F. Russell Cole

Effects of the Argentine ant on arthropod fauna of Hawaiian high-elevation shrubland.

Human-caused biological invasions by an alien species are a worldwide phenomenon. They are particularly significant on isolated oceanic islands and represent a serious threat to endemic biota. The Argentine ant (Iridomyrmex humilis) has become established in portions of the high-elevation shrubland of Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii, over the past 25 yr. This ecosystem lacks native ants but possesses many locally endemic and rare arthropod species. Pitfall trapping and under-rock surveys were conducted to determine the effects of I. humilis on the local arthropod fauna. More than 180 taxa were sampled, mostly Arthropoda. Presence of the Argentine ant is associated with reduced populations of many native and non-native arthropod species, including important predator species and major pollinators of native plants. Effects of ant invasion were particularly severe at higher elevations of Haleakala volcano where endemic species normally exist at low densities. Some taxa, primarily alien species, were more abundant in the presence of ants. Invasion of the Argentine ant has locally reduced the abundance of many endemic species in the shrubland ecosystem. Although the spread of this ant species is slow, I. humilis appears to have the potential to invade a much larger area of Haleakala National Park than it now occupies. Active management of Argentine ant populations will be nec- essary if the endemic fauna is to be preserved.

Generic Revision in the Holarctic Ground Squirrel Genus Spermophilus

Abstract The substantial body of research on Holarctic ground squirrels amassed over the past century documents considerable variability in morphological, cytogenetic, ecological, and behavioral attributes in the genus Spermophilus F. Cuvier, 1825. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that the traditionally recognized genera Marmota Blumenbach, 1779 (marmots), Cynomys Rafinesque, 1817 (prairie dogs), and Ammospermophilus Merriam, 1892 (antelope ground squirrels) render Spermophilus paraphyletic, potentially suggesting that multiple generic-level lineages should be credited within Spermophilus. Herein, we recognize 8 genera formerly subsumed in Spermophilus, each of which is morphologically diagnosable, craniometrically distinctive, and recovered as a monophyletic clade in phylogenetic analyses utilizing the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b. Generic-level names are available for each of these ground squirrel assemblages, most of which are exclusively or predominantly North American in distribution (Notocitellus A. H. Howell, 1938; Otospermophilus Brandt, 1844; Callospermophilus Merriam, 1897; Ictidomys J. A. Allen, 1877; Poliocitellus A. H. Howell, 1938; Xerospermophilus Merriam, 1892; and Urocitellus Obolenskij, 1927). Only Spermophilus sensu stricto is restricted to Eurasia. Generic subdivision of Spermophilus more aptly illuminates the taxonomic relationships, ecomorphological disparity, and biogeographic history of Holarctic ground squirrels.

A SYNOPSIS OF DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS AND THE CONSERVATION OF MAMMAL SPECIES

The 26 orders of living mammals occur in a variety of habitats; 97.5% of the species occupy terrestrial while only 2.5% inhabit marine environments. The most recent complete compilation lists 136 families, 1,135 genera, and 4,629 living and recently extinct species. The Ethiopian region possesses the most diverse fauna (52 families, 17 endemic) and 23% of all described species. This region has the highest generic and species endemism; almost 80% of the genera and >90% of the species are endemic. Fauna of the Oriental region also is rich (50 families, three endemic), including >20% of the worlds species. The Palearctic region possesses 42 families (none endemic) and 18% of the worlds species. The Australian region includes 10% of the worlds species in 28 families (12 endemic); >60% of the genera and almost 90% of the species are endemic. The richest diversity of mammals in the New World occurs in the Neotropical region with 50 families (19 endemic) and 24% of the worlds species (>80% endemic). The Nearctic region (37 families, two endemic) is home to 14% of all described species. Three terrestrial orders (Primates, Peris-sodactyla, and Proboscidea) and two marine orders (Cetacea and Sirenia) require immediate conservation efforts. Within the remaining 21 orders, ca. 30% of Old World and 15% of New World families are at risk. Additionally, almost 15% of the worlds species are rated as endangered or vulnerable, and another ca. 10% are categorized as potentially vulnerable; these species warrant conservation strategies. The areas of the world with the greatest mammalian diversity are also the most poorly known, so conservation needs may be under-represented in those regions.

Effectiveness of multiple-capture live traps for field behavioral studies of microtine rodents

Use of multiple-capture live traps in routine demographic studies provides data concerning social organization and potential interactions between individuals, data not otherwise available from single-capture traps. Multiple-capture traps are especially effective in field behavioral studies in which large numbers of animals occupying a single nest must be monitored at frequent intervals. Burt multiple-capture traps are shown to be at least as efficient as Longworth single-capture treadle traps in capturing both Microtus ochrogaster and Microtus pennsylvanicus.

Felis margarita (Carnivora: Felidae)

Abstract: Felis margarita Loche, 1858 is a felid commonly called the sand cat. It is 1 of 6 species in the genus Felis. One of the smallest of the wild cats, Felis margarita, is adapted behaviorally and morphologically to live in desert environments. Prey includes rodents, birds, reptiles, and arthropods. This species has a wide, but disjunct distribution through northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and southwest and central Asia. F. margarita occurs at low densities throughout its range and is listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources due to habitat degradation and its low and potentially declining population. F. margarita is bred in zoos in North America and Europe.

Microtus miurus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Abstract Microtus miurus Osgood, 1901, is a cricetid commonly called the singing vole. An average-sized, short-tailed vole, it is 1 of 62 species in the genus Microtus. It occurs in northwestern Canada and Alaska, where it inhabits well-drained tundra and extends into subalpine and alpine regions. It is unique among arvicolines in that it not only hoards underground but also constructs haypiles above ground. It is listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Urocitellus canus (Rodentia: Sciuridae)

Abstract Urocitellus canus (Merriam, 1898) is a sciurid commonly called Merriams ground squirrel. A nondescript, thin-tailed, unmarked ground squirrel, it is 1 of 12 species in the genus Urocitellus. It occurs in eastern Oregon and small parts of neighboring Idaho, Nevada, and California. It prefers grasslands and pastures with big sagebrush and western juniper. Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources places U. canus in their Least Concern (LC) category, this species is of conservation concern regionally because of its limited distribution.

Assessing LakeSmart, a community-based lake protection program

Anthropogenic impacts, particularly shoreline development and related nutrient runoff, threaten Maine lakes. The LakeSmart program was created in response to these threats to promote the use of lake-friendly landscaping practices. We used 237 surveys and 8 stakeholder interviews to investigate motivations that drive conservation behavior among lakeshore residents, to explore the effectiveness of criteria used for LakeSmart evaluations and to identify potential areas for improvement of its structural design and marketing strategies. LakeSmart participants were more likely than non-participants to recognize the threat of declining water quality, to adopt or enhance existing lake-friendly landscaping best management practices, and to help foster a strong sense of community. We conclude that the LakeSmart program could be strengthened with enhanced training for inspectors through increased “job-shadowing” opportunities with experienced inspectors, expanded mentoring for owners whose properties do not pass the initial LakeSmart evaluation, and by eliminating ambiguous wording in the property evaluation form. Partnerships with member-rich groups and identifying ways to reduce costs of recommended mitigation actions could increase program participation. The defined parameters of the property evaluation, along with recommendations to strengthen the evaluation process, can result in greater citizen participation and ultimately improved lake ecosystem health measured by fewer algal blooms and greater water clarity. LakeSmart could serve as a model for other conservation programs attempting to transform knowledge to action.