bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Cavities in Snags Retained in Forest Cutblocks: Do Management Policies Promote Species Retention?
Authors: Everett Kim T. , Otter Ken A.
Published: January 2017

Tree cavities, which are frequently excavated by primary cavity nesters, are typically used by a number of avian and non-avian species and are thus important components in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems. One way to provide these habitat opportunities in harvested areas is through the retention of snags. In this study, we assessed the habitat and snag characteristics that promote cavity excavation, using the presence of cavities to infer activity of primary cavity excavators. Snags retained closer to the forest/cutblock edge contained a greater density of cavities than trees further from edge. However, the proportion of cavities found within cutblocks declined at a more rapid rate with distance from edge than did those in adjacent forested stands. There was also a tendency for cavities to occur more frequently in trees that were at the advanced stages of decay. The results of our study suggest management for snags in harvest areas should include the retention of snags closer to the forest edge combined with incorporating trees showing signs of advanced decay.
Invertebrate Diversity under Artificial Cover in Relation to Boreal Forest Habitat Characteristics
Authors: Ferguson Steven H. , Berube Danielle K. A.
Published: January 2017

We investigated invertebrate diversity in boreal forests using an experimental design that consisted of counting soil invertebrates under artificial cover. The aim was to assess the utility of using soil invertebrate diversity as a measure of ecosystem health. The study area was grouped into five habitats: upland hardwood, lowland hardwood, conifer, shrub, and conifergrass. Simpson’s and Shannon’s indices of invertebrate diversity were negatively correlated with percent herbaceous cover. Number of recognizable taxonomic units (RTU richness) was negatively correlated with percent litter cover. The number of individual invertebrates was positively correlated with soil moisture and negatively correlated with percent conifer cover. Invertebrate diversity varied among habitat types, with conifer forests (spruce, fir, pine) having the highest diversity and regenerating conifer-grass forests having the lowest diversity, suggesting that successional stages affect diversity. The most productive sites, upland and lowland hardwood habitats, had the highest abundance of soil invertebrates, although intermediate diversity compared to the other five habitats. The results are consistent with the view that diversity increases and then decreases with productivity and disturbance over succession (ca. 50-100 yr). Hence, maintenance of soil invertebrate diversity in managed boreal forests requires the provision of a varied landscape with a mosaic of disturbance regimes.
Seed Dispersal by Brown Bears, Ursus arctos, in Southeastern Alaska
Authors: Willson Mary F. , Gende Scott M.
Published: January 2017

Mammals often consume fleshy fruits and disperse significant quantities of the enclosed seeds. In southeastern Alaska, Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) are among the most important dispersers of seeds for the numerous plant species producing fleshy fruits, because these bears are abundant, often eat large quantities of fruit, and commonly excrete seeds in germinable condition. Scat analyses showed that Brown Bears on Chichagof Island ate increasing quantities of fruit through summer and fall. Scats commonly contained several thousand seeds, often of two or more species. Four kinds of seeds of fleshyfruited plants that normally grow in forest understory germinated at similar levels when experimentally deposited (in bear scats) in the two most common habitats (forest and muskeg), suggesting that habitat distribution of these plants is not determined simply by germination patterns. Although seed passage through bear digestive tracts and the composition of scats are known to affect germination rates to some degree, the most important role of bears in seed dispersal is probably transport.
Effects of Wetland Creation on Breeding Season Bird Use in Boreal Eastern Ontario
Authors: Locky David A. , Davies J. Chris , Warner Barry G.
Published: January 2017

Wetland construction has been an effective means of mitigating wetland habitat losses due to agricultural and other activities. However, the type, variety, and age of the habitats created are often critical components in the success of the wetland when the aim is to enhance the bird community. Hilliardton Marsh was constructed as a series of cells between 1993 and 1997 in boreal eastern Ontario to provide waterfowl habitat. We determined habitat change and monitored breeding-season bird use before construction and one year after the last cell was constructed. Wetland construction resulted in dramatic changes to the vegetation and bird communities. The area was transformed into a variety of wetland habitats, but primarily marsh, one of the rarest wetland types in boreal Ontario. Survey stations with moderate habitat change exhibited the greatest change in bird species richness. Total species richness increased 55% from 56 to 87 species, with obligate wetland birds increasing from 3 to 26 species. Rare birds increased from 11 to 27 species, with most as obligate or facultative wetland birds, but also Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Bird abundance, as measured by the number of stations where a species was observed, increased significantly for obligate wetland birds. There were no significant losses of species from any bird group, as adjacent upland habitat was preserved. This short-term study has shown that construction of new wetland habitat in boreal eastern Ontario, especially marsh, can significantly increase the numbers of breeding-season birds, including rare species. However, longterm monitoring is required to ensure sustained success of wetland construction projects for birds.
Identification of a Marine Green Alga Percursaria percursa from Hypersaline Springs in the Middle of the North American Continent
Authors: Londry Kathleen L. , Badiou Pascal H. , Grasby Stephen E.
Published: January 2017

The chlorophycean alga Percursaria percursa (Ulvaceae, Ulvales, Chlorophyceae), typical of marine inter-tidal zones, is reported for the first time from hypersaline springs located along the north-western shore of Lake Winnipegosis in Manitoba. Although not usually found inland, P. percursa is the dominant member of microbial mat communities that thrive in shallow pools at the outlets of hypersaline springs.
Occurrence, Composition and Formation of Ruppia, Widgeon Grass, balls in Saskatchewan Lakes
Authors: Olson Randy W. , Schmutz Josef K. , Hammer Theodore
Published: January 2017

Widgeon Grass (Ruppia maritima) is an aquatic vascular plant (Ruppiaceae) which has been the source for rare balls of plant material found at the shores of lakes on four continents. In North America, the lakes involved were in North Dakota, Oregon, and now northern and southern Saskatchewan. The formation of the balls has not been observed in nature, but similar balls have been produced in other studies with Posidonia or Turtle Grass (Hydrocharitaceae) fibers under the wavelike action in a washing machine. Our samples are from a saline lake in southern Saskatchewan (49°N), and an over 40-year-old sample from an unknown lake north of the boreal transition zone (52°N). Comparisons of the plant material with herbarium specimens confirm that the balls are almost entirely comprised of Ruppia maritima, with minor items including invertebrate animal parts, sand pebbles and feathers. The context in which the material was found is consistent with the proposition that they are formed by Ruppia inflorescences breaking apart, drifting to near shore due to wind and being rolled into balls by wave action.
Why and How to Study a Snowcover
Authors: Pruitt William O.
Published: January 2017

Specialized terminology, duration, thickness, hardness, density of the snowcover of taiga and tundra are described. Methods for detailed study of these characteristics are given, with description and use of simple as well as specialized instruments and techniques in relation to winter ecology of mammals and birds.
Attempted Predation of a Child by a Gray Wolf, Canis lupus, near Icy Bay, Alaska
Authors: McNay Mark E. , Mooney Philip W.
Published: January 2017

On 26 April 2000 a six-year-old boy was attacked and repeatedly bitten by a Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) in a logging camp near Icy Bay, Alaska. The animal’s behavior during the attack clearly contained elements of predation. The wolf was killed shortly after the attack and found to be in normal physical condition; tests for rabies and canine distemper were negative. Low densities of ungulate prey and increased energetic demands associated with denning may have influenced the wolf’s behavior, but we believe the wolf’s habituation to people was a more significant factor contributing to the attack. Food-conditioning may have facilitated the habituation process, but there was no evidence the attack resulted from a food-conditioned approach response.
A Potential for the Use of Dragonfly (Odonata) Diversity as a Bioindicator of the Efficiency of Sewage Lagoons
Authors: Catling Paul M.
Published: January 2017

In order to determine whether a relationship existed between water quality and odonate fauna in sewage ponds, data were gathered at each of six ponds of similar construction and equal size and depth in an adjacent series of improving water quality at a lagoon system near Embrun in eastern Ontario. Numbers of nymphs of different species of Odonata were recorded in spring and fall, and similar data was collected on adults in June and July. The data on species presence and abundance for each of three pairs of cells in the sequence was then compared with the corresponding chemical data which included biological oxygen demand, total phophorus, total nitrogen and suspended solids. Water quality improved through the system and species diversity in the final ponds was twice that of the ponds receiving wastewater. Numbers of individuals also increased through the system. Occurrence of Anax junius, Enallagma civile and Ischnura verticalis alone was associated with poorer water quality. Higher diversity including Lestes disjunctus, Leucorrhinia spp. and Erythemis simplicicollis, indicates higher water quality. A potential exists for Odonata species diversity, numbers of individuals and occurrence of particular species to be used as a bioindicator of water quality and a means of evaluating efficiency of a lagoon system. Advantages include data that reflects a time period rather than a point in time and also low costs.
Apparent Predation by Gray Jays, Perisoreus canadensis, on Long-toed Salamanders, Ambystoma macrodactylum, in the Oregon Cascade Range
Authors: Murray Michael P. , Pearl Christopher A. , Bury R. Bruce
Published: January 2017

We report observations of Gray Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) appearing to consume larval Long-toed Salamanders (Ambystoma macrodactylum) in a drying subalpine pond in Oregon, USA. Corvids are known to prey upon a variety of anuran amphibians, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of predation by any corvid on aquatic salamanders. Long-toed Salamanders appear palatable to Gray Jays, and may provide a food resource to Gray Jays when salamander larvae are concentrated in drying temporary ponds.
The Distribution and Habitat Selection of Introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, in British Columbia
Authors: Gonzales Emily K.
Published: January 2017

Eastern Grey Squirrels were first introduced to Vancouver in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia in 1909. A separate introduction to Metchosin in the Victoria region occurred in 1966. I surveyed the distribution and habitat selection of Eastern Grey Squirrels in both locales. Eastern Grey Squirrels spread throughout both regions over a period of 30 years and were found predominantly in residential land types. Some natural features and habitats, such as mountains, large bodies of water, and coniferous forests, have acted as barriers to expansion for Eastern Grey Squirrels. Given that urbanization is replacing conifer forests throughout southern British Columbia, it is predicted that Eastern Grey Squirrels will continue to spread as habitat barriers are removed.
The Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas, in New Brunswick
Authors: Hood Dale J. , Stocek Rudolph F.
Published: January 2017

A second record for the occurrence of the Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) in New Brunswick, the first for the southwest portion of the province, is reported. This is the first documented occurrence of the species in the province in 44 years, and the first indication that the Fathead Minnow occurs outside the upper Saint John River system in New Brunswick.
Evidence of Range Expansion of Eastern Coyotes, Canis latrans, in Labrador
Authors: Chubbs Tony E. , Phillips Frank R.
Published: January 2017

Eastern Coyotes were first documented in central Labrador in 1995 and have recently been recorded in coastal Labrador and at three additional locations in central and western Labrador. Here we document additional records indicating range expansion and the possibility of an established population. We also examine the future management of the species in Labrador and its possible effect on this northern ecosystem.
Predation of a Bat by American Crows, Corvus brachyrhynchos
Authors: Lefevre Kara L.
Published: January 2017

This report documents predation and possible group hunting of a bat by American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos). I observed a group of several crows appear to cooperate in order to ground and catch a bat. Predation of bats by birds in North America is relatively rare, and bat predation by crows has not been previously reported. A cooperative attack would be consistent with other group behaviours of the species, including territoriality, breeding and foraging.
Longevity and Productivity of Three Wolves, Canis lupus, in the Wild
Authors: Holyan Jim , Boyd Diane K. , Mack Curtis M. , Pletscher Daniel H.
Published: January 2017

We document longevity and productivity of three Wolves (Canis lupus) in the wild in Montana and Idaho, USA. Two male Wolves each attained ages of at least 13 years, while a female was 12.2 years old. All three Wolves in our study were older at the time of their last known reproductive events than others reported in the literature.
Addition to the Flora of Canada? A Specimen from the Arctic Archipelago, Northwest Territories Links Two Allopatric Species of Alkali Grass, Puccinellia
Authors: Consaul L. L. , Gillespie L. J. , MacInnes K. I.
Published: January 2017

A single herbarium specimen from Banks Island in the Canadian National Herbarium, Ottawa, is closest to Puccinellia wrightii (Puccinellia sect. Pseudocolpodium). This would represent a species new to Canada and an extension of over 1100 km from the previously known range in NW Alaska and NE Russia. The morphological characteristics of this specimen are compared with all taxa in P. section Pseudocolpodium and the North American P. arctica aggregate. Principal components analysis supports placement of this specimen in P. section Pseudocolpodium near P. wrightii, where it contributes to a morphological continuum between this species and P. vahliana. The new combination Puccinellia wrightii var. flava is made and a map of the current known distribution of the species in P. section Pseudocolpodium is presented.
Protocole de suivi des populations d'aster du Saint-Laurent, Symphyotrichum laurentianum, aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Authors: De Lafontaine Guillaume
Published: January 2017

L’aster du Saint-Laurent (Symphyotrichum laurentianum (Fernald) Nesom) est une plante endémique à la région du golfe du Saint-Laurent et on ne la retrouve qu’au Nouveau-Brunswick, à l’Île du Prince-Édouard ainsi qu’aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine, au Québec. Les populations les plus nombreuses se retrouvent aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine. L’espèce est considérée «préoccupante» par le COSEPAC depuis avril 1989 puis menacée depuis 2004. De nombreuses études réalisées par des équipes distinctes depuis 1988 ont tenté de recenser l’effectif et la superficie des populations réparties sur l’aire de distribution. Ces études étant réalisées par différentes équipes utilisant des méthodes distinctes pour mener les évaluations ont conduit à des résultats contrastants. Une revisite des occurrences connues aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine en septembre 2004 visait à mettre à jour l’état des connaissances sur la localisation exacte et l’effectif des populations d’aster sur l’archipel. Aussi, un protocole de suivi simple a été élaboré sur place, à partir duquel le personnel de l’organisme Attention Frag’Îles pourra récolter les données dans le futur. Ces données pourront ensuite être cumulées et interprétées facilement par ministère développement durable environnement et parcs du Québec pour effectuer le suivi à long terme. La méthodologie, ainsi uniformisée, permettra de décrire les variations temporelles de l’état des populations en s’assurant qu’elles ne sont pas obscurcies par différentes méthodes de prise de données.
A Test of Interspecific Effects of Introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, on Douglas's Squirrels, Tamiasciurus douglasii, in Vancouver, British Columbia
Authors: Hwang Yeen Ten , Larivière Serge
Published: January 2017

We compared the effects of absence and presence introduced Eastern Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) on the demography of native Douglas’s Squirrels (Tamiasciurus douglasii) in two urban parks in Vancouver, British Columbia: Ecological Reserve #74 in Pacific Spirit Regional Park (Douglas’s Squirrel only) and Stanley Park (Douglas’s and Eastern Grey squirrels). Based on the exploitative competition hypothesis, we predicted that in the presence of introduced Eastern Grey squirrels, Douglas’s Squirrels would occur at lower densities, have larger home ranges, lower body mass, and poorer reproduction. Using mark-recapture methods, we found no differences in density, home range, or body mass of Douglas’s Squirrel between parks. However, the proportion of breeding Douglas’s Squirrels was higher in Ecological Reserve #74 in the absence of Eastern Grey Squirrel, than in Stanley Park. We found no evidence that Eastern Grey Squirrels are displacing Douglas’s Squirrels in Stanley Park, but less conspicuous negative effects such as reduced breeding propensity may still reflect the competitive interactions of the two squirrel species.
Diversity and Range of Amphibians of the Yukon Territory
Authors: Slough Brian G. , Mennell R. Lee
Published: January 2017

Four amphibian species occur in the Yukon: Western Toad (Bufo boreas; first verified record in 1961), the Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata, first record in 1995), the Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris, first record in 1993), and the Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica; first record in 1933). The Western Toad is restricted to the Liard Basin in five geographically separated areas. Breeding sites have been located on the lower Coal River and vicinity. The Boreal Chorus Frog has been documented from a small area of the lower La Biche River valley near the Yukon-British Columbia-Northwest Territories border. The Columbia Spotted Frog occurs in two widely separated areas, at Bennett Lake in the southwest and in the Liard Basin in the southeast. The Wood Frog is widespread below treeline. Limited survey efforts continue to hinder our knowledge of amphibian distribution. Erratum included.
Physical Characteristics, Hematology, and Serum Chemistry of Freeranging Gray Wolves, Canis lupus, in Southcentral Alaska
Authors: Butler Matthew J. , Ballard Warren B. , Whitlaw Heather A.
Published: January 2017

Examination of morphometric characteristics and blood parameters has become a widely used tool for assessing the physiological and nutritional status of wild and captive animals. During 1976 through 1984, 155 Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) were chemically immobilized in south-central Alaska. Of those, we obtained physical measurements from 132 and blood samples from 121 individuals. Also, 208 carcasses of harvested and dead radiocollared Wolves were weighed and measured. We obtained blood samples from three of the fresh carcasses. We measured age, body weight, skull length and width, and upper and lower canine length. We analyzed blood serum for Ca, P, Fe, chlorides, creatinine, glucose, lactic dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxalic transaminase, triglyceride, beta globulin, serum urea nitrogen, and uric acid. We obtained packed cell volume and hemoglobin values from whole blood. We classified samples by season, sex, and age. Seasonal differences were observed for physical measurements, packed cell volume, alkaline phosphatase, and serum urea nitrogen. Age differences were observed for physical measurements, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, alkaline phosphatase, P, Ca, creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, and percent femur bone marrow fat. However, differences among sexes were observed for physical measurements only. These data provide a baseline for physical condition, hematology, and serum chemistry for free-ranging Gray Wolves.
Predicting Raccoon, Procyon lotor, Occurrence Through the Use of Microhabitat Variables
Authors: Baldwin Roger A. , Houston Allan E. , Kennedy Michael L. , Liu Pin Shuo
Published: January 2017

Recent increases in Raccoon (Procyon lotor) abundance have been implicated for decreased nesting success of songbirds and transmission of rabies. Understanding the relationship between occurrence and microhabitat factors should be helpful in managing this species, though our current understanding of this relationship is inadequate. Therefore, we conducted a study in western Tennessee during 2000–2002 to determine this association. Occurrence (capture) data were assessed from results of live trapping at 176 and 112 trap sites during winter and summer, respectively, at three sites. A maximum of 26 habitat variables were measured at each trap location; all grids were combined for statistical analyses to account for varying relationships between occurrence and microhabitat factors across different landscapes. Univariate and stepwise logistic-regression analyses were used to assess associations among microhabitat variables and occurrence. Resulting models were validated through the jackknife procedure. Predictive equations were constructed from logistic-regression models to compute capture probabilities. Univariate analyses yielded numerous significant variables with those representing forest characteristics and proximity to water generally the most significant. Strong concordance was observed between winter and summer seasons for most variables though several differed (number of large hardwood snags, ground dens, and plant food species, distance to potential water and roads). Such temporal variability was expected due to seasonal differences in habitat components and biological needs of Raccoons. Variables included in derived models were similar to those scoring highest in univariate analyses; classification rates for models (winter = 72%; summer = 78%) were among the highest recorded for generalist species. By accounting for landscape attributes and replicating across sites, more accurate and useful models were developed. Such models should provide the information required to effectively manage this species.
First Record of the Great Barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda from Canada
Authors: Balkwill Darlene , Coad Brian W. , Galvez Ismael , Gilhen John
Published: January 2017

We report the collection, and provide a description, of the first Great Barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda, in Canadian waters based on a partial skeleton from Country Island, Nova Scotia.
An Ethogram Developed on Captive Eastern Coyotes Canis latrans
Authors: Way Jonathan G. , Szumylo Dean-Lorenz M. , Strauss Eric G.
Published: January 2017

We studied capture Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans) from 27-585 days of age and compiled an ethogram on them. A total of 72247 15-sec samples were taken, amounting to 301 h of field time varying between 59.4–61.3 h per Coyote. A total of 540 behavioral patterns was observed amongst the 16 behaviour categories ranging from 9 (miscellaneous) to 72 (explore/investigate) action patterns per parent category. The 16 parent categories that we believed best described and appropriately sorted the behavioural actions were resting, sitting, sitting1, sitting2, standing, traveling, explore/investigating, hunting, feeding, infantile, greeting, self play, play initiating, playing, agonistic, and miscellaneous. Exploring accounted for >31% of all of the behaviours observed with resting and sitting (combined), standing, traveling, and play as categories decreasing in order of most to least frequent. Despite some omissions in our ethogram and drift associated with its ongoing development, we believe that the large amount of data collected made it rigorous enough to be a useful guide for the species. We argue that although future research will no doubt add to and/or modify components of it, its ease of use in the field (in captivity or in the wild) and it being the first complete ethogram described for the species, make it a useful tool for future researchers.
Recent Invasion, Current Status and Invasion Pathway of European Common Reed, Phragmites australis subspecies australis, in the Southern Ottawa District
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Carbyn Susan
Published: January 2017

A survey of populations of native North American Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp. americanus) and the introduced invasive alien, European Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) was conducted in four eastern Ontario townships in 2003. The historical status of the two taxa in the region was evaluated through reference to herbarium specimens collected over the past century. The introduced subspecies appears to have entered the district in the 1970s and subsequently assumed dominance but was not recognized as an alien until 2003. It is now widespread in the four townships where ninety-five populations were recorded during the 2003 survey. Of these, 25 were referable to the native subspecies which was localized and 70 were referable to the introduced subspecies which was widespread. The native subspecies occurs in natural wetlands and also spreads to roadsides, but the introduced subspecies is much more strongly associated with roads, where the rhizomes extend onto gravel shoulders and are broken and transported by construction equipment, graders, ploughs, mowers, and in the treads of many kinds of vehicles. Sensitive wetlands should have buffer zones exceeding 1000 m to prevent colonization of subsp. australis. Monitoring of the two subspecies will be essential to the protection of native biodiversity, since early detection of the alien subspecies in a sensitive wetland will offer the best opportunity for control.
Use of Saltmarsh by Dragonflies (Odonata) in the Baie des Chaleurs Region of Quebec and New Brunswick in Late Summer and Autumn
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Hutchinson Raymond , Brunelle Paul M.
Published: January 2017

During late summer and autumn, in the Baie des Chaleurs region of Quebec, 18 species of adult dragonflies were recorded during one or more visits of at least 2 hours each to 14 saltmarshes. Three species, Aeshna canadensis, Sympetrum danae and S. internum, were present in more than half of the sites. The most abundant species was S. internum with over 100 seen at some locations. Adults of several species, including Aeshna canadensis, A. umbrosa, Enallagma civile, E. hageni, Ischnura verticalis, Lestes disjunctus, Libellula quadrimaculata, Sympetrum danae, S. internum and S. obtrusum, occurred in relatively high frequencies in both Baie des Chaleurs saltmarshes and in those elsewhere in Acadia. Within Baie des Chaleurs observations of emergence and/or presence of larvae, as well as regional abundance, were recorded for Aeshna canadensis, A. umbrosa, Ischnura verticalis, Sympetrum costiferum, S. internum and S. vicinum. Oviposition in saltmarsh pools was recorded for Aeshna canadensis, Enallagma civile, E, hageni, Ischnura verticalis, Lestes congener and Sympetrum danae. The saltmarsh dragonfly fauna of Baie des Chaleurs is significantly different from that of the rest of Acadia based on frequencies predicted from the latter region. To a large extent this difference is a result of significantly increased use of saltmarsh habitat by adults of six species including Lestes congener, Sympetrum danae, Aeshna canadensis, Sympetrum costiferum, Lestes disjunctus, and Sympetrum internum (in order of decreasing significance) in Baie des Chaleurs in comparison with saltmarshes elsewhere in Acadia. Local amelioration of salty conditions in certain saltmarshes, superimposed on regional amelioration as a result of protection from storms and saltwater dilution in the Baie des Chaleurs estuary, may contribute to an environment where adaptation can occur or where already tolerant species can exist. Dragonflies use saltmarsh habitat on the northeast coast of North America more extensively than is currently documented.
First Records of the Yellow Bullhead, Ameiurus natalis, a Loricariid Catfish, Panaque suttonorum, and a Silver Pacu, Piaractus cf. P. brachypomus, in British Columbia
Authors: Hanke G. F. , McNall M. C. E. , Roberts J.
Published: January 2017

In Canada, there are no native catfish west of the continental divide and until recently, the list of extant exotic catfishes in British Columbia only included introduced Black Bullhead (Ameiurus melas) and Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus). We report that a single Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) was collected from Silvermere Lake in the Lower Fraser River drainage. This represents the first record of the Yellow Bullhead in western Canada, and its introduction likely was accidental with a shipment of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) rather than dispersal from Washington. Warm, eutrophic, weedy habitat in the Fraser Delta provides ample habitat for Yellow Bullheads and other exotic fishes. A Blue-eyed Panaque (Panaque suttonorum), a loricariid catfish found in 1995 in Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island, probably represents a single, illegally released aquarium fish, as does a large Silver Pacu (Piaractus cf. P. brachypomus), which was found in Green Lake on Vancouver Island in 2004.
Do Repugnant Scents Increase Survival of Ground Nests? A Test with Artificial and Natural Duck Nests
Authors: Harriman Vanessa B. , Pitt Justin A. , Larivière Serge
Published: January 2017

Ground-nesting birds typically experience high predation rates on their nests, often by mammalian predators. As such, researchers and wildlife managers have employed numerous techniques to mitigate nest predation. We investigated the use of scents as repellents to deter predators from both artificial and natural ground nests. Survival rates of artificial nests did not differ among six groups of substances (Wald ?2 df = 5 = 4.53, P < 0.48); however the chronology of predation among groups differed. A commercial Coyote urine based deterrent (DEER-D-TERTM), human hair, and Worcestershire sauce were depredated faster than the control (F4,5 = 40.3, P < 0.001). Nest survival of natural nests differed among those groups tested (Wald ?2 df = 2 = 11.8, P < 0.005); the eight mothball treatment decreased survival (Wald ?2 df = 1 = 11.5, P < 0.005), which indicated that novel smells may attract predators or result in duck nest abandonment when coupled with natural duck scent. Chronologies of predation events among treatment groups were not different for natural nests (F2,3 = 1.9, P = 0.22). These findings indicate an interaction between novel scents and predator olfactory cues.
Twenty-Four-Hour Activity Budgets of Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus, in the Aspen Parkland of Eastcentral Alberta
Authors: Kuzyk Gerald W. , Hudson Robert J.
Published: January 2017

We documented seven 24-h activity budgets of two adult Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) does without fawns in the Aspen Parkland of Alberta when the vegetation was green (June, July), maturing (September) and cured (October). They spent about 40% (mean = 42.3%) of each day foraging, somewhat more when vegetation was green (40-47%) and maturing (45%), and less time in October, when the vegetation was cured (38-39%). The percentage of time Mule Deer were bedded each day generally equaled or slightly exceeded (33-53%) that of foraging. Walking was a prevalent activity (3-24%), especially in autumn and little time was invested in other activities such as social interactions and grooming (1-4%). There were generally more feeding bouts (10-16/day) than bedding bouts (4-10/day) per day, and feeding bouts were shorter (37-68 minutes) than bedding bouts (69-133 minutes). Mule Deer displayed polycyclic feeding cycles with slight increases in feeding activity near dawn and dusk.
Annual vs. Multiple-Year Home Range Sizes of Individual Blanding's Turtles, Emydoidea blandingii, in Central Wisconsin
Authors: Schuler Matthew , Thiel Richard P.
Published: January 2017

Most studies of home ranges occur over short time periods and may not represent the spacial requirements of long-lived organisms such as turtles. Home ranges of 18 individual Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) were measured using minimum convex polygons. Annual space use was compared to multi-year space use by individual turtles. We found a significant difference between annual home range size (25.5 hectares) and multi-year (two to six years) home range size (65.7 hectares; n = 18, P = 0.016). Caution should be employed when making management decisions based on short-term studies of long lived species.
Anurans in a Subarctic Tundra Landscape Near Cape Churchill, Manitoba
Authors: Reiter Matthew E. , Boal Clint W. , Andersen David E.
Published: January 2017

Distribution, abundance, and habitat relationships of anurans inhabiting subarctic regions are poorly understood, and anuran monitoring protocols developed for temperate regions may not be applicable across large roadless areas of northern landscapes. In addition, arctic and subarctic regions of North America are predicted to experience changes in climate and, in some areas, are experiencing habitat alteration due to high rates of herbivory by breeding and migrating waterfowl. To better understand subarctic anuran abundance, distribution, and habitat associations, we conducted anuran calling surveys in the Cape Churchill region of Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada, in 2004 and 2005. We conducted surveys along ~1-km transects distributed across three landscape types (coastal tundra, interior sedge meadow–tundra, and boreal forest–tundra interface) to estimate densities and probabilities of detection of Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata) and Wood Frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus). We detected a Wood Frog or Boreal Chorus Frog on 22 (87%) of 26 transects surveyed, but probability of detection varied between years and species and among landscape types. Estimated densities of both species increased from the coastal zone inland toward the boreal forest edge. Our results suggest anurans occur across all three landscape types in our study area, but that species-specific spatial patterns exist in their abundances. Considerations for both spatial and temporal variation in abundance and detection probability need to be incorporated into surveys and monitoring programs for subarctic anurans.
Spatial Interactions of Yarded White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus
Authors: Nelson Michael E. , Sargeant Glen A.
Published: January 2017

We examined the spatial interactions of nine female White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in two deeryards (winter aggregations) in northeastern Minnesota during February-April 1999. Global positioning system (GPS) collars yielded seven pair-wise comparisons of deer that were located at the same time (≤1 minute apart) and that used overlapping areas. Deer traveled separately and did not associate with one another. Within overlapping areas, comparisons of distances between deer and distances between random locations indicated deer moved without regard to each other. Similarly, comparisons of observed and expected probabilities of deer using areas overlapping those of other deer also evinced that deer moved independently.
Habitat Use by the Eastern Sand Darter, Ammocrypta pellucida, in Two Lake Champlain Tributaries
Authors: O'Brien Shannon M. , Facey Douglas E.
Published: January 2017

The Eastern Sand Darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) is endangered or threatened throughout much of its range, which includes the St. Lawrence-Lake Ontario drainage of southern Ontario and Quebec and several Vermont tributaries of Lake Champlain. The species is known for its tendency to burrow, and field observations have suggested that habitat use may depend on substrate particle size. To determine whether Eastern Sand Darter densities were correlated with substrate particle size, fish and substrates were sampled in 156 plots in two Vermont rivers during the summers of 2001 and 2002. The Eastern Sand Darter occurred mainly in areas in which substrate composition was over 45% fine to medium sand (0.24-0.54 mm); they were much less abundant in areas in which substrate composition exceeded 25% particles greater than 1.9 mm. Substrate preference was tested by allowing 49 fish kept in aquaria to choose among four different substrates. The fish showed a significant preference (P < 0.005) for the finer substrate categories (0.24-0.54 mm, 0.55-1.0 mm), and mostly avoided the coarser substrates (1.0-1.9 mm, 2.0-4.1 mm). This suggests that the Eastern Sand Darter is selective regarding substrate composition, and therefore might be affected by fluctuations or changes in substrate composition within its habitat, such as those caused by changes in flow.
Annual and Monthly Variation in Species Composition and Catches of Fishes from the Tabusintac River Estuary in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Herrell A. M. , Methven D. A.
Published: January 2017

A total of 7130 fish from 13 taxa were collected during summer and autumn, 2002-2005 using box traps at two sites in the Tabusintac River Estuary, New Brunswick, Canada. The objective was to determine seasonal change in species composition and catches, and to access change in annual returns of Atlantic Salmon, an important recreational fishery during autumn on the Tabusintac, Miramichi and neighboring rivers. Taxa richness and composition varied annually and from trap to trap. Richness ranged from 8-10 taxa annually and catches were usually highest in the trap closest to the ocean despite its slightly smaller size. Taxa contributing greater than one percent of the total catch during the four years of sampling included six diadromous taxa: Blueback Herring and Alewife (41.65%), Striped Bass (21.54%), Atlantic Salmon (3.98%), Tomcod (2.95%), Brook Trout (1.05%), American Eel (5.27%); one freshwater species, White Sucker (11.96%); one marine species, Winter Flounder and one resident estuarine species, Smooth Flounder which together account for 11.19% of the total catch. The remaining five species (American Smelt, Northern Pipefish, White Perch, Cunner, Sea Lamprey) contributed 0.39% of the total catch. The fish fauna 14-15 km up the Tabusintac River was not species rich, due in large part to the limited sampling time each year and due to fishing with just one sampling gear, a stationary box trap. Additional species would have been collected if smaller mesh sampling gear were used. Comparisons were made with other studies and the phenology of the dominant species on the Tabusintac and Miramichi River Estuaries during the ice free season is established. Most catches appear to be related to pre- or post-spawning movements of anadromous fishes.
Common Loon, Gavia immer, Breeding Success in Relation to Lake pH and Lake Size Over 25 Years
Authors: Alvo Robert
Published: January 2017

I monitored Common Loon (Gavia immer) breeding success in relation to lake pH (range 4.0–8.5) between 1982 and 2007 on 38 single-pair lakes (5–88 ha) in the Sudbury, Ontario, area. No chicks fledged on lakes with pH < 4.4. Chicks fledged on lakes with slightly higher pH only if the lakes were relatively large. Acidic lakes became less acidic as sulphur dioxide emissions from the Sudbury smelters and sulphur deposition from other long-range sources decreased. Two lakes initially too acidic to support successful loon reproduction eventually had successful reproduction. One loon pair used two large acidic lakes (combined area 140 ha) connected by shallow rapids, and one of the adults made extremely long dives (average = 99 s) while foraging for the chicks. One chick died on that lake after apparently ingesting a very large food item; the lack of smaller items was attributed to the lake’s acidity. My results suggest that a shortage of food for chicks is the main reason why low pH reduces breeding success. I suggest that, for lakes without high levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), the critical pH for loon breeding success is approximately 4.3, and the suboptimal pH is approximately 4.4–6.0.
Coywolf, Canis latrans × lycaon, Pack Density Doubles Following the Death of a Resident Territorial Male
Authors: Way Jonathan G. , Timm Brad C. , Strauss Eric G.
Published: January 2017

We studied a subset of four radio-collared individuals that were a part of a larger study documenting Coywolf (Canis latrans × lycaon; Eastern Coyote) ecology in an urbanized landscape (Cape Cod, Massachusetts), and report on the territory of a typical sized pack that was subdivided roughly in half following the death of the breeding male from the original ("Centerville") pack. The original residents lived in a winter pack size (i.e., after pup/juvenile dispersal) of three or four individuals in a 19.66 km2 territory and a density of 0.15-0.20 individuals/km2, as determined by radio-tracking and direct observations, with their territory bordering that of other monitored packs. Following the death of the breeding male, two other radio-collared Coywolves (a young male from the original Centerville pack and a young female from a bordering pack) shifted their respective territories to overlap the majority of the original Centerville pack's territory. These two groups were the same size as the original pack (three or four individuals each) but occupied smaller territories (5.28 km2 and 12.70 km2) within the previous pack's territory. The combined density for the two new packs was estimated at 0.33-0.45 individuals/km2 or 2.2 times greater than the former pack's density and was 2.5 times (0.38-0.50 individuals/km2) greater when accounting for the slight (12%) overlap between the territories of the two new packs. Our results suggest that local Coyote/Coywolf density (i.e., at the pack level) may increase following the death of the breeding male of a given pack, probably because of the reduced (or lack of) protection of territorial boundaries. This finding has particular relevance to Coyote/Coywolf management programs aimed at reducing local densities via removal of individuals from these populations. Further implications exist for enriching our understanding of the trophic dynamics of urbanized habitats.
Observations of Coywolves, Canis latrans × lycaon, Crossing Bridges and Using Human Structures on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Authors: Way Jonathan G.
Published: January 2017

I directly observed Coywolves (Canis latrans × lycaon; also called Eastern Coyote) successfully crossing over rivers/bays by traveling on paved (i.e., used by vehicles) bridges within their established territories. These data confirm that Coyotes/Coywolves use these narrow corridors in their travels, such as when colonizing new areas. I also report on breeding female, sick, and old Coywolves using human structures, including under overturned boats/canoes, under houses, and under sheds/decks. Breeding females (n = 3) used these sites as dens, and sick (n = 2) and old (n = 2) individuals used them for shelter.
Factors Affecting Pregnancy in Free-ranging Elk, Cervus elaphus nelsoni, in Michigan
Authors: Piasecke Jessica R. , Bender Louis C. , Schmitt Stephen M.
Published: January 2017

Uncertainty exists as to which factors are most closely related to probability of pregnancy in Elk (Cervus elaphus), which thresholds are key for managers who want to assess the potential productivity of free-ranging Elk herds, and whether these thresholds vary among populations. We examined relationships among pregnancy, age, and mass for 513 harvested free-ranging Elk in Michigan, and compared relationships with other published models and with thresholds derived from other free-ranging and penned populations to see if relationships were consistent among populations. Pregnancy rates varied (chi22 = 136.3; P < 0.0001) among yearling (0.30), prime-aged (2.5-11.5-year-olds; 0.88), and old (> 12.5-year-olds; 0.60) cows. Probability of pregnancy in adult cows was related to mass (chi2 = 7.4; P = 0.006), age (chi2 = 12.6; P = 0.0004) and age class (chi2 = 16.4; P < 0.0001), but not to lactation status (chi2 = 0.4; P = 0.515); pregnancy was also positively related (chi2 = 15.8; P < 0.0001) to mass in yearlings. Probability of pregnancy increased 1.02× and 1.04× for each 1 kg increase in body mass of adult and yearling cows, respectively, and prime-aged cows were 4.9× more likely to conceive than old cows. Compared to thresholds derived primarily from penned or farmed Elk, both adult and yearling free-ranging Elk in Michigan and elsewhere were able to achieve higher levels of pregnancy at lower body mass. Thresholds also varied among free-ranging Elk populations. Given variation among populations, managers should calibrate mass-pregnancy relationships for their respective populations to determine whether condition is potentially limiting pregnancy in their populations.
Effects of Stochastic Flood Disturbance on Adult Wood Turtles, Glyptemys insculpta, in Massachusetts
Authors: Jones Michael T. , Sievert Paul R.
Published: January 2017

The homing ability of non-marine turtles has been studied in a variety of taxa, and many species appear to be capable of short-range homing on the scale of several hundred meters or a few kilometers following experimental displacement. However, the behavioral response of turtles following a naturally caused displacement has seldom been reported. In this paper, we describe the effect of displacement ranging from 1.4 to 16.8 km (average = 4.8 km) by severe floods in a stream system in Massachusetts. We radio-tracked 38 adult Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) at five separate sites in Franklin County, Massachusetts, for periods ranging from one to four activity seasons and documented the displacement of a total of 12 Wood Turtles during seven floods between 2004 and 2008. Based on the average rate of displacement per flood and annual flood frequency, we estimate that, during our study, floods displaced over 40% of this Wood Turtle subpopulation annually. We present evidence that displacement results in elevated mortality rates and that displaced Wood Turtles mate and nest in the year following displacement at rates well below average; on a longer time scale, however, displacement by flooding may be an important mechanism of population connectivity in some areas. We also present evidence that most Wood Turtles avoid stream segments with stream gradient steeper than 1%; this may in part reflect an adaptation to avoid severe floods. Regional models and empirical data from stream gages suggest that flood intensity may currently be on an increasing trend. Conversion of upland from forest and fields to impervious surfaces and hardening of upstream riverbanks may have exacerbated recent flooding and decreased the resiliency of the riparian system to increased precipitation.