Introduced species as evolutionary traps
Martin A. Schlaepfer, P. W. Sherman, Bernd Blossey, Michael C. Runge
2005, Ecology Letters (8) 241-246
Invasive species can alter environments in such a way that normal behavioural decision-making rules of native species are no longer adaptive. The evolutionary trap concept provides a useful framework for predicting and managing the impact of harmful invasive species. We discuss how native species can respond to changes in their...
Fecal corticoid monitoring in whooping cranes (Grus americana) undergoing reintroduction
Barry K. Hartup, Glenn H. Olsen, Nancy M. Czekala
2005, Zoo Biology (24) 15-28
We used radioimmunoassay to determine fecal corticoid concentrations and assess potential stress in 10 endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) undergoing reintroduction to the wild. Fecal samples were collected shortly after hatching at a captive facility in Maryland, during field training in Wisconsin, and throughout a human-led migration to Florida....
The role of pH in structuring communities of Maine wetland macrophytes and chironomid larvae (Diptera)
Thomas Woodcock, Jerry R. Longcore, Daniel G. McAuley, Terry Mingo, C. R. Bennatti, Kenneth L. Stromborg
2005, Wetlands (25) 306-316
Aquatic vascular plants, or macrophytes, are an important habitat component for many wetland organisms, and larvae of chironomid midges are ubiquitous components of wetland fauna. Many chironomids are primary consumers of algae and detritus and form an essential energetic link between allochthonous and autochthonous primary production and higher trophic levels,...
Disturbance of eelgrass Zostera marina by commercial mussel Mytilus edulis harvesting in Maine: Dragging impacts and habitat recovery
Hilary A. Neckles, Frederick T. Short, Seth Barker, Blaine S. Kopp
2005, Marine Ecology Progress Series (285) 57-73
We studied the effects of commercial harvest of blue mussels Mytilus edulis on eelgrass Zostera marina L. in Maquoit Bay, Maine, USA, at a hierarchy of scales. We used aerial photography, underwater video, and eelgrass population- and shoot-based measurements to quantify dragging impacts within 4 sites that had been disturbed...
The role of thyroxine on the production of plumage in the American Kestrel (Falco sparterius)
M.J. Quinn, J.B. French, F.M.A. McNabb, M. A. Ottinger
2005, Journal of Raptor Research (39) 84-88
Mercury bioaccumulation in northern two-lined salamanders from streams in the northeastern United States
Michael S. Bank, Cynthia S. Loftin, Robin E. Jung
2005, Ecotoxicology (14) 181-191
Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulation in salamanders has received little attention despite widespread Hg contamination of aquatic ecosystems and worldwide amphibian declines. Here we report concentrations of methyl Hg (MeHg) and total Hg in larval northern two-lined salamanders (Eurycea bislineata bislineata) collected from streams in Acadia National Park (ANP), Maine, and Bear...
Effects of contaminant exposure on reproductive success of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting in Delaware River and Bay, USA
P. C. Toschik, Barnett A. Rattner, P. C. McGowan, M. C. Christman, Daniel B. Carter, R. C. Hale, C. W. Matson, M. A. Ottinger
2005, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (24) 617-628
Despite serious water-quality problems and pollutant loading and retention, Delaware River and Bay(USA) provide important wildlife habitat. In 2002, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of contaminant exposure and reproduction of ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) breeding in Delaware River and Bay. Sample eggs were collected from 39 nests and analyzed for organochlorine...
Enhancing the scientific value of the Christmas Bird Count
Erica H. Dunn, C.M. Francis, P.J. Blancher, S.R. Drennan, M.A. Howe, D. Lepage, Chandler S. Robbins, K.V. Rosenberg, J.R. Sauer, Kimberly G. Smith
2005, The Auk (122) 338-346
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC), conducted by the National Audubon Society (NAS) since 1900, constitutes the longest-running and geographically most widespread survey of bird life in the Western Hemisphere. Starting with 25 count locations in its first year, the program has grown continuously ever since, with...
Individual quality, survival variation and patterns of phenotypic selection on body condition and timing of nesting in birds
Peter Blums, James D. Nichols, James E. Hines, Mark S. Lindberg, Aivars Mednis
2005, Oecologia (143) 365-376
Questions about individual variation in “quality” and fitness are of great interest to evolutionary and population ecologists. Such variation can be investigated using either a random effects approach or an approach that relies on identifying observable traits that are themselves correlated with fitness components. We used the latter approach with...
The adaptive significance of stealing in a marine bird and its relationship to parental quality
D. A. Shealer, J. A. Spendelow, Jeff S. Hatfield, I.C.T. Nisbet
2005, Behavioral Ecology (16) 371-376
Kleptoparasitism (food theft) is a tactic used opportunistically by many foraging birds, but little is known about its fitness benefits. Here we show that habitual kleptoparasitism by individual parent roseate terns (Sterna dougallii) is associated with consistently superior reproductive performance relative to nonkleptoparasitic ('honest') parents, as measured by growth and...
Assessing spatial coupling in complex population dynamics using mutual prediction and continuity statistics
J.M. Nichols, L. Moniz, J.D. Nichols, L.M. Pecora, E. Cooch
2005, Theoretical Population Biology (67) 9-21
A number of important questions in ecology involve the possibility of interactions or ?coupling? among potential components of ecological systems. The basic question of whether two components are coupled (exhibit dynamical interdependence) is relevant to investigations of movement of animals over space, population regulation, food webs and trophic interactions,...
Exposure and effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River, Rhode Island, USA
Christine M. Custer, T. W. Custer, C. J. Rosiu, M. J. Melancon, J. W. Bickham, C. W. Matson
2005, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (24) 93-109
Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) nesting along the Woonasquatucket River northwest of Providence (RI, USA) in 2000 and 2001 were some of the highest ever reported in avian tissues. Mean concentrations in eggs ranged from 300 to > 1,000 pg/g wet weight at the two most...
Effects of lead-contaminated sediment and nutrition on mallard duckling behavior and growth
E. Douglas-Stroebel, G. L. Brewer, David J. Hoffman
2005, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A (68) 113-128
Sediment ingestion has become a recognized exposure route for toxicants in waterfowl. The effects of lead-contaminated sediment from the Coeur d’Alene River Basin (CDARB) in Idaho were evaluated on mallard (Anas platyryhnchos) duckling behavior and growth over a 5-wk period using time–activity budgets. Day-old ducklings received either a clean sediment...
Demographic estimation methods for plants with unobservable life-states
Marc Kery, Katharine B. Gregg, Michael Schaub
2005, Oikos (108) 307-320
Demographic estimation of vital parameters in plants with an unobservable dormant state is complicated, because time of death is not known. Conventional methods assume that death occurs at a particular time after a plant has last been seen aboveground but the consequences of assuming a particular duration of dormancy have...
Improving inferences in population studies of rare species that are detected imperfectly
Darry I. MacKenzie, James D. Nichols, N. Sutton, K. Kawanishi, Larissa Bailey
2005, Ecology (86) 1101-1113
For the vast majority of cases, it is highly unlikely that all the individuals of a population will be encountered during a study. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a constant fraction of the population is encountered over times, locations, or species to be compared. Hence, simple counts usually will not...
[Book review] The history of ornithology in Virginia
C.S. Robbins
2005, The Auk (122) 375-377
Virginia is arguably the birthplace of ornithology in North America. Captain John Smith and naturalist Mark Catesby were among the early describers of Virginia's common birds. David Johnston's book, however, begins by taking the reader back to the Tertiary period, some 65 million years ago, with Storrs Olson's description of...
Implications of global climatic change and energy cost and availability for the restoration of the Mississippi delta
John W. Day
2005, Ecological Engineering (24) 253-265
Over the past several thousand years, inputs from the Mississippi River formed the Mississippi delta, an area of about 25,000 km2. Over the past century, however, there has been a high loss of coastal wetlands of about 4800 km2. The main causes of this loss are the...
14. The Herons (Ardeidae)
J.A. Kushlan, J.A. Hancock
2005, Book, Bird Families of the World
Herons and their close relatives, the egrets and bitterns, comprise sixty species in total and are found all over the world except in polar regions, and are a strikingly beautiful part of the wetlands they inhabit. They are particularly abundant and popular in South West USA, especially Florida. Herons are...
Research for the development of best management practices for minimizing horse trail impacts on the Hoosier National Forest
M.W. Aust, J. L. Marion, K. Kyle
2005, Report
This research investigates horse trail impacts to gain an improved understanding of the relationship between various levels of horse use, horse trail management alternatives, and subsequent horse trail degradation. A survey of existing horse trails on the Hoosier National Forest was used to collect data on use-related, environmental and...
An introduction to mid-Atlantic seasonal pools
L.J. Brown, R.E. Jung
2005, Report
Seasonal pools, also known as vernal ponds, provide important ecological services to the mid-Atlantic region. This publication serves as an introduction to seasonal pool ecology and management; it also provides tools for exploring seasonal pools, including a full-color field guide to wildlife. Seasonal pools are defined as having...
Vector-borne diseases on Fire Island, New York (Fire Island National Seashore Science Synthesis Paper)
H. S. Ginsberg
2005, Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR--2005/018
This paper discusses eleven tick-borne and five mosquito-borne pathogens that are known to occur at FIlS, or could potentially occur. The potential for future occurrence, and ecological factors that influence occurrence, are assessed for each disease. Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease on Fire Island....
White-tailed deer ecology and management on Fire Island
H.B. Underwood
2005, Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR--2005/022
Deer populations have grown dramatically on Fire Island National Seashore (FIlS) since 1983. Trend data reveal a dichotomy in deer dynamics. In the eastern half of the island, deer density appears to have stabilized between 25-35 deer/km2. In the western half of the island, deer densities are 3-4 times...
Urbanization effects on fishes and habitat quality in a southern Piedmont river basin
D.M. Walters, Mary C. Freeman, D.S. Leigh, B. J. Freeman, C.P. Pringle
Larry R. Brown, Robert H. Gray, Robert H. Hughes, Michael Meador, editor(s)
2005, Book chapter, Effects of urbanization on stream ecosystems
We quantified the relationships among urban land cover, fishes, and habitat quality to determine how fish assemblages respond to urbanization and if a habitat index can be used as an indirect measure of urban effects on stream ecosystems. We sampled 30 wadeable streams along an urban gradient (5?37% urban...
Checklist of the terrestrial vertebrates of the Guiana Shield
2005, Bulletin of the Biological Society of Washington No. 13.
Distributions are given for 1850 species of terrestrial vertebrates in the Guiana Shield region of northeastern South America, with introductory text by the authors of each section. Distributions cover the three Guianas (Guyana, Surinam, and French Guiana), and the states of the Venezuelan Guayna (Amazonas, Bolivar, and Delta Amacuro),...
The Atlantic Seaduck Project: Medical Aspects
Glenn H. Olsen, Matthew C. Perry, A.M. Wells, E.J.R. Lohnes, P.C. Osenton
2005, Conference Paper, Proceedings, Association of Avian Veterinarians, 26th Annual Conference & Expo, August 8, 2005, Monterey, California USA
Some populations of seaducks, especially scoters along the Atlantic Coast, have been declining over recent decades. A joint US-Canadian tearn has been working to capture and surgically implant satellite radio transmitters in these ducks. Black scoters (Melanitta nigra) captured on the Restigouche River in New Brunswick, Canada and...
