Attwater’s Prairie Chicken

   ATTWATER'S PRAIRIE CHICKEN

    by Hailey Westphal

     http://attwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/blog.jpg

The Attwater's Prairie Chicken was listed as “endangered with extinction in 1967 and placed into the Endangered Species Act of 1973” (Bergan, 5). In 1900, there were “at least one million individuals present in the Gulf Coast prairies from Texas to southwest Louisiana” (“Birds”). Conversely, by 1999, the non-captive population fell to less than 50 individuals (“Birds”). Presently, this unique species is located only along the Texas coast within three separate regions: the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, the TC Prairie Preserve, and a private ranch in Goliad County (Bergan, 5).

            ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/100426.pdf

     http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/research/projects/grouse/graphics/attwater_prairie-chicken.jpg

The APC is usually around “17 to 18 inches long and weigh roughly 1.5 to 2 pounds” (Wikipedia). The species is r-selected and has a diverse diet consisting of leaves, seeds, and insects (Wikipedia). The APC’s physical features include patterned feathers with intricate brown and white stripes, leading all the way down to a darker brown tail (sometimes containing a red-ish tint). Both males and females have similar patterned feathers, though the females have a slightly thinner neck and build overall. The most distinct markings lie on the males, having large orange air sacs on the sides of their necks. These sacs are partially hidden, unless the male is performing a mating ritual. Rituals are performed in areas with short grass, surrounded by taller grass, called booming grounds (Wikipedia). During these unique mating rituals, the male’s orange sacs are completely revealed as the feathers covering them are raised straight upright, almost resembling ears. The APC then begins to stamp his feet quickly, spin around, and puff out his feathers while letting out a squawking noise. (See video below)

                                                            www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGSWi_vgu9A

The Attwater’s Prairie Chicken habitat consists of “moderately grazed and moderately burned grassland” (Bergan, 11). However, the grassland must be “well-drained and support some weeds or shrubs, with cover that varies in density from light to heavy; and with supplies of surface water available in summer” (Bergan, iv). Additionally, this large amount of factors requires a broad spatial range of “multiple areas  greater than 25,000 acres” (Bergan, v) in order to maintain species security, mating rituals, and proper gene flow. Because the species relies on many varying habitat elements for survival, the APC is especially susceptible to population shortages. “Loss of its prairie grassland habitat was the primary cause for the APC decline” (Bergan, 5). In addition, “Severe droughts along the lower Texas coast and the Rio Grande River plain limited establishment of long-term populations” (Bergan, 5). As populations become more and more scarce, inbreeding and disease is developing into a fear as well (Bergan, 44).

The current recovery plan involves three primary actions: habitat management, captive and wild population management, and public outreach (Bergan, 46-48). Currently, ‘wild populations are dependent upon releases of captive-raised birds; however, the captive management program faces problems surrounding disease and limited space’ (Bergan, 47). Therefore, priorities revolve around the goal to “raise the population size to 6,000 breeding adults over a 10-year period while occupying approximately 300,000 acres” (Bergan, 48) by primarily focusing on habitat restoration.



WORKS CITED


Bergan, Jim, Mike Morrow, and Terry Rossignol. "ATTWATER’S PRAIRIE-CHICKEN." (n.d.): 1-116. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Web. 8 Mar. 2015. http://ecos.fws.gov/ecos/home.action.

"Birds - Attwater's Prairie Chicken" The Nature Conservancy. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2015. http://www.nature.org/

Wikipedia. "Attwater's Prairie Chicken." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 7 Mar. 2015.

The Gulf Coast Jaguarundi: A Summary of Current Status and Recovery Goals - Elise Willcox

The Gulf Coast Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli) is a small felid, only slightly larger than the average housecat. Jaguarundis have a more weasel-like appearance than housecats, with a slim, slinky body set atop shorter legs, along with a very long tail and a more streamlined face. 

 Source: Biodiversity Warriors

Source: Lots of Animals Blog

There are 8 subspecies of jaguarundi recognized by science, but the exact distinctions between the subspecies are unclear. However, the current recovery plan only concerns the Gulf Coast subspecies, P. y. cacomitli. The jaguarundi can be either black and brownish grey or chestnut and reddish yellow in coloration; however, these two coloration patterns are not indicative of distinct species. The jaguarundi is active during the day and inhabits lowland forest and brush-like or shrubbed areas. It is a largely solitary creature, keeping the company of others only when mating or when the mother is taking care of its young. It is estimated that the jaguarundi becomes reproductively mature at two years of age, with an additional estrus cycle every six months thereafter. Each litter consists of 1-4 kittens, and the female can have up to two litters per year. For more information, consult the video below by YouTuber Scott Marlowe:

Source: YouTube

(Embed feature not working? Find the video here!)

The Gulf Coast Jaguarundi's historical range spans from southern Texas (Lower Rio Grande Valley; see map, indicated in light green) and down the eastern coast of Mexico (see map, subspecies indicated in red). Different subspecies of jaguarundi are found in Arizona and New Mexico. The last documented sighting in the United States occurred in 1986 in Brownville, Texas, when a roadkill specimen was identified as a jaguarundi. Various camera-trap and live-trap surveys have been conducted at National Wildlife Refuges in Texas since 1982, but no jaguarundis have been documented. Based on the existence of suitable habitat in the area, jaguarundi populations are believed to exist in the northeastern region of Mexico. However, current population estimates and trends are not available.

Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, fws.org

Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service, fws.org

The Gulf Coast Jaguarundi was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act on June 14^th, 1976. The first Recovery Plan for the species was put forth in 1990 and updated in 2013.

The most recognized causes for the current and potential future endangerment of the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi are habitat degradation, destruction, and fragmentation. The majority of its historical range in Texas has been converted into urban or agricultural developments. Roads that transect the habitat also pose a threat, due to both vehicle mortality and physical disruption of habitat area. The US/Mexico border is one of the largest disruptions in habitat, as it prevents the jaguarundi from migration and dispersal between the two countries. Additionally, there is no designated critical habitat described for the jaguarundi, meaning that though the species is protected from being taken, possessed, transported, or sold from its natural habitat, the habitat itself is not a protected area. Another potential cause for endangerment and consequent listing is accidental capture and death in traps set for more commercially valuable species. Causes for endangerment that are currently debated include competition with other felids of similar size (such as ocelots), hunting pressure near villages in Mexico, and climate change.

The recovery plan for the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi calls for the development of more efficacious methods of taking data on the species with regard to its current population status, a higher level of knowledge of its habitat and conservation needs, and more education about the conservation of the habitat. The recovery plan also aims to evaluate (for the purpose of protection and restoration) any currently viable habitats in Texas and Mexico. These evaluations would be done in order to establish and maintain populations of the species that are of adequate size and genetic diversity. The effects of nearby human developments and population expansion are also to be reduced. The plan calls for the formation of various partnerships, as well as the introduction of new regulations and the following of currently existing ones in order to assure long-term success of jaguarundi conservation. The recovery process will be monitored and revised by the Fish and Wildlife Service as data become continuously available.

If you would like to learn more, please refer to the full Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Plan for the Gulf Coast Jaguarundi here! 

Image Sources:
Biodiversity Warriors: https://biodiversitywarriors.wikispaces.com/Gulf+Coast+Jaguarundi

Lots of Animals Blog: http://lotsofanimalscanada.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-spectacular-gulf-coast-jaguarundi.html

Improvement of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle Northwest Atlantic Population - Courtney Steinberg

A loggerhead swims along the ocean floor. Photo Courtesy: National Geographic

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is named for it’s huge head. This carnivorous turtle is the largest of all hard-shelled marine turtles; their reddish-brown shells can reach up to three feet long. During their fifty plus year lifetime, they migrate and use multiple habitats across the ocean, including beaches, water near the shore, and deep water. The area near the shore is considered to be shallower than 656 feet, whereas the deep open water area is past 656  feet. Females migrate thousands of miles from these foraging habitats to the beach, which is usually the beach where they were born. On the beach is where they lay their eggs in a nest. When the eggs hatch, the baby turtles will walk across the beach and into the water. Anywhere from one in 1,000 to one in 10,000 of these hatchlings will actually survive to lay eggs of their own. Loggerheads require high survival rates in both the young and old stages of life since they grow slowly and have a late sexual maturity. 

Location of the four identified recovery units in the U.S.
Photo Courtesy: Recovery Plan for the Northwest
Atlantic Population of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

The loggerhead turtle is the the most plentiful marine turtle in the United States. However, declines in their population caused them to be listed on the threatened species list back in July 1978. There is a recovery plan for the Northwest Atlantic population of the turtles to aid their survival. The December 2008 second revision is the  most updated recovery plan. The Northwest Atlantic population of the turtles ranges from Virginia to Florida, and down into the gulf, including Mexico and the Caribbean islands. The area is broken into five nesting units to maximize the success of recovery. The units include: Northern Recovery Unit, Peninsular Florida Recovery Unit, Dry Tortugas Recovery Unit, Northern Gulf of Mexico Recovery Unit, and Greater Carribean Recovery Unit.

Turtle escaping a net. Photo Courtesy: NOAA

The threats that led to the population decline are still present difficulties for recovery. The practices used by commercial fisheries, particularly longline, bottom trawl, and gill net, are the most  significant human caused threats. As a result, turtles become bycatch; they are caught in nets, hooks, and are disturbed unintentionally. Other significant threats to Atlantic loggerhead populations include light pollution on nesting beaches; coastal development, and nest predation. Play this game to learn more about how humans interact with turtles.

The recovery plan is an extensive strategy to ensure loggerhead population growth, focusing mainly on their nesting habitats. Each recovery unit has a specific population growth goal to facilitate recovery. The number one priorities include monitoring trends on beaches, conducting in-water surveys, developing and enforcing regulations, acquiring beachfront properties, reducing greenhouse gasses, and preventing boat strikes. The plan estimates that the turtles will reach recovery in as few as 50 years, with the cooperation of humans. 

Sources:

http://www.defendersblog.org/2014/07/loggerhead-sea-turtles-catch-wave/

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/loggerhead-sea-turtle/

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/090116.pdf

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/loggerhead.htm

The Short-Tailed Albatross: One Flight Away By: Jeremy Suryadi

By: Jeremy Suryadi

Description and Ecology

The Short-Tailed Albatross is one of the rarest seabirds of the Northern Pacific Ocean (Porcassi 1999). Just one of three other albatross in the area. It is one of the most distinct looking birds. It belongs to the Diomedeidae family, order Procellariiformes (American Ornithologists' Union 1998). The Short-Tailed pink bill is disproportionately large compared to other albatross. Of the three North Pacific Albatross, it's the largest in terms of body length, wingspan, and body mass.

Other than foraging the Pacific Ocean for food, it nests on remote Japanese Islands. The albatross usually returns to its same nesting area. Their diet consists of squids, shrimp, and small fishes (Porcassi 1999).

Geographic and Population Changes

Prior exploitation, the albatross ranged throughout the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, and still does today (Olson and Hearty, 2003). Specifically, the albatross exists as west as Japan to as far east as Alaska and Hawai'i (Sekora 1977, Fefer 19889). Currently, the albatross nests on four islands: the majority on Torishima, Japan, the rest on Minami-kojima in the Senkaku Islands.

Pre-exploitation population isn't known. Beginning in the late 19th century population did decline. Between 1885 and 1903 approximately 5 million albatross were harvested (Austin 1949). On Tiroshima 300,000 breeding pairs were extirpated. By 1949 there were no albatross in breeding sites like Tiroshima. After careful investigation, 2007-2008 total worldwide population is 2,406 (Hasegawa, Toho Univ.).

Listing Date and Type of Listing

The Short-Tailed Albatross was listed in 1970, under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969. It was officially listed as endangered throughout its range July 31, 2000.

Cause of Listing and Main Threats to Continued Existence

The original cause of albatross decline was commercial feather hunting. However, unlike most organisms on the ESA, this primary threat no longer occurs. There are still a number of factors threatening existence and recovery. On Tiroshima the presence of volcanic eruptions and monsoon rains create habitat degradation and destruction (Finkelstein 2007). Also, competition from the other two North Pacific Albatross dampen recovery. Although the Short-Tailed Albatross is subjected to destructive fishing lines from vessels, there would have to be a 5-7% increase in additional mortality to have an actual impact on their population (World Wildlife Fund). Because of the remoteness of their nesting grounds, the albatross is not affected by invasive plants and animals.

Description of Recovery Plan

Torishima population monitoring has occurred annually since the mid-1950s. In addition, all chicks have been color-banded since 1979 (Toho Univ.). Because of Torishima's instability, breeding site enhancements and transplants have been attempted. In terms of enhancement, grass transplants and soil stabilization were employed; breeding success followed quickly (Hasegawa 1991). In 2006, biologists tried translocating Short-Tailed Albatross from Midway-near Hawai'i- to the island of Kauai. Nest improvement and translocating remain the primary methods of recovering the Short-Tailed Albatross. Unlike most endangered species, many recovery actions will be conducted outside the U.S. 

Northern Sea Otter -Kara Vane

The Northern Sea Otter of Southwest Alaska

Kara Vane

Northern Sea Otter Description and Ecology

Sea otters, Enhydra lutris, are the largest mustelid, and ironically the smallest marine mammal as well. This species is most widely known for its dense pelage. The coat contains 100,000-400,000 hairs per square centimeter; put into perspective, humans have merely 20,000 hairs covering their head.[1] Check out this link for more information. Sea otters are a very social species and group together by gender. They are generalist predators who consume more than 150 prey species. In fact, they will eat most any seafood that they can find in their habitats and generally eat about 25% of their body weight. This large consumption of food is a result of their high metabolic rates.[2] Otters dive to the see floor to forage for food and once these creatures capture their prey, they crush it rather than shear it. Sea otters are an example of a keystone species and their decline has resulted in ecosystem changes. More specifically, they affect their ecosystem in that they protect kelp forests from overgrazing by sea urchins. When abundant, otters eat large amounts of sea urchins, who consume kelp. But, when there are low levels of sea otters, the sea urchins becomes overabundant and can prevent kelp forests from establishing. This is known as a “trophic cascade.” The Northern sea otter is one of three subspecies and I will be specifically focusing on the subspecies population located in southwest Alaska.

Geographic and Populations Changes

The Northern Sea Otter occurs in the North Pacific Ocean between California and Japan in mainly coastal marine habitats. They are physiologically limited to shallow waters due to their diving methods of capturing prey. Sea otters are the only marine mammal species without blubber and as a result, rely on their dense coat of fur to insulate them from the cold waters. This reliance on their fur for insulation unfortunately makes them very vulnerable to oil spills. [3] Furthermore, the Russian Bering Expedition in 1741 led to the discovery of this dense fur as well. After realizing the value of these creatures’ pelage, the commercial fur harvest for their coats exploded, lasted 170 years and eventually led to the sea otter’s decline and extirpation from many areas. This page gives a more detailed look at the history of the otter fur trade. Sadly, by the end of that time there were fewer than 1,000 individuals left in 13 remaining colonies.[4] These sea otter populations grew and re-colonized over time during the 20^th century. However, there were some exceptions to this growth including the Aleutian archipelago population, which shifted from expansion to decline. Currently, the population is dangerously low in much of the Aleutian Islands. 

Listing Date and Type of Listing

Studies indicate that the southwest Alaska population of northern sea otters had declined in abundance by more than 50% since the mid 1980’s. In 2005, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed this particular population of Northern Sea Otters as threatened.

Cause of listing and Main threats to its continued existence

The Northern Sea Otter population fell by 70% between 1992 and 2000 and another 63% between 2000 and 2003. Predation by the killer whale is the main cause of overall decline in this species. Take a look at this video of whale vs. otter. Other threats to the sea otters' continued existence include infectious disease, bio-toxins, contaminants, oils spills, food limitation, disturbance, bycatch in fisheries, subsistence harvest, loss of habitat and illegal take.[5]

Description of Recovery Plan

The otters occur in many different habitat types, and the recovery plan identifies 5 management units (MU’s) within the population segment to address the differences. The recovery plan addresses each threat generally and then assesses their importance, by ranking them, relative to each of the five MU’s.

The goal of the recovery program is to control or reduce threats to the southwest Alaska northern sea otter so that it can be delisted. According to the FWS Recovery Plan, to achieve this goal, three objectives are identified: “achieve and maintain a self-sustaining population of sea otters in each MU, maintain enough sea otters to ensure that they are playing a functional role in their near shore ecosystem, and mitigate threats sufficiently to ensure persistence of sea otters” (FWS Recovery Plan). Research and management action costs for this recovery plan total 2.665 million to 3.650 million over the first 5 years- greatest challenges will be to secure funding.[6]

See for yourself how cute sea otters are! Click here

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[1] http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=157

[2] http://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/endangered/pdf/Nseaotter_factsheet_v2.pdf

[3]  http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/Recovery%20Plan%20SW%20AK%20DPS%20Sea%20Otter%20Aug13.pdf

[4] http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=157

[5] http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=A0HK#recovery

[6] http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/Recovery%20Plan%20SW%20AK%20DPS%20Sea%20Otter%20Aug13.pdf

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http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/species/speciesinfo/seaotter/images/seaotter_largemap.jpg

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