Terry A. Messmer

The emergence of human–wildlife conflict management: turning challenges into opportunities

Abstract With the increase in wildlife populations in response to protection, human–wildlife conflicts also have increased. In the past, rural residents, especially agricultural producers, and forestry owners bore the brunt of wildlife damage. More recently, urban residents and other wildlife stakeholders are increasingly experiencing wildlife damage. The phrases ‘animal damage control’, ‘problem wildlife management’, and ‘wildlife damage management’ have been traditionally used to describe actions taken to reduce economic losses to agricultural produce caused by wildlife. More recently, the phrase ‘human–wildlife conflict management’ is being applied to these and other situations that involve any negative interactions between humans and wildlife. These conflicts can be either real or perceived, economic or aesthetic, social or political. Human–wildlife conflicts also may encompass damages to the individual that result from federal, state, or local wildlife legislation, regulations, or policies that are designed to protect or conserve wildlife, public benefits, and individual property rights. In this paper, I discuss the emergence of the field of human–wildlife conflict management and identify how public and private wildlife conservation agencies and organizations can turn these new challenges into opportunities to increase public support for professional management.

Effectiveness of temporary warning signs in reducing deer-vehicle collisions during mule deer migrations

Abstract We evaluated the effects of temporary, prominently displayed signs in reducing deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) during mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) migrations. To conduct the study we selected segments of 5 highways in 3 western states that were crossed by mule deer during seasonal migrations. Using local input and historical DVC data, we identified migration corridors used by deer. We separated these migration corridors into sections of equal length. Each section was separated by a buffer zone. We randomly assigned each section into treatment or control areas. In treatment areas we erected temporary warning signs equipped with reflective flags and solar-powered flashing amber lights. To evaluate the effectiveness of signs in reducing DVCs, we monitored deer mortalities during migration periods before and after signs were placed. We also monitored vehicle speeds to determine whether the signs affected motorist behavior. DVCs in the treatment areas were reduced by 50%. Vehicle speeds also were reduced, but evidence suggested that the effect eroded during the second year of the study. Study results indicated that temporary signing can be a cost-effective technique when used on roads where DVC peaks occur in conjunction with seasonal migration periods and are isolated to narrow corridors.

Greater Sage-Grouse Response to Sagebrush Management in Utah

Abstract Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations throughout much of their range have been declining. These declines have largely been attributed to the loss or deterioration of sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitat. In response government agencies such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service are cost-sharing on management practices designed to improve habitat conditions for sage-grouse. Little is known regarding sage-grouse response to various sagebrush management techniques. We studied the effects of reducing sagebrush canopy cover using 2 mechanical (Dixie harrow and Lawson aerator) treatments and 1 chemical (Tebuthiuron) treatment on greater sage-grouse use of brood-rearing habitats on Parker Mountain, Utah, USA. To conduct this experiment, we identified 19 40.5-ha plots that exhibited >40% mountain big sagebrush (A. tridentata vaseyana) canopy cover and randomly assigned 16 as treatment or controls (4 replicates each). Tebuthiuron and Dixie-harrow-treated plots had more forb cover than did control plots (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively) in post-treatment periods. Greater sage-grouse brood use was higher in Tebuthiuron than control plots (P = 0.01). We believe this was attributed to increased herbaceous cover, particularly forb cover. However, in all plots, sage-grouse use was greatest within 10 m of the edge of the treatments where adjacent sagebrush cover was still available. Although the treatments we studied resulted in the plots achieving sage-grouse brooding-rearing habitat guidelines, caution should be exercised in applying these observations at lower elevations, on sites with less annual precipitation, or on a different subspecies of big sagebrush. Prior to using these techniques to implement large-scale sagebrush treatments, the specific rationale for conducting them should be clearly identified. Large-scale projects using the techniques we studied would not be appropriate within sage-grouse wintering or nesting habitat.

Feeding preferences and changes in mass of Canada Geese grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue

In the late 1940s and 1950s southern farmers began planting a newly-discovered tall fescue cultivar (Kentucky-3 1), which was much hardier and more productive than other cultivars. Unknown at the time, this cultivar was infected with the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum. By the 1910s there were over 14 million ha of tall fescue pastures in the U.S., mostly in the southern and south-central states, and most were infected with the fungus (Shelbv and Dalrvmule 1987. Stuedemann and Ho>eland 1988). The total infected area may have increased recently, because tall fescue has been the predominant grass seeded in Conservation Reserve Program plantings in the central and southern

Raptor and Corvid Response to Power Distribution Line Perch Deterrents in Utah

Abstract Increased raptor and corvid abundance has been documented in landscapes fragmented by man-made structures, such as fence posts and power lines. These vertical structures may enhance raptor and corvid foraging and predation efficiency because of increased availability of perch, nesting, and roosting sites. Concomitantly, vertical structures, in particular power distribution lines, have been identified as a threat to sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) conservation. To mitigate potential impacts of power distribution lines on sage-grouse and other avian species, the electrical power industry has retrofitted support poles with perch deterrents to discourage raptor and corvid use. No published information is available regarding efficacy of contemporary perch deterrents on avian predator use of lower-voltage power distribution lines. We evaluated efficacy of 5 perch deterrents mounted on support poles of an 11-km section of a 12.5-kV distribution line that bisected occupied Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) habitat in southeastern Utah, USA. Perch deterrents were mounted on the line in November–December 2006 following a random replicated block design that included controls. During 168 hours and 84 hours of direct observation in 2007 and 2008, respectively, we recorded 276 and 139 perching events of 7 potential avian predators of sage-grouse. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were the dominant species we recorded during both years. We did not detect any difference in perching events by perch deterrent we evaluated and controls (P > 0.05). Perch deterrents we evaluated were not effective because of inherent design and placement flaws. Additionally, previous pole modifications that mitigated avian electrocutions provided alternative perches. We did not record any raptor or corvid electrocutions or direct predation on Gunnison sage-grouse. The conclusions of this study can be applied by conservation groups and power companies to future management of power distribution lines within areas inhabited by species sensitive to man-made vertical structures.

Effects of Landscape-Scale Environmental Variation on Greater Sage-Grouse Chick Survival

Effective long-term wildlife conservation planning for a species must be guided by information about population vital rates at multiple scales. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations declined substantially during the twentieth century, largely as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation. In addition to the importance of conserving large tracts of suitable habitat, successful conservation of this species will require detailed information about factors affecting vital rates at both the population and range-wide scales. Research has shown that sage-grouse population growth rates are particularly sensitive to hen and chick survival rates. While considerable information on hen survival exists, there is limited information about chick survival at the population level, and currently there are no published reports of factors affecting chick survival across large spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed greater sage-grouse chick survival rates from 2 geographically distinct populations across 9 years. The effects of 3 groups of related landscape-scale covariates (climate, drought, and phenology of vegetation greenness) were evaluated. Models with phenological change in greenness (NDVI) performed poorly, possibly due to highly variable production of forbs and grasses being masked by sagebrush canopy. The top drought model resulted in substantial improvement in model fit relative to the base model and indicated that chick survival was negatively associated with winter drought. Our overall top model included effects of chick age, hen age, minimum temperature in May, and precipitation in July. Our results provide important insights into the possible effects of climate variability on sage-grouse chick survival.

Effects of Winter-Feeding on Mule Deer in Northern Utah

Abstract During severe winters, mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) concentrated on ranges in poor condition can experience high mortality. Winter-feeding programs have been implemented to mitigate this mortality. We studied effects on body condition, mortality, fawn production, and migration of mule deer following winter-feeding in the Cache-Wasatch Mountains of northern Utah, USA. Fed deer exhibited 12% higher live body-condition indices both years (main effect feed: F1,7.32 = 5.39, P = 0.052), lower mortality (33% vs. 55%: χ21 = 4.58, P < 0.05), and produced more fawns (19 fawns:18 fed F vs. 11 fawns:12 nonfed F; t27.2 = 2.20, P < 0.036) than nonfed deer. Fed deer migrated later in spring 2004 (x̄ = 13 Apr) than nonfed deer (x̄ = 24 Mar; t34 = 3.25, P = 0.003). Fed deer spent more time on winter range in 2003–2004 (x̄ = 157 d) than nonfed deer (x̄ = 121 d; t20 = 3.63, P = 0.002), and more time on winter range for both winters combined (fed deer x̄ = 321 d, nonfed deer x̄ = 257 d; t27 = 3.29, P = 0.003). Concomitantly, wildlife managers need to recognize that any possible benefits accrued to mule deer populations in terms of increased nutritional status as a result of winter-feeding programs may be mitigated by altered timing of migration and increased duration of use of seasonal ranges by fed deer.

Evaluation of brood detection techniques: recommendations for estimating Greater Sage-Grouse productivity.

ABSTRACT. Obtaining timely and accurate assessment of sage-grouse (Centrocercus spp.) chick survival and recruitment is an important component of species management and conservation. We compared the effectiveness of walking, spotlight, and pointing-dog surveys to detect radio-marked and unmarked chicks within broods of radio-marked hens in Utah. Walking surveys detected 72% of marked chicks, while spotlight and pointing-dog surveys detected 100% and 96%, respectively. We found no difference between spotlight and pointing-dog counts in number of marked and unmarked chicks detected (P = 0.57). Spotlight counts were slightly more time efficient than pointing-dog surveys. However, spotlight surveys were nocturnal searches and perceived to be more technically arduous than diurnal pointing-dog surveys. Pointing-dog surveys may offer greater utility in terms of area searched per unit effort and an increased ability to detect unmarked hens and broods.

Factors Influencing Pheasant Hunter Harvest and Satisfaction

From 1996 to 1999, we surveyed pheasant hunters in Utah to determine what factors affected hunting harvest and improved satisfaction with the hunt. We addressed each question by using a path analysis to examine the effect of select factors on hunter harvest and satisfaction, as well as how harvest affects hunter satisfaction. The resulting path analysis determined that relative hunter density, the number of roosters seen, and the number of pheasants harvested positively influenced hunter satisfaction. The number of roosters seen positively influenced hunter harvest. The number of hours hunted, the size of the hunting party, the number of predators seen, the presence of a dog, and the experience of a hunter with his/her chosen area did not affect hunter satisfaction or hunter success.

Impacts and management of duck-nest predation: the managers' view

Abstract Nest predation impacts duck production and recruitment in many areas of North America. Yet little research has been conducted to evaluate beliefs of waterfowl managers about predation of duck nests or predation management strategies. We surveyed 176 waterfowl managers employed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife agencies to determine their beliefs about the impact of nest predation on duck populations and evaluate their use and perceptions of different predation management techniques. The overall survey response rate was 85% for USFWS and 92% for state managers. Managers believed predation was having a significant impact on duck-nest success. Over 64% of respondents reported that rates of nest success on their management units averaged <30% between 1996–2000. Concomitantly, most managers (93%) reported implementing >1 technique on their management area to reduce nest predation, but most techniques were rated as only somewhat effective. Habitat management (e.g., establishment of dense nesting cover), nesting structures, and lethal control (e.g., trapping) of predators were perceived as being the most effective methods to reduce nest predation. To successfully manage nest predation in the future, managers believed more information is needed about the impact of control techniques on nontarget species and some technical aspects of technique implementation.