Peter J. Pekins

Songbird response to group selection harvests and clearcuts in a New Hampshire northern hardwood forest

Clearcutting creates habitat for many species of early successional songbirds; however, little information is available on bird use of small forest openings created by group selection harvests. Group selection harvests are increasing on the White Mountain National Forest due to negative public response to clearcutting. The objective of this study was to determine if avian species richness and composition differ between clearcut and group selection openings, and between mature stands and the uncut portions of group selection stands. Point count surveys were conducted during the 1992 and 1993 breeding seasons within six study blocks in the White Mountain National Forest, NH. Each block consisted of a clearcut stand, a group selection stand and a mature stand. Species richness per stand was significantly higher in clearcut openings (p = 0.010) than in group selection openings. Forested areas surrounding group selection openings were similar to mature stands in species richness (p = 0.848) and composition. Our data suggest that, relative to avian use, the group selection system does not provide habitat similar to that created by clearcutting in extensive northern hardwood stands. The group selection system appears to retain much of the mature forest bird community while providing for a limited number of early successional bird species. Gradual replacement of clearcutting with group selection harvests could result in reduced avian diversity across large forested tracts.

Bat habitat use in White Mountain National Forest

In 1992 and 1993, we surveyed the foraging and feeding activity of bat species with broadband bat detectors at 2 foliage heights in 4 age classes of northern hardwood and spruce/fir forest stands in White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire and Maine. The association of bat activity with trails and water bodies and the effect of elevation were measured. Mist nets, a harp trap, and ultrasonic detectors were used to establish species presence. Bat activity was concentrated at trail and water body edges and was uniform within a forest stand at the same sampling height. Within the forest, bat activity was highest in overmature (>119 yr, 35% of mean bat activity/night) hardwood stands and in regenerating (0-9 yr) stands of both forest types (26% of mean bat activity/night). The majority of bats trapped (56%) were adult male little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus). Our data indicate that a matrix of forest types and age classes including areas of regeneration (clearcuts and group cuts) and overmature hardwood, in combination with trails and water bodies, help fulfill the summer habitat requirements of bats in White Mountain National Forest.

Nutrient and energy assimilation of prey by bobcats

Evaluation de la valeur nutritive des principales proies dhiver de Felis rufus (Lepus americanus,Odocoileus virginianus,Sciurus carolinensis)

Characteristics and dynamics of a regional moose Alces alces population in the northeastern United States.

Abstract Abundance indices suggested that the moose Alces alces population in northern New Hampshire was stable despite favourable habitat and conservative harvest. Causes and rates of mortality were unknown because moose reproduction and survival was unstudied in the region. Our study was designed to investigate the dynamics of the regional population in 2002-2005. A total of 92 moose (33 cows and 59 calves) were captured and fitted with radio-collars (VHF = 83, GPS = 9). Parturition ranged from 8 May to 13 July (median = 19 May) with 78% of births occurring during 13-27 May. Calving rate of yearlings and adults (> 2 years old) averaged 30 and 85%, respectively; twinning rate was 11%. Analysis of reproductive data from harvested cows (1988-2004) indicated that the average weight of adult cows increased but their corpora lutea count declined from ∼ 1.4 to 1.2/cow. Both ovulation rate and average weight of yearling cows declined about 25 and 4%, respectively. There were 39 mortalities (49% calves) with winterkill/parasite (41%), vehicle collision (26%) and hunting (18%) as the leading causes. Major sources of mortality of radio-marked cows were human-related; survival was 0.87. Annual calf survival was 0.45. Unmarked calf (0-2 months of age) survival was 0.71 with 76% of mortality in the first month of life. Radio-marked calves (∼ 7-12 months of age) had a survival rate of 0.67; 74% of the mortality was winterkill/parasite related. Calf mortality was concentrated (88%) in late winter-early spring. The unseasonably warm and snowless fall in 2001 probably favoured high tick transmission and increased tick loads on moose that resulted in high calf mortality (0.51) and measurable cow mortality (10%) in mild winter-spring 2002. Documentation of substantial tick-related mortality of radio-marked moose calves was unique to this study. The stability of the moose population probably reflects the variation in annual recruitment and lower fecundity of yearling cows associated with heavy infestations and epizootics of winter tick. Given that fertility, calving rate and body condition of adult cows, and summer calf survival are annually high, the population should recover from tick epizootics that periodically inhibit population growth.

Genetic Mark-Recapture Population Estimation in Black Bears and Issues of Scale

ABSTRACT Abundance estimates for black bears (Ursus americanus) are important for effective management. Recently, DNA technology has resulted in widespread use of noninvasive, genetic capture—mark—recapture (CMR) approaches to estimate populations. Few studies have compared the genetic CMR methods to other estimation methods. We used genetic CMR to estimate the bear population at 2 study sites in northern New Hampshire (Pittsburg and Milan) in 2 consecutive years. We compared these estimates to those derived from traditional methods used by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) using hunter harvest and mortality data. Density estimates produced with genetic CMR methods were similar both years and were comparable to those derived from traditional methods. In 2006, the estimated number of bears in Pittsburg was 79 (95% CI = 60–98) corresponding to a density of 15–24 (95% CI) bears/ 100 km2; the 2007 estimate was 83 (95% CI = 67–99; density = 16–24 bears/100 km2). In 2006, the estimated number of bears in Milan was 95 (95% CI = 74–117; density = 16–25 bears/100 km2); the 2007 estimate was 96 (95% CI = 77–114; density = 17–25 bears/100 km2). We found that genetic CMR methods were able to identify demographic variation at a local scale, including a strongly skewed sex ratio (2 M:1 F) in the Milan population. Genetic CMR is a useful tool for wildlife managers to monitor populations of local concern, where abundance or demographic characteristics may deviate from regional estimates. Future monitoring of the Milan population with genetic CMR is recommended to determine if the sex ratio bias continues, possibly warranting a change in local harvest regimes.

Reevaluation of the Basal Metabolic Cycle in White-Tailed Deer

We investigated the seasonal cycle of basal metabolism in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) by measuring basal metabolic rate (BMR) of four nonpregnant and four pregnant does from winter to summer. Metabolism was measured monthly with indirect respiration calorimetry from January–July/August, 1989. Mean monthly BMR of nonpregnant does ranged from 85.5 to 89.0kcal/kg body weight0.75/day. The mean BMR of nonpregnant does was 87.1 kcal. Individual, nonpregnant BMR, averaged across all months, varied from 80.7 to 93.5 kcal with minimal monthly or seasonal change. Metabolism of pregnant does increased curvilinearly from January to parturition. Postpartum BMR averaged 86.4 kcal, similar to nonpregnant does. Our data are similar to prior winter measurements of BMR, but are substantially lower than previously reported summer BMRs. Our data do not support the proposed existence of an inherent seasonal cycle in basal metabolism in white-tailed deer. Experimental temperatures and animal activity within metabolism chambers may have affected previous summer measurements.

Influence of seasonal temperatures on wild turkey metabolism

We measured standard metabolic rate (SMR) and the effects of temperature on metabolism of adult eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) during each season of the year. Female SMR was similar throughout the year, and male SMR was lower during spring. Female SMR exceeded male SMR each season and was significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer and autumn. Bothe sexes had similar lower critical temperatures (T lc ), but females lost heat faster below T lc . Low winter T lc (about −15 C) indicated that thermoregulatory costs are probably minimal for turkeys at normal winter temperatures in southcentral New Hampshire

Metabolic rate of bobcats as influenced by seasonal temperatures

We used indirect respiration calorimetry to measure metabolic rate and delineate the lower critical temperature (T,,) of bobcats (Felis rufus) during summer, fall, winter, and spring. The yearly mean standard metabolic rate (SMR) within the thermoneutral zone was 79 kcal/kg body weight (BW)o75/day (range = 69-88 kcal/kg BW075/day). No difference (P < 0.05) was found between winter and summer SMRs. We measured T,, of 22.5, 7.7, -2.2, and 5.0 C for summer, fall, winter, and spring, respectively, which were similar to mean seasonal temperatures in New Hampshire. Bobcat metabolic rate increased linearly below TLC. Metabolic measurements and regional temperature information indicate that northern bobcats are commonly exposed to energy-costly temperatures during winter. This high thermoregulatory cost likely results in behavioral adaptations; e.g., microhabitat selection and sunning. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 53(1):202-205 Energetic information for northeastern bobcats includes food habits (Pollack 1951, Westfall 1956, Litvaitis et al. 1984) and digestibility of several prey species (Golley et al. 1965, Powers 1984); however, bobcat metabolic rate has only been measured during the winter (Gustafson 1984). Our understanding of bobcat energetics is limited beyond the scope of these studies. A knowledge of baseline energy requirements of bobcats, when coupled with food consumption and food assimilation information, allows the calculation of minimum prey budgets of freeranging bobcats. Impacts of climate, changing land-use patterns, and forestry practices on bobcats and their resources can likewise be evaluated through a better understanding of bobcat energetics. The purpose of our study was to determine seasonal metabolic rates and thermoneutral zones of bobcats acclimated to natural ambient temperature and photoperiod. We acknowledge the help of numerous students and the constructive reviews of E. N. Francq and J. A. Litvaitis. This project was supported with Pittman-Robertson funds (PR W-81This content downloaded from 157.55.39.102 on Thu, 23 Jun 2016 07:08:29 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms J. Wildl. Manage. 53(1):1989 BOBCAT METABOLISM * Mautz and Pekins 203 R-1) through the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and McIntire-Stennis funds. This is Scientific Contribution 1538 from the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Sta-

Water balance attributes for off-host survival in larvae of the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus; Acari: Ixodidae) from wild moose

ABSTRACT To explore how the one-host tick Dermacentor albipictus survives off-host, we determined water balance characteristics of eggs and larvae. In contrast to eggs, larvae lost water fast, absorbed water vapour and died from a low amount of water loss. Placing mated females under near water-saturated conditions yielded larvae that absorbed and survived only at high relative humidities. We observed larvae forming clusters. Water loss rate of larvae decreased as group size increased. In response to day length, larvae lost water slower under long day than short day conditions. Larvae could switch quickly between fast water loss rate (short day) and slow water loss rate (long day) within a day, independent of the photoperiodic experience of the egg or mother. Long day exposure had no effect on water relations, incubation and survival of eggs. We conclude that eggs are modified for water conservation. Larvae survive by having a water balance maternal effect; i.e. capacity for water vapour absorption in the larva is determined by the relative humidity experienced by the mother. Larvae regulate water loss behaviourally through larval clustering and summer quiescence. Understanding these water balance attributes and effects of desiccation on egg and larval survival during summer are important to better predict the potential population impacts of winter ticks on moose.

Larval behaviour of the winter tick, Dermacentor albipictus (Acari:Ixodidae): evaluation of CO2 (dry ice), and short- and long-range attractants by bioassay

ABSTRACT We report that larvae of Dermacentor albipictus can detect CO2 from a dry ice source at distances up to 3.0 m and initiate increased activation, movement and questing behaviour. The maximum distance that larvae spread was ~0.5 m after 24 h, compared to <0.1 m without CO2 as an excitant. In Petri dish bioassays, 2,6-dichlorophenol, methyl salicylate and o-nitrophenol acted as attractants, albeit with mixed results at 1.0 m, 2.0 m and 3.0 m, respectively. The 2,6-dichlorophenol target was the most effective, although few larvae crawled >1.0 m and CO2 was required as a carrier. In Petri dish bioassays, larvae arrested into dense aggregations on eggshells collected after hatching. This arrestment was associated with the eggshell lipids cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl palmitate, implying that cholesteryl esters act as assembly pheromones for larvae. Faster response was evident at 65% relative humidity (RH) versus 95% RH. Larvae were not arrested by tick excreta, guanine or related purines. Although larvae can be activated from long distances, in the field they remain fairly localized around the egg mass (hatching location), have limited dispersal and are more responsive in drier conditions. Given their arrestant properties, cholesteryl oleate and cholesteryl palmitate may prove useful in pheromone-assisted control methods because D. albipictus larvae are the single stage of infestation to the host.