Whitebark Pine Stand Condition Tree Abundance And Cone Production As Predictors Of Visitation By Clarks Nutcracker

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Whitebark Pine Stand Condition, Tree Abundance, and Cone Production as Predictors of Visitation by Clark's Nutcracker

Author : Lauren E. Barringer
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 11 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (13 download)

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Book Synopsis Whitebark Pine Stand Condition, Tree Abundance, and Cone Production as Predictors of Visitation by Clark's Nutcracker by : Lauren E. Barringer

Download or read book Whitebark Pine Stand Condition, Tree Abundance, and Cone Production as Predictors of Visitation by Clark's Nutcracker written by Lauren E. Barringer and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 11 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: BACKGROUND: Accurately quantifying key interactions between species is important for developing effective recovery strategies for threatened and endangered species. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), a candidate species for listing under the Endangered Species Act, depends on Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) for seed dispersal. As whitebark pine succumbs to exotic disease and mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae), cone production declines, and nutcrackers visit stands less frequently, reducing the probability of seed dispersal. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We quantified whitebark pine forest structure, health metrics, and the frequency of nutcracker occurrence in national parks within the Northern and Central Rocky Mountains in 2008 and 2009. Forest health characteristics varied between the two regions, with the northern region in overall poorer health. Using these data, we show that a previously published model consistently under-predicts the proportion of survey hours resulting in nutcracker observations at all cone density levels. We present a new statistical model of the relationship between whitebark pine cone production and the probability of Clark's nutcracker occurrence based on combining data from this study and the previous study. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our model clarified earlier findings and suggested a lower cone production threshold value for predicting likely visitation by nutcrackers: Although nutcrackers do visit whitebark pine stands with few cones, the probability of visitation increases with increased cone production. We use information theoretics to show that beta regression is a more appropriate statistical framework for modeling the relationship between cone density and proportion of survey time resulting in nutcracker observations. We illustrate how resource managers may apply this model in the process of prioritizing areas for whitebark pine restoration.

Dendroecology

Author : Mariano M. Amoroso
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319616692
Total Pages : 404 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (196 download)

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Book Synopsis Dendroecology by : Mariano M. Amoroso

Download or read book Dendroecology written by Mariano M. Amoroso and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-12-12 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dendroecologists apply the principles and methods of tree-ring science to address ecological questions and resolve problems related to global environmental change. In this fast-growing field, tree rings are used to investigate forest development and succession, disturbance regimes, ecotone and treeline dynamics and forest decline. This book of global scope highlights state-of-the-science dendroecological contributions to paradigm-shifts in our understanding of ecophysiology, stand dynamics, disturbance interactions, forest decline and ecosystem resilience to global environmental change and is fundamental to better managing our forested ecosystems for the full range of ecosystem goods and services that they provide.

Biodiversity and Conservation in Forests

Author : Diana F. Tomback
Publisher : MDPI
ISBN 13 : 3038975745
Total Pages : 173 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (389 download)

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Book Synopsis Biodiversity and Conservation in Forests by : Diana F. Tomback

Download or read book Biodiversity and Conservation in Forests written by Diana F. Tomback and published by MDPI. This book was released on 2019-01-18 with total page 173 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Biodiversity and Conservation in Forests" that was published in Forests

Why Birds Matter

Author : Çagan H. Sekercioglu
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
ISBN 13 : 022638277X
Total Pages : 398 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (263 download)

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Book Synopsis Why Birds Matter by : Çagan H. Sekercioglu

Download or read book Why Birds Matter written by Çagan H. Sekercioglu and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2016-08-24 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For over one hundred years, ornithologists and amateur birders have jointly campaigned for the conservation of bird species, documenting not only birds’ beauty and extraordinary diversity, but also their importance to ecosystems worldwide. But while these avian enthusiasts have noted that birds eat fruit, carrion, and pests; spread seed and fertilizer; and pollinate plants, among other services, they have rarely asked what birds are worth in economic terms. In Why Birds Matter, an international collection of ornithologists, botanists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and environmental economists seeks to quantify avian ecosystem services—the myriad benefits that birds provide to humans. The first book to approach ecosystem services from an ornithological perspective, Why Birds Matter asks what economic value we can ascribe to those services, if any, and how this value should inform conservation. Chapters explore the role of birds in such important ecological dynamics as scavenging, nutrient cycling, food chains, and plant-animal interactions—all seen through the lens of human well-being—to show that quantifying avian ecosystem services is crucial when formulating contemporary conservation strategies. Both elucidating challenges and providing examples of specific ecosystem valuations and guidance for calculation, the contributors propose that in order to advance avian conservation, we need to appeal not only to hearts and minds, but also to wallets.

Forest Health and Biotechnology

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309482887
Total Pages : 241 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (94 download)

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Book Synopsis Forest Health and Biotechnology by : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Download or read book Forest Health and Biotechnology written by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2019-04-01 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The American chestnut, whitebark pine, and several species of ash in the eastern United States are just a few of the North American tree species that have been functionally lost or are in jeopardy of being lost due to outbreaks of pathogens and insect pests. New pressures in this century are putting even more trees at risk. Expanded human mobility and global trade are providing pathways for the introduction of nonnative pests for which native tree species may lack resistance. At the same time, climate change is extending the geographic range of both native and nonnative pest species. Biotechnology has the potential to help mitigate threats to North American forests from insects and pathogens through the introduction of pest-resistant traits to forest trees. However, challenges remain: the genetic mechanisms that underlie trees' resistance to pests are poorly understood; the complexity of tree genomes makes incorporating genetic changes a slow and difficult task; and there is a lack of information on the effects of releasing new genotypes into the environment. Forest Health and Biotechnology examines the potential use of biotechnology for mitigating threats to forest tree health and identifies the ecological, economic, and social implications of deploying biotechnology in forests. This report also develops a research agenda to address knowledge gaps about the application of the technology.

The Least Cost Path From Landscape Genetics to Landscape Genomics

Author : Samuel A. Cushman
Publisher : Frontiers Media SA
ISBN 13 : 2889455483
Total Pages : 116 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (894 download)

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Book Synopsis The Least Cost Path From Landscape Genetics to Landscape Genomics by : Samuel A. Cushman

Download or read book The Least Cost Path From Landscape Genetics to Landscape Genomics written by Samuel A. Cushman and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2018-08-03 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ecosystems are the stage on which the play of evolution is acted, and ecosystems are complex, spatially structured and temporally varying. The purpose of this Research Topic is to explore critical challenges and opportunities for the transition from landscape genetics to landscape genomics. Landscape genetics has focused on the spatial analysis of small genetic datasets, typically comprised of less than 20 microsatellite markers, taken from clusters of individuals in putative populations or distributed individuals across landscapes. The recent emergence of large scale genomic datasets produced by next generation sequencing methods poses tremendous challenge and opportunity to the field. Perhaps the greatest is to produce, process, curate, archive and analyze spatially referenced genomic datasets in a way such that research is led by a priori hypotheses regarding how environmental heterogeneity and temporal dynamics interact to affect gene flow and selection. The papers in the Research Topic cover a broad range of topics under this area of focus, from reviews of the emergence of landscape genetics, to best practices in spatial analysis of genetic data. The compilation, like the emerging field itself, is eclectic and illustrates the scope of both the challenges and opportunities of this emerging field.

A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark's Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels

Author : Teresa J. Lorenz
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 68 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (319 download)

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Book Synopsis A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark's Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels by : Teresa J. Lorenz

Download or read book A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark's Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels written by Teresa J. Lorenz and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a critical component of subalpine ecosystems in western North America, where it contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem function and in some communities is considered a keystone species. Whitebark pine is undergoing rangewide population declines attributed to the combined effects of mountain pine beetle, white pine blister rust, and fire suppression. The restoration and maintenance of whitebark pine populations require an understanding of all aspects of seed fate. In this paper, we review the literature on seed dispersal in whitebark pine. Clark's nutcracker, pine squirrels, and scatter-hoarding rodents are all known to influence whitebark pine seed fate and ultimately affect the ability of whitebark pine populations to regenerate. We also provide a general overview of the natural histories of the most influential species involved with whitebark pine seed fate: Clark's nutcracker and the pine squirrel.

Clark's Nutcracker Occurrence, Whitebark Pine Stand Health, and Cone Production in the Water-Glacier International Peace Park

Author : jennifer D. Scott
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (88 download)

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Book Synopsis Clark's Nutcracker Occurrence, Whitebark Pine Stand Health, and Cone Production in the Water-Glacier International Peace Park by : jennifer D. Scott

Download or read book Clark's Nutcracker Occurrence, Whitebark Pine Stand Health, and Cone Production in the Water-Glacier International Peace Park written by jennifer D. Scott and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Yellowstone’s Birds

Author : Douglas W. Smith
Publisher : Princeton University Press
ISBN 13 : 0691217831
Total Pages : 304 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (912 download)

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Book Synopsis Yellowstone’s Birds by : Douglas W. Smith

Download or read book Yellowstone’s Birds written by Douglas W. Smith and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2023-10-10 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A beautifully illustrated, large-format study of Yellowstone's birdlife, written by a team of renowned Park ornithologists and wildlife biologists"--

Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine

Author : Taza D. Schaming
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (15 download)

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Book Synopsis Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine by : Taza D. Schaming

Download or read book Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine written by Taza D. Schaming and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the face of widespread environmental change, understanding and promoting resilience and stability of plant-animal seed disperser mutualisms is key to effective conservation strategies. My two primary objectives were to (1) investigate the response of the keystone mutualism between whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) to declining habitat in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and (2) suggest management strategies to help ensure persistence of Clark?s nutcrackers, and their important seed dispersal function. Between 2009 and 2016, I studied Clark?s nutcracker demography and behavioral plasticity by evaluating breeding ecology, space use, seasonal habitat selection and use, foraging ecology, and emigration, as a function of habitat quality and abundance. I carried out occupancy surveys, tracked individuals via radio and satellite, conducted behavioral observations, and monitored nests. Clark?s nutcracker demography and behavior was intimately associated with whitebark pine habitat. Population-wide failure to breed followed low whitebark pine cone crops, and in breeding years, fledging success increased with whitebark pine abundance, but decreased in higher mortality stands. Clark?s nutcracker occurrence was associated with both presence of cone-bearing whitebark pines, and landscape-scale abundance of the pines, suggesting conservation strategies should focus efforts at the landscape scale. The birds selected disproportionately high amounts of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) habitat for their home range, and foraged heavily on Douglas-fir cones, suggesting that whitebark pine should be managed within a habitat mosaic with Douglas-fir. The Clark?s nutcracker-whitebark pine mutualism appears functional in the region because birds were available to disperse seeds. However, it is unclear whether the mutualism is stable. Clark?s nutcrackers are highly mobile facultative migrants, and the majority of radio- and satellite-tagged birds disappeared during both the 2012 high and 2015 moderate whitebark pine cone crops. Managing Clark?s nutcrackers presents a complex conservation challenge, but I suggest promoting stability of Clark?s nutcracker populations, and focusing on the metapopulation in particular, is necessary for effective whitebark pine conservation. In this dissertation, I conclude by outlining recommended management strategies and key research questions that still need to be answered, finishing with important considerations that should be taken into account when designing a conservation plan for plant-animal seed disperser mutualisms.

Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine

Author : Taza Dawn Schaming
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 426 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (1 download)

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Book Synopsis Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine by : Taza Dawn Schaming

Download or read book Clark's Nutcrackers and Whitebark Pine written by Taza Dawn Schaming and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 426 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the face of widespread environmental change, understanding and promoting resilience and stability of plant-animal seed disperser mutualisms is key to effective conservation strategies. My two primary objectives were to (1) investigate the response of the keystone mutualism between whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana) to declining habitat in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and (2) suggest management strategies to help ensure persistence of Clark's nutcrackers, and their important seed dispersal function. Between 2009 and 2016, I studied Clark's nutcracker demography and behavioral plasticity by evaluating breeding ecology, space use, seasonal habitat selection and use, foraging ecology, and emigration, as a function of habitat quality and abundance. I carried out occupancy surveys, tracked individuals via radio and satellite, conducted behavioral observations, and monitored nests. Clark's nutcracker demography and behavior was intimately associated with whitebark pine habitat. Population-wide failure to breed followed low whitebark pine cone crops, and in breeding years, fledging success increased with whitebark pine abundance, but decreased in higher mortality stands. Clark's nutcracker occurrence was associated with both presence of cone-bearing whitebark pines, and landscape-scale abundance of the pines, suggesting conservation strategies should focus efforts at the landscape scale. The birds selected disproportionately high amounts of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) habitat for their home range, and foraged heavily on Douglas-fir cones, suggesting that whitebark pine should be managed within a habitat mosaic with Douglas-fir. The Clark's nutcracker-whitebark pine mutualism appears functional in the region because birds were available to disperse seeds. However, it is unclear whether the mutualism is stable. Clark's nutcrackers are highly mobile facultative migrants, and the majority of radio- and satellite-tagged birds disappeared during both the 2012 high and 2015 moderate whitebark pine cone crops. Managing Clark's nutcrackers presents a complex conservation challenge, but I suggest promoting stability of Clark's nutcracker populations, and focusing on the metapopulation in particular, is necessary for effective whitebark pine conservation. In this dissertation, I conclude by outlining recommended management strategies and key research questions that still need to be answered, finishing with important considerations that should be taken into account when designing a conservation plan for plant-animal seed disperser mutualisms.

Whitebark Pine Communities

Author : Diana F. Tomback
Publisher : Island Press
ISBN 13 : 9781597263207
Total Pages : 462 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (632 download)

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Book Synopsis Whitebark Pine Communities by : Diana F. Tomback

Download or read book Whitebark Pine Communities written by Diana F. Tomback and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 462 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a dominant feature of western high-mountain regions, offering an important source of food and high-quality habitat for species ranging from Clark's nutcracker to the grizzly bear. But in the northwestern United States and southwestern Canada, much of the whitebark pine is disappearing. Why is a high-mountain species found in places rarely disturbed by humans in trouble? And what can be done about it.Whitebark Pine Communities addresses those questions, explaining how a combination of altered fire regimes and fungal infestation is leading to a rapid decline of this once abundant -- and ecologically vital -- species. Leading experts in the field explain what is known about whitebark pine communities and their ecological value, examine its precarious situation, and present the state of knowledge concerning restoration alternatives. The book. presents an overview of the ecology and status of whitebark pine communities offers a basic understanding of whitebark pine taxonomy, distribution, and ecology, including environmental tolerances, community disturbance processes, regeneration processes, species interactions, and genetic population structure identifies the threats to whitebark pine communities explains the need for management intervention surveys the extent of impact and losses to dateMore importantly, the book clearly shows that the knowledge and management tools are available to restore whitebark pine communities both locally and on a significant scale regionally, and it provides specific information about what actions can and must be taken.Whitebark Pine Communities offers a detailed portrait of the ecology of whitebark pine communities and the current threats to them. It brings together leading experts to provide in-depth information on research needs, management approaches, and restoration activities, and will be essential reading for ecologists, land managers, and anyone concerned with the health of forest ecosystems in the western United States.

A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark's Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels

Author : Teresa J. Lorenz
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 62 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (2 download)

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Book Synopsis A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark's Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels by : Teresa J. Lorenz

Download or read book A Review of the Literature on Seed Fate in Whitebark Pine and the Life History Traits of Clark's Nutcracker and Pine Squirrels written by Teresa J. Lorenz and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 62 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine is a critical component of subalpine ecosystems in western North America, where it contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem function and in some communities is considered a keystone species. Whitebark pine is undergoing rangewide population declines attributed to the combined effects of mountain pine beetle, white pine blister rust, and fire suppression. The restoration and maintenance of whitebark pine populations require an understanding of all aspects of seed fate. In this paper, we review the literature on seed dispersal in whitebark pine. Clark's nutcracker, pine squirrels, and scatter-hoarding rodents are all known to influence whitebark pine seed fate and ultimately affect the ability of whitebark pine populations to regenerate. We also provide a general overview of the natural histories of the most influential species involved with whitebark pine seed fate: Clark's nutcracker and the pine squirrel.

Determining the Relationship Between Whitebark Pine Stand-level Health and Seed Dispersal by Clark's Nutcracker

Author : Lauren Elizabeth Barringer
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 164 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (656 download)

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Book Synopsis Determining the Relationship Between Whitebark Pine Stand-level Health and Seed Dispersal by Clark's Nutcracker by : Lauren Elizabeth Barringer

Download or read book Determining the Relationship Between Whitebark Pine Stand-level Health and Seed Dispersal by Clark's Nutcracker written by Lauren Elizabeth Barringer and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Clark's Nutcracker Breeding Season Space Use and Foraging Behavior

Author : Taza D. Schaming
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 20 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (13 download)

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Book Synopsis Clark's Nutcracker Breeding Season Space Use and Foraging Behavior by : Taza D. Schaming

Download or read book Clark's Nutcracker Breeding Season Space Use and Foraging Behavior written by Taza D. Schaming and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Considering the entire life history of a species is fundamental to developing effective conservation strategies. Decreasing populations of five-needle white pines may be leading to the decline of Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana). These birds are important seed dispersers for at least ten conifer species in the western U.S., including whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), an obligate mutualist of Clark's nutcrackers. For effective conservation of both Clark's nutcrackers and whitebark pine, it is essential to ensure stability of Clark's nutcracker populations. My objectives were to examine Clark's nutcracker breeding season home range size, territoriality, habitat selection, and foraging behavior in the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a region where whitebark pine is declining. I radio-tracked Clark's nutcrackers in 2011, a population-wide nonbreeding year following a low whitebark pine cone crop, and 2012, a breeding year following a high cone crop. Results suggest Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) communities are important habitat for Clark's nutcrackers because they selected it for home ranges. In contrast, they did not select whitebark pine habitat. However, Clark's nutcrackers did adjust their use of whitebark pine habitat between years, suggesting that, in some springs, whitebark pine habitat may be used more than previously expected. Newly extracted Douglas-fir seeds were an important food source both years. On the other hand, cached seeds made up a relatively lower proportion of the diet in 2011, suggesting cached seeds are not a reliable spring food source. Land managers focus on restoring whitebark pine habitat with the assumption that Clark's nutcrackers will be available to continue seed dispersal. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Clark's nutcracker populations may be more likely to be retained year-round when whitebark pine restoration efforts are located adjacent to Douglas-fir habitat. By extrapolation, whitebark pine restoration efforts in other regions may consider prioritizing restoration of whitebark pine stands near alternative seed sources.

The Impact of Pests, Pathogens, Competition, and Climate Water Deficit on Whitebark Pine Populations in the Southern Cascades

Author : Jenell I. Jackson
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 136 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (965 download)

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Book Synopsis The Impact of Pests, Pathogens, Competition, and Climate Water Deficit on Whitebark Pine Populations in the Southern Cascades by : Jenell I. Jackson

Download or read book The Impact of Pests, Pathogens, Competition, and Climate Water Deficit on Whitebark Pine Populations in the Southern Cascades written by Jenell I. Jackson and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is vulnerable to a number of threats including an introduced pathogen (Cronartium ribicola), epidemic levels of native mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), competition, and climate change. To elucidate factors influencing the presence of pests and pathogens, cone production, and canopy kill on whitebark pine, I surveyed trees in 30 50×50 m plots containing whitebark pine in two parks in the southern Cascades, Crater Lake and Lassen National Parks. In each plot, I recorded both tree-level and stand-level data related to tree health, including symptoms of blister rust (the disease caused by C. ribicola) and mountain pine beetle, and reproductive vigor (cone production). In addition, I developed a Thornthwaite-type water balance model to calculate average yearly climate water deficit for each plot. I developed a series of separate generalized linear mixed effects models predicting the incidence of infection, beetle infestation, cone production and percent crown kill for individual trees in both parks separately. In both parks, competition from other species, particularly mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) negatively impacted cone production. In Crater Lake, water stress is also a good predictor of blister rust infection and cone production. The presence of mountain pine beetle and blister rust increased canopy kill for whitebark pine in both parks, which can cause the slow deterioration of cone-bearing branches. Lastly, I found evidence for a pest-pathogen interaction; mountain pine beetle attack was greater for trees which had experienced previous blister rust infection in Crater Lake. My results show that whitebark pine populations in the southern Cascade range are experiencing moderate levels of blister rust infection compared with other sites across the species range, and that competition from shade-tolerant species is presenting an additional threat in both parks I studied. My work also suggests that while blister rust infections are equivalent in the two parks, mortality is lower in Crater Lake. The difference may be due to lower beetle activity in Lassen than in Crater Lake, and the contrast presents a useful model to better understand how recent climate changes are driving beetle outbreaks.

Population-Wide Failure to Breed in the Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga Columbiana)

Author : Taza D. Schaming
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 20 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (13 download)

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Book Synopsis Population-Wide Failure to Breed in the Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga Columbiana) by : Taza D. Schaming

Download or read book Population-Wide Failure to Breed in the Clark's Nutcracker (Nucifraga Columbiana) written by Taza D. Schaming and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In highly variable environments, conditions can be so stressful in some years that entire populations forgo reproduction in favor of higher likelihood of surviving to breed in future years. In two out of five years, Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga Columbiana) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem exhibited population-wide failure to breed. Clark's nutcrackers at the study site experienced substantial interannual differences in food availability and weather conditions, and the two nonbreeding years corresponded with low whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) cone crops the previous autumn ([less than or equal to] an average of 8 ± 2 cones per tree versus [greater than or equal to] an average of 20 ± 2 cones per tree during breeding years) and high snowpack in early spring ([greater than or equal to] 61.2 ± 5.5 cm versus [less than or equal to] 51.9 ± 4.4 cm during breeding years). The average adult body condition index during the breeding season was significantly lower in 2011 (-1.5 ± 1.1), a nonbreeding year, as compared to 2012 (6.2 ± 2.0), a breeding year. The environmental cues available to the birds prior to breeding, specifically availability of cached whitebark pine seeds, may have allowed them to predict that breeding conditions would be poor, leading to the decision to skip breeding. Alternatively, the Clark's nutcrackers may have had such low body energy stores that they chose not to or were unable to breed. Breeding plasticity would allow Clark's nutcrackers to exploit an unpredictable environment. However, if large-scale mortality of whitebark pines is leading to an increase in the number of nonbreeding years, there could be serious population-level and ecosystem-wide consequences.