bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Dynamics of Deer Mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, and Yellow-pine Chipmunks, Tamias amoenus, in Old Field and Orchard Habitats
Authors: Sullivan Thomas P. , Sullivan Druscilla S. , Hogue Eugene J.
Published: January 2017

There are often several rodent species included in the small mammal communities in orchard agro-ecosystems. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the population levels of Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) and Yellow-pine Chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) would be enhanced in old field compared with orchard habitats. Rodent populations were intensively livetrapped in replicate old field and orchard sites over a four-year period at Summerland, British Columbia, Canada. Deer Mouse populations were, on average, significantly higher (2.5 – 3.4 times) in the old field than orchard sites in summer and winter periods. Mean numbers/ha of Deer Mice ranged from 12.1 to 60.4 in old field sites and from 3.3 to 19.9 in orchard sites. Breeding seasons in orchards were significantly longer than those in old field sites, in terms of proportion of reproductive male Deer Mice. Recruitment of new animals and early juvenile survival of Deer Mice were similar in orchard and old field sites. Populations of Yellow-pine Chipmunks ranged in mean abundance/ha from 5.6 – 19.0 in old field sites and from 1.9 – 17.5 on one orchard site, with no difference in mean abundance in 2 of 4 years of the study. Recruitment and mean survival of Yellow-pine Chipmunks also followed this pattern. This study is the first detailed comparison of the population dynamics of these rodent species in old field and orchard habitats. These species should be able to maintain their population levels and help contribute to a diversity of small mammals in this agrarian landscape.
Inventaire printanier d'une frayère multispécifique : l'ichtyofaune des rapides de la rivière Gatineau, Québec
Authors: Comtois Annie , Chapleau François , Renaud Claude B. , Fournier Henri , Campbell Brent , Pariseau Richard
Published: January 2017

Un inventaire ichtyologique printanier a été réalisé dans la rivière Gatineau, dans le premier rapide à l’amont de son embouchure dans la rivière des Outaouais, pour établir la chronoséquence d’utilisation du site par les espèces s’y reproduisant, dont trois espèces de chevaliers. L’échantillonnage des rapides a permis de capturer 2388 poissons répartis en 13 familles et 39 espèces, dont six ayant fait l’objet d’une évaluation par le COSEPAC. Seize espèces étaient en état de se reproduire lors de l’échantillonnage. Nous avons observé une reproduction plus ou moins simultanée pour le Chevalier blanc et le Chevalier rouge, suivie de celle du Chevalier de rivière. Également, pour ces trois espèces, nous avons observé la capture des mâles de stade V plus tôt que les femelles, et nous les retrouvons en plus grand nombre. Ceci pourrait s’expliquer du fait que les mâles précèdent les femelles sur les frayères, que celles-ci sont reconnues pour rester très peu de temps sur les sites de fraie et qu’un minimum de deux mâles par femelle est requis pour la reproduction. Cette étude démontre que les rapides de la rivière Gatineau doivent être protégés puisqu’ils sont habités par trois espèces qui ont obtenu un statut spécial du COSEPAC (Menacée: Fouille-roche gris; situation préoccupante : Lamproie du nord et Chevalier de rivière) en plus de constituer une frayère multispécifique importante.
Hybridization Between a Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, and Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta caretta, and the First Record of a Green Turtle in Atlantic Canada
Authors: James Michael C. , Martin Kathleen , Dutton Peter H.
Published: January 2017

The Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) principally occupies tropical and subtropical waters, although juveniles are known to occur seasonally in temperate coastal waters. Collaboration with commercial fishers in eastern Canada yielded the most northerly records of this species in the northwest Atlantic. Here we report on the first confirmed record of a Green Turtle in eastern Canada and on the occurrence of a rare Green Turtle–Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) hybrid. Hybridization between the Carettini and Chelonini is extraordinary given that these groups have been genetically distinct for 50 million years or more.
Effects of Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe, Arceuthobium americanum, on Jack Pine, Pinus banksiana, Growth in Manitoba
Authors: Epp Brock , Tardif Jacques C.
Published: January 2017

The Lodgepole Pine Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium americanum Nutt. ex Engelm.) is an important pathogen of Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.). Dwarf Mistletoe alters tree form, suppresses growth, and reduces volume and overall wood quality of its host. Stem analysis and a 3-parameter logistic regression model were used to compare the growth of heavily and lightly to non infected Jack Pine trees. At the time of sampling, no significant reduction in diameter at breast height and basal area were observed in heavily infected trees. However, a significant reduction in height and volume and an increase in taper were observed in heavily infected trees. Growth models predicted a 21.1% lower basal area, 23.4% lower height and 42.1% lower volume by age 60 for the high infection group.
Découverte de la Salamandre à quatre orteils, Hemidactylium scutatum, à Québec, Québec : limite nord-est de l'espèce sur la rive nord du fleuve Saint-Laurent
Authors: Pouliot Daniel , Desroches Jean-François
Published: January 2017

En 1999 trois spécimens de Salamandre à quatre orteils ont été observés à Québec, sur la rive nord du fleuve Saint-Laurent. Des recherches effectuées au même site en 2001 ont permis de découvrir d’autres spécimens de même que des pontes. Ces mentions élargissent la distribution connue de l’espèce de 90 km vers le nord-est-est et 80 km vers le nord-nord-ouest. Il s’agit vraisemblablement de la limite nord-est de cette salamandre, sur la rive nord du Saint-Laurent.In 1999, three Four-toed Salamanders were observed at Québec, north shore of the St. Lawrence River. Field searches in 2001 allowed the discovery of another specimen as well as egg clutches. These records extend the known range of the species 90 km north-east-east and 80 km north-north-west. This is probably the northeastern limit of this salamander’s range on the north shore of St. Lawrence River.
Identification and Status of the Introduced Black Pine, Pinus nigra, and Mugo Pine, Pinus mugo, in Ontario
Authors: Catling Paul M.
Published: January 2017

Recent reference texts and other sources are contradictory regarding the spread of Pinus nigra and Pinus mugo from cultivation in Ontario. Both species have reproduced from plantings along roadsides but neither has been observed to occupy habitats in Ontario to the substantial reduction or exclusion of native species, or to substantially invade natural habitats. The more widely planted Black Pine has been recorded spreading at 24 localities throughout the eastern part of southern Ontario. Mugo Pine is reported spreading at 18 locations. Although evidently much less aggressive than Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris), both Black and Mugo pines have a potential for negative impact on biodiversity in dry, rocky or sandy habitats, especially in connection with extensive plantings. A key for the identification of two-needle pines is included. Both P. nigra and P. mugo are highly variable and reported to hybridize extensively with other species.
Invasive Scots Pine, Pinus sylvestris, Replacing Corema, Corema conradii, Heathland in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia
Authors: Catling Paul M. , Carbyn Susan
Published: January 2017

Examination of air photos from 1930, 1970 and 2002 revealed stands of the European Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) invading remnants of natural Corema (Corema conradii) heathland in the Annapolis valley. To document the impact of the introduced pines, four natural habitats were compared with two adjacent habitats already invaded by the pines. All surveyed habitats had been dominated by Corema heath based on air photos taken in 1930. Twenty 1 m2 quadrats were used to record presence and cover of vascular plants at each site. The invasive alien pines reduce the native cover to 12%. Vascular plant biodiversity is reduced to less than 42% and the cover of the heathland dominant, Corema conradii, is reduced from over 100 % to less than 2%. with Deschampsia flexuosa becoming the dominant species. The modified ecosystem and loss of biodiversity has economic impacts through loss of pollinators of agricultural crops and loss of germplasm of native crop relatives.
An Annotated Checklist of the Spiders of Newfoundland
Authors: Pickavance J. R. , Dondale C. D.
Published: January 2017

Since Hackman’s report in 1954 of 216 (adjusted from a total of 220 for apparent errors) spider species from Newfoundland, the total has grown by 68% to 363. An annotated checklist is presented. Of this total, 223 (c. 61%) are Nearctic, 119 (c. 33%) are Holarctic and 21 (c. 6%) are introduced. Comparisons are made with other Canadian spider faunas. The introduced species and the proportions of Linyphiidae, Lycosidae and Dictynidae are discussed.
First Record of Age 0+ Atlantic Whitefish, Coregonus huntsmani, from the Wild
Authors: Hasselman Dan J. , Longue Phillip , Bradford Rod G.
Published: January 2017

A small school of juvenile Atlantic Whitefish (~20-30 individuals) were observed in the littoral zone of Hebb Lake (Petite Rivière watershed), Nova Scotia in June 2000. Of these, a single individual was captured with a beach seine, and confirmed to be a young-of-the-year specimen. This is the first documented report of the occurrence of wild Atlantic Whitefish juveniles. Occupation of the littoral zone into early summer by young-of-the-year Atlantic Whitefish may have implications for predation by invasive Smallmouth Bass.
An Analysis of the Parasites of a Mid-winter Population of the Snowshoe Hare, Lepus americanus, on Insular Newfoundland During a Cyclical Peak
Authors: Bennett K. E. , Baggs E. M. , Finney-Crawley J. R. , McGrath M.
Published: January 2017

A mid-winter sample of 78 Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) was collected during their cyclical peak in population from three eco-regions (Western Newfoundland, North Shore and Avalon Forest) on insular Newfoundland and was examined for the presence of enteric parasites. The length of the hares was significantly shorter in the Avalon Forest Region (n = 27) than those of the Western Newfoundland Region (n = 25) and North Shore Region (n = 26) samples (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.003 respectively); however, no significant differences occurred for other morphological measurements. Four species of parasites, two cestodes (Mosgovoyia pectinata and Taenia pisiformis) and two nematodes (Obeliscoides cuniculi and Rauschia triangularis), were recovered. Taenia pisiformis was recovered from the North Shore eco-region only. No other significant differences with respect to their prevalence, intensity, mean intensity, relative density and dispersion between eco-regions were found. Within eco-regions, only R. triangularis showed a significantly higher value (P ≤ 0.027) for males and the prevalence of this species was lower than that previously reported. The occurrence of O. cuniculi was significantly different between the higher weight classes of hares and the prevalence of this species was higher than that previously reported. No trends for multiple infections were noted. The expansion of a new animal species, the Coyote, Canis latrans, to Newfoundland appeared to have had no effect on the diversity of parasites found in the hare.
Possible Tool Use by Beavers, Castor canadensis, in a Northern Ontario Watershed
Authors: Barnes D. M.
Published: January 2017

At a remote active Beaver (Castor canadensis) dam site in the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve of northern Ontario, I noted an instance where a Beaver had used a willow stem as a prop to allow it to cut other willow stems at an unrealistic height. The use of this tool (prop) meant less land foraging that in turn reduced the risk of predation and prevented undue thermal stress. This is the first account in the literature of a Beaver possibly using a tool to aid in foraging.
Tree Recruitment Limitation by Introduced Snowshoe Hares, Lepus americanus, on Kent Island, New Brunswick
Authors: Peterson Trevor S. , Uesugi Akane , Lichter John
Published: January 2017

Species introductions often have negative consequences for native plant and animal communities of islands. Herbivores introduced to islands lacking predators can attain high population densities and alter native plant communities by selective consumption of palatable plants. We examined the legacy of the 1959 introduction of Snowshoe Hares (Lepus americanus) to Kent Island, New Brunswick, by reconstructing a history of tree recruitment on Kent Island and on nearby Outer Wood Island, which lacks Snowshoe Hares. Tree-ring records show pronounced recruitment peaks associated with farm abandonment in the 1930s for Kent Island and in the 1950s for Outer Wood Island. Following the introduction of Snowshoe Hares to Kent Island, tree recruitment plummeted and has remained low ever since. In contrast, trees continued to establish throughout the latter 20th century on Outer Wood Island. The high rates of seedling mortality on Kent Island associated with Snowshoe Hare browsing coupled with high rates of canopy tree mortality threaten to degrade severely the forest of this important seabird nesting sanctuary.
Conditions for Sexual Interactions Between Wild Grey Wolves, Canis lupus, and Coyotes, Canis latrans
Authors: Thiel Richard P.
Published: January 2017

Genetic evidence for the hybridization of wild Grey Wolves and Coyotes was first reported by Lehmann et al (1991). Subsequent genetic and landscape-environmental analyses have attempted to grasp the extent of Wolf-Coyote crosses in North America. Since Wolves are normally territorial and thus aggressive towards Coyotes, hybridization events remain rare, not withstanding the taxonomic debates regarding Canis in eastern Ontario. In this paper I report on amicable interactions between Wolves and Coyotes observed in Wisconsin in recent decades and discuss circumstances that may lead to pairing between individuals of the two species.
Conservation Evaluation of the Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil, Lotus pinnatus, in Canada
Authors: Donovan Marta
Published: January 2017

In Canada, Bog Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Lotus pinnatus, is confined to vernally wet meadows, creek margins, ditches and seepages, where underground water comes to the surface. Seven localities, within a small area on the east coast of Vancouver Island near Nanaimo, British Columbia, have been confirmed in recent years. At two others it is considered extirpated. The lack of protection on private land, alterations to hydrology, and erosion arising from intensive recreational use of primary habitat by off-road vehicles as well as the appearance of invasive, species are the main concerns for British Columbia populations.
Errata for 120(1): pgs 48, 91, and 123-124.
Authors: Cook Francis R.
Published: January 2017

Book Review. Lapland a Natural History, pages 123-124: replace “Redcliff” and Redcliffe” with Ratcliffe, throughout.Articles.Diversity and range of amphibians and reptiles of the Yukon Territory. Brian G. Slough and R. Lee Menell.in Literature Cited page 91 “Matsurla” should read Matsuda.Recent Declines of House Sparrows, Passer domesticus, in Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Anthony J. Erskine.Page 48 insert following Dunn et al.:Erskine, A. J. 1980. A House Sparrow die-off. Nova Scotia Bird Society Newsletter 22: 183-184.For reference following Erskine 1992b insert Erskine before initials.
Summer Movements and Impact of Individual Striped Skunks, Mephitis mephitis, on Duck Nests in Saskatchewan
Authors: Larivière Serge , Walton Lyle R. , Messier François
Published: January 2017

Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are important predators of duck eggs in the Canadian prairies. We estimated the impact of individual Striped Skunks on duck nests by intensive observations of foraging movements and depredation of duck nests in southern Saskatchewan, 1993-1994. Nightly, skunk movements were variable (range 0-20 km per night), and did not differ among seasons for females, or between males and females during the parturition/rearing season. Overall, nightly movement of Striped Skunks averaged 7.4 km for females (SD = 5.9 km, n = 20 females) and 6.7 km for males (SD = 3.2 km, n = 5 males). During 1,873 h of radio-tracking, we observed depredation of 10 duck nests by 8 skunks (7 F, 1 M). Using our observed estimate of one depredation for every 187 h, and averaged nightly activity of 8-10 h per night, we estimated that individual skunks find one duck nest every 19-23 nights. Thus, during the 60-day nesting season for ducks (mid-May to mid-July), individual skunks probably find 2-3 duck nests. These observations reinforce the growing evidence that, at normal duck nest densities (<2.5 nests/ha), depredation of eggs by Striped Skunks is opportunistic, and the impact of Striped Skunks on duck nests is a direct function of Striped Skunk abundance.
A Reevaluation of Sexual Dimorphism in the Postcranium of the Chasmosaurine Ceratopsid Chasmosaurus belli (Dinosauria: Ornithischia)
Authors: Mallon Jordan C. , Holmes Robert B.
Published: January 2017

The sexual dimorphism attributed to Chasmosaurus belli by Sternberg (1927) is revisited and reevaluated. A reexamination of the two specimens originally considered by Sternberg reveals that they are less complete than first suggested, with only a moderate amount of overlapping material between them. Only a few of the postcranial elements (humeri, sternal plates, and presacral vertebrae) show evidence of dimorphism, the significance of which is either doubtful or equivocal. Instead of representing sexual dimorphs, it is likely that the two specimens belong to separate species, C. belli and C. russelli, as evidenced by their distinct frill morphologies and by their stratigraphic segregation within the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta. These findings emphasize the need to remain sceptical about claims advocating sexual dimorphism in the fossil record in the absence of statistical significance or stratigraphic control.
Predation on Artificial Nests of Northern Bobwhites, Colinus virginianus, by Mammalian Mesopredators: Does the Problem-Individual Paradigm Fit?
Authors: Jennings J. B. , Kennedy M. L. , Houston A. E. , Carver B. D.
Published: January 2017

Using mark/recapture procedures, predation on artificial nests of Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) by mammalian mesopredators (Raccoons, Procyon lotor; Virginia Opossums, Didelphis virginiana; and Striped Skunks, Mephitis mephitis) was assessed in relation to the “problem-individual” paradigm. The paradigm, which is untested among mammalian mesopredators, predicts that most predation on a prey species is by a small number of individuals repeatedly involved. By examining number of captures and recaptures on artificial nests during non-nesting and nesting periods in 2000-2003, predation within and among species were gauged. Results varied by species, sampling period, and year; however, predation was by a small percentage of individuals and only within the population of Striped Skunks were individuals (2 of 49) captured on an artificial nest more than once. Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, and Striped Skunks were responsible for 10, 2, and 12% of the loss of all nests available to predators, respectively. Based on low occurrences of individuals repeatedly involved in predation on nests, the problem-individual paradigm was unsubstantiated. Although Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, and Striped Skunks (as individual predators) had only moderate impact on the population of Northern Bobwhites, they had a much greater impact collectively (preying upon 24% of all nests available). To maximize Northern Bobwhite success, the most productive management is probably best directed toward a vertebrate guild that includes mammalian, avian, and reptilian predators, and management strategies that use multiple techniques.
Urine-marking and Ground-scratching by Free-ranging Arctic Wolves, Canis lupus arctos, in Summer
Authors: Mech L. David
Published: January 2017

Urine-marking and ground-scratching were observed in an Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus) pack on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada, during 16 summers between 1986 and 2005. All previously known urination postures and ground-scratching by breeding males and females were seen, and incidence of marking and scratching was greatest when non-pack wolves were present. Observations of urine-marking of food remains supported the conclusion from a captive Wolf study that such marking signals lack of edible food.
Rat Poison Kills a Pack of Eastern Coyotes, Canis latrans, in an Urban Area
Authors: Way Jonathan G. , Cifuni Stephen M. , Eatough David L. , Strauss Eric G.
Published: January 2017

We document the death of a pack of Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans) from high levels of brodifacoum, a second generation poison that is the active ingredient in some forms of rat poison (e.g., d-Con®). The Coyotes died within a week of each other during late March/early April 2005. This incident indicates the vulnerability of wild animals to commercial over-the-counter rodenticides.
Were Native People Keystone Predators? A Continuous-Time Analysis of Wildlife Observations Made by Lewis and Clark in 1804-1806
Authors: Kay Charles E.
Published: January 2017

It has long been claimed that native people were conservationists who had little or no impact on wildlife populations. More recently, though, it has been suggested that native people were keystone predators, who lacked any effective conservation strategies and instead routinely overexploited large mammal populations. To test these hypotheses, I performed a continuous-time analysis of wildlife observations made by Lewis and Clark because their journals are often cited as an example of how western North America teemed with wildlife before that area was despoiled by advancing European civilization. This included Bison, Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetailed Deer, Blacktailed Deer, Moose, Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears, and Grey Wolves. I also recorded all occasions on which Lewis and Clark met native peoples. Those data show a strong inverse relationship between native people and wildlife. The only places Lewis and Clark reported an abundance of game were in aboriginal buffer zones between tribes at war, but even there, wildlife populations were predator, not food-limited. Bison, Grizzly Bears, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, and Grey Wolves were seldom seen except in aboriginal buffer zones. Moose were most susceptible to aboriginal hunting followed by Bison and then Elk, while Whitetailed Deer had a more effective escape strategy. If it had not been for aboriginal buffer zones, Lewis and Clark would have found little wildlife anywhere in the West. Moreover, prior to the 1780 smallpox and other earlier epidemics that decimated native populations in advance of European contact, there were more aboriginal people and even less wildlife. The patterns observed by Lewis and Clark are consistent with optimal foraging theory and other evolutionary ecology predictions.
A Rare Case of Completely Ambicoloured Atlantic Halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus, from the Lower St. Lawrence Estuary, Quebec
Authors: Chabot Denis , Miller Roberta
Published: January 2017

An Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) (41.4 cm fork length) with the same pigmentation on the blind side as on the ocular side (ambicoloration) was captured in the lower St. Lawrence estuary, Canada, on 24 June 2004. This specimen represents the most extreme case of ambicoloration published for this species to date. As in other cases of extreme ambicoloration, this specimen shows other signs of abridged metamorphosis and reduced asymmetry, such as incomplete migration of the left eye and a hooked dorsal fin. Studies of hatchery-reared larvae have shown that the most common cause of malpigmentation, including ambicoloration, in halibut is a diet containing inadequate amounts and proportions of essential unsaturated fatty acids shortly before metamorphosis. Even though not expected to be common in the wild, inadequate diet for a short duration before metamorphosis is the most likely cause of ambicolouration in wild halibut.
Pattern and Potential Causes of White-faced Ibis, Plegadis chihi, Establishment in the Northern Prairie and Parkland Region of North America
Authors: Shaffer Jill A. , Knutsen Gregory A. , Martin Ron E. , Brice Joel S.
Published: January 2017

The Northern Prairie and Parkland Waterbird Conservation Plan calls for renewed attention to determining the current status of waterbird populations, their distributions, and conservation needs. It highlights the need for baseline information on the White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi). In response, we examined the historical and current distribution of the ibis in North Dakota and summarized first sightings and nest records for the provinces and other states composing the northern prairie and parkland region. The establishment of breeding colonies of White-faced Ibis here may be due to climate and precipitation patterns, invasion and spread of Narrowleaf Cattail (Typha angustifolia), changes in agricultural practices, habitat loss and range expansion in the southern and western portions of the species’ range, and increases in ibis populations in the Intermountain West. We placed special emphasis on North Dakota, a state for which there is scant published information concerning the current status of this species. In recent decades, the ibis has become a regular breeding-season resident in North Dakota and in other areas of the northern prairie and parkland region. From 1882 to 2002, there were 145 reports of one or more Whitefaced Ibis in North Dakota, including 93 reports during the breeding season (15 May to 31 August), 49 during the nonbreeding season (1 September to 14 May), and three for which the season of occurrence was not reported. Prior to the 1960s, there were only three records of the species in North Dakota. Observations of White-faced Ibises in North Dakota increased dramatically between the 1960s and the early 21st century, and the species has been observed nearly annually since 1971. The first White-faced Ibis nesting activity in the state was recorded in 1978, and to date, there have been 21 known records of nesting activity in the state. The species nested in large (>300 ha) semipermanent or permanent wetlands within mixed-species colonies ranging in areal extent from small (0.1 ha) to fairly large (27 ha), and colonies were located in patches of emergent vegetation dominated by cattails (Typha) and bulrushes (Scirpus). We classify the White-faced Ibis as a fairly common migrant and a locally uncommon breeder east of the Missouri River and a casual migrant west of the Missouri River.
Swift Fox, Vulpes velox, Den Use Patterns in Northwestern Texas
Authors: McGee Brady K. , Ballard Warren B. , Nicholson Kerry L.
Published: January 2017

Predator avoidance may be a reason why Swift Foxes (Vulpes velox) are one of the most burrow-dependent canids in North America. Typically Swift Foxes have multiple dens, which they frequently move among. As part of a larger study to reduce Coyote (Canis latrans) related mortalities on Swift Foxes, we installed artificial escape dens in areas occupied by Swift Foxes on Rita Blanca National Grassland, Dallam County, Texas. For this paper, our objective was to determine the effects of artificial escape dens on Swift Fox den use patterns. From January 2002 to August 2004 we captured, radio-collared, and monitored 55 Swift Foxes. We documented annual number of dens used, rate of den use (fidelity), distance between dens, den area, and den sharing. We compared treated (artificial dens installed) and untreated (no artificial dens) areas but found no differences in annual number of dens (P = 0.64; mean = 8), rate of den use (P = 0.96; mean = 35%), mean distance between dens (P = 0.99; mean = 2,311 m), den area (P = 0.55; mean = 5.72 km2), or den sharing (P = 0.46; mean = 42% of time). We did not observe an effect of artificial escape dens on Swift Fox den use patterns probably because artificial escape dens were designed for temporary escape cover rather than diurnal den use.
The Spindle Tree, Euonymus europaea L. (Celastraceae): A Newly Naturalized Shrub in Nova Scotia
Authors: Garbary David J. , Deveau Amy E.
Published: January 2017

Over 100 plants, including over 750 individual shoots, of Euonymus europaea L. are reported from the Town of Antigonish in northern Nova Scotia. Plants were found in five discrete areas separated by 200-1000 m. A few individuals at one site may represent human planting; however, over 90% of plants occur on waste ground or in dense shrubbery where natural colonization has occurred. Many individuals were observed in fruit in the fall of 2005, and over 95% of the plants had well developed buds and flowers in May and early June 2006. Euonymus europaea is considered a newly naturalized species for the flora of Nova Scotia.
Diversity and Distribution of the Terrestrial Mammals of the Yukon Territory: A Review
Authors: Slough Brian G. , Jung Thomas S.
Published: January 2017

The diversity and distribution of the terrestrial mammals of the Yukon has not been systematically reviewed since 1975, a time when the occurrences of many species were not well known. Since then, single species and community studies, biological collections and expert observations have increased our knowledge of the land mammals of the Yukon. Taxonomic studies have resulted in some additional species. We provide an update on the diversity and distribution of recent land mammals of the Yukon, including previously unreported range extensions, and include a revised checklist. Research in adjoining jurisdictions has contributed more hypothetical species for the Yukon. The mammalian fauna of the Yukon is in a relatively dynamic state, and human-induced changes, particularly climate warming, will undoubtedly influence mammalian diversity and distributions in the coming decades.
The Rumsfeld Paradigm: Knowns and Unknowns in Characterizing Habitats Used by the Endangered Sharp-tailed Snake, Contia tenuis, in Southwestern British Columbia
Authors: Wilkinson Shannon F. , Gregory Patrick T. , Engelstoft Christian , Nelson Kari J.
Published: January 2017

The Sharp-tailed Snake, Contia tenuis, has a small and highly fragmented range in British Columbia, where it is considered endangered. Known sites are few in number and generally small in spatial extent; numbers of snakes apparently are correspondingly low. Furthermore, most known sites for the species are on private lands in areas that are fairly heavily developed or being developed. Thus, the species is under serious threat of habitat alteration or loss. Although land stewardship has been a valuable conservation tool in this case, we also need to identify the key habitat requirements of Sharp-tailed Snakes to identify potential new sites, modify former or potential ones, or even create new ones. In this study, we compared sites known to harbour Sharp-tailed Snakes with those that seemed subjectively similar and therefore potentially suitable. We also compared these known and potential sites with randomly chosen nearby locations. Variability of most measured features was high, both within and among site/location categories. Nonetheless, we found significant differences between known and potential sites and between those locations and random ones. Overall, locations known to be used by snakes had a more southerly aspect, more rock cover, shallower soil and litter, and less shrub cover than other sites. This study was constrained by the small number of known sites for Sharp-tailed Snakes in southwestern British Columbia, making our conclusions suggestive rather than definitive. Future work should incorporate additional variables. It also might be useful to undertake comparative habitat studies elsewhere in the range of the Sharp-tailed Snake where it is more common.
An Inventory of the Aquatic and Subaquatic Plants in SASKWater Canals in Central Saskatchewan, Canada, Before and After the Application of the Herbicide Magnacide
Authors: Cota-Sánchez J. Hugo , Remarchuk Kirsten
Published: January 2017

This study focuses on the floristic composition of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants in the SASKWater canal system and their potential effect on irrigation systems. A checklist, evaluation, and synthesis of the species identified in this survey before and after the application of the herbicide Magnacide are provided, in addition to a brief discussion of the environmental effects of Magnacide. Thirty-three species in 26 genera within 20 plant families were identified. Two unidentified green algae were also collected. Common aquatics (i.e., green algae, Potamogeton spp., Alisma gramineum, A. plantago-aquatica, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Myriophyllum sibiricum) combined with debris from terrestrial plants were the primary contributors to blockage of irrigation drains. In general, the concentration of Magnacide used in this study had a minor effect on aquatic plant diversity, but effectively reduced plant density. However, the long-term effects of pesticides on the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environments of the SASKWater irrigation system are unknown.
Life History of the Marine Isopod Cyathura polita in the Saint John River Estuary, New Brunswick: a Species at the Northern Extent of its Range
Authors: Mercer Sarah C. , Gibson Glenys D. , Dadswell Michael J.
Published: January 2017

The marine isopod, Cyathura polita, inhabits estuaries on the east coast of North America from the Gulf of Mexico to the Bay of Fundy, Canada. We studied C. polita in the Saint John estuary to test for potential differences in life history that might occur because of the northern location of the population. In the Saint John, based on our interpretation from a six-month sampling program (May-October), the population exhibits a three-year life cycle, one year longer than more southern populations, and stretching over four summers. Our study supported the occurrence of protogynic hermaphroditism. After two summers as juveniles, individuals matured as females during their third summer, then displayed sex reversal by becoming males that fall, and finally reproducing as males in their fourth summer of life before death. Mean length of C. polita from the Saint John was greater than individuals from more southern populations (females, 13.8 ± 2.14 mm; males, 16.3 ± 2.41 mm). Annual brood release occurred in late July-early August. Mean fecundity of females was 53.2 ± 18.9 embryos per brood, which was greater than found in southern populations. Cyathura polita is rare in Canada and is known only from the Saint John and along the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy to the border of the United States.
Growth of White Spruce, Picea glauca, Seedlings in Relation to Microenvironmental Conditions in a Forest-Prairie Ecotone of Southwestern Manitoba
Authors: Chhin Sophan , Wang G. Geoff
Published: January 2017

The influence of microenvironmental conditions on the growth performance (i.e., diameter and height growth) of White Spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] seedlings was examined within three contrasting habitats: White Spruce tree islands, open prairies and Trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) groves. These habitats exist within a disjunct occurrence of White Spruce at its southern limit of distribution in three mixed-grass prairie preserves in the Spruce Woods Provincial Park within the forest-prairie ecotone of southwestern Manitoba. Microenvironmental measurements (i.e., light, temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture) were obtained on 10 sites in each of the three habitats and growth characteristics of 60 White Spruce seedlings were measured in each of three habitats. Higher light and soil temperature conditions occurred within the open prairie. In contrast, lower light and soil temperature conditions occurred under the tree canopy of aspen groves and the northern aspect of spruce islands, which moderated the effect of the dry regional climate. Height growth did not vary significantly among the three habitats. The greater diameter growth and decreased slenderness of White Spruce seedlings in the open versus the shaded habitats appears to be a result of increased photosynthesis at higher light intensity and may also represent a morphological adaptation to withstand the effect of increased wind exposure. The increased slenderness of White Spruce in the shaded habitats appears to be a morphological adaptation of increasing carbon allocation towards height growth and thus maximizing effective competition for light.
Influence of Gender and Den Type on Home Range Shape for Striped Skunks, Mephitis mephitis, in Saskatchewan
Authors: Larivière Serge , Howerter David , Messier François
Published: January 2017

We investigated gender differences in shape of home ranges for Striped Skunks, Mephitis mephitis, in southcentral Saskatchewan, Canada, during 1993-1994. Data collected on free-ranging Striped Skunks indicated that shape of female home ranges was unaffected by den type (building versus burrow) and was similar to shape of male home ranges. Moreover, type of maternity den did not influence the position of the den within the home range (inside or outside of core area). We conclude that the distribution of Striped Skunks in summer, and the distribution of their foraging activity, are not affected by the availability of anthropogenic den structures.
Road-kill of Mammals in Nova Scotia
Authors: Fudge David , Freedman Bill , Crowell Michael , Nette Tony , Power Vince
Published: January 2017

We examined road mortality of wild mammals in Nova Scotia using data from (a) five years of province-wide data on wildlife collisions involving larger mammals, and (b) 20 months of observations of smaller mammals along a 160-km route near Halifax. An average of 2079 White-tailed Deer was reported killed annually on highways during 1999 through 2003, along with 14 Moose and 33 Black Bear. Female White-tailed Deer were more likely to be road-killed than males (by a factor of 1.8), yearlings more so than older animals, and there were peaks of mortality in the late spring and late autumn. The road-kill of smaller mammals was highest in the summer and least in the winter, and the most frequent mortalities were of Raccoon (28% of observations), Porcupine (27%), Skunk (17%), Snowshoe Hare (6%), Coyote (4%), and Groundhog (3%). The standardized kill-rate (number/100 km) was highest on a 100-series highway compared to trunk highways or urban streets, but the rate standardized to vehicle density was highest on trunk highways.
Recovery of DNA from Footprints in the Snow
Authors: Dalén Love , Götherström Anders , Meijer Tomas , Shapiro Beth
Published: January 2017

The recovery of trace amounts of DNA has been demonstrated to be a reliable tool in conservation genetics and has become a key component of modern forensic casework. To date, genetic data have been successfully recovered from a variety of sources, including biological fluids, faeces, clothing, and even directly from fingerprints. However, to our knowledge and despite their widespread occurrence and clear potential as a source of DNA, genetic information has not previously been recovered directly from footprints. Here, we extract and amplify mitochondrial DNA from a snow footprint, <48-hours old, made by a Swedish Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus). Our results demonstrate that it is possible to recover sufficient DNA from recent footprints to accurately type the source of the print, with implications for conservation biology and forensic science.
Northern Goshawk, Accipiter gentilis, Exploits a Beagle Hound, Canis familiaris, as a "Beater" to Catch a Snowshoe Hare, Lepus americanus
Authors: Neville John T.
Published: January 2017

During a winter Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) hunt with a beagle hound (Canis familiaris), I observed an adult Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) exploiting the running, barking hound as a “beater” and use strategic locations for attacks. The hawk made three attacks on a hare being pursued by the hound, and subsequently caught and killed it. To my knowledge, this report represents the first record of a Northern Goshawk using this behavior to capture prey.
Diets of Overwintering Caribou, Rangifer tarandus, Track Decadal Changes in Arctic Tundra Vegetation
Authors: Joly Kyle , Cole M. Jeanie , Jandt Randi R.
Published: January 2017

We compared winter diets of Western Arctic Herd Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) from 1995/1996 and 2005 using microhistological fecal analysis on samples collected at paired permanent vegetation transects. Changes in the diets of Caribou followed the same trends as vegetative changes documented in long-term studies in northwestern Alaska. Lichens were significantly less prevalent on the landscape and in the winter diets of Caribou between 1995/1996 and 2005, while graminoids (grasses and sedges) were significantly more prevalent. Dramatic changes are forecasted for Arctic ecosystems under global warming scenarios which may continue the trend of declining lichens in northwestern Alaska and in the diet of Western Arctic Herd Caribou. The question of whether or not the altered diet will affect the population dynamics of this herd remains unresolved.
An Analysis of the Historical Records for the Native Mammalian Fauna of Prince Edward Island
Authors: Sobey Douglas G.
Published: January 2017

A search was carried out for historical records, both published and unpublished, that make reference to the native mammalian fauna of Prince Edward Island. Based on documents dating from 1721 to 1890, a comprehensive list of the records for the native mammals of the island has been compiled. Among the new information found is evidence for the presence of the Grey Wolf (as well as the Woodland Caribou) at the time of the first French settlement in 1720, and for the absence of the Beaver and Moose. Historical information has been assembled on the abundance and food-chain relationships of each of the mammalian species, as well as on their interactions with the European population, including the attitudes of the new settlers towards each species. The records indicate that seven of the mammals were extirpated: the Grey Wolf, American Black Bear, American Marten, River Otter, Canada Lynx, Atlantic Walrus and Woodland Caribou. All of these extirpations were due to the activities of the European population, with the attitudes of the settlers contributing to four of them: an indifference to the survival of the otter and Marten, and a direct hostility to the bear and lynx (due to their predation on livestock), leading to the payment of bounties.
Giant Pacific Octopus, Enteroctopus dofleini, Attacks on Divers
Authors: Anderson Roland C. , Shimek Ronald , Cosgrove James A. , Berthinier Steve
Published: January 2017

Documentation is given of four instances of attacks on scuba divers by the giant Pacific octopus.
Eye Colour, Aging, and Decoy Trap Bias in Lesser Scaup, Aythya affinis
Authors: Fast Marie , Clark Robert G. , Brook Rodney W. , Fast Peter L. F. , Devink Jean-Michel , Leach Steve W.
Published: January 2017

Researchers routinely assume that samples of trapped or captured animals are representative of the overall population, though these assumptions are not always evaluated. We used decoy-trapped Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) to assess the reliability of classifying females as yearlings or adults from a distance, based on documented age-related eye-colour changes, and also to evaluate the presence of sex, condition and age biases in decoy trapping. We compared eye colour of trapped females to photographs of known-age females following a published procedure while females were (1) in traps (by using spotting scopes or binoculars) and (2) in-hand. Assuming in-hand age assessments were correct, we found that adults aged from a distance were frequently misclassified as yearlings, but yearlings were never misclassified as adults. Distance between observer and female, overall observation quality, and cloud cover did not influence age assignment success. A larger proportion of males was captured than observed during a survey of the local breeding population. We also found that decoy-trapped females had lower body mass and were more likely to be yearlings compared to pass- and jump-shot females from the same area. We conclude that female Lesser Scaup cannot be accurately aged from a distance using eye colour and concur with other researchers that possible sex, age and condition biases should be evaluated when using decoy traps.
Wolf, Canis lupus, Den Site Selection in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Trapp Jon R. , Beier Paul , Mack Curt , Parsons David R. , Paquet Paul C.
Published: January 2017

Because mortality of Wolves, Canis lupus, is highest during the first six months of life, den site selection may affect reproductive success of Wolf populations. We studied fine-scale denning habitat selection (within 100 m of den site) by comparing field-measured characteristics of 22 dens in Idaho, Montana, and Alberta with 22 paired random contrast locations within pack home ranges. In order of importance, Wolves denned in areas with greater canopy cover, hiding cover, herbaceous ground cover, and woody debris, and were closer to water than paired random sites. Thus Wolves may select den sites for physical protection and available water. We also studied coarse-scale denning habitat selection by comparing 35 Wolf dens with 35 paired contrast locations in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming with respect to six remotely-sensed variables (elevation, slope, coniferous forest cover, solar radiation, distance to water, and distance to roads). Although these variables did not differ (univariate P > 0.10) between den and contrast locations, a Mahalanobis-distance model using four remotely-sensed variables (slope, elevation, coniferous forest cover, and solar radiation) suggested > 85% of dens would occur in potential denning habitat occupying < 12% of the Wolf recovery areas in the northern Rocky Mountains. This model may be useful for identifying likely den locations in areas not yet occupied by Wolves. Wolf core use areas, including den areas, showed higher intensity of use throughout the year when compared to the entire territory.
Dytiscid Beetle Remains Discovered in a Pellet from a Great Gray Owl, Strix nebulosa, Nest
Authors: Kerr Kevin C. R.
Published: January 2017

On 18 July 2007, near Goose Creek, south of Churchill Manitoba, a Great Gray Owl, Strix nebulosa, pellet that contained the pronotum and elytra of a predacious diving beetle, Dytiscus alaskanus, was discovered at a nest.
Reproduction and Mortality of the High Arctic Wolf, Canis lupus arctos, in Northeast Greenland, 1978-1998
Authors: Marquard-Petersen Ulf
Published: January 2017

Reproduction and mortality of the High Arctic Wolf (Canis lupus arctos) in northeast Greenland were investigated through a temporal and spatial analysis of data on litter sizes from direct counts of pups during 21 years (1978-1998). A minimum of 22 pups were produced in a total of six areas. Overall mean litter size was 2.0 pups/litter. This was the lowest mean litter size recorded for Wolves in North America through observations of pups in summer and was probably related to low availability and vulnerability of ungulate prey. Pack size and litter size were very strongly positively correlated. Large packs (4-7 adults) produced significantly more pups than smaller packs. Mean maximum litter size from 17 North American studies employing similar methods, suggested that maximum productivity of wolves in Greenland was 58% below that of wolves elsewhere. The number of Wolf pups born in North America was negatively correlated with increasing latitude. Eight mortalities were identified and were predominantly caused by humans despite the fact that this Wolf population inhabits a national park with year-round protection.