National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) |
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Avian and Invasive Species Population
Management
Development of information and methods pertinent to the control of avian and invasive species populations impacting aviation, agriculture, structures, and animal and human health are critical needs within the Wildlife Services program. This research project looks at methods to age birds, estimate bird population sizes, estimate total numbers of birds affected by avicide use, control reproduction in birds, and track bird movements and activities subsequent to roost dispersal. Additionally, information developed under this project will help scientists to develop and implement control strategies for invasive species.
Accurate age-structure data and population-size estimates of bird species can improve predictions and assessments of management options. Yet, for most bird species of management concern, the age structure of the population is unknown. Pentosidine levels in avian skin accumulate at a constant rate and thus can be used as an accurate biomarker for aging birds. NWRC scientists will also evaluate methods, including adapting Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) trend data, to use for density estimation in hopes of developing a consistent approach to questions of species population sizes from state to state.
Bird populations dispersed from roosts by management actions
will be located and monitored to determine whether they are causing problems
in new areas. Increased knowledge of factors that affect roost site selection,
distribution of the roost sites, and birds’ movements among roosts will
improve design and implementation of more effective management plans.
Evaluation of bait-take during population management actions
is difficult, and methods of improving estimates of bird mortality and bait
efficacy need to be developed. Estimate difficulties can result when birds
die away from the bait site 1-3 days after exposure (DRC-1339) or when birds
(e.g., crows and ravens) cache food and thus do not immediately eat everything
they pick up.
Management and reduction of invasive wildlife populations is currently a major area of emphasis for Wildlife Serivces. Managing invasive birds, mammals and reptiles is consistent with Executive Order 13112 of February 3, 1999, asking federal agencies to "conduct research on invasive species and develop technologies to prevent introduction and rovide for environmentally sound control."
The invasive species situation in Florida is severe due to its climate, demographics and environment. Even if no new exotic vertebrates become established in Florida, there is an abundance of established nonnative vertebrates that merit management action. Many of the problematic invasive reptiles in Florida are predators that can threaten native, including rare, species. Research directly facilitating management/eradication tools and projects are of the highest priority. In some cases control techniques are already available and can simply be redirected or modified. In other cases new tools and methods are needed to confront species that are not traditionally within the scope of Wildlife Services' managment efforts.
Project Leader: Dr.
Michael L. Avery,
(michael.l.avery@aphis.usda.gov)
USDA/APHIS/WS/NWRC
Florida Field
Station
2820 E. University Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 375-2229
Downloadable
Factsheet on Research Project
350K
*Request for assistance
We are conducting research evaluating the movements of YELLOW or WHITE wing-tagged
vultures. Each tagged bird has a cattle ear tag in its RIGHT wing and each
tag has a letter and number (ie. F47 or C20) or a series of 3 letters (ie.
AMJ). The yellow tagged birds were marked and released in North Florida and
the tags may be visible from below while the birds soar. White tagged birds
were marked and released in Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina.
All sightings should be sent to the email or address below indicating the
location of the sighting, tag number, species, as well as any other pertinent
behavioral or other information. Any information of recoveries of tagged birds
should also be sent to the USGS Bird Banding Lab in MD http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/.
Thank you for any information you may provide.
John S Humphrey
Wildlife Biologist
USDA/APHIS/WS/National Wildlife Research Center
2820 E University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 375-2229
Email: John.S.Humphrey@aphis.usda.gov
02/23/05
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Gainesville,
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Last Modified: June 29, 2009