bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspected Selective Herbivory of Bioenergy Grasses by Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Authors: Hager Heather A. , Stewart Frances E. C.
Published: January 2017

Highly productive native and non-native perennial grasses are being grown for bioenergy purposes in North America, and ecological risks of their large-scale production are being assessed to inform breeding and management practices. Giant Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus) and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) were introduced into an old-field habitat in Guelph, Ontario, in 2012. Seedlings of these species suffered severe selective herbivory, being severed at the plant base by an unknown herbivore. We therefore performed a live-trapping survey and mark-recapture analysis of the small mammal community in 2012 to identify the probable herbivore and estimate its population density. Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) were the most abundant herbivore in the area, with an estimated population of 265 individuals/ha, a relatively high density. This and other evidence indicate that Meadow Voles were likely responsible for herbivory of >80% of the transplants. Such herbivory could have a substantial effect on the establishment and survival of these grasses, suggesting that future crop breeding programs and ecological risk assessments should take this into consideration.
Prescribed Burning Has Limited Long-Term Effectiveness in Controlling Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) Encroachment into Fescue Grassland in Prince Albert National Park
Authors: Guedo Digit D. , Lamb Eric G.
Published: January 2017

Encroachment into grassland by woody species is a global ecological phenomenon, and it is of particular concern in remnant fescue (Festuca) prairie at the aspen parkland–boreal forest ecotone. Fire suppression is thought to encourage encroachment; however, prescribed burning as a means of controlling encroachment and restoring system structure, function, and composition has had variable success. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different season of burn, number of annual burns, and number of years after burning treatments on Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) encroachment into the fescue grasslands within Prince Albert National Park, Saskatchewan. Temporal changes in density and cover of Trembling Aspen in grassland and grassland–forest transition plant communities were evaluated using data from a prescribed burn study conducted in Prince Albert National Park from 1975 to 2010. The effect of year (indicating varying amounts of time relative to prescribed burning) and the interaction between spring burning and year reflect a stimulatory effect of burning on Trembling Aspen suckering. Increased Trembling Aspen cover in the forest transition community with more annual burns, burning in the fall, and the interaction between year and number of annual burns and increased Trembling Aspen cover in the grassland community with year indicate that none of the treatments had lasting control of Trembling Aspen encroachment. Ongoing Trembling Aspen encroachment despite prescribed burning may be due to important missing interactions between fire and grazing. A change in the use and expectation of prescribed burning is needed when attempting to suppress Trembling Aspen encroachment into the fescue grasslands.
Encounter Competition between a Cougar, Puma concolor, and a Western Spotted Skunk, Spilogale gracilis
Authors: Allen Maximilian L. , Elbroch L. Mark , Wittmer Heiko U.
Published: January 2017

Encounter competition occurs frequently over food resources and may include kleptoparasitism, where scavengers usurp prey killed by carnivores. Scavenging may have important adverse effects on carnivores and may result in higher than expected kill rates by predators. Using camera traps placed on a Black-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) carcass killed by a Cougar (Puma concolor) in California, we observed a series of encounters in which a Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis) temporally usurped the carcass from the Cougar. The Western Spotted Skunk also successfully defended the carcass when the Cougar returned and attempted to feed. The Spotted Skunk was about 1% of the mass of the Cougar. Our observation is the largest reported size differential of a mammalian species engaging in successful encounter competition.
Age Structure of Moose (Alces alces) Killed by Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) in Northeastern Minnesota, 1967–2011
Authors: Mech L. David , Nelson Michael E.
Published: January 2017

The ages of 77 adult Moose (Alces alces) killed by Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) during the period 1967–2011 in northeastern Minnesota were significantly older than those of a sample of 17,585 Moose killed by hunters in nearby Ontario. Our findings support those of earlier studies of protected Moose populations in national parks that found that Gray Wolves tend to kill disproportionately more older Moose.
Can we Create Alvars or Fully Restore those Damaged?
Authors: Catling Paul M.
Published: January 2017

A brief survey of the literature indicates that there is no scientific basis for the assumption that a self-sustaining and fully diverse alvar ecosystem can be created or fully repaired following serious damage. Consequently it is much better to protect an existing alvar than to accept promised creation elsewhere, or full repair, as a justification for allowing damage due to human activities. Although conservation may be well served by establishing some alvar species ex situ in partially restored areas, at present the best way of protecting alvar diversity is by protecting alvars, through a well-planned system of protected natural sites of high quality.
Tree ring growth and stable isotopes as potential indicators of historical seabird activities on forested islands in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Reimchen T. E. , McGehee S. , Glickman B. W.
Published: January 2017

We examined yearly rings from increment cores of conifers on two seabird nesting islands (one in the Lucy Islands and one in the Rankine Islands, British Columbia), to determine whether trees contained signatures of historical activity of seabirds. Ten conifers (primarily Sitka Spruce, Picea sitchensis), ranging from 56 cm to 127 cm diameter (average 90 cm) and ranging from 70 to 232 years in age (average 132 years of age), were cored across a 200-m gradient in densities of seabird burrows. At the site in the lucy Islands, annual growth was highest (8–14 mm) in the trees with the highest seabird burrow densities and highest in the earliest rings (~1930), which were followed by a fluctuating reduction down to ~2 mm/year in the year 2000, but with a secondary elevated growth period in the 1970s. Adjacent control trees without seabird burrows had a growth rate of ~2 mm/year throughout the same period. At the site in the Rankine Islands, growth rates were also variable and exhibited a 10–15 year non-synchronous periodicity, with the highest growths in the location with high seabird burrow density. Nitrogen isotope signatures (δ15N), which are greatly elevated in seabird guano, ranged from minus 3.9% to 17.4% among tree rings (n = 245 rings) and were positively correlated to percentage nitrogen in rings, average ring growth, and burrow densities. Using these methods, we infer from our tree ring data that seabird activity declined on the lucy Islands over a 70-year period and that the combination of growth, nitrogen isotopic signatures, and percentage nitrogen in tree rings as well a more detailed sampling grid of target and adjacent control trees will provide seabird biologists with additional tools for evaluating spatial and historical trends in seabird activity on forested islands.
Documentation of infanticide in American Marten (Martes americana)
Authors: Dubruiel Amy , Woodford James E. , MacFarland David M.
Published: January 2017

Reports of male American Martens (Martes americana) interacting with pre-weaned kits are limited. During the post-release monitoring of American Martens translocated from Minnesota to northwestern Wisconsin in 2008–2010, we documented a male American Marten without a radio-collar ascending a den tree of a radio-collared female in 2011 and removing two pre-weaned kits. The female’s movements immediately became unrestricted after the removal. We also documented two events where an uncollared male American Marten was at the den tree before and after the kit removal. Only female American Martens have been reported to provide care for kits. Visual inspection of the remote camera photographs suggests that all three events likely involved the same uncollared male American Marten. This is the first record of a male American Marten killing pre-weaned kits.
Abundance, distribution, and species assemblages of colonial waterbirds in the boreal region of west-central Manitoba and east-central Saskatchewan
Authors: Wilson Scott
Published: January 2017

Central and southern Manitoba contain some of the largest breeding populations of several colonial waterbird species in North America. Despite the value of this region for waterbirds, very little monitoring has been conducted on Lake Winnipeg, Lake Winnipegosis, or Lake Manitoba in the past three decades and little is known about the smaller boreal lakes in adjacent areas to the north. In June 2011, boat surveys were conducted on 11 boreal lakes in west-central Manitoba and east-central Saskatchewan to examine current abundance and distribution of colonial waterbirds in that region. Data from this survey were compared with abundance of colonial waterbirds on Lake Winnipegosis and Lake Manitoba from an aerial survey of these lakes in 2012. Waterbird colonies were located on 7 of the 11 lakes in 2011 and included Double-crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) (2373 adults, 1134 pairs in 7 colonies), Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) (1367 adults, 772 pairs in 29 colonies), Forster’s Terns (Sterna forsteri) (20 adults, 11 pairs in 1 colony), Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) (876 adults, 568 pairs in 23 colonies), and Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) (3752 adults, 16 colonies). Common Terns and Herring Gulls appeared to be predominantly breeders and pair abundance for both species increased in a sigmoidal fashion; lakes <100 km2 in area had few breeding pairs. Numbers of Double-crested Cormorants and especially, Ring-billed Gulls, may have included a sizeable non-breeding component. Densities (pairs/lake area) of Common Terns and Herring Gulls were about 2 and 4 times higher, respectively, on these lakes than on Lake Winnipegosis and Lake Manitoba, while Double-crested Cormorant and Ring-billed Gull densities were higher on lakes Winnipegosis and Manitoba. Additional studies of productivity in relation to lake characteristics and connectivity among colonies throughout the region would further our understanding of the importance and sustainability of waterbird populations in this region of the boreal forest.
Home site fidelity in Black Rockfish, Sebastes melanops, reintroduced into a fjord environment
Authors: Marliave Jeff , Frid Alejandro , Welch David W. , Porter Aswea D.
Published: January 2017

Between December 2004 and January 2007, we studied the movements of six Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops) that had been fitted with acoustic transmitters and reintroduced into a fjord environment at the edge of Vancouver Harbour, British Columbia. The Black Rockfish were released in December 2004 and April 2005 at a reef characterized by complex rocky structures and steep slopes; bottom depths at the site dropped from 10 to 55 m within a horizontal distance of only 30 m. The reef, however, is small (approximately 4500 m2) and is surrounded by soft bottom habitats used infrequently by Black Rockfish. VEMCO VR2 receivers were deployed at the release site and at outlying reefs located 1 and 4 km away. Acoustic data suggest that one individual emigrated from the reef after 11 months of residency and a second individual disappeared abruptly after 6 weeks on the reef, possibly due to fishing mortality or emigration. The four remaining individuals appear to have confined their movements to the release site, using an area 6 to 10 times smaller than the home ranges reported for populations in low-gradient coastlines in California and Oregon.
Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) detection and behaviour using remote cameras during the breeding season
Authors: Crowley Shannon M. , Hodder Dexter P. , Larsen Karl W.
Published: January 2017

The efficacy of surveys in detecting Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) can vary considerably by geographic area. We conducted surveys using digital passive infrared trail video-cameras from January to April 2013, during the breeding season of the Canada Lynx, in the John Prince Research Forest in central British Columbia. We used snow-track surveys to test the efficacy of our camera surveys. We measured trail camera detection rates by survey week and location and we noted Canada Lynx activity and behaviours recorded by the cameras. The detection rate increased between January and April, reaching a peak of 8 Canada Lynx/100 camera-days in early April. Canada Lynx spent more time at camera sites displaying behaviours such as scent-marking and cheek-rubbing in late March. The combination of both snow-track and trail camera surveys was especially effective, with Canada Lynx detected at 77% of all monitored sites. Depending on survey objectives, it may be beneficial to conduct camera as well as other non-invasive survey methods for Canada Lynx during the breeding season, when survey efficacy and detection rates are maximized.
Invasion of Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose) into coastal plant communities of Brier Island, Nova Scotia
Authors: Garbary David J. , Hill Nicholas M. , Miller Anthony G.
Published: January 2017

During August and September 2010, we surveyed the entire 20.4 km perimeter of Brier Island, Nova Scotia, for the invasive shrub Rosa rugosa (Rugosa Rose). This island in the outer reaches of the Bay of Fundy of Nova Scotia is geographically isolated and relatively undeveloped. Our objective was to determine the extent and mechanism of the invasion of R. rugosa into different coastal habitats to gain insight into the potential threat to native biodiversity from the unchecked population growth of this monopolizing, rank shrub. Over 300 colonies of R. rugosa with mean height over 1 m occupied 2089 m of the island perimeter within 10 m of the top of the beach. The mean distance between colonies was about 61 m and the maximum distance was 1927 m. At least 33 colonies formed almost impenetrable walls, each over 10 m in length, and 2 colonies occupied about 500 m2 each. Rosa rugosa had greatest density on a sand–gravel beach on which 88 colonies occupied 22% of the area and 33% of the beach margin. Exponential growth of the population (inferred from aerial photographs from 1970, 1988, and 2000) may be due to the various systems of seed dispersal. Agents include primary (American Mink, Neovison vison, and Red Squirrel, Tamiascurius hudsonicus) and secondary (an unidentified rodent) biotic dispersers. Longer distance dispersal may include Coyotes (Canis latrans), off-road vehicles and deposition of fruits by currents and waves. The main sites of seedling establishment are native habitats, such as dune grass and seashore Seaside Plantain (Plantago maritima) zones, albeit modified by this exotic rose. Dispersal of colonies contradicts a hypothesis of dispersal from human habitation along roads and tracks to the coastal habitats. We conclude that R. rugosa is having a significant impact on marine coastal plant communities and has the potential to dominate windswept shrub habitats on coastlines of much of Nova Scotia.
New and noteworthy records of Orthoptera and allies in the Maritimes and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec
Authors: Catling Paul M. , McAlpine Donald F. , Adam Christopher I. G. , Belliveau Gilles , Doucet Denis , Fairweather Aaron D. , Malloch David , Sabine Dwayne L. , Thomas A. W.
Published: January 2017

Chortophaga viridifasciata, Forficula auricularia, Melanoplus stonei, Scudderia furcata furcata, Scudderia pistillata, and Trimerotropis verruculata from Prince Edward Island and Doru taeniatum, Melanoplus punctulatus, Orchelimum gladiator, and Spharagemon bolli from New Brunswick are new provincial records. Other records of interest include the endemic Melanoplus madeleineae from Île d’Entrée in the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec; Trimerotropis verruculata from the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec; and Chortophaga viridifasciata, Stethophyma lineatum, and Tetrix subulata, new for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The ranges of Conocephalus brevipennis, Tetrix arenosa angusta, Tetrix ornata, and Tetrix subulata are significantly extended in New Brunswick. A previously unpublished record from 2003 of Roeseliana roeselii (Metrioptera roeselii) is the earliest report of this European introduction to the Maritimes.
Attempted conspecific cavity usurpation by Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus)
Authors: Berl Jacob L. , Edwards John W. , Bolsinger Jeff S.
Published: January 2017

When breeding resources are scarce, intense competition for nest sites among cavity-nesting birds can result in agonistic encounters and cavity usurpation. Red-headed Woodpeckers (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) are known to usurp nest cavities from interspecific competitors, but the incidence of conspecific cavity usurpation remains unreported. We describe an attempted conspecific nest usurpation and depredation by a Red-headed Woodpecker in mixed-oak (Quercus) woodlands in northern New York State.
The most northerly Black Witch (Ascalapha odorata): a tropical moth in the Canadian Arctic
Authors: Ekrem Torbjørn , Kevan Peter G. , Woodcock Thomas S. , Hebert Paul D. N.
Published: January 2017

A specimen of the Black Witch (Ascalapha odorata) was collected in August 2006 near Churchill, Manitoba, at 58.7652°N. This represents the most northerly record for this species. DNA barcode comparison of 93 specimens of A. odorata in the Barcode of Life Data Systems revealed low genetic divergence even though these specimens were collected from a large geographical area. The haplotype of the Churchill specimen was shared by only one other individual (collected in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico) in the Barcode of Life Data Systems. A definite assignment of the geographic origin of the Churchill specimen is not possible with current data, but more extensive analysis of Central American populations with additional genetic markers might resolve this uncertainty.
Multiple crossings of a large glacial river by Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Authors: Feierabend Dashiell , Kielland Knut
Published: January 2017

Rivers may act as barriers to the movement of terrestrial mammals, which could limit dispersal and gene flow. Glacial rivers are particularly hazardous because of the cold water temperature and swift current. Yet, we determined that 2 Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis) equipped with GPS collars repeatedly swam across the main channel of the Tanana River in interior Alaska in 2011 as late in the season as November, when the average minimum daily air temperature was −27°C. These observations are consistent with the low level of genetic structure observed in Canada Lynx in northwestern North America and suggest that even large rivers may pose less of a barrier to movement by Canada Lynx than expected.
Acoustic monitoring of migratory birds over western Lake Erie: avian responses to barriers and the importance of islands
Authors: Sanders Claire E. , Mennill Daniel J.
Published: January 2017

Understanding the flight patterns of migrating birds is critical for informing conservation actions and management decisions. We studied the geographic and temporal distribution of birds migrating through the southern Great Lakes using nocturnal acoustic monitoring data and banding records from sites on Pelee Island in Lake Erie and on the mainland along the north shore of Lake Erie. Given that Lake Erie may represent an ecological barrier to migratory birds, we predicted that mainland and island sites would show different patterns in both the number of passage migrants and the timing of their migration. Analysis of over 60,000 flight calls from 6200 h of recordings revealed significantly more migrants over the island than the mainland in both spring and fall 2012. The acoustic data provide evidence that none of the species or species groups examined avoided crossing the lake. Birds were detected significantly earlier on Pelee Island than on the north shore of Lake Erie in spring, although they were not detected earlier on the mainland in fall. These results suggest that Lake Erie is not a major barrier to migration. The large number of birds detected over the island suggest that birds may concentrate their flight over islands in the middle of the lake, although recordings of migrants over open water will be required to support this suggestion. Our results show that Pelee Island is an important part of the migratory route of North American birds and provide valuable information on the movement of nocturnal migrants over the Great Lakes.
Parental care by lone male Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis), Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus), and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) was limited to providing food
Authors: Schmutz Josef K. , Gérard Martin A. , Court Gordon S. , Nelson R. Wayne
Published: January 2017

In three long-term studies of Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis), Rough-legged Hawks (Buteo lagopus), and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus), we observed rare but regular occurrences of superabundant prey at nests where nestlings were hungry, emaciated, or dead. In these cases, a male appeared to be the lone parent; the female parent was found dead, kept away by disturbances, or simply absent. We conclude that the male parents, whose normal role is to provide food, were unable to expand their care to include morseling, feeding, and brooding. Faced with the stress of incessant food begging by nestlings, the male parents responded by bringing more and more food to the nest, to the point where food spoiled while the young starved amid plenty. We provide and interpret detailed observations for 11 such cases and suggest several variables that would influence the nestlings’ chances of survival.
Activity and diet of bats in conventional versus organic apple orchards in southern Michigan
Authors: Long Brenna L. , Kurta Allen
Published: January 2017

Organic farming practices have been suggested as a conservation strategy that can provide productive foraging sites for insectivorous bats in agricultural areas. We tested the hypothesis that the number and diversity of insects captured and the resulting activity and diet of bats would differ between organic and conventional apple orchards. During the summer of 2009 and 2010, we captured 131 Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and five Eastern Red Bats (Lasiurus borealis) by mist netting in four organic and four conventional orchards in Michigan. Acoustic monitoring revealed that most calls (59%) were produced by Big Brown Bats, followed by Hoary Bats (L. cinereus), Eastern Red Bats, and unidentified species of Myotis. Most insects (96%) captured in light traps were Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Trichoptera; fecal analysis indicated that Coleoptera dominated the diet of Big Brown Bats (79% by volume), followed by Diptera (14%). There were no significant differences between organic and conventional orchards in number of insects captured with light traps, bats captured with mist nets, acoustic recordings of bats, or proportion of Coleoptera and Diptera consumed by the bats. However, the taxonomic composition of captured insects and acoustic recordings was not homogenous among orchards in either group, suggesting that factors other than farming practices were more important in determining which insects and bats were found in the small orchards typical of southern Michigan.
Assessing capture success of small mammals due to trap orientation in field–forest edge habitat
Authors: Wolcott Daniel M. , Ackerman Madison R. , Kennedy Michael L.
Published: January 2017

The prediction that trap orientation would not affect the likelihood of capturing small, non-volant mammals in field–forest edge habitat was tested during late May and early June 2010 at 3 locations in western Tennessee. Traps were placed in pairs along transects in edge habitats with the orientation of one trap facing outward, toward the field, and the other oriented inward, toward the forest. Results reflected no differential capture success due to trap orientation among ages, sexes, species, or locations. This finding should facilitate the inventorying and monitoring of small mammals in an abundant and potentially species-rich habitat type found in many terrestrial regions.
Pygmy Shrew (Sorex hoyi) in Montana east of the Rocky Mountains with comments on its distribution across the northern Great Plains
Authors: Hendricks Paul , Lenard Susan
Published: January 2017

Range maps for Pygmy Shrew (Sorex hoyi) show a large hiatus over much of the northern Great Plains between the Rocky Mountains and eastern North Dakota. We report a new record of the Pygmy Shrew in northeastern Montana, review previous records for the state and adjacent regions bordering Montana to the north and east, and suggest that the range boundary in the northern Great Plains be redrawn farther south to include all of Montana north of the Missouri River. This is consistent with the known range of the Pygmy Shrew in eastern North Dakota and South Dakota, where the species has been documented only north and east of the Missouri River, although records are still lacking from north of the Missouri River in northwestern North Dakota and adjacent regions of Canada. Pygmy Shrews will probably be found at additional localities in prairie regions of Canada adjacent to Montana, most likely in association with prairie pothole wetlands, river bottom riparian vegetation, and hardwood draws.
A review of colour phenotypes of the Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus, in North America
Authors: Moore Jean-David , Ouellet Martin
Published: January 2017

The Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) is the most abundant salamander species in many forests of northeastern North America. It is well-known for its colour polymorphism, which includes eight colour phenotypes: the red-backed (striped), lead-backed (unstriped) and erythristic morphs, as well as the iridistic, albino, leucistic, amelanistic and melanistic anomalies. Here we review the various colorations of P. cinereus, with the objective of facilitating the identification of these different phenotypes and of generating interest among field herpetologists and scientists reporting on this species. We also list six previously unpublished occurrences of colour variants in this species (1 case of erythrism, 3 of iridism, 1 of leucism, and 1 of partial leucism). To our knowledge, these cases include the first documented occurrence of iridism in the red-backed morph of P. cinereus, and the first two mentions of this colour anomaly in the lead-backed morph from Canada.
Long-distance anadromous migration in a fresh water specialist: the Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
Authors: Harris Les N. , Moore Jean-Sébastien , McDermid Christopher G. , Swanson Heidi K.
Published: January 2017

The Lake Trout, Salvelinus namaycush, is believed to be one of the most saline intolerant salmonid species, typically completing its life wholly in fresh water. Historical observations and more recent quantitative assessments have shown, however, that in some Arctic populations, Lake Trout can migrate to marine waters (i.e., display anadromy). In the four coastal Arctic populations of Lake Trout where anadromy has been confirmed, migrations to and from marine environments are relatively short (i.e., in the order of a few kilometres). In the Halokvik River on Victoria Island, we captured two anadromous Lake Trout in a weir used jointly for commercial fishing and stock assessment research. Both fish were captured during the fall upstream migration, some 50 km from their presumed fresh water spawning or overwintering locations. This observation extends the current knowledge regarding the distribution of anadromous populations in this species and suggests that migration to marine habitats can be much longer than previously expected.
Spiders of the southern taiga biome of Labrador, Canada
Authors: Perry R. C. , Pickavance J. R. , Pardy S.
Published: January 2017

Ad hoc collections of spiders were made in August and early September 2003 and pitfall trap collections were conducted from June to October in 2004 and 2005 in southern Labrador. These collections represent the first systematic spider sampling for the most easterly area of mainland Canada. In total, 161 species in 15 families were identified to genus and species and 16 were indeterminate. Of the identified species, 89 were new records for Labrador and, of those, 16 species were new records for the province. In total, 94 species (58.4%) have Nearctic distributions and 67 species (41.6%) are Holarctic. No Palearctic species were found. Our study brings the number of spider species recorded in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador to 377 (213 in Labrador).
Morphological and ecological variation among populations and subspecies of Burbot (Lota lota [L, 1758]) from the Mackenzie River Delta, Canada
Authors: Recknagel Hans , Amos Amy , Elmer Kathryn R.
Published: January 2017

The Burbot (Lota lota [L, 1758]) is a holarctic distributed freshwater fish in the Gadidae family. In northwestern Canada, it has an important value for local and traditional fisheries. We describe the morphology and ecology of Burbot from four populations in the Mackenzie River Delta. Two subspecies come into contact in this area, which is the western edge of Lota lota maculosa distribution (one population in our study) and the eastern edge of Lota lota lota distribution (three populations in our study). We found the combined length–weight relationship in these four populations to be log10 (weight) = −3.986 + 2.617 * log10 (length). There was no difference in mean body length (overall mean and standard deviation 73.4 ± 8.7 cm), although the L. l. lota populations were heavier than the L. l. maculosa population. All populations differed in their carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures (δ15N overall mean 12.1 ± 1.59; δ13C overall mean −25.54 ± 1.11). Main prey items were four fish species: Ninespine Stickleback (Pungitius pungitius [L, 1758]), Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus [Pallas, 1776]), Burbot, and Northern Pike (Esox lucius [L, 1758]). Ecological and morphological differences may be due to local conditions and population variability or to the different Lota lota subspecies. More ecological and morphological information from this region is needed to resolve possible phenotypic differences between the subspecies.
Experimental evidence of spatial memory and home range affinity in White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
Authors: Nelson Michael E.
Published: January 2017

The role of spatial memory in the movement of animals through landscapes remains elusive. To examine spatial memory and home range affinity of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in northeastern Minnesota during 1995–2007, I translocated 17 adult does with known home ranges to unfamiliar sites and radio-tracked them after their release. Twelve does wearing transmitting radio-collars returned to their home ranges. Death and collar expiration precluded determination of whether the remaining five does would have returned to home ranges. Three of five does wearing global positioning system collars traveled throughout hundreds of square kilometres, circling, backtracking, and returning to release sites, while two others exhibited directional movement for tens of kilometres. Four does that survived to parturition stopped traveling and moved at hourly rates similar to those of control does during the first three weeks of the typical fawn-rearing period, but continued traveling later. Their aberrant extensive travel before and after interruption by parturition suggests that they recognized they were in unfamiliar areas, demonstrating both their capacity and propensity to search for and occupy the familiar space of their individual home ranges. Their successful return to home ranges provided experimental evidence of spatial memory and further elucidated its pervasive role in White-tailed Deer spatial ecology.
Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) seeds as food for bears (Ursus spp.) in Banff National Park, Alberta
Authors: Hamer David , Pengelly Ian
Published: January 2017

The large, nutrient-rich seeds of Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelmann) are important food for bears (Ursus spp.) in Yellowstone National Park. In Banff National Park, studies have shown that American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) eat these seeds, but little additional information is available. We studied Whitebark Pine in Banff National Park to address this information gap. Because bears obtain Whitebark Pine seeds from Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) middens, our objective was to measure the abundance, habitat characteristics, and use by bears of middens in Whitebark Pine forests. A second objective was to determine whether Grizzly Bears (U. arctos) in Banff National Park also eat Whitebark Pine seeds. In 2011–2012, we ran 29 ha of 20–50 m wide transects at 10 sites with accessible Whitebark Pine stands and found 0–3.7 middens/ha (mean 1.23, SD 1.17, n = 10). Midden density was weakly related to total basal area of all conifers but not to basal area of Whitebark Pine. Middens were located in the upper subalpine at an average elevation of 2110 m (SD 90, n = 8) on 41–248° facing slopes with a mean steepness of 28° (SD 5, n = 8). Bears had excavated middens at all eight sites where we found middens; at the remaining two sites, middens did not occur within our transects. Overall, 24 (67%) of the 36 middens located in our transects had been dug by bears. In October 2013, we searched areas where three global positioning system (GPS)-collared Grizzly Bears had been located in late September 2013 and found five recently dug middens located less than 6 m from GPS fixes. These observations are, to our knowledge, the first conclusive evidence that grizzly Bears in Banff National Park eat Whitebark Pine seeds. Because Whitebark Pine occurs at high elevations on steep slopes where human use is low, this resource may be important in keeping bears in habitat where risk of human-caused mortality is lower. Our results may assist managers responsible for conservation of bears in Banff National Park, where both American Black Bears and Grizzly Bears are subject to high levels of human-caused mortality.
Seventeenth census of seabird populations in the sanctuaries of the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 2010
Authors: Rail Jean-François , Cotter Richard
Published: January 2017

Seabirds in the 10 migratory bird sanctuaries of the North Shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Quebec, Canada, which were created in 1925, have been censused regularly for the last 85 years. The sanctuaries support 16 seabird species, many of which are found in significant numbers. From 2005 to 2010, some notable population changes were observed: large increases in Common Murres (Uria aalge), Razorbills (Alca torda), and two species of cormorants and continuing declines in Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica). The status of Leach’s Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) and Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is extremely precarious because of their small breeding populations. Between 2005 and 2010, seabird numbers in the sanctuaries increased 19% overall and were stable in most sanctuaries (≤ 15% change); however, notable increases were observed at Îles Sainte-Marie (60%), Baie des Loups (47%), and Île à la Brume (44%). Nonetheless, considering historical records, increased surveillance and raising of awareness of seabird conservation in local communities near the sanctuaries of Île à la Brume, Baie des Loups, and Saint-Augustin would be most beneficial.
Anti-predator defenses of Brown Bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) and interactions with Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina)
Authors: Moldowan Patrick D. , Keevil Matthew G. , Kell Steven , Brooks Ronald J. , Litzgus Jacqueline D.
Published: January 2017

Ictalurid catfishes have sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins that can be hazardous to predators. The pectoral spines may lock in an abducted position, effectively increasing body size and preventing ingestion by gape-limited predators. Further, sharp spines may injure predators or increase prey handling time, affording catfish opportunities for escape. As part of a long-term mark–recapture study of turtle ecology in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, we documented the presence of Brown Bullheads, Ameiurus nebulosus, in the diet of Snapping Turtles, Chelydra serpentina. Here, we report on injuries inflicted by the pectoral spines of bullheads on Snapping Turtles during predator–prey interactions and provide a brief literature review of the functional significance and potential dangers of catfish pectoral spines to predators.
Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean: summary and synthesis of records from Canada and Alaska
Authors: Bond Alexander L. , Lavers Jennifer L.
Published: January 2017

Flesh-footed Shearwaters (Puffinus carneipes) breed in Australia and New Zealand, but spend the non-breeding season in the north Pacific Ocean. They are rare compared with most non-breeding pelagic seabirds that occur in the northeastern Pacific. Recent surveys at breeding colonies have indicated a significant population decline since the 1970s. We compiled records of Flesh-footed Shearwaters off the Pacific coast of Canada and Alaska from 1937 to 2013. Flesh-footed Shearwaters were recorded from May to October, with most sightings in August and September. Flocks of more than 20 birds have not been recorded since the 1940s, and most sightings have been of single birds, although some key areas (e.g., Goose Island Bank) have not been surveyed in recent years and previous surveys are confounded by fishing activity. Given the significant population declines at breeding colonies, the conservation status of Flesh-footed Shearwaters should be revisited.
Recent occurrences of wild-origin wolves (Canis spp.) in Canada south of the St. Lawrence River revealed by stable isotope and genetic analysis
Authors: McAlpine Donald F. , Soto David X. , Rutledge Linda Y. , Wheeldon Tyler J. , White Bradley N. , Goltz James P. , Kennedy Joseph
Published: January 2017

A free-ranging canid killed near Caraquet, New Brunswick, Canada, in 2012 exhibited a mitochondrial DNA sequence of Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) origin and a Y-chromosome haplotype of Eastern Wolf (C. lycaon) origin. The animal, which is the first wolf recorded in New Brunswick since 1862, was identified as a Gray–Eastern Wolf hybrid (C. lupus x C. lycaon) based on analysis of its autosomal microsatellite genotype. Stable carbon isotope values (δ13C) suggest that the Caraquet wolf was of wild origin. Likewise, δ13C analysis suggests that a wolf–coyote hybrid killed in Quebec south of the St. Lawrence River in 2002 was also of wild origin. However, δ13C values for a wolf from the same region in 2006 suggest that this animal spent most of its life feeding predominantly on non-wild-source food items. Recent occurrences of wild-origin animals south of the St. Lawrence River demonstrate that wolves are capable of dispersal to formerly occupied areas in southeastern Canada and the United States. However, limited natural dispersal alone will likely not be sufficient to re-establish wolves in northeastern North America.
Swimming Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) Killed by an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Authors: Jung Thomas S.
Published: January 2017

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are piscivores, and observations of them preying on non-fish species are rare. I observed an Osprey preying on a Long-tailed Vole (Microtus longicaudus) that was swimming in the Sikanni Chief River in northeastern British Columbia. This is one of few reports of an Osprey preying on a small mammal, and it provides further evidence that Osprey may prey on such species as the opportunity arises. This observation also points to the apparent vulnerability of small rodents to novel predators while they are swimming.
A Checklist of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Saskatchewan
Authors: Glasier James R.N. , Nielsen Scott , Acorn John H. , Borysenko Leonid H. , Radtke Troy
Published: January 2017

Based on field surveys, museum specimens, and published literature, we document 73 ant species in three subfamilies and 12 genera for the province of Saskatchewan, Canada. An additional 16 species are known from surrounding regions and are likely to occur in Saskatchewan.
Larval Sea Lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) Do Not Emigrate from a Risky Habitat Under Semi-natural Conditions
Authors: Ayotte Jacqueline L. , Imre István
Published: January 2017

Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), invaded the upper Great Lakes in the early 20th century, precipitating abrupt declines ina number of native fish species. A recently proposed alternative method for the behavioural manipulation of Sea Lamprey populations is the use of conspecific damage-released alarm and predator cues as potential repellents. We examined whether larval Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) ammocoetes can be manipulated to emigrate from an area by labeling their habitat “risky” with the regular release of chemosensory alarm cues over several days. in a semi-natural laboratory environment, we exposed eight replicate groups of eight ammocoetes twice a day, for 7 days, to deionized water (control), ammocoete whole-body extract (damage-released alarm cue), and 2-phenylethylamine HCl (predator cue). None of the experimental stimuli induced emigration from the experimental arena. This approach does not hold any promise for ammocoete behavioural manipulation in the context of a Sea Lamprey integrated management program.
Arctic Plants Produce Vastly Different Numbers of Flowers in Three Contrasting Years at Lake Hazen, Quttinirpaaq National Park, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Panchen Zoe A.
Published: January 2017

To maximise reproductive success in the short Arctic growing season, plants pre-form flower buds the year prior to flowering. Flower bud production depends on warm ambient temperatures. Thus, although currently Arctic plants have low rates of sexual reproductive success, the warming climate may increase reproductive success. Following the long, warm growing season in 2012, plants at Lake Hazen, Ellesmere Island, produced many flowers in the short, cold growing season of 2013. Conversely, few flowers were produced in 2014, a long, warm growing season, but many flowers were produced in 2015, another long, warm growing season. Potentially higher rates of reproductive success in a warming climate could be compromised if consecutive years do not have long, warm growing seasons.
A Range Extension for Carex sartwellii in Interior Alaska
Authors: Winterstein Mark , Hollingsworth Teresa N , Parker Carolyn
Published: January 2017

Our documentation of Sartwell’s Sedge, Carex sartwellii, on nine shrinking lakes during fieldwork in the central Yukon Flats, Alaska, represents a range extension for this species. Previously, its range extended as far northwest as Yukon, Canada, with a reported, but lost collection, from Alaska in 1895. Two earlier collections from the Yukon Flats have been verified; one was misidentified as Carex praegracilis until 2007. Carex sartwellii’s assumed absence from Alaska and Yukon flora, misidentification of an earlier collection, and the remoteness of the Yukon Flats may have contributed to the rarity of its collection. In Alaska this species is morphologically similar to C. praegracilis, but can be distinguished using traits of the perigynia, leaf sheaths, and the production of true vegetative culms.
Longevity and Mortality of Boreal Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) of the Dehcho Region, Northwest Territories
Authors: Larter Nicholas C , Allaire Danny G
Published: January 2017

As part of an ongoing study of the ecology of boreal Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), we investigated death sites of collared caribou to collect biological samples and determine a cause of death. The teeth collected from 25 adult females that had died since being radio collared were aged by cementum analysis. The age at death for one caribou was 22 years; this was only the second caribou tooth among 42 776 aged at a commercial laboratory found to be that old. An additional six of the 25 caribou were 13–17 years old at time of death. All but one of these seven female caribou had calved at least once during the periodthey were radio collared and monitored.
Distributional Status of an Introduced Land Snail Discus rotundatus (Rotund Disc, Mollusca: Discidae) in Canada
Authors: Forsyth Robert G , Maunder John E , McAlpine Donald F , Noseworthy Ronald G
Published: January 2017

First collected in North America in 1937 on the Avalon Peninsula of the Island of Newfoundland, the introduced, primarily European land snail, Discus rotundatus, has now been recorded from the Island of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. We review all known records from Canada, demonstrate that D. rotundatus is more widespread than was previously recognized on the Island of Newfoundland, and report the first record from New Brunswick.
Optimization of the composition of the powdered cereal sprouts mixtures
Authors: Tumbas-Saponjac Vesna , Seregelj Vanja , Cetkovic Gordana , Canadanovic-Brunet Jasna , Djilas Sonja
Published: January 2017

Sprouts of cereals have received significant attention as functional food due
to their nutritional and functional value. Consumption of sprouts has become
increasingly popular among people interested in improving and maintaining
their health status by changing dietary habits. Cereal grains contain several
classes of phytochemicals, i.e. phenolics, chlorophylls, and carotenoids.
However, their nutritional and chemical profile is altered and improved
during germination. The purpose of this study was to find the best ratio of
the powdered wheat (WS), oat (OS) and barley (BS) sprouts for designing the
cereal sprout mixture (CSM) with the highest total phenolic content (TPh) and
antioxidant capacity (AC), using Simplex-Centroid experimental design and
response surface methodology (RSM). Single- and multi-response optimizations
showed that OS did not contribute to TPh or AC values of CSM and, therefore,
was not included in any of the compositions of the optimized CSM.
Single-response optimizations showed that the highest TPh was found for CSM
containing 82% BS and 18% WS, while the best AC was found for pure BS. The
predicted ratio of cereal sprout powders in CSM obtained by multi-response
optimization was: 96% BS and 4% WS. This mixture possessed the highest
predicted TPh and AC (372.32 mg GAE/100 g, 549.99 ?mol TE/100 g,
respectively), which was confirmed to be in accordance with the experimental
values. Based on the results obtained in this study, a designed CSM is
proposed as a convenient ingredient of functional food products, dietary
supplements and nutraceuticals.