This study was conducted to identify aspects of the breeding ecology of white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in British Columbia and to develop a management plan to preserve and enhance white pelicans and their habitat in British Columbia. Field studies were conducted during the breeding seasons from 1977 to 1980. The major migratory route of white pelicans in British Columbia occurs in the Okanagan Valley. Pelicans arrive at Stum Lake, the only known breeding location in British Columbia, in mid April and remain on the Fraser Plateau until late September. Eighty-three percent of all pelicans observed in British Columbia during the summer were located within 80 km of the breeding lake. Chilcotin Lake, approximately 70 km west of Stum Lake, was the primary foraging site during the study. Identification of bone samples collected on the breeding island indicate that pelicans in British Columbia prey chiefly on non-game fish species, such as sucker (Catostomus spp.). Pelicans at Stum Lake selected flat unvegetated areas to nest. The presence of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) did not appear to affect their nesting distribution. Inter-nest distances were calculated in 1977 and 1978 and found to be similar to distances recorded for other white pelican colonies in North America. Mean clutch size of white pelicans at Stum Lake during years without disturbance was 1.95 ± 0.21. Mean egg mortality was 10% of all eggs laid. Nest abandonment was the major mortality factor. Nestling and fledgling mortality claimed a further 26% and 20% respectively, of all eggs laid. Total mortality of young during 1977 and 1978 was 56% of all eggs produced. In years when coyote predation or human disturbance occurred, survivorship of young, and overall productivity of the colony was reduced. The potential impact of coyote predation and human disturbance were examined over longer periods by using a simple simulation model. The results of this study were discussed in terms of potential management practices that would enhance white pelicans in British Columbia. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

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Because little is known about juvenile American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) this study was conducted to gather more information on disease, general ecology and growth of American White Pelicans from hatching to fledging. In July 2011, American White Pelican regurgitate samples from North and South Dakota sub-colonies were collected/analyzed in preparation for a captive trial. Nutrient content compared between the colonies was found to be significantly different. Concentrations of Immunoglobulin Y and A in regurgitate samples were significantly different between colonies. A captive trial began 29 May 2012 and ended 30 July 2012, in which 16 American White Pelicans were hand raised from hatching to fledging. During the captive trial, various growth parameters, intake and fecal output were examined to determine the effect of the parasite Bolbophorus damnificus in 8 infected and 8 non-infected (parasite free) pelicans. Growth data collected on B. damnificus infected (n = 8) American White Pelicans was compared to previously mentioned parasiteree pelicans (n = 8) to determine effects of the parasite. There were no differences between groups for culmen length (P= 0.214), tarsal length (P = 0.306), body weight (P = 0.884) or intake (P = 0.963). There was also no effect of the parasite on body temperature. Towards the end of the captive trial, several pelicans both on (n = 16) and off (n = 11) trial became naturally infected with West Nile Virus. Clinical symptoms ranged from lethargy and/or wing droop to total paralysis. Progression of disease is detailed in two well-defined case studies with additional information included on clinical signs, physiological parameters, and a review of the pathology of disease for other infected birds.

Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Detroit Mercy, 2009. / "April 24, 2009." Includes bibliographical references (p. 77).

Thesis (M.S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2007. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Gregory D. Johnson. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-66).

An experimental study has been conducted to develop a process allowing the creation of biologically accurate aerodynamic test models mimicking the slotted primary feather geometry of the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Preserved examples of both a full Brown Pelican wing and a single primary feather were 3D scanned and digitally reconstructed using a combination of MATLAB and CAD software. The final model was then 3D printed as a collection of smaller components using a LulzBot TAZ 6 printer and Taulman3D T-Glase PET filament. After using various surface finishing techniques to improve the finish of all 3D printed parts, an assembly was designed to mount the model in the low speed wind tunnel at the California Polytechnic State University. Prior to aerodynamic testing, airfoil sections of the pelican wing were generated in CAD and several common airfoil measurements and characteristics were investigated. At a flow velocity of 5 m/s (Re ~1.21 x 105), wind tunnel smoke and laser visualization testing highlighted the vortex generation of multiple primary feathers, as well as large-scale flow deviations in the vicinity of the feathers. A total pressure rake and total pressure probe were used to create detailed plots of the ratio of the local velocity to free-stream velocity (Vx/Vx∞) at two planes downstream of the model, which revealed vortex positioning consistent with that predicted by smoke visualization testing and provided a metric by which to evaluate the relative strength of each vortex. The model creation process and wind tunnel testing results outlined here provide a strong foundation for future investigations into the potential aerodynamic benefits provided by the slotted primary feather geometry employed by the Brown Pelican and other large gliding avian species.

Certain aspects of the biology of two species of fish, bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and the assessment of fishing pressure upon the sport fishery of Pelican Lake, Uintah County, Utah, a 680 ha warmwater lake, were studied between April 1, 1976 and June 30, 1978. The growth rate of bluegills (sexes combined) was fairly rapid; the mean back-calculated total lengths from ages one through nine were 55, 112, 166, 194, 211, 229, 245, 256 and 259 mm. The growth of largemouth bass was 104, 194, 271, 316, 350, 405 and 416 mm total length for ages one through seven for the combined sexes. Male bluegills matured earlier in life than females. Bluegills spawned continually from the first of June to the first of September, although the peak spawning occurred in June of both years. Gonadal weight to body weight ratios (maturity index) were greatest in the first of June for both male and female bluegills. Fecundity estimates ranged from 1 1,102 mature ova for an age II bluegill to 4 6, 281 mature ova for an age V bluegill. Fecundity estimates for largemouth bass ranged from 4,810 mature ova for a II year old to 31, 719 mature ova for a V year old. Largemouth bass spawned primarily in late May in 1976 and early June in 1977. Angler use of the lake was estimated to be 10,054 angler days fished in 1975, culminating a seven-year increase in use, with subsequent declines in angling to 8,001 angler days in 1976 and 5,027 in 1977. A significant winter fishery developed in 1978. Anglers harvested an estimated 58,277, 44,918 and 22,469 bluegills and 5,791, 2,747 and 4,176 largemouth bass in 1975, 1976 and 1977, respectively. Angler catch rates for bluegills in respective years were 1.520, 1.640 and 1.130 fish/hr and 0.204, 0.094 and 0.213 fish/hr for largemouth bass. Bluegill age groups IV and V and largemouth bass age group III composed the majority of angler harvested fish in 1976 and 1977. Age and size composition of angler harvested bluegills indicated no statistically significant change between 1976 and 1977. Bass harvested by anglers in 1977 were significantly greater in weight than those harvested in 1976. The total annual mortality determined from scale analyses of angler harvested fish was 59.9% for bluegill and 71.6% for bass. A significant number of male bluegills was harvested by anglers in June 1977, the period of peak nesting activity. Anglers released 5,158 bluegills in 1977, of which an estimated 11% (565) were lost to hooking mortality. Of various hook sizes used to assess hooking mortality, number 8 regular shank hooks yielded the highest total mortality (18%). The lowest hooking mortality was with number 6 regular shank jig hooks (0%) and where the leader was cut and the hook allowed to remain (0%). Higher mortality of worm-hooked fish was attributed largely to anatomical location of hooking. Of the total (19) bluegill mortalities, 63% were hooked in the esophagus and 37% in the gill/gill arch. Postwinter population sampling in May 1977 indicated the estimated standing crop weight was 40% less than the prewinter standing crop weight in Au gust 1976. A similar loss in standing crop (37%) was noted in weight from August 1977 to June 1978. The greatest loss in numbers was in young-of-the-year bluegill that suffered an estimated 98% overwinter mortality. Midwinter water quality analyses indicated that anoxic conditions occurred from 2.0 m below the ice to the bottom. An increase in hydrogen sulfide levels was also detected. Recommendations for the fishery were (1) adjustment of the daily bag limit for the bluegill sport fishery with fluctuations in angling use; (2) continuation of a creel census from April 1 through July 31 similar to the design used in this study to annually assess angling use, catch rates, total harvest and the size and age composition of this harvest; (3) stomach analyses of potential predators to assess the overwinter mortality of blue gills; (4) retainment of the current bag limit on largemouth bass with future consideration of utilizing a 12-15-in (305-381 mm) total length limit to increase the numbers of larger, older bass in the population; (5) nonrestrictive use of terminal gear by anglers since hooking mortality of bluegills caught and released by anglers in the summer of 1977 was insignificant; (6 ) no size length restrictions on the bluegills retained by anglers; and (7) consideration of purchasing additional water storage from the irrigation company.

The effects of aquaculture decline on piscivorous birds in the Mississippi Delta concern catfish farmers with possible increases in fish loss and disease transmission. My study was aimed to (1) develop a new harassment method using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to effectively control piscivorous birds at fish farms; (2) determine change in spatial distribution of American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in the Mississippi Delta since aquaculture decline; and (3) determine third-order habitat selection by the pelicans in the wintering grounds. The UAV harassment did not reduce piscivorous bird abundance more than human harassment in a 2-year field experiment. Aerial surveys demonstrate that the pelicans used natural water bodies to find food more frequently in 2015–2017 than in 1997–1999. Average pelican flock size decreased following the aquaculture decline. Lastly, land cover and land use did not predict fine-scale habitat selection by the pelican.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on October 9, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The digenetic trematode, Bolbophorus damnificus, poses a substantial threat to catfish aquaculture, causing significant economic losses. Infestations lead to suppressed feed consumption, secondary bacterial infections and poor production performance. Survey data reveals widespread infestation in the in the southeastern United States. Current control strategies involve the application of a concentrated copper sulfate solution to reduce snail populations which serve as the first intermediate host of the trematode life cycle. This study aimed to improve treatment efficacy by developing a granular copper sulfate application system. A modified Gandy fertilizer applicator, equipped with a programmable control system, demonstrated accurate distribution of copper sulfate crystals along pond margins at various speeds. Granular copper sulfate was effective in killing snails along the pond margins at treatment rates between 1-3 ppm. The innovative system offers a practical, single-pass solution to combat trematode infestations in catfish ponds and minimizes logistical challenges associated with multiple applications.