Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn.) is one of the most commonly seeded grass species in the western United States and dominates thousands of hectares in the Great Basin. Although many degraded Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis) plant communities have been seeded with crested wheatgrass, successional pathways, influence of soil attributes, and cultivation history on the vegetation of these communities have not been fully characterized. I sought to identify community phases, vegetative differences, and soil attributes that explain variation among 35 Wyoming big sagebrush communities historically seeded with crested wheatgrass. All communities were more than 30 years old and had not experienced fire, or received subsequent chemical or mechanical treatments following their original seeding. Species richness, diversity, vegetation cover, and soil samples were measured in four 20 x 5 m intensive Modified Whittaker plots per community. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of three indicator species (crested wheatgrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and Wyoming big sagebrush) identified four distinct community phases. Community phase 1 was dominated by crested wheatgrass and had the lowest species richness and cover of big sagebrush. Phases 2 and 3 had the highest species richness and cover of native species. Phase 4 was dominated by big sagebrush and had the lowest cover of crested wheatgrass. Community phases differed significantly for soil texture, soil nitrogen, and ground cover characteristics. Bare soil was almost double on loam-textured soils and rock cover was higher on clay loam texture soils (P < 0.05) as well as native plant cover. Communities previously cropped occurred on more coarse-textured soils and had 6-fold lower native species cover and double exotic herbaceous and crested wheatgrass cover. Cropping occurred on favorable, low rock, fine-texture soils, the same soils that favor crested wheatgrass production and reduce resilience of native plant composition. Delineation of community phases provided a new, empirically based state-and-transition model, while the characterization of soil attributes and disturbance history provided information about feedback mechanisms influencing dominant species that delineate community phases and effect community structure. This information can be used to assist in the development of management strategies in crested wheatgrass seeded communities.

This study is an experimental research to formulate the discharge over sharp-crested rectangular weirs. Firstly, a series of measurements on different weir heights were conducted to find the minimum weir height for which channel bed friction has no effect on discharge capacity. After determining the appropriate weir height, weir width was reduced to collect data on discharge-water head over weir relationship for a variety of different weir openings. Then, the data was analyzed through regression analysis along with utilization of global optimization technique to reach the desired formulation for the discharge. By taking advantage of a newly-introduced &ldquo / weir velocity&rdquo / concept, a simple function was eventually detected for the discharge where no discharge coefficient was involved. The behavior of the weir velocity function obtained in the present study illustrates the transition between the fully contracted and partially contracted weirs. In addition, the proposed weir velocity formulation is simple and robust to calculate the discharge for full range of weir widths.

Dominance rank often determines the share of reproduction an individual male can secure in group-living animals (i.e. dominance rank-based reproductive skew). However, our knowledge of the interplay between individual and social factors in determining rank trajectories of males is still limited. The overall aim of this thesis was therefore to investigate mechanisms that underlie individual dominance rank trajectories in male crested macaques (Macaca nigra) and to highlight potential individual and social determinants of how males can achieve and maintain the highest rank possible. Data for this thesis were collected on 37 males during a field study on a natural population of crested macaques living in the Tangkoko-Batuangus Nature Reserve in Indonesia. In study 1, I validate Elo-rating as a particularly well suited method to quantify dominance hierarchies in animal species with dynamic dominance relationships. In studies 2 and 3, I suggest a personality structure for crested macaque males consisting of five distinct factors and further demonstrate that two personality factors determine whether males will rise or fall in rank. Finally, in study 4, I present results on how males utilize coalitions to increase their future rank. Together, these results shed light on how individual attributes and social environment both can impact male careers. Ultimately, in order to understand what determines rank-based reproductive skew, we need to consider the complexity and likely diversity of the mechanisms underlying rank trajectories of individual males which are likely to differ across different species.

The aim of the thesis was monitoring abundance and distribution of nests of Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) during the season on the Naděje fishpond system. Further observation included factors that could affect nesting success of the Great Crested Grebe. Attention was concentrated on Wild Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) which is bred by man on the fishpond system and might negatively affect nesting success of Great Crested Grebe. Part of this study was the detailed observation of selected pairs during the nesting season by using camera traps. Temperature measurement in the nests was done by temperature data logger. The investigation was realized on the Naděje fishpond system near the village Frahelž. The research took place from the 14th of April to the 28th of October in 2015. In 2015 were found and investigated 37 nests on the Naděje fishpond system. On the fishpond Skutek were monitored 34 nest, on the fishpond Láska 2 nests and on the fishpond Rod only 1 nest. Majority nests (30) were found on a free surface and 7 nests were situated in the bushy vegetation. Parameters of 111 eggs were obtained altogether. On the fishpond Skutek were found 100 eggs, on fishpond Láska 8 eggs and in the only nest on fishpond Rod 3 eggs. Using the camera traps during the observation proved negative effect of wild duck on Great Crested Grebe nesting. The nest was destroyed group of wild duck. The maximum temperature in the nest reached 33,8 °C.

The irrigated farm crops are the main users of water. With this, in places where there is a water shortage to attend all sorts of use, this kind of activity is characterized like as a potentially conflicting, once that to produce one hectare of rice, are necessary thousands cubic meters of water. To work out this conflict, many actions are been developed, as giving rights and tax to use water. Although, to the effectiveness of that actions, is necessary an effective inspection over all of the producers and users, monitoring each volume used. Being a inspection this kind unsustainable to the manager, is necessary the study of methodologies to determine water flow and volumes of irrigation, which shall be easily understood and applied, to be used by the producers themselves. Were tested, comparatively, two sorts of hydraulics systems, sharp crested Weirs and Velocimetric Hydrometers, measurers of water flow and volumes respectively, for monitoring the volumes of irrigation of two parcels of irrigated rice in the harvest 2009/2010, located in Cachoeira do Sul city, in Capané locality. In each parcel, one with Direct tillage and area of 0,66 ha and another one with Conventional tillage and area of 0,80 ha, the monitoring of water occurred simultaneously by using the Weirs and Hydrometers installed in sequence and confined, in other words, the monitored water was the same in both systems. Was used Pluviometer to monitoring the total volume of rain fall, in order that, with the irrigation volume was calculated the total volume necessary to that rice parcels. The results of the comparative monitoring between Weirs of Thin Wall and Velocimetric Hydrometers showed a small difference in the final results, been the difference of 1,15% bigger by the Hydrometer in relation to Weir in the parcel with Direct tillage and 6,75% smaller by Hydrometer in relation to Weir in Conventional tillage. However, Were verified daily variations between the Weirs and Hydrometers that reached 82% in the Direct tillage and 39% in the Conventional tillage. The total volume monitored to each parcel was 8565,15 m³/ha in the parcel with Direct tillage and 9987,25 m³/ha in the conventional tillage, both considering the results of Weirs. With the results found and the characteristics of operation and maintenance of the analyzed systems, is checked the availability of using sharp crested Weirs for monitoring water quantity in rice crops, although by the comparatively study oh both systems, is not recommended to use hydrometers in these ways. / As lavouras de arroz irrigado são as principais usuárias de água durante o seu ciclo produtivo. Com isto, em locais onde existe escassez de água para atender a diversos usos este tipo de empreendimento se caracteriza como um potencial conflitante, uma vez que para produção de um hectare de arroz são necessários milhares de metros cúbicos de água. Para resolver estes conflitos, muitos instrumentos estão sendo desenvolvidos, como a outorga e a cobrança pelo uso da água. No entanto, para a efetividade destes instrumentos, é necessária uma fiscalização extensiva sobre todos os produtores e usuários, monitorando os respectivos volumes utilizados. Sendo uma fiscalização deste tipo insustentável para o órgão gestor se faz necessário o estudo de metodologias de determinação de vazões e volumes de irrigação que sejam de fácil entendimento e aplicação, para que possam ser utilizadas e monitoradas pelos próprios produtores rurais (automonitoramento). Foram testados comparativamente dois tipos de sistemas hidráulicos, Vertedores de parede delgada e Hidrômetros Velocimétricos, medidores de vazões e volumes respectivamente, para monitoramento dos volumes de irrigação de duas parcelas de arroz irrigado na safra de 2009/2010, localizados na cidade de Cachoeira do Sul, na localidade de Capané. Em cada uma das parcelas, uma com sistema de plantio Direto e área de 0,66 ha e outra com plantio Convencional com área de 0,80 ha, o monitoramento da água ocorreu de forma simultânea através da utilização de vertedores e hidrômetros instalados em série e confinados, ou seja, a água monitorada por um era a mesma que a monitorada pelo outro. Foi utilizado Pluviômetro no monitoramento do volume total de precipitações, para que juntamente com o volume de irrigação fosse determinado o volume total necessário ao cultivo do arroz naquelas parcelas. O resultado do monitoramento comparativo entre Vertedores e Hidrômetros apresentou pequena variação no resultado final, sendo a diferença de 1,15% monitorada a mais pelo Hidrômetro em relação ao vertedor na parcela com plantio Direto e 6,75% a menos pelo Hidrômetro que o Vertedor na parcela com plantio Convencional. No entanto, foram verificadas variações diárias entre os Vertedores e os Hidrômetros que alcançaram 82% no plantio direto e 39% no plantio convencional. O volume total monitorado para cada parcela foi de 8565,15 m³/ha na parcela com plantio Direto e 9987,25 m³/ha no plantio Convencional, ambos considerando os resultados obtidos com os vertedores. Com os resultados obtidos e as características de operação e manutenção dos sistemas analisados, verifica-se a viabilidade da utilização de Vertedores de parede delgada para o automonitoramento de água em lavouras orizicolas, no entanto, através do estudo comparativo dos dois sistemas, não se recomenda a utilização de Hidrômetros Velocimétricos neste meio.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:31:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_carolina_mascarenhas.pdf: 23937030 bytes, checksum: 4ede460c8b3f9046c6af286984b4b306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-07-22 / Paroaria coronata (red-crested cardinal) occurs only of South America. The species is not in danger of extinction, but it is appreciated by the illegal trade in wild animals. His parasite fauna is little known and has been recorded only one Nematoda and three Phthiraptera. The diet is mainly based greasses seeds, but can consume small fruit and insects. The study aimed to identify helminths and arthropods associated with red-crested cardinal and for that were examined wild birds, captives and of undetermined origin, totaling 40 specimes. The wild birds and undetermined origin were the most parasitized. The helminthfauna was composed of Aproctella carinii, Dispharynx nasuta, Capillaria sp. Diplotriaena sp. (Nematoda); Tanaisia oviaspera, Tanaisia valida, Tanaisia sp., Prosthogonimus ovatus (Trematoda); Orthoskrjabinia sp. (Cestoda); Mediorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala). Tanaisia sp. was most prevalent (10%) and more abundant (0.48), D. nasuta and Orthoskrjabinia sp. occurred with greater mean intensity of parasitism (5 helminths/host). The arthropodfauna was represented by Myrsidea coronatae, Philopterus sp. and Brueelia sp. (Phthiraptera); Ptilonyssus sairae and Sternostoma pirangae (Gamasida), where M. coronatae and P. sairae were the most prevalent with 65% and 50%, respectively. All helminths are reported for the first time in P. coronata, Orthoskrjabinia sp. is recorded for the first time in Brazil; A. carinii, Diplotriaena sp., T. valida, T. oviaspera and Mediorhynchus sp. are cited for the first time in the Rio Grande do Sul state. The helminthfauna found in P. coronata, indicates that the species is omnivorous eating habits. Among the arthropods, Philopterus sp., Brueelia sp., P. sairae and S. pirangae have your first record infecting P. coronata; M. coronatae is recorded for the first time in Brazil, this report marks the first occurrence of S. pirangae in Brazil and the first of P. sairae in the Rio Grande do Sul state. / Paroaria coronata (cardeal) ocorre apenas na América do Sul. A espécie não está em perigo de extinção, mas é visada pelo comércio ilegal de animais silvestres. Sua fauna parasitária é pouco conhecida, tendo sido registrado somente um Nematoda e três Phthiraptera. A dieta desta ave baseia-se principalmente em sementes de gramíneas, mas pode consumir pequenos frutos e insetos. O estudo teve por objetivo identificar os helmintos e artrópodes associados à P. coronata e para tal foram examinadas aves silvestres, cativas e de origem indeterminada, totalizando 40 espécimes. As aves silvestres e de origem indeterminada foram as mais parasitadas. A helmintofauna esteve composta por Aproctella carinii, Dispharynx nasuta, Capillaria sp. Diplotriaena sp. (Nematoda); Tanaisia oviaspera, Tanaisia valida, Tanaisia sp., Prosthogonimus ovatus (Trematoda); Orthoskrjabinia sp. (Cestoda); Mediorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala). Tanaisia sp. foi mais prevalente (10%) e mais abundante (0,48), D. nasuta e Orthoskrjabinia sp. ocorreram com maior intensidade média de parasitismo (5 helmintos/hospedeiro). A artropodofauna esteve representada por Myrsidea coronatae, Philopterus sp. e Brueelia sp. (Phthiraptera); Ptilonyssus sairae e Sternostoma pirangae (Gamasida), onde M. coronatae e P. sairae foram os mais prevalentes com 65% e 50%, respectivamente. Todos os helmintos são relatados pela primeira vez em P. coronata, Orthoskrjabinia sp. é registrado pela primeira vez no Brasil; Aproctella carinii, Diplotriaena sp., Tanaisia valida, Tanaisia oviaspera e Mediorhynchus sp. são citados pela primeira vez no Rio Grande do Sul. A helmintofauna encontrada em P. coronata, indica que a espécie tem hábito alimentar onívoro. Entre os artrópodes, Philopterus sp., Brueelia sp., P. sairae e S. pirangae são citados pela primeira vez parasitando P. coronata; M. coronatae é registrado pela primeira vez no Brasil; este relato caracteriza a primeira ocorrência de S. pirangae no Brasil e a primeira de P. sairae no Rio Grande do Sul.

This thesis is based and developed on the ambiguous and open conception, iconic species, which reveals the relationship between human society and non-human species that goes be- yond its biological status. From the case of the giant panda, I attempt to deconstruct the shap- ing process of an iconic species from multiple perspectives, which includes how a specific cultural context, or a specific historical period contributes to the shaping process and how the government and the public diverge or even clash around the shaping process. Then, I introduce my fieldwork where I through observing both giant pandas and red pandas in the exhibition centres called panda bases to analyse the encountering an iconic species in reality and their different influences on public awareness of the wildlife conservation. I also attempt to explore the various representative forms of an iconic species such as the Tibetan antelope ranging from the mascot to the film and follow the changes of its symbolic meanings in different forms. In conclusion, the thesis is aimed to reflect the hybrid features of the iconic species and pro- vide in-depth interpretation of the endless interactions between the human beings and other species.

Mariestad municipality participated in a global competition to become Volvo’s site for a new lithium-ion battery factory. The competition was between eleven different countries and three different locations in Sweden. Aer declaring Mariestad and the site Korstorp as winners, extensive surveys of the site were initiated during which they did a rare find of the protected species the great crested newt. However, Volvo is still planning on going through with building the factory the way they planned, which implies asphalting an area of 140-150 ha and constructing a box like factory of one or two floors. The newts are now under great threat and will have to be moved in order to make room for the factory. Building battery factories is something we strive for on a global scale, but what happens when global sustainability opposes local? In the example of the battery factory in Mariestad Agenda 2030’s sustainable development goals biodiversity and economic growth seem to be in opposition to each other and here it becomes clear that the value of humans and non-humans are different. How are we to remedy the unequal distribution of power and how can we turn the conflict zone in Korstorp into a zone of diplomacy? The convention of the rights of the child became Swedish law in 2020 and here it is relevant taking a look at article 12, which says; “All children have the right to express their opinions, adults shall listen and consider the children’s opinions”. The children are our future and they have to live with our choices. Building in a sustainable manner implies listening to who will be affected. The society’s measurement of success needs to be altered from economic growth to one which everybody has the right to be part of. To reach that place we have to practice at an early age to think and act in a democratic manner. If children feel as if they have been heard they could come to appreciate democratic processes in which they trust their ability to alter the society and feel obligated towards it. Furthermore, the unlimited imagination of children and the fact that they are not yet indoctrinated in the routines and customs of our society might bring the innovation needed to create a new kind of factory in symbiosis with the local environment.

Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia) and double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) nest in large colonies on East Sand Island in the Columbia River estuary, the largest known colonies for the two species in the world. Both species of piscivorous colonial waterbirds have been identified as predators with a significant impact on the survival of juvenile salmonids (Oncorhynchus spp.) listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. To better understand and address issues related to seabird-fisheries interactions in the Columbia River estuary, I conducted studies related to the ecology, conservation, and management of these two species of piscivorous waterbirds. I evaluated the demographics and inter-colony movements of Caspian terns belonging to the Pacific Coast metapopulation, with special emphasis on two breeding colonies, one on East Sand Island in the Columbia River estuary and the other on Crescent Island in the mid-Columbia River, based on re-sightings of color-banded individuals. Apparent annual adult survival at both colonies was high, and age at first reproduction was greater than previously reported for the species. Colony site philopatry of breeding adults at both colonies was high; however, some individuals prospected for breeding colonies over much of the Pacific Coast region and moved to other colonies over distances of up to 3,000 km. Some terns from the large colony in the Columbia River estuary responded quickly to the availability of new colony sites as distant as 550 km from the estuary, and established successful breeding colonies within less than a year of the new sites becoming available. The Caspian tern colony on East Sand Island appears to be an important source colony for a number of smaller, less productive colonies distributed over an extensive area from the Salton Sea, California to the Copper River Delta, Alaska, an area with limited and ephemeral nesting opportunities. Environmental contaminants have been a conservation concern for wildlife in the Columbia River estuary, especially species that consume fish and are therefore likely to bioaccumulate persistent organic pollutants. I measured and compared levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in eggs and chicks of Caspian terns and doublecrested cormorants, as well as their primary prey fish types, at colonies on East Sand Island and farther up-river. Based on differences in tern and cormorant diet composition at the various study colonies, higher PCB levels in eggs and chicks were associated with diets dominated by resident freshwater and estuarine fishes. PCB levels in prey fish were positively correlated with lipid content; however, PCB levels in the livers of chicks were negatively correlated with chick fat scores, suggesting that chick fat reserves are a sink for ingested PCBs. Lower PCB levels in terns and cormorants from East Sand Island compared to colonies farther up-river reflected diets with a higher proportion of marine forage fishes at East Sand Island; marine forage fishes had lower average levels of PCBs than their resident freshwater and estuarine counterparts. In order to explore non-destructive techniques for managing nesting colonies of double-crested cormorants, I evaluated habitat enhancement and social attraction, two techniques that have proven effective for relocating Caspian tern colonies to sites where impacts on fish stocks of conservation concern would be minimal. Cormorants were attracted to nest and successfully raised young at test plots on East Sand Island and on islands in the estuary with a previous history of cormorant nesting or unsuccessful nesting attempts. On an island with no history of cormorant nesting or prospecting, however, no cormorants were attracted to nest. My results suggest that attraction of nesting cormorants using these techniques is dependent on the previous history of cormorant nesting or nesting attempts, the frequency and intensity of disturbance by potential predators, and the presence of breeding cormorants nearby. While habitat enhancement and social attraction have potential as methods for redistributing nesting cormorants away from areas where fish stocks of concern are highly susceptible to predation, successful establishment of new colonies using these techniques will likely require a focus on sites with a history of cormorant nesting. Findings from this dissertation raise some concerns over the management of Caspian tern and double-crested cormorant colonies on East Sand Island in order to redistribute parts of these colonies to alternative sites and mitigate the impact of those piscivorous colonial waterbirds on ESA-listed salmonids. East Sand Island has supported source colonies of piscivorous colonial waterbirds for many smaller colonies throughout the region and is close to an abundant and relatively uncontaminated food supply. Also, alternative colony sites that can substitute for East Sand Island are not readily apparent, especially for double-crested cormorants. Therefore, management of Caspian tern and double-crested cormorant colonies on East Sand Island to benefit Columbia Basin salmonids needs to proceed cautiously and reversibly because of the implications for the region-wide populations of these piscivorous colonial waterbirds. / Graduation date: 2012

This study is aimed at analysis of long-term and short-term changes in numbers of Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina) in Třeboň region. This species is increasing in long-term period and it is also spreading into new localities in the Czech Republic. There were recorded two waves of arrival of Red-crested Pochard arrive, i.e. in April and in May. The total numbers were decreasing at the end of breeding season (from the beginning of July) in study area. The water surface area and area of littoral vegetation were found to be the most important factors affecting preference of individual ponds in pre-breeding season. Furthermore, water transparency seems to be important factor affecting numbers of broods, ducklings and adults in post-breeding season. Low numbers of broods per 1 female were recorded in years with high numbers of Red- crested Pochard at the start of breeding season. However, the frequency of brood parasitism was higher in these years. Key words: Netta rufina, Red-crested Pochard, population dynamics, ducks, breeding, numbers, brood parasitism, south Bohemia