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Abstract A common understanding and clear process to apply the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to wildlife‐related activities is crucial to promote animal welfare when conducting wildlife research and for streamlining review by an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Current interpretation of the AWA and United States government policies advise that wildlife research activities be reviewed for compliance by an IACUC; however, guidance regarding which wildlife activities are categorized as research and therefore subject to review and oversight is limited. In our opinion and experience, this lack of clarity creates a challenge, particularly for natural resource agencies that conduct a range of wildlife activities, to ensure that research is properly identified for IACUC review and differentiated from management activities that are exempt from review. To fill the gap in current guidance, we propose a decision‐making model that clarifies research and management activities. We apply our model to case studies involving wildlife to highlight nuanced differences between the 2 types of activities. Wildlife agencies conducting potentially regulated activities could use this adaptable model, which has been successfully employed by the National Park Service IACUC, to clarify when the AWA might apply, streamline IACUC reviews, and promote welfare of wildlife.

Abstract Between 1970 and 2010, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) approved 7 resolutions and one position statement related to lead, alternative ammunition, and wildlife management. The resolutions and statement address the following topics: transitioning from lead to nonlead shot for waterfowl hunting; addressing concerns relating to lead mobility at outdoor shooting ranges; and developing guiding principles for the future regulation of lead ammunition. We provide a brief overview of AFWA's committee structure and decision‐making processes, and also note the presence of ongoing discussions about lead ammunition in the AFWA Fish and Wildlife Health Committee and the AFWA Lead and Fish and Wildlife Health Working Group.

Abstract Large‐scale sociological, geographic, and demographic changes affect the way people interact with and value wildlife. Beliefs and attitudes of stakeholders towards wildlife and uses of wildlife are also shifting along with these geographical and demographic changes. Changes in societal or professional attitudes toward uses of wildlife has potential to create alignment issues between wildlife professionals and society. To inform deliberations within The Wildlife Society (TWS) and the larger population of conservation professionals, we assessed and compared the change over time between 1998 and 2020 in value orientations, beliefs, and attitudes toward uses of wildlife and wildlife management practices of members of TWS as a proxy for practicing wildlife professionals. We administered a Qualtrics web‐based survey (n = 3,247), January–March 2020. Respondents closely approximated TWS membership demographically, who identified as male (59.7%) and female (37.7%), and geographically within 50 U.S. states at the time of the survey. Results indicated wildlife conservation professionals express as broad of a spectrum of beliefs, albeit shifting, about consumptive uses of wildlife in hunting and trapping much as they did 2 decades ago. Change in attitudes and beliefs was modest but mutualistic or protectionist beliefs and attitudes increased, especially among younger professionals, toward the ethical acceptability of harvested animals involving fair chase and sportsmanship (72% in 1998; 93.2% in 2020), and in expressed acceptance of regulated hunting and trapping. Our work provides insights into potential focus areas of training and education, such as Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow and Trapping Matters.

Abstract Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervid populations poses substantial economic costs, and its management is resource intensive. Control of CWD is often subject to stakeholder‐dependent strategies that require active support and participation. The development of effective CWD management strategies and policies hinges on understanding stakeholder preferences, values and decision‐making behavior. Here we provide a basis for understanding the economic impacts of CWD, which are key to developing effective management strategies. We analyze stakeholder incentives from an economic perspective and discuss the effectiveness of prior management and eradication strategies. Our analysis discusses the integration of behavioral economics into evaluations of stakeholder preferences and its effect on decision‐making to produce optimal policy and management outcomes.

Abstract Bird strikes at airports pose a human‐wildlife conflict (HWC) present in the world's major cities. Conflict mitigation frequently encompasses translocation, but its effectiveness in resolving HWCs is unclear. Here, we used the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) as a model species to test the effectiveness of translocation in reducing the number of bird strikes, the primary HWC at airports. We explored the translocation process, focusing on 3 aspects: 1) the influence of landscape structure on the persistence time of translocated animals at the released sites, 2) the influence of the release distance from the source on the return of translocated animals, and 3) the strike rate involving the species at the capture site at Brasília International Airport (BSB). Our results did not support burrowing owl translocation as a management option for solving the HWC at the BSB. We also found that the landscape composition did not guarantee individual persistence since the animals did not remain at release sites, regardless of the spatial configuration. Release distance did not explain the frequency of return of translocated animals to the capture site. Finally, we registered a higher number of collisions during translocation management. Thus, we believe that wildlife management programs must monitor translocated animals assessing if translocations are suited for the context.

Abstract Field‐based learning is a key element in wildlife management curriculum as it is a valuable teaching tool for natural resource topics. There are multiple constraints that restrict use of field‐based learning techniques in wildlife programs that have been complicated by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Many academic programs were forced to rapidly transition to online instruction, but despite these difficulties, there was a need to provide interactive, in the field learning opportunities for students. This necessity resulted in the development of a live streaming system to provide an interactive learning experience (Leopold Live!). In this case study, we describe the technology used in Leopold Live! to augment an online, wildlife habitat management course at Texas A&M University, and the associated challenges and adjustments needed to improve delivery in the future. We conclude that Leopold Live! serves as a potential method to meet the challenge of providing interactive, field‐based learning in a distance education setting.

It has been possible to develop software, based on analytical methods, that can undertake improved habitat-use analyses. A random subsample of points is produced by a Statistical Analysis System-executable file from the error distribution of an estimated animal location, with the output being formatted into ARC/INFO-enabled coordinate and attribute files.

Wildlife management is becoming increasingly influenced by the decline in hunting as a recreational activity. An increase in wildlife stakeholders with interests other than hunting will require new management techniques.

Wildlife management is undergoing major changes with respect to hunting and trapping. There is a continuing decline in the numbers of hunters and trappers but an increase in technological aids and sophisticated equipment.

Wildlife Services (WS) consists of research and operations entities. It was thought that WS might operate more efficiently if information transfer between research and operations was improved. A survey of information transfer was undertaken and the findings suggest ways to improve information transfer within WS and also between research and field personnel throughout the wildlife management community.

In 1997 the Mexican federal government implemented a system of wildlife use and conservation units (UMAs [from its name in Spanish]) as a national strategy to promote wildlife management, biodiversity conservation, and rural development in Mexico. We provide a critique of the first 8 years of UMA operations. We argue that UMAs have resulted in increased introduction of exotic species in an attempt to diversify the sport-hunting opportunities and failed to economically benefit local communities. A lack of technical capabilities needed to conduct wildlife population studies and evaluations to assess harvest rates, favoritism in establishing the UMA network, and the lack of institutional regulation have also impacted program success. We propose some solutions that could enhance the performance of UMAs and wildlife management and conservation in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 50th anniversary of the publication of Paul Errington's Of Men and Marshes will occur in 2007, Using "landscape" in a figurative as well as a physical sense, we examine Errington's life in wildlife science as well as the places where he conducted his research. While Errington's scientific work on predation has received acclaim, we argue his research also contributed to fundamental changes in cultural and popular views of wetlands. Similar to Aldo Leopold, Errington's writings transcended science and ethics as he wrote about the intrinsic values of marshes. Errington's attempts to translate his scientific experience for a wider audience ultimately contributed to public understanding of the importance of restoring wetlands. As we reflect on the public roles of wildlife professionals, Paul Errington's work provides a visible road map to follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two of the most significant management efforts affecting waterfowl populations in North America are the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (the Plan) and Federal harvest management programs. Both the Plan and harvest management are continental in scope, involve an extensive group of stakeholders, and rely on adaptive processes of biological planning, implementation, and evaluation. The development of these programs has occurred independently, however, and there has been little explicit recognition that both harvest and habitat effects should be considered for coherent management planning and evaluation. For example, the harvest strategy can affect whether population objectives of the Plan are met, irrespective of the success of the Plan's habitat conservation efforts. Conversely, habitat conservation activities under the Plan can influence harvest potential and, therefore, the amount of hunting opportunity provided. It seems increasingly clear that the Plan's waterfowl population objectives can only be useful for conservation planning and evaluation if they are accompanied by an explicit specification of the harvest strategy and environmental conditions under which they are to be achieved. This clarification also is necessary to ensure that Plan population objectives are not attained solely through the reduction of hunting opportunity. We believe then that it is imperative that these key waterfowl-management programs work to harmonize their objectives. Harvest management programs and the Plan ought to be working toward the same ends, but that is not possible so long as the mutually reinforcing relationship of these programs is obscured by ambiguities in their management objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife managers commonly collect sex and age ratios to manage ungulate populations. This information typically is used to assess trends in population goals (e.g., bull elk [Cervus elaphus] escapement). Many managers may be unaware or underestimate the amount of information that can be derived from these commonly collected ratios. Herein, I review types of information applicable to population management that can be derived from composition ratios. This information includes mortality or survival rates, maximum sustainable mortality levels, and adult sex ratios. Further, I demonstrate the interaction of ratios with each other. Herd composition and age ratios can provide significant relevant data for population management, but care must be used in their interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indices or density estimators derived from counts of scat can be used as indirect measures of animal population density. An important issue in these studies is that scat decay rates vary across habitats and seasons. This is an often overlooked source of bias when using scat-based indices to make comparisons of relative abundance among sites or over time. I propose a simple method by which experimentally determined scat-persistence rates can be used as a correction factor in such indices. This measured persistence rate also serves as an important parameter in models that convert scat count data into population estimators. I test this method in a relative abundance survey of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) for 6 sites across 2 national parks in northern Thailand. Using the correction factor changed the qualitative predictions of the abundance survey by altering the rank of the sites ordered by estimated sambar density. The ratio of corrected:uncorrected index values, which would stay constant across sites if there was no habitat-based variability in scat-persistence rates, changed by a factor of 2.7 when measured across sites and by 1.6 when measured across parks. This suggests that the application of persistence-rate correction factors could reduce the bias of scat-based index or estimator surveys by specifically accounting for decay rate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As stakeholder attitudes, values, and management preferences become increasingly diverse, managing human-wildlife conflicts will become more difficult. This challenge is especially evident in Massachusetts, USA, where furbearer management has been constrained by passage of a ballot initiative that outlawed use of foothold and body-gripping traps except in specific instances involving threats to human health or safety. Without regulated trapping, beaver (Castor canadensis) populations and damage attributed to them have increased. To develop an understanding of public attitudes regarding beaver-related management issues, we surveyed a random sample of Massachusetts residents in the spring of 2002 within 3 geographic regions where beaver are prevalent, as well as all individuals who submitted a beaver-related complaint to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in 1999 and 2000. We found that respondents held generally positive attitudes toward beaver. Respondents who experienced beaver-related problems tended to have less favorable or negative attitudes toward beaver than people who did not experience beaver damage. Attitudes toward beaver became increasingly negative as the severity of damage experienced by people increased. We believe continued public support for wildlife conservation will require implementation of strategies that are responsive to changing attitudes of an urban population and within social-acceptance and biological carrying capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife management and conservation is becoming ever more complex. Concomitantly, managers are in need of simple quantitative approaches and tools that could help them to make better management decisions. We present an approach that consists of generating a single simulated data set of expected data using a reference model, to which various capture-recapture models can be fitted. Using the general-purpose capture-recapture software M-SURGE, we apply this approach to bias, precision, and power calculations. After a quick statistical background refresher, we illustrate this approach with 3 simple examples: 1) the bias induced on survival by capture heterogeneity, 2) the precision of an estimate in the context of a reward-band study, and 3) the power of a test for detecting compensatory mortality. We believe this numerical approach based on expected values can potentially be applied to complex cases, thus making it possible to deal with real situations. We advocate that bias, precision, and power calculations be more routinely performed at the design stage of management or conservation studies. We believe the method we present can become a valuable tool to facilitate wildlife management and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation and management of snow leopards (Uncia uncia) has largely relied on anecdotal evidence and presence-absence data due to their cryptic nature and the difficult terrain they inhabit. These methods generally lack the scientific rigor necessary to accurately estimate population size and monitor trends. We evaluated the use of photography in capture-mark-recapture (CMR) techniques for estimating snow leopard population abundance and density within Hemis National Park, Ladakh, India. We placed infrared camera traps along actively used travel paths, scent-sprayed rocks, and scrape sites within 16- to 30-km² sampling grids in successive winters during January and March 2003-2004. We used head-on, oblique, and side-view camera configurations to obtain snow leopard photographs at varying body orientations. We calculated snow leopard abundance estimates using the program CAPTURE. We obtained a total of 66 and 49 snow leopard captures resulting in 8.91 and 5.63 individuals per 100 trap-nights during 2003 and 2004, respectively. We identified snow leopards based on the distinct pelage patterns located primarily on the forelimbs, flanks, and dorsal surface of the tail. Capture probabilities ranged from 0.33 to 0.67. Density estimates ranged from 8.49 (SE = 0.22) individuals par 100 km² in 2003 to 4.45 (SE = 0.16) in 2004. We believe the density disparity between years is attributable to different trap density and placement rather than to an actual decline in population size. Our results suggest that photographic capture-mark-recapture sampling may be a useful tool for monitoring demographic patterns. However, we believe a larger sample size would be necessary for generating a statistically robust estimate of population density and abundance based on CMR models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use survival analysis to compare failure of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and loss of metal ear tags in 2,277 southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans), 124 house mice (Mus musculus), 112 hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), and 374 deer {Peromyscus maniculatus) and cotton mice (P. gossypinus). With the exception of cotton rats, failure rates between ear and PIT tags differed by species. Flying squirrels exhibited the highest proportional loss of both tag types and lost ear tags more readily than PIT tags failed. The opposite was true for cotton rats and deer and cotton mice. Most PIT tags appeared to fail shortly after implantation (≤ 3 days), except for flying squirrels and, to a lesser extent, cotton rats. Ear tags exhibited a consistent rate of loss in flying squirrels. Body mass did not influence failure of PIT fags; however, flying squirrel body mass was associated with increased loss of ear tags. For flying squirrels PIT tag failure increased with the number of times an individual had already received a PIT tag that failed. We provide recommendations for using PIT and ear tags in marking rodents based on species-specific patterns and suggest the combined use of external and internal markers to obtain the most reliable estimates of population parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little information is known about the foraging habitat of Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezurnae) in Texas, USA. We compared habitat characteristics of foraging and nonforaging areas to identify trends in habitat attributes across sites with varying levels of quail use on Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County, Texas, USA, during May-August 2001. We delineated foraging and nonforaging areas using a system of parallel transects (100 m apart) that spanned the length of the grassland and covered the entire area. We walked transects every 3-5 days searching for signs of feeding (i.e., diggings). We documented a higher mean density of Allium spp. plants in foraging (95% Cl: 12.1 ± 4.3 plants/m²) than nonforaging areas (95% CI: 0.8 ± 0.6 plants/m²). Foraging areas also exhibited a greater mean slope (95% CI: 22.6 ± 2.9% vs. 8.0 ± 2.1%). However, species richness, diversity, and equitability were similar between the foraging (23, 6.5, and 0.3, respectively) and nonforaging area (29, 7.6, 0.3). We observed a decreasing trend in density of allium spp. plants, number of stones, and slope from high- to no-use sites. These 3 variables appear to be key habitat features associated with foraging areas of Montezuma quail in west Texas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resident Canada geese {Branta canadensis) nest or reside in the temperate latitudes of North America. In past years, translocation--the capture and subsequent release of geese at distant locations--has been used to establish resident goose populations and to reduce nuisance problems. However, with new special hunting seasons designed to target resident Canada geese, we can now evaluate translocation as a management tool when hunting is allowed at release sites. We selected 2 study sites, representative of urban and suburban locations with nuisance resident geese, in central and western New York, USA. In June 2003, we translocated 80 neck-banded adult geese, 14 radiomarked adult females, and 83 juveniles 150 km east and southwest from urban and suburban problem sites in western New York to state-owned Wildlife Management Areas. At these same capture sites, we used 151 neck-banded adult geese, 12 radiomarked females, and too juveniles as controls to compare dispersal movements and harvest vulnerability to translocated geese. All observations (n = 45) of translocated radiomarked geese were <20 km from release sites, in areas where hunting was permitted. Only 25 of 538 observations (4.6%) of radiomarked geese at control sites were in areas open to hunting. The remainder of observations occurred at nonhunting locations within 10 km of control sites. More translocated adult geese (23.8%) were harvested than control geese (6.6%; x² = 12.98, P = 0.0009). More translocated juvenile geese were harvested (22.9%) than juvenile controls (5.0%; x² 12.30, P = 0.0005). Only 7 (8.8%) translocated adult geese returned to the original capture sites during Canada goose hunting seasons. Translocation of adult and juvenile geese m family groups may alleviate nuisance problems at conflict sites through increased harvest, reducing the number of birds returning in subsequent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coyote lure operative device (CLOD) is a substance delivery system for coyotes (Canis latrans). Field testing has demonstrated that free-ranging coyotes will activate CLODs, but whether individual animals or mated pairs will do so repeatedly has not been examined. We conducted 2 experiments with captive coyotes to determine whether individual animals or mated pairs would approach and activate CLODs repeatedly when exposed to them in a familiar environment over 4 consecutive days. The second experiment allowed us to determine whether a bias existed toward either member of a pair when CLODs were activated. We concluded that individuals and mated pairs approach and activate CLODs with decreased latency over a 4-day testing period. Both sexes activated CLODs when encountered as individuals, but males activated more CLODs than females when mated pairs were exposed to the device. These results imply that an end user of the CLOD can wait until regular "take" occurs before introducing an active ingredient and, thus, have more control over delivery time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) population-monitoring efforts use intensive aerial surveys with no attempt to estimate variance or adjust for potential sightability bias. We used radiocollared sheep to assess factors that could affect sightability of Dall's sheep in standard fixed-wing and helicopter surveys and to evaluate feasibility of methods that might account for sightability bias. Work was conducted in conjunction with annual aerial surveys of Dall's sheep in the western Baird Mountains, Alaska, USA, in 2000-2003. Overall sightability was relatively high compared with other aerial wildlife surveys, with 88% of the available, marked sheep detected in our fixed-wing surveys. Total counts from helicopter surveys were not consistently larger than counts from fixed-wing surveys of the same units, and detection probabilities did not differ for the 2 aircraft types. Our results suggest that total counts from helicopter surveys cannot be used to obtain reliable estimates of detection probabilities for fixed-wing surveys. Groups containing radiocollared sheep often changed in size and composition before they could be observed by a second crew in units that were double-surveyed. Double-observer methods that require determination of which groups were detected by each observer will be infeasible unless survey procedures can be modified so that groups remain more stable between observations. Mean group sizes increased during our study period, and our logistic regression sightability model indicated that detection probabilities increased with group size. Mark-resight estimates of annual population sizes were similar to sightability-model estimates, and confidence intervals overlapped broadly. We recommend the sightability-model approach as the most effective and feasible of the alternatives we considered for monitoring Dall's sheep populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerial surveys are valuable tools for wildlife research and management. However, problems with safety, cost, statistical integrity, and logistics continue to impede aerial surveys from manned aircraft. The use of small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may offer promise for addressing these problems and become a useful tool for many wildlife applications, such as for collecting low-altitude aerial imagery. During 2002 and 2003, we used a 1.5-m wingspan UAV equipped with autonomous control and sophisticated video equipment to test the potential usefulness of such an aircraft for wildlife research applications in Florida, USA. The UAV we used completed >30 missions (missions averaging 13 km linear distance covered) over 2 years before finally crashing due to engine failure. The UAV captured high-quality, progressive-scan video of a number of landscapes and wildlife species (white ibis [Eudocimus albus], other white wading birds, American alligator [Alligator mississippiensis], and Florida manatee [Trichechus manatus]). The UAV system was unable to collect georeferenced imagery and was difficult to deploy in unimproved areas. The performance of the autonomous control system and the quality of the progressive-scan imagery indicated strong promise for future UAVs as useful field tool& For small UAVs to be useful as management or research tool, they should be durable, modular, electric powered, launchable and recoverable in rugged terrain, autonomously controllable, operable with minimal training, and collect georeferenced imagery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive wildlife management seeks to improve the integration of science and management by focusing decision-making on hypothesis-testing and structuring management actions as field experiments. Since the early 1990s, adaptive resource management (ARM) has advocated enhancing scientific rigor in evaluating management actions chosen to achieve "enabling objectives" typically directed at wildlife habitat or population characteristics. More recently, the concept of adaptive impact management (AIM) has emphasized a need to articulate "fundamental objectives" in terms of wildlife-related impacts to be managed. Adaptive impact management seeks to clarify why management is undertaken in a particular situation. Understanding the "why" question is viewed in AIM as a prerequisite for establishing enabling objectives, whether related to changes in wildlife habitats and populations or to human beliefs and behaviors. This article describes practical aspects of AIM by exploring relationships between AIM and ARM within a comprehensive model of decision-making for wildlife management. Adaptive impact management clarifies and differentiates fundamental objectives (i.e., wildlife-related impacts to be modified) and enabling objectives (i.e., conditions that affect levels of impacts), whereas ARM reduces uncertainty about how to achieve enabling objectives and seeks an optimal management alternative through hypothesis-testing. The 2 concepts make different contributions to development of management hypotheses about alternative actions and policies and should be nested for optimal application to comprehensive wildlife management. Considered in the context of the entire management process, AIM and ARM are complementary ideas contributing to adaptive wildlife management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1999 we surveyed 1,000 randomly selected South Dakota, USA, muzzleloader deer (Odocoileus spp.) hunters using a self-administered mail survey to gain better understanding of equipment used, skills, success, motivations, and attitudes about technology and restrictions. This sample represented 67% of the state's muzzleloader deer-hunter population in 1999. Nine hundred and four usable surveys were returned. We conducted a K-means cluster analysis to determine ff muzzleloader hunters could be separated (based on equipment used) into modem and traditional hunters. Modern muzzleloader hunters (31%) used in-line muzzleloaders, bullet with sabot, Pyrodex pellets, or fiber-optic open sights, while traditional muzzleloader hunters (69%) used caplock muzzleloaders, black powder, or flintlock muzzleloaders. We compared hunter type, age, experience, skills, success, and equipment used by category to determine if differences existed. Most muzzleloader deer hunters (68%) were satisfied with current equipment regulations. Probability of hunter success increased when modern muzzleloader equipment was used and the distance hunters were willing to shoot at a standing deer increased. Equipment type only slightly impacted harvest success. Because mere muzzleloader hunters were satisfied with equipment restrictions, we concluded that establishing additional limits was not necessary. Moreover, South Dakota wildlife managers already had a lottery quota system for permit allocation that could be used to adjust for increased muzzleloader harvest. Thus, we contend muzzleloader-equipment-regulation decisions for South Dakota hunters may be more a social than a biological issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although nutritional status in response to controlled feeding trials has been extensively studied in captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), there remains a considerable gap in understanding the influence of variable supplemental feeding protocols on free-ranging deer. Consequently, across the northern portion of the white-tailed deer range, numerous property managers are investing substantial resources into winter supplemental-feeding programs without adequate tools to assess the nutritional status of their populations. We studied the influence of a supplemental winter feeding gradient on the protein and energy status of free-ranging white-tailed deer in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. We collected blood and fecal samples from 31 captured fawns across 3 sites that varied considerably in the frequency, quantity, and method of supplemental feed distribution. To facilitate population-wide comparisons, we collected fresh fecal samples off the snow at each of the 3 sites with supplemental feeding and 1 reference site where no feeding occurred. Results indicated that the method of feed distribution, in addition to quantity and frequency, can affect the nutritional status of deer. The least intensively fed population showed considerable overlap in diet quality with the unfed population in a principal components ordination, despite the substantial time and financial resources invested in the feeding program. Data from fecal samples generally denoted a gradient in diet quality and digestibility that corresponded with the availability of supplements. Our results further demonstrated that fecal nitrogen and fecal fiber, indices of dietary protein and digestibility, can be estimated using regressions of fecal pellet mass, enabling a rapid qualitative assessment of diet quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One particularly complex issue confronting wildlife conservation is the role of regulated trapping as a management tool. Public opinion polls, recent ballot initiatives and referenda, and the continual introduction (and uneven success) of antitrapping legislation in state legislatures illustrate the intensity of public controversy surrounding trapping. Little is known, however, about the perspectives of wildlife and fisheries conservation professionals regarding traps and trapping. We conducted a survey to explore the attitudes and values of conservation professionals regarding a variety of conservation-related issues including whether to outlaw use of leghold traps. We sent a mailback questionnaire to a stratified random sample of 1,000 members each of The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society, North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers" Association, and Society for Conservation Biology. We achieved an 81% overall response rate. Respondents were divided on whether to outlaw leghold traps; 46% favored outlawing use of the leghold trap, 39% opposed outlawing its use, and 15% had no opinion, Those who favored outlawing leghold traps believed they cause unnecessary animal pain or stress, may harm nontargets, and are not a necessary management tool. The 3 most frequently mentioned reasons offered in support of not outlawing the leghold traps were efficiency of harvest, they are an important tool for managing furbearers, and that they did not adversely affect furbearer populations. Responses differed by organization membership, employer, gender, and whether or not respondents were a hunter and/or trapper. Our results suggest that conservation professionals may be as conflicted about use of the leghold trap as are public stakeholders. We believe our findings pose important questions that conservation professionals must consider if they are to provide the leadership to more effectively address wildlife management conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotransmitters are widely used in wildlife ecology, often providing data that cannot be collected using other methods. However, negative effects have been associated with the use of transmitters for some species. We evaluated the effects and performance of 4 radiotransmitter types for use with surf and white-winged scoters (Melanitta perspicillata and M. fusca): COEXT--coalomically implanted transmitters with external antennas, COINT--coelomically implanted transmitters with internal antennas, SUBCU--suboutaneeus implants with external antennas, and PRONG--external mounts, attached by a subcutaneous anchor and glue, with external antennas. Survival was not related to radiotransmitter type during the immediate (14-d) post-release period when most deaths (8 of 12) occurred. Rates of signal disappearance (transmitters ceased to be detected in the study area) and transmitter shedding (transmitters recovered without sign of predation) were similar among types over 30- and 60-day intervals; however, higher proportions of dorsally mounted radiotransmitters (SUBCU, PRONG) disappeared or were shed over course of the full 100-day monitoring period used in this study. All 4 radiotransmitter types allowed for relatively accurate location estimates, with linear error estimates (distance between actual and estimated location) averaging <50 m when receivers were within 1 km of transmitters. However, signal strength was lower for COINT transmitters. Based on our results, we recommend COEXT transmitters for radiotelemetry studies >2 months in duration and for satellite telemetry studies of scoters. However, SUBCU and PRONG are recommended as cost-effective alternatives in shorter-duration radiotelemetry studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times the construction and maintenance of wildlife water developments for the stated purpose of conserving desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations has been controversial, especially within sensitive lands of the southwestern United States. A major portion of the controversy is whether wildlife water developments provide a benefit to populations of desert bighorn sheep and whether the associated incursion into the naturalness of an area is justified. Desert bighorn sheep are a valued natural resource and they exist today in small, isolated populations threatened with a variety of human-related impacts (e.g., disease, development, climate change, habitat fragmentation, water diversion). In this article I summarize the available published literature related to desert bighorn sheep and wildlife water developments and review the effects and consequences of water developments in desert bighorn sheep conservation. Based on my review, I contend that recent criticism of water developments has failed to adequately consider anthropogenic factors that can influence wildlife populations and their habitats. My review found that desert bighorn sheep benefit from water developments and that the role of active management of wildlife habitat, including the development of free-standing water for bighorn sheep where this component is unavailable, is justified as a means of mitigating negative anthropogenic influences in an otherwise natural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thousands of wildlife water developments, commonly known as gallinaceous guzzlers or guzzlers, have been installed throughout the western United States. In general, these units collect runoff from a concrete or other impervious surface and store that water in underground tanks. Water availability is limited to wildlife able to enter a small opening (approx. 20 cm in height) and crawl or walk down a sloped surface to the level of stored water. This design precludes use by large mammals. Moreover, wildlife occasionally may become entrapped in storage tanks, potentially fouling stored water. We developed a method of modifying gallinaceous guzzlers that allows large animals to access stored water and simultaneously decreases the probability of wildlife becoming entrapped in those guzzlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of wildlife water developments (i.e., catchments) to arid areas may concentrate foraging by desert ungulates and decrease forage availability near catchments. We looked for gradients in forage biomass and use by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) along dry riparian streams near catchments. We measured forage biomass and pellet group density in transects following vegetation along edges of desert washes near catchments and in control washes with catchments >3 km away. Ungulate use, as reflected by pellet group density, was greatest in washes with catchments in place >3 years. There was some evidence for a gradient in pellet density in spring (slope = -0.012, P = 0.088) and summer (slope = -0.013, P = 0.015), and for differences between catchment and control transects in all seasons (13-46 pellet groups/ha, P ≤ 0.077). We found no evidence of an effect of catchments on forage biomass in nearby washes: we detected no gradient in forage biomass nor an overall difference between washes with catchments and those without (P > 0.15). Desert ungulates used washes near catchments in our study area but had minimal effects on nearby vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) was established by Presidential Proclamation in 1996. The GSENM management plan identified determining the status of natural water sources and their ability to support wildlife species as a priority. The arid, rugged terrain of the GSENM limited the utility of conducting ground surveys to accomplish this task. Given the technological advancements in remote sensing (RS), monument managers were interested in learning if this new technology could be used to quantify natural water sources. We conducted this study to determine if satellite imagery and predictive Geographic Information Systems (GIS) models could accomplish this task. To conduct this research, we established training sites at known GSENM natural water sources. We used these training sites to identify areas on satellite imagery that exhibited similar spectral characteristics. These sites were subsequently ground-truthed. We found water sources at only 3 of 36 sites predicted (8% efficiency). Limitations of the RS/GIS techniques employed in this study included imagery resolution, water-source size, and geographic shadowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-made or -modified water sources (i.e., catchments) are widely used for wildlife management in the arid western United States, where thousands of such catchments have been built to enhance wildlife populations and mitigate for the loss of natural water sources. For decades, the need for and value of catchments to wildlife was unquestioned. Recently, however, the use of catchments has become controversial, particularly on public lands. Impacts to wildlife populations and wildlife habitats have been central to the debate, which has, in large part, been fueled by a paucity of scientific information. Value-based conflicts over management practices on public lands also have played a significant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared water quality at natural tinajas and 2 types of wildlife water developments in the deserts of southeastern California, USA. We analyzed water samples collected from each site for pH, conductivity, alkalinity, aluminum, ammonium, arsenic, cadmium, calcium (Ca), chloride, chromium, copper (Cu), iron, lead (Pb), manganese, magnesium (Mg), mercury, nickel, nitrate, organophosphate, potassium, silica, silver, sodium, sulfate, and zinc (Zn). With few exceptions, values for pH were within standards established for livestock drinking water. The levels of Ca, Cu, Pb, Mg, silica, and Zn differed by type of water source. We believe those differences are related to construction materials, design, or substrate. With the exception of pH, none of the analytes tested for exceeded standards recommended for livestock drinking water. We conclude that the quality of wafer available at man-made water sources in southeastern California desert environments does not constitute a wildlife health threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]