho, Jr., T. S. Biller, W. J. Pierce, and R. T. Lesko of Point Reyes Natl. Seashore and D. A. Jessup and B. E. Curtis of the Calif. Dep. Fish and Game (CDFG) for assistance and encouragement during this study. We thank D. B. Houston, R. A. Lancia, and D. R. McCullough for reviewing earlier drafts of this manuscript, and L. M. Merkle for typing the final and earlier drafts. Research was funded by the Natl. Park Serv. under Contract CX 800-9-0029 and Calif. Agric. Exp. Stn. Proj. 3501-MS. The senior author was a Rob and Bessie Welder Wildl. Found. Fellow and this manuscript is Welder Wildl. Found. Contrib. 209.

Cleft palate in a tule elk calf.

Cleft palate in a tule elk calf.

Cranial Morphometry of Pacific Coast Elk (Cervus elaphus)

Geographic variation of 16 cranial measurements for 95 specimens was compared with subspecific taxonomy for populations of Pacific Coast elk, Cervus elaphus roosevelti and C. e. nannodes . Principal Component Analysis showed that Roosevelt elk in northern California differed as much from those in Washington as they did from Tule elk in California. A population of C. e. roosevelti on Vancouver Island also showed marked differences from populations on the mainland. Most of the differences are size- rather than shape-related. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance tested significantly for differences between sexes, OTUs, and cross interactions. The four OTUs from southern and central California, northern California, Washington, and Vancouver Island were almost equidistant in the Discriminant Analysis with 96% of females and 91% of males classified successfully. Implications for systematics and biogeography and their bearing on the conservation of Pacific Coast Cervus elaphus are discussed.

Models for Deep-Water Sedimentation in Tectonic Basin: Stevens Sandstone, San Joaquin Basin, California: ABSTRACT

Observed relations between facies associations, sand-body geometries and submarine fan subenvironments commonly appear anomalous when facies interpreted from cores are compared with relations described by some currently popular fan models. Such anomalous relations were observed in cores from several fields producing from the Stevens Sandstone. To explain these inconsistencies an model and a model are proposed for some of the observed depositional patterns of the upper Miocene Stevens Sandstones in the San Joaquin basin. Along the eastern margin of the basin, where deposition occurred on a relatively undeformed homoclinal surface, patterns of turbidite sedimentation and facies associations generally conform to the Mutti and Ricci Lucchi submarine fan model. However, in the central and western parts of the basin the fan model is inappropriate. The on-lap model describes turbidite deposits which lap onto and stack vertically against rising anticline structures. Internally these sand bodies exhibit distinct sedimentation cycles and facies associations characteristic of fan progradation. Externally these sand bodies pinch out crestward, may or may not be lobe- or fan-shaped, and tend to be abnormally thick. The Paloma field is an example of the on-lap model. In the confinement model, turbidites are confined to bathymetric lows between adjacent (en echelon) anticlines. These deposits, which accumulated in synclinal lows, tend to have an external channel-like morphology but do not necessarily exhibit facies associations commonly ascribed to channels in fan models. Deep-water sediments from Yowlumne, Tule Elk, and Elk Hills fields are best described by the confinement model. End_of_Article - Last_Page 990------------

Conservation of non-game wildlife in California: A model programme

Public interest prompted the California State Legislature to provide needed authority and precedent-setting mandates for the management and protection of its non-game wildlife resources. Newly established activities and regulations include: research and field surveys on species-specific problems; the introduction of protective categories for threatened or unique species; bag limits and seasons on the taking of any unprotected animal; a moratorium on mountain lion hunting; measures to promote increases in the numbers of the rare Tule elk; curtailment of imported wildlife; a ban on the trade in endangered species; protective measures for intertidal organisms; and land acquisition of areas with important habitats. These constitute a comprehensive programme that merits wider adoption in the USA.

Developments in West Coast Area in 1974

Exploratory activity in Washington declined. Four wells were drilled in the Grays Harbor area; none was successful. The only exploratory activity in Oregon was some leasing in the Coast Range south of Eugene. A deeper pool discovery at the Tule Elk field was the only significant new discovery in California. Several small gas discoveries were made in the Sacramento Valley. Development drilling in California nearly doubled the 1973 rate. Seismic activity increased onshore in the Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valley and offshore south of the Santa Barbara Channel Islands where an OCS lease sale is expected in 1975.