Download or read book Snowshoe Hare Population Ecology in Lynx occupied Areas of Washington written by Paul Otto Jensen and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Boreal forest ecosystems are being disrupted by climate change, resulting in alterations to species distribution and abundance. Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) are a keystone boreal forest herbivore that has begun to experience range contraction in the continental United States. Despite their importance, we have limited spatio-temporal knowledge of their densities along the southern edge of their range where boreal habitat is fragmented and climatic conditions are marginal. To address this limitation, we explored the accuracy of three non-invasive techniques for estimating hare density including two indices (pellet density and camera trap detection rate) and a camera-trap-based model for direct density estimation (Random Encounter Model - REM) at 13, 10.25 ha sites in northcentral Washington. We compared these values to spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) density estimates from live-capture efforts at the same 13 sites. SECR ranged from 0.16-1.58 hares/ha. Pellet densities had a strong linear association to SECR (R2 = 0.91) and camera trap detection rates had a strong exponential relationship with SECR (R2 = 0.81). REM densities using our camera-trap-derived animal speed (2.4 km/day) ranged from 0.16 to 1.10 hares/ha, though estimates were sensitive to animal speed. Average absolute difference between REM- and SECR-based density estimates were 0.19 hares/ha (range = 0.00-0.84, SE = 0.07), with REM-based estimates for 10 of 13 sites falling within SECR confidence intervals. Additionally, using pellet density data maintained by two external sources and remote sensed data derived to describe forest structure and topography, we developed a landscape-scale pellet density model, converted pellets to density, and related hare density to detection rates of a threatened species, Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) that relies heavily on hare as prey. We found pellet density is best predicted by stand age, horizontal and vertical cover and lynx detection rates are significantly higher when hare density is > 0.5 hares/ha. As hare populations change along their southern range edge, non-invasive techniques will enable the collection of cost-effective large-scale data that can be used to inform management and conservation, and provide the means to better assess trophic relationships within forested communities.

Download or read book Density Demography and Seasonal Movements of Snowshoe Hares in Central Colorado written by Jacob Scott Ivan and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), their famous 10-year population cycle, and close association with Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) have been well-studied in boreal Canada for decades. Snowshoe hare range, however, extends south into the Sierra Nevada, Southern Rockies, upper Lake States, and Appalachian Mountains. Ecology of snowshoe hares in these more southerly regions is not as well understood, though hare research in the U.S. Rocky Mountains has accelerated over the past decade. Through this recent work, biologists have identified stands of young, densely-stocked conifers and those of mature, uneven-aged conifers as primary hare habitat in the region. Both stand types are characterized by dense understory vegetation that provides both browse and protection from elements and predators. From 1999 to 2006, Canada lynx were reintroduced into Colorado in an effort to restore a viable population to the southern portion of their former range. Snow tracking of released individuals and their progeny indicated that the majority of lynx winter diet in Colorado was comprised of snowshoe hares. Thus, long-term success of the lynx reintroduction effort hinges, at least partly, on maintaining adequate and widespread populations of snowshoe hares in the state. To improve our understanding of snowshoe hare ecology in the southern portion of their range, and enhance the ability of agency personnel to manage subalpine landscapes for snowshoe hares and lynx in Colorado, I conducted an observational study to evaluate purported primary hare habitat in the state. Specifically, I estimated snowshoe hare density, survival, recruitment, and movement indices in mature, uneven-aged spruce/fir (Picea engelmannii/Abies lasiocarpa) and 2 classes of young, even-aged lodgepole pine: 1) "small" lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands, which were clear cut 20-25 years prior to this study and had regenerated into densely stocked stands with trees 2.54-12.69 cm in diameter, and 2) "medium" lodgepole pine stands (tree diameter = 12.70-22.85 cm) which were clear cut 40-60 years prior to this study and pre-commercially thinned ~20 years prior. I used a combination of mark-recapture and radio telemetry to estimate parameters. I sampled during both summer and winter to cover the range of annual variation in parameters. Animal density is one of the most common and fundamental parameters in wildlife ecology and was the first metric I used to evaluate the stand types. However, density can be difficult to estimate from mark-recapture data because animals move on and off of a trapping grid during a sampling session (i.e., lack of geographic closure). In Chapter 1, I developed a density estimator that uses ancillary radio telemetry locations, in addition to mark-recapture information, to account for lack of geographic closure resulting in relatively unbiased estimates of density. I derived the variance for this estimator, showed how individual covariates can be used to improve its performance, and provided an example using a subset of my snowshoe hare data. In Chapter 2, I completed a series of simulations to test the performance of this "telemetry" estimator over a range of sampling parameters (i.e., capture probabilities, sampling occasions, densities, and home range configurations) likely to be encountered in the field. I also compared the percent relative bias of the telemetry estimator to two other commonly used, contemporary estimators: spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR), and mean maximum distance moved (MMDM). The telemetry estimator performed best over most combinations of sampling parameters tested, but was inferior to SECR at low capture probabilities. The telemetry estimator was unaffected by home range configuration, whereas performance of SECR and MMDM was dependent on home range shape. Density is an important metric of habitat quality, but it can be misleading as some habitats with high animal density may function as population sinks. A complete assessment of habitat quality requires estimation of habitat-specific demographic rates in addition to density. In Chapter 3, I used the telemetry estimator to estimate snowshoe hare densities in each stand type during summer and winter, 2006-2009. I then combined mark-recapture and telemetry data to estimate survival via the Barker robust design model as implemented in Program MARK. Finally, I used age- and habitat-specific density and survival estimates to estimate recruitment in each stand type. During summer, hare densities were highest in small lodgepole (0.20 ± 0.01 (SE) to 0.66 ± 0.07 hares/ha), lowest in medium lodgepole pine (0.01 ± 0.04 to 0.03 ± 0.03 hares/ha), and intermediate in spruce/fir (0.01 ± 0.002 to 0.26 ± 0.08 hares/ha). During winter, densities became more similar among the 3 stand types. Annual survival was highest in spruce/fir (0.14 ± 0.05 (SE) to 0.20 ± 0.07) and similar among the 2 lodgepole stands types (0.10 ±0.03 to 0.16 ± 0.06). Across stands, summer-winter survival was nearly twice as high as winter-summer survival. Recruitment of juvenile hares occurred during all 3 summers in small lodgepole stands, 2 of 3 summers in spruce/fir stands, and in only 1 of 3 summers in medium lodgepole. Stand attributes indicative of dense cover were positively correlated with density estimates and explain relatively more process variance in hare densities than other attributes. These same attributes were not positively correlated with hare survival. In addition to density and demography, movement is an informative aspect of animal ecology. Timing, extent, and frequency of movements can reflect predation pressure, food scarcity/abundance, availability of mates, or seasonal changes in any of these parameters. In Chapter 4, I used telemetry data to assess movement patterns of snowshoe hares at 2 scales (within-season, between-season) in all 3 stand types. Within-season movements of hares were larger during winter than during summer and tended to be larger in small lodgepole stands. Within-season movements of males tended to be larger than females during summer, possibly as a means of maximizing mating opportunities. Movements were similar between the sexes during winter. Hares in both small and medium lodgepole stands tended to make larger movements between seasons than hares in spruce/fir stands, possibly reflecting the variable value of these stands as mediated by snow depth. In summary, snowshoe hare density, survival, and recruitment were relatively low in thinned, medium lodgepole stands compared to spruce/fir or small lodgepole. Thus, while hares occur in these stands, they do not appear to be capable of supporting self-sustaining hare populations, and this stand type is probably less important than mature spruce/fir and small lodgepole stand types. Management for snowshoe hares (and lynx) in central Colorado should focus on maintaining the latter. Given the more persistent nature of spruce/fir compared to small lodgepole, and the fact that such stands cover considerably more area, mature spruce/fir may be the most valuable stand type for snowshoe hares in the state.

Download or read book Ecology and Conservation of Lynx in the United States written by Leonard F. Ruggiero and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Once found throughout the Rocky Mountains and forests of the northern states, the lynx now hides in pockets of its former range while feeding mostly on small animals like snowshoe hares. A team of government and university scientists review the newest scientific knowledge of this unique cat's history, distribution, and ecology. The chapters on this web site provide information for current scientific and public debates regarding the fate of the lynx in the United States. Chapters look at the relationships among lynx, its habitat, and its prey. The attributes of northern versus southern lynx populations are compared and contrasted. The authors caution against making decisions without enough knowledge and show where we lack information. While the authors present the latest preliminary research results on lynx and offer some qualified insights into lynx management, the book's intent is to assess the current state of knowledge regarding lynx.

Download or read book Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest N F Summit at Snoqualmie Master Development Plan Proposal written by and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 736 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Federal Register written by and published by . This book was released on 2013-09 with total page 476 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Ecological Regions of North America written by and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume represents a first attempt at holistically classifying and mapping ecological regions across all three countries of the North American continent. A common analytical methodology is used to examine North American ecology at multiple scales, from large continental ecosystems to subdivisions of these that correlate more detailed physical and biological settings with human activities on two levels of successively smaller units. The volume begins with an overview of North America from an ecological perspective, concepts of ecological regionalization. This is followed by descriptions of the 15 broad ecological regions, including information on physical and biological setting and human activities. The final section presents case studies in applications of the ecological characterization methodology to environmental issues. The appendix includes a list of common and scientific names of selected species characteristic of the ecological regions.

Download or read book Wilderness Science in a Time of Change Conference written by and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Proceedings RMRS written by and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Hydropower Relicensing Box Canyon Hydroelectric Project Washington and Idaho written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Timber Sales written by and published by . This book was released on 1996 with total page 16 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Wilderness Science in a Time of Change Conference Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry written by and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Status of the North American Lynx Lynx Canadensis in Washington written by Washington (State). Department of Wildlife and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Bitterroot National Forest N F Middle East Fork Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project written by and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 626 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Extension Bulletin written by and published by . This book was released on 1978 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book American Marten Fisher Lynx and Wolverine written by William J. Zielinski and published by DIANE Publishing. This book was released on 1998-05 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the Western U.S., the forest carnivores in this assessment are limited to boreal forest ecosystems. These forests are characterized by extensive landscapes with a component of structurally complex, mesic coniferous stands that are characteristic of late stages of forest development. This report assesses the scientific basis for conserving the American marten, fisher, lynx, & wolverine. It consists of literature reviews for each species & a discussion of management considerations & information needs. Comprehensive!

Download or read book Ecosystem Dynamics of the Boreal Forest written by Charles J. Krebs and published by Oxford University Press on Demand. This book was released on 2001 with total page 511 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The boreal forest is one of the world's great ecosystems, stretching across North America and Eurasia in an unbroken band and containing about 25% of the world's closed canopy forests. The Kluane Boreal Forest Ecosystem Project was a 10-year study by nine of Canada's leading ecologists to unravel the impact of the snowshoe hare cycle on the plants and the other vertebrate species in the boreal forest. In much of the boreal forest, the snowshoe hare acts as a keystone herbivore, fluctuating in 9-10 year cycles, and dragging along secondary cycles in predators such as lynx and great-horned owls. By manipulating the ecosystem on a large scale from the bottom via fertilizer additions and from the top by predator exclosures, they have traced the plant-herbivore relationships and the predator-prey relationships in this ecosystem to try to answer the question of what drives small mammal population cycles. This study is unique in being large scale and experimental on a relatively simple ecosystem, with the overall goal of defining what determines community structure in the boreal forest. Ecosystem Dynamics of the Boreal Forest: The Kluane Project summarizes these findings, weaving new discoveries of the role of herbivores-turned-predators, compensatory plant growth, and predators-eating-predators with an ecological story rich in details and clear in its findings of a community where predation plays a key role in determining the fate of individuals and populations. The study of the Kluane boreal forest raises key questions about the scale of conservation required for boreal forest communities and the many mammals and birds that live there.

Download or read book Demography and Ecology of a Declining Snowshoe Hare Population written by Lloyd Burrows Keith and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page 43 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Results of a study of snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations at Rochester, Alberta, from late November 1981 to mid-April 1982, the second winter of a cyclic decline. Purpose to test hypothesis that malnutrition, predation, and low temperatures were interacting to depress overwinter survival.