2004 Annual Report
Texas Cooperative Fish and
Wildlife Research Unit
In Cooperation With
U.S.G.S. Cooperative Research Units
Wildlife Management Institute
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas Tech University
Introduction
The Cooperative Research Units Program is a partnership among the U.S. Geological
Survey, host universities, state natural resource agencies, the Wildlife Management
Institute and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its purpose is to facilitate collaborative
research and education activities related to natural resource management and
conservation. The Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit focuses on
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the specific fields of interest include fisheries
and wildlife management, aquatic and wildlife ecology, community ecology,
ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, reproductive biology, and fish culture. These research
and educational efforts are based on the technical expertise of unit scientists and
university cooperators. The present annual report details the activities and
accomplishments for FY 2004.
The Texas Unit was established by the U.S. Congress in 1988 and was first staffed in
1989. Unit scientist positions include a Unit Leader and two Assistant Leaders. The
Unit Leader position was vacated in FY 2003 and remains vacant at the present time.
One of two office staff positions was also vacated during FY 2004. Streamlined unit
operations allowed the transformation of the vacant office staff position into a Ph.D.
Research Assistantship. Thus, funding to support graduate students was increased
while considerably reducing Unit overhead costs. Scientists currently with the Texas
Unit are Dr. Reynaldo Patiño (Assistant Unit Leader – Fisheries) and Dr. Clint Boal
(Assistant Unit Leader – Wildlife). Ms. Jodi Martin is the Unit’s Administrative Business
Assistant. Dr. Reynaldo Patiño served as Acting Leader in FY 2004.
The Texas Unit has continued to work with a wide array of cooperators including
university, federal, state, and foreign scientists and resource managers to advance its
mission of conducting research, educating graduate students, and providing technical
assistance. Ties with cooperators have been diversified in the last two years and are
now stronger than ever. Funding to support Unit and Unit-affiliated projects was
provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, Texas Parks and Wildlife, National Park
Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Agency for International
Development, and Ducks Unlimited.
Please feel free to contact us with comments or requests for additional information.
Thank you to our many partners and collaborators.
The Unit Scientists and Staff of the
Texas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit
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Table of Contents
Page
Introduction
i
Table of Contents
ii
Personnel and Cooperators
Unit Personnel
Coordinating Committee
Cooperators
1
1
2
Accomplishments at a Glance
5
Completed Research
Aquatic Projects
Terrestrial Projects
6
11
Ongoing Research
Aquatic Projects
Terrestrial Projects
20
28
Unit Activities
Honors and Awards
Publications
Presentations
Theses and Dissertations
University Service
Professional Service
42
42
43
45
45
46
Affiliated Activities
Publications
Presentations
Theses and Dissertations
48
48
49
ii
Personnel and Cooperators
Unit Personnel
Unit Staff – U.S. Geological Survey, Cooperative Research Units
Vacant, Unit Leader
Dr. Reynaldo Patiño, Assistant Unit Leader-Fisheries
Dr. Clint Boal, Assistant Unit Leader-Wildlife
Unit Staff – Texas Tech University
Sheri Haskell, Research Associate
Nancy Hubbard, Senior Business Assistant
Naoki Kumakura, Postdoctoral Research Associate
Jodi Martin, Administrative Business Assistant
Coordinating Committee
Mr. Ron George
Texas Parks and Wildlife
4200 Smith School Rd.
Austin, TX 78744
512-389-4778
ron.george@tpwd.state.tx.us
Dr. Mike Van Den Avyle
USGS/BRD-Cooperative Research Units
1875 Century Blvd, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30345
404-679-7091
mike_vandenavyle@usgs.gov
Dr. Robert Sweazy
Texas Tech University
MS 1075
Lubbock, TX 79409-1075
806-742-3905
bob.sweazy@ttu.edu
Dr. Len Carpenter
The Wildlife Management Institute
4015 Cheney Dr.
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-223-1099
lenc@verinet.com
1
Dr. Charles Ault
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
500 Gold Ave. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-248-6281
charles_ault@fws.gov
Cooperators
Cooperating Scientists
David Andersen, Minnesota Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Warren Ballard, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
Robert Betsill, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Randy Blankinship, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Carlton Britton, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
James Carr, Biological Sciences (TTU)
Wilfrido Contreras, Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco, Mexico
Stephen Cox, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TTU)
Ernest Fish, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
David Haukos, Fish and Wildlife Service/DOI
David Holderman, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Michael Hooper, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TTU)
Michael Loik, University of California, Santa Cruz
Gad Perry, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
Loren Smith, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
Kevin Pope, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
Carl Schreck, Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Joe Sirotnak, Big Bend National Park/NPS/DOI
Carlos Strussmann, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Peter Thomas, University of Texas-Austin Marine Science Institute
David Tissue, Biological Sciences (TTU)
Mark Wallace, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
David Wester, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management (TTU)
Heather Whitlaw, Texas Parks and Wildlife
Goro Yoshizaki, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
John Zak, Biological Sciences (TTU)
Unit Graduate Students
Student
Neil Crouch
Matthew Giovanni
Carey Haralson
Caleb Huber
Guadalupe Morales-Lara
Sandeep Muhki
Alison Pruett
Bibek Sharma
Discipline
PhD Biology
MS Wildlife Science
MS Wildlife Science
MS Fisheries Science
MS Biology (University of Tabasco)
PhD Environmental Toxicology
MS Wildlife Science
PhD Fisheries Science
2
Advisor
Patiño
Boal
Boal
Pope/Patino
Patiño/Contreras
Patiño
Boal
Patiño
Unit Affiliated Graduate Students
Student
Colin Bell
David Butler
Matt Butler
James Campbell
Emma Dawson
Jack Goldfarb
Heath Grizzle
Shawn Haskell
Fang Hu
John Isanhart
Jena Moon
Lisa Patrick
Brent Racher
Jennifer Resinger
Mindy Rice
Traesha Robertson
Dorothy Tinkler
Fajin Wang
Yoji Yamamoto
Discipline
MS Biology
MS Wildlife Science
PhD Wildlife Science
MS Biology
PhD Landuse Planning Mgt and Design
PhD Wildlife Science
MS Biology
PhD Wildlife Science
PhD Biology
PhD Environmental Toxicology
MS Wildlife Science
PhD Biology
PhD Range Science
MS Biology
PhD Wildlife Science
PhD Biology
PhD Biology
PhD Biology
PhD Fisheries (Tokyo University of
Marine Science and Technology)
Advisor
Zak
Ballard
Ballard
Zak
Parker/Baker
Perry
Zak
Ballard
Carr
Hooper
Haukos
Zak
Britton
Zak
Ballard
Zak
Parker/McIntyre
Parker/Chesser
Yoshizaki
Unit Undergraduate Students
Student
Department
*Catherine Barry
Biological Sciences
Blake Beall
Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Mgt.
John Clark
Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Mfg.
*Darelyn David
Biological Sciences
Kirstin Mielke
Biological Sciences
Christopher Taylor
Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Mgt.
Aaron Urbanczyk
Range, Wildlife & Fisheries Mgt.
Linda Vega
Biological Sciences
*conducted independent research
Advisor
Patiño
Boal
Patiño
Patiño
Patiño
Boal
Patiño
Patiño
Cooperating Texas Tech University Academic Units
Department of Agricultural Education and Communications
Department of Range, Wildlife and Fisheries Management
Department of Biological Sciences
Department of Environmental Toxicology
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health
Funding Sources
Ducks Unlimited
Oregon State University/U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Texas Parks and Wildlife
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U.S. Department of Agriculture – Cooperative State Research, Education and
Extension Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Forest Service
U.S. Department of Defense – Texas Army National Guard
U.S. Department of Defense – U.S. Air Force
U.S. Department of Interior – Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Department of Interior – National Park Service
U.S. Department of Interior – Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of Interior – Geological Survey
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Accomplishments at a Glance
Research conducted by the Texas Unit continues to address issues of relevance to
state, national and international interests. The Unit conducted or facilitated 21 active
research projects during FY 2004 with a total funding level of about $2.3 million. Eleven
of these projects involved the direct participation of Unit scientists and 10 were
conducted by cooperating faculty members. Six graduate students (3 Ph.D. and 3 M.S.)
were supervised by two Unit scientists, and one student (M.S.) graduated. One
postdoctoral trainee and two undergraduate students conducted independent research
under the supervision of Unit scientists.
The Texas Unit co-organized a workshop in Tabasco, Mexico, on The Biology and
Management of Snooks which drew participants from North and Central America and the
Caribbean. Knowledge generated by the workshop stimulated discussion and
development of collaborative research proposals among Unit scientists, fishery biologists
from Texas Parks and Wildlife, and University Cooperators to study critical habitat for
snook in the Texas gulf coast. The Unit also conducted a workshop on raptor capture
and handling techniques.
Unit scientists and students published 7 papers and delivered 22 presentations at
conferences and workshops, including a keynote address to the Mexican National
Congress of Ichthyology and three invited presentations at national and international
symposia and workshops. The accomplishments of Unit students continued to be
recognized in FY 2004. Sandeep Mukhi (Ph.D. student) received second and first place
awards in campus-wide and departmental student presentation competitions,
respectively; and his research was highlighted at a poster presentation to a national
USGS Managers Meeting.
Unit scientists and staff received individual and team awards for administrative and
management accomplishments. Ms. Jodi Martin, Administrative Business Assistant,
received the 2003 Wildlife Management Institute Administrative Excellence Award for
her outstanding service to the Texas Unit and the National Cooperative Research Unit
Program (awarded in FY 2004). Dr. Clint Boal received a USGS Special Thanks for
Achieving Results (STAR) Award for his successful efforts in FY 2003 (awarded in FY
2004) to maintain Unit operations while being the only Unit scientist on site following the
unexpected and sudden departure of the former Unit Leader. In FY 2004, the Texas
Unit received an Excellence in Unit Management Award from the Cooperative Research
Units Program for its effective efforts and teamwork leading to streamlined operations
and reinvigorated relations with University and State Cooperators.
For career accomplishments and service to the profession, Dr. Reynaldo Patiño was
named Distinguished Graduate of Oregon State University Department of Fisheries and
Wildlife. In the fall of 2003, Dr. Patiño returned briefly to the National Science
Foundation to complete duties related to the program he directed in FY 2003 and to
complete the training of his successor.
5
Completed Research-Aquatic
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Project title: Risk based approaches for improved toxic chemical management
for integrated environmental and human health issues – Perchlorate zebrafish
subproject/Phase V (2002-2003)
Unit project number:
OA 41 (Phase V)
Principal investigators:
Reynaldo Patiño
Students and staff:
Sandeep Muhki (PhD), Tim Capps (MS), Felix Rodriguez
(undergraduate), Monte Brown (undergraduate), Darelyn
David (undergraduate)
Period of performance:
01/03 - 12/03
Funding source:
Department of Defense through the Texas Tech University
Institute of Environmental and Human Health
Location:
Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
Perchlorate is an environmental contaminant found in many states around the country
including Texas, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California. The ultimate goal of this
research is to assess the risks of perchlorate exposure in regards to sensitive
components of ecosystems. A more immediate goal is to determine the effects of
perchlorate on the health and reproductive fitness of fishes. Reliable biomarkers of
perchlorate exposure are necessary to achieve these goals. However, as we began this
study of the effects of perchlorate in fishes, it became evident that fully validated
biomarkers of environmental exposure to perchlorate are unavailable for this group of
vertebrates. Therefore, the specific objective of Phase V of this project is to evaluate and
compare current and potentially novel biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes.
Perchlorate disrupts thyroid gland function in animals by reducing the amount of iodide
that is available for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential
for embryogenesis, development, and normal function of adult animals. We carried out a
study to examine the time-course and concentration-dependent effects of perchlorate on
thyroid follicle hypertrophy, colloid depletion, and angiogenesis; alterations in wholebody thyroxine (T4) levels; and somatic growth and condition factor of subadult and adult
zebrafish. In addition, changes in the intensity of the “colloidal T4 ring” previously
reported in zebrafish were also examined immunohistochemically. For this purpose,
three-month-old zebrafish were exposed to ammonium perchlorate at measured
perchlorate concentrations of 0, 11, 90, 1131 and 11480 ppb for 12 weeks, and allowed
to recover in clean water for 12 weeks. At 2 weeks of exposure, the lowest observed
effective concentrations (LOECs) of perchlorate that induced angiogenesis and
depressed the intensity of colloidal T4 ring were 90 and 1131 ppb, respectively; other
parameters were not affected (whole-body T4 was not determined at this time). At 12
weeks of exposure, LOECs for colloid depletion, hypertrophy, angiogenesis and colloidal
T4 ring were 11480, 1131, 90 and 11 ppb, respectively. All changes were reversible, but
residual effects on angiogenesis and colloidal T4 ring intensity were still present after 12
7
weeks of recovery (LOEC, 11480 ppb). Whole-body T4 concentration, body growth
(length and weight), and condition factor were not affected by perchlorate. The sensitivity
and longevity of changes in colloidal T4 ring intensity and angiogenesis suggest their
usefulness as novel markers of perchlorate exposure. The 12-week LOEC for colloidal
T4 ring is the lowest reported of any perchlorate biomarker in aquatic vertebrates.
Publications
Capps, T., Mukhi, S., Rinchard, J., Theodorakis, C.W., Blazer, V.S., Patiño, R. Exposure
to perchlorate induces the formation of macrophage aggregates in the trunk
kidney of zebrafish and mosquitofish. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health (in press)
Mukhi, S., Carr, J.A., Anderson, T.A., Patiño, R. Novel biomarkers of perchlorate
exposure in zebrafish. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (submitted)
Presentations
Cruz-Li, E., La Point, T.W., Patiño, R., and Cobb, G.P. 2003. Effects of ammonium
perchlorate, 4-(tert octyl) phenol, and their mixture on zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin, Texas.
Mukhi, S. and Patiño, R. 2003. Thyroidal angiogenesis: sensitive and persistent
biomarker of perchlorate exposure in zebrafish. Society of Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin, Texas.
Capps, T.V., Patiño, R., and Blazer, V.S. 2003. Kidney lesions induced by perchlorate in
adult zebrafish. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin,
Texas.
Mukhi, S., Capps, T., and Patiño R. 2004. New Biomarkers of exposure to thyroid
disrupting compounds in aquatic systems (poster). U.S. Geological Survey
Managers Meeting, Austin, Texas.
Mukhi, S., and R. Patiño. 2004. New biomarkers of exposure to thyroid-disrupting
compounds in aquatic systems. Texas Tech University Annual Graduate Student
Research Day, Lubbock, Texas
Mukhi, S., and Patiño R. 2004. Development and validation of new and sensitive
biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes. Twenty Eight Student Research
Conference, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico.
Mukhi, S. and Patiño, R. 2004. Development and validation of new and sensitive
biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes. 2004 Toxicology Research Expose,
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University,
Lubbock, Texas.
Mukhi, S. and Patiño, R. 2004. Novel biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in zebrafish.
South Central Regional Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry, Waco, Texas
Mukhi, S., and Patiño, R. 2004. Novel biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes.
Desert Southwest Chapter, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry,
El Paso, Texas.
Awards and honors
Sandeep Mukhi: (1) First Place, 2004 Toxicology Expose Graduate Student Research
Presentation, Texas Tech University; (2) Second Place, 2004 Texas Tech University
Annual Graduate Student Research Poster Competition.
8
Project title:
Establishment of a new research program on fish
reproductive development (puberty) at the Texas Cooperative
Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Unit project number:
RWO 51
Principal investigators:
Reynaldo Patiño
Students and staff:
Neil Crouch (Ph.D.)
Period of performance:
9/02 - 8/04
Funding source:
USGS Cooperative Research Units
Location:
Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
Zebrafish has recently emerged as an important model organism for studies of
vertebrate development and genetics. This species is also commonly used in laboratory
studies of endocrine disruption. The role of thyroid hormones in the embryonic to larval
transitory phase in zebrafish has previously been established. However, the role of
thyroid hormones in the regulation of other organismal functions such as the immune
and reproductive systems of zebrafish is unclear.
The long-term goal of the present study is to characterize the hormonal (thyroid)
regulation of zebrafish development with emphasis on the immune and reproductive
systems, and to use this knowledge to assess the impact of environmental thyroid
disrupting chemicals on fish health and reproduction. Our immediate objective is to
determine the role of thyroid hormones in gene regulation during early zebrafish
development. A potential application of the information generated from this study is the
development of tools for use in the screening of thyroidal endocrine disruptors affecting
development and reproduction of fishes.
Recently fertilized zebrafish eggs were placed in either of three treatments: zebrafish
water control; a thyroid inhibitor treatment consisting of a combination of thyroid
hormone receptor antagonist, amiodarone (50 nM), and a thyroid hormone synthesis
inhibitor, methimazole (0.3 mM); and a recovery treatment consisting of amiodarone and
methimazole plus excess thyroxine (T4, 10 nM) to overcome the effects of the inhibitor
treatment. At 2-hr post fertilization, embryos were immediately placed in their respective
treatment solution. Solutions were replaced daily, and approximately 400 larvae were
collected at 4 dpf for genetic analysis. The experiment was replicated four times. The
first experiment was dismissed because of technical complications during cDNA
microarray procedures, thus leaving three replicates available for data analysis and
interpretation.
Thyroid inhibition and recovery effectiveness was determined morphologically,
assessing jaw and gas bladder development. The degree of jaw development was
clearly correlated with treatment. Namely, thyroid hormone inhibition caused a delay in
jaw development that was recovered by the addition of T4. No change in gas bladder
9
development was seen among any of the treatments. Gene expression patterns were
determined using a zebrafish genome cDNA microarray containing 14,067 genes (MWG
Biotech). This analysis uncovered over 120 genes that are regulated by thyroid
hormones during embryonic development; namely, the expression of these genes was
affected (up- or down-regulated) in the presence of thyroid hormone synthesis-action
inhibitors and restored in the presence of excess, exogenous thyroid hormone. The data
obtained from the microarray analysis are being compiled and prepared for incorporation
into a graduate student dissertation proposal and a grant proposal for extramural
funding.
10
Completed Research-Terrestrial
11
Project title:
Fire application to saltcedar-dominated riparian areas:
Prescription development, hazardous fuels reduction, and
ecosystem response.
Unit project number:
RWO 39
Principal investigators:
Carlton Britton
Students and staff:
Brent Racher (PhD)
Period of performance:
1/02 - 1/04
Funding source:
Bureau of Land Management/DOI
Location:
Chaves County, New Mexico; Lubbock, Texas.
Summary of activities and findings
In areas where saltcedar is a widespread problem such as the Pecos River Valley, land
managers often utilize fire to prevent a saltcedar stand from becoming too thick, allowing
better recreation areas, viewing of wildlife, or handling of livestock. This project will be
set-up to analyze three major objectives. The first is to determine the best phenological
stage to burn saltcedar in order to receive the highest mortality, reduce the canopy the
greatest, and have the best herbaceous response following the fire. Second, re-apply
fire five years following initial burning treatments, and determine the phenological stage
to burn to receive the highest mortality, reduction of canopy, and herbaceous response.
Third, determine burning prescriptions and blackline widths in order to safely burn
saltcedar stands. Studying fire behavior in saltcedar stands will also aid in understanding
what to expect when there are wildfires. Completing these objectives will provide the
prescribed burning management options for land owners/managers that will best suit
their situation (i.e. reduction of saltcedar, increased grazing capacity, etc.). This project
and its results will also provide a demonstration area for viewing and descriptive data to
interested parties.
Fire behavior from saltcedar-dominated communities in New Mexico is largely
dependent on whether the areas have burned in the recent past or not. Areas that have
not burned before (or in the recent past) have fuel build-up that creates a situation in
which fire behavior will be extreme under a very broad range of conditions. The fires in
these un-burned communities move through saltcedar monocultures as crown fires.
Previously burned communities move fire through them as a surface fire that is carried
by fine fuel. So, the ability to carry fire frequently through previously burned saltcedar
communities is dependent on the characteristics of the fine fuel component. Adequate
fine fuel loading and continuity is necessary to carry a fire that will top-kill saltcedar at a
five year interval. No benefit was noticed by burning with relative humidity below 20%.
This showed that saltcedar’s reputation of volatility comes from the build-up of dead
woody fuels and not the fuel moisture of the green leaf moisture. Saltcedar’s green
leaves, when present, always have moisture too high to add to fire behavior even though
they contain volatile oils. Decadent stands of saltcedar, in contrast, carry fires through
the crowns with extremely high flame lengths and heights. These fires are very difficult
to stop with standard fire fighting methods when they occur under the conditions used in
12
this study. This is further exasperated by the fact that many saltcedar communities are
in areas with little accessibility to equipment. Therefore, proper planning/placement of
firelines (blacklines) is extremely important. Firelines should be placed in an area where
natural fuel breaks and/or accessibility will make it relatively easy to burn out a safe area
to run a headfire into. Fire behavior predictions can also be used to plan for crew sizes
and level of experience needed in personnel.
Firebrand data show that saltcedar fires can produce and transport firebrands at least to
152 m regardless of fire history. Conditions under which fires were conducted allow a
torching tree or group of trees to transport firebrands nearly as far as crown fires. Since
no firebrands were collected or started spotfires out to the 213 m sampling areas,
blacklines should be at least that wide. Although no firebrands were collected or started
fires out to 213 m, this does not mean that risk of spotfires out to and beyond this
distance does not exist. Suppression/holding crews should be alert for such dangers.
Relying on the temperature, wind, and woody fuel moisture condition relationships to
firebrands to predict less firebrand activity is risky because the links between these
relationships are not completely understood. The reduced number and transported
distance of firebrands above 29oC requires further investigation. To be safer, the
recommended fireline width of 213 m should be used.
Prescription recommendations will not be complete until the fuel reduction and
vegetation response of saltcedar communities from burning at different phenological
stages is finished, but preliminary weather/fuel conditions are offered. The area should
have a 3- to 9-m dozed line place around the entire unit and on the inside portion of the
firelines. If the stand is thick and decadent, the dozed line should be >6 m since radiant
heat from the fire has the potential of starting a fire across the dozed line even in an
upwind position. A 213-m fireline should be burned downwind of the prevailing wind
direction, which for this area of New Mexico is a southwest wind (i.e. place firelines on
north and east sides), unless the shape of the drainage dictates burning in another
direction. In that case, caution should be heeded to use a steady wind direction that is
not forecast to change. These firelines can be burned out when temperature is 4o to
16oC, relative humidity is >40%, wind speed is less than 16 km/hr, and 10-hr TLFM is
≥8%. Use of the strip headfire ignition method or flank fire ignition method is useful for
burning firelines, but backfires can be used if saltcedar is too dense to walk through.
Dense, decadent stands appear to be prone to firewhirls because of the intense fire
behavior, and center ignition, ring firing, or running headfires into backfires are not
recommended. After the firelines have been burned, headfires can be used to burn the
remainder of the area. For headfires, use air temperatures 18oC to 35oC, relative
humidity 20 to 45%, wind speeds 5 to 24 km/hr, and 10-hr TLFM ≥5%. The wind
direction should push the fire into the prepared firelines. Caution is advised for use of
temperatures exceeding 32oC because safety of fire crews may be sacrificed at these
higher temperatures. Dehydration and heat stress can become especially evident when
spotfires occur and high exertion is required. Additional caution is given for conditions
with >38oC, relative humidity <20%, wind gusts >32 km/hr, 10-hr TLFM ≤4%, or cold
front passage within 12 hours. These conditions should be considered Red Flag
Conditions under which a burn should not be conducted. It should also be noted that the
above prescriptions are given in a range to be practical for use. Combinations of these
conditions that are drier, hotter, and windier increase the danger of the fire escape.
Burning saltcedar did not provide a consistent mortality for any of the treatments.
Prescribed fires’ use in saltcedar should be primarily to manage the hazardous fuel
13
accumulations or to allow access into previously impenetrable stands. The ability to
reburn stands of saltcedar within five years was only moderately achieved. Prescribed
fire alone is not recommended as a tool for long-term management of saltcedar.
However, because of it ability to reduce biomass and improve access to impenetrable
stands, the use of fire in combination with other management options or as part of an
integrated management approach can provide desirable results to significantly reduce
the dominance of saltcedar.
The following is a list of proceedings, abstracts, presentations, research reports, and
dissertation directly related to the technology transfer of the information and knowledge
gained from this project to professionals, managers, researchers, etc. This does not
include numerous conversations, e-mails, and direct requests for information we have
had involving fire in saltcedar-dominated ecosystems.
Proceedings
Racher, B. J. and C. M. Britton. 2003. Fire in saltcedar ecosystems. In: Proc. of
Saltcedar and Water Resources in the West. San Angelo, TX.
Presentations
Bryan, J.B., R.B. Mitchell, B.J. Racher, and C. Schmidt. 2002. Saltcedar response to
prescribed burning in New Mexico. Soc. for Range Manage. Annual Meeting,
Kansas City, MO.
Racher, B.J, R.B. Mitchell, J. Bryan, and C. Schmidt. 2002. Prescriptions for burning
saltcedar in New Mexico. Soc. for Range Manage. Annual Meeting Kansas City,
MO.
Racher, B. J. and C. M. Britton. 2003. Fire in saltcedar ecosystems. Saltcedar and
Water Resources in the West, A Symposium. San Angelo, TX.
Racher, B.J. and C.M. Britton. 2003. Fire as an integrated management approach for
saltcedar. In: Invasive plants in natural and managed systems. Seventh
International Conference on Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions.
Research Reports
Racher, B.J. and R.B. Mitchell. 1999. Management of saltcedar in eastern New Mexico
and Texas. Research Highlights-Noxious Brush and Weed Control: Range,
Wildlife, and Fisheries Management. Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock. 30:14.
Racher, B.J. and R.B. Mitchell. 2001. Fire application to saltcedar-dominated riparian
areas: Prescription development, hazardous fuels reduction, and ecosystem
response. Joint Fire Science Program Annual Report.
Racher, B.J., C.M. Britton, and R.B. Mitchell. 2002. Fire application to saltcedardominated riparian areas: Prescription development, hazardous fuels reduction,
and ecosystem response. Joint Fire Science Program Annual Report.
Racher, B.J., C.M. Britton, R.B. Mitchell, D.B. Wester, and C. Schmidt. 2003. Fire
application to saltcedar-dominated riparian areas: Prescription development,
hazardous fuels reduction, and ecosystem response. Joint Fire Science
Program Annual Report.
Dissertation
Racher, B.J. 2003. Prescription development for burning two volatile fuel types. Ph.D.
Dissertation. Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock.
14
Project title:
Raptor association with black-tailed prairie dog colonies on
Cannon Air Force Base: Implication for bird strikes
Unit project number:
RWO 43
Principal investigators:
Clint Boal
Students and staff:
Joel Merriman (MS)
Period of performance:
6/01 - 12/03
Funding source:
Department of Defense
Location:
Melrose Bombing and Gunnery Range, New Mexico
Lubbock County, Texas
Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
Some species of diurnal raptor have been shown to be associated with prairie dog
colonies. However, most studies conducted on raptor-prairie dog associations have
focused on the winter season, and little information exists for migratory periods or on
breeding grounds. Diurnal raptors pose a potential strike threat to aircraft, especially in
low-level flight. Prairie dog control has therefore been proposed as a method of
reducing the risk of bird-aircraft collisions. However, due to habitat loss, sylvatic plague,
and wide-scale eradication programs, black-tailed prairie dogs have been found to
warrant protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, but are
precluded by other, higher priority issues. Thus, assessing the value of lethal control of
prairie dogs and identifying non-lethal alternatives is important. We addressed this
question with two study components. Component one of this study was initiated to
assess the potential effectiveness of a prairie dog control program as a means of
reducing bird-aircraft strike risks. Objectives of component one were to 1) assess
seasonal patterns of raptor presence at grassland sites occupied by prairie dog colonies
and grassland sites unoccupied by prairie dogs and 2) to use this information to assess
the potential effectiveness of prairie dog control as a method to reduce risk of birdaircraft collisions. Objectives of component two were to 1) assess the efficacy of visual
barriers as a non-lethal method of prairie dog control, and 2) to evaluate different
materials used as visual barriers. We found species-specific and seasonal differences in
raptor presence at prairie dog colonies compared to non-colonized grasslands. We
determined that each possible control situation is unique and needs to be assessed
individually. For example, in our rangeland study site, control of prairie dogs may lead to
an increase in Swainson’s hawks and strike risk. In contrast, control of prairie dogs in
our agricultural study area may lead to a reduced presence of ferruginous hawks and
reduced strike risk. Prairie dog control in either study area would have no discernible
effect on red-tailed hawks or strike risk. We found that visual barriers were not effective
in reducing the spread of prairie dog colonies. However, galvanized roofing material
was a more resilient material and required less maintenance compared to traditionally
used silt fencing.
15
Presentations
Merriman, J.W., C.W. Boal, T.A. Bashore, and P. Zwank. Assessment of speciesspecific raptor-aircraft strike risks associated with prairie dog colonies. Annual
Meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation, Anchorage, AK, September 2003.
Merriman, J.W., P. Zwank, C.W. Boal, T.A. Bashore. Assessing raptor-aircraft strike risk
associated with prairie dog colonies. 68th Annual North American Wildlife and
Natural Resources Conference, Winston-Salem, NC. March 2003.
Merriman, J.W., P. Zwank, C.W. Boal, T.A. Bashore. Spatial distribution of raptors in
relation to prairie dog colonies. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 38th
Annual Meeting, Waco, TX. Feb. 2003.
Thesis/dissertations
Merriman, J.W. 2003. Raptors associated wit black-tailed prairie dog colonies and
directional manipulation of prairie dog colony expansion using visual barriers in
shortgrass prairie. MS Thesis, Texas Tech University.
Publications
Merriman, J.W., P. Zwank, C.W. Boal, T.A. Bashore. 2004. Efficacy of visual barriers in
reduction of black-tailed prairie dog colony expansion. Wildlife Society Bulletin
32: 1316-1320.
16
Project title: Influences of landuse change on distributions of falconiforms and
strigiforms in Texas: An historical analysis with projection to 2030
Unit project number:
RWO 52
Principal investigators:
Clint Boal
Students and staff:
Dorothy Tinkler (PhD)
Period of performance:
1/03 - 12/03
Funding source:
U.S. Geological Survey
Location:
Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
To understand the impact that agricultural and urban expansion will have on ecological
processes it is necessary to first investigate historical agricultural and urban expansion.
This historical model can then be used as a predictive model to determine where habitat
fragmentation will occur over the next 30 years so management guidelines can be
established. To accomplish this we are evaluating the temporal and spatial
characteristics of landscape, land cover and land use. In addition, we are investigating
the consequences of agricultural expansion on birds of prey across Texas. Three main
factors can be identified as causing declines in raptor numbers. All of these are
associated with expanding human population and increased conversion of natural
vegetation to cropland and urban areas. They are 1) restriction and degradation of
habitat, 2) environmental contamination and 3) persecution by humans. We
quantificatied the percentage of natural habitat, urban habitat and farmland for all Texas
counties for each year of the Census of Agriculture. These data have been interpolated
to estimate percent coverage of each of the three classes between census years. The
actual and estimated data have been used to create a series of maps from 1850 to
1997, which illustrate the conversion of natural cover to farmland and urban cover in
successive years. The percentage of farmland from the census has been regressed and
a predictive model has been generated for each county. Unfortunately, data availability
for distribution of raptoral birds was too coarse to draw meaningful conclusions as to
changes in abundance and distribution in relation to landscape change. Although there
did appear to be some relationship between golden eagle and burrowing owl occurrence
with sorghum fields, the low resolution and reliability of species distribution data, an
especially problematic factor for species that occur at very low densities such as raptoral
birds, these relationships may be spurious. The availability of the landuse change data
provided may be very useful for a number of ecological, economical, and social studies.
However, assessing species distributional changes, or making predictions of such, will
require substantially finer resolution of distribution data than was available for this study.
Thesis/dissertations
Tinkler, D. E. 2004. Influences of landuse change on distributions of falconiforms and
strigiforms in Texas: An historical analysis with projection to 2030. PhD
dissertation, Texas Tech University.
17
Project title: Playa lakes as habitat reserves for prairie dogs
Unit project number:
TPW 8
Principal investigators:
Clint Boal
Students and staff:
Alison Pruett (MS)
Period of performance:
9/01 - 8/04
Funding source:
Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW 8)
Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Location:
Southern High Plains of Texas
Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
Playa lakes play a significant role in the lives of many wildlife species. These lakes
provide greater than 160,000-ha of wetlands, while occupying just 2% of the total
landscape in the Southern Great Plains. Due to intensive agricultural practices in the
Texas Panhandle and surrounding regions, playa lakes have become one of the last
areas of native habitat and refuge for many wildlife populations. No studies, however,
have been made to assess the value of playa lakes as habitat for the black-tailed prairie
dog (Cynomys ludovicianus). The importance of assessing the relationship between
playa lakes and black-tailed prairie dogs is multi-faceted. Prairie dogs are restricted to
less than 5% of their historical range and have been found warrant listing as federally
threatened species. In 2002, we initiated a study to examine the value of playa lakes as
habitat reserves for black-tailed prairie dogs. The objectives of our study were to assess
1) black-tailed prairie dog colony distribution, colony sizes, and population of colonies on
the Southern High Plains of Texas, 2) associations of black-tailed prairie dog colonies
with playa lakes, and 3) diversity and abundances of small mammal and avian species
associated with prairie dog colonies at playa lakes. We developed a model that, using
only three 10-minute surveys, allows estimation of prairie dog populations within 6% of
the actual population size. We found that prairie dogs in the Southern High Plains of
Texas are clearly associated with playas: playas have become a major portion of the
black-tailed prairie dog’s habitat in the region due to being one of the only landscape
features left relatively unimpaired by landscape conversion to agriculture. We also found
small mammal and avian diversity did not differ between colony and non-colony sites.
However, individual small mammal and avian species did exhibit preference toward
colony (e.g., Onychomys leucogaster, Athene cunicularia) or non-colony (e.g.,
Chaetodipus hispidus, Sturnella neglecta) sites. Our data are in contrast to many
studies that have indicated greater small mammal and bird diversity and abundance
associated with prairie dog colonies as compared to non-colonized areas.
Presentations
Pruett, A., C.W. Boal, M.Wallace, P. Robertson and J. Ray. Distribution and association
of black-tailed prairie dogs with playa lakes in the southern high plains of Texas.
Texas Prairie Dog Working Group Meeting, Lubbock, TX. March 2003.
18
Pruett, A., C.W. Boal, M.Wallace, P. Robertson and J. Ray. Black-tailed prairie dogs
and small mammal diversity in the southern high plains of Texas. Texas Chapter
of The Wildlife Society 38th Annual Meeting, Waco, TX. February 2003.
Pruett, A., C.W. Boal, M. Wallace, and P. Robertson. 2004. Seasonal variation in blacktailed prairie dog activity patterns and a new approach to assessing population
sizes. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 39th Annual Meeting, Kerrville, TX.
19-21 February 2004.
Thesis/dissertations
Pruett, A.L. 2004. Black-tailed prairie dog association with playa lakes in the Southern
High Plains and a new approach to estimating colony population sizes. MS
thesis, Texas Tech University.
19
On-going Research-Aquatic
20
Project title: Risk based approaches for improved toxic chemical management
for integrated environmental and human health issues - RDX zebrafish
subproject/Phase VI (2003-2004)
Unit project number:
OA 41 (Phase VI)
Principal investigators:
Reynaldo Patiño
Students and staff:
Sandeep Muhki (PhD), John Clark (undergraduate),
Darelyn David (undergraduate), Kirstin Mielke
(undergraduate), Aaron Urbanczyk (undergraduate), Linda
Vega (undergraduate)
Period of performance:
01/04 - 05/05
Funding source:
Department of Defense through the Texas Tech University
Institute of Environmental and Human Health
Location:
Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine is a cyclonitroamine commonly known as RDX
(Royal Demolition Explosive) that is used in the production of military munitions and
other explosives. Contamination of soil, sediment, and ground and surface waters with
RDX has been reported in different parts of the world and is of increasing concern for the
health of fish and wildlife. Acute and sub-acute toxicities of RDX have been documented
in terrestrial vertebrates, but among aquatic vertebrates the information available is
incomplete and limited to few species. The objectives of this study are to characterize (1)
the acute toxicity of RDX to the larval stage of zebrafish (Danio rerio), and (2) the subacute effects of RDX on growth and reproductive development of zebrafish. Experiments
associated with the first objective have been completed and are reported here.
Mortality (LC50) and incidence of vertebral column deformities in fish surviving the
exposures (EC50) were measured in this study. The 96-h LC50 was estimated at 22.98
mg/L and 25.64 mg/L in two separate tests. The estimated NOEC values of RDX on
lethality were 13.27 ± 0.05 mg/L and 15.32 ± 0.00 mg/L in the two tests; and the LOEC
values were 16.52 ± 0.05 mg/L and 19.09 ± 2.5 mg/L. The 96-h EC50 for vertebral
deformities was estimated for the second test at 20.84 mg/L, with NOEC and LOEC of
9.75 ± 0.34 and 12.84 ± 0.34 mg/L, respectively. Behavioral aberrations were also
noted in the second test, including whirling movement of the fish within 24 h of exposure
at RDX concentrations of ≥19.09 mg/L and lethargic behavior within 72 h at RDX
concentrations of ≥23.98 mg/L. These effects of RDX occurred at concentrations in the
range of mg/L, which is at the high end of the most frequently reported RDX
concentrations in aquatic environments. This information will be of use for the ecological
risk assessment of environmental RDX.
21
Project title:
Characterization of a new integrative model of hormonally
induced ovarian follicle maturation and ovulation in fishes
Unit project number:
OA 47
Principal investigators:
Reynaldo Patiño, Peter Thomas, Goro Yoshizaki
Students and staff:
Naoki Kumakura (postdoctoral associate - TTU), Yoji
Yamamoto (PhD student - Tokyo University of Marine
Science and Technology)
Period of performance:
9/02 - 8/05
Funding source:
USDA (NRI/CGP)
Location:
Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Austin
Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
Summary of activities and findings
In aquaculture, the expansion and diversification of cultured species are to a large
degree dependent on the reliable and adequate supply of fingerlings. Improved
strategies for fish production and growth maximization are also of interest in fisheries
management. Therefore, better knowledge of the basic physiology of ovarian maturation
and ovulation (egg production) would greatly facilitate the development of new and
improved reproductive technologies for application in aquaculture and fisheries
management. The specific goal of this research program is to define the hormonal
mechanisms by which egg production is regulated in fishes. Specific processes being
investigated include physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms of ovarian
maturation and ovulation, with emphasis on ovulation. The results of this study are
expected to advance current knowledge of the mechanisms controlling egg production
and egg quality.
Information already obtained from this ongoing study indicates that the pituitary
hormone, luteinizing hormone, regulates the acquisition of oocyte maturational
competence as well as ovulatory competence - namely, the abilities to mature and
ovulate. This and other observations have led us to conclude that maturation and
ovulation are closely integrated and overlapping events that are best viewed
conceptually and experimentally as parts of a functional whole. This conceptual
framework is not widely applied in current studies of animal reproduction. Thus, we
anticipate that our new conceptual framework will facilitate improved experimental
designs for the study of maturation and ovulation in teleost fishes.
We also determined that the pH of the incubation medium is a critical factor regulating
the pace of maturation and ovulation in vitro. We determined that the optimum pH for invitro maturation and ovulation corresponds to the pH of ovarian fluid, which is slightly
alkaline (pH 8.5). This information will likely influence current in-vitro techniques of
reproductive biotechnologies in teleost fishes.
22
We also cloned and characterized the amino acid sequences of the enzymes,
cyclooxygenases-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2), from the ovary of Atlantic croaker.
These enzymes are presumed to be important for ovulation in vertebrates but knowledge
about their function and regulation in fishes is limited. Experimentation was conducted to
determine the hormonal regulation and mechanisms of COXs. The data from these
experiments is currently being analyzed and interpreted.
Finally, we conducted a “subtraction hybridization” procedure in order to isolate genes
that are newly activated during the acquisition of maturational competence in croaker
follicles. This procedure is currently in progress, but we have already obtained 20-30
candidate genes that seem to be up regulated during the induction of maturational
competence. This is the first time that this procedure has been applied in any animal to
study the mechanisms of maturational competence, and we anticipate that the results
obtained will yield novel and useful information of importance to understand the
mechanisms of oogenesis.
Publications
Patiño, R., Yoshizaki, G., and Thomas, P. 2003. Regulation of maturational and
ovulatory competencies in teleost ovarian follicles. Fish Physiology and
Biochemistry 28:305-308.
Patiño, R., Bolamba, D., Thomas, P., and Kumakura, N. Submitted. Effects of external
pH on hormonally regulated ovarian follicle maturation and ovulation in Atlantic
croaker.
Presentations
Kumakura, N., Patiño, R., and Thomas, P. 2004. Role of cyclooxygenases-1 and -2
during ovulation in ovarian follicles of Atlantic croaker. Society for the Study of
Reproduction, Vancouver, Canada.
Patiño, R. 2004. Induction of maturation and spawning in fishes. Workshop on the
Biology and Culture of Snooks, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México.
Patiño, R. 2004. Integration of concepts and mechanisms of ovarian follicle maturation
and ovulation in teleost fishes, National Congress of Ichthyology, Villahermosa,
Tabasco, México (Keynote Address).
23
Project title:
Development of aquaculture techniques for the indigenous
species of southern Mexico, Common Snook Centropomus
undecimalis: sex determination and differentiation and
effects of temperature
Unit project number:
OA 48
Principal investigators:
Reynaldo Patiño, Kevin Pope, Wilfrido Contreras
(Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, México)
Students and staff:
Guadalupe Morales-Lara (M.S., University of Tabasco)
Period of performance:
6/03 - 6/06
Funding source:
USAID through Oregon State University
Location:
Tabasco, México
Summary of activities and findings
Artisanal fisheries based on the capture of wild fishes are the primary source of fish for
the food market in southern México. Because of its geographic and hydrological
features, this region also has been considered one of the most promising in México for
the development of aquaculture. Although native fishes are deeply embedded in the
culture of the region and constitute important food staples for its people, to date most
aquacultural programs have relied primarily on non-native species such as tilapias and
carps. These exotic species have escaped the confines of aquacultural farms and are
now reported to have invaded biologically sensitive areas such as The Pantanos de
Centla Biosphere Reserve (Tabasco), the most important wetland system in
southeastern México. The impact of these exotics on the ecological viability of the area
remains largely unexplored but is likely to be considerable. This proposed work is based
on the premise that the development of aquaculture of indigenous species is preferable
for the region in the context of both market acceptability and ecological compatibility.
Species of “robalo,” or snook, are among the most important indigenous fish species
along the Mexican coastline of the Gulf of Mexico. The robalo blanco, or common snook
(Centropomus undecimalis) are caught in relatively greater numbers and enjoy a high
market value. However, there is an overall national trend for diminishing catch volumes,
a situation that has led to concerns for the health of the regional snook fisheries and to
calls for improved management practices. The natural range of common snook extends
from North Carolina to Brazil, and therefore the status of wild snook populations is of
international concern.
The objectives of this project fall into two categories, educational/information transfer
and research. The first objective is to organize a workshop summarizing current
knowledge of snook. It has been reported that female snook are larger than males of
the same age class, especially in younger fish. This observation suggests that females
have an intrinsically faster growth rate than males. Thus, the research objectives focus
24
on an examination of the gonadal sex differentiation of common snook and the
determination if sex ratios can be changed in favor of females to enhance growth rate of
cultured populations. We have completed the first objective (workshop) and are currently
working on the research objective.
A workshop entitled The Biology and Management of Snooks was help in Villahermosa,
Tabasco, on 27-30 April, 2004. Speakers at the workshop were Harry Grier, Ron Taylor
and Mike Tringali (Florida Marine Research Institute, USA); John Tucker (Harbor Branch
Oceanographic Institute, USA); Luis S. Álvarez-Lajonchere (Centro de Investigación en
Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mexico); Adolfo Sánchez (Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y
Limnología; Mexico); and PIs Reynaldo Patiño (Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit, USA), Kevin Pope (Department of Range, Wildlife & Fisheries
Management, USA) and Wilfrido M. Contreras-Sánchez (División Académica de
Ciencias Biológicas, Mexico). The workshop was advertised using a national
aquaculture network and pamphlets were distributed among producers, researchers,
NGO´s, and Mexican government extension agencies. There were over 40 audience
members at the workshop (aside from presenters) from México, Central America and the
Caribbean.
Workshop Presentations
The following presentations were conducted at the workshop:
Natural history of the common snook in Florida (Taylor)
Endocrine control of reproduction in fishes (Patiño)
Snook reproduction (Taylor))
Ovarian follicle formation in snooks (Grier)
Early development of the common snook (Taylor)
Habitat preferences (Taylor)
Studies on Molecular Genetics of snooks (Tringali)
Snook juvenile harvest for commercial use: a fisheries perspective (Pope)
Scale economies for the production of juvenile common snooks (Álvarez-Lajonchere)
Potential for the culture of snooks and strategies for its development (ÁlvarezLajonchere)
Spawning induction in common snook (Grier)
Larval culture, disease control, and feeds (Tucker)
Natural sex reversal in fishes; hermaphroditism in snooks (Contreras-Sánchez)
Monitoring freed snooks in Central Florida (Taylor)
Experiences on snook culture in Cuba (Álvarez-Lajonchere)
Experiences on snook culture in Texas (Pope)
Experiences on snook culture in Mexico (Sánchez)
25
Project title:
Biomarkers of Health and Reproduction in Amphibians for
use by the ARMI Program
Unit project number:
RWO 54
Principal investigators:
Reynaldo Patiño and James Carr
Students and staff:
Bibek Sharma (Ph.D.) and Fang Hu (Ph.D.)
Period of performance:
6/04 - 1/06
Funding source:
U.S. Geological Survey/ARMI Program
Location:
Big Bend National Park, Texas; and Texas Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
It is evident that amphibian populations are declining globally. While there is general
agreement that these declines are of major concern, there is much debate regarding the
factors causing the declines. Two general classes of hypotheses regarding amphibian
declines have been proposed. Class I hypotheses include factors such as loss of
habitat, introduction of alien species, and over-exploitation and collection of amphibians.
Class II hypotheses include global changes in climate (UV radiation, global warming),
emerging diseases (such as the opportunistic chytridomycete fungus) and contaminants
such as pesticides and industrial waste products. Although there is considerable
temporal and geographical evidence linking Class I hypotheses to declines in amphibian
populations, the association between Class II hypotheses and declines is still not well
understood despite a significant number of recent reports linking sublethal contaminant
exposure to alterations in amphibian development and reproduction. Given the relatively
recent discovery of sublethal effects of contaminants on reproduction and development
in frogs, it is not surprising that their contribution to the health of amphibian populations
is not well-understood. The degree to which sublethal exposures to environmental
contaminants contribute to amphibian population declines can only be adequately
evaluated when biomarker techniques for assessing reproductive and developmental
effects are refined and integrated with efforts to monitor the long-term health of
amphibian populations.
Two main goals of the USGS Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (ARMI) are
to monitor and evaluate amphibian population trends on a national scale, and to
investigate the underlying causes for their decline. The present research aims to
develop and validate tools that could be used to bridge efforts aimed at accomplishing
these two goals. Namely, we will examine biomarkers of health and reproduction that
(1) may provide important information about the physiological fitness of populations
(underlying mechanisms), and also (2) may be incorporated into programs to monitor
population trends. While this approach is similar to that of the Biomonitoring of
Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program, which focuses primarily on fishes, it
is also unique in that it takes advantage of the population trend monitoring effort that is
embedded in the ARMI Program. Our research consists of laboratory and field
components. The laboratory component consists of an evaluation of histopathological
and immunohistochemical biomarkers of thyroid disruption in amphibians. This
26
experimentation involves exposure of amphibian tadpoles to sodium perchlorate through
the normal period of metamorphosis followed by thyroid biomarker analysis. The
exposures have been completed and the biomarker analysis is now in progress. The
field component will consist of surveys of amphibian populations in and around Big Bend
National Park in Texas, an Apex site for ongoing ARMI initiatives in the South Central
region of the country. These surveys will be conducted during summer 2005. Biomarker
analyses of collected specimens as well as contaminant analysis of water and sediment
will be conducted. Data generated from this project are supporting the research of two
graduate students.
27
On-going Research-Terrestrial
28
Project title:
Comparative effects of global climate on ecosystem nitrogen
and soil biogeochemistry in the U.S. national parks
Unit project number:
RWO 32
Principal investigators:
John Zak
Students and staff:
James Campbell (PhD), Lisa Patrick, Traesha Robertson
(PhD), Colin Bell (MS), Heath Grizzle (MS), Jennifer
Resinger (MS), Rosilva Suarez (undergraduate)
Period of performance:
9/99 - 12/04
Funding source:
U.S. Geological Survey
Location:
Pine Canyon Watershed Big Bend National Park
Summary of activities and findings
Specific Objectives - 1. continue to quantify long-term change in hydrologic, nutrient, and
precipitation along the Pine Canyon watershed gradient at Big Bend National Park, 2.
continue monitoring long-term trends in soil N status, 3. examine spatial and temporal
change in subsurface soils water chemistry and flow to quantify N export and response
to change in soil temperature and moisture, 4. evaluate long-term trends in soil microbial
activity, soil microbial biomass and functional diversity, and provide biological
parameters for measuring ecosystem stability and response to disturbance, 5. assess
spatial and temporal patterns in decomposition rates; 6. in conjunction with the other
watershed sites that are part of the larger investigation, Big Bend will provide the data
necessary to help assess impact of changes in forest structure alone and in combination
with environmental changes (atmospheric inputs, global climate) on the function of
forested watersheds (biogeochemistry and nutrient retention); and, 7. provide
management recommendations concerning human impacts on Park watersheds.
We continue to monitor seasonal patterns in microbial dynamics, soil nutrient dynamics,
precipitation patterns, and soil temperatures within five vegetation zones along the Pine
Canyon Watershed elevational gradient at Big Bend NP. Results continue to reflect the
negative impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on soil pH and microbial activities
associated with the mid-elevation grasslands. Soil pH continues to decline in this part of
the National Park. Precipitation was the highest this past year compared with the
previous five years. The increased precipitation did not result, however, in a substantial
increase in microbial activity in any vegetation zone along the watershed.
Publications
Sobek, E. and J. C. Zak. 2003. The soil fungilog procedure: Method and analytical
approaches towards understanding fungal functional diversity. Mycologia 95:590602.
Huxman, T. E., M.D. Smith, P. Fay, A.K. Knapp, M.R. Shaw, M.E. Loik, S.D. Smith, D.T.
Tissue, J.C. Zak, J. F. Weltzin, W.T. Pockman, O. Sala, B. Haddad, J. Harte, G.
29
W. Koch, S. Schwinning, E. Small, and D. G. Williams. 2004. Convergence
across biomes to a common rain-use efficiency. Nature. 429: 651-654.
Weltzin, J.F., M.E. Loik, S. Schwinning, D.G. Williams, P. Fay, B. Haddad and in
alphabetical order: J. Harte, T.E. Huxman, A.K. Knapp, G. Lin, W.T. Pockman,
M.R. Shaw, E. Small, M.D. Smith, S.D. Smith, D.T. Tissue, J.C. Zak. 2003.
Assessing the response of terrestrial ecosystems to potential changes in
precipitation. Bioscience. 10: 941-952.
Zak, J. C., and M. R. Willig. 2004. Fungal biodiversity patterns, pp. 59-76. In: Biodiversity
of Fungi: Inventory and Monitoring Methods, G. M. Mueller, G. F. Bills, and M. S.
Foster (eds), Elsevier-Academic Press, Boston.
Zak, J. C. and H. G. Wildman. 2004. Fungi in stressful environments, pp. 303-316. In: In:
Biodiversity of Fungi: Inventory and Monitoring Methods, G. M. Mueller, G. F.
Bills, and M. S. Foster (eds), Elsevier-Academic Press, Boston.
Presentations
Campbell, J., R. Jeter and J. C. Zak 2004. Effects of Environmental Parameters on
Distributions of Oligotrophic Bacteria Along an Elevational Gradient at Big Bend
National Park. Texas Academy of Sciences, Austin, TX February 2004.
Zak, J. C., A. Nagy, D. Tissue, and M. Loik. 2004. Impacts of Precipitation Changes on
Microbial Dynamics and Processes in a Desert Grassland. Ecological Society
Annual Meeting, Portland OR, August 2004.
Thesis/dissertations
Nagy, Amber. M. December 2003. Effects of Simulated Precipitation on Nitrogen Cycling
and Microbial Processes in a Grassland Ecosystem at Big Bend National Park,
TX. MS Thesis, Texas Tech University.
Awards and honors
J. Zak was elected to the Teaching Academy, Texas Tech University in September
2003.
30
Project title:
Limiting factors of waterfowl
Unit project number:
RWO 50, OA 46
Principal investigators:
Loren Smith, David Haukos
Students and staff:
Jena Moon (MS, pintails), Stephanie Martinez (technician,
mottled ducks)
Period of performance:
9/02 - 12/05
Funding source:
DOI/Fish and Wildlife Service
Location:
Playa Lakes Region of Texas, Rainwater Basin of
Nebraska, Prairie Pothole Region of United States and
Canada; Gulf Coast of Texas
Summary of activities and findings
This project is intended to compare and contrast potential population limiting factors of
the migratory northern pintail and nonmigratory mottled duck. Pintails have been
declining since the late 1970s in a contrasting trend to other species of waterfowl. A
possible hypothesis for this decline is low winter survival and declining wintering habitat
quality and quantity. We investigated survival, movements, and habitat use of female
pintails wintering in the Playa Lakes Region (PLR) of Texas. In an unprecedented effort,
birds captured and radio-transmittered in the PLR were followed throughout migration
and nest initiation by other researchers throughout the midcontinent region of North
America. During the 2002-2003 and 2003-2204 field seasons, 320 female pintails were
captured, measured, and outfitted with radio transmitters. Birds were followed from 15
Oct. through 1 March, when migration occurred. Habitat conditions were excellent for
the 2002-2003 field season, but the worst drought since 1917 occurred in 2003-2004
resulting in poor habitat conditions. Cumulative survival for the wintering period was
93% in 2002-2003, with all but 1 of the 8 mortalities occurred during the pintails hunting
season. In 2003-2004, overwinter survival declined to 69% with body mass upon
arrival being an important factor in survival (heavier birds survived at higher rates).
Movement data in both years indicated that pintails feed out playa wetlands prior to field
feeding indicating the importance of natural foods in playas to pintail populations.
Measurement of body condition indicates a considerable decline in condition female
pintails from the mid1980s, which may be influencing continental populations levels.
We initiated the mottled duck portion of the work in the fall of 2004. Populations of
mottled ducks have been declining on the Texas Gulf Coast since the mid1990s. The
lack of understanding of the needs for mottled ducks is hindering management efforts.
The initial focus of this work is the use of wetlands by breeding pairs of mottled ducks.
The first year of field work has been completed. We collected data on the availability of
wetlands for breeding mottled ducks, occurrence of pairs of mottled ducks, and habitat
measurements at ponds where pairs were found. Analyses of these data have been
initiated, with a report anticipated by 1 January 2005. The study will be repeated in
2005.
31
Presentations
Moon, J. 2003. Survival of female northern pintails in the Playa Lakes Region. 3rd North
American Duck Symposium, Sacramento, California.
Moon, J., D. Haukos, and R. Cox, Jr. 2004. Daily movements of female northern
pintails wintering in the Playa Lakes Region of Texas. Annual meeting of the
Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Kerrville, Texas
Moon, J. and D. Haukos. 2004. Habitat use by female pintails wintering the Playa Lakes
Region of Texas. Annual meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Seattle,
Washington.
Moon, J., and D. Haukos. 2004. Overwinter survival of female northern pintails in the
Playa Lakes Region of northwest Texas. Annual meeting of The Wildlife Society.
Calgary, Alberta.
Publications
Moon, J., and D. Haukos. 2004. Pintails in the playas. Birdscapes spring/summer:9
Thesis/dissertations
Moon, J. 2004. Survival, movements, and habitat use of female northern pintails in the
Playa Lakes Region.
Awards and honors
Cottam Award for best student presentation - Moon, J., D. Haukos, and R. Cox, Jr.
2004. Daily movements of female northern pintails wintering in the Playa Lakes
Region of Texas. Annual meeting of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society,
Kerrville, Texas.
Gamma Sigma Delta 2004 Outstanding Graduate Student, Department of Range,
Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech University – Jena Moon.
32
Project title:
Impacts of Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition and climate
Change on Desert Ecosystems
Unit project number:
RWO 53
Principal investigators:
John Zak, David Tissue, Michael Loik, Joe Sirotnak
(BBNP)
Students and staff:
James Campbell (PhD), Lisa Patrick, Traesha Robertson
(PhD), Colin Bell (MS), Heath Grizzle (MS), Jennifer
Resinger (MS), Justin Jenkins (undergraduate), Jeb Clark
(undergraduate), Lauren Tews (undergraduate).
Period of performance:
9/03 - 9/06
Funding source:
U.S. Geological Survey (National Park Service)
Location:
Big Bend National Park
Summary of activities and findings
We have begun the third year of our watering experiment to examine the impacts of
climate change on the soil microbial dynamics, nutrient dynamics, and plant responses
of the mid-elevation Sotol-grassland. The watering experiment mimics a 25% increase
in precipitation that is predicted by the Hadley Climate Change Model # 2 for the Big
Bend Region. The increased precipitation is added as a winter only, summer only, and
winter and summer addition treatments. Control plots reflect the ambient precipitation
amounts.
Winter watering has decreased the rates of nitrogen mineralization, while winter and
summer watering has increased the amount of soil microbial biomass. Evaluation of
bacterial functional diversity has found that winter watering decreased bacterial
functional diversity with respect to carbon. Winter watering increased fungal functional
diversity with respect to carbon.
We began our second year of assessment of microbial activities in the nitrogen addition
plots located at our high elevation oak-pine forest and the Sotol-Grasslands in Pine
Canyon. In these plots we add additional nitrogen at the amount of 2X and 4X of the
current average yearly amounts as determined by NADP. The additional nitrogen was
added in June and July of 2003 and 2004 in dry form by mixing with sand.
The additional nitrogen increased the ability of fungi within the sotol grasslands to use
carbon, while the additional nitrogen did not have an impact until the amount reached 4x
the average deposition rates.
Presentations
Patrick, L., P. on, S. Lambrecht, J. zak, M. Loik, D. Tissue. 2004. Photosynthetic
response of desert plants to a large, single precipitation event at Big Bend
33
National Park. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Portland, OR,
August 2004.
Robertson, T., N. van Gestel, E. Walker, J. Zak, M. Loik and D. Tissue. 2004. Plant
growth responses to simulated rainfall events for three perennial Chihuahuan
Desertspecies of Big Bend National Park. Ecological Society of America Annual
Meeting, Portland, OR, August 2004.
34
Project title:
Avian consumption and use of contaminated water sources:
Toxicological assessments of exposure, effects and
susceptibility
Unit project number:
RWO 55
Principal investigators:
Michael J. Hooper and Stephen Cox
Students and staff:
John Isanhart (PhD)
Period of performance:
8/04 - 7/05
Funding source:
U.S. Geological Survey
Location:
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas
Tech University
Summary of activities and findings
During the first month we have focused on ordering materials and completing aviary
modifications for the upcoming work on the project. We have also prepared an animal
care and use protocol for submission to the TTU Animal Care and Use Committee.
35
Project title:
Assessment of the temporal and spatial stability of the
golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) breeding population in the
panhandle of Texas
Unit project number:
RWO 56
Principal investigators:
Clint W. Boal
Students and staff:
Carey Haralson (MS)
Period of performance:
9/04 - 8/05
Funding source:
U.S. Geological Survey
Location:
Texas Panhandle
Summary of activities and findings
Golden eagles were once a common nesting species in Texas, but by 1983 only 36
nesting pairs were located in the Panhandle and 33 nesting pairs Trans-Pecos regions
of Texas. Although the golden eagle is not Federally or State listed as a threatened or
endangered species, there is widespread concern over population declines throughout
much of its range. Population declines appear to be especially problematic in Texas;
Breeding Bird Survey data suggest that between 1966 and 2002, golden eagles in Texas
experienced the greatest negative population trend for the species across its North
American distribution. Recovery of species that are long-lived, have low productivity,
and breed at low densities can be very difficult and costly the further the species
declines. Therefore, we are evaluating the validity of suspected declines of golden
eagles in the panhandle of Texas to determine if conservation plan development is
necessary. We will compare our findings to a historical baseline data set collected in
1983 to assess changes in breeding population.
36
Project title:
Estimating Rio Grande wild turkey populations in Texas
Unit project number:
TPW 9
Principal investigators:
Warren Ballard, Mark Wallace
Students and staff:
Matt Butler (PhD)
Period of performance:
9/01/02-8/31/06
Funding source:
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Location:
Rolling Plains, Texas
Summary of activities and findings
Objectives of study are to develop and evaluate Rio Grande wild turkey (Meleagris
gallopavo intermedia) population estimation techniques for their ability to predict
changes in population abundance at local and regional scales. We hypothesize that
useful estimates of Rio Grande wild turkey population trends can be derived. However,
different population estimation techniques will result in different abundance estimates.
Thus, some population estimation techniques will be better suited to Rio Grande wild
turkeys than other techniques.
Publications
Butler MJ, Wallace MC, Ballard WB, DeMaso SJ. (In Review). The relationship of Rio
Grande wild turkey distributions to roads in the Texas Panhandle and
southwestern Kansas. Wildlife Society Bulletin.
Presentations
Butler MJ, Ballard WB, Wallace MC, DeMaso SJ. 2004. The relationship of Rio Grande
wild turkey distributions to roads in the Texas Panhandle and southwest Kansas.
39th Annual Meeting of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Kerrville,
Texas, February 19-21, 2004.
Butler MJ, Ballard WB, Wallace MC, DeMaso SJ. 2004. An evaluation of population
estimation techniques for Rio Grande wild turkeys. Texas Turkey Research
Meeting. Kerrville, Texas, February 18, 2004.
Thesis/dissertations
Butler MJ. 2003. An evaluation of population estimation techniques for Rio Grande wild
turkeys in the Texas Panhandle and southwest Kansas: a research proposal.
Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech
University, Lubbock, Texas, October 2003. 66 p.
Awards and honors
Matthew J. Butler - Houston Safari Club Scholarship Recipient (2003/04 – 2004/05)
37
Project title:
Resource partitioning and overlap of a raptor assemblage
associated with prairie dog colonies
Unit project number:
TPW 10, OA 49
Principal investigators:
Clint Boal
Students and staff:
Matt Giovanni (MS), Christopher Taylor (Undergraduate),
Blake Beall (Undergraduate)
Period of performance:
11/02 - 8/05
Funding source:
Texas Parks and Wildlife
USDA Kiowa-Rita Blanca National Grasslands
Texas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Location:
Dallam County Texas, and Kiowa and Rita Blanca National
Grasslands in New Mexico and Oklahoma; Texas Tech
University
Summary of activities and findings
Breeding populations of ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) and Swainson’s hawks (B.
swainsoni) are large raptors that occupy open country, forage primarily on small
mammals and birds, and are sympatric in the Northern Staked Plains (NSP) region of
Texas. Food is a primary factor limiting raptor populations and partitioning of food
resources may provide a basis for community structure among coexisting species.
Understanding the resource needs and partitioning between ferruginous hawks and
Swainson’s hawks is therefore important for management and conservation plans for the
species, but also for conservation of the short-grass prairie ecosystem. We are
examining prey partitioning between these sympatric raptors during the breeding
seasons by using video cameras to record prey deliveries to nests. We review video
tapes to identify prey species, age, and condition. We are currently compiling and
analyzing data collected during two breeding seasons. Data analysis will be conducted
on basis of dietary overlap, prey delivery rates on basis of deliveries and grams of
biomass per delivery, and differences in delivery rates and biomass contributions at nest
with different brood sizes. The resulting information will provide insights as to how these
two species co-exist, and what prey resources are required for successful nesting and
increased productivity.
Awards and honors
Matthew Giovanni received a two year student membership scholarship to the Cooper
Ornithological Society.
Presentations
Giovanni, M., C.W. Boal, and H. Whitlaw. 2004. Prey use of ferruginous and
Swainson’s hawks in a short-grass prairie and agricultural community: a
preliminary report. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 39th Annual Meeting,
Kerrville, TX. 19-21 February 2004.
38
Project title:
Landscape analyses of a recolonizing of black bear
population in Trans-Pecos region of Texas
Unit project number:
TPW 11
Principal investigators:
Warren Ballard, Ernest Fish, and David Holderman
Students and staff:
Mindy Rice (PhD)
Period of performance:
9/1/03-8/31/07
Funding source:
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Location:
Trans-Pecos Region, Texas
Summary of activities and findings
Project has the following objectives: 1) to determine, characterize, and map occupied
and unoccupied black bear habitat blocks and corridors that potentially link habitat
blocks in the Trans-Pecos region; 2) To determine the relative quality of black bear
habitat blocks based on size, dominant vegetation, and other relevant factors, and to
rank habitats into a hierarchial system; 3) To determine the distribution, phenology, and
frequency of mast production for important black bear foods; 4) To identify and
characterize human demographics, activities, and anthropomorphic features that might
impact habitats important to bears; 5) To analyze frequency and geographic distribution
of reliable black bear sightings by sex-age class over time; 6) To determine the status of
black bear populations in currently occupied habitats; 7) To determine whether and to
what degree black bears occupy the highest quality black bear habitats; 8) To determine
the frequency, location, and cause of known bear mortalities and bear-related incidences
of depredation; and 9) To estimate the potential carrying capacity for black bears by
habitat block and the entire region based on habitat size, quality, and the etrapolation of
known bear density information.
Presentations
Rice, M.B. and Ballard, WB. 2004. Introduction of project at Texas Parks and Wildlife
Black Bear Meeting: November 2004, Alpine, TX.
Awards and honors
Mindy Rice - 2004-2005 Helen DeVitt Jones Graduate Fellowship: $3500
39
Project title:
Mortality of white-tailed and mule deer fawns in west-central
Texas
Unit project number:
TPW 12
Principal investigators:
Warren Ballard, Mark Wallace
Students and staff:
Shawn Haskell (PhD), David Butler (MS)
Period of performance:
9/03 - 8/07
Funding source:
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Location:
Crockett County, Texas
Summary of activities and findings
In Crockett County, the following pattern has been observed: the mule deer population
has been stable for a number of years, the white-tailed deer population has increased
and may now be stable, adult survival for both species is high, predator densities are
low, and winter fawn:doe ratios indicate high post-natal fawn mortality. Drought
conditions are frequent and deer must compete with livestock for forage. Based on the
observed patterns, we hypothesize that fawn mortality is caused primarily by malnutrition
in fawns and their dams, rather than by predation, as is the case with other deer herds in
many areas of North America (Ballard et al. 2001). Objectives of this study are as
follows: To determine condition of adult female mule and white-tailed deer prior to
parturition; to determine pregnancy rates of adult mule and white-tailed deer; to
determine relative condition of fetuses prior to parturition; to determine condition of
fawns at parturition; to determine causes of neonate mortality; to determine patterns of
neonate mortality; and to determine quality and composition of deer fawn birth sites.
Awards and honors
Shawn Haskell - Houston Safari Club Scholarship recipient 2003
40
Project title:
Abundance, Habitat Use, and Seasonal Activity Patterns of
Texas Horned Lizards
Unit project number:
OA 50
Principal investigators:
Gad Perry and David Wester
Students and staff:
Jack Goldfarb
Period of performance:
3/04 - 12/05
Funding source:
Texas Army National Guard
Location:
Texas
Summary of activities and findings
Funding for this project has only just been appropriated. We have recruited a graduate
student, who will be at Texas Tech in the next few weeks and will begin field work in the
coming spring.
41
Unit Activities
Honors and Awards
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Distinguished Graduate Award given by Oregon State University Department of
Fisheries and Wildlife (Patino).
First Place, 2004 Toxicology Expose Graduate Student Research Presentation
given by The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech
University (Mukhi).
Membership and Travel Award given by The Society of Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry (Mukhi).
Second Place, Texas Tech University Annual Graduate Student Research Poster
Competition given by Graduate School, Texas Tech University (Mukhi).
2003 Wildlife Management Institute Administrative Excellence Award (Martin).
USGS Special Thanks for Achieving Results (STAR) Award (Boal).
Excellence in Unit Management Award (TXCFWRU).
Publications
Published
Boal, C.W., D.E. Andersen, and P.L. Kennedy. 2003. Home range and residency status
of northern goshawks breeding in Minnesota. Condor 105:811-816.
Boal, C.W., H.A. Snyder, B.D. Bibles, and T.S. Estabrook. 2003. Temporal and spatial
stability of red-tailed hawks in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico.
Journal of Raptor Research 37:276-284.
Boal, C.W., T.S. Estabrook, and A.E. Duerr. 2003. Productivity and breeding habitat of
loggerhead shrikes in an urban environment. Southwestern Naturalist 48:557562.
Boal, C.W., T.E. Estabrook, and A.E. Duerr. 2004. Productivity of loggerhead shrikes
nesting in an urban interface. Pages 104-109 in W.W. Shaw, L.K. Harris and L.
VanDruff (eds.). Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Urban
Wildlife Conservation. May 1-5 1999, Tucson, AZ.
Gale, W.L., Patino, R., and Maule, A.G. 2004. Interaction of xenobiotics with estrogen
receptors alpha and beta and a putative plasma sex hormone binding globulin
from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). General and Comparative
Endocrinology 136:338-345.
Mannan, R.W., W.W. Shaw, W.A. Estes, M. Alanen, and C.W. Boal. 2004. A preliminary
assessment of the attitudes of people towards Cooper's hawks nesting in an
urban environment. Pages 87-92 in W.W. Shaw, L.K. Harris and L. VanDruff
(eds.). Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Urban Wildlife
Conservation. May 1-5 1999, Tucson, AZ.
Patino, R., Yoshizaki, G., and Thomas, P. 2003. Ovarian follicle maturation and
ovulation: an integrated perspective. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 28:305308.
In Press
Boal, C.W., D.E. Andersen, P.L. Kennedy, and A.M. Roberson. Northern goshawk
ecology in the Western Great Lakes Region. Studies in Avian Biology
(2004/07/01).
42
Boal, C.W., D.E. Andersen, and P.L. Kennedy. Foraging and nesting habitat of breeding
male northern goshawks in the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province, Minnesota.
Journal of Wildlife Management (2004/08/01).
Boal, C.W., D.E. Andersen, and P.L. Kennedy. Productivity and mortality of northern
goshawks in Minnesota. Journal of Raptor Research (2004/07/01).
Mannan, R.W. and C.W. Boal. 2004. Birds of prey in urban landscapes. Pages 105-117
in People and predators: from conflict to coexistence (N. Fascione, A. Delach,
and M.E. Smith, eds.). Island Press, Washington D.C.
Capps, T., Mukhi, S., Rinchard, J., Theodorakis, C.W., Blazer, V.S., Patiño, R. Exposure
to perchlorate induces the formation of macrophage aggregates in the trunk
kidney of zebrafish and mosquitofish. Journal of Aquatic and Animal Health
(2004/06/04).
Smithers, B.L., C.W. Boal, and D.E. Andersen. Northern goshawk food habits in
Minnesota. Journal of Raptor Research (2004/08/01).
Submitted
Boal, C.W., and D.E. Andersen. Microhabitat characteristics of Lapland longspur
(Calcarius lapponicus) nests at Cape Churchill, Manitoba. Canadian FieldNaturalist
Byerly, M.T., Fat-Halla, S.I., Betsill, R.K., and Patiño, R. Evaluation of short-term
exposure to high temperature as tool to suppress the reproductive development
of channel catfish for aquaculture. North American Journal of Aquaculture
(2004/09/30).
Mukhi, S., Carr, J.A., Anderson, T.A., Patiño, R. Novel biomarkers of perchlorate
exposure in zebrafish. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (2004/05/28).
Nishida, C.A., S. DeStefano, C.W. Boal, and R.J. Hobbs. Productivity and nest site
selection of Swainson's hawks in native and agricultural grasslands in Arizona.
Journal of Raptor Research (2004/05/01).
Presentations
Atkinson, M.A., W.P. Kuvlesky, Jr., C.W. Boal, D. Kane, and A. Ortega-Santos, Jr. 2004.
Productivity and nesting habitat preferences of white-tailed hawks, red-tailed
hawks, and crested caracaras in the Wild Horse Desert. Texas Chapter of The
Wildlife Society 39th Annual Meeting, Kerrville, TX.
Byerly, M.T., Fat-Halla, S., Betsill, R., Patino, R. 2004. Short-term exposures to high
temperature as means to control the reproductive development and somatic
growth of juvenile channel catfish. 134th Annual Meeting of the American
Fisheries Society, Madison, Wisconsin (invited symposium presentation).
Capps, T.V., Patino, R., and Blazer, V.S. 2003. Kidney lesions induced by perchlorate in
adult zebrafish. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin,
Texas.
Cruz-Li, E., La Point, T.W., Patino, R., and Cobb, G.P. 2003. Effects of ammonium
perchlorate, 4-(tert octyl) phenol, and their mixture on zebrafish (Danio rerio).
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin, Texas.
Giovanni, M., C.W. Boal, and H. Whitlaw. 2004. Prey use of ferruginous and Swainson's
hawks in a short-grass prairie and agricultural community: a preliminary report.
Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 39th Annual Meeting, Kerrville, TX.
Karube, M., Strüssmann, C.A., Yoshizaki, G., and Patiño. R. 2004. Cloning and
expression of ovarian P-450 aromatase during the critical period of thermolabile
43
sex determination in pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis. 5th International
Symposium on Fish Endocrinology. Castellón, Spain.
Kumakura, N., Patino, R., and Thomas, P. 2004. Role of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2
during ovulation in ovarian follicles of Atlantic croaker. Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada.
Mukhi, S. and Patino, R. 2003. Thyroidal angiogenesis: sensitive and persistent
biomarker of perchlorate exposure in zebrafish. Society of Environmental
Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin, Texas.
Mukhi, S. and Patino, R. 2004. Development and validation of new and sensitive
biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes. 2004 Toxicology Research Expose,
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University,
Lubbock, Texas.
Mukhi, S. and Patino, R. 2004. Novel biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in zebrafish.
South Central Regional Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and
Chemistry, Waco, Texas.
Mukhi, S., and Patino R. 2004. Development and validation of new and sensitive
biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes. Twenty Eight Student Research
Conference, Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, New Mexico.
Mukhi, S., and Patino, R. 2004. Novel biomarkers of perchlorate exposure in fishes.
Desert Southwest Chapter, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry,
El Paso, Texas.
Mukhi, S., and R. Patino. 2004. New biomarkers of exposure to thyroid-disrupting
compounds in aquatic systems. Texas Tech University Annual Graduate Student
Research Day, Lubbock, Texas.
Pandey, N., Patino, R., and Liu, Z. 2004. Physiological effects of a progesterone
receptor antagonist RU486 on follicular maturation and ovulation in Xenopus
laevis. Third Annual Symposium of the New Mexico Biomedical Research
Infrastructure Network, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Pandey, R.N., R. Patino, and Z. Liu. 2004. Physiological effects of a progesterone
receptor antagonist RU486 on follicular maturation and ovulation in Xenopus
laevis. The Sixth International Congress of Zoology, Beijing, China.
Patino, R. 2004. Fish production in arid zones. International Symposium on Current
Trends in Meat Production in Arid Zones, Chihuahua, Mexico (Invited
Presentation).
Patino, R. 2004. Induction of maturation and spawning in fishes. Workshop on the
Biology and Culture of Snooks, University of Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco,
Mexico (Invited Presentation).
Patino, R. 2004. Integration of concepts and mechanisms of ovarian follicle maturation
and ovulation in teleost fishes, National Congress of Ichthyology, Villahermosa,
Mexico (Keynote Presentation).
Pruett, A., C.W. Boal, M. Wallace, and P. Robertson. 2004. Seasonal variation in blacktailed prairie dog activity patterns and a new approach to assessing population
sizes. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 39th Annual Meeting, Kerrville, TX.
Pruett, A.L., C.W. Boal, M. Wallace, and H. Whitlaw. 2004. A black-tailed prairie dog
population estimation model. Annual meeting of the American Society of
Mammalogists, Arcata, CA.
Teaschner, A.P., M.C. Wallace, C.W. Boal, J.D. Ray, and M.G. Schoenhals. 2004.
Burrowing owl nest site use and productivity on black-tailed prairie dog colonies
in the Southern High Plains of Texas. Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society 39th
Annual Meeting, Kerrville, TX.
44
Vikram, P., N., Patino, R., and Liu, Z. 2004. Gonadotropin regulation of aconitase
synthesis in ovarian follicles of Xenopus laevis. Third Annual Symposium of the
New Mexico Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network, Las Cruces, New
Mexico.
Theses and Dissertations
Black-tailed prairie dog association with playa lakes in the Southern High Plains and a
new approach to estimating colony population size.
University Service
Graduate Committee Assignments
• Eric Albers - PhD (Patino) – ENTOX/TTU
• Michael Atkinson - Masters (Boal) – CKWRI/TAMUK
• Terri Barnett - Masters (Boal) – RWFM/TTU
• Chris Chizinski - PhD (Patino) –- RWFM/TTU
• Emilia Cruz-Li - PhD (Patino) –- ENTOX/TTU
• Bart Durham - PhD (Patino) –- RWFM/TTU
• Wanda Goleman - PhD (Patino) – BIOL/TTU
• Fang Hu - PhD (Patino) – BIOL/TTU
• Dale Kane - PhD (Boal) – CKWRI/TAMUK
• June-Woo Park - PhD (Patino) – ENTOX/TTU
• Ricardo Soto - PhD (Patino) – RWFM/TTU
• Andrew Teaschner - Masters (Boal) – RWFM/TTU
• Dorothy Tinkler - PhD (Boal) – BIOL/TTU
Courses Taught
• Advanced Nongame Ecology and Management RWFM 5322 (Boal - 3 hrs, 9
students, 2004/01/15 to 2004/05/05)
• Cell Biology BIOL 3320/BIOL 5302 (Patino - 3 hrs, 230 students, 2004/03/30 to
2004/04/20)
• Physiological ecology of aquatic organisms RWFM 5324 (Patino - 3 hrs, 4
students, 2004/01/15 to 2004/05/05)
Guest Lectures
• Comparative Anatomy of Game Animals (Patino - 1 days)
University Committees and Workgroups
• Judge, Department of Biological Sciences 2004 Graduate Student Forum, Texas
Tech University (Patino)
• Member, Biohazard Safety Committee, Texas Tech University (Patino)
• 2010 Long-term Planning Committee, Dept. Range, Wildlife and Fisheries
Management (Boal)
• Leader, Aquatic Toxicology Section, The Institute of Environmental and Human
Health, Texas Tech University (Patino)
• Member, Animal Care and Use Committee (Boal)
• Member, Animal Cell Biology Faculty Search Committee, Biological Sciences
(Patino)
• Member, Cell and Molecular Biology Research Group, Department of Biological
Sciences, Texas Tech University (Patino)
45
•
•
•
•
Member, Faculty Awards Committee, Range Wildlife and Fisheries Management
(Patino)
Member, Graduate Student Selection Committee, Biological Sciences (Patino)
Member, Institute of Biotechnology, Texas Tech University (Patino)
Member, Reproductive Biology Training Program, Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center (Patino)
Professional Service
Editorships
• General and Comparative Endocrinology (Patino)
• Journal of Raptor Research (Boal)
• Journal of Wildlife Management (Boal)
• Fish Physiology and Biochemistry (Patino)
Invited Seminars
• Birds of Prey of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Given at H. Levity Stoutt
Community College, Roadtown, Tortola, BVI on 2003/10/14 (Boal)
Non-Society Memberships
• Member, Texas Partners in Flight Panhandle and Rolling Hills Working Group
Working Group (Boal)
• Panel Member Research Grade Evaluation Panel (Boal)
• Group member Texas black-tailed prairie dog plague working group (Boal)
Outreach and Information Transfer
• "Ecotoxicology research at the Texas Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research
Unit." Presentation to members of the Science Faculty, Universidad Nacional
Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City. (Patino)
• "Programs and funding opportunities in biological sciences at the National
Science Foundation." Open lecture to Graduate Students of Texas Tech
University, Lubbock, Texas. (Patino)
• Co-organizer and presenter: "Workshop on the Biology and Culture of Snooks,"
University of Tabasco, Villahermosa, Mexico. (Patino)
• Invited poster presentation: "Novel biomarkers of exposure to thyroid disrupting
compounds in aquatic systems" (S. Mukhi, T. Capps, and R. Patino), USGS
Managers Meeting, Austin, Texas. (Patino)
• Invited workshop presentation to Assistant Professors: "CAREER grant award
program of the National Science Foundation," Office of Research Services,
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. (Patino)
Society Involvement - Committees
• Judge, Best Student Presentation of the American Fisheries Society (Patino)
• Judge, Best Student Presentation of the Society of Environmental Toxicology
and Chemistry Desert Southwest Chapter (Patino)
• Judge, Best Student Presentation of the Society of Environmental Toxicology
and Chemistry (Patino)
• Board member, Urban Wildlife Working Group of the The Wildlife Society (Boal)
• Chairman, Hamerstrom Award Committee of the Raptor Research Foundation
(Boal)
46
•
Chairman, Tom Cade Award Committee of the Raptor Research Foundation
(Boal)
Society Involvement - Memberships
• American Fisheries Society Texas Chapter (Patino)
• American Fisheries Society (Patino)
• Cooper Ornithological Society (Boal)
• Raptor Research Foundation (Boal)
• Wilson Ornithological Society (Boal)
• Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Patino)
• Society of Southwestern Naturalists (Boal)
• Society of Field Ornithologists (Boal)
• PHI BETA DELTA Honor Society for International Scholars CHI CHAPTER
(Patino)
• Society for the Study of Reproduction (Patino)
• The Wildlife Society (Boal)
• The Wildlife Society Texas Chapter (Boal)
• World Aquaculture Society (Patino)
Society Involvement - Officer
• Vice President, Chi Chapter, Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International
Scholars Texas Tech University (Patino)
Technical Assistance
• Site visits with private landowners to discuss strategies to protect and conserve
ferruginous hawk nest trees and scope sites for establishment of man-made
nesting platforms. (Boal)
Training Provided
• Raptor Capture and Handling Techniques (Training Workshop) - (Boal)
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Affiliated Activities
Publications
Butler MJ, Wallace MC, Ballard WB, DeMaso SJ. (In Review). The relationship of Rio
Grande wild turkey distributions to roads in the Texas Panhandle and
southwestern Kansas. Wildlife Society Bulletin.
Huxman, T.E., M.D. Smith, P. Fay, A.K. Knapp, M.R. Shaw, M.E. Loik, S.D. Smith, D.T.
Tissue, J.C. Zak, J.F. Weltzin, W.T. Pockman, O. Sala, B. Haddad, J. Harte, G.
W. Koch, S. Schwinning, E. Small, and D.G. Williams. 2004. Convergence
across biomes to a common rain-use efficiency. Nature. 429: 651-654.
Moon, J. and D. Haukos. 2004. Pintails in the playas. Birdscapes spring/summer:9.
Sobek, E. and J. C. Zak. 2003. The soil fungilog procedure: Method and analytical
approaches towards understanding fungal functional diversity. Mycologia 95:590602.
Weltzin, J.F., M.E. Loik, S. Schwinning, D.G. Williams, P. Fay, B. Haddad and in
alphabetical order: J. Harte, T.E. Huxman, A.K. Knapp, G. Lin, W.T. Pockman,
M.R. Shaw, E. Small, M.D. Smith, S.D. Smith, D.T. Tissue, J.C. Zak. 2003.
Assessing the response of terrestrial ecosystems to potential changes in
precipitation. Bioscience. 10: 941-952.
Zak, J.C., and M. R. Willig. 2004. Fungal biodiversity patterns, pp. 59-76. In: Biodiversity
of Fungi: Inventory and Monitoring Methods, G. M. Mueller, G. F. Bills, and M. S.
Foster (eds), Elsevier-Academic Press, Boston.
Zak, J.C. and H. G. Wildman. 2004. Fungi in stressful environments, pp. 303-316. In: In:
Biodiversity of Fungi: Inventory and Monitoring Methods, G. M. Mueller, G. F.
Bills, and M. S. Foster (eds), Elsevier-Academic Press, Boston.
Presentations
Bryan, J.B., R.B. Mitchell, B.J. Racher, and C. Schmidt. 2002. Saltcedar response to
prescribed burning in New Mexico. Soc. for Range Manage. Annual Meeting,
Kansas City, MO.
Butler MJ, Ballard WB, Wallace MC, DeMaso SJ. 2004. The relationship of Rio Grande
wild turkey distributions to roads in the Texas Panhandle and southwest Kansas.
39th Annual Meeting of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Kerrville,
Texas, February 19-21, 2004.
Butler MJ, Ballard WB, Wallace MC, DeMaso SJ. 2004. An evaluation of population
estimation techniques for Rio Grande wild turkeys. Texas Turkey Research
Meeting. Kerrville, Texas, February 18, 2004.
Campbell, J., R. Jeter and J. C. Zak 2004. Effects of Environmental Parameters on
Distributions of Oligotrophic Bacteria Along an Elevational Gradient at Big Bend
National Park. Texas Academy of Sciences, Austin, TX February 2004.
Moon, J. 2003. Survival of female northern pintails in the Playa Lakes Region. 3rd North
American Duck Symposium, Sacramento, California.
Moon, J., D. Haukos, and R. Cox, Jr. 2004. Daily movements of female northern
pintails wintering in the Playa Lakes Region of Texas. Annual meeting of the
Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Kerrville, Texas
Moon, J. and D. Haukos. 2004. Habitat use by female pintails wintering the Playa Lakes
Region of Texas. Annual meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists, Seattle,
Washington.
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Moon, J. and D. Haukos. 2004. Overwinter survival of female northern pintails in the
Playa Lakes Region of northwest Texas. Annual meeting of The Wildlife Society.
Calgary, Alberta.
Patrick, L., P. on, S. Lambrecht, J. zak, M. Loik, D. Tissue. 2004. Photosynthetic
response of desert plants to a large, single precipitation event at Big Bend
National Park. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Portland, OR,
August 2004.
Racher, B.J, R.B. Mitchell, J. Bryan, and C. Schmidt. 2002. Prescriptions for burning
saltcedar in New Mexico. Soc. for Range Manage. Annual Meeting Kansas City,
MO.
Racher, B.J. and C.M. Britton. 2003. Fire in saltcedar ecosystems. Saltcedar and
Water Resources in the West, A Symposium. San Angelo, TX.
Racher, B.J. and C.M. Britton. 2003. Fire as an integrated management approach for
saltcedar. In: Invasive plants in natural and managed systems. Seventh
International Conference on Ecology and Management of Alien Plant Invasions.
Rice, M.B. and Ballard, WB. 2004. Introduction of project at Texas Parks and Wildlife
Black Bear Meeting: November 2004, Alpine, TX.
Robertson, T., N. van Gestel, E. Walker, J. Zak, M. Loik and D. Tissue. 2004. Plant
growth responses to simulated rainfall events for three perennial Chihuahuan
Desertspecies of Big Bend National Park. Ecological Society of America Annual
Meeting, Portland, OR, August 2004.
Zak, J.C., A. Nagy, D. Tissue, and M. Loik. 2004. Impacts of Precipitation Changes on
Microbial Dynamics and Processes in a Desert Grassland. Ecological Society
Annual Meeting, Portland OR, August 2004.
Theses and Dissertations
Butler MJ. 2003. An evaluation of population estimation techniques for Rio Grande wild
turkeys in the Texas Panhandle and southwest Kansas: a research proposal.
Department of Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech
University, Lubbock, Texas, October 2003. 66 p.
Moon, J. 2004. Survival, movements, and habitat use of female northern pintails in the
Playa Lakes Region.
Nagy, Amber. M. December 2003. Effects of Simulated Precipitation on Nitrogen Cycling
and Microbial Processes in a Grassland Ecosystem at Big Bend National Park,
TX. MS Thesis, Texas Tech University.
Racher, B.J. 2003. Prescription development for burning two volatile fuel types. Ph.D.
Dissertation. Texas Tech Univ., Lubbock.
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