Orientador: Mauro Galetti Rodrigues / Resumo: Invasões biológicas são uma das principais ameaças à biodiversidade, razão pela qual é campo de interesse de investigações científicas dos ecólogos. Os Neotrópicos abrigam uma das maiores riquezas de espécies do planeta e ao longo dos últimos anos vem sofrendo um aumento expressivo no número de introduções de espécies exóticas. Uma delas é o javali Sus scrofa e suas raças cruzadas com porcos domésticos, que em sua forma silvestre e de vida livre chamamos suídeos asselvajados. Ao longo dessa tese procuro investigar algumas das consequências ecológicas da invasão dessa espécie, assim como apresentar um panorama do controle populacional empregado hoje no Brasil, buscando sempre que possível fazer uma discussão dos resultados aplicada ao manejo da espécie. No Capítulo 1 mostro como a introdução acentuada dessa espécie ocorrida nos últimos 20 anos no Brasil fez com que ela se distribuísse amplamente por todo território nacional, principalmente nas regiões Sul, Sudeste e Centro-Oeste. No Capítulo 2 eu procurei fazer uma avaliação da efetividade do papel ecológico de frugivoria e dispersão de sementes prestado por esses animais. O Capítulo 3 mostra como as paisagens agrícolas estão subsidiando a invasão dos suídeos asselvajados potencializando a expansão da espécie e no Capítulo 4 busco revelar o papel do invasor no deslocamento do nicho trófico dos pecarídeos nativos.Já o Capítulo 5 apresenta um breve relato da interação entre os suídeos asselvajados e morcegos vampiros e, ao final... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Biological invasions are one of the main threats to biodiversity, which is why it is a field of interest for scientific investigations by ecologists. The Neotropics are home to one of the planet's greatest species richness, and over the last few years it has been experiencing a significant increase in the number of exotic species introduction. One of them is the wild boar Sus scrofa and their crossed-breeds with domestic pigs, that in its free-living wild-form we call wild pigs. My effort throughout this thesis is to investigate some of the ecological consequences of the invasion of this species, as well as present an outlook of the population control employed in Brazil, always seeking to make a discussion of the results applied to the management of the species. In Chapter 1 I show how the severe introduction of this species that occurred in the last 20 years in Brazil has made it widely distributed throughout the country, especially in the South, Southeast and Midwest regions. In Chapter 2 I evaluated the effectiveness of the ecological role of frugivory and seed dispersal provided by these animals. Chapter 3 shows how agricultural landscapes are subsidizing the invasion of wild pigs enhancing the species' expansion. In Chapter 4 I seek to reveal the role of the invader in displacing the trophic niche of native peccaries and Chapter 5 presents a brief account of the interaction between wild pigs and vampire bats. In the end, Chapter 6 outlines a profile of the methods and mo... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Lewis‘ woodpeckers (Melanerpes lewis) are generally associated with open ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), open riparian, and burned pine habitats in the West; however, this species has recently been found to nest in aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands in Utah. This study describes the habitat characteristics of Lewis‘ woodpecker nest sites in aspen and investigates how well aspen stand characteristics predict Lewis‘ woodpecker occupancy. I surveyed for Lewis‘ woodpeckers at previously occupied nesting locations in aspen and took habitat measurements at nest sites. In addition, nest-centered Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA)-type plots provided stand-level habitat characteristics. I used logistic regression to determine which stand-level habitat variables were associated with nest locations; significant variables were then used to select FIA plots in Utah that contained predicted suitable nesting habitat. Criteria used to select FIA plots were aspen type stands, percent canopy cover less than 46%, and average tree diameter at breast height greater than 27.9 cm (11 inches). I then conducted occupancy surveys at FIA plots predicted to contain “suitable” and “non-suitable” Lewis’ woodpecker habitat to field validate the predictive model. No predicted non-suitable plots (n=26) were occupied and only one predicted suitable plot (n=49) was occupied. My results indicated that Lewis’ woodpeckers are rare throughout Utah in aspen stands even though there seems to be abundant nesting habitat available. My results also indicated that variables measured by FIA do not, in isolation, provide sufficient capability to predict Lewis’ woodpecker nesting habitat or actual use, and that more data are needed to accurately predict Lewis’ woodpecker nesting habitat, such as distance to, age, and severity of fires.

My research provided new information concerning the management, ecology, and conservation of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). I report the results of an experiment using strategic intensive sheep grazing to enhance the quality of greater sage-grouse brood-rearing habitat. Although forb cover, an important component of brood-rearing habitat, responded positively to the grazing treatment, the response of other habitat variables was suppressed because the plots were not protected from domestic and wild herbivores during the years following the treatments. Measurements taken in grazing exclosures confirmed that herbivory by both large and small animals had significant impacts on vegetation. However, despite the suppressed habitat response, sage-grouse preferred the treated plots over the controls. In another chapter, I modeled survival rates of sage-grouse chicks to 42-days of age. Average chick survival across my study was high (39%). Survival varied across years and was affected by demographic, behavioral, and habitat factors. The top habitat model indicated that chick survival was positively related to grass cover and was higher in areas dominated by black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) than in big sagebrush (A. tridentata). The top model with demographic/behavioral factors indicated that survival was affected by interactions between hen age and brood mixing as well as between hatch date and brood mixing. In my last chapter I report on a survey of Utah sage-grouse hunter motivations and satisfaction. In 2008 and 2009 I surveyed over 600 sage-grouse hunters in Utah to determine why they chose to apply for sage-grouse hunting permits and what factors contributed to a satisfactory hunting experience. Originally, I had hypothesized that the impending Endangered Species Act listing petition for greater sage-grouse motivated hunters to pursue the species before they lost the opportunity. This hypothesis was not supported by the data. The majority of hunters indicated that they chose to hunt sage-grouse because it was a tradition or because it provided an opportunity to spend time outdoors with family. Additionally, Utah sage-grouse hunter satisfaction was influenced by whether or not the hunter was successful in harvesting at least one bird.

Declining greater sage-grouse populations (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage-grouse) have led to increased concern regarding the long-term stability of the species. Previous research has identified factors contributing to the observed population declines. Habitat degradation and loss have been implicated as major factors in population declines. Although much is known about sage-grouse biology, more information is needed about population responses to specific management actions. This research was conducted to document sage-grouse responses to site-specific management actions. Additionally, I evaluated sage-grouse temporal and seasonal habitat-use and the comparability of techniques used by range and wildlife managers to measure vegetation responses of habitat management. Specifically, I evaluated 1) whether chemical analysis (gas chromatography) of sage-grouse fecal pellets could identify sagebrush species in sage-grouse winter diets, 2) the comparability of the line-point intercept and Daubenmire canopy cover methods for estimating canopy cover, 3) the response of sage-grouse broods to prescribed burns in a high elevation sagebrush community in northeastern Utah, and 4) the vegetation and insect characteristics of sites used by sage-grouse broods during a 24-hour period. I was able to determine wintering sage-grouse diets using gas chromatography by analyzing fecal pellets. This research also confirmed that black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) was an important component of sage-grouse winter diets in western Box Elder County and Parker Mountain populations. The line-point intercept and Daubenmire methods for estimating canopy cover are not comparable. Sage-grouse broods selected small (~ 25 ha) patchy prescribed burns in high elevation mountain big sagebrush (A. tridentata vaseyana) communities in northeastern Utah. Sage-grouse brood-site use in northwestern Utah did not differ during the diurnal hours, but nocturnal roost sites were characterized by shorter statured shrubs and more bare ground when compared to midday sites.

<p>Despite 21 years of protection, sideneck river-turtles (<italic>Podocnemis expansa</italic>, <italic>P. unifilis</italic> and <italic>P. vogli</italic>, arrau, terecay and galápago, respectively), an important food resource for riverine communities (<italic>ribereños</italic>) in the Middle Orinoco, have not recovered. To determine the most effective conservation alternative for recovery, we conducted semi-structured interviews of ribereños and determined their attitudes towards turtle conservation; we collected discarded turtle remains in riverine communities to estimate the level of turtle harvest; and constructed a population model to study the effect of reduced survival and future extraction on arrau turtle population growth. We found that ribereños blame continued commercial extraction for the lack of turtle population recovery. Ribereños have a desire to participate actively in conservation and, despite feeling alienated by governmental officials charged with protecting turtles, prefer to be included in conservation efforts. However, ribereños also fear retaliation from turtle poachers. We found widespread turtle harvest along the Middle Orinoco centered on juvenile arrau turtles, and adult female terecay and galápago turtles. In our population model, reducing harvest causes an increase in population growth. A 10% increase in survival causes rapid exponential growth in arrau turtles. The population continues to grow in over 70% of projected scenarios with limited harvest from a recovered stock. Due to the widespread distribution of turtles and their harvest, we recommend increasing ribereño participation in conservation activities, closing outsider (non-ribereño) access to the resource, increasing enforcement against illegal commercial harvest, instating possession limits for subsistence harvest, and promoting localized captive breeding of faster maturing terecay and galápago turtles to satisfy desire for turtle consumption.</p> / Dissertation

In Texas, landowner associations for the management of common-pool resources such as wildlife and groundwater have become increasingly popular. Successful management of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) depends upon the collective decision-making of landowners. Likewise, aquifer reserves are a trans-boundary resource subject to the "rule of capture." Numerous factors may affect the success of common-pool associations, including property ownership and habitat characteristics, landowner demographics, and social capital. I used a mail questionnaire to explore the relationship between these factors and their effect on association activities and management practices for eight Wildlife Management Associations (WMAs) occurring within the Lower Post Oak Savannah (LPOS) and the Central Post Oak Savannah (CPOS). In addition, I compared responses of members of WMAs in CPOS to members of the Brazos Valley Water Alliance (BVWA), a groundwater association situated in the region. Compared to CPOS, members of WMAs within the LPOS belonged to much larger groups, were generally more recent landowners that met more often, raised more money using more funding methods, and tended to have longer association membership than CPOS landowners, yet they had lower social capital. CPOS landowners owned significantly more land and considered relaxation/leisure and hunting more important land uses than LPOS landowners. The smaller group size in CPOS may be the most important factor in building social capital. Intra-association trust was positively influenced by the longevity of property ownership, the number of association meetings, the percentage of males in the association, and other factors. Negative influences on trust included absentee ownership and Habitat Cover Index, which was a measure of the amount of wooded habitat present. In CPOS, members of the BVWA were part of a much larger, more heterogeneous, and more recently formed group than members of WMAs. They also placed greater importance on utilitarian aspects of their properties, as opposed to land stewardship for conservation as practiced by members of WMAs. If associations are kept small ( < 50) with more frequent meetings, greater social capital and information sharing may be achieved, which may lead to increased land stewardship practices. However, landowners may be motivated more by their shared values independent of any benefit from their association.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2003. / Title from title page screen (viewed Mar. 18, 2004). Thesis advisor: Lisa I. Muller. Document formatted into pages (v, 61 p. : col. ill., maps (some col.)). Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 55-60).

M. Tech. Nature Conservation / Ticks are blood feeding external parasites of mammals, birds, and reptiles throughout the world. Tick infestation is considered to be one of the main constraints to successful game ranching in southern Africa. Several blood parasites are transmitted by ticks and have been incriminated as the cause of death in several wildlife species Ticks thus affect wildlife and domestic animal management worldwide, with approximately 850 species of ticks having been described The aim of the thesis is to collect and describe fully the nature and extent of the tick cohort of a semi-intensive and control free game ranch in the Limpopo Province of South Africa farm and to establish the environmental management effects on tick abundances and species.

Social perspectives on natural resources management have become an increasingly valuable part of natural resources management decision making, especially at the policy or governance level. However, due to the range of social contexts that can exist around management questions, not every technique for incorporating stakeholders into management is suited for every management problem. My research examines the social landscape around chronic wasting disease (CWD) management on the Canadian prairies in order to identify a way forward for stakeholder involvement in CWD management. CWD is a prion disease that results in neurodegeneration and death in cervids. CWD has the potential for broad social impact because it infects elk and deer, species which are both hunted and ranched. Furthermore, management and monitoring efforts in free-ranging cervids frequently incorporate hunting activity. Q methodology was used to survey stakeholders in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and synthesize perspectives about stakeholder understanding of CWD as a problem and preferences for potential solutions. The perspectives that emerged emphasized the importance of increasing knowledge about CWD and a generalized trust in government management, coupled with a desire for stakeholder consultation under the auspices of government leadership. I found that CWD management may not be ready for stakeholder spearheaded management activity due to ambivalence and uncertainty among stakeholders, but stakeholder involvement in CWD management can still offer valuable insight for managers. This is especially notable in light of the recent loss of Saskatchewan’s CWD monitoring program.

Wildlife management in Moryambique has had a troubled history. The end of civil war and installment of a democratic Government provided opportunity to redefine policy and implementation of conservation. Weakened by civil strife and with wildlife decimated in many areas, Government sought approaches to conservation that would promote participation by investors and civil society, particularly rural communities. The intention is to acknowledge the rights of rural people to resources and the benefits that can accrue from their use. Partnerships are seen as a way in which Government can bring the required financial and human resources to bear whilst at the same time engendering positive attitudes to conservation in general, and to policy in particular. The purpose of this research is to examine, using two case study conservation areas, the consequences of Government's attempts to implement its policy. The philosophical basis for the research is that policy reform and implementation should be envisaged as a complex system comprising many interactions and that when this complexity is not acknowledged and addressed systemically, it predisposes the process of policy reform and implementation to failure. A principal cause of failure is considered to be that assumptions are not made explicit and this results in development and application of an approach that does not accord with reality. Further, because of the networked nature of the system, failure at one point can be magnified as its consequences are propagated through the system. A conceptual framework for policy reform and implementation is developed. This exposes some critical assumptions about Government's capacity to implement policy and the ways in which implementation is experienced by stakeholders, especially local communities. Context is provided by tracing the evolution of approaches to conservation in Moryambique from the pre-colonial era to the present. The findings are that Government does not have the capacity to implement its conservation policy and this is shown to have serious implications for how local people perceive and respond to Government approaches to conservation. Causal factors are analysed and assessed. It is concluded that the process of policy reform and implementation is complex but that a systems approach provides a simple and easily comprehended way in which this complexity can be interpreted and taken into account with potentially very significant benefits. Perceptions are shown to be a powerful determinant of response to policy reform and implementation. As these are commonly a basis for destructive tensions between parties, it is suggested that research directed at defining the principles that should underpin management of perceptions and tensions should be encouraged. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.