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- Sharing Science Through Shared Values, Goals, and Stories: An
Evidence-Based Approach to Making Science Matter
Authors: Bethann Garramon Merkle et al.
Abstract: Scientists in and beyond academia face considerable challenges to effectively sharing science, including lack of time and training, systemic disincentives, and the complexity of the modern media/attention landscape. Considering these constraints, 3 achievable shifts in mindset and practice can substantively enhance science communication efforts. Here, we provide evidence-based and experientially informed advice on how to center shared values, articulate science communication goals, and leverage the power of stories to advance our communication goals in connection with the values we share with our stakeholders. In addition to a discussion of relevant, foundational principles in science communication, we provide actionable recommendations and tools scientists can immediately use to articulate their values, identify shared values between stakeholders, set science communication goals, and use storytelling as a means of building and reinforcing relationships around shared values, thereby working productively to achieve those goals.
PubDate: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:10:46 PDT
- Common Raven Impacts on the Productivity of a Small Breeding Population of
Snowy Plovers
Authors: Matthew J. Lau et al.
Abstract: Common ravens (ravens; Corvus corax), an adaptable, synanthropic generalist, have thrived coincident with increasing human landscape modifications and fragmentation, consequently affecting their prey, which are often sensitive native and protected species. Ravens are a conservation concern for the protected western snowy plover (plover; Charadrius nivosus nivosus), causing low nest and chick survival in some breeding areas along the Pacific coast of North America. We used a long-term dataset from a breeding snowy plover monitoring program in Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) to investigate potential impacts of ravens on snowy plover nest and fledging success. Between 2002 and 2020, ravens accounted for 33.7% of all plover nest failures and 40.8% of unexclosed plover nest failures. Raven activity varied by plover breeding site, with more ravens observed per survey hour at Kehoe Beach and the Abbotts Lagoon restoration area, sites that had lower fledge success than other breeding areas. Binomial generalized linear mixed models found that plover nest success was best explained by raven activity (negative relationship) and use of nest exclosures (positive relationship). Our model results on snowy plover fledge success were less apparent, resulting in difficult management planning for this vital rate when using exclosures. Furthermore, nest exclosures were effective in increasing long-term snowy plover nest success in an ecosystem inundated by high raven activity. Evidence from PRNS and other plover breeding sites along the Pacific coast point to long-term negative impacts from ravens.
PubDate: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:10:34 PDT
- Interested in Serving as an Associate Editor for Human–Wildlife
Interactions'
Authors: Terry Messmer
Abstract: This is a call for associate editors for Human-Wildlife Interactions.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Jun 2022 11:45:12 PDT
- Estimating Trends of Common Raven Populations in North America,
1966–2018
Authors: Seth M. Harju et al.
Abstract: Over the last half century, common raven (Corvus corax; raven) populations have increased in abundance across much of North America. Ravens are generalist predators known to depredate the eggs and young of several sensitive species. Quantifying raven population increases at multiple spatial scales across North America will help wildlife resource managers identify areas where population increases present the greatest risk to species conservation. We used a hierarchical Bayesian modeling approach to analyze trends of standardized raven counts from 1966 to 2018 using Breeding Bird Survey data within each Level I and II ecoregion of the United States and Canada. We also compared raven abundance within and outside the distributions of 9 sensitive or endangered species. Although we found substantial evidence that raven populations have increased across North America, populations varied in growth rates and relative abundances among regions. We found 73% of Level I (11/15) and II (25/34) ecoregions demonstrated positive annual population growth rates ranging from 0.2–9.4%. We found higher raven abundance inside versus outside the distributions of 7 of the 9 sensitive species included in our analysis. Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) had the highest discrepancy, with 293% more ravens within compared to outside of their range, followed by greater sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis tabida; 280%), and greater sage-grouse (C. urophasianus; 204%). Only 2 species, least tern (Sternula antillarum) and piping plover (Charadrius melodus), indicated lower raven abundance within relative to outside their distributions. Our findings will help wildlife resource managers identify regional trends in abundance of ravens and anticipate which sensitive species are at greatest risk from elevated raven populations. Future research directed at identifying the underlying regional drivers of these trends could help elucidate the most appropriate and responsive management actions and, thereby, guide the development of raven population management plans to mitigate impacts to sensitive species.
PubDate: Mon, 16 May 2022 12:35:41 PDT
- In the News
Authors: Ike Ionel et al.
Abstract: Items in the news.
PubDate: Mon, 16 May 2022 12:35:40 PDT
- A Novel Technique to Improve Capture Success of Common Ravens
Authors: Lindsey R. Perry et al.
Abstract: Traditional trapping techniques for common ravens (Corvus corax; raven) require significant effort, often produce low capture rates, and cannot be used in some situations. We designed a 3-m noose pole to secure ravens from nocturnal roost locations while using a strobe spotlight to temporarily disorient them. We collected measures of trapping efficiency and contrasted them with padded leghold traps also used in the study. We effectively implemented our noose pole method in July and August of 2018, 2019, and 2020 in the Baker and Cow Lakes sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) Priority Areas of Conservation in eastern Oregon, USA, which yielded trapping efficiency of 0.48 trap-hours/raven (37 total captured ravens). Our trapping efficiency using leghold traps during the same summer months was 76.42 trap-hours/raven (3 total captured ravens). Our new trapping method constitutes an inexpensive and simple way to safely trap ravens at accessible communal roosts and merits further refinement to increase utility and capitalize on the vulnerability of ravens to capture at night.
PubDate: Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:28:15 PDT
- Visual Marking of Ground Nests Might Attract Corvids
Authors: Emily M. O'Donovan et al.
Abstract: For ground-nesting birds such as waterfowl, estimating nest survival is a crucial step in assessing population dynamics, and marking nests facilitates continuous monitoring. A conventional method for marking ground nests is to use an inconspicuous rod at the nest bowl and a wooden lathe 10 m away. Nests are visually marked to allow for greater efficiency when revisiting nests and to facilitate subsequent nest searching sessions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that common ravens (Corvus corax) and American crows (C. brachyrhynchos) might learn to recognize these nest markers, resulting in artificially inflated rates of nest predation. In 2017 in central Alberta, Canada, we compared fates of nests marked with the conventional lathe-rod combination versus only a rod. We also tested the prevalence of corvid predation of marked nests in areas with and without high observations of corvid activity, using data from a study of dabbling duck (Anas spp.) nest survival. Our results suggest that marking nests with a lathe can increase predation by corvids and that nests marked with a rod only were more likely to hatch. Evaluation and use of alternate nest-marking methods would be beneficial for future studies of ground-nesting birds in areas where corvids are common. Our work highlights the importance of re-evaluating the efficacy of well-established field methods.
PubDate: Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:45:21 PDT
- Demography, Morphometrics, and Stomach Contents of Common Ravens Examined
as a Result of Controlled Take
Authors: Corinne M. Gibble et al.
Abstract: Common ravens (Corvus corax; ravens) are known nest predators that have the ability to negatively impact nesting birds, including imperiled species of seabirds and shorebirds. We conducted systematic necropsies of ravens that were lethally controlled in Monterey Bay, California, USA during 2013–2015, in or near western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) nesting areas, in an effort to better understand body condition, overall health, and diet of individual ravens. Raven predation of snowy plover nests has increased over the years in the Monterey Bay study area, and lethal removal of ravens has been employed to reduce predation. Most ravens examined in this study were in moderate to excellent body condition and also exhibited good organ health. There were statistically significant differences between male and female morphometrics (mass, culmen length, and wing length; P < 0.05). Stomach content analysis indicated a varied diet with consumption of animal remains and eggshell fragments, and anthropogenic sources of food (e.g., human food items and human-produced non-food items). Our study provides evidence that lethal control of ravens targeted some individual ravens that were responsible for depredating snowy plover nests
PubDate: Tue, 15 Mar 2022 14:45:11 PDT
- No Difference in Corticosterone Concentrations Between Missouri Three-Toed
Box Turtles Living in an Urban and a Rural Site
Authors: Bennett A. Lamczyk et al.
Abstract: Baseline health data for species of conservation concern are important for understanding threats to the long-term viability of populations. One indication of health is physiological stress among individuals. Corticosterone (CORT) is frequently used to quantify stress in free-living reptile populations, as high values may be associated with reduced fitness. Herein, we describe and validate methods for quantifying blood CORT levels in three-toed box turtles (Terrapene mexicana triunguis). We subsequently use this information to evaluate stress levels in 2 populations of free-living three-toed box turtles in Missouri, USA. To our knowledge, this is the first quantification of CORT levels in the three-toed box turtle. In 2012 we collected blood samples from 11 three-toed box turtles in human care at the Saint Louis Zoological Park (zoo), St. Louis, Missouri for assay validation, and from 2012 to 2016 we collected 220 samples from 144 free-living three-toed box turtles at 2 sites, 1 urban and 1 rural. In the zoo turtles, mean CORT concentration was 0.71 ± 0.10 ng/mL. Following a handling experiment, CORT concentration increased to 3.14 ± 0.72 ng/mL (P = 0.011). Mean CORT levels between free-living turtles at the urban and rural sites did not differ (urban = 0.54 ± 0.08 ng/mL, rural = 0.37 ± 0.02 ng/mL, F pr = 0.12). Sex did not influence CORT levels (F pr = 0.29). These results suggest that the turtles living in the urban environment did not experience chronic elevated glucocorticoid production and supports urban parks as potential habitat for box turtles.
PubDate: Thu, 10 Mar 2022 14:59:54 PST
- Evaluating Common Raven Take for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon’s Baker
County Priority Conservation Area and Great Basin Region
Authors: Frank F. Rivera-Milán et al.
Abstract: The common raven (Corvus corax; raven) is a nest predator of species of conservation concern, such as the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Reducing raven abundance by take requires authorization under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. To support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s take decisions (e.g., those that authorize killing a specified proportion or number of individuals annually in a defined area), including the most recent one for Oregon’s Baker County Priority Area for Conservation (PAC), we modeled raven population dynamics under hypothetical scenarios with take rates ranging from below to above the maximum sustained yield (MSY; i.e., trmsy= 0.01-0.60). We fit a Bayesian state-space logistic model to estimate abundance based on the Breeding Bird Survey route-level count data for the PAC during 1997-2019 and Great Basin Region (GBR) during 1968-2019. We predicted abundance for 2019-2030 and evaluated potential take levels (PTL) for the PAC and GBR. Abundance averaged 682 (SE = 93) for the PAC during 1997-2019 and 333,027 (SE = 20,504) for the GBR during 1968-2019. With take rates between 0.41 and 0.60, predicted abundance averaged 308 (SD = 405) for the PAC and 142,258 (SD = 53,474) for the GBR during 2019-2030. With management factor F = 0.75-2 for takes ranging from below to above the MSY, the PTL 50th percentiles were 150-401 yr-1 for the PAC and 60,457-161,219 yr-1 for the GBR. Our modeling framework is flexible and can be part of a comprehensive management strategy for ravens in the western United States.
PubDate: Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:34:58 PST
- Raven Control from a Conservation Biology Perspective
Authors: David J. Delehanty
Abstract: The common raven (Corvus corax; raven) is a large, highly intelligent passerine songbird with a Holarctic distribution attributable to a high degree of plasticity in its foraging and nesting behavior. Historically, ravens have received special attention in human culture, being either respected or vilified. In the western United States, ravens are exploiting the expanding human enterprise, which provides them with unintended subsidies of food, water, and breeding locations, allowing ravens to expand their range and increase in population density and resulting in raven depredation threatening species of conservation concern. From a conservation biology perspective, increased raven populations present a difficult challenge in managing human–wildlife conflict. Some raven control measures are effective empirically but present ethical dilemmas, are economically expensive, or are socially divisive. Current studies seek to better understand raven population dynamics in relation to human land use and to identify socially acceptable ways to ameliorate raven impacts on biodiversity in the American West. The purpose of this paper is to provide readers with summaries of important constraints in the search for how to address deleterious effects of an expanding raven population. Specifically, I describe ethical, legal, social, and biological constraints in relation to calls for lethal control of ravens. Despite these constraints, a conservation strategy may emerge through modeling the relationship between raven presence and reproduction of sensitive prey species, and developing a clearer understanding of raven ecology. Papers in this special issue explore raven population dynamics, conservation consequences, and conservation solutions in detail and reveal innovative ways to address the complex human–wildlife conflict presented by ravens.
PubDate: Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:11:25 PST
- Why Advertise in HWI'
Abstract: The benefits of advertising with Human–Wildlife Interactions and how to do so.
PubDate: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:02:57 PST
- Follow Us on Social Media
Abstract: How to follow HWI on social media.
PubDate: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:02:53 PST
- Monograph Reduced Box Price: Managing Human–Deer Conflicts
Abstract: Order form for HWI monograph, Methods for Managing Human–Deer Conflicts in Urban, Suburban, and Exurban Areas. This monograph identifies challenges and benefits associated with many human–deer conflict mitigation actions as well as methods to monitor the response of deer populations to management actions. Deer exploit urban, suburban, and exurban areas where human populations provide anthropogenic attractants, either intentionally or inadvertently, which often leads to human–deer conflicts. Mitigating actions have varying degrees of efficacy and may not be effective or accepted in every situation. Wildlife and municipal managers must work together to seek methods to reduce attractants, mitigate conflicts, and perpetuate the conservation of wildlife species that adds to the appreciation of nature in our lives.
PubDate: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:02:49 PST
- In the News
Authors: Ike Ionel et al.
Abstract: Items in the news.
PubDate: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:02:45 PST
- COVID-19: The Spearpoint of Human–Wildlife Interactions
Authors: Terry A. Messmer
Abstract: This is the letter from the editor-in-chief.
PubDate: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:02:41 PST
- Cover, Editorial Staff, Journal Information
Abstract: This includes the cover, editorial staff, and journal information.
PubDate: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:02:34 PST
- Extended Submission Deadline for Special Topic: Island Invaders
Authors: S. Nicole Frey
Abstract: This is an extended submission deadline for the call for papers for the special issue on island invaders.
PubDate: Mon, 06 Dec 2021 08:03:20 PST
- Why Advertise in HWI'
Abstract: The benefits of advertising with Human–Wildlife Interactions and how to do so.
PubDate: Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:19:51 PDT
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