scholarly journals Environmental noise influences song frequency of Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) in Grand Teton National Park

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 79-90
Author(s):  
Charles E. Taylor ◽  
Yi-Ju Wang ◽  
Martin L. Cody
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
National Park ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Dendroica Petechia ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Minimum Frequency ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Yellow Warblers ◽  
Song Frequency

We explored how Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) alter their songs when encountering noise in Grand Teton National Park. Different strategies for avoiding signal masking are used by other species of birds, yet there is a lack of information of birds’ responses to higher noise levels–above 65 dB; such levels are often found in National Parks that have many visitors. In this study, we investigated singing behavior of Yellow Warblers when facing noise that ranged from 30 dB to 80 dB. In these preliminary results, we found that some features of Yellow Warblers did not appear to change with background noise level, including mean minimum frequency, bandwidth and song length. Other song features we studied did show small but statistically significant changes with higher background noise, including the peak frequency and the mean minimum frequency, both of which were significantly negatively correlated with the level of background noise. This result is different from the positive correlations that are typically observed. We speculate that this difference is due to the very high dB levels of background noise that we observed.   Featured photo bywagon16 on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/G2W6Bk

scholarly journals Environmental noise influences song frequency of Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) in Grand Teton National Park

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 118-129
Author(s):  
Yi-Ju Wang ◽  
Charles E. Taylor ◽  
Martin L. Cody
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
National Park ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Dendroica Petechia ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Minimum Frequency ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Yellow Warblers ◽  
Song Frequency

We explored how Yellow Warblers (Dendroica petechia) alter their songs when encountering noise in Grand Teton National Park. Different strategies for avoiding signal masking are used by other species of birds, yet there is a lack of information of birds’ responses to higher noise levels -- above 65 dB; such levels are often found in National Parks that have many visitors. In this study, we investigated singing behavior of Yellow Warblers when facing noise that ranged from 30 dB to 80 dB. In these preliminary results, we found that some features of Yellow Warblers did not appear to change with background noise level, including mean minimum frequency, bandwidth and song length. Other song features we studied did show small but statistically significant changes with higher background noise, including the peak frequency and the mean minimum frequency, both of which were significantly negatively correlated with the level of background noise. This result is different from the positive correlations that are typically observed.  We speculate that this difference is due to the very high dB levels of background noise that we observed.   Featured photo by wagon16 on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/G2W6Bk

The Impact of Concessioners on Sustainability in and around U.S. National Parks: A Case Study of Grand Teton National Park Concessioners

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Qwynne Lackey ◽  
Kelly Bricker
Keyword(s):  
Social Exchange ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
National Park ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Private Industry ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
The Impact

Concessioners play an important role in park and protected area management by providing visitor services. Historically, concessioners were criticized for their negative impacts on environmental sustainability. However, due to policy changes, technological advances, and shifting market demands, there is a need to reevaluate the role of concessioners in sustainable destination management in and around parks and protected areas. The purpose of this qualitative case study situated in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), which was guided by social exchange theory, was to explore U.S. national park concessioners’ influence on sustainable development at the destination level from the perspective of National Park Service (NPS) staff, concessioners, and local community members. Sustainability was examined holistically as a multifaceted construct with integrated socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental dimensions. Twenty-three participants completed semistructured interviews. Researchers identified four thematic categories describing concessioners’ influence on sustainability; motivations and barriers to pursuing sustainability initiatives; and situational factors that facilitated concessioners’ sustainability actions. While participants commented on the negative environmental impacts of concessioners and their operations, these data suggest that concessioners were working individually and collaboratively to promote environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural sustainability in and around GTNP. Some concessioners were even described as leaders, testing and driving the development of innovative sustainability policies and practices. These actions were motivated, in part, by contractual obligations and profit generation. However, concessioners also had strong intangible motivators, such as intrinsic values and a strong sense of community, that drove their positive contributions to sustainability. Based on these data, we recommend that those involved in future theoretical and practical work with concessioners acknowledge the importance of both tangible and intangible motivators when attempting to promote higher levels of sustainability achievement and collaboration. This will become increasingly important as land management agencies continue to embrace strategies beyond the traditional “parks as islands” approach to management. Additionally, future work should explore more specifically the role of policy, conceptualizations of sustainability, and private industry sponsorship in promoting concessioners’ contributions to sustainability, especially in collaborative settings. This work is needed to understand if and how these observations generalize to other contexts.

scholarly journals Taxonomy and Ecology of Ectomycorrhizal Macrofungi of Grand Teton National Park

1987 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 82-83
Author(s):  
Kent McKnight
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
University Of Washington ◽  
Grand Teton National Park

The 6 weeks field studies during the summer of 1987 relate to that part of the previously stated objectives (e.g. McKnight, Harper, & McKnight, 1986) concerned with the inventory of fungal species in the Wyoming national parks, particularly Grand Teton National Park. With the return of Dr. Meinhard Moser, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, we intended to concentrate on the Hymenomycete genus Cortinarius. The range of species studied was broadened significantly by the shorter visits of two additional collaborators, Dr. Harry Thiers, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, and Dr. Joe Ammirati, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

scholarly journals The Status of the Bald Eagle and Osprey in Grand Teton National Park and Vicinity

1978 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
Robert Eng ◽  
Kurt Alt
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Baseline Data ◽  
Bald Eagle ◽  
Haliaeetus Leucocephalus ◽  
Pandion Haliaetus ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Management

With the accelerated use of our national parks there is growing concern over the impact this increased visitation might have on their flora and fauna. For this reason it is important to gather baseline data on the biota for future management and interpretive programs. Two species of concern in Grand Teton National Park are the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and osprey (Pandion haliaetus).

scholarly journals Urban background noise affects breeding song frequency and syllable-type composition in the Northern Mockingbird

The Condor ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitchell J Walters ◽  
Robert P Guralnick ◽  
Nathan J Kleist ◽  
Scott K Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Peak Frequency ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Syllable Type ◽  
Urban Background ◽  
Type Composition ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Song Frequency ◽  
Positive Effect

AbstractThe Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a successful urban adaptor known to display flexibility in foraging, nesting, and anti-predator behavior. Its vocal behavior is also complex, with a breeding song composed of a wide variety of non-mimetic and mimetic elements, or “syllable types.” We tested the hypothesis that Northern Mockingbird adaptation to urban settings includes changes in its vocal behavior in noisy urban environments. We studied an urban/suburban mockingbird population to test the effect of urban background noise on breeding song frequency and syllable-type composition. Given that urban noise overlaps most strongly with low-frequency vocalizations, a phenomenon known as “signal masking,” we predicted a positive association between noise levels and mockingbird average peak frequency (a measure of vocalization power). We further predicted a positive effect of noise levels on the peak frequency of the lowest-pitched syllable type in a mockingbird’s song, no effect on the peak frequency of the highest-pitched syllable type, and thus a negative effect on mockingbird peak frequency range. Lastly, we predicted a negative effect of background noise on the use of syllable types experiencing heavy signal masking and, conversely, a positive effect on the use of syllable types experiencing minimal signal masking. We found a significant positive effect of noise levels on both average peak frequency and peak frequency of the lowest-pitched syllable type, but no effect on the peak frequency of the highest-pitched syllable type and peak frequency range. In addition, as background noise levels increased, we found significant declines in the percentages of heavily masked syllable types (1–3 kHz) and significant increases in the percentages of syllable types in the 3–5 kHz range; percentages of syllable types >5 kHz were, however, unaffected by background noise. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that Northern Mockingbird breeding songs change in pitch and syllable-type composition in noisy settings, providing further evidence that songs of urban-adapting species differ in noisy environments.

scholarly journals Development of A Potential Beaver Habitat Model For the Snake River Basin in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

2002 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 26-32
Author(s):  
William Gribb ◽  
Henry Harlow
Keyword(s):  
Water Flow ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Castor Canadensis ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Flow Patterns ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Habitat Model ◽  
Snake River ◽  
Grand Teton National Park

Our National Parks house some of North America's most undisturbed habitat and offer a benchmark for comparing ecosystem dynamics with areas more influenced by human related perturbations. Dam construction has altered water flow patterns on many of our country's rivers resulting in species composition changes of aquatic plants, invertebrates and fish. Semi-aquatic mammals such as otters and beaver are also profoundly influenced by the irregular seasonal flow patterns resulting from reservoir release schedules. For example, Jackson Lake dam was constructed in 1910 resulting in the impoundment of an additional 625,000 cubic feet of water. Since its construction and the establishment of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), this water has been released during mid- to late summer months causing unpredictable fluctuations of river levels after the normal spring run off. This unpredictability is illustrated by the trend in water flow on the Snake River at Moran for the period 1904-2000 (Figure 1). A species that has received little attention in terms of population numbers and resistance to abnormal water fluctuations resulting from Jackson Dam is the beaver (Castor canadensis). In GTNP, only the work of Collins (1976) has provided any significant knowledge of the distribution and habitat of the beaver in the Park. In fact, the beaver has been generally overlooked in the Greater Yellowstone Area with only a few studies conducted in Yellowstone (Warren, 1926; Jonas, 1955; Consolo-Murphy and Hanson, 1993 ).

scholarly journals Understanding and managing wildlife jams in national parks: An evaluation in Grand Teton National Park

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 73-80
Author(s):  
Christopher Monz ◽  
Abigail M. Kidd
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
National Park ◽  
Visitor Experience ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Visitor Behavior ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
Wildlife Viewing ◽  
Accuracy Data

As recreation and tourism in parks and protected areas continues to increase, managers face rising concerns of degradation of natural resources and the visitor experience. Many park visitors are seeking opportunities to view or photograph wildlife. Visitor behavior in prime wildlife-viewing areas often involves visitors parking along roadways and exiting their cars to view wildlife. This creates a phenomenon known as a “wildlife jam”, as visitors park informally along a roadway, often becoming pedestrians as they view wildlife, while other motorists attempt to drive through. To date, no studies have comprehensively investigated this phenomenon. Our study characterizes the nature of wildlife jams on the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was used to collect high-accuracy data on location and duration of the jams. Observations during jams characterize size (how many visitors and cars were involved) and visitor behaviors during jams. Preliminary results suggest that jam characteristics including presence of park staff, species involved, and location, can affect the duration, extent, and visitor behaviors that occur. Understanding the nature of these jams will enable park managers to minimize the potential negative effects of jams on wildlife and the visitor experience.   Featured photo by letdown102 on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/57jUok

scholarly journals Lichens of Grand Teton National Park

1995 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 26-30
Author(s):  
Sharon Eversman
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Species List ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Slow Growth Rate ◽  
Northern Rocky Mountains ◽  
Air Quality Assessment ◽  
Lichen Flora

Lichens are an important group when considering the biodiversity of a region. While not usually considered economically important, they are conspicuous parts of the flora of alpine rock and soil, contributing to rock weathering and providing habitat for small invertebrates. In the forest zones, large hanging fruticose species are food for deer and elk and are indicators of high air quality. Soil lichens at all elevations are important stabilizers, helping to prevent wind and water erosion. Since lichens have a very slow growth rate, a diverse lichen flora indicates stable undisturbed environments. The major objective of this project was to characterize the lichen flora of Grand Teton National Park, providing a species list as part of the ongoing lichen studies in the northern Rocky Mountains and as a contribution to the database for all national parks. Lichen specimens were also collected for element analysis to provide a baseline for air quality assessment.

scholarly journals A Study of Backcountry use within Yellowstone National Park

1978 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 131-133
Author(s):  
Clynn Phillips ◽  
John Eastwood ◽  
Lyman McDonald
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Yellowstone National Park ◽  
National Park ◽  
The State ◽  
Similar Increase ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Park Use ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Wilderness Areas

Records of backcountry use in Yellowstone National Park indicate that use increased from 16,767 backcountry camper nights in 1971 to 33,297 backcountry camper nights in 1974, a doubling in three years (1). A similar increase was recorded in Grand Teton National Park. Use of wilderness areas in the state by backpackers has increased also, but not at the rate of increase that applies to the two National Parks.

scholarly journals Creating Communication Conduits: a Greater Yellowstone Science Learning Center Internship

2012 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 160-162
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Perry
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Science Learning ◽  
Cultural Landscapes ◽  
Learning Center ◽  
Grand Teton National Park ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Greater Yellowstone ◽  
Resource Status

Communicating scientific endeavors in a manner accessible to researchers, managers, and the public alike is an important, yet often neglected, aspect of conducting studies. For research carried out on America’s public lands, including the National Park Service’s, this communication is even more important, as we are all owners and stewards of these magnificent ecological and cultural landscapes. This summer, I worked with The Greater Yellowstone Science Learning Center, Grand Teton National Park, and researchers from across the country to augment and enhance the information about current park studies and resource status reports available to the Science Learning Center’s website visitors. This addition of pertinent information to the website is of value to all those interested in the socio-ecological landscapes the National Park Service is tasked to conserve, scientific studies occurring in Grand Teton National Park, and potential implications of these studies and findings beyond park boundaries. The additions not only reach those who are currently invested in stewardship of our national parks, but also potential stewards with whom we have the unique opportunity to communicate with digitally, vastly expanding science communication and involvement opportunities.

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