USGS Status and Trends of Biological Resources - NPS Inventory and Monitoring

Park Oriented Biological Support

Monitoring the body condition of caribou in late winter: developing and evaluating a ‘hands off’ approach
Brad Griffith - Alaska Coop Unit 907/474-5067; ffdbg@uaf.edu

Body condition may be the most important correlate of survival and reproduction for ungulates in general. We propose to develop and evaluate a ‘hands-off’ approach to assess body condition of 2 ecotypes of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in 4 herds that occur in Alaska’s National Parks and Preserves. This technique employs stable isotopes in nitrogen metabolites from snow urine and feces collected in late winter to estimate the body condition relative to protein stores of individuals. We will examine the effects of demographic and environmental parameters on the protein status of caribou in late winter. This research will provide a non-invasive technique that will allow for evaluation of trends in nutritional status of northern ungulates and resilience of these populations to climate change. MORE

Implementation of Models for Predicting Exceedances of E. coli Standards in the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Amie Brady - OH Water Science Center 614/430-7760, amgbrady@usgs.gov

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