Wildlife Food Research Articles

The Biological Flora of Coastal Dunes and Wetlands:Retama monosperma(L.) Boiss.

ABSTRACT Munoz Valles, S.; Gallego Fernandez, J.B., and Cambrolle, J. 2013. The biological flora of coastal dunes and wetlands: Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. Retama monosperma (L.) Boiss. (white bridal broom) is a legume shrub that establishes mainly on coastal sands and dunes in zones under a Mediterranean climate. The species is able to tolerate salt spray, high temperatures of substrate and air, and low levels of soil nutrients and humidity. It is important in middle stages of dune succession, functioning as a key species in structuring the plant community, and it can play an important role in geomorphology. Retama monosperma enriches soil with N and other nutrients, ameliorates the typical harsh environmental conditions in dunes for other plants, and provides refuge and food for wildlife and forage for livestock. Leaves fall rapidly after emergence, and gas exchange is carried out in photosynthetic stems (cladodes), thereby reducing salt-induced stress. Some compounds isolated from the species show po...

A Walk on the Wild Side: 2013 Cool-Season Forage Recommendations for Wildlife Food Plots in North Florida

A. R. Blount, S. M. Olson, D. L. Francis, C. L. Mackowiak, H. K. Ober, J. H. Freeman, K. H. Quesenberry, R. D. Barnett, T. W. Wilson, and R. W. Gornto

Status of exotic grasses and grass-like vegetation and potential impacts on wildlife in New England

The Northeastern section of the United States, known as New England, has seen vast changes in land cover and human population over the past 3 centuries. Much of the region is forested; grasslands and other open-land cover types are less common, but provide habitat for many species that are currently declining in abundance and distribution. New England also consists of some of the most densely populated and developed states in the country. The origin, distribution, and spread of exotic species are highly correlated with human development. As such, exotics are common throughout much of New England, including several species of graminoids (grasses and grass-like plants such as sedges and rushes). Several of the more invasive grass species can form expansive dense mats that exclude native plants, alter ecosystem structure and functions, and are perceived to provide little-to-no value as wildlife food or cover. Although little research has been conducted on direct impacts of exotic graminoids on wildlife populations in New England, several studies on the common reed (Phragmites australis) in salt marshes have shown this species to have variable effects as cover for birds and other wildlife, depending on the distribution of the plant (e.g., patches and borders of reeds are used more by wildlife than expansive densely growing stands). Direct impacts of other grasses on wildlife populations are largely unknown. However, many of the invasive graminoid species that are present in New England have the capability of outcompeting native plants and thereby potentially affecting associated fauna. Preservation, protection, and restoration of grassland and open-land cover types are complex but necessary challenges in the region to maintain biological and genetic diversity of grassland, wetland, and other open-land obligate species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

Citrullus lanatus germplasm of southern Africa.

Citrullus lanatus germplasm from southern Africa is a rich source of diversity for cultivated watermelon. Wild, feral, and landrace populations of the species are found throughout the arid regions of southern Africa, where they serve as sources of water and food for humans and wildlife alike. Genetic resources from the region proved to be important sources of disease resistance for cultivated watermelon, contributing to the development of both Fusarium wilt- and anthracnose-resistant cultivars. Basic research, such as genomic mapping and the elucidation of drought tolerance, have also benefitted from the abundant genetic diversity. Currently, several ex situ collections in the region and the rest of the world house accessions originating from southern Africa. The USDA germplasm collection has been screened extensively for traits of interest in watermelon breeding, but full advantage has not been taken of some of the other collections. The C. lanatus germplasm from southern Africa is currently a largely un...

The Biological Flora of Coastal Dunes and Wetlands:Sporobolus virginicus(C. Linnaeus) K. Kunth

Lonard, R.I.; Judd, F.W., and Stalter, R., 2013. The biological flora of coastal dunes and wetlands: Sporobolus virginicus (C. Linnaeus) K. Kunth. Sporobolus virginicus (C. Linnaeus) K. Kunth is a warm temperate, subtropical, and pantropical rhizomatous grass. It is an important species in foredunes, primary dunes, interdunal depressions, salt marshes, brackish marshes, and on the margins of salt pans where it is often a dominant species. Sporobolus virginicus is a euhalophyte that tolerates soluble salts ranging from 3 to 94 parts per thousand, and where the pH varies from 6 to 8.8. This species is freeze sensitive at −2.5°C with no hardening capacity. Also known as seashore dropseed, seedlings are sensitive to tidal inundation, but established plants are not affected by waterlogged conditions. The species is important for controlling beach erosion and for stabilizing sandy substrates. Stands of S. virginicus provide food for livestock and wildlife. Herein, we present a review of the biology of this important species.

Managing for adaptive capacity: thinning improves food availability for wildlife and insect pollinators under climate change conditions

A trait-based approach was developed to assess impacts of management practices on the adaptive capacity of ecosystems using impacts of overstory density and thinning on understory vegetation components related to wildlife habitat. The relationship between overstory basal area and understory vegetation for species grouped by traits that reflect food availability for wildlife (i.e., the production of flowers, fleshy fruit, and palatable leaves) was characterized in thinned and unthinned stands at seven Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) forests in western Oregon 6 years following thinning. Lower overstory densities and thinnings were associated with a higher likelihood of selected ecosystem functions, specifically the provision of food for wildlife, as evident by higher cover of flowering, fleshy fruit and palatable leaf producing species. Within these functional groups, thinning increased cover of drought-, fire-, and heat-tolerant species, which suggests that these ecosystem functions are more likely to be maintained under climate change conditions. The responses of species groups appear to be driven by the sensitivity of species to resource availability and to physical disturbances associated with thinnings.

Key to Nine Common Smilax Species of Florida

Identifying species found in Smilax the genus can be difficult because species resemble one another closely. One must be careful to use detailed descriptions in order to correctly identify a specimen. Smilax species are important because they can provide shelter and food for wildlife and have provided humans with medicine, food, and dyes. Twelve Smilax species are found in Florida. This 8-page fact sheet covers the nine more common species that one may encounter in the state. Written by Lynn Proenza and Michael Andreu and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2013.
 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr375

Remote sensing-based determination of understory grass greening stage over boreal forest

Our objectivewas the determination of understory grass greening stage (GGS: defined as the datewhen 75% of the grass in the surrounding area of a particular location would be green) using remote sensing data over the boreal-dominant forested regions in the Canadian province of Alberta. We used moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS)-derived accumu- lated growing degree days (AGDD) and normalized difference water index (NDWI) with ground-based understory GGS observations at approximately 120 lookout tower sites during the period 2006 to 2008. During 2006, we extracted the temporal dynamics of AGDD/ NDWI at the lookout tower sites and determined the best thresholds (i.e., 90 degree-days for AGDD and 0.45 for NDWI). These AGDD/NDWI thresholds were then implemented during 2007 and 2008; and observed that AGDD had better prediction capabilities in comparison to NDWI (i.e., ∼94% and ∼65% of the incidents fall within � 2 periods or � 16 days of deviations with the ground-based understory GGS observations using AGDD and NDWI thresholds, respectively). The outcomes would potentially be useful in understanding availability of food and habitat for wildlife species/animals; microclimatic environment, composition, and diversity of plant community; and forest fire danger and fire behavior in case of fire occurrences. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original pub- lication, including its DOI. (DOI: 10.1117/1.JRS.7.073578)

Seasonal Biomass and Starch Allocation of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) (Haplotype I) in Southern Alabama, USA

AbstractCommon reed (Phragmites australis) is a nonnative invasive perennial grass that is problematic in aquatic and riparian environments across the United States. Common reed often forms monotypic stands that displace native vegetation which provide food and cover for wildlife. To help maintain native habitats and manage populations of common reed in the United States, an understanding of its life history and starch allocation patterns are needed. Monthly biomass samples were harvested from sites throughout the Mobile River delta in southern Alabama, USA from January 2006 to December 2007 to quantify seasonal biomass and starch allocation patterns. Total biomass of common reed throughout the study was between 1375 and 3718 g m−2 depending on the season. Maximum aboveground biomass was 2200 ± 220 g m−2 in October of 2006 and 1302 ± 88 g m−2 in December of 2007. Maximum belowground biomass was seen in November of 2006 and 2007 with 1602 ± 233 and 1610 ± 517 g m−2 respectively. Biomass was related to ambient temperature, in that, as temperature decreased aboveground biomass (p = 0.05) decreased. Decreases in aboveground biomass were followed by an increase in belowground biomass (p < 0.01). Starch comprised 1 to 10% of aboveground biomass with peak temporary storage occurring in July and August 2006 and September to November of 2007. Belowground tissues stored the majority of starch for common reed regardless of the time of year. Overall, belowground tissues stored 5 to 20% of total starch for common reed with peak storage occurring in December 2006 and October 2007. Starch allocation to belowground tissues increased as temperatures decreased. Understanding seasonal life history patterns can provide information to guide management strategies by identifying the vulnerable points in biomass and starch reserves in common reed.

Effect of Aminopyralid on Desirable Forb Species

AbstractNative forbs are important for plant community function and diversity, and provide food and cover for wildlife. Field studies have been conducted throughout the western United States to determine the impact of herbicides applied to control invasive weeds on native forbs. However, locating adequate populations of native forbs for evaluation of tolerance to herbicides is often difficult. The susceptibility of nine native prairie forbs to aminopyralid applied at 30 to 120 g ha−1 was evaluated in a greenhouse study and results compared to the same or similar species in field trials. Forb susceptibility to aminopyralid varied by species. Of the forbs evaluated, azure aster, purple coneflower, and closed bottle gentian were the most tolerant to aminopyralid while prairie coneflower, great blue lobelia, harebell, and white prairie clover were the most susceptible and likely would be killed in the field. Blanket flower and showy goldenrod were moderately tolerant to aminopyralid even when applied at 120 g ha−1. The susceptibility of greenhouse-grown forbs to aminopyralid was comparable to results for the same or similar species in the field. Results from greenhouse trials could be used to predict native forb tolerance in the field.

Concepts and a methodology for evaluating environmental services from trees of small farms in Chiapas, México

We propose a methodology to estimate the environmental service (ES) value of small farms in Chiapas, Mexico, involving trained farmers-promoters in field sampling. We considered the ways in which the landscape's principal organisms, the trees, contribute to ES. We proposed a species functional value (FV) index based on their functional traits and key ecological characteristics, and estimated each site's ES value using FV weighted by the dimensions and abundance of individuals in different land uses (LU). Tree contribution to carbon storage (C) was defined using species wood density and biodiversity conservation value (BD) using food and habitat provision for wildlife and species existence (non-use) value (EX). Many species and individuals had high C, as wind-dispersed species with dense wood were common, but low BD prevailed, with high BD species common only in riparian forests. Few species and fewer individuals had high EX conferred by dense wood, large size, harvesting pressure and animal dispersal, among others. High variance in value within LU types, suggested that LU is a poor estimator of ES value, and that the measurement of species FV and tree dimensions is essential. This tool accurately reflects the ecological values of farm tree cover, allowing negotiation of compensation for environmental services. This methodology could be implemented combining open-access regional traits databases and field sampling by local people, and can easily be adapted for the measurement of other ES, and to other ecological and cultural contexts.

The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 151.Erodium cicutarium(L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton

Francis, A., Darbyshire, S. J., Légère, A. and Simard, M.-J. 2012. The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 151. Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 1359–1380. Stork's bill, Erodium cicutarium, is an annual weed of the geranium family (Geraniaceae), native to Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It has spread widely to temperate regions of both hemispheres, in particular to semi-arid ranges and prairies where it is frequently a dominant weed. In western Canada, it has increased in importance as a weed of cereal, canola, legume, sugarbeet and potato crops, particularly with the adoption of conservation tillage, and is both a field weed and seed contaminant of forage crops. The species had been sporadically collected in Québec since 1874 from cultivated fields (oats, potatoes, corn), but it recently appeared in experimental plots grown in corn, soybean, and red clover in eastern Québec, suggesting its potential as a serious weed. Outside of Canada, it is found in a range of crops, and has been host to viral, fungal and insect pathogens that can cause damage to crops and pastures. The plant's early germination, rapid growth and prolific seed production give it a competitive advantage in crops. In spring crops, the weed may be past the stage for optimal control by the time that the crop has reached the stage when herbicides are normally applied. Control may consequently require an extensive and often costly integrated weed management system. In semi-arid grazing areas it probably displaced some native vegetation, but has also become an important forage plant and a source of food for native wildlife. Its antioxidant and other chemical properties have drawn attention to potential medicinal and other beneficial uses.

Searching for sustainability: are assessments of wildlife harvests behind the times?

The unsustainable harvest of wildlife is a major threat to global biodiversity and to the millions of people who depend on wildlife for food and income. Past research has called attention to the fact that commonly used methods to evaluate the sustainability of wildlife hunting perform poorly, yet these methods remain in popular use today. Here, we conduct a systematic review of empirical sustainability assessments to quantify the use of sustainability indicators in the scientific literature and highlight associations between analytical methods and their outcomes. We find that indicator type, continent of study, species body mass, taxonomic group and socio-economic status of study site are important predictors of the probability of reported sustainability. The most common measures of sustainability include population growth models, the Robinson & Redford (1991) model and population trends through time. Indicators relying on population-specific biological data are most often used in North America and Europe, while cruder estimates are more often used in Africa, Latin America and Oceania. Our results highlight both the uncertainty and lack of uniformity in sustainability science. Given our urgent need to conserve both wildlife and the food security of rural peoples around the world, improvements in sustainability indicators are of utmost importance.

Perceptions and patterns of human–elephant conflict at Barjora block of Bankura district in West Bengal, India: insights for mitigation and management

Human–elephant conflict is an issue of great concern regarding the growing competition between people and wildlife for food and shelter throughout Asia and Africa. The situation the Asian elephant faces is much critical. According to IUCN (Big hopes for endangered Asian Elephants, News Release, Gland, 2006), one of the prime factors to the decline of elephant population in India is the increasing trend in human–elephant conflict. Barjora block of Bankura district in West Bengal is one of the severe conflict prone zones in West Bengal, where elephant raid in every year has now become an inevitable phenomenon. As a result, crop damage, infrastructural damages, disturbances of daily activities, occurrence of human death and injuries have no doubt annihilated and frustrated the social fabric of life. This paper is an empirical attempt to address various consequences of human–elephant encounters which have an adverse impact on social, economic as well as the cultural life of the people. Instead of pursuing some traditional mitigation techniques, we argued much on understanding peoples’ perception to explore some sustainable mitigation measures to ensure the interest of both human and elephant and also to safeguard ecological integrity.

Industry v Parks: With Special Reference to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

Since the inception of mankind, man has always transgressed into the boundaries of the wildlife for its sustenance. In the early period man sacrificed wildlife for food, clothing and shelter and for the other basic needs. Today the ever demanding approach of mankind has done a lot of damage to the wildlife as well as the forests. Human beings have become a major evolutionary force and while lacking the knowledge to control the biosphere we certainly have the power to change it radically and destroy it.In this paper I would be studying the various aspects as to how industries have destroyed flora and fauna and have tried to intrude into the biosphere. Industries today are setup in various ecosensitive zones where there is a deep possibility that the industry might have an impact on the surrounding environment. Industries in the name of power, mining, cement, ferro-alloys, automobiles, chemicals etc. have encroached into the territory of the wild and are causing a menace due to the wastes, effluents and other unwanted particles that are released into the homes of the wild. India before its independence had the Indian Forests Act of 1927 and then in 1972, India adopted a comprehensive national law, the Wildlife (Protection), Act and after that various specific statutes relating to the protection and conservation of environment which has sporadically tried to protect the environment. In relation to this the Judiciary of the country has also played an active role in the protection of the environment and has effectively imposed liabilities on these industries and has made an effort to curb this menace.In this paper I undertake to research comprehensively through various case laws as to how the Judiciary has made an effort to protect the wildlife and has imposed liability.

Showy partridge pea [Chamaecrista fasciculata (Michx.) Greene] with potential for cultivation as a multi-functional species in the United States

Showy partridge pea, Chamaecrista fasciculata is used in the USA for cover cropping, ornate flowers in native gardens, honey crop, as an annual reseeding legume for restoration and conservation plantings, and wildlife food. However, its greatest potential may be as a bio-control plant for the control of mole crickets, cactus moth, and additional pest species. The United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit (USDA, ARS, PGRCU) conserves 36 accessions originating from the USA.

Seed production of mature forest-grown American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh)1

Abstract Gilland, K. E. (Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens OH 45701), C. H. Keiffer (Department of Botany, Miami University, Oxford OH 45042), and B. C. McCarthy (Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Ohio University, Athens OH 45701). Seed production of mature forest-grown American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh). J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 139: 283–289. 2012.—Few records concerning pre-blight seed production of forest grown American chestnut (Castanea dentata) exist. As blight resistant American chestnut becomes available to use in restoration efforts, many conservation groups are interested in reintroducing the species as a wildlife food resource. As part of a long-term ecological study involving a disjunct population of American chestnut in Wisconsin, we examined seed production of mature forest grown trees in fall 2005 and 2006. Eleven large diameter (> 23 cm DBH), overstory position, fruiting American chestnuts were selected and measured for height, ...

Possibility on Agriculture Mechanization for Tropical Yam (<i>Dioscorea Hispida</i>)

Ubi Gadong (Dioscorea hispida) is a toxic plant which contains toxic poison. It can only be consumed after the poison of dioscorin is removed. It is normally found in wildlife forest and planted in clay soil condition in Asia region. The advancement of technology should introduce in most important area; agriculture, as for benefit of mankind. The solid mod- eling software may use for design, model and simulate the workability of the designed equipment in CAD environment system. The simulation analysis will make the designer choose the best decision for fabrication stage of agriculture mecha- nization tool. The farm mechanization for ubi gadong is help to produce the good quality and output in this new exploration of wildlife food for commercialization.

Evaluating the Potential for Differential Susceptibility of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Haplotypes I and M to Aquatic Herbicides

AbstractCommon reed (Phragmites australis) is an invasive perennial grass in aquatic and riparian environments across the United States, forming monotypic stands that displace native vegetation that provides food and cover for wildlife. Genetic variation in global populations of common reed has given rise to two invasive haplotypes, I and M, in the United States. Our objectives were to (1) determine if any differences in herbicide efficacy exist with respect to common reed haplotypes I and M and (2) screen for other labeled aquatic herbicides that may have activity on common reed haplotypes I and M, most notably imazamox and diquat. A replicated outdoor mesocosm study was conducted in 1,136-L (300-gal) tanks using haplotypes I and M of common reed. Restriction fragment length polymorphism methodologies were used to verify the identification of I and M haplotypes used in this study. Diquat at 2.2 (1.9) and 4.5 (4.0) kg ai ha−1 (lb ai ac−1), glyphosate at 2.1 (1.8) and 4.2 (3.7) kg ae ha−1 (lb ae ac−1), imazamox at 0.6 (0.5) and 1.1 (0.9) kg ai ha−1 (lb ai ac−1), imazapyr at 0.8 (0.7) and 1.7 (1.5) kg ai ha−1 (lb ai ac−1), and triclopyr at 3.4 (3.0) and 6.7 (5.9) kg ae ha−1 (lb ae ac−1) were applied to the foliage of common reed. After 12 wk, no difference (P = 0.28) in herbicide tolerance was seen between the two haplotypes with respect to biomass. The 4.2-kg ae ha−1 rate of glyphosate and the 0.8- and 1.7 kg ai ha−1 rates of imazapyr reduced common reed by > 90% at 12 wk after treatment (WAT). Imazamox at 0.6 and 1.1 kg ai ha−1, and triclopyr at 3.4 and 6.7 kg ae ha−1 reduced common reed biomass (62–86%) at 12 WAT, though regrowth occurred. Diquat did not significantly reduce biomass by 12 wk. Glyphosate and imazapyr were the only herbicides that resulted in > 90% biomass reduction and corroborate control from previous studies.

Establishing Chickasaw plum for wildlife in northwestern Oklahoma

AbstractChickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) provides cover (escape, thermal, nesting, resting) and food (foliage and fruit) for wildlife in the southern Great Plains. Establishing plum may increase abundance of some wildlife species and species diversity on areas deficient in woody cover. To provide recommendations for establishment methods of Chickasaw plum, we tested effects of tillage, planting date, and competition control on survival and growth of bare‐root seedlings (BRS), coppiced transplants (CT), and intact transplants (IT) of Chickasaw plum planted on sandy sites in Woods County, Oklahoma, USA, during 2007–2011. Tillage did not affect survival or growth. After 4 years, BRS had higher survival than CT or IT (83%, 26%, and 18%, respectively). Bare‐root seedlings also outperformed transplants in height and diameter development and coppicing transplants did not have a long‐term negative effect. At the end of 4 years, heights were 70 cm, 55 cm, and 52 cm, while ground line diameters were 14 mm, 9 mm, and 9 mm, for the BRS, IT, and CT propagules, respectively. Based on crown spread and an initial planting density of 60 × 60 cm, stands should be fully established by age 6. Planting in mid‐spring increased survival of CT by >33% compared to late‐winter or early spring planting. Competition control using weed‐barrier cloth increased plum survival by 13%. Overall, BRS performed well, but if seedlings are not available, local transplants can be taken and planted at higher densities to achieve similar results. If using local transplants, we recommend coppicing to increase survival and hasten establishment. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.