Non-Bison Remains from the Vore Bison Jump,Crook County,Wyoming

Abstract

The Vore. Bison Jump is a multi-component Late-Preh1stonc B1son kill site in the Black Hills of Crook County, Wyoming. Examination of the non Bison revealed a large number of carnivores, mainly wolves. Analysis of these wolf remains showed a need for more careful identification of canid remains from archaeological sites in light of incipient domestication of wolves at this site.     

Conservation genetics of American Dipper (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinclus mexicanus</Emphasis>): the genetic status of a population in severe decline

American Dippers (Cinclus mexicanus) were once known to occur in streams throughout the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, but now dippers number about 50–75 individuals and reside almost exclusively in a single stream. The recent decline of the American Dipper in the Black Hills of South Dakota is thought to be due to local stream degradation. As a result of the decline of C. mexicanus in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, the Black Hills population of American Dippers is a candidate for designation as a distinct population segement (DPS) and might warrant protection and special management. One criterion for DPS designation is genetic uniqueness. Here we present the results of a genetic assessment of the Black Hills population of C. mexicanus. Data presented here indicate that the dipper population in the Black Hills is genetically distinct from other sampled populations. Further population sampling will be needed to understand the genetic population structure of C. mexicanus throughout its range. Furthermore, the recent decline in the Black Hills dipper population should be a warning that other populations (and other species) may be experiencing similar declines and that such montane habitats are worthy of special management.     

Increases in Midwestern cougars despite harvest in a source population

Although cougars (Puma concolor) appear to be recolonizing the midwestern United States, there is concern that hunting in source populations (primarily the Black Hills, SD and WY, USA) may prevent cougars from dispersing eastward. We use carcass data of cougars (n =147 carcasses at known locations, of which 111 were of known sex) in the Midwest collected during 1990–2015 to quantify whether cougar hunting in the Black Hills affected cougar distribution and presence in the Midwest. We separated carcass data into 2 time periods: before hunting in the Black Hills (i.e., pre-hunt; 1990–2004) and after hunting (i.e., post-hunt; 2005–2015). We hypothesized that if hunting prevented dispersal into the Midwest, cougar distribution would be random and their presence less, relative to the pre-hunt period. We also were interested in sex ratios of carcasses over time, given the importance of that demographic metric to the potential establishment of viable populations. During the pre-hunt period, 25 carcasses were dispersed randomly in the Midwest. During the post-hunt period, we found nearly 4 times the number of carcasses in the Midwest (n = 86), carcasses were significantly clustered, and a greater percentage of carcasses were female (pre-hunt n = 6 [24%]; post-hunt n = 27 [31%]). Relative to the pre-hunt period, we observed a 460-km northward shift in the directional distribution of carcass locations during the post-hunt period. These findings do not support the idea that hunting in the Black Hills has prevented cougar presence from increasing in the Midwest. Alternatively, we suggest the potential for immigration from cougar populations farther to the west as an explanation for the increase in cougar presence (particularly females) confirmed after the initiation of cougar hunting in the Black Hills. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.     

THE INFLUENCE OF RAINFALL ON BLACK EAGLE BREEDING OVER 31 YEARS IN THE MATOBO HILLS,ZIMBABWE

Gargett, V., Gargett, E. & Damania, D. 1995. The influence of rainfall on Black Eagle breeding over 31 years in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe. Ostrich 66: 114–121.

The effect of rainfall from 1964 to 1994 on the annual reproductive rate and number of resident pairs of Black Eagles Aquila verreauxii in the Matobo Hills, Zimbabwe, and on the abundance of their staple prey, hyrax, Procavia capensis and Heterohyrax brucei is reviewed. The number of resident pairs of Black Eagles increased with increased rainfall, when hyrax numbers were estimated to be at a very high level. Subsequent poor rainfall years coincided with a decrease in the number of resident pairs, a smaller proportion of pairs breeding, a lower reproductive rate and a dramatic decline in prey numbers.     

the Risley Bison Kill:West-Central Montana

Abstract

The Risley Bison Jump, a large kill site approximately 50 miles west of Great Falls, Montana, was test excavated in 1974. The badly vandalized site was scheduled to be destroyed by land subdivision.Even though the site was badly disturbed, our excavations show that the site was a well-used bison jump with at least four usages evident. Processing and butchering areas were located along the margins of the kill middens. Side-notched projectilepoints recovered from the site suggest that it dates from the latter part of the Late Prehistoric Period.     

Validating the use of woodrat (Neotoma) middens for documenting natural invasions

Aim Plant macrofossils in fossil woodrat (Neotoma) middens are the primary source of information on late Quaternary biogeographical history of plants in arid and semi‐arid regions of North America. Macrofossil records from middens are playing particularly important roles in documenting spatial and temporal patterns of plant migrations and invasions since the last glacial maximum 21,000 years ago. However, relatively few actualistic studies comparing contents of modern middens with surrounding flora and vegetation have been carried out. The primary aim of this study is to assess the reliability of midden assemblages in detecting the presence of tree, shrub and several other plant species growing on the surrounding landscape. The secondary aims are to determine whether probability of occurrence of species in middens is related to abundance in vegetation, and whether representation of individual species in middens is contingent on presence/absence or abundance of other species. Location Our five study sites were bedrock escarpments or canyons in the central Rocky Mountains (north‐eastern Utah, central Wyoming and south‐central Montana). All sites were in conifer woodland or forest/woodland variously dominated by Juniperus osteosperma, J. scopulorum, Pinus edulis, P. flexilis and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Neotoma cinerea is the only woodrat species in the region. Methods Macrofossil assemblages from 59 modern middens (all showing clear signs of recent or ongoing woodrat activity) were compared with floristic composition of vegetation within 50 m of the middens, and with percent cover of vegetation within 30 m of the middens. Results Coniferous trees and shrubs were well‐represented in middens, occurring consistently even when abundance in the local vegetation was very low. Juniperus osteosperma and J. scopulorum were particularly well‐represented, occurring in middens regardless of local abundance. Other conifers (P. edulis, P. flexilis, P. ponderosa, Pseudotsuga menziesii) were occasionally absent from middens when abundance in vegetation was low (< 20% canopy cover). Occurrence of dicot shrubs and graminoids was less consistent. Main conclusions Middens constructed by N. cinerea are highly reliable sensors of presence/absence of J. osteosperma and J. scopulorum, and hence can be used to infer invasions and past biogeographical distributions of these species. The middens are also reliable in registering populations of other conifers, although presence in middens may be contingent on local abundance. Additional comparative studies are needed to develop a sound empirical basis for using middens of N. cinerea and other species to infer past presence/absence of plant species on the landscape, and to explore the vegetation‐sensing properties of midden assemblages.     

Palynology of late Pleistocene hyrax middens,southwestern Cape Province,South Africa: A preliminary report

Botanical remains, especially pollen, preserved in dung middens of rock‐dwelling hyraxes (herbivorous mammals belonging to the genus Procavia) have been studied in the Southern African winter‐rainfall area. Seven middens from a single rock shelter on the north‐eastern side of the Cederberg mountain range, Cape Province, are dated by 15 radiocarbon age determinations to between about 19,700 and 1370 yr BP. Plant remains in the middens are mainly fine, partly digested fragments. Identifiable macro‐botanical rests like seeds are scarce, therefore this preliminary investigation is focused on analysis of abundant pollen grains. The results show changes in a Southern Hemisphere equivalent of the Mediterranean macchia vegetation, viz. “fynbos”;. Although “fynbos”; prevailed at the site throughout the studied period, an altitudinal lowering of vegetation belts is indicated during the Last Glacial Maximum, while an increase in arboreal pollen types, especially Dodonea is shown during terminal Pleistocene and Holocene times.     

Precipitation and Reproduction are Negatively Associated with Female Turkey Survival

Understanding how reproductive tradeoffs act in concert with abiotic elements to affect survival is important for effective management and conservation of wildlife populations, particularly for at-risk or harvested species. Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are a high-interest species for consumptive and non-consumptive uses, and female survival is a primary factor influencing turkey population dynamics. We radio-tracked and collected survival data on 140 female Merriam's wild turkeys (M. g. merriami) in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota, USA, 2016–2018. We developed and compared a set of candidate models to evaluate how nest incubation, brood rearing, and precipitation could be associated with female survival. Increased time spent incubating was associated with reduced female survival. Additionally, daily precipitation was associated with reduced survival of incubating females. Seasonal survival was lowest during spring and winter. A female that did not incubate a nest was predicted to have a higher rate of annual survival (0.53, 85% CI = 0.48–0.59) than a female that incubated a single nest (0.47, 85% CI = 0.42–0.53). Despite the relative proximity of population segments, we estimated that annual survival for nesting and non-nesting females was lower in the northern Black Hills compared to annual female survival in the southern Black Hills, underscoring the need for region-specific data when possible. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.     

Polymorphism of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in cattle and buffaloes

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from two breeds of cattle, viz., [Hariana (Bos indicus), Holstein (Bos taurus)] and Indian water buffalo (Bubalis bubalus), was analyzed using 13 restriction endonucleases which recognized an average of about 40 six-base sites. Polymorphism among cattle was detected with six of these enzymes. The two Holstein differed at six sites, whereas the Hariana breed (Bos indicus) did not show any site polymorphism. Surprisingly, the Hariana type differed by only one site from one of the Holstein types. The total size of buffalo mtDNA was estimated to be 16.4 kb. Polymorphism within the Murrah buffalo breed was observed with respect to aBglI site. Scarcely any of the restriction fragments of buffalo mtDNA matched those of cattle mtDNA.     

Restoration of a bighorn sheep population impeded by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae exposure

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were once extirpated from the Black Hills region of South Dakota, U.S.A., mirroring declining populations throughout North America. Since the 1960s, several reintroductions have occurred in the Black Hills to reestablish populations, with varying success. We translocated 26 bighorn sheep from Alberta, Canada, to the Black Hills (February 2015) to restore bighorn sheep to their historic range. Due to prior examinations of cause‐specific survival, subsequent genetic diversity and disease prevalence analyses were required to evaluate success of the restoration effort. We measured a mean allelic diversity of 5.23 (SE = 0.44 [mean number of alleles]) and an observed heterozygosity of 0.71 (SE = 0.06; expected = 0.64 ± 0.05) in the translocated individuals. Translocated bighorn sheep tested negative for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae at capture. An autogenous vaccine was administered prior to release in an attempt to safeguard the translocated bighorn sheep from infection with a strain known to be resident in adjacent bighorn sheep populations. However, the year following the translocation, a different strain of M. ovipneumoniae was associated with a pneumonia outbreak that resulted in 57.9% mortality. Our results suggest that allelic diversity and heterozygosity were sufficient for long‐term herd establishment, reducing the potential for founder effects. However, the overwhelming mortality associated with pneumonia, via the transfer of M. ovipneumoniae from an unknown source, limited the success or our reintroduction efforts. Successful attempts to restore bighorn sheep to their historic ranges must consider and mitigate potential routes for M. ovipneumoniae transmission pre‐ and post‐reintroduction.     

Selective Defecation and Selective Foraging: Antiparasite Behavior in Wild Ungulates?

Selective defecation and selective foraging are two potential antiparasite behaviors used by grazing ungulates to reduce infection by fecal–oral transmitted parasites. While there is some evidence that domestic species use these strategies, less is known about the occurrence and efficacy of these behaviors in wild ungulates. In this study, I examined whether wild antelope use selective defecation and selective foraging strategies to reduce exposure to gastrointestinal nematode parasites. By quantifying parasite levels in the environment in relation to the defecation patterns of three species, dik‐dik (Madoqua kirkii), Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti), and impala (Aepyceros melampus), I found that nematode larval concentrations in pasture were higher in the vicinity of clusters of feces (dung middens) compared to single fecal pellet groups or dung‐free areas. In addition, experimental feeding trials in free‐ranging dik‐dik showed that individuals selectively avoided feeding near concentrations of feces. Given that increased parasite contamination was found in the immediate vicinity of fecal clusters, fecal avoidance could help reduce host consumption of parasites and may therefore be an effective antiparasite behavior for certain species. On the other hand, while the concentration of parasite larvae in the vicinity of middens coupled with host avoidance of these areas during grazing could reduce host contact with parasites, results showing a positive correlation between the number of middens in a habitat and larval abundance at control sites suggest that dung middens might increase and not decrease overall host exposure to parasites. If this is the case, dung midden formation may not be a viable antiparasite strategy.     

Factors influencing rate of decline in a Merriam's wild turkey population

We investigated population growth rate (λ) for a Merriam's wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) population in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota, USA. We constructed and evaluated a females-only matrix population model. Our estimate of asymptotic λ, derived from estimates of vital rates obtained from 2016–2018 was 0.74 (95% CI = 0.60, 0.88), which indicates that the vital rates were inadequate to sustain the population. Elasticity values were highest for changes in adult survival probability followed by, in order, changes in juvenile survival, yearling survival, and adult reproduction. We could only achieve stable or growing populations (i.e., λ ≥ 1) by increasing the probability of adult and yearling survival (holding all other vital rates constant). Estimated adult survival rate in the work reported here was lower than values reported for other populations in the Black Hills; therefore, managing for increased female survival (≥0.68) may be the most practical strategy for promoting wild turkey population growth in this system. We recommend no female harvest during any open turkey season.     

Indexing winter gull numbers in Great Britain using data from the 1953 to 2004 Winter Gull Roost Surveys

Capsule Winter Gull Roost Survey data spanning 50 years were used to generate population indices.

Aims To evaluate how wintering numbers of five gull species have changed in Great Britain over the last five decades.

Methods Generalized linear models were used to relate gull numbers to habitat, site and year factors, and so derive species‐specific indices for nine regions of Great Britain. Regional models considered data from different timescales depending on coverage.

Results Patterns of change varied by species and region. All species showed increases in number over the period 1953 to 2004. In most regions, Black‐headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus numbers have declined since peaks between 1973 and 1993; Common Gulls Larus canus have also declined recently in some regions. Lesser Black‐backed Gull L. fuscus numbers have increased dramatically since 1953, whereas numbers of Herring Gull L. argentatus showed large declines between 1963 and 1983. Great Black‐backed Gull L. marinus numbers have increased in the west and the Midlands, but recently declined in eastern regions.

Conclusions Numbers of wintering gulls in Great Britain have shown rapid changes over the last five decades, reflecting changes in the sizes of breeding populations. These changes are likely to be associated with changes in human activities and resource availability.     

Midden formation by octopuses: The role of biotic and abiotic factors

Many octopus species consume their prey in a shelter, where discarded prey items accumulate to form a midden. The shelters of Octopus bimaculatus rarely have middens. Some discarded prey items are present at 20% of the shelters of O. bimaculatus, but these do not accumulate to form middens. A field experiment using artificial middens demonstrated that currents and/or surge moved some bivalve shells, and hermit crabs rapidly removed snail shells from the middens. Snails are very important in the diet of O. bimaculatus but not most other octopus species; middens do not form around O. bimaculatus shelters because hermit crabs remove the discarded snail shells.     

Assessing temporal genetic variation in a cougar population: influence of harvest and neighboring populations

The geography of the Black Hills region of South Dakota and Wyoming may limit connectivity for many species. For species with large energetic demands and large home ranges or species at low densities this can create viability concerns. Carnivores in this region, such as cougars (Puma concolor), have the additive effect of natural and human-induced mortality; this may act to decrease long-term viability. In this study we set out to explore genetic diversity among cougar populations in the Black Hills and surrounding areas. Specifically, our objectives were to first compare genetic variation and effective number of breeders of cougars in the Black Hills during three harvest regimes: pre (2003–2006), moderate (2007–2010), and heavy (2011–2013), to determine if harvest impacted genetic variation. Second, we compared genetic structure of the Black Hills cougar population with cougar populations in neighboring eastern Wyoming and North Dakota. Using 20 microsatellite loci, we conducted genetic analysis on DNA samples from cougars in the Black Hills (n = 675), North Dakota (n = 113), and eastern Wyoming (n = 62) collected from 2001–2013. Here we report that the Black Hills cougar population maintained genetic variation over the three time periods. Our substructure analysis suggests that the maintenance of genetic variation was due to immigration from eastern Wyoming and possibly North Dakota.     

Comparing recent and abandoned shell middens to detect the impact of human exploitation on the intertidal ecosystem

Abandoned and recent shell middens were compared from Inhaca island, Mozambique, to investigate the impact of human exploitation. The growing human population was expected to increase the exploitation pressure, decrease the mean shell size, and increase the species diversity. Moreover, exploitation-vulnerable species were expected to disappear from recent middens. 29252 shells were collected from 6 recent and 8 abandoned middens, comprising 78 species, the majority bivalves. Pinctada nigra was the most abundant. The mean shell size was significantly smaller in recent middens, and the conspicuous, surface-dwelling gastropod Terebralia palustris showed the largest size reduction. Size reduction was related with the life history of the species. Older, abandoned middens had a larger species richness, refuting the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. The species composition of recent and abandoned middens was relatively similar, which was probably caused by low human exploitation pressure and the substrate characteristics. The disappearance of the mussel Perna perna was thought to be related to overexploitation.     

Preburn Characteristics and Woodpecker Use of Burned Coniferous Forests

ABSTRACT Large wildfires are common in many western coniferous forests, and these fires can affect woodpecker reproduction and habitat use. Our objectives were to examine nesting densities, reproductive parameters, and species-specific habitat selection of woodpeckers in a recently burned region of the Black Hills in South Dakota, USA, between 2001 and 2004. Postfire nesting densities were greatest in areas dominated by high prefire canopy cover, and reproductive success averaged >70%. For some species of woodpeckers, factors such as diameter at breast height, burn severity, and distance to unburned patches were important for nest-site selection. Our data indicated that nesting densities of many woodpeckers in the Black Hills were lower than what has been recorded elsewhere following recent, large wildfires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests. Management activities that simulate mixed-severity fire effects and retain higher numbers of large snags are likely to benefit cavity nesters in this region.     

Strong and stable geographic differentiation of swamp buffalo maternal and paternal lineages indicates domestication in the China/Indochina border region

The swamp type of the Asian water buffalo is assumed to have been domesticated by about 4000 years BP, following the introduction of rice cultivation. Previous localizations of the domestication site were based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation within China, accounting only for the maternal lineage. We carried out a comprehensive sampling of China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Nepal and Bangladesh and sequenced the mtDNA Cytochrome b gene and control region and the Y‐chromosomal ZFY, SRY and DBY sequences. Swamp buffalo has a higher diversity of both maternal and paternal lineages than river buffalo, with also a remarkable contrast between a weak phylogeographic structure of river buffalo and a strong geographic differentiation of swamp buffalo. The highest diversity of the swamp buffalo maternal lineages was found in south China and north Indochina on both banks of the Mekong River, while the highest diversity in paternal lineages was in the China/Indochina border region. We propose that domestication in this region was later followed by introgressive capture of wild cows west of the Mekong. Migration to the north followed the Yangtze valley as well as a more eastern route, but also involved translocations of both cows and bulls over large distances with a minor influence of river buffaloes in recent decades. Bayesian analyses of various migration models also supported domestication in the China/Indochina border region. Coalescence analysis yielded consistent estimates for the expansion of the major swamp buffalo haplogroups with a credibility interval of 900 to 3900 years BP. The spatial differentiation of mtDNA and Y‐chromosomal haplotype distributions indicates a lack of gene flow between established populations that is unprecedented in livestock.     

Past hybridization between Quercus macrocarpa and Quercus gambelii

Introgression between two allopatric species,Quercus macrocarpa andQ. gambelii, has been observed in two separate locations: northeastern New Mexico and the Black Hills of western South Dakota and adjacent Wyoming. The probability that this introgression is the result of long-range pollination appears remote. Presumably these two species hybridized during a period of past sympatric association. Further indication of past sympatry in the Black Hills is the presence of a common species of obligate parasite, i.e., wasp(Cynips insulensis) onQ. gambelii in the Rocky Mountains and onQ. macrocarpa of the Black Hills. The hybrid oaks in New Mexico probably reflect a westward migration ofQ. macrocarpa during pluvial periods of the Pleistocene.Quercus gambelii most likely reached the Black Hills during the warmer postglacial hypsithermal era. The hybridization reported here may reflect secondary sympatry, i.e., sympatric occurrence after the species, or their ancestors, became geographically separated.     

Occupancy modeling of ruffed grouse in the Black Hills National Forest

Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are a popular game bird and the management indicator species for quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF), which requires development of a robust monitoring protocol to evaluate trends in ruffed grouse populations. We used roadside drumming surveys in spring 2007 and 2008 to estimate ruffed grouse occupancy and detection probabilities in the BHNF while simultaneously assessing the influence of sampling and site covariates on these processes. Ruffed grouse occupancy estimates were constant between spring 2007 and 2008 (Ψ = 0.12, SE = 0.03) and were positively influenced by the amount of aspen surrounding the site. Detection probability estimates were constant between spring 2007 and 2008 (p = 0.27, SE = 0.06) and were influenced by survey date in a quadratic form and negatively influenced by wind speed and time of the survey. Collectively, our results demonstrated that ruffed grouse occupancy and detection probabilities in the BHNF were low. Occupancy could be increased by increasing the extent of aspen. To improve monitoring efficiency and maximize probability of detecting ruffed grouse, ruffed grouse monitoring should be conducted during the peak of drumming (mid-May), during favorable weather conditions such as low wind speeds and little precipitation, and during early morning, near sunrise. © 2010 The Wildlife Society.