Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Professional Papers

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http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/148727

This is a collection of professional papers written by distance education graduate students of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences of Texas A&M University.

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Now showing 1 - 11 of 11

Shifting Baseline Syndrome Prevention in North Central Texas Streams – A Scientific Collections Study in the Upper Trinity Basin
(2022-04-21) Jordan, Jeremy V.
Shifting baseline syndrome (SBS) can be defined by two criteria: (1) biological change must be present in the system and (2) any perceived changes must be consistent with the biological data. Within the Upper Trinity basin (6-digit Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) – 120301), studies indicate biological change has been occurring within north central Texas stream systems for many years due to historical agricultural landuses and subsequent urbanization; however, consistent biological data is absent in many of these waterbodies (as identified in two well-developed, statewide aquatic life databases) to definitively support perceived changes on a basin-wide scale. Fish and mussel assemblages are variable between streams; therefore, true SBS status must be evaluated on a stream by stream basis to draw conclusions on the status of SBS in the overall Upper Trinity basin. In an effort to close these “data gaps” (incomplete or absent biological data) in the Fishes of Texas (FoTX) and Mussels of Texas (MoTX) databases with the overall goal of preventing SBS in the future within the Upper Trinity basin, this scientific collection study intends to provide welldocumented accounts of fish and mussels species at several mid-sized streams in north central Texas. Results indicate that collected fish and mussel occurrence data (in the form of color photographs (mussels) and donated voucher specimens (fishes)) may provide new baseline conditions for sampled streams. Additionally, all collected data assisted in the development of the FoTX and MoTX databases and can be used by a variety of aquatic biologists from academia, agencies, and commercial firms.
Practical Guide to Pond Management in Texas
(2019-11-27) Hoffman, Daniel
Whether you have a pond, love fish, or simply want to know more about pond management, this guide can be a useful tool to accomplish your goals. Recreational and farm ponds in Texas can often be complex, and possess drastically different characteristics whether in the same watershed or on opposite ends of the state. A pond in the western part of the state may not experience the same issues or respond to treatment as a pond in the east will, but this guide will simplify the process of pond management so anyone can manage and enjoy their pond.
National Use of IUCN Knowledge Products in the New World: A Study of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans and National Reports to the Convention on Biological Diversity
(2019-08-14) McCay, Shelby
Biodiversity loss continues to be an increasing concern to conservationists, governments, society and policymakers. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) currently serves as the key multilateral environmental agreement to provide a framework for protecting global biodiversity. Parties to the CBD are required to develop and submit a National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) and National Reports to the CBD. These documents serve as the principal instruments used by governments and stakeholders to identify priorities, implement and track progress of the CBD at the national level. New World countries hold a large proportion of the planet’s biodiversity and are suffering some of the most dramatic declines in species populations and biodiversity. Over the past 50 years, the IUCN has been producing biodiversity and conservation knowledge products that are fundamental for tracking the progress of the many international targets, such as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Sustainable Development Goals. The goal of this study is to examine if New World countries are using IUCN knowledge products to help construct NBSAPs or National Reports. 234 documents (69 NBSAPs and 162 National Reports) were analyzed for IUCN knowledge product keywords. A total of 196 documents had at least one mention of an IUCN knowledge product and 42 had no mention of any of the knowledge products. 89.4% of keyword coded segments dealt with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN publications, GBIF, Protected Areas Categories, KBAs, GISD, ECOLEX, the Red List of Ecosystems and WDPA had small percentages of the remaining coded segments (10.6% total). There was no mention of GRIIS, IBAT, the Green List of Species or the Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas or the Green List of Species in any of the documents. Further studies should investigate awareness levels of IUCN knowledge products among appointed national focal points for the CBD, particularly in those countries with low levels of knowledge product use, to determine reasons why they may, or may not being using them in NBSAP and National Report Development and explore potential avenues to increase awareness and use at the national level. IUCN knowledge products should continue to form an integral part of future indicators during this critical moment for biodiversity conservation.
Hatchery Manual and Mitigation Actions for the Threatened/Endangered Upper Columbia and Kootenai River stocks of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
(2017-09-21) Kelton, Jason
In 1994 the Kootenai River stock of white sturgeon was listed as endangered under the United States’ Endangered Species Act, and in 2006 the Upper Columbia River stock of white sturgeon was listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. Both stocks have been placed under a conservation and recovery plan since their listing, including an immediate hatchery mitigation program. The primary reason for their reduction in numbers is a complete recruitment failure caused primarily by anthropogenic changes to their historical spawning grounds. While research is being conducted to determine the exact cause of recruitment failure, hatcheries have begun to produce and release juvenile white sturgeon in an effort to preserve both stocks until a naturally breeding population can be re-established. This document covers some of the research into causes of recruitment failure as well as improved techniques for management of hatchery-raised white sturgeon. Special attention was paid to the management practices being conducted at the newest white sturgeon mitigation hatchery operated by the Kootenai Tribe, the Twin Rivers Hatchery. Research on recruitment failure seems to agree that a major factor in the failure is anthropogenic changes to spawning ground substrate. While conservation plans continue to investigate means of re-establishing natural recruitment, hatcheries continue to raise and release juvenile sturgeon to preserve remaining genetic diversity. Well over 100,000 juveniles have been released in each river system starting as early as 1995, and studies are beginning to investigate the success of hatchery-reared sturgeon. Format: This paper follows the style and formatting found in the North American Journal of Fisheries Management.
Volunteer Programs in the Conservation of Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
(2016-12-01) Reckseit, Stuart
In Costa Rica, sea turtles are facing numerous threats from humans, diseases, and nature, resulting in a decrease in the abundances of the species that occur there. Natural threats include raccoons, ants, tides, and storms. Man-induced threats include poaching, pollution, and beach destruction. Diseases that threaten sea turtles include viruses and bacteria. It is an issue that must be addressed by all types of conservation organizations, whether or not they work for the government because every bit of help counts. Saving even one nest, which can contain over 100 eggs, can result in over 100 sea turtles hatching and returning to the sea, some of which would be females that survive to grow into adults and return to the beach to lay their own eggs. But in order to help ensure their survival, actions for conservation must be taken. For example, I was involved in a sea turtle conservation internship in Costa Rica for the summer of 2016, and during that time, I feel that we were making a real contribution to helping the sea turtles by protecting their eggs, releasing over 100 baby sea turtles, and collecting data on the biology of sea turtles that laid the eggs, the number of eggs laid, and the number of babies that hatched and were released into the sea. However, more is required, like other conservation organizations getting involved, trash clean-ups on the beaches, and environmental education programs, and conservation training programs. Such efforts will help secure the survival of the sea turtle species in Costa Rica.
Using Phytotechnology to Remove Total Suspended Sediments and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Edwards Aquifer
(2016-06-17) Mercier, Glynda
The Edwards Aquifer of Central Texas is an environmentally-sensitive aquifer hosting several endangered species and one threatened species. Protection of the aquifer involves prevention of entry to the aquifer of sediments and/or pollutants carried with sediments. Sediments in terms of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are regulated by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Edwards Aquifer Rules. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one group of potential contaminants that may be present currently within the Edwards Aquifer area. Phytotechnology, the use of plants in cleaning up harmful contaminants or preventing migration of sediment that could carry contaminants, is discussed in relation to two plant species - little bluestem ( Schizachyrium scoparium) and switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum ). An objective of this research is to synthesize information on characteristics of these plant species into ways of using these species to contain TSS onsite or to remediate PAHs in the Edwards Aquifer, or alternatively to document why one or both species would not be appropriate for these uses.
Reinforcing Marine Conservation Messages: Case Study at the Houston Zoo
(2016-05-05) Crane, Heather
The Houston Zoo has been involved in conservation efforts worldwide for many years. However, in 2015, the Houston Zoo pledged to make conservation its priority and improve upon the existing conservation programs. In 2015, the Houston Zoo developed partnerships with 28 conservation organizations in 10 different countries. The sea lion team at the Houston Zoo adopted a conservation initiative of its own in 2014. The efforts focus on monofilament and illustrate how institutional policy is essential to allocate and leverage limited resources through volunteer effort and external partnerships. The Houston Zoo sea lion team has built a credible and successful conservation initiative by partnering with NOAA in creating in-situ conservation action. Daily sea lion presentations have been modified to include marine debris messaging to create continuity of implementation throughout the sea lion team practices. The ambassador qualities of our California sea lions appeals to the affective learning domain to promote emotional connections to the animals and the natural world. Awareness and action are increased by engaging the cognitive learning domain through the Houston Zoo’s Interactive “WOW” signage placed strategically throughout the exhibit. The Houston Zoo reaches an extensive audience (2.46 million visitors in 2015) by strengthening the relationship between marine conservation and zoos, using both in-situ and ex-situ methods. This transferable conservation project model documents the project planning phase for use by others in the zoo community.
Linking Conservation Behavior, Management and Human Societal Context: An Examination of Canids in the Brazilian
(2014-01-27) Arkenberg, Crystal
There is currently a disconnect between animal sciences, human social sciences and conservation though there has been a call for interdisciplinary research in recent years. In order to bridge this gap, I adapted a conservation behavior framework, expanding it to include anthropogenic alterations, management strategies/tools, animal behavior and societal context. This framework was then applied to three species of South American canids found within the Brazillian Cerrado: Chrysocyon brachyurus (Maned wolf), Cerdocyon thous (Crab-eating fox), and Speothos venaticus (Bush dog). Though these species are all found within this topographically and biologically diverse region, they exhibit different social structures, ranges and hunting strategies which have varying influences on their management. The implications of species-specific behavior, diet and habitat use as well as protected areas, the Forest Code, habitat loss and potential predation are discussed in relation to conservation and regional human societal concerns. These societal concerns include economic disparities, eco-tourism, and agricultural/livelihood loss with most of the research originating in Africa and India. Region and species-specific information was obtained as part of a literature review with preference given to articles published after 2004. Data was also obtained from the IUCN. This interdisciplinary approach elucidates gaps in our current knowledge and indicates the necessity of such research in the future.
Problem-Solving with Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus and Pongo abelii) and Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Using the IPAD to Provide Novel Enrichment Opportunities
(2013-12-16) Boostrom, Helen
The Houston Zoo is home to ten chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and six orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus and Pongo abelii). The iPad was recently introduced and evaluated for a six month time period to determine if it was a viableenrichment activity for these orangutans and chimpanzees.. In an effort to keep the iPad novel, give each ape an equal opportunity for interaction, and due to time constraints, all individuals were given five minute sessions at least twice a month during this time period. A variety of applications were offered for the apes to interact with or observe on the iPad. These applications were divided into categories dependent on certain criteria including auditory stimulation, visual stimulation, interaction level, screen usage, and problem solving component. Their interest level and interaction were recorded for the iPad itself as well as for specific applications. The data were examined to look for trends in interest level and interaction for the two species, for each gender, and for each age group. The juveniles had the most interest in the iPad as well as in the highest variety of applications. Adult females also showed a high level of interest in the iPad but often had specific applications that they favored based on individual preferences. Adult males had the lowest interest level in the iPad. Differences between the species were minimal with both species showing a preference for brightly colored applications that also provided auditory stimulation. The information gathered from this evaluation is being used to further develop the iPad as an enrichment activity by providing insight into what types of applications would be the most enriching to introduce to these two species in the future.
Enrichment Comparison Of African Painted Dogs (Lycaon pictus) Housed In U.S. AZA-Accredited Institutions
(2013-12-16) Cloutier, Tammy L.
Enrichment encourages the diversity of naturally occurring behaviors, increases activity, and reduces stereotypic behavior. By considering the life-history and behavior of each carnivore species, more effective enrichment options may be provided. African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus, also known as Painted Dogs) are social carnivores that have complex pack dynamics (this includes degree of relatedness, pack size, etc.) and large home ranges. As there are relatively few studies on Painted Dog enrichment, the goal of this study was to compile a list of enrichment options used by institutions participating in the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP). Data were provided by representatives at 23 (61%) institutions, who were asked to identify and describe social groups and enclosures, the frequency that enrichment was offered for each of six enrichment categories, the perceived success of each enrichment category, and overall best practices for enrichment. The majority of single-sex (n=17) and mixed-sex groups (n=28) were housed in enclosures with both naturalistic and concrete features. Respondents reported options for all six enrichment categories: environmental enrichment devices (n=22), habitat (n=11), sensory (n=28), food (n=26), behavioral (n=10), and social (n=2). All reported delivering enrichment at least multiple times a month, and most reported multiple times per week. Food and behavioral enrichment were perceived as most successful. I discuss respondents’ suggestions for best practices for each type of enrichment category. Overall, respondents recommended a flexible approach, since not all individuals and groups respond in the same way to the enrichment options available for Painted Dogs.
Anthropogenic Impacts on Polar Bear Biology and the Arctic Ecosystem.
(2013-12-16) Jordan, John E.
Despite its relative distance from most populated regions of the world, the Arctic has been significantly impacted by anthropogenic contamination and climate change. The entire Arctic ecosystem has been affected, with upper trophic level predators such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus), ultimately experiencing the worst impacts. The vast group of contaminants classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are the primary anthropogenic source of Arctic contamination. Temporal trends indicate some legacy contaminants such as DDT have been steadily decreasing. However, data reflect that perfluorinated carboxylic acid (PFCA), BFRs, and other substances are generally increasing in concentration among most polar bear populations. For most POPs, the highest concentrations are found among the East Greenland and Svalbard populations, with the lowest concentrations found in the Alaska population. Exposure to some POPs can reduce vitamin concentrations in tissue and blood, affect the endocrine system by altering thyroid, cortisol, and reproductive hormone synthesis and transport, alter the development and function of sexual organs, induce immunosuppression, damage internal organs, reduce bone mineral density, and alter behavior. Numerous new chemicals which have not been previously found in the Arctic and in polar bears are beginning to show up in tests of polar bear tissue samples. Concentrations of most metals are highest among western bear populations such as those in Alaska, with levels decreasing in an easterly direction. In polar bears, mercury is known to damage internal organs, the neurological system, and the endocrine system. Climate change is already impacting polar bears due to changes in sea ice and other factors and these effects are expected to worsen in the coming years. The current collection of data regarding the health effects of anthropogenic contamination and climate change on polar bears certainly indicate the situation merits continued and expanded research.

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