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- Cover, Editorial Staff, Journal Information
Abstract: This includes the cover, editorial staff, and journal information.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 12:19:21 PST
- Join the Email List
Abstract: How to join the email list for HWI. Be the first to know about our newest publications.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:32 PDT
- HWI Monograph Series
Abstract: The HWI Monograph Series includes open access publications on wild pigs, black bears, deer, and a forthcoming title on free-ranging domestic cats.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:29 PDT
- In Memory: Bruce D. Leopold
Authors: Darren A. Miller
Abstract: This "In Memory" article honors the life and contributions of Bruce D. Leopold.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:25 PDT
- A Call for Ethical and Responsible Treatment of Invasive Species by
Recreational Anglers
Authors: Kevin A. Adeli
Abstract: Invasive species pose a prominent threat to global biodiversity, with aquatic ecosystems being particularly susceptible. In an effort to limit the spread of aquatic invasive species, numerous public awareness programs have been launched, and several regions have enacted “must-kill” angling regulations, which prohibit the live release of invasive fish species when captured. Many education programs, however, demonize invasive species and lack any instruction for humane euthanasia. This unbalanced approach has translated into widespread mistreatment of invasive species among recreational anglers. This piece addresses these concerns by discussing their significance and providing recommendations for how education programs can adopt a more comprehensive approach to mitigate this issue.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:21 PDT
- Symbiotic Relationship Between Local People and Asiatic Black Bears
Authors: Jangchuk Gyeltshen
Abstract: There are 8 species of bears (Ursidae) in the world; of these, 6 species are known to occur in Asia. However, in Bhutan, there are only 2 species: the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and the sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). The Asiatic black bear is legally protected by the Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan 1995. The bear is categorized as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and also included under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Human–bear conflicts are prevalent in Bhutan, especially at the village level where the livelihood consists of livestock rearing and agricultural farming. We have observed a symbiotic relationship between local people and bears in Phrumsengla National Park in Bhutan.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:17 PDT
- Bear-Caused Human Fatalities in Yellowstone National Park: Characteristics
and Trends
Authors: Kerry A. Gunther
Abstract: Three fatal bear (Ursus spp.) attacks in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA, from 2011 to 2015 were a catalyst for YNP managers to evaluate the circumstances of bear-caused fatalities as well as the bear safety messages it distributes to park visitors. I reviewed records of all fatal bear attacks that occurred in YNP from 1872 to 2018. Seven of the 8 fatalities were caused by grizzly bears (U. arctos horribilis). The per capita risk of being killed by a grizzly bear was 1 fatality for every 26.2 million park visits. Most fatal bear attacks in YNP involved surprise encounters and/or bears conditioned to human foods. Only 1 fatal bear attack was classified as predatory. Most fatal bear attacks involved men (75%), small party sizes of(88%), and occurred in remote backcountry areas (75%). Although the frequency of fatal bear attacks appears to have increased in recent years, the per capita risk of fatal bear attacks has declined. A few human behavioral modifications for recreating in bear country, including hiking with minimum group sizes ≥3 people, remaining on designated trails when hiking, not running from bears during encounters, and carrying bear spray when recreating in bear country have the potential to reduce the risk of fatal bear attacks in the park. Preventing bears from becoming conditioned to anthropogenic foods and garbage is another important factor in reducing bear-caused human fatalities.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:08 PDT
- A Profession That Changes With the Times
Authors: S. Nicole Frey
Abstract: This is the letter from the editor-in-chief of Volume 16, Issue 3.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 14:30:01 PDT
- Impact of COVID-19 on Aviation-Wildlife Strikes Across Europe
Authors: Isabel C. Metz et al.
Abstract: Collisions between aircraft and wildlife (i.e., wildlife strikes) pose a serious threat toward the safety of aircraft, its crew, and passengers. The effects of COVID-19 related travel restrictions on wildlife strikes are unknown. With this study, we aim to address this information gap by assessing the changes of wildlife hazard management performance across European airports during the lockdown period (e.g., period of reduced operations and borders closure in spring 2020). We also sought to raise awareness of the importance of wildlife strike prevention in times of reduced operations. The objective of our study was to compare wildlife strike data before and during the lockdown based on the following criteria: (1) the number of wildlife strikes per 10,000 flights, (2) the groups of wildlife species involved, and (3) the lighting conditions. To conduct our research, we analyzed a dataset of 12,528 wildlife strikes, gathered from 157 civil airports across Europe for the period from March 2017 to February 2021. Our analysis revealed a wide variation in the wildlife strike rates during the lockdown (period of time from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021). Our study uncovered an increasing trend of the relative strike rates for almost all wildlife species categories and a slight trend toward more strikes occurring during daytime compared to nighttime. Our findings highlighted the need for continuous wildlife hazard management despite fluctuation in flights and provide potential for airports, airline operators, and other aviation stakeholders to reduce wildlife strike risk.
PubDate: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:34:14 PDT
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Wildlife Strike Rates in the United States
Authors: Dan Parsons et al.
Abstract: Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted air traffic, industry bodies warned of the potential increase in wildlife strike risk. Prior to the pandemic, wildlife strikes were already a concern to the industry. We sought to evaluate industry warnings using interrupted time series analysis of wildlife strike trends in the United States. Using pre-pandemic wildlife strike trends, we compared a forecast of the expected monthly strike rates through the COVID-19 impact period (March 2020 to December 2020) to the actual wildlife strike rates for the same period. Our results showed an increase in wildlife strike rates in 5 out of the 10 months analyzed, supporting the need for careful consideration of wildlife strike risk through the industry’s recovery.
PubDate: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 09:34:04 PDT
- Texas Hunters’ Perceptions Regarding the Acceptability of Toxicants to
Control Wild Pig Populations
Authors: Keith M. Carlisle et al.
Abstract: Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species in the United States. They damage agriculture, degrade water quality and ecological communities, and host a number of viruses, parasites, and bacteria transmissible to humans and animals. In states such as Texas, USA, where wild pigs cause extensive damage to agriculture and property, officials have considered allowing for the use of toxicants to control wild pig populations. To provide decision-makers with information regarding stakeholders’ perceptions of the use of toxicants to control wild pigs, we surveyed Texas hunters in 2019 to assess the level of acceptance of a hypothetical wild pig toxicant, the sociodemographic and other factors most closely associated with acceptability of such a toxicant, and the specific concerns that underlie hunters’ positions on the use of such a toxicant. We received 37,317 completed responses to an online, self-administered survey. Respondents were divided over the use of a toxicant, with 43% finding a toxicant acceptable, 18% neutral, and 39% finding a toxicant unacceptable. The factor most closely associated with acceptance of a wild pig toxicant was respondents’ desired wild pig population size in Texas (χ2 = 3,657.7, P < 0.001, V = 0.26), with 70% of respondents who preferred that wild pigs be completely removed from Texas finding the use of a toxicant to be acceptable, compared to 14% of respondents who preferred that wild pig populations increase or stay the same. The most commonly raised concerns in connection with toxicant usage were potential negative impacts to nontarget animals (33%) and negative impacts to human health (24%). Our research suggests that while achieving a consensus among Texas hunters on toxicant usage is unrealistic, building majority support may be possible if the identified concerns are sufficiently addressed in product development and outreach.
PubDate: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:38:46 PDT
- Industrial Hemp as a Resource for Birds in Agroecosystems:
Human–Wildlife Conflict or Conservation Opportunity'
Authors: Emily A. Kotten et al.
Abstract: Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.; hemp) is an emerging crop in the United States with little known about bird use or the potential for birds to become an agricultural pest. We identified birds associated with hemp fields, using repeated visits to oilseed plots in North Dakota, USA (n = 6) and cannabinoid (CBD) plots in Florida, USA (n = 4) from August to November 2020. We did not control for plot area or density; our observations were descriptive only. We observed 10 species in hemp, 12 species flying over hemp, and 11 species both foraging in and flying over hemp fields in North Dakota. In Florida, we observed 4 species in hemp, 5 species flying over hemp, and 4 species exhibiting both behaviors. When we observed birds in hemp, we found them perched in the canopy or foraging on the ground. Counts were highest in oilseed and lowest in CBD varieties. The Florida sites were mainly CBD varieties, which explains lower species diversity and raw counts of birds given the lack of seeds produced. Maximum raw counts of the most common birds (mourning doves [Zenaida macroura] = 116; house finches [Haemorhous mexicanus] = 53; and American goldfinches [Spinus tristis] = 40) using very small fields (116–324 m2) in North Dakota suggest oilseed hemp could suffer yield losses but potentially benefit farmland bird conservation and act as a decoy crop to protect other commodities (e.g., sunflower [Helianthus annuus L.]).
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:39:10 PDT
- Cultivation of Industrial Hemp on and Near Airports: Implications for
Wildlife Use and Risk to Aviation Safety
Authors: Bradley F. Blackwell et al.
Abstract: Land-use planning on and near airports should consider possible revenue from land covers, associated maintenance costs, and potential for land covers to attract vertebrate species recognized as hazardous to aviation safety. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has expressed interest in recent attention given to industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.; hemp) as a revenue-producing land cover that might be cultivated on or near airports. Our purpose was to better understand the potential production value of hemp as well as its possible role in affecting aviation safety if cultivated on or near airports. Our objectives were to: (1) review the literature relative to a historical perspective of hemp cultivation in the United States, projected cultivation practices, and anticipated economic viability, (2) use our review to gather information on vertebrate use of hemp cultivars, and (3) revisit U.S. and international regulations on land covers near airports relative to attraction of species recognized as hazardous to aviation safety. We found, via review of peer-reviewed and gray literature, that hemp holds potential as an emerging crop in the United States, contributing to food, medicine, and biomass-derived products as well as evidence that birds will use, if not depredate, the crop. However, future markets promoting cultivation of hemp remain tentative. Further, there has been no objective quantification of bird and other wildlife use of hemp alone or as a component of a land cover matrix on or near airports and relative to implications for aviation safety. We make recommendations for future research on wildlife use of hemp and metrics necessary to inform aviation safety.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:38:58 PDT
- Join the Email List
Abstract: How to join the email list for HWI. Be the first to know about our newest publications.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:29:03 PDT
- HWI Monograph Series
Abstract: The HWI Monograph Series includes open access publications on wild pigs, black bears, deer, and a forthcoming title on free-ranging domestic cats.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:28:59 PDT
- Wyoming’s Wild Horse Ranch: History and Description of a
Socio-Ecological Experiment
Authors: Alex Sas-Jaworsky et al.
Abstract: The growing population of free-roaming horses (Equus ferus caballus) on western public rangelands has necessitated that federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service, develop novel approaches to curb growth including reproduction management. However, bureaucracy has hindered effective research and application of horse management on public lands and examples on private lands may present new solutions. Here we present the history and current population management strategy for the Wild Horse Ranch (WHR) located in southeastern Wyoming, USA, as an example of an ongoing private entity managing horses. Prior to 1985, this ~6,000-ha ranch was used historically for domestic sheep (Ovis aries) production, and after 1985, for yearling cattle (Bos taurus). In 2005, geldings (i.e., castrated males) and mares were purchased from BLM by WHR and introduced to the ranch in conjunction with the development of home sites. In 2019, landowners formed the Wild Horse Preservation Society (WHPS) to enhance horse management and care. The WHPS uses multiple approaches to manage population growth including castrating stallions and treating mares with chemical contraception through partnerships with veterinarians and other stakeholders. In addition, WHPS feeds supplemental hay to horses in severe winter months, provides water during the summer, monitors rangeland vegetation, horse diets, and cares for abandoned foals or geriatric horses. The WHPS is a network of board members and landowners that is working for the betterment of horse welfare and rangeland health and is situated to be a leading entity and example in the area of free-enterprise free-roaming horse reproduction management.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:28:51 PDT
- Stakeholder Knowledge and Perceptions of Free-roaming Equids and Their
Management at a Western U.S. Land-Grant University
Authors: Hollee S. Wood et al.
Abstract: The horse (Equus ferus caballus), originally native to North America, became extinct on the continent approximately 10,000 years ago. Horses that migrated from North America to Eurasia across the Bering Strait continued to evolve and were domesticated along with burros (E. asinus). Both species were then transported to the Americas where they were intentionally released or escaped into the wild, forming feral herds. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (WFRHBA) provided federal oversight and protection for feral horses and burros (hereafter, free-roaming equids) that inhabited designated areas on public lands in the western United States. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimated in 2019 that>90,000 free-roaming equids inhabited 29 million ha on 177 designated herd management areas (HMAs). This population estimate exceeds the designated appropriate management level (AML) of 26,785. To provide BLM managers with insights regarding stakeholder knowledge and perceptions about the management of free-roaming equids in a western U.S. state where HMAs exceed AML, in 2020 we surveyed faculty, staff, and students at the state land-grant university (i.e., Utah State University [USU]). We hypothesized that, because the WFRHBA was passed in 1971, older respondents and those with natural resources education would be more informed and supportive of active free-roaming equid management, such as herd reduction. We received 959 responses (response rate of 12.5%) to our survey (i.e., 14% faculty, 14% staff, and 72% students). Most respondents (60%) were unaware of the WFRHBA, and>50% were unaware that free-roaming equids were protected. Over 45% of our respondents were unsure of HMA AML status or population growth rates. Furthermore, most respondents (65%) did not know that free-roaming equids are ecologically considered feral. Older respondents and those with rural backgrounds and natural resources education were more informed. Our results highlight the need for improved outreach and communication efforts regarding the issues and consequences of free-roaming equid management approaches.
PubDate: Fri, 25 Aug 2023 09:28:42 PDT
- Nonnative Ungulate Impacts on Greater Sage-grouse Late Brood-rearing
Habitat in the Great Basin, USA
Authors: Mikiah R. McGinn et al.
Abstract: Domestic livestock grazing is the dominant land use on much of the current range inhabited by greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse) in the western United States. Nonnative feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) also inhabit important sage-grouse seasonal habitats. Overabundant feral horse populations and improper grazing by domestic cattle (Bos taurus) can impact the health of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) and desert shrub rangeland communities and native wildlife. These impacts to sage-grouse can be exacerbated when they affect late brood-rearing habitat, which provide the forbs and arthropods required to fledge broods. Managers require better information regarding the extent of these impacts. In 2020, we assessed the potential impact of feral horses and domestic cattle on sage-grouse late brood-rearing habitats in western Utah and eastern Nevada, USA. We acquired late brood-rearing location data from sage-grouse marked with global positioning system and very-high frequency radio-transmitters from 2016 to 2020 for North Utah data, 2017 to 2018 for South Utah data, and 1961 to 2017 for both east and west Nevada data to delineate late brood-rearing habitats. Using these location data, we compared 8 sites (4 pairs) within horse and non-horse use areas to assess sage-grouse habitat quality characteristics between areas that have been predominantly horse and cattle grazed versus sites that have been predominantly cattle grazed. For each pairing, 1 site was located within and the other outside of a Bureau of Land Management herd management area boundary, and both sites shared similar habitat characteristics (i.e., topography, dominant vegetation, soils, and climate) and selection probability for broods. We collected vegetation and dung count data at each site to assess characteristics related to habitat quality for sage-grouse brood-rearing, based on ungulate presence. We used a mixed model analysis of variance to detect differences between each paired site comparison (α < 0.01). Horses or evidence of horse presence (i.e., dung) were not detected at our non-horse sites allowing for an unbiased comparison between paired sites. Cattle presence was noted at all our paired sites. Average annual grass frequency was 0.74 in horse and 0.17 in non-horse use areas (P = 0.20), and average annual grass cover was 4.0% compared to 0.2% in horse use areas (P = 0.32). Average annual grass biomass was 0.45 kg/ha in horse and 0.04% in non-horse use areas (P = 0.34). Vegetation height was 44.2 cm in non-horse compared to 34.5 cm in horse use areas (P = 0.23). These results suggest that increased ungulate grazing and year-long use of late brood-rearing habitat by feral horses coupled with livestock grazing may impair habitat suitability, particularly considering ecological impacts from invasive plant species. Our results suggest that managing late brood-rearing habitats to reduce the frequency and intensity of year-long grazing by feral horses can be best accomplished by reducing horse numbers and the seasonal distribution of grazing by domestic livestock.
PubDate: Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:19:54 PDT
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