The Wright fishhook cactus (Sclerocactus wrightiae L.D. Benson) is an endangered cactus species endemic to south-central Utah. Since its listing in 1979 by the U.S. Fish and Wildife Service, the potential impacts of soil disturbance by cattle have become a central focus of management policies and monitoring efforts. However, little to no empirical data has been collected to substantiate the hypothesis that soil disturbance by cattle has direct or indirect negative effects on Wright fishhook cactus growth or reproduction. Over the years, the Bureau of Land Mangement (BLM) and Capitol Reef National Park (CRNP) have invested significant resources documenting cactus populations including several attributes of individual cacti: GPS location, diameter, number of flowers, fruits, or buds, number of stems, and the presence or absence of a cow track within 15 cm of the cactus. While these efforts have been commendable, due to the defining phenological characteristics of this species (flower and filament color) and its short flowering period (April-May) it remains difficult to study and much basic biological information including a range wide population estimate and defined critical habitat remain unknown. Our research had two primary objectives, 1) evalutate the effects of soil disturbance by cattle on reproduction and diameter of the Wright fishhook cactus (Chapters 1 and 2), and 2) explore the use of drones and GIS to define critical habitat and obtain an accurate range wide population estimate (Chapters 3 and 4). In Chapter 1, we analyzed cactus attribute data collected by the BLM at 30 macro-plots representing different levels of soil related cattle disturbance (high, moderate, and low) from 2011-2017. We found no significant association between level of cattle disturbance and flower density or cactus diameter. We did find a significant negative association between flower frequency and increased disturbance. In Chapter 2, we conducted an experimental study where tracks were simulated within 15 cm of cacti at various levels (Ctrl, 1-Track, 2-Track, 4-Tracks, and 4-Tracks Doubled). No significant association was observed between the number of tracks and response in diameter, flower production, fruit production, or seed set. In Chapter 3, we conducted drone flights over 14 macro-plots at three different altitudes above ground level (10 m, 15 m, and 20 m) and found that while the 10 m flights provided the best remotely sensed survey results, drones are not a suitable replacement for ground censuses. In Chapter 4, we used Resource Selection Function to define critical habitat for the Wright fishhook cactus. Our modeling suggests that geology, elevation, and slope are significant factors in defining cactus habitat. Based on the results of our research we conclude that soil disturbance by cattle may not have a significant influence on Wright fishhook cactus populations or dynamics, and that accurate range wide population estimates may be best obtained through ground surveys within the predicted critical habitat.

[pt] Atualmente as fontes de energia de origem fóssil como petróleo, carvão e gás natural, predominam na matriz energética global. No Brasil a situação é diferente da mundial, pois possui uma das matrizes energéticas mais limpas do planeta. Considerando a importância do desenvolvimento das energias renováveis, em especial a energia eólica, para descarbonização do setor de energia e com o intuito de implementar ferramentas para suportar o processo contínuo de planejamento-gestão ambiental, esse trabalho se propõe a desenvolver dois procedimentos: (1) verificação de aplicabilidade e conformidade de empreendimentos quanto aos Padrões de Desempenho da IFC (Análise de Lacunas); (2) elaboração, implementação e monitoramento de Planos de Ação de Biodiversidade (PABs). Além disso, o segundo procedimento proposto será utilizado para revisar o PAB já existente para a área de estudo (Complexo Eólico Serra da Babilônia, Morro do Chapéu, Bahia), que é operacionalizado pela Rio Energy. O intuito é identificar se o mesmo atende às diretrizes do procedimento proposto e indicar possíveis melhorias, se aplicável. A elaboração dos procedimentos foi realizada utilizando a ferramenta de mapeamento de processos. Após aprovação interna na empresa, foram incorporados ao Sistema de Gestão Integrado (SGI) da Rio Energy. A expectativa é que a utilização dos procedimentos elaborados elevará a qualidade do produto entregue e trará um melhor direcionamento para a implementação das ações necessárias, facilitando o monitoramento e acompanhamento pelos investidores. Com esse instrumento, a Rio Energy tem a contribuir para agregar conhecimento ao setor de energia, área com escassez deste tipo de estudo. / [en] Currently, fossil energy sources such as oil, coal and natural gas predominate in the global energy matrix. In Brazil, the situation is different from the world, as it has one of the cleanest energy matrices on the planet. Considering the importance of the development of renewable energies, especially wind energy, for the decarbonization of the energy sector and with the aim of implementing tools to support the continuous process of environmental planning-management, this work proposes to develop two procedures: (1) verification of applicability and compliance of projects with the IFC Performance Standards (Gap Analysis); (2) elaboration, implementation and monitoring of Biodiversity Action Plans (PABs). In addition, the second proposed procedure will be used to review the existing PAB for the study area (Serra da Babilônia Wind Power Complex, Morro do Chapéu, Bahia), which is operated by Rio Energy. The aim is to identify whether it meets the guidelines of the proposed procedure and indicate possible improvements, if applicable. The elaboration of the procedures was carried out using the process mapping tool. After internal approval at the company, they were incorporated into Rio Energy s Integrated Management System (SGI). The expectation is that the use of the elaborated procedures will raise the quality of the delivered product and bring a better direction for the implementation of the necessary actions, facilitating the monitoring and follow-up by investors. With this instrument, Rio Energy can contribute to adding knowledge to the energy sector, an area where this type of study is scarce.

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Understanding how populations are structured and how they use natural and anthropogenic spaces is essential for effective wildlife management. A total of 510 barren-ground (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus), 176 boreal (R. t. caribou), 11 mountain woodland (R. t. caribou), and 39 island (R. t. groenlandicus x pearyi) caribou were tracked with satellite collars in 1993-2009 in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Alberta. Using satellite location data and hierarchical and fuzzy cluster analyses, I verified that Cape Bathurst, Bluenose-West, Bluenose-East, Bathurst, Beverly, Qamanirjuaq, and Lorillard barren-ground subpopulations were robust; the Queen Maude Gulf and Wager Bay barren-ground subpopulations were distinct. Dolphin and Union island caribou formed one population; boreal caribou formed two distinct subpopulations. Females in robust subpopulations were structured by strong annual spatial affiliation; those in distinct subpopulations were spatially independent and structured by migratory connectivity, movement barriers, and/or habitat discontinuity. An east-west cline in annual-range sizes and path lengths supported the subpopulation structure identified for migratory barren-ground caribou. I analyzed satellite location data to determine parturition dates and activity periods for all caribou ecotypes. For parturition dates I found a north-south cline for boreal caribou, west-east cline for migratory barren-ground caribou, and ecotype and subspecies clines for boreal and barren-ground caribou. Based on annual changes in movement rates I identified eight activity periods for boreal and tundra-wintering, 10 for mountain woodland, and 12 for migratory barren-ground caribou. Based distribution and movements, boreal caribou avoided seismic lines during periods when females and calves were most vulnerable to predators or hunters. They crossed fewer seismic lines and travelled faster when they crossed them than expected. Caribou avoided areas ≤400 m from seismic lines where they could space away from them suggesting that they perceive these as risky areas. I defined secure habitats as areas that were >400 m from anthropogenic linear features. Population growth rates were higher in areas where they had access to secure unburned habitat and where most of that was in patches >500 km2. Critical habitat for boreal caribou is a habitat state that provides “security” from predation risk and facilitates the effectiveness of their anti-predator strategies. / Ecology