Feasibility Assessment for Translocation of Imperiled Bull Trout Populations in Glacier National Park, Montana

Feasibility Assessment for Translocation of Imperiled Bull Trout Populations in Glacier National Park, Montana PDF Author: Benjamin Thomas Galloway
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Animal introduction
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
Translocations are becoming an important tool for conservation and recovery of native fishes. However, many translocations have been unsuccessful likely due to inadequate feasibility assessments of abiotic and biotic factors influencing translocation success prior to implementation. This study provides a framework developed to assess the feasibility of translocating threatened bull trout Salvelinus confluentus into novel stream and lake systems in Glacier National Park, Montana (GNP). Populations of bull trout in GNP are at risk of extirpation in several lakes due to the establishment of nonnative invasive lake trout S. namaycush. Drainage-specific translocations of extant bull trout populations have been proposed as a possible management solution to these declines, but the suitability of translocation sites is unknown. This study evaluated the suitability of spawning, rearing, foraging, and overwintering habitats in three isolated headwater stream and lake systems (Logging, Camas, and Lincoln sites) to determine their suitability for bull trout translocation. A scoring framework was developed to compare the suitability of proposed translocation sites based on three major components: potential for the recipient habitat to support a translocation; potential for the translocation to negatively impact native aquatic biota; and ability of within-drainage donor populations to support a translocation. Scoring criteria were developed based on abiotic and biotic characteristics known to influence translocation success, including water temperature, habitat quantity and quality, habitat complexity, species composition, and the possibility of conducting within-drainage translocation. Based on the framework, the Camas site is the most suitable for translocation because it contains physical and biological conditions comparable to other systems supporting bull trout. The Logging site is the second most suitable site for translocation, whereas the Lincoln site is least suitable because it contains a minimal amount of stream habitat (

Feasibility Assessment for Translocation of Imperiled Bull Trout Populations in Glacier National Park, Montana

Feasibility Assessment for Translocation of Imperiled Bull Trout Populations in Glacier National Park, Montana PDF Author: Benjamin Thomas Galloway
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Animal introduction
Languages : en
Pages : 220

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Book Description
Translocations are becoming an important tool for conservation and recovery of native fishes. However, many translocations have been unsuccessful likely due to inadequate feasibility assessments of abiotic and biotic factors influencing translocation success prior to implementation. This study provides a framework developed to assess the feasibility of translocating threatened bull trout Salvelinus confluentus into novel stream and lake systems in Glacier National Park, Montana (GNP). Populations of bull trout in GNP are at risk of extirpation in several lakes due to the establishment of nonnative invasive lake trout S. namaycush. Drainage-specific translocations of extant bull trout populations have been proposed as a possible management solution to these declines, but the suitability of translocation sites is unknown. This study evaluated the suitability of spawning, rearing, foraging, and overwintering habitats in three isolated headwater stream and lake systems (Logging, Camas, and Lincoln sites) to determine their suitability for bull trout translocation. A scoring framework was developed to compare the suitability of proposed translocation sites based on three major components: potential for the recipient habitat to support a translocation; potential for the translocation to negatively impact native aquatic biota; and ability of within-drainage donor populations to support a translocation. Scoring criteria were developed based on abiotic and biotic characteristics known to influence translocation success, including water temperature, habitat quantity and quality, habitat complexity, species composition, and the possibility of conducting within-drainage translocation. Based on the framework, the Camas site is the most suitable for translocation because it contains physical and biological conditions comparable to other systems supporting bull trout. The Logging site is the second most suitable site for translocation, whereas the Lincoln site is least suitable because it contains a minimal amount of stream habitat (

Distribution and Population Characteristics of Lake Trout in Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park

Distribution and Population Characteristics of Lake Trout in Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park PDF Author: Andrew Martin Dux
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fish populations
Languages : en
Pages : 87

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Book Description
Bull trout Salvelinus confluentus have declined since the establishment of nonnative lake trout Salvelinus namaycush in Lake McDonald, Glacier National Park (GNP). In an attempt to prevent further decline of this population, GNP is considering implementing a lake trout suppression program. I used ultrasonic telemetry to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of lake trout and gill nets to evaluate population characteristics and diet. Model simulations were used to predict lake trout responses to varying levels of suppression. I relocated 36 lake trout (508-859 mm total length) 1,137 times from June through November 2003 and March through November 2004. Lake trout had a narrow vertical distribution during all seasons in both 2003 and 2004, rarely occupying depths>30 m. During thermal stratification, lake trout occupied depths in the upper hypolimnion where mean temperature varied from 8-9°C and dissolved oxygen was highest. Lake trout typically were suspended in the water column during all seasons except autumn. When spawning commenced in late-October, lake trout were associated with littoral habitats containing clean cobble and boulder substrates. The lake trout population had a broad age structure and a maximum age of 37 years. Males reached maturity earlier (12 years) than females (15 years), and total annual mortality rate for lake trout ages 8-27 was 13.2%. Growth rates were slow and relative weight values were among the lowest observed for lake trout throughout their range. Food habits were sampled from 254 lake trout, and 95% of the diet by weight consisted of fish prey. Model simulations indicated that substantial population reduction could be achieved with moderate exploitation (20-50%); however, this was more easily achieved as the size at which lake trout could effectively be captured was reduced. Simulations suggested that recruitment could be reduced to a level where adults are not being replaced at low exploitation (10-30%). These data will allow suppression efforts to be focused at times and places that will maximize efficiency, and population simulations suggest that substantial reduction of the lake trout population is feasible. Ultimately, results from this study should promote recovery of bull trout in Lake McDonald.

Yellowstone Grizzly Bears

Yellowstone Grizzly Bears PDF Author: Daniel D. Bjornlie
Publisher: National Park Service Yellowstone National Park
ISBN: 9780934948463
Category : Bear populations
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description


A Field Guide to Montana Fishes

A Field Guide to Montana Fishes PDF Author: George D. Holton
Publisher: Falcon PressPub Company
ISBN: 9781560444794
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 104

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Book Description
A well-organized handbook with helpful tips on identifying fishes in the field.

Safe Passages

Safe Passages PDF Author: Jon P. Beckmann
Publisher: Island Press
ISBN: 1597269670
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 419

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Book Description
Safe Passages brings together in a single volume the latest information on the emerging science of road ecology as it relates to mitigating interactions between roads and wildlife. This practical handbook of tools and examples is designed to assist individuals and organizations thinking about or working toward reducing road-wildlife impacts. The book provides: an overview of the importance of habitat connectivity with regard to roads current planning approaches and technologies for mitigating the impacts of highways on both terrestrial and aquatic species different facets of public participation in highway-wildlife connectivity mitigation projects case studies from partnerships across North America that highlight successful on-the-ground implementation of ecological and engineering solutions recent innovative highway-wildlife mitigation developments Detailed case studies span a range of scales, from site-specific wildlife crossing structures, to statewide planning for habitat connectivity, to national legislation. Contributors explore the cooperative efforts that are emerging as a result of diverse organizations—including transportation agencies, land and wildlife management agencies, and nongovernmental organizations—finding common ground to tackle important road ecology issues and problems. Safe Passages is an important new resource for local-, state-, and national-level managers and policymakers working on road-wildlife issues, and will appeal to a broad audience including scientists, agency personnel, planners, land managers, transportation consultants, students, conservation organizations, policymakers, and citizens engaged in road-wildlife mitigation projects.

Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates

Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates PDF Author: James H. Thorp
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0123748550
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 1036

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Book Description
"The third edition of Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates continues the tradition of in-depth coverage of the biology, ecology, phylogeny, and identification of freshwater invertebrates from the USA and Canada. This text serves as an authoritative single source for a broad coverage of the anatomy, physiology, ecology, and phylogeny of all major groups of invertebrates in inland waters of North America, north of Mexico." --Book Jacket.

Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change

Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309287766
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 281

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Book Description
Climate is changing, forced out of the range of the past million years by levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases not seen in the Earth's atmosphere for a very, very long time. Lacking action by the world's nations, it is clear that the planet will be warmer, sea level will rise, and patterns of rainfall will change. But the future is also partly uncertain-there is considerable uncertainty about how we will arrive at that different climate. Will the changes be gradual, allowing natural systems and societal infrastructure to adjust in a timely fashion? Or will some of the changes be more abrupt, crossing some threshold or "tipping point" to change so fast that the time between when a problem is recognized and when action is required shrinks to the point where orderly adaptation is not possible? Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change is an updated look at the issue of abrupt climate change and its potential impacts. This study differs from previous treatments of abrupt changes by focusing on abrupt climate changes and also abrupt climate impacts that have the potential to severely affect the physical climate system, natural systems, or human systems, often affecting multiple interconnected areas of concern. The primary timescale of concern is years to decades. A key characteristic of these changes is that they can come faster than expected, planned, or budgeted for, forcing more reactive, rather than proactive, modes of behavior. Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change summarizes the state of our knowledge about potential abrupt changes and abrupt climate impacts and categorizes changes that are already occurring, have a high probability of occurrence, or are unlikely to occur. Because of the substantial risks to society and nature posed by abrupt changes, this report recommends the development of an Abrupt Change Early Warning System that would allow for the prediction and possible mitigation of such changes before their societal impacts are severe. Identifying key vulnerabilities can help guide efforts to increase resiliency and avoid large damages from abrupt change in the climate system, or in abrupt impacts of gradual changes in the climate system, and facilitate more informed decisions on the proper balance between mitigation and adaptation. Although there is still much to learn about abrupt climate change and abrupt climate impacts, to willfully ignore the threat of abrupt change could lead to more costs, loss of life, suffering, and environmental degradation. Abrupt Impacts of Climate Change makes the case that the time is here to be serious about the threat of tipping points so as to better anticipate and prepare ourselves for the inevitable surprises.

Bhutan: Conservation and Environmental Protection in the Himalayas

Bhutan: Conservation and Environmental Protection in the Himalayas PDF Author: Ugyen Tshewang
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030578240
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 404

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Book Description
Located in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan practices the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (“GNH”) that embraces environmental conservation as one of the main building blocks for its sustainable development goals. Bhutan’s conservation strategies and success are largely driven by the strong political will and visionary leadership of His Majesty the King of Bhutan The nation’s Buddhist perspectives regarding a deep and abiding respect for nature; and the strategic enforcement of a wide-ranging stringent set of internal regulations and controls have helped ensure ecological gold standards in Bhutan. Moreover, the country is an active member of the international conservation community by fulfilling its implementation of various Multilateral Environment Agreements. While it emerged into the 21st century as one of the 36 global terrestrial “hotspots” in biological diversity conservation ranks, Bhutan’s sheer commitment with more than 51% of its territory being managed under the explicit status of a protected area network, and more than 70% of the land under forest cover, represents Bhutan’s exemplary dedication to protect the planet despite its smallness in size and economy, and the biological fragility exemplified by its hotspot situation. In the face of imminent severe threats of global warming, Bhutan nonetheless exemplifies the truth that “a small country with a big conservation commitment” can make an enormous contribution to the global community. At the regional level, Bhutan is intent upon protecting the Water Towers of Asia (that glacial expanse of the Himalayas) which is a critical resource bulwark for about one-fifth of the global population downstream in South Asia. Such protections invariably help mitigate climate change by acting as a nation-wide carbon sink through its carbon neutral policies. In short, Bhutan has long represented one of the world’s foremost national guardians of biodiversity conservation, ecological good governance, and societal sustainability at a period when the world has entered the Anthropocene – an epoch of mass extinctions. We envision this publication to be ecologically and ethically provocative and revealing for the concerned scientific communities, and governments. Through an extensive review of the scientific and anthropological literature, as well as the research team's own data, the Author's have set forth timely recommendations for conservation policies, strategies and actions. This book provides technical and deeply considered assessments of the state of Bhutan’s environment, its multiple, human-induced stressors and pressures; as well as extremely sound, practical techniques that would address conservation strategies in the Himalayas and, by implication, worldwide.

Parks, Peace, and Partnership

Parks, Peace, and Partnership PDF Author: Michael S. Quinn
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781552386422
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Current international thinking in this area is reflected in this collection of essays by park managers, biologists, scholars, scientists, and researchers. From Waterton-Glacier International Park to the European Alps, and Lake Titicaca in Peru and Bolivia, the essays provide illustrative examples of the challenges and new solutions that are emerging around the world."--

Trout and Char of the World

Trout and Char of the World PDF Author: Jeffrey L. Kershner
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781934874547
Category : Chars
Languages : en
Pages : 831

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Book Description
This is the first comprehensive look at the taxonomy, life history, and conservation status of the world's trout and char. These are fascinating and beautiful fish that rate high for the angler as well as for tourist and recreational economies. Trout and char also play key roles in the ecology of many lake and river systems around the world. Trout and char are abundant in many regions, but most native species are on the decline. Some are classified as vulnerable, threatened, or endangered. Because of their widespread stocking in regions where they are not native, some trout and char also are the cause for threats to other native species. Loss of habitat, an expanding human population, and rapid climate change are challenging their future as streams warm and waters become more variable in their flows. This book examines trout and char from all these perspectives. Early chapters explore the unique diversity and life history aspects of trout and char and provide information on the taxonomy and systematics while also detailing some of unique life histories. New information is presented about species diversity and distributions by country. Summary chapters explore significant conservation and management challenges of broad interest to scientists, resource managers, anglers, and interested public. Trout and Char of the World end s with a series of essays exploring the future of trout and char over the next 50 years. Trout and Char of the World will be a primary resource for trout and char biologists, conservationists, and anglers in the many countries where trout and char are native or have been introduced, and a resource for anyone interested in learning more about the diversity and distribution of trout and char worldwide.--