News from Scientists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Thursday,
December 23, 2004
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Whooping Crane Shot in Kansas Dies The wild whooping crane that had been shot in Kansas and transported to the USGS-Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, MD, for recovery, died overnight. The endangered bird was being treated for shotgun wounds, including a broken wing, and a respiratory condition. Earlier this week, Dr. Glenn H. Olsen, Patuxent's veterinarian, reported that the crane’s respiratory problems had worsened since his arrival at Patuxent. The crane was receiving nebulization therapy, antibiotics, and oral antifungal medications. The injured crane, part of the last remaining wild flock of an endangered species that migrates annually from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, was shot as he traveled through Kansas on migration south. The bird had 11 pellets in its body and a broken wing. Another male crane was shot during this incident and did not survive. The injured crane received extensive treatment at Kansas State University before being sent to Patuxent on Thurs., Nov. 18. The carcass will be sent to the National Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Oregon for necropsy, because the shooting of whooping cranes is still under investigation by the FWS Law Enforcement. Patuxent has led the recovery efforts for this endangered species since the 1960s, and has unique expertise in whooping crane care. Whooping cranes, native only to North America, are a protected endangered species, and the rarest of all cranes. The whooping crane that died had been a member of the last remaining wild flock, which numbers 213 birds today. There are about 440 whoopers in the world today, about one third of which are in captivity. Contact: Kathy O'Malley, Laurel, MD, 301-497-5609
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Second North American Sea Duck Conference to be Hosted by Patuxent USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) is the host agency for the Second North American Sea Duck Conference. This international conference, sponsored by the Sea Duck Joint Venture and various federal and private organizations, is scheduled for November 7-11, 2005, at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Annapolis, Maryland. This meeting of sea duck scientists from around the world provides a forum to exchange information about sea duck biology and management. The conference provides a stimulating environment, in which scientists may expand their scientific vision in hopes of a better understanding and conservation of sea ducks. All research disciplines dealing with sea ducks will be considered for oral or poster presentations. Workshops will be conducted on topics including offshore wind farms, contaminants, satellite telemetry, and seaduck harvest (sport and subsistence). Tours available for the conference include Baltimore Inner Harbor (Aquarium), Historic Annapolis ( Naval Academy), and the PWRC sea duck colony. A website has been established and will soon include registration and abstract submission guidelines. Website: Seaduck
Conference 2005 Recycling efforts Patuxent recycling efforts for this year have been interpreted through the use of an online program of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Our 31 tons of recycled paper saved: $775 in landfill disposal costs , 207.7 cubic yards of landfill space, 527 trees and 14,322 gallons of oil. Contact: Tom Collins, Laurel, MD, 301-497-5615 |
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