The food habits, movement and activity patterns, and habitat use of sympatric carnivores, and wildlife harvest and utilization, were studied at the Taohong Village, Jiangxi Province, southeastern China during 1992–1996. Food habits of four species of sympatric carnivores were studied by scat analysis. Crab-eating mongooses (Herpestes urva) had the most diversified diet that included many water-edge food items. Masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) consumed a large proportion of fruits. Both small Indian civets (Viverricula indica) and hog badgers (Arctonyx collaris) fed heavily on rodents. Though there was a certain degree of difference in habitat use among these species, the rather high diet overlap suggested that the population densities of these species were reduced to a very low level by constant harvest pressure and secondary poisoning so that the diet ceased to have relevant effect on the sympatry of these species. The food habits (based on scat analysis) of the sympatric dhole (Cuon alpinus) and wolf (Canis lupus ) showed that their depredation on the endangered Sika deer ( Cervus nippon kopschi), domestic animals and small carnivores was negligible. Telemetry studies showed that small Indian civets, masked palm civets, and crab-eating mongooses did not have permanent dens but moved among their numerous daybeds. Small Indian civets used daybeds among the bushes and grass on the ground while other species used underground dens exclusively. Small Indian civets and crabeating mongooses limited their activity to the foothills at low altitude, while masked palm civets included habitat of higher altitude in their home ranges. Both small Indian civets and masked palm civets were nocturnal, but the latter had a low activity level in the daytime. Crab-eating mongooses were active in the daytime. Ferret badgers (Melogale moschata) were strictly nocturnal. Their daybeds included both natural and man-made sites. The lack of direct conflict of interest with humans allowed them to live in close proximity to human settlement. Wildlife harvest during the 1992/96 harvest seasons was studied by the method of participant observation. Wildlife harvesters comprised 1.5% of the local population, and a few professional harvesters accounted for a large proportion of the game yield. Shotguns and two kinds of traps were the most common harvest methods used. Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and hares (Lepus sinensis and L. capensis) were the most important game species. In spite of the steady increase in the price of wildlife parts, the game yields experienced a gradual decline due to reduced harvest efforts. Wildlife harvest was market-oriented and played an insignificant supplemental role in the local economy. Marketing channels for both pelt and game meat have been well established and are spreading. Wildlife harvest remained largely unregulated. The prospect of wildlife harvest at Taohong is discussed and recommendations to control harvest are proposed.

The movements, activity patterns, habitat use, and range size of 36 (25F:11M) radio-marked white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), all members of a single herd, were monitored in relation to seasonal fruit availability in part of Corcovado National Park (CNP) during 1996–1998. Fruit availability varied seasonally and by forest type: peccaries more frequently used Primary forest during February–May (medium fruit abundance), Secondary and Coastal forest during June–September (high fruit) and Yolillal (swamp forest) during October–January (low fruit). Annually the peccaries ranged over about 40 km2, but use of the area shifted seasonally and was significantly less when fruit was most abundant. Peccary movements are likely reduced and thus density likely increases in areas where the interspersion of seasonally important habitats is high. The spatial and temporal movements of jaguars (Panthera onca ) were monitored in relation to the distribution of nesting marine turtles and white-lipped peccaries in part of CNP during 1996–1998. One radio-marked adult female jaguar was monitored for 3 years to assess home range location and size, activity patterns, and food habits. Jaguar tracks also were recorded on 5-km beach surveys for nesting turtles, on 20-km forest trail transects, and when following 36 radio-marked adult peccaries that lived as part of a single herd. Jaguars regularly ate turtles and peccaries, but spent more time on the beach during last quarter and new moon (LQ/NM) phases when turtles were more abundant. Jaguar home range size did not vary by season or year, but was more restricted during LQ/NM phases, as well. Jaguars were more nocturnal during LQ/NM phases (turtles nested only at night), and more diurnal otherwise (peccaries were diurnal). An “El Niño” weather event was reflected in lower abundance of nesting turtles at all phases of the moon, and increased activity of jaguars in the forest. Jaguar hunting behavior in CNP is strongly related to the abundance of nesting marine turtles and thus moon phase. Reproduction-related observations made on the radio-marked adult female jaguar included when she traveled with an adult male, her approximate denning dates, cub productivity (1/litter), and the length of time between pregnancies (22 months).

The recent increase in large fires in southwestern forests has prompted concern regarding their ecological consequences. Recognizing the importance of spatial patterns in influencing successional processes, I asked: (1) How do large fires change plant communities?; (2) What are the implications of these changes for ponderosa pine forests?; and (3) What is the relationship of fire severity to gradients of climate, fuels, and topography? To address the first two questions, I studied succession in the woody plant community at two sites that burned in high-severity fire: La Mesa fire in northern New Mexico (1977) and Saddle Mountain in northern Arizona (1960). After large fires, abiotic conditions, associated prefire plant distributions, and spatial patterns of burning interacted to result in particular successional outcomes. Variation in abundance and diversity of species that spread from a refuge of seed sources remaining after the fire followed the model of wave-form succession. I investigated the implications of large fires for ponderosa pine by examining the influence of spatial patterns of burning on regeneration. Tree density corresponded most closely with particular scales of seed dispersal kernel and neighborhood severity metrics. Spatial patterns of burning remained influential even after consideration of variables describing subsequent burning and the physical and biotic environment. Age structure of young forests indicated that populations spread in a moving front and by long-distance dispersal. To explore the relationship between fire severity and climate, I investigated how the spatial heterogeneity of high-severity patches varied among 20 fires across gradients in fire size and climate. The largest fires generally occurred during cool dry La Niña climates, however, several fires deviated from this trend. Some spatial properties of severity did not correspond to fire size or to changes in climate. Characteristics of fuels and topography altered spatial patterns of severity, but interactions with extreme burning conditions may have disrupted these local influences in both La Niña and El Niño fires. Spatial patterns of fire severity are central to understanding ecological dynamics following large fires in southwestern forests. Moreover, simplistic assumptions regarding the relation of fire severity to fire size and climate should be viewed with caution.

In the Northeast, land managers are combating the deleterious effects that invasive plants have on other species and natural communities with attempts to remove them or substantially reduce their density. Control methods vary depending on the target species' growth form, the extent of the invasion, and other species and resources at the site. Mechanical treatment, prescribed fire, hand-pulling, and application of herbicides, alone or in combination, have all been used to attempt control. Woody invasive plants are often difficult to eliminate due to their ability to sprout from stems, stumps, and roots. Successful control of these species requires understanding temporal variations in their below-ground resources. Total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) reserves in the roots of woody species support growth following disturbance and generally follow an annual cycle of depletion and replenishment. This study evaluates the effectiveness of treatments when applied during periods of decreased TNC reserves. Treatments were applied to seven invasive shrubs (Corpus racemosa, Rhamnus cathartica, Rosa multiflora, Berberis thunbergii, Lonicera morrowii, Smilax rotundifolia, and Cytisus scoparius) at three different sites in Massachusetts and New York. Treatments included cutting and/or burning, applied singly or in combination, in either the dormant or growing seasons. TNC were depleted following all treatments. Dormant-season-treated plants, whether cut or burned, sprouted and replenished their reserves within the following growing season. For growing-season-treated plants TNC remained depleted longer, with a greater effect on plants that received more treatments. For most species studied, TNC recovered to pre-treatment levels by the end of one growing season without treatment. Sprout growth was influenced by the extent of carbohydrate reserves present before treatment. Biomass and heights of sprouts were significantly lower in growing-season-treated plants than those treated in the dormant season, even when data were adjusted for different lengths of recovery time. All treatments reduced the cover of the target invasive shrub. As the plants sprouted, they regained some of their initial cover and are expected to dominate without further treatment. Timing treatments to the cycle of TNC can increase the effectiveness of control methods, although repeated treatments may be necessary for several years.

The ecology of Swietenia macrophylla and three associated tree species in seasonal tropical forests in Quintana Roo, Mexico were studied to improve the design of sustainable forest management methods. Seed production of 82 Swietenia trees from 15 to >100 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) was estimated by counting fruit pericarp segments beneath the tree crowns. The number of fruits/tree increased with DBH size and was related to increasing tree crown. Trees >75 cm DBH had significantly greater fruit production than smaller trees, and had a larger median seed dispersal distance (38 m) that was skewed to the west of the trees. Fruit production varied among the six-years, but did not reach the population variability or tree synchronicity that is found in masting species. The effect of 7%, 22%, and 45% sunlight and two soil moisture types on seedlings of Swietenia, Cedrela odorata, Cordia dodecandra, and Manilkara zapota were studied in shade houses in Quintana Roo, in order to examine plasticity of physiology, morphology, and biomass allocation as a background to understanding growth and competition in forest conditions. Some expected trends occurred in all species: leaf area ratio (LAR), specific leaf area (SLA), and foliar biomass allocation all increased with decreasing light. Good soil moisture increased height, diameter and biomass, therefore greater photosynthesis rates may be explained by more water availability. However, comparisons among species did not always show trends expected to be associated with different levels of shade tolerance. Shade tolerant Manilkara had the lowest total biomass, and the highest foliar biomass allocation, but did not have the expected high SLA because of its thick evergreen leaves. Shade intolerant Cedrela had the lowest foliar allocation, but compensated with the highest SLA, foliar nitrogen content, and photosynthetic rate. Intermediate/intolerant Swietenia had the highest biomass production of all species; it had high plasticity in foliar allocation such that there was little difference in total biomass among light levels. Intermediate/intolerant Cordia had lower plasticity in foliar allocation than Swietenia , so a lower LAR and substantially less total biomass in low light. It had thicker leaves and higher foliar nitrogen-area in high light.

Pitch pine-scrub oak communities, commonly called pine barrens, are scattered throughout the northeastern United States and are severely threatened by development and fire suppression. The pine barrens of Plymouth and Barnstable Counties in southeastern Massachusetts together comprise the third largest area of this imperiled natural community remaining in North America. The region is also experiencing extremely rapid human population growth making it necessary to set realistic, local-scale conservation priorities. I used the pine barrens of southeastern Massachusetts as a case study for addressing a variety of issues of central importance for local-level conservation planning. To address these questions, I conducted both community and individual species analyses of bird and moth survey data collected at the Camp Edwards Training Site in Barnstable County. First, I examined the relative impact of plot, patch, and landscape factors on the distribution and abundance of the breeding bird and rare moth communities of Camp Edwards. I used partial canonical correspondence analysis to decompose the variance explained by each of these levels of environmental factors. For the bird community as a whole, landscape factors explained slightly more variance than plot factors, and patch factors were nonsignificant. Examination of individual bird species of conservation concern revealed that the distributions of the majority of these species were best explained by the landscape model. In the rare moth community, landscape factors explained more than twice as much variance as plot or patch factors, and the presence of host plants was significant only at the landscape level. The specific variables with the greatest influence on community structure are discussed. I then used logistic regression to develop individual species models for birds and moths of conservation concern based on patch and multi-scale landscape variables. I used these models to predict bird and moth rarity hotspots in southeastern Plymouth County. Results indicated (1) there was little congruence between bird and moth rarity hotspots; (2) the few overlapping hotspots occurred in and around Myles Standish State Forest; and (3) most hotspots were inadequately protected. The results suggest that multi-taxa, multi-scale approaches may be required for comprehensive conservation planning in pine barrens communities.

Although ecotourism is touted as a tool to promote sustainable development and conservation of protected areas, it can have a negative impact on some species that it intends to protect. This dissertation explores the impacts of tourism on the breeding behavior and success of Atelornis pittoides , Madagascar's endemic pitta-like ground roller. Another goal is to understand the foraging and nesting requirements of this endangered bird. From 2000 to 2003, I studied the morphology, habitat use, distribution, foraging behavior, nesting-habitat selection, breeding behavior, and breeding success of Atelornis pittoides (Brachypteraciidae, Coraciiformes) at three different study localities in the Ranomafana National Park. Data were collected using line transects, point counts, mist netting, and direct observation. Characteristics of preferred and rejected habitats were measured at each of the three study localities. Habitat disturbance was evaluated by direct observation and park records. Talatakely forest had suffered the greatest disturbance; Vohiparara had suffered moderate disturbance, and Parcelle 1 had suffered little disturbance (and supported no ecotourism). The breeding success of Atelornis was found to be jeopardized by natural- and human-induced habitat disturbance. It decreased in areas of heavy tourism, in years marked by heavy tourism, and for nests built close to tourist trails. Nest predation rates increased with increasing tourism. There were differences in the calling behavior of birds at the three localities; in the most disturbed habitats, the birds called less frequently, particularly in the middle of the day (when tourists are likely to draw predators to their nesting sites). Atelornis was found to be selective in its choice of nesting sites. There were significant differences in vegetation structure and composition, as well as other habitat characteristics (e.g., soil exposure, presence of fallen trees, local topography), between preferred and rejected habitats. In general, nesting habitat selection is related to predator avoidance, access to ideal foraging habitat, and avoidance of competition with conspecifics. Long-term pair bonding and nest habitat fidelity (from year to year) was demonstrated, for the first time, in this study. A minor but statistically significant amount of sexual dimorphism was also demonstrated, and interpreted within the context of foraging and breeding adaptations.

In Massachusetts both human and beaver population levels are rising, beaver damage complaints are escalating, and beaver management options are restricted by the 1996 Wildlife Protection Act. Employing the Cognitive Value Hierarchy, this study enhances understanding of the public's value orientations, attitudes, and norms regarding human-beaver conflicts in Massachusetts. A mailback questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 5,563 residents in three geographic regions in Massachusetts and to residents who submitted a beaver complaint to MassWildlife in 1999/2000 (47.3% overall response rate). Results indicate that respondents believe beaver are an important part of the natural environment and they have a right to exist. Respondents also support some form of beaver management. Most respondents believe that beaver-related damage in Massachusetts has either increased or remained the same over the past five years, and indicated a preference for fewer beaver, regardless of experience with beaver damage. Respondents' attitudes are influenced by their experience with beaver damage, perceptions of extent of beaver damage, and tolerance of beaver. As severity of beaver damage was perceived to increase, respondents were more willing to accept lethal management/control of beaver. Respondents characterized by a “wildlife-use” orientation expressed a greater willingness to accept lethal action in response to beaver activity than respondents characterized by a “wildlife-protection” orientation. This relationship was partially mediated when respondents believed beaver damage had increased and/or they preferred to see fewer beaver in Massachusetts. Value orientations proved to be predictive of both attitudes and norms, thus validating the propositions of the Cognitive Value Hierarchy. Results confirm the importance of understanding and monitoring public attitudes, norms, perceptions, and tolerance in a longitudinal framework and coupling this information with biological data to determine trends in relation to increases in beaver populations and human-beaver conflicts. The concepts and causal relationships posed by the Cognitive Value Hierarchy can provide information to link attitudes, norms, and values of wildlife stakeholder groups with socially acceptable management strategies. Replicating, expanding, and applying this framework to other wildlife species, and in different socio-political environments, can enhance the effectiveness and applicability of this theoretical perspective in understanding and resolving complex human-wildlife conflicts.

The effects of four forest management options on habitat quality for six bird species were predicted over time and through space in a commercial forestry region in Colombia. A forest growth model for Pinus patula plantations in Colombia was developed to simulate dynamics of seven parameters during a rotation, and evaluate changes in structure under the proposed forest management options. Habitat suitability index (HSI) models were created for six bird species that represent different life histories and habitat requirements. The species selected were Chamaepetes goudoutii (Sickled-Winged Guan), Colibri coruscans (Sparkling Violetar), Myioborus miniatus (Slate-Throated Whitestart), Trogon collaris (Collared Trogon), Piculus rivolii (Crimson-Mantled Woodpecker), and Cyanocorax yncas (Inca Jay). These bird species were present in the pAtula pine plantations and surrounding natural forest in the forest management area. Evaluation of habitat quality for each bird species was assessed over a rotation based on Geographic Information System (GIS), allowed temporal and spatial results. Intensive forest management options included prunings, thinnings and extended rotation, provide the best pulpwood and sawtimber pine quality for economic benefits, as well the best habitat quality for the selected species. The results show that HSI models for the selected bird species are sensitive in order of importance to changes in vertical stratification (VST), diameter at breast height (DBH), and height (HGT). The HSI models were not sensitive to changes in pines per hectare (PPH). The selected bird species are more likely to have better habitat suitability in forestry commercial areas that are composed of several small stands with the minimal area required for the specie, than in commercial areas composed of a few large stands.

Lymantria mathura Moore is a polyphagous defoliator of hardwood trees in the Russian Far East, Japan, India, and China. Its egg masses were intercepted on ships arriving to Pacific Northwest. If introduced and established in North America, L. mathura is likely to cause serious economic consequences. As a part of a program for development of monitoring and control measures, possible host range, larval air-borne dispersal, mating behavior, and pheromone communication of L. mathura were studied. Survival and development of first instars of L. mathura were examined on 24 hardwood and conifer tree species from North America, Europe, and Asia. Lymantria mathura performed well on hosts in the family Fagaceae. Survival and growth rate was high in the genus Fagus (beech) and Quercus (oak), particularly white oak group. Performance was intermediate on species of red oak group and species from Juglandaceae, Betulaceae, and Oleaceae. Survival was poor on Pinaceae. Dispersal rates, settling velocities, and diel periodicity of dispersal for both L. mathura and Asian L. dispar were studied to predict probable extent of neonate dispersal. Dispersal rates for L. mathura exceeded those of Asian and North American gypsy moths. Neonates of L. mathura weighed less and had slower settling velocities than Asian or North American gypsy moths. Pheromone-baited traps would be important for detecting introductions of L. mathura, but a sex pheromone has not yet been identified. I studied the olfactory reaction of males to females and to odor compounds in the wind tunnel. Number of males performing searching flight in a pheromone plume was lower than moths performing non-pheromone mediated flight. There was no difference in male performance when stimulated with preparations of female abdominal tip extracts or synthetic compounds derived from females. Studies of courtship showed that females initiated calling shortly after start of scotophase, and courtship occurred several hours later. Mating occurred after a calling female starts wing fanning, initiating a fanning response and flight in a nearby male. A receptive female lifts the wings and allows a male underneath. During behavioral studies, low frequency atonal sound associated with wing fanning was recorded in both sexes of L. mathura, and several other lymantriids tested for comparison. There were differences in wing beat frequencies between sexes and species.