An Evaluation of the Impact of Two Introduced Cichlids on Native Fish Communities in Everglades Wetlands W. Loftus - FISC 305/242-7835; bill_loftus@usgs.gov In Everglades National Park (ENP), at least 12 species of non-indigenous (NI) fishes are presently established, but little is known about their potential impact on native biota. We also know little about how interactions among the NI species may affect their relative invasiveness and impact. The jewel cichlid (Hemichromis letourneauxi) is a highly aggressive omnivore, whose relative abundance and invaded range continues to increase since its first appearance in ENP in 2002. Data collected in this study will be used to assess the potential effects of H. letourneauxi throughout the greater Everglades ecosystem, and determine whether these effects may be influenced by the presence of previously established NI fishes. Insights from this study may have broad implications for the management of aquatic habitats faced with repeated introductions of NI fishes.
Black Bear Population Size and Distribution in Glacier National Park. Kate Kendall - NRMSC 406/888-7994; Kkendall@usgs.gov No information exists on the status of the Glacier National Parks (GNP) black bear (Ursus americanus) population. Black bears were sampled in 2004 using noninvasive hair collection methods as part of a 7.8 million-acre study of the regional grizzly bear (U. arctos) population. Data from individual bears will be used in mark-recapture models to estimate black bear population size and to describe density patterns in GNP. Because the cost of all fieldwork and 50% o the genetic analysis has been covered by the grizzly bear project, a comprehensive snapshot of the GNP black bear population will be obtained for 12% o a stand-alone study.
Channel Islands Loggerhead Shrike Population Size and Territory Locations Thomas R. Stanley - FORT 970/226-9360; stanleyt@usgs.gov Island loggerhead shrikes are an endemic, genetically distinct subspecies of loggerhead shrike on California’s Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands - part of Channel Islands National Park - that are listed as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game and a formal request has been submitted for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Statistically rigorous sampling methods will be used to survey shrikes on the islands, toward the goal of estimating abundance and determining locations of birds.
Demography of Sea Turtle Nesting Populations in the Caribbean. William Kendall - PWRC 301/497-5868; wkendall@usgs.gov The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is the most endangered sea turtle in the Eastern Caribbean. The NPS` Buck Island Reef National Monument’s Sea Turtle Research and Monitoring Program has been conducting an intensive tagging program for sea turtles since 1988, focusing on the hawksbill since 1990. We will utilize capture histories of individual nesting females, both within and between years, to partition changes in numbers observed over time into component vital rates (survival, breeding probability, number of nests laid per female per year), and address hypotheses about changes in these parameters over time. Finally, we will use the saturation tagging data that has been collected at Buck Island Reef to assess the amount and type of effort needed for future monitoring of similar sea turtle populations, to achieve reasonable precision.
Determine the Effects of Food Quality on Juvenile Unionid Mussel Survival and growth in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Michelle Bartsch - UMESC 608/781-6285; mbartsch@usgs.gov The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN) has been the subject of previous nutrient and mussel investigations; however, additional information is needed to support current mussel preservation activities and nutrient management initiatives. The proposed work will provide essential information to aid in our understanding of interactions between food quality, health, and survival of native mussels and water quality in the SACN by (1) characterizing current status of food resources available to native mussels, (2) experimentally investigating survival and growth of caged juvenile mussels, and (3) providing novel information on the relationship between water column and benthic food quality critical for survival of this group of threatened organisms.
Developing a non-invasive technique for bighorn sheep population estimation using fecal DNA, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Kathyrn A. Schoenecker - FORT 970/226-9329, kate_schoenecker@usgs.gov
Development of methods to improve trapping of free-roaming cats in National Parks Nimish Vyas-PWRC 301/497-5721; nvyas@usgs.gov Many National Parks have free-roaming cats. The Parks are responsible for removing the cats to protect native species from predation, competition, and diseases. However, their cat control efforts are hindered by native mammals (e.g. foxes, skunks, raccoons, and opossums) attracted to the bait that is used to trap cats and therefore they end up being trapped instead of the cats. The native animals not only, in general, occur in greater densities in the Parks than cats but, unlike cats, they rely on olfactory cues that can detect the bait from greater distances. Therefore the native mammals are more likely to be caught in the traps than the target species.
Does Acadia National Park need a sea run brook trout management plan? Detecting marine habitat use by stream-dwelling trout in a coastal stream. Benjamin Letcher - LSC 413/863-3803; bletcher@usgs.gov While historic records indicate that sea run brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were present in many streams within Acadia National Park, the current status of these populations is largely unknown. We propose to continue and improve a joint research project initiated in 2006 by USGS and NPS researchers to understand the range of movement strategies for coastal brook trout and the growth and survival consequences of those strategies. In addition, we will improve our ability to determine movements between fresh and salt water by installing a novel passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detection antenna at the mouth of the river. Results from this study will provide the Park with critical information needed to devise management plans to protect this valuable resource.
Effects of dredge spoil applications on subsiding coastal baldcypress swamps in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Louisiana Beth Middleton - NWRC 337/266-8618, middletonb@usgs.gov
Habitat characterization of juvenile snook and other gamefish in Tarpon Bay, Everglades National Park, FL. Carol McIvor - FISC 727/803-8747x3022; carole_mcivor@usgs.gov Everglades National Park contains a variety of coastal habitats used by a variety of fish species, making it a popular area for recreational fishing. It has been suggested that juvenile fish data could be used to improve stock assessments and management decisions. The project will quantitatively and systematically sample Tarpon Bay for juvenile snook and other sportfishes (gray snapper, red drum, mullet, etc). Data will be used to determine geomorphological and hydrological characteristics of critical nursery habitats, as well as snook abundance estimates, growth rates, and stock of origin. Protocols and findings from Tarpon Bay could serve as a template or a preliminary working model for a larger project that would be expanded to other embayments and low-salinity backwaters that characterize much of southwest coastal Everglades.
Human fecal microflora as a source of coral pathogens in the Dry Tortugas National Park: Are coral pathogens invasives or endemic. Dale W. Griffin - FISC 850/942-9500, dgriffin@usgs.gov
Implementation of Models for Predicting Exceedances of E. coli Standards in the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio Amie Brady - OH Water Science Center 614/430-7760, amgbrady@usgs.gov
Monitoring the body condition of caribou in late winter: developing and evaluating a ‘hands off’ approach Brad Griffith - Alaska Coop Unit 907/474-5067; ffdbg@uaf.edu Body condition may be the most important correlate of survival and reproduction for ungulates in general. We propose to develop and evaluate a ‘hands-off’ approach to assess body condition of 2 ecotypes of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in 4 herds that occur in Alaska’s National Parks and Preserves. This technique employs stable isotopes in nitrogen metabolites from snow urine and feces collected in late winter to estimate the body condition relative to protein stores of individuals. We will examine the effects of demographic and environmental parameters on the protein status of caribou in late winter. This research will provide a non-invasive technique that will allow for evaluation of trends in nutritional status of northern ungulates and resilience of these populations to climate change.
Population dynamics and pollination ecology of the threatened Haleakala silversword Lloyd Loope - PIERC 808/572-4470; lloyd_loope@usgs.gov The current population status of the federally Threatened Haleakala silversword is unclear, with compelling but inconclusive evidence suggesting that its population may be on the decline after decades of recovery. We propose to develop and conduct an accurate baseline map and census of silversword subpopulations in Haleakala National Park, and develop a monitoring protocol for tracking annual population trends. We also propose to research the spatial dynamics and effects of the invasive Argentine ant on insect pollinators and rates of seed set in the Haleakala silversword.
Predicting spread of invasive exotic plants into de-watered reservoirs following dam removal on the Elwha River, Olympic National Park, WA Andrea Woodward - FRESC 206/526-6282x332, awoodward@usgs.gov Removal of two high-head dams on the Elwha River in Olympic National Park, WA will expose 276 ha of barren soil in the de-watered reservoirs. Preventing the establishment of invasive exotic plants is the highest management priority for the reservoirs. We propose to facilitate achieving this goal by updating a past survey for exotic plants then spatially modeling the spread from known sources and identifying unexplored potential sources of priority species using gravity models.
Seagrass Condition Assessment Within the NPS North Atlantic Coastal Parks: Site Selection, Training, and Integration with National Programs H. Neckles - PWRC 207/ 622-8205 x 119; hilary_neckles@usgs.gov The NPS Northeast Coastal and Barrier and Northeast Temperate Networks have identified seagrass condition indicators as a critical component of Vital Signs monitoring. Seagrass condition assessment requires expertise in the ecology of seagrass species and sampling techniques. This project will provide USGS technical assistance for assessing the condition of seagrass beds at three north Atlantic coastal parks (FIIS, ASIS, and ACAD), developing a data management system for NPS seagrass data, and linking NPS data to broader regional and international information systems.
Soil Chemistry Changes Affected by Pine Trees and Exotic Plants in Native and Disturbed Pine Rockland, Everglades NP J.Snyder - FISC 239/695-1180, jim_snyder@usgs.gov The South Florida pine rocklands are a globally endangered ecosystem and only less than ten percent of the original habitat remains. Controlling exotic plants, especially Schinus and reestablishing pine trees are critical for restoring pine rocklands. The proposed research will determine effects of pine trees (natives and replanted) and exotic plants on changes of soil properties.
Technical Assistance in Determining Population Abundance And Composition Of Non-Native Deer and Elk During Phased Population Reductions at Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park Peter Gogan - NRMSC 406/994-6989; peter_gogan@usgs.gov Managers at CHIS require a sampling protocol to track population abundance as numbers of both deer and elk approach zero as mandated by a court-sanctioned settlement agreement. We propose to stratify Santa Rosa Island on the basis of vegetative features likely to influence the detectability of deer and elk and to identify sampling units (SUs) within each stratum covering the entire island. We will conduct aerial counts from a helicopter and road-based line-transect counts of each species within each count unit in December 2007 and 2008.
The influence of water quality on the health of riparian bird communities in the desert South Courtney Conway - AZ Coop Unit 520/626-8535; cconway@ag.arizona.edu A recent increase in the number of riparian birds exhibiting deformities at Tumacacori NHP has raised concerns about the quality of the water in the Santa Cruz River, the potential for infectious avian diseases within the Park, and the overall health of the riparian bird community. We propose to study this potentially serious problem by 1) monitoring breeding bird populations in riparian woodlands at Tumacacori NHP (and at a nearby control study site), 2) documenting the prevalence of deformities within these populations, and 3) identifying the underlying causes of the observed deformities. Results from this exploratory research project will benefit Tumacacori NHP by providing important information with which to better manage and conserve the riparian bird community within the Park.
Tracking Nene Movements across Park Boundaries Stephen C. Hess - PIERC 808/967-7396; shess@usgs.gov The federally endangered Nene (Branta sandvicensis), or Hawaiian Goose, once present on most of the Hawaiian Islands, was found only on Hawai’i Island by 1900. Nene have been restored to a few places like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO). As their slow recovery has progressed, Nene have begun to reestablish some natural movement patterns and routes that connect their isolated small subpopulations on Hawai’i Island. The objectives of this research are to understand long distance movements of HAVO Nene that travel between distant populations on Hawai’I Island and to determine habitat use patterns of Nene in the Kahuku Unit.
Use of Molecular Techniques in Surveying Infectious Diseases of Gray Wolves in Yellowstone National Park L. David Mech - NPWRC 651/649-5231; david_mech@usgs.gov In 1999 and 2005, the newly restored Yellowstone wolf population experienced significantly reduced pup recruitment suggestive of a disease outbreak. This exploratory research will use new molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess viral content of scats as an indicator of temporal and spatial distribution of these pathogens. In addressing these issues, we hope to provide information on how disease may affect the YNP wolf population and the long-term wolf management goals of the Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho wolf recovery area
In Everglades National Park (ENP), at least 12 species of non-indigenous (NI) fishes are presently established, but little is known about their potential impact on native biota. We also know little about how interactions among the NI species may affect their relative invasiveness and impact. The jewel cichlid (Hemichromis letourneauxi) is a highly aggressive omnivore, whose relative abundance and invaded range continues to increase since its first appearance in ENP in 2002. Data collected in this study will be used to assess the potential effects of H. letourneauxi throughout the greater Everglades ecosystem, and determine whether these effects may be influenced by the presence of previously established NI fishes. Insights from this study may have broad implications for the management of aquatic habitats faced with repeated introductions of NI fishes.
No information exists on the status of the Glacier National Parks (GNP) black bear (Ursus americanus) population. Black bears were sampled in 2004 using noninvasive hair collection methods as part of a 7.8 million-acre study of the regional grizzly bear (U. arctos) population. Data from individual bears will be used in mark-recapture models to estimate black bear population size and to describe density patterns in GNP. Because the cost of all fieldwork and 50% o the genetic analysis has been covered by the grizzly bear project, a comprehensive snapshot of the GNP black bear population will be obtained for 12% o a stand-alone study.
Island loggerhead shrikes are an endemic, genetically distinct subspecies of loggerhead shrike on California’s Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands - part of Channel Islands National Park - that are listed as a Species of Special Concern by the California Department of Fish and Game and a formal request has been submitted for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. Statistically rigorous sampling methods will be used to survey shrikes on the islands, toward the goal of estimating abundance and determining locations of birds.
The hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is the most endangered sea turtle in the Eastern Caribbean. The NPS` Buck Island Reef National Monument’s Sea Turtle Research and Monitoring Program has been conducting an intensive tagging program for sea turtles since 1988, focusing on the hawksbill since 1990. We will utilize capture histories of individual nesting females, both within and between years, to partition changes in numbers observed over time into component vital rates (survival, breeding probability, number of nests laid per female per year), and address hypotheses about changes in these parameters over time. Finally, we will use the saturation tagging data that has been collected at Buck Island Reef to assess the amount and type of effort needed for future monitoring of similar sea turtle populations, to achieve reasonable precision.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (SACN) has been the subject of previous nutrient and mussel investigations; however, additional information is needed to support current mussel preservation activities and nutrient management initiatives. The proposed work will provide essential information to aid in our understanding of interactions between food quality, health, and survival of native mussels and water quality in the SACN by (1) characterizing current status of food resources available to native mussels, (2) experimentally investigating survival and growth of caged juvenile mussels, and (3) providing novel information on the relationship between water column and benthic food quality critical for survival of this group of threatened organisms.
Many National Parks have free-roaming cats. The Parks are responsible for removing the cats to protect native species from predation, competition, and diseases. However, their cat control efforts are hindered by native mammals (e.g. foxes, skunks, raccoons, and opossums) attracted to the bait that is used to trap cats and therefore they end up being trapped instead of the cats. The native animals not only, in general, occur in greater densities in the Parks than cats but, unlike cats, they rely on olfactory cues that can detect the bait from greater distances. Therefore the native mammals are more likely to be caught in the traps than the target species.
While historic records indicate that sea run brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were present in many streams within Acadia National Park, the current status of these populations is largely unknown. We propose to continue and improve a joint research project initiated in 2006 by USGS and NPS researchers to understand the range of movement strategies for coastal brook trout and the growth and survival consequences of those strategies. In addition, we will improve our ability to determine movements between fresh and salt water by installing a novel passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detection antenna at the mouth of the river. Results from this study will provide the Park with critical information needed to devise management plans to protect this valuable resource.
Everglades National Park contains a variety of coastal habitats used by a variety of fish species, making it a popular area for recreational fishing. It has been suggested that juvenile fish data could be used to improve stock assessments and management decisions. The project will quantitatively and systematically sample Tarpon Bay for juvenile snook and other sportfishes (gray snapper, red drum, mullet, etc). Data will be used to determine geomorphological and hydrological characteristics of critical nursery habitats, as well as snook abundance estimates, growth rates, and stock of origin. Protocols and findings from Tarpon Bay could serve as a template or a preliminary working model for a larger project that would be expanded to other embayments and low-salinity backwaters that characterize much of southwest coastal Everglades.
Body condition may be the most important correlate of survival and reproduction for ungulates in general. We propose to develop and evaluate a ‘hands-off’ approach to assess body condition of 2 ecotypes of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in 4 herds that occur in Alaska’s National Parks and Preserves. This technique employs stable isotopes in nitrogen metabolites from snow urine and feces collected in late winter to estimate the body condition relative to protein stores of individuals. We will examine the effects of demographic and environmental parameters on the protein status of caribou in late winter. This research will provide a non-invasive technique that will allow for evaluation of trends in nutritional status of northern ungulates and resilience of these populations to climate change.
The current population status of the federally Threatened Haleakala silversword is unclear, with compelling but inconclusive evidence suggesting that its population may be on the decline after decades of recovery. We propose to develop and conduct an accurate baseline map and census of silversword subpopulations in Haleakala National Park, and develop a monitoring protocol for tracking annual population trends. We also propose to research the spatial dynamics and effects of the invasive Argentine ant on insect pollinators and rates of seed set in the Haleakala silversword.
Removal of two high-head dams on the Elwha River in Olympic National Park, WA will expose 276 ha of barren soil in the de-watered reservoirs. Preventing the establishment of invasive exotic plants is the highest management priority for the reservoirs. We propose to facilitate achieving this goal by updating a past survey for exotic plants then spatially modeling the spread from known sources and identifying unexplored potential sources of priority species using gravity models.
The NPS Northeast Coastal and Barrier and Northeast Temperate Networks have identified seagrass condition indicators as a critical component of Vital Signs monitoring. Seagrass condition assessment requires expertise in the ecology of seagrass species and sampling techniques. This project will provide USGS technical assistance for assessing the condition of seagrass beds at three north Atlantic coastal parks (FIIS, ASIS, and ACAD), developing a data management system for NPS seagrass data, and linking NPS data to broader regional and international information systems.
The South Florida pine rocklands are a globally endangered ecosystem and only less than ten percent of the original habitat remains. Controlling exotic plants, especially Schinus and reestablishing pine trees are critical for restoring pine rocklands. The proposed research will determine effects of pine trees (natives and replanted) and exotic plants on changes of soil properties.
Managers at CHIS require a sampling protocol to track population abundance as numbers of both deer and elk approach zero as mandated by a court-sanctioned settlement agreement. We propose to stratify Santa Rosa Island on the basis of vegetative features likely to influence the detectability of deer and elk and to identify sampling units (SUs) within each stratum covering the entire island. We will conduct aerial counts from a helicopter and road-based line-transect counts of each species within each count unit in December 2007 and 2008.
A recent increase in the number of riparian birds exhibiting deformities at Tumacacori NHP has raised concerns about the quality of the water in the Santa Cruz River, the potential for infectious avian diseases within the Park, and the overall health of the riparian bird community. We propose to study this potentially serious problem by 1) monitoring breeding bird populations in riparian woodlands at Tumacacori NHP (and at a nearby control study site), 2) documenting the prevalence of deformities within these populations, and 3) identifying the underlying causes of the observed deformities. Results from this exploratory research project will benefit Tumacacori NHP by providing important information with which to better manage and conserve the riparian bird community within the Park.
The federally endangered Nene (Branta sandvicensis), or Hawaiian Goose, once present on most of the Hawaiian Islands, was found only on Hawai’i Island by 1900. Nene have been restored to a few places like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (HAVO). As their slow recovery has progressed, Nene have begun to reestablish some natural movement patterns and routes that connect their isolated small subpopulations on Hawai’i Island. The objectives of this research are to understand long distance movements of HAVO Nene that travel between distant populations on Hawai’I Island and to determine habitat use patterns of Nene in the Kahuku Unit.
In 1999 and 2005, the newly restored Yellowstone wolf population experienced significantly reduced pup recruitment suggestive of a disease outbreak. This exploratory research will use new molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess viral content of scats as an indicator of temporal and spatial distribution of these pathogens. In addressing these issues, we hope to provide information on how disease may affect the YNP wolf population and the long-term wolf management goals of the Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho wolf recovery area
