NWRC News
(Collaborations, Presentations, Education & Outreach, National and International Cooperation)

August 18, 2008

Information and Communication

Agriculture Secretary Visits Florida Field Station.  On July 31, 2008, Secretary of Agriculture Ed Shafer visited the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) Gainesville, FL, field station.  During his 90-minute visit, Secretary Shafer met with NWRC and Florida Wildlife Services (WS) operations staff; conferred with cooperators from the Florida Farm Bureau, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; and toured the field station facilities.  Cooperation between WS operational and research components in addressing invasive wildlife issues was a key point of emphasis throughout the visit.  At the field station, the Secretary had opportunities to interact closely with invasive species such as the black spiny-tailed iguana, giant Gambian pouched rat, monk parakeet, Burmese python, and sacred ibis – each of which is a species of WS management concern.

NWRC Scientists Participate in Osprey Symposium at Ornithological Conference.
On August 4-8, 2008, two researchers from the National Wildlife Research Center attended the joint meeting of the American Ornithologist’s Union, the Cooper Ornithological Society, and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists in Portland, OR.  During the meeting, the scientists organized and conducted a scientific symposium titled “Contemporary Issues in Osprey Ecology and Conservation.” Their presentations highlighted human-osprey conflicts (e.g., osprey-aircraft collisions), migratory patterns of ospreys, osprey wintering ecology, and dynamics of North American osprey populations.  For further information contact: Brian Washburn 419-625-0242, Brian.E.Washburn@aphis.usda.gov

APHIS Biologist Receives Award at International Wildlife Disease Association Meeting. On August 7, 2008, a biologist from the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) won the Best Student Poster Award at the Wildlife Disease Association 57th Annual Conference held in Edmonton, Alberta. The poster was titled "Experimental Exposure of Swallow Bugs to West Nile Virus."  This award was received for work supported by NWRC as part of an M.S. degree pursued through Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. For further information contact: Alan B. Franklin 970- 266-6137, Alan.B.Franklin@aphis.usda.gov.

Texas Ranchers and Farmers Visit NWRC. On August 11, 2008, the National Wildlife Research Center hosted 85 ranchers and farmers as part of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service educational tour.  The visitors were given an overview of the Center’s research goals by Director Larry Clark and presentations by several scientists on various agricultural, invasive species and wildlife disease research projects, The visitors also toured the Animal Outdoor Pen Facility.  Texas AgriLife Extension Service is part of the Texas A&M system and provides community-based education to Texas residents. For further information contact: Diana L. Dwyer 970-266-6015, Diana.L.Dwyer@aphis.usda.gov

August 11, 2008

Providing Wildlife Services

Scientists Assist in Establishing Avian Influenza Surveillance Program in Kenya. On July 27, 2008, research scientists from the National Wildlife Research Center travelled to Kenya to work with collaborators from the Walter Reed Project of the U. S. Army Medical Research Unit – Kenya and the National Museum of Kenya in establishing a surveillance program to detect highly-pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in feces from migratory wild birds passing through and wintering in Kenya.  During this trip, sampling sites were established in the Rift Valley where avian migrants from Europe and Asia over-winter and sampling procedures and logistics were established for future sampling in October 2008 during the peak of migration.  For further information contact: Alan Franklin 970-266-6137, Alan.B.Franklin@aphis.usda.gov

August 4, 2008

Developing Methods

Biologists Coordinate A Simulated Emergency-Response Depopulation Effort Targeting White-Tailed Deer.OnJuly 22, 2008, National Wildlife Research Center researchers coordinated an effort involving U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and University of Nebraska-Lincoln collaborators to conduct a simulated de-population of a white-tailed deer herd at the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge in western Iowa.  This effort was the final evaluation in a study to determine if a disease outbreak could be quickly and effectively contained and managed with a quick-to-erect temporary fencing strategy.  Researchers used paintball guns in a coordinated drive to mark individual deer within the 104-acre experimental enclosure to simulate depopulation.  The interagency collaboration was successful and effectively evaluated another potential tool in wildlife disease management. For further information contact: Kurt VerCauteren 970-266-6093, Kurt.C.VerCauteren@aphis.usda.gov

Information and Communication

NWRC Scientists Attend Bovine Tuberculosis Meeting. On July, 23-24, 2008, two National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientists attended the 2008 Michigan Bovine Tuberculosis Scientific Meeting in Lansing, MI.  The scientists presented updates and preliminary results on current NWRC research on bovine tuberculosis in northern Michigan.  Research discussed included studies on shedding of Mycobacterium bovis (the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis, bTB) by coyotes and raccoons, and a field study on movements of white-tailed deer, a bTB reservoir, in relation to livestock farms and farm management practices.  In addition, a scientist from USDA Veterinary Services, currently stationed at NWRC, presented results of collaborative studies on a bovine tuberculosis vaccine for white-tailed deer.  The meeting was well attended by a variety of agencies including USDA Veterinary Services, USDA Wildlife Services, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Parks Canada, and the New Zealand Animal Health Board.  For more information contact: Are Berentsen, 970-266-6221, Are.R.Berentsen@aphis.usda.gov.

July 14, 2008

Providing Wildlife Services

Scientist Assists Oregon State University Researchers with Cormorant Research.  On June 23-27, 2008, a scientist from the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) Starkville, MS, field station assisted and trained Oregon State University (OSU) biologists in telemetry techniques for double-crested cormorants. These birds forage on endangered salmonids migrating along the Columbia River. Oregon State University researchers are initiating a study to determine the post-breeding movements of cormorants captured in the East Sand Island colony near the mouth of the Columbia River. Satellite transmitters were attached to seven cormorants using a backpack harness tested on cormorants at the NWRC field station’s captive research facility. The NWRC scientist also toured several cormorant, Caspian tern, and American white pelican colonies in Oregon and Washington. The scientist met with OSU, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel to discuss possible collaborative salmonid/fish-eating bird research efforts. For further information contact: Tommy King, 662-325-8314, Tommy.King@aphis.usda.gov

Information and Communication

NWRC Employees Present at Predator Awareness Day. On June 21, 2008, three employees from the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Logan, UT, field station attended the Hogle Zoo’s Predator Awareness Day in Salt Lake City.  This was the fifth year that employees of the field station have been invited to attend. More than 130 people stopped at the booth to learn more about the research being conducted by field station personnel, coyote and wolf biology, and techniques to reduce conflicts between humans and predators.  For more information contact:  Patrick Darrow, 435-245-6091, Patrick.A.Darrow@aphis.usda.gov

June 30, 2008

Developing Methods

Scientists Conduct Field Evaluation of New Biomarker for Raccoons. During June 17–21, 2008, Wildlife Services (WS) operations personnel in Michigan and Ohio distributed rhodamine B fishmeal polymer baits in Ohio to field-test previous studies conducted by National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientists with captive animals. The NWRC studies have shown that rhodamine B, a xanthene dye, is a reliable biomarker that fluoresces in whiskers and hair of raccoons. Using a hand-held UV lamp to identify animals that have consumed oral rabies vaccine baits with rhodamine B is relatively inexpensive and can be accomplished quickly in the field. This may prove useful for the WS oral rabies vaccination (ORV) program, which now uses an antibiotic, tetracycline that is expensive and time consuming to evaluate.  Beginning July 14, 2008, four weeks after bait distribution, WS operations personnel, under direction of NWRC scientists, will trap raccoons in Ohio and collect whiskers to check fluorescence. Field-testing, which should be completed in mid-July, will allow NWRC scientists to evaluate rhodamine B as a tool to mark wild, free-ranging animals. For further information contact: Tricia Fry, 970-266-6162, tricia.l.fry@aphis.usda.gov

NWRC Evaluate Contraception of Fallow Deer at Point Reyes National Seashore.  On June 15, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientist from Fort Collins, CO, traveled to Point Reyes National Seashore, CA, to evaluate the reproductive status of female fallow deer. The deer, which are native to Europe and Asia, were introduced in the Point Reyes area during the 1940s and 1950s, and are now causing extensive ecological damage. Sixty-nine female fallow deer were treated with a single-injection immunocontraceptive vaccine, GonaCon™, in July 2007 under an approved management plan for nonnative deer populations at Point Reyes.  In June 2008, the NWRC scientist and a National Park Service technician observed deer for five days to determine fawning rates of treated and control animals during the first year of this two-year study.  A combination of removal and contraception will be used to reduce the fallow deer population at Point Reyes to zero by year 2021. Scientists hope that damage caused by these deer at Point Reyes can be reversed once they have been removed from the seashore.  For further information contact: James P. Gionfriddo, 970-266-6146, James.P.Gionfriddo@aphis.usda.gov

Information and Communication

SCEP Students Visit NWRC.  On June 24, 2008, the National Wildlife Research Center in Fort Collins, CO, hosted 13 undergraduate interns from New Mexico State University and the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua in Mexico.  Many of the students are potential USDA APHIS Joe Skeen Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) students through New Mexico State University. In addition to a tour of the Center's facilities, the students met with several scientists and current and former SCEP interns about their careers in wildlife damage management and research. For further information contact: Gail Keirn, 970-266-6007, Gail.M.Keirn@aphis.usda.gov

 Valuing and Investing in People

Wildlife Services (WS) Immobilization and Euthanasia Certification Course.  From June 17–June 19, 2008, a course designed to certify Wildlife Services personnel in chemical immobilization and euthanasia of wildlife was offered at the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) at Fort Collins, CO.  This course included 24 hours of instruction and hands-on laboratories involving all aspects of wildlife immobilization.  Sixteen people attended the training, including NWRC staff from Colorado and Utah, as well as a Senior Animal Control Officer of the Navajo Nation Fish and Wildlife Department (Arizona). For further information contact: Gordon Gathright, 970-266-6204, Gordon.R.Gathright@aphis.usda.gov

June 23, 2008

Developing Methods

NWRC Scientists Collaborate On Experimental Use of Infrared to Detect Signs of Foreign Animals Diseases. On June 11, 2008, research scientists with the National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, in collaboration with scientists from Veterinary Services, Fort Collins, and from the Department of Homeland Security, Plum Island, NY, completed a study on the use of infrared thermography to detect signs of foreign animal diseases (FADs) in domestic animals. A number of species of domestic animals were experimentally infected with FADs, including chickens (high path avian influenza and velogenic Newcastle disease), swine (foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and classical swine fever), horses (African horse sickness), sheep (heartwater, foot-and-mouth disease, and sheep pox), cattle (contagious bovine pleuropneumonia and rinderpest) and rabbits (viral hemorrhaghic disease) in a training exercise conducted for veterinarians at Plum Island’s  Biosafety Level 3 facilities. Scientists used infrared thermography cameras to track the course of the diseases to determine if infrared technology could detect increased vascularization or fever indicative of disease. This (thermography) would then have a possible use as a fast and remote surveillance technique should any of these diseases be suspected of entering the United States. Preliminary results appear promising. Should this technology prove effective, early detection of potential clinical signs of FADs in animals, both domestic and wild, could possibly save agricultural and recreational economies millions of dollars as well as saving valuable and endangered wildlife. For more information: contact Dr. Mike R. Dunbar, 970-266-6360, mike.r.dunbar@aphis.usda.gov

June 16, 2008

Developing Methods

NWRC Evaluates Goose Repellent in Crimson Clover Fields.  In early June 2008, in collaboration with the Oregon Clover Commission, Arkion Life Sciences, and Oregon Wildlife Services, the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) completed a one-year field evaluation of an anthraquinone goose repellent for crimson clover.  Since the 1970s, the number of Canada geese and cackling geese that winter in the Willamette and Lower Columbia River Valleys of Oregon has increased from 25,000 to 300,000.  While there, these geese forage on agricultural crops, decrease yields, and ultimately cause monetary impacts to landowners.  The NWRC study compared clover production, goose occupancy, and anthraquinone residues between treated (10 acres) and untreated plots.  Geese occupied untreated areas more than treated areas, yet clover production did not differ between treated and untreated plots.  Repellent residues were quantified directly prior and subsequent to two applications of Flight Control® Plus, and 2-3 weeks prior to harvest.  This field efficacy and repellent residue information will facilitate planning of subsequent field applications to protect agricultural crops from geese.  For more information contact:  Dr. Scott Werner, 970-266-6136

June 2, 2008

Developing Methods

NWRC Develops a New Nest Box To Protect Endangered Hawaiian Thrushes. The Puaiohi or small Kauai thrush is one of a dozen or so critically endangered Hawaiian forest bird species severely impacted by the threats of predation.  While captive propagation has been successful for selected Hawaiian honeycreepers, the long-term survival of wild-released birds and establishment of new populations have yet to be demonstrated.  Predation by invasive rodents, primarily roof rats, has been identified as a primary limiting factor in the recovery of many endangered Hawaiian avian species, including the Puaiohi.  After testing various designs, National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) biologists found that none of the currently deployed nest box designs were effective in excluding rodents.  NWRC researchers designed a new nest box while maintaining the design parameters that suited the endangered birds.  This new design was completely effective in excluding rodents.   The new design will be immediately deployed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for use by these endangered birds. For more information contact:  Dr. Will Pitt, 970-808-961-4482

Information and Communication

Scientist Gives Interview on Tuberculosis. On May 23, 2008, a research scientist from the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) headquarters in Fort Collins, CO, gave an interview to a reporter from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting on research and management of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) at the wildlife/livestock interface in Michigan. The scientist provided information on what Wildlife Services is doing about bovine tuberculosis, focusing on both research and management at the wildlife/livestock interface and the role wildlife plays in the spread of the disease. The scientist also discussed what local ranchers in northern Michigan can do to protect their herds from wildlife-transmitted bTB, and provided some examples of Wildlife Services’ successes in preventing spread of the disease. This information will be combined with information provided from APHIS Veterinary Services concerning bTB in livestock in a soon-to-be nationwide radio broadcast. For more information contact:  Dr. Mike R. Dunbar, 970-266-6360

Wildlife Telemetry Techniques Demonstrated. On May 7, 2008, the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) Hilo, HI, field station hosted the science curriculum instructional coordinator and two community partnership members of Kanu o ka Aina, a Hawaiian language and culture immersion charter school located in Waimea on the island of Hawaii.  The 80-student school provides community-based mentoring and hands-on experience for students interested in a variety of careers.  Staff and students are planning a field project to better understand the native forest ecosystem and impacts posed by feral pigs and other invasive species.  Of particular interest are wildlife management techniques, including radio-telemetry, to monitor behavior and movements of pigs in response to seasonal food resources and hunting.  Field station scientists provided an overview of basic wildlife radio-telemetry applications, equipment selection, triangulation and animal location methods, and use of GPS/GIS technology to collect, analyze, and graphically display data.  Hawaii Wildlife Services (WS) Operations personnel demonstrated feral pig capture, handling, and detections used in wet native forest habitats.  NWRC and WS staff will provide training to staff and students as the field project develops. For more information contact: Robert T. Sugihara 808-961-4482 ext. 26

Scientist Presents Rabies Research. On May 8, 2008, a scientist from the National Wildlife Research Center stationed in Cleveland, OH, attended the Cleveland Metroparks annual field research update.  The scientist gave a presentation on the objectives and status of current raccoon variant rabies research being conducted in and around the Cleveland area, including in Cleveland Metroparks properties.  The meeting was attended by the senior resource manager for Cleveland Metroparks, as wells as representatives from Baldwin-Wallace College, John Carroll University, Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University.  For more information contact: Dr. Are Berentsen 970-266-6221.

May 5, 2008

Developing Methods

Reducing Wildlife Hazards to Aviation Posed by Stormwater-retention Facilities.  From April 21-23, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center Sandusky, OH, field station scientist, the Alabama Wildlife Services (WS) State Director, Auburn University faculty members, and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives met to review progress on a new study to develop predictive models of stormwater-retention pond features that contribute to avian use.  In addition, plans were finalized for a companion study in May 2008 that will incorporate data from previous research by NWRC and WS biologists in Washington and at Auburn. This data will be used to construct a model stormwater-retention pond and investigate physical modifications, biotic and synthetic water-treatment methods, and hydrology scenarios to treat runoff while minimizing use by birds.  The FAA is interested in drafting new management guidelines for stormwater runoff on airport properties and within the 10,000-ft siting criteria for airports serving turbine-powered aircraft.  The collaborative research studies at Auburn University are the first to incorporate both wildlife and engineering components to reduce wildlife hazards posed by stormwater-management facilities on and near airports.  For more information contact: Dr. Bradley F. Blackwell, 419-625-0242.

Information and Communication

Scientist Serves on Graduate Student Interviewing Forum Panel.  On April 23, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) Starkville, MS, field station scientist participated in an interviewing forum for a graduate level course in professional communications in the Wildlife and Fisheries Department at Mississippi State University. The panel was made up of professionals from state, federal, and private agencies and organizations. The professionals, including the NWRC scientist, gave information on their background, position, and agency, and their views on what they and their respective agencies may look for in prospective employees. In addition panel participants provided information on how to prepare for interviews and provided mock interview questions to the attending graduate students.  For more information contact: Dr. Brian S. Dorr, 662-325-8216.

NWRC Scientist Presents at Charles W. Schwartz Fisheries and Wildlife Seminar.  On April 25, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientist gave a presentation titled, "Development of Nonlethal Methods for Managing Deer Damage and Disease," at the University of Missouri's Charles W. Schwartz Fisheries and Wildlife Seminar.  The presentation highlighted NWRC's research related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (prion diseases), means to manage the interface between deer and livestock, and deer damage to crops.  The scientist also worked with collaborators the University of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation to outline future collaborative studies.  For more information contact: Dr. Kurt VerCauteren, 970-266-6093.

April 21, 2008

Information and Communication

Data on Avian Influenza DNA Sequences Presented. On April 10, 2008, scientists from the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and the American Museum of Natural History presented results of a phylogenetic assessment of avian influenza DNA sequences. The DNA was obtained from wild bird fecal samples collected in 2006 and 2007 during the national wild bird surveillance program. This work was presented to other researchers from NWRC, Wildlife Services, and Colorado State University as part of a collaborative project to assess the risk of introduction and spread of highly-pathogenic H5N1 in the United States. For more information contact: Dr. Tony Piaggio 970-266-6142

Scientists Attend Brown Treesnake Meeting. On April 16-18, 2008, five National Wildlife Research Center research personnel from Colorado and Hawaii gave presentations at the Brown Treesnake Working Group Technical Meeting in Honolulu, HI.  The meeting, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Pacific Islands Office, Honolulu, included representatives from the military, federal and state agencies, the Territory of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and universities.  This meeting provided a forum for wildlife resource managers, administrative personnel, and investigators to present status of budgets, updates, new research results, and economic impacts of the brown treesnake and other invasive species. For more information contact: Dr. Pete Savarie, 970-266-6154

March 31, 2008

Developing Methods

Rodenticides Approved for Eradications on Islands. On March 18, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the registration of two APHIS pesticide labels specifically designed for eradicating rodents from islands for conservation purposes.  The labels are for two formulations of brodifacoum-based rodenticide bait and complement a previously registered diphacinone-based rodenticide.  These registrations were achieved by a collaborative effort between staff of the National Wildlife Research Center, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) offices in Hawaii and Alaska, the nonprofit Island Conservation, and two rodenticide manufacturers, HACCO Inc. and Bell Labs.  These three new conservation tools provide the platform for rodenticide eradication efforts throughout the United States.  Diphacinone was used in February 2008 in a cooperative effort between Wildlife Services (WS) and the USFWS to eradicate rats on the 16-acre Mokapu Island in Hawaii.  Brodifacoum will be used in the fall of 2008 in a cooperative effort between WS, Island Conservation and the USFWS to eradicate rats from the 6,700 acre Rat Island in the Aleutian Islands.

Information and Communication

Scientists Attend Vertebrate Pest Conference in San Diego. During March 17-20, 2008, numerous National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientists attended the 23rd Vertebrate Pest Conference in San Diego, CA.  Center staff authored or co-authored over 20 papers/posters. Total attendance was 273 individuals representing five countries, with 66 total presentations and 14 posters delivered.  Monday involved a field trip to view hantavirus surveillance at San Diego City Park, ground squirrel/tree squirrel damage to horticulture exhibits at Balboa Park, sea lion/harbor seal impacts in the harbor, and bird control activities at North Island Naval Air Station. Tuesday through Thursday was devoted to the scientific presentations, with sessions on wildlife contraception, marine mammals, predators, birds, rodents, management strategies, wildlife and food safety, and public health.

Animal Care Review Conducted. On March 20, 2008, a supervisory veterinary medical officer (SVMO) for APHIS Animal Care conducted an informal review of the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) animal research facilities, accompanied by an NWRC research scientist and the attending veterinarian.  The SVMO toured the indoor and outdoor research facilities and participated in detailed discussions concerning NWRC animal care policies and procedures.  Throughout the review the SVMO stated that NWRC animal care facilities and procedures were significantly above minimal standards and, in many cases, exceptional.

Telemetry Techniques Demonstrated. On March 18-19, 2008, two scientists from the National Wildlife Research Center Starkville, MS, field station taught a telemetry laboratory for a wildlife techniques class at Mississippi State University. The scientists demonstrated basic VHF telemetry methods, exhibited examples of telemetry equipment, and designed a field exercise for 25 students. The field exercise comprised hands-on experience in homing and triangulation techniques for acquiring animal locations.

Chemist Presents Research at  the University of Pennsylvania. On March 20, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center research chemist gave an invited presentation titled, “Chemistry and Wildlife Research:  Out of the Beaker and into the Field,” at the University of Pennsylvania Biological Chemistry Seminar Series.  The seminar was attended by faculty and graduate students of the Department of Chemistry and undergraduate biochemistry students.  The presentation was followed by a social event with the biochemistry undergraduates who organize the weekly series.

March 17, 2008

Developing Methods

Evaluation of Bait Deployment for Brown Treesnakes on Guam.  During the week of March 3, 2008, data summaries from an aerial deployment conducted in August 2007 were completed.  Investigators from the National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO, headquarters and Wildlife Services Operations in Guam evaluated a commercially available paper product with attached untreated dead neonatal mice for delivering baits to brown treesnakes in the forest canopy.  Location (canopy or ground) was recorded for mice equipped with radio transmitters. Baits were distributed over forested areas from a helicopter. Three bait drops were made with an electro-mechanical dispenser and three by hand. Canopy landing of the radioed mice baits was 85% by dispenser and 79% by hand.  Overall performance of the aerial delivery system was successful.    

Information and Communication

NWRC Scientist Presents at Conference on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. On March 5-7, 2008, a scientist from National Wildlife Research Center Fort Collins, CO, headquarters participated in APHIS/Veterinary Services’ (VS) Designated Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) Conference in Ames, IA.  The scientist presented NWRC's research related to TSEs and means to manage the interface between wildlife and livestock.  The conference was attended by 100 VS Medical Officers who are responsible for working with TSEs, primarily chronic wasting disease and scrapie, across the country.  The scientist's presentation included findings from studies on contact rates along high fences, novel fencing strategies, physical abilities of cervids, and a variety of other pertinent research endeavors. 

NWRC Research Wildlife Biologist Lectures on Rabies Research at Wyoming College.
On March 8, 2008, a scientist from the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), Fort Collins, CO, headquarters, gave an invited lecture to students and faculty at Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, WY. The lecture was titled, “Terrestrial  Wildlife Rabies: Impacts and Control” and was sponsored by the college’s Veterinary Technology Club. The club invites two guest lecturers a semester to speak. Club members will schedule a tour of NWRC in the future.

Scientist Gives Annual Presentation on Statistics in Wildlife Research. On March 10, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientist from the Fort Collins, CO, headquarters, gave a presentation to students in the graduate statistical consulting course at Colorado State University (CSU). The scientist presented information on statistical applications used in NWRC research, including novel quantitative research and experimental design topics. This presentation was the latest in an annual series ongoing for several years and exposes the students to statistical applications and areas of statistics employment that they would otherwise be unlikely to see. This interaction also attracts to NWRC students looking for employment in the statistics field.

Valuing and Investing in People

NWRC Hosts Student Internships. Beginning March 17, 2008, the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) will host two student internships through the Cooperative Education Program at Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Fort Collins, CO. Cooperative work experience is an important component of the educational process for all students. NWRC has hosted FRCC internships each year since 2004. This year's interns will help NWRC scientists test avian repellents in laboratory and outdoor research facilities. Interns will obtain work experience in their field of interest, interact with professional wildlife biologists and chemists, and develop an understanding of avian impacts to agriculture, natural resources, and human health and safety in the United States.

March 10, 2008

Developing Methods

Assessing Invasive Iguana (Ctenosaur) Populations and Evaluating Control Efficacy. On February 26-29, 2008,  a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientist, the Wildlife Services (WS) Florida State Director, and a WS District Supervisor traveled to Gasparilla Island, FL, where black spinytail iguana populations have exploded since their introduction 30-35 years ago. These exotic lizards, also known as ctenosaurs, have become a nuisance for island residents, and pose threats to a variety of federally and state-listed species on Gasparilla Island. Charlotte County, in which the northern end of Gasparilla Island is situated, formed an agreement with WS for ctenosaur removal after county residents implemented a self-tax to provide a fund for ctenosaur management. Control work was initiated in February 2008, with the first lizards captured sent to NWRC's Gainesville, FL, field station for research to identify vulnerabilities and tools to aid in their removal. The NWRC scientist also worked with Wildlife Services Operations to determine the data to collect for population assessments. Multiple monitoring methods will be used such as strip transects, tracking plots, and visual transects. 

March 3, 2008

Developing Methods

Infrared Thermography Used To Remotely Evaluate TB Skin Tests in Elk. In March 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center scientist from Fort Collins, CO, and veterinarians from USDA/APHIS/Veterinary Services and Colorado State University will test infrared thermography as a non-invasive, noncontact technique to evaluate single and comparative cervical skin tests used to identify animals exposed to bovine tuberculosis. These tests have traditionally been evaluated by visually inspecting the test site for swelling, and palpating the area for firmness. This process requires that the animals be injected and re-captured and handled 72 hours after being given the original injections. In this study, 50 captive elk will undergo skin testing and the traditional detection technique will be compared with the thermography technique. If the thermography technique is successful, animals may not have to be re-captured to evaluate skin tests, and testing could possibly commence before 72 hours have elapsed. This would save time and resources and significantly reduce stress to captive cervids.

Information and Communication

Scientist Speaks at Advanced Crop Advisers Workshop. A National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) Bismarck, ND, field station scientist was invited to speak at the Advanced Crop Advisers Workshop held in Fargo, ND, on February 21-22, 2008. This workshop was attended by 125 agricultural professionals, including crop consultants, agronomists, extension agents, and agri-business representatives who advise farmers on crop production recommendations. The NWRC scientist lectured on the economic and agronomic challenges with Conservation Reserve Program land conversions and, in a separate seminar, discussed sunflower management issues related to the annual migration of 70 million blackbirds through the northern Great Plains. Blackbird damage, along with diseases and weeds, continue to be high priority issues for the sunflower industry. Corn growers also are very concerned that blackbirds are starting to impact production of grain meant for ethanol plants and feed grains.

Wildlife Students Tour NWRC Headquarters Facility. On February 21, 2008, the National Wildlife Research Center hosted twenty-four high school students participating in the Front Range Community College High School Program in Wildlife, Forestry and Natural Resources. The Secondary Wildlife, Forestry, and Natural Resources Program provides students with entry-level job skills in the field of natural resources including forestry, wildlife management, outdoor recreation, environmental science, ecology, water and soil resources, and conservation. It is a one-year certificate program for juniors and seniors in high school. The course is broken down into six units, each focusing on a specific aspect of natural resources. Students will play an active role in their education by participating in numerous labs and field exercises that complement classroom instruction. In addition, guest speakers and internships provide students with an awareness of the real-world application of natural resources. The students toured the NWRC facilities in Fort Collins and met with several scientists.

February 25, 2008

Information and Communication

Blackbird Presentation Given at Avian Conservation Conference. On February 13-16, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientist from the Gainesville, FL, field station was an invited speaker at one of the symposia convened during the 4th International Partners In Flight Conference held in McAllen, TX. Partners in Flight is a cooperative effort among governmental agencies, private foundations, professional organizations, conservation groups, industry, academia and private individuals to promote conservation of migratory birds. The symposium was titled “Conserving the Rusty Blackbird: More than a Single-Species Issue.” The NWRC scientist presented a talk, “From Pest to Conservation Priority, Changing the Perception and Management of a Blackbird,” which outlined past and ongoing blackbird management activities, the possible impacts of these on rusty blackbird populations, and the proposed removal of the rusty blackbird from the standing depredation order. The rusty blackbird has exhibited one of the steepest declines of any migratory bird species and is the only species that connects two of the most threatened ecosystems in North America: boreal wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests. It is now listed as a species of conservation concern by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As a member of the Rusty Blackbird Technical Working Group, the scientist will continue to participate in the development of plans for population monitoring and research on this species.

Scientist Delivers Invited Presentation at Beaver Workshop. On February 12, 2008, a National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientist from the Olympia, WA, field station gave an invited presentation at a workshop sponsored by the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The presentation, titled “North American Beaver: Life History, Impacts to Natural Resources, and Methods to Control Damage,” included discussion of methods that Wildlife Services uses to reduce beaver impacts to natural resources and human safety, and research approaches to develop and test new tools. Following this presentation and others, the scientist also served on a panel that answered questions from the audience regarding beaver management and research. The workshop was limited to 100 people, including academics, representatives from government agencies and departments of transportation, nuisance control trappers, and concerned citizens.

NWRC Scientist Participates in 2008 First International Coqui Frog Conference. On February 7–10, 2008, a researcher from the National Wildlife Research Center Hilo, HI, field station moderated and presented at the 2008 First International Conference on the Coqui Frog in Hilo, HI. The conference focused on issues related to amphibian ecology, physiology, genetics, population dynamics, and habitat, as well as on past, present and future coqui management tools to minimize the coqui frog invasion throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The researcher's presentation described the effects of skin and body hydration on the susceptibility of the coqui frog to citric acid as a control agent. Environmental drought conditions, with lower relative humidity that dehydrates frog skin, should make frogs more susceptible to citric acid exposure.