George Montopoli

Movements and survival of bald eagles banded in the greater yellowstone ecosystem

Movements and survival of immature bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) beyond their first winter remain largely unknown, and lack of information may impede strategies for effective conservation. We analyzed encounters, sightings, and radio detections of bald eagles auxiliary marked as nestlings in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) between June 1979 and July 1997 to determine movements, survival, and role of Yellowstone National Park in the ecology of GYE bald eagles. Of 344 bald eagles banded, 17% were encountered to June 1998. Most (84%) were encounters of bald eagles >1 year old. Half of encounters were external to the GYE and occurred in 7 western states and 1 Canadian province. All sightings of color-banded bald eagles (n = 76) were of bald eagles >1 year old, and 76% occurred in the GYE. Location and timing of encounters and detections of radiotagged bald eagles indicated most (>90%) juveniles left the GYE in autumn, traveled as far west as coastal states to winter, and returned to natal areas the following spring. Natal dispersal appeared female-biased, and bald eagles produced in the GYE recruited into breeding populations both in and out of the ecosystem. Mortality of 49 bald eagles recovered was from unknown causes (31%), electrocution or collision with power lines (20%), known or suspected poisoning (16%), and gunshot wounds (14%). Eighteen percent was distributed among 3 other causes. Recovery rates indicated bald eagles 3-5 years old experienced the highest mortality. Kaplan-Meir analysis of detections of radiotagged bald eagles indicated first-year survival of 87%, followed by a constant decrease in survival rate over 7 years. Survival estimates determined by radiotracking were consistent with band recovery results in illustrating low survival in 3- to 5-year-old age classes. Radiotracking of immature bald eagles suggested habitat in Yellowstone National Park was important in promoting survival of eventual recruits to the GYE population.

The Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Release Massage Therapy in Five Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

The purpose was to examine neuromuscular release massage therapy (NRMT) as an intervention for individuals with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) to improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and qualig of life. Variables measured were thoracic gas volume, peak flow, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEVI), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEVI/FVC, and quality of life to determine if improvement occurred with 24 weekly treatments of NRMT. Four of five participants had an in-crease in thoracic gas volume, peakflow, and FVC. Paired differences t test resulted in significant changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and time of breath hold Repeated measured analysis of variance indicated a significant interaction between participant and time for heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic blood pressure. The results suggest that individuals with COLD do benefit from NRMT, but the exact physiological mechanism for the changes warrants additional study.

MOVEMENTS AND MORTALITY OF FERRUGINOUS HAWKS BANDED IN MONTANA

Abstract Of 233 Ferruginous Hawks (Buteo regalis) banded as nestlings in three study areas of Montana over 16 years, 15 (6.4%) were recovered. Recovery rate increased with duration of study and cumulative number banded. Mean age at recovery for all Ferruginous Hawks banded in Montana was 390 days. Analysis indicated 50% of banded hawks were dead by between 0.35 and 0.70 yr and 95% were dead by between 1.5 and 3 yr of age. Survival estimated at one year was higher if hawks recovered by radio-tracking were excluded. Mean distance from the natal nest of all recoveries of Ferruginous Hawks banded in Montana was 824 km. Eight recoveries were of recently fledged hawks <1 km from the natal nest, but the remainder were recovered ≥1500 km from the natal nest. Recoveries that were outside natal 10-minute blocks (n = 7) occurred in northern Mexico, central New Mexico, southern California, and Texas; most (86%) were southeast of the natal nest. Six hawks died from unknown causes, five from predation, two from conflicts with power lines or towers, and two from injuries. Predation occurred more often within than outside natal 10-minute blocks. Recovery locations suggested that breeding populations of Ferruginous Hawks remain segregated during winter. Mortality from electrocution and collision may be important for some populations, especially those that winter in populated areas of California and Mexico.

A logistic model for the cumulative effects of human intervention on bald eagle habitat.

We developed a logistic model based on a conjoint analysis approach to evaluate the cumulative effects of selected forms of human disturbance on bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in their natural habitat. The dependent variables were amount of habitat available to bald eagles for foraging and perching as a function of 5 human disturbance factors. Application of the model to a section of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park where detailed information on levels of human intervention were known yielded reasonable values when compared to field observations. The model is currently in use by managers of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park