scholarly journals A Synthesis of Data, Model-Based Analyses, and Refinements of Possible Management Scenarios for Bison and Elk in the Jackson Valley

Author(s):  
Linda Zeigenfuss ◽  
Francis Singer ◽  
Michael Rock ◽  
Matt Tobler

The elk and bison winter ranges in the Jackson Valley lie on a land complex consisting of Grand Teton NP (GTNP), National Elk Refuge (NER), town of Jackson, private ranches, and private housing developments. To reduce conflicts on these private lands, elk and bison are artificially fed alfalfa pellets at several feedgrounds located on the National Elk Refuge, the Gros Ventre Valley (Bridger-Teton NF), and south of the town. The concentrations of elk may be altering vegetation communities, especially riparian willow, aspen, buffaloberry, and other woody shrubs near the feedgrounds. Managers are concerned about these possible alterations. Human developments, human alterations, artificial feeding and high incidence of brucellosis in elk and bison complicate management of free-ranging ungulates in Grand Teton NP and the Jackson Valley. Managers need additional information on predicted land use changes, feeding scenarios, and ungulate-disease relations in the Jackson Valley to guide their management decisions.

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Landaeta-Aqueveque ◽  
Salvador Ayala ◽  
Denis Poblete-Toledo ◽  
Mauricio Canals

AbstractTrichinellosis is a foodborne disease caused by several Trichinella species around the world. In Chile, the domestic cycle was fairly well-studied in previous decades, but has been neglected in recent years. The aims of this study were to analyze, geographically, the incidence of trichinellosis in Chile to assess the relative risk and to analyze the incidence rate fluctuation in the last decades. Using temporal data spanning 1964–2019, as well as geographical data from 2010 to 2019, the time series of cases was analyzed with ARIMA models to explore trends and periodicity. The Dickey-Fuller test was used to study trends, and the Portmanteau test was used to study white noise in the model residuals. The Besag-York-Mollie (BYM) model was used to create Bayesian maps of the level of risk relative to that expected by the overall population. The association of the relative risk with the number of farmed swine was assessed with Spearman’s correlation. The number of annual cases varied between 5 and 220 (mean: 65.13); the annual rate of reported cases varied between 0.03 and 1.9 cases per 105 inhabitants (mean: 0.53). The cases of trichinellosis in Chile showed a downward trend that has become more evident since the 1980s. No periodicities were detected via the autocorrelation function. Communes (the smallest geographical administrative subdivision) with high incidence rates and high relative risk were mostly observed in the Araucanía region. The relative risk of the commune was significantly associated with the number of farmed pigs and boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758). The results allowed us to state that trichinellosis is not a (re)emerging disease in Chile, but the severe economic poverty rate of the Mapuche Indigenous peoples and the high number of backyard and free-ranging pigs seem to be associated with the high risk of trichinellosis in the Araucanía region.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Chih Chen ◽  
Ai-Mei Chang ◽  
Ming-Shan Tsai ◽  
Yen-Hua Huang ◽  
Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei ◽  
...  

AbstractSince 2013, a high incidence of bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been observed in free-ranging Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan. We hypothesized that stress induces alopecia in this population. To verify our hypothesis, we evaluated the histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy and used a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis, which act as an indicator of stress experienced by the individual. Follicular densities were lower (2.1–3.0 mm2) in individuals with symmetrical alopecia than in those with normal hair conditions (4.7 mm2). Furthermore, anagen to catagen/telogen ratios were lower in individuals with alopecia (0–1.4) than in those with normal hair (4.0). The histopathological characteristics of alopecia were similar to those of telogen effluvium, which indicates that stress is one of the possible etiologies. On the basis of the analytical and biological validation of EIAs for FGM analysis, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone was considered suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in both sexes of Formosan macaques. The mean concentrations (standard error; sample size) of 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were 2.02 (0.17; n = 10) and 1.41 (0.10; n = 31) μg/g for individuals with and without alopecia, respectively. Furthermore, the results of logistic regression analysis show that 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (p = 0.012) concentration was positively associated with alopecia. Thus, stress was the most likely to trigger symmetrical alopecia in Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity. Although stress can decrease the fitness of an individual, considering the population status of Formosan macaques in Taiwan is stable and alopecia was only observed in our study area, which is isolated from other populations, the impact on the total population of Formosan macaque in Taiwan is limited. Nonetheless, stress-induced immunosuppression and alopecia might affect the local abundance and increase zoonosis risk due to frequent human–macaque contact in Mt. Longevity. Future studies are suggested to focus on the causative factor of stress and the effects of stress and alopecia on the health and welfare in the Formosan macaques.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Hill ◽  
Juan P. Guerschman

Vegetation Fractional Cover (VFC) is an important global indicator of land cover change, land use practice and landscape, and ecosystem function. In this study, we present the Global Vegetation Fractional Cover Product (GVFCP) and explore the levels and trends in VFC across World Grassland Type (WGT) Ecoregions considering variation associated with Global Livestock Production Systems (GLPS). Long-term average levels and trends in fractional cover of photosynthetic vegetation (FPV), non-photosynthetic vegetation (FNPV), and bare soil (FBS) are mapped, and variation among GLPS types within WGT Divisions and Ecoregions is explored. Analysis also focused on the savanna-woodland WGT Formations. Many WGT Divisions showed wide variation in long-term average VFC and trends in VFC across GLPS types. Results showed large areas of many ecoregions experiencing significant positive and negative trends in VFC. East Africa, Patagonia, and the Mitchell Grasslands of Australia exhibited large areas of negative trends in FNPV and positive trends FBS. These trends may reflect interactions between extended drought, heavy livestock utilization, expanded agriculture, and other land use changes. Compared to previous studies, explicit measurement of FNPV revealed interesting additional information about vegetation cover and trends in many ecoregions. The Australian and Global products are available via the GEOGLAM RAPP (Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring Rangeland and Pasture Productivity) website, and the scientific community is encouraged to utilize the data and contribute to improved validation.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Opitz ◽  
Clement Laplaige ◽  
Catherine Fruchart ◽  
Gilles Bossuet

The Essarté workshop area, dating to the Classical period, is situated in the town of Mathay (Doubs). Excavated in the 1980s and 90s, it has been interpreted as an area specializing in ceramics production. This study of this area takes place in the context of an ongoing, broader project focused on the ancient town of Mandeure-Mathay (Epomanduodurum) and its surroundings, currently conducted within the framework of a PCR (collective research project). To undertake a more detailed study of the Essarté area fieldwalking surveys were carried out in 2006 and a synthesis of previous excavations, based on the available documentation, was completed in 2009. Geophysical surveys were conducted in 2009 and 2010. In addition, a LiDAR survey of Mandeure-Mathay and its surroundings realized in 2009 included the Essarté area. This paper contextualizes the data provided by excavations and aerial surveys carried in the 1980s and 90s by integrating it with the data obtained through the magnetometry survey – providing additional information on sub-surface features - and the data obtained through fieldwalking and LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) surveys - used to characterize the micro-topography of the terrain surface and associated materials in detail. This new study, in addition to adding details to the existing picture of the Essarté area, demonstrates that this locale was used as a burial area prior to the Roman phase of the site


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Chih Chen ◽  
Ai-Mei Chang ◽  
Ming-Shan Tsai ◽  
Yen-Hua Huang ◽  
Kurtis Jai-Chyi Pei ◽  
...  

Abstract Since 2013, a high incidence of bilateral symmetrical alopecia has been observed in free-ranging Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) in Mt. Longevity, Taiwan. We hypothesized that stress induces alopecia in this population. To verify our hypothesis, we evaluated the histopathological characteristics of skin biopsy and used a validated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) analysis, which act as an indicator of stress experienced by the individual. Follicular densities were lower (2.1–3.0 mm2) in individuals with symmetrical alopecia than in those with normal hair conditions (4.7 mm2). Furthermore, anagen to catagen/telogen ratios were lower in individuals with alopecia (0–1.4) than in those with normal hair (4.0). The histopathological characteristics of alopecia were similar to those of telogen effluvium, which indicates that stress is one of the possible etiologies. On the basis of the analytical and biological validation of EIAs for FGM analysis, 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone was considered suitable for monitoring adrenocortical activity in both sexes of Formosan macaques. The mean concentrations (standard error; sample size) of 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone were 2.02 (0.17; n = 10) and 1.41 (0.10; n = 31) μg/g for individuals with and without alopecia, respectively. Furthermore, the results of logistic regression analysis show that 11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone (p = 0.012) concentration was positively associated with alopecia. Thus, stress was the most likely to trigger symmetrical alopecia in Formosan macaques in Mt. Longevity. Although stress can decrease the fitness of an individual, it should not impact the total population of Formosan macaque in Taiwan. Nonetheless, stress-induced immunosuppression might increase zoonosis risk due to frequent human–macaque contact in Mt. Longevity.


Zootaxa ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 685 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
DEAN C. THORBURN ◽  
DAVID L. MORGAN

Seven specimens of Glyphis sp. C were collected from macrotidal mangrove systems near the town of Derby in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, which represents the first capture in this state. The five males and two females ranged in length from 906 to 1418 mm TL, weighed between 5150 and 18640 g and had a vertebral count range outside that previously reported for the species, i.e. 140 151 cf 147 148. The unusually high incidence of fused vertebrae and spinal deformation may suggest a small gene pool in this population. Previous occurrences of this species were restricted to rivers in the Northern Territory (Australia) and Papua New Guinea. The presence of a small eye (mean diameter 0.87% of total length), large dorsal and pectoral fins, and well defined sensory ampullae may be reflective of living in an environment subjected to extreme turbidity and flows.


2013 ◽  
Vol 311 ◽  
pp. 386-391
Author(s):  
Kuo Hsun Wen ◽  
Artde D. Kin Tak Lam

This paper proposes a human-centered design approach to provide a model of flexible design process for private housing development in Taiwan. By integrating concepts of “Open Building” and “Open Source Building”, this paper suggests the scope for the ongoing customization of individual units within housing developments that intends to facilitate real-world, sustainable development for the Taiwanese housing market. Also, it argues that the current market-led design approach creates inherent problems for the Taiwanese housing developments. However, in Taiwan’s housing sectors are coupled with entrenched, unsustainable decision-making from housing developers and particularly the intractable communication gap between developers, architects and homebuyers. The current circumstance is that architects often lack professional integrity and serve the interests of developers before those of home occupants as well as the wider community. Noticeably, growing global awareness of sustainable development has recast housing as an intrinsic component of the urban environment and successful communities. In Taiwan, short-term profitability rather than long-term sustainability drives private housing. As a result, by employing a series of exploration to current design process and the principle of design management, this paper will 1) analyze the flawed relationships between Taiwanese developers, architects, interior designers and homebuyers, explaining how these lead to inferior housing design and the waste of significant human, material and financial resources; and 2) then concludes a model of flexible design process integrated the concepts of human-centered design approach, Open Building and customization of Taiwanese townhouse developments. Consequently, such approach can significantly improve the flexibility of the present design process in terms of better meeting end-user requirements, the demands of sustainability, whilst ensuring the continued commercial viability of housing developments.


Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 273
Author(s):  
Jana Nozdrovická ◽  
Ivo Dostál ◽  
František Petrovič ◽  
Imrich Jakab ◽  
Marek Havlíček ◽  
...  

The paper evaluates landscape development, land-use changes, and transport infrastructure variations in the city of Martin and the town of Vrútky, Slovakia, over the past 70 years. It focuses on analyses of the landscape structures characterizing the study area in several time periods (1949, 1970, 1993, 2003); the past conditions are then compared with the relevant current structure (2018). Special attention is paid to the evolution of the landscape elements forming the transport infrastructure. The development and progressive changes in traffic intensities are presented in view of the resulting impact on the formation of the landscape structure. The research data confirm the importance of transport as a force determining landscape changes, and they indicate that while railroad accessibility embodied a crucial factor up to the 1970s, the more recent decades were characterized by a gradual shift to road transport.


2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
J. D. Scasta ◽  
M. Adams ◽  
R. Gibbs ◽  
B. Fleury

Management of free-ranging horses (Equus ferus caballus) is a complex socio-ecological issue in Australia (AU), New Zealand (NZ), and the United States (US). In these countries, horses are the results of colonial introductions and occupy very harsh rangeland environments exerting a grazing disturbance that has generated ecological concerns. Although many social and ecological concerns are similar, each country also has nuances. In 2018, we conducted a field-based comparison of AU, NZ, and US using an inductive approach to identify similarities, differences, and emerging themes through conversations with >100 individuals from New South Wales Australia, the North Island of New Zealand, and the western US. Additional data sources included field observations and archival documents. Consistent emergent themes identified included: strong public emotion, politicization of management, population growth concerns, negative ecological impact concerns, agreement that horses should be treated humanely, disagreement as to what practices were the most humane, interest and scepticism about fertility control, the need for transparency, compromise to accommodating horses and acknowledgement of social values, and recognition that collaboration is the only means to achieve both healthy rangelands and healthy horses. Unique themes identified included: NZ empowering advocate groups to become part of the solution, conflict between horses and livestock is a mostly US conflict, equids originated in the US, concern about the sustainability of adoption programs, different expectations/options for management on private lands, cultural history such as brumby running in AU, permanent branding of horses in the US, litigation as a uniquely US strategy (although a judgement on recent AU litigation is pending), government data accepted to guide removals in NZ but not always in AU or US, and complex heterogeneous land surface ownership patterns makes management difficult in the US. The difficulty of horse management in these countries is attributed to social intricacies rather than biological/ecological gaps of knowledge.


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