Managers at CHIS require a sampling protocol to track population abundance as numbers of both deer and elk approach zero as mandated by a court-sanctioned settlement agreement. We propose to stratify Santa Rosa Island on the basis of vegetative features likely to influence the detectability of deer and elk and to identify sampling units (SUs) within each stratum covering the entire island. We will conduct aerial counts from a helicopter and road-based line-transect counts of each species within each count unit in December 2007 and 2008. MORE 
In 1999 and 2005, the newly restored Yellowstone wolf population experienced significantly reduced pup recruitment suggestive of a disease outbreak. This exploratory research will use new molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess viral content of scats as an indicator of temporal and spatial distribution of these pathogens. In addressing these issues, we hope to provide information on how disease may affect the YNP wolf population and the long-term wolf management goals of the Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho wolf recovery area MORE 
No information exists on the status of the Glacier National Parks (GNP) black bear (Ursus americanus) population. Black bears were sampled in 2004 using noninvasive hair collection methods as part of a 7.8 million-acre study of the regional grizzly bear (U. arctos) population. Data from individual bears will be used in mark-recapture models to estimate black bear population size and to describe density patterns in GNP. Because the cost of all fieldwork and 50% o the genetic analysis has been covered by the grizzly bear project, a comprehensive snapshot of the GNP black bear population will be obtained for 12% o a stand-alone study. MORE 
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 
Many National Parks have free-roaming cats. The Parks are responsible for removing the cats to protect native species from predation, competition, and diseases. However, their cat control efforts are hindered by native mammals (e.g. foxes, skunks, raccoons, and opossums) attracted to the bait that is used to trap cats and therefore they end up being trapped instead of the cats. The native animals not only, in general, occur in greater densities in the Parks than cats but, unlike cats, they rely on olfactory cues that can detect the bait from greater distances. Therefore the native mammals are more likely to be caught in the traps than the target species. MORE 
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/brdscience/pobs1.aspx?topic= Mammals
Page Contact Information: Paul_Geissler@usgs.gov
