JWM: Lead poses biggest risk to eagles

September 23, 2024 by The Wildlife Society

Compared to a number of species, bald eagles are most vulnerable to lead poisoning coming from bullets in New York. Fragments from bullets used to hunt species like white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are sometimes left in the environment for scavengers like bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) to consume. In a study published in The Journal of Wildlife Management, researchers studied the risk of lead exposure in 14 birds and 17 mammals, from American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) to Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana). They found that bald eagles were the most vulnerable, followed by golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), American goshawks (Astur atricapillus), American crows and common ravens (Corvus corax). “A surprising number of species are at risk, and we can use bald eagles to continue to monitor lead issues because they are quite vulnerable,” said TWS member Krysten Schuler, wildlife disease ecologist who directs the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab and co-authored the study, in a press release. “With this list, we’re expanding our lead testing to more species and will think more broadly about lead exposure in these animals over time.”

Read the study in The Journal of Wildlife Management.

Endemic Mexican amphibians face high pressure from humans

September 20, 2024 by Joshua Rapp Learn

Amphibians endemic to Mexico face a high degree of pressure from human sources, according to new research.

A country-wide analysis revealed places where conservation dollars might work best for the amphibians.

“The efforts should be driven by the species we want to conserve,” said Leticia Ochoa Ochoa, a professor of biology at the Autonomous National University of Mexico (UNAM).

In a study published recently in Animal Conservation, Ochoa Ochoa and her colleagues conducted species assessments of 124 amphibians endemic to Mexico. Using sources like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they figured out the known and predicted distributions of these amphibians as well as threats they likely faced. The team also looked at the degree of connectivity between populations.

The dwarf Mexican tree frog (Tlalocohyla smithii) is endemic to the country. Credit: Leticia Ochoa Ochoa

They found a high level of anthropogenic effects, including conversion of land for livestock, agriculture, roads, mines, urban expansion and pollution. Endemic amphibians had an average habitat loss of 83% to anthropogenic effects. Ambystoma salamanders faced the largest distribution loss. “Large ambystomatids’ reproductive habits and presence in an area depend on a high level of conserved habitat; therefore, the presence of anthropic threats will have a greater impact on its suitability levels,” the authors wrote in the paper.

“There’s a strong belief that all anthropogenic activities are bad for amphibians,” Ochoa Ochoa said. And while this was often true in their research, not all impacts they found were equally bad. In reality, the level of impact from threats depended on species traits. Creatures such as cane toads (Rhinella horribilis), common Mexican treefrogs (Smilisca baudinii) or painted treefrogs (Tlalocohyla picta) survive well in agricultural or livestock settings, or even in small towns, for example.

Common Mexican tree frogs don’t always respond badly to anthropogenic pressure. Credit: Leticia Ochoa Ochoa

The analysis also revealed that conservation for some species, like the great peeping frog (Eleutherodactylus grandis), which lives around the UNAM campus and is considered endangered by the IUCN, could be extremely difficult.

“The chances for surviving in this species are very slim,” Ochoa Ochoa said. “There is no genetic exchange with other populations because they are very isolated.” Since the university is still growing, new buildings are sometimes built in the species’ habitat.

Meanwhile, the zoque treefrog (Quilticohyla zoque), which the IUCN also considers endangered, has a wider distribution, and their populations appeared to be doing fine in many areas, even if those areas were unprotected. Ochoa Ochoa said that it would be relatively easy to protect the species by conserving some of their range where they already live.

“We should choose our battles because we don’t have a lot of money,” she said.

Cane toads also did relatively well in human settings. Credit: Leticia Ochoa Ochoa

The results of the study weren’t all bad news, though. Ochoa Ochoa and her colleagues found that small frogs that live in trees and reproduce in water weren’t as affected by human threats. Small to medium-sized frogs that developed or laid eggs in water didn’t do too badly either.

What factors influence use of wildlife crossings?

September 20, 2024 by The Wildlife Society

The presence of water, distance to vegetation and structural dimensions may mean the difference in whether or not wildlife use crossing structures. In a recent study published in PLOS One, researchers from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley used camera traps to examine wildlife interactions with specific wildlife crossing structures and wildlife guards, as well as fencing, built to protect the endangered ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). They compared crossing rates at the various structures, what repelled animals from the structures, as well as the multitude of species that use them. They found that the success of crossing structures was based on a number of factors. Water presence, distance to vegetation and structural dimensions stood out as factors that influence the success of crossing structures. Researchers hope the study’s findings can influence the future construction of species-specific road mitigation structures.

Read more from PLOS ONE.

Wildlife Vocalizations: Ana Yoko Meiga

September 19, 2024 by Ana Yoko Meiga

Throughout my journey in biological sciences in Brazil, I have been fortunate to have many incredible mentors who have guided me with their time, patience and belief in my potential— sometimes they believed in me even more than I believed in myself. One piece of advice from a mentor has significantly helped to shape my actions and career trajectory.

Credit: Rubem Dornas

After completing my undergraduate studies in biology, I was eager to pursue a master’s program focusing on mammal ecology. However, I faced a series of rejections from every program I applied to, leaving me disheartened. During this challenging period, I volunteered with a researcher studying jaguars (Panthera onca) using camera traps in Carlos Botelho State Park in the state of São Paulo in my hometown in Brazil. One afternoon, as we returned from the field, I told one of my mentors about my frustrations and disappointments.

She listened and then said: “It’s normal to be upset when you don’t achieve something important, but there’s a timeline for being upset. Be careful not to let yourself go beyond that limit.”

This advice motivated me to persist. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I chose to intensify my dedication, sharpen my focus, and study more for the next round of applications. And it paid off.

This experience taught me the value of persistence. As a Brazilian biologist facing challenges in pursuing a scientific career, I have learned to embrace “good fear” and “good anxiety”—the kind that doesn’t paralyze but pushes you forward, driving you to achieve your goals.

I am currently a PhD candidate at the University of Florida and have had many opportunities to grow in my career. Learning the importance of persistence, even when not confident, has been the key to my success. The support and guidance from mentors, coupled with a persistent spirit, have been instrumental in my journey. The advice from my mentor to manage disappointment and persist has been invaluable.

Ana Yoko Meiga with a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Brazilian savanna in Mato Grosso do Sul. Credit: ICAS

Wildlife Vocalizations is a collection of short personal perspectives from people in the field of wildlife sciences. 

Learn more about Wildlife Vocalizations, and read other contributions.

Submit your story for Wildlife Vocalizations or nominate your peers and colleagues to encourage them to share their story. For questions, please contact tws@wildlife.org.

Raptor collisions increase around the world

September 18, 2024 by The Wildlife Society

Throughout the world, raptors are colliding with obstacles like communication towers, wind turbines and power lines, among others. Researchers conducted a literature review published in the Journal of Raptor Research to find out how raptors are attracted to these structures for perches, nesting sites or hunting habitats. The scientists, who used lots of data from rehabilitation centers and veterinary clinics, found that collision incidents have increased since the 1900s with the increase of human development. Vehicles, wind turbines and windows appeared to be the most problematic, but these structures affected different raptor species in different ways. For example, owls blinded by headlights are more likely to collide with vehicles. Eagles and vultures are more likely to collide with wind turbines.

Read the Conservation Letter in the Journal of Raptor Research.

Black Mammalogists Week kicks off

September 18, 2024 by The Wildlife Society

Black Mammalogists Week features multiple days of virtual content meant to inspire current and future mammalogists while also highlighting historic and present-day Black contributions to the field of mammalogy. Through Saturday, Sept. 21, those of any age or background can tune in to online workshops, games and expert-led panels.

Black Mammalogists Week, sponsored this year by the National Geographic Society, takes place on multiple social media platforms, making it accessible to a broad audience. A full event schedule can be found online. Anyone hoping to learn more can join the conversation by searching the hashtag #BlackMammalogists on X and Instagram. Most panels and workshops will be recorded and shared later on the Black Mammalogists YouTube channel.

The following free events are part of Black Mammalogist Week this year:

The week also provides an opportunity for Black/African American, African, or Indigenous students and early-career professionals to apply for the Black & Indigenous Scholars in Mammalogy Award. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15, 2024.

Find a list of speakers and more on Black Mammalogists website.

Black Mammalogists Week 2024 runs from Sept. 15–21 and showcases educational content and virtual workshops each day. Credit: Black Mammologists

Tim Van Deelen receives Jim McDonough Award

September 18, 2024 by Megan Radke

Timothy Van Deelen, a long-serving TWS member and renowned researcher, has received the Jim McDonough Award for his many contributions to the wildlife profession.

For over 25 years, Van Deelen has led research on wildlife ecology, population dynamics, harvest management and survey methods for multiple species, including deer, wolves and bears. His research has primarily been focused in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, but he has worked throughout the U.S., Africa, Asia and beyond.

During his research career, Van Deelen has connected with a variety of audiences, from hunters to policymakers, to wildlife advocates. His colleagues have compared his passion and convictions about wildlife to those of Aldo Leopold. A self-proclaimed “deer nerd,” Van Deelen worked as a wildlife scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey, focusing primarily on deer ecology and management. He also worked at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where he became a leader in the state’s efforts to manage chronic wasting disease. 

He has authored and co-authored around 105 peer-reviewed journal publications, six book chapters, 25 other publications on wildlife ecology, and co-edited the book, “Recovery of Gray Wolves in the Great Lakes Region of the United States.”

Van Deelen has been a TWS member since the early 1990s, serving on a number of committees and as past president of the Illinois and Wisconsin chapters. Courtesy of Timothy Van Deelen

Van Deelen has taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for 19 years. In 2016, he was promoted to full professor within the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. Van Deelen has been a mentor to dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Many of his students have since landed roles with state wildlife agencies, colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition to his work with graduate students, Van Deelen continues his varied wildlife research at the university, including studies on bobcats (Lynx rufus), badgers (Taxidea taxus), sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis), moose (Alces alces), flying squirrels (Pteromyini) and more.

A TWS member since the early 1990s, Van Deelen has been active in the Wisconsin and Illinois chapters, as well as the international organization. He was part of the Program Committee for the 12th annual TWS conference in 2005, and has been on the committee for Technical Review of Ungulate Management in Natural Parks, as well as a frequent reviewer for The Journal of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Society Bulletin. He served as the president for the Illinois Chapter in 1999-2000, the Wisconsin Chapter in 2004-2005, and acted as a faculty advisor for student chapters at both the University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin. Van Deelen also served two three-year terms on TWS’ Certification Review Board (CRB) between 2012 and 2018.

Van Deelen will be presented with the Jim McDonough award at the 2024 Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Wildlife Vocalizations: Hannah Leeper

September 17, 2024 by Hannah Leeper

Growing up in Minnesota, my family spent weekends camping, hunting and fishing. I always knew that I wanted to work with nature and wildlife, but I didn’t have a clear idea of how exactly I would get to do that. I knew I couldn’t make a living from just hunting and fishing, but I wanted those two activities incorporated into my career.

We were camping on one particularly nice fall weekend when we noticed beaver (Castor canadensis) damage along the shoreline of the lake and a huge beaver lodge not far from the fishing dock. My dad showed me how to set Conibear 330 beaver traps, and explained how destructive beavers can be to a lake, especially when they chew up the trees on the shoreline and contaminate the water.

Credit: Hannah Leeper

Early the next morning, I hauled a five-gallon bucket filled with rebar, Conibear setting tongs and beaver lure along the shoreline to check the traps we set the night before. To my amazement, there was a beaver inside! I was shocked that our efforts paid off, and we were able to catch the culprit destroying the shoreline.

As I was dragging the heavy beavers out to show off our catch, it clicked that I don’t only have to hunt and fish to have a happy, successful career. Nuisance trapping, conservation and education about the balance of ecosystems are all tied together, and I wanted every aspect of that to become my career. Mostly, I loved being outdoors, and I didn’t want to give that up.

Looking back now, I’ve learned that all animals—even beavers—serve important roles in their ecosystems, and the balance of those ecosystems depends on having those animals around. Since that day when I had the realization that I wanted to work outdoors, I’ve grasped as many opportunities as I can, including more nuisance trapping, visiting bear dens, collaring deer fawns, banding Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and conducting vegetation surveys for lynx (Lynx canadensis). I took technician positions in six different states with seven different agencies.

Every experience has further solidified my career choice, as I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in wildlife science. I wish every young wildlife enthusiast finds their path and pursues their passion for natural resources.

Leeper monitors an immobilized bobcat (Lynx rufus) as part of a deer and predator project in Wisconsin. Credit: Hannah Leeper

Wildlife Vocalizations is a collection of short personal perspectives from people in the field of wildlife sciences. Learn more about Wildlife Vocalizations, and read other contributions.

Submit your story for Wildlife Vocalizations or nominate your peers and colleagues to encourage them to share their story. For questions, please contact tws@wildlife.org.

Habitat management helps at-risk butterflies

September 17, 2024 by The Wildlife Society

For a number of at-risk butterflies in the United States, habitat management can play an important role in keeping them from going extinct. Looking at 114 populations of 31 butterfly species in the U.S., including species like the Oregon silverspot (Speyeria zerene hippolyta), Taylor’s checkerspot (Euphydryas editha taylori) and Karner blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) butterflies, researchers found that the butterfly populations are declining at a rate of about 8% a year, or a 50% decline in a decade. But they also found that habitat management can slow down or even reverse these declines. Climate change is one of the main reasons for butterfly declines, as it’s causing butterflies to shift the time of their seasonal activities. But habitat management stymied this effect. “The strongest signal we found is that in places where people are actively engaged with ways to manage the habitat, the butterflies are doing the best,” said Cheryl Schultz, a professor of conservation biology at Washington State University and an author of the study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. “That to me is super exciting because that means that habitat management can make a difference, even in the face of stressors like climate change.”

Read the study in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Meet our sponsors!

September 16, 2024 by The Wildlife Society

The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and year-round partners. We’d like to thank our sponsors listed below. Please take a moment to check out all of our sponsors here, and be sure to visit them during the conference to learn about their products, services and efforts!

Platinum

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute

The Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is the leading wildlife research organization in Texas and one of the finest in the nation. Established in 1981 by a grant from the Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, the Institute operates as a nonprofit organization and depends financially upon private contributions and faculty grantsmanship. Our mission is to provide science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of Texas wildlife.

Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Its mission is to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. The Wildlife Society’s partnership with DU builds a stronger network of wildlife professionals and conservationists with far-reaching benefits. Together, TWS and DU intend to advance common policy goals; share and disseminate science and best management practices; address recruitment and retention issues; reinforce the value of professional certification; and more.

BassPro

Bass Pro Shops mission is to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. From their retail locations and manufacturing plants to our outdoor adventure destinations and distribution centers, Bass Pro Shops helps families realize and reach their outdoor dreams.

GOLD

U.S. Forest Service

The USFS manages and protects our nation’s 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 44 states and Puerto Rico to meet the needs of present and future generations. As a TWS Partner, USFS leads the support of Native American students pursuing wildlife management careers through sponsored summer research internships. The Forest Service also supports special events such as the Student-Professional Networking Event and “Careers with the U.S. Forest Service” at our Annual Conference.

Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The BLM administers nearly 250 million acres of public lands in the United States, constituting one-eighth of the landmass of the country. As a partner of TWS, the BLM supports providing career information and opportunities through TWS’ website and annual conference, alongside support for TWS’ publications and communication channels.

USDA APHIS Wildlife Services

The mission of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services is to provide Federal leadership and expertise to resolve wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to coexist.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

The Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA, is the largest public power company in the U.S. and is a federally owned electric utility corporation.

National Wild Turkey Federation

Since its inception in 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has provided the foundation for wild turkey conservation throughout North America. From the first research project funded in the 1970s, to the multi-million acre restoration initiatives going on today and everywhere in between, conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage has always been — and always will be—the backbone of the NWTF. The NWTF also supports science-based conservation and management, education, and sound policy—a mission that shares considerable overlap with that of The Wildlife Society.

U.S. Geological Survey

The USGS serves as the biological research arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior and provides science to help achieve sustainable management and conservation of biological resources. The Ecosystems Mission Area includes programs like the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, and research programs on species management, invasive species, biological threats, and others.

Campfire Foundation

Campfire foundation provides a profound impact on a young person’s character. The Campfire foundation was created in 2000 and since that time, the foundation has awarded over 3,500 scholarships and more than $750,000 to families. 

SILVER

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Mission: Conserving wildlife, serving people.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is dedicated to conserving, enhancing and protecting Wyoming’s exceptional fish and wildlife resources and the habitats that support them. We will work with and for the public to provide a wide array of fish and wildlife experiences.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources manages the state’s public lands and waterways, including its forests, fisheries, parks and wildlife.

Advanced Telemetry Systems

Explore Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) for top-tier wildlife tracking solutions. From VHF transmitters and GPS systems to Receivers/Data Loggers and Antenna Systems, our innovative products meet global research needs. Visit ATStrack.com for details and same-day quotes.

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST)

Bringing common sense, professional, and scientifically defensible solutions to natural resource problems.

Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Dallas Safari Club’s mission is to ensure the conservation of wildlife through public engagement, education and advocacy for well-regulated hunting and sustainable use. 

Missouri Department of Conservation

Our work began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri’s over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. Today we continue our legacy of protecting our state’s wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. Our goal is to sustain diverse, healthy plant and animal communities — well into the future.

East Foundation

The East Foundation is an Agricultural Research Organization that promotes the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education. Our land, spanning over 217,000 acres of south Texas native rangeland, is managed as a working laboratory with cattle ranching as an integral part of the overall operation.

Voss Signage

Since 1965, Voss Signs, LLC has produced custom and stock signs for various customers that include: Forestry Professionals, Land Owners, State and Federal Government Agencies, School Districts and the general public throughout the United States and overseas.

Virginia Tech

The Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech contributes significantly to fish and wildlife resource conservation and management at state, national, and international levels through integrated programs in research, teaching, and engagement.

Association of University Fish and Wildlife Programs

The National Association of University Fish and Wildlife Programs is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in natural resource education, research, and outreach through collaboration among universities, government agencies, and private partners.

Johns Hopkins

With critically acclaimed titles in health and wellness, public health, science, higher education, and across the humanities, Hopkins Press publishes 150 new books each year and maintains a backlist in excess of 3,000 titles. We connect authors to scholars, researchers, educators, policymakers, and curious readers across the globe.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA Earth Science Division aims to understand the Earth as a system. The Biological Diversity Research program uses NASA observations and models to improve our understanding of biological diversity, how and why it is changing, and its effects on and interactions with the Earth system. The Ecological Conservation Applications area promotes the use of Earth observations and models to analyze and forecast changes that affect ecosystems and to develop effective resource management strategies.

Pheasants Forever, Inc. and Quail Forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 420,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy.

Vortex

Vortex® is an employee-owned and operated business of hard-working folks headquartered in Wisconsin. Vortex® changes how business is done by putting customers at the center of everything we do. From tagging your first buck, to hitting the range with friends, to using the right optic to get closer to nature, our team thrives on your success.

National Wildlife Federation

The National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest and most trusted conservation organization, works across the country to unite Americans from all walks of life in giving wildlife a voice. We’ve been on the front lines for wildlife since 1936, fighting for the conservation values that are woven into the fabric of our nation’s collective heritage.

Texas Fish and Wildlife

Texas Fish and Wildlife mission to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Boone & Crockett

It is the mission of the Boone and Crockett Club to promote the conservation and management of wildlife, especially big game, and its habitat, to preserve and encourage hunting and to maintain the highest ethical standards of fair chase and sportsmanship in North America.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.