This study examines how white-tailed ptarmigan in Glacier National Park are responding to climate change by moving upslope, adapting their behaviors, or declining in population. The study involves tracking ptarmigan locations and populations over time, assessing stress levels through blood and fecal samples, and measuring habitat microclimates where ptarmigan flocks are found. Preliminary results show ptarmigan moving upslope and adapting behaviors like utilizing shade, but declining in numbers at Logan Pass, suggesting climate change is reducing available habitat and increasing stress on the species.
Lake Sullivan Sports Complex Native PrairieVance Fletcher
The document summarizes plans to convert an overgrown area at the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex into a native prairie. It describes the location and history of the site, current vegetation and land uses. The proposed restoration project would remove invasive species and plant a low-stature native prairie mix. This would improve wildlife habitat, absorb more water, and require less maintenance while allowing cycling to continue.
Male Antarctic fur seal pups foraged significantly farther from their birth site at South Georgia than female pups. Over the course of winter, both male and female pups' locations shifted eastward and moved farther from the continental shelf, possibly to exploit different prey in upper water columns. The study tracked 10 pups (5 males in 2001, 5 females in 2002) using satellite tags to analyze their at-sea distribution in relation to sex and environmental conditions between years.
Adélie Penguin Population Trends in Cape BirdJessica Carde
1) The document analyzes historic aerial photographs from 1956-2009 of the Cape Bird Adélie penguin colony in Antarctica to study population trends over time in response to climate change.
2) Using GIS software, the author counts penguins in 1983 photos and outlines guano-stained areas in older photos to estimate colony sizes. All three rookeries at Cape Bird increased in size between 1956-2009, with the largest growth in the Middle Rookery.
3) Climate change, competitive release from declining whale populations, and decreased fishing of prey species likely all contributed to the increasing Cape Bird penguin population observed over the past 60 years.
ABSTRACT- The effect resulted in the mapping of tiger occupancy and relative abundance, prey abundance indices,
anthropogenic pressure indices and habitat quality across 17 states known to harbour tiger populations. Both the big cats
i.e. Tiger & Leopard show territorial behavior. Leopard is sympatric to tiger and more furious than tiger. Leopards have
good habit or quality to survive in human-dominated landscape while on the other hand tiger occasionally move in
human-dominated area .It may be for livestock predation etc. Mortality is very high in tiger on the other hand we can say
that survival rate is low in tigers. Inter-specific as well as intra-specific struggle is more in these animals. Fragmentation
of habitat, ecological pressure, vital need, breeding season etc. are the cause of conflict and mortality etc. This study
depicts the comparative analysis of tiger & leopard census which ultimately provides the idea of dynamics of population
of both the big cats.
Key words- Fragmentation of habitat, Ecological pressure, Vital need, Inter or intra specific struggle
This document summarizes several research papers on how weather and climate affect animals. It discusses how temperature changes can impact cold-blooded animals and endangered species. Many animals experience discomfort during extreme heat or cold. The document also reviews how weather influences animal reproduction, metabolism, and corticosterone levels. One study found that weather had little impact on coyote health but more research is needed. Overall, the document analyzes how climate change and environmental conditions significantly impact animal populations and survival.
This document summarizes two studies evaluating the environmental impacts of Flaming Gorge Dam operations. The first study assessed the effects of overwinter double-peaking flows on trout behavior downstream, finding that trout activity increased in response to flow fluctuations. The second study examined the effects on endangered pikeminnow nursery habitat, finding that backwater characteristics are affected by flow levels and each backwater is unique annually due to sediment transport. Video recordings and topographic surveys were used to monitor fish behaviors and backwater features across varying dam operations.
Hooke et al_2013_Dispersal plumes in tillDon Cummings
This document summarizes the formation of dispersal plumes in glacial till. Dispersal plumes are three-dimensional distributions of clastic particles in till that originate from local bedrock sources like ore bodies. Recent developments in understanding glacial erosion, entrainment, and deposition help explain how these plumes form. Much debris in basal ice is incorporated where water is freezing onto the base of the ice sheet. This water migrates downglacier, freezing over a substantial distance and incorporating more material. Broadening and mixing of the plume occurs through shear, shifting ice flow, particle collisions, and folding of basal ice layers. Further downglacier, melting resumes and debris is deposited in meltout or lodge
Lake Sullivan Sports Complex Native PrairieVance Fletcher
The document summarizes plans to convert an overgrown area at the Lake Sullivan Sports Complex into a native prairie. It describes the location and history of the site, current vegetation and land uses. The proposed restoration project would remove invasive species and plant a low-stature native prairie mix. This would improve wildlife habitat, absorb more water, and require less maintenance while allowing cycling to continue.
Male Antarctic fur seal pups foraged significantly farther from their birth site at South Georgia than female pups. Over the course of winter, both male and female pups' locations shifted eastward and moved farther from the continental shelf, possibly to exploit different prey in upper water columns. The study tracked 10 pups (5 males in 2001, 5 females in 2002) using satellite tags to analyze their at-sea distribution in relation to sex and environmental conditions between years.
Adélie Penguin Population Trends in Cape BirdJessica Carde
1) The document analyzes historic aerial photographs from 1956-2009 of the Cape Bird Adélie penguin colony in Antarctica to study population trends over time in response to climate change.
2) Using GIS software, the author counts penguins in 1983 photos and outlines guano-stained areas in older photos to estimate colony sizes. All three rookeries at Cape Bird increased in size between 1956-2009, with the largest growth in the Middle Rookery.
3) Climate change, competitive release from declining whale populations, and decreased fishing of prey species likely all contributed to the increasing Cape Bird penguin population observed over the past 60 years.
ABSTRACT- The effect resulted in the mapping of tiger occupancy and relative abundance, prey abundance indices,
anthropogenic pressure indices and habitat quality across 17 states known to harbour tiger populations. Both the big cats
i.e. Tiger & Leopard show territorial behavior. Leopard is sympatric to tiger and more furious than tiger. Leopards have
good habit or quality to survive in human-dominated landscape while on the other hand tiger occasionally move in
human-dominated area .It may be for livestock predation etc. Mortality is very high in tiger on the other hand we can say
that survival rate is low in tigers. Inter-specific as well as intra-specific struggle is more in these animals. Fragmentation
of habitat, ecological pressure, vital need, breeding season etc. are the cause of conflict and mortality etc. This study
depicts the comparative analysis of tiger & leopard census which ultimately provides the idea of dynamics of population
of both the big cats.
Key words- Fragmentation of habitat, Ecological pressure, Vital need, Inter or intra specific struggle
This document summarizes several research papers on how weather and climate affect animals. It discusses how temperature changes can impact cold-blooded animals and endangered species. Many animals experience discomfort during extreme heat or cold. The document also reviews how weather influences animal reproduction, metabolism, and corticosterone levels. One study found that weather had little impact on coyote health but more research is needed. Overall, the document analyzes how climate change and environmental conditions significantly impact animal populations and survival.
This document summarizes two studies evaluating the environmental impacts of Flaming Gorge Dam operations. The first study assessed the effects of overwinter double-peaking flows on trout behavior downstream, finding that trout activity increased in response to flow fluctuations. The second study examined the effects on endangered pikeminnow nursery habitat, finding that backwater characteristics are affected by flow levels and each backwater is unique annually due to sediment transport. Video recordings and topographic surveys were used to monitor fish behaviors and backwater features across varying dam operations.
Hooke et al_2013_Dispersal plumes in tillDon Cummings
This document summarizes the formation of dispersal plumes in glacial till. Dispersal plumes are three-dimensional distributions of clastic particles in till that originate from local bedrock sources like ore bodies. Recent developments in understanding glacial erosion, entrainment, and deposition help explain how these plumes form. Much debris in basal ice is incorporated where water is freezing onto the base of the ice sheet. This water migrates downglacier, freezing over a substantial distance and incorporating more material. Broadening and mixing of the plume occurs through shear, shifting ice flow, particle collisions, and folding of basal ice layers. Further downglacier, melting resumes and debris is deposited in meltout or lodge
68; low embryo survivorship of rana dalmatina embryos short noteRoger Meek
1) The agile frog (Rana dalmatina) breeds in early February in western France, laying eggs that usually float to the surface of ponds to take advantage of warmer temperatures. 2) In February 2012, abnormally low temperatures lasting around 10 days caused two spawn clumps to be encased in ice. 3) When the clumps were removed from the ice after 9 days, survivorship was estimated at 3.4% and 2.7%, suggesting the prolonged freezing had a significant negative impact on embryo survival.
One Fish, Two Fish, Blue Crab, Pompano- An Analysis of Marine and Estuarine S...Cody Gramlin
This document analyzes marine and estuarine species sampled along South Carolina's Atlantic coast. Samples were collected from three locations at Hunting Island State Park using fyke and seine nets between August 8-14, 2016. A variety of fish and crab species were identified. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was calculated for each net deployment to analyze sampling effectiveness. The six most commonly caught species were identified for each sample location.
This document summarizes a study analyzing suitable habitat for black and grey wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Spatial data on elevation, precipitation, snow, proximity to roads and gravel pits, and wolf sightings were analyzed in ArcGIS. Results showed black wolves preferred higher elevations than grey wolves, and both preferred being farther from roads than initially expected. Black wolves favored areas over 8,000 feet with over 25 inches of precipitation. Grey wolves occupied lower elevations and tolerated less precipitation. The analysis provides insight into managing wolf habitats while allowing human development.
Speleothems are cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites that form from calcium carbonate deposited by dripping water. Their layered structure (laminae) can provide annual records similar to tree rings. Different laminae types - fluorescent, visible, calcite-aragonite couplets, trace elements - record climate factors like temperature and precipitation. Studies of laminae in speleothems from various regions confirmed their annual nature and showed correlations between laminae characteristics and climate records, validating their use in paleoclimate reconstruction over thousands of years.
This document provides a management plan for the Desert Experimental Range Management Area (DERMA). It addresses several key topics:
1) Watershed protection and hydrology, noting water is limited and proposing increasing water catchments like guzzlers.
2) Recreation considerations, proposing to continue recreation but restrict it to established roads and potentially close some trails to protect the land.
3) Wildlife management, describing the abundant wildlife including big game species like elk and mule deer that are part of management units.
4) Livestock grazing history and the need for careful management to continue providing a model for grazing practices.
The plan aims to balance the multiple uses of the land including research, recreation,
The International Journal of Engineering and Science (The IJES)theijes
This document summarizes a study on the movement patterns and home range sizes of Rothschild's giraffes translocated to Ruma National Park in Kenya. 30 individual giraffes (17 males and 13 females) were identified and observed over 120 days. The giraffes exhibited well-defined movement patterns within the park, moving between different vegetation communities in a generally circular pattern. Home range sizes varied from 3.03 to 16.21 km2 but were generally small with high overlap between ranges. There were no significant differences found between males and females in their home range sizes or maximum distances traveled. Vegetation distribution and poaching appeared to influence the giraffes' movements and use of space within the park.
The document describes the Lam Watah Historic Trail (Rabe Meadows) in Stateline, Nevada. It notes that the trail has a bridge over two small streams and is well-maintained with paved sections. Facts about the trail include that it is 2-3 miles long depending on the route taken, located in South Tahoe, and has a highest point of 6,275 feet. The trail condition is described as packed sand and paved surfaces.
This document summarizes research on the impacts of climate change and sea ice loss on bearded seal populations in Hudson Bay over a 10 year period from 2015 to 2025. It finds that decreasing sea ice coverage, which has decreased by 1400 km2/year since 1978, and increasing duration of the ice-free season, which has risen from 75 days to over 200 days, will lead to a decline in the bearded seal population from 250,000 in 2015 to 125,000 by 2025. It also finds that the pup birth rate will decline from 62,000 born in 2015 to 41,000 born in 2025. Other arctic species that rely on sea ice will also be negatively impacted.
The need for new theory in global dendroclimatologyScott St. George
This document summarizes an interdisciplinary tree-ring research conference. It discusses the need for new theory in dendroclimatology, presentations on temperature and river flow reconstructions from tree rings, and principles of tree ring research site selection and replication. It also questions how to evaluate rare signals in tree growth and climate relationships and where remote teleconnections may be most evident in tree rings.
- The study examines δ18O records of surface and subsurface planktonic foraminifera species from ODP Site 1264 in the South Atlantic over the past 4 million years to reconstruct changes in thermocline depth.
- All species show decreasing δ18O values from 4 Ma to present, indicating warming and/or freshening over this period when the global ice volume signal is removed.
- As sea surface temperature was stable, the δ18O trend likely reflects decreasing salinity through time due to reduced inter-ocean water exchange between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean from 4 Ma to present.
Golden eagle populations in western North America have been declining due to human activity like wind turbines and power lines obstructing migratory paths. Climate change is also impacting prey availability and habitat suitability. Additional research is recommended to accurately assess population numbers, trends, and migratory patterns to inform conservation efforts. Reducing human-caused threats like collisions, electrocutions, habitat loss, and decreased prey will help stabilize golden eagle populations if accompanied by efforts to mitigate climate change impacts on habitat and food sources.
The "Year Without A Summer" was not a year without a ringScott St. George
The Tambora eruption of 1815 cooled the planet and caused the "Year Without A Summer" in western Europe and eastern North America. But was it cold enough to cause trees across the Northern Hemisphere to skip a ring?
This document summarizes several studies on the public health impacts of surface disposal and smearing of human feces in alpine, forest, and arid environments. The studies found that:
1) Fecal bacteria can survive on snow but numbers decrease significantly within a week as the feces dry out. Deeper in feces, bacteria survive longer but decrease by one order of magnitude every 3-4 weeks.
2) Smeared feces on rocks in alpine, forest, and desert environments begin drying immediately and disappear almost completely within 8 weeks, with 84-95% weight loss on average.
3) Surrounding soils do not become significantly contaminated by bacteria washing from drying feces. This
rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.orgResearchCite this article .docxhealdkathaleen
rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org
Research
Cite this article: Hallworth MT, Marra PP,
McFarland KP, Zahendra S, Studds CE. 2018
Tracking dragons: stable isotopes reveal the
annual cycle of a long-distance migratory
insect. Biol. Lett. 14: 20180741.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2018.0741
Received: 23 October 2018
Accepted: 23 November 2018
Subject Areas:
ecology, behaviour
Keywords:
Anax, common green darner, stable-hydrogen
isotopes, migration phenology
Author for correspondence:
Michael T. Hallworth
e-mail: [email protected]
Electronic supplementary material is available
online at https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.
figshare.c.4320911.
& 2018 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
Animal behaviour
Tracking dragons: stable isotopes reveal
the annual cycle of a long-distance
migratory insect
Michael T. Hallworth1,2, Peter P. Marra1, Kent P. McFarland3, Sara Zahendra3
and Colin E. Studds1,2
1Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC 20008, USA
2Department of Geography and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore,
MD 21250, USA
3Vermont Center for Ecostudies, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA
MTH, 0000-0002-6385-3815; PPM, 0000-0002-0508-7577; KPM, 0000-0001-7809-5503;
CES, 0000-0001-5715-1692
Insect migration is globally ubiquitous and can involve continental-scale
movements and complex life histories. Apart from select species of
migratory moths and butterflies, little is known about the structure of the
annual cycle for migratory insects. Using stable-hydrogen isotope analysis
of 852 wing samples from eight countries spanning 140 years, combined
with 21 years of citizen science data, we determined the full annual cycle
of a large migratory dragonfly, the common green darner (Anax junius).
We demonstrate that darners undertake complex long-distance annual
migrations governed largely by temperature that involve at least three gen-
erations. In spring, the first generation makes a long-distance northbound
movement (further than 650 km) from southern to northern range limits,
lays eggs and dies. A second generation emerges and returns south (further
than 680 km), where they lay eggs and die. Finally, a third resident gener-
ation emerges, reproducing locally and giving rise to the cohort that
migrates north the following spring. Since migration timing and nymph
development are highly dependent on temperature, continued climate
change could lead to fundamental changes in the biology for this and similar
migratory insects.
1. Introduction
Insects are the most species-rich and abundant group of macroscopic organisms
on the planet, yet our understanding of the biological underpinnings of their
annual cycles and migratory behaviours drastically trails behind that of
vertebrate taxa [1]. Perhaps the best-known insect migrations are the multi-
generational migrations of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in eastern
...
This document provides an overview of a central Florida freshwater turtle study being conducted at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The study aims to capture and collect data from multiple turtle species to estimate their population sizes. Researchers use marking and capture-recapture methods along with the Jolly-Seber model to calculate population point estimates and confidence intervals. Key turtle species discussed include snapping turtles, softshell turtles, chicken turtles, musk turtles, and cooters. Over 2,100 individual turtles representing seven species have been captured and measured since 1999.
This document summarizes observations of the thermoregulatory behavior of the Australian water dragon lizard (Physignathus lesueurii) in relation to body size and social status. The behavior of adult and subadult lizards fit the prediction that basking decreases with increasing operative temperature, but alpha male lizards did not follow this pattern. Subadult lizards engaged in more locomotory movement and were disturbed more frequently than larger lizards, especially in the morning. The results suggest thermoregulation imposes different costs for lizards of different sizes and social statuses.
Tree rings tell us much more than just a tree’s age. They also provide clues that help us understand how our environment has changed in the past, and provide insights into how key processes in atmosphere, biosphere and geological systems operate over long timescales.
This document provides information about plate tectonics through 5 sections:
1) It defines plate tectonics and provides diagrams of Earth's layers.
2) It describes where plate tectonics is occurring globally and locally through examples.
3) It discusses how plate tectonics has affected life on Earth through changing environments and fossil evidence.
4) It notes there are still issues and debates around fully understanding the mechanisms driving plate tectonics and predicting impacts.
5) It argues more research across scientific fields is needed to better comprehend plate tectonics and issues like its relationship to volcanism and climate change.
This document summarizes a study of the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in the Westport River Estuary in Massachusetts over one annual cycle from April 1980 to November 1980. The key findings were:
1) The phytoplankton community was overwhelmingly dominated by small (<5um) nanoplankton that accounted for over 95% of individuals and carbon.
2) The zooplankton community was primarily composed of copepod nauplii, which made up 24-98% of individuals collected and peaked at over 80,000 individuals/m3 in May.
3) Other dominant zooplankton included various copepod species like Acartia
The document summarizes research conducted at Emerald Bay, which was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969. It provides background on the geology of the area, including how glaciers carved out U-shaped valleys millions of years ago that now contain Emerald Bay and other lakes. Pictures and descriptions highlight various rock types like granite and basalt found in the region. Wildlife observed includes Canadian geese that frequent the area's clean waterways. A brief overview of human evolution and a photo of a person enjoying the scenery at Emerald Bay is also presented.
More Related Content
Similar to Ptarmigan Internship poster Vance Fletcher
68; low embryo survivorship of rana dalmatina embryos short noteRoger Meek
1) The agile frog (Rana dalmatina) breeds in early February in western France, laying eggs that usually float to the surface of ponds to take advantage of warmer temperatures. 2) In February 2012, abnormally low temperatures lasting around 10 days caused two spawn clumps to be encased in ice. 3) When the clumps were removed from the ice after 9 days, survivorship was estimated at 3.4% and 2.7%, suggesting the prolonged freezing had a significant negative impact on embryo survival.
One Fish, Two Fish, Blue Crab, Pompano- An Analysis of Marine and Estuarine S...Cody Gramlin
This document analyzes marine and estuarine species sampled along South Carolina's Atlantic coast. Samples were collected from three locations at Hunting Island State Park using fyke and seine nets between August 8-14, 2016. A variety of fish and crab species were identified. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was calculated for each net deployment to analyze sampling effectiveness. The six most commonly caught species were identified for each sample location.
This document summarizes a study analyzing suitable habitat for black and grey wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Spatial data on elevation, precipitation, snow, proximity to roads and gravel pits, and wolf sightings were analyzed in ArcGIS. Results showed black wolves preferred higher elevations than grey wolves, and both preferred being farther from roads than initially expected. Black wolves favored areas over 8,000 feet with over 25 inches of precipitation. Grey wolves occupied lower elevations and tolerated less precipitation. The analysis provides insight into managing wolf habitats while allowing human development.
Speleothems are cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites that form from calcium carbonate deposited by dripping water. Their layered structure (laminae) can provide annual records similar to tree rings. Different laminae types - fluorescent, visible, calcite-aragonite couplets, trace elements - record climate factors like temperature and precipitation. Studies of laminae in speleothems from various regions confirmed their annual nature and showed correlations between laminae characteristics and climate records, validating their use in paleoclimate reconstruction over thousands of years.
This document provides a management plan for the Desert Experimental Range Management Area (DERMA). It addresses several key topics:
1) Watershed protection and hydrology, noting water is limited and proposing increasing water catchments like guzzlers.
2) Recreation considerations, proposing to continue recreation but restrict it to established roads and potentially close some trails to protect the land.
3) Wildlife management, describing the abundant wildlife including big game species like elk and mule deer that are part of management units.
4) Livestock grazing history and the need for careful management to continue providing a model for grazing practices.
The plan aims to balance the multiple uses of the land including research, recreation,
The International Journal of Engineering and Science (The IJES)theijes
This document summarizes a study on the movement patterns and home range sizes of Rothschild's giraffes translocated to Ruma National Park in Kenya. 30 individual giraffes (17 males and 13 females) were identified and observed over 120 days. The giraffes exhibited well-defined movement patterns within the park, moving between different vegetation communities in a generally circular pattern. Home range sizes varied from 3.03 to 16.21 km2 but were generally small with high overlap between ranges. There were no significant differences found between males and females in their home range sizes or maximum distances traveled. Vegetation distribution and poaching appeared to influence the giraffes' movements and use of space within the park.
The document describes the Lam Watah Historic Trail (Rabe Meadows) in Stateline, Nevada. It notes that the trail has a bridge over two small streams and is well-maintained with paved sections. Facts about the trail include that it is 2-3 miles long depending on the route taken, located in South Tahoe, and has a highest point of 6,275 feet. The trail condition is described as packed sand and paved surfaces.
This document summarizes research on the impacts of climate change and sea ice loss on bearded seal populations in Hudson Bay over a 10 year period from 2015 to 2025. It finds that decreasing sea ice coverage, which has decreased by 1400 km2/year since 1978, and increasing duration of the ice-free season, which has risen from 75 days to over 200 days, will lead to a decline in the bearded seal population from 250,000 in 2015 to 125,000 by 2025. It also finds that the pup birth rate will decline from 62,000 born in 2015 to 41,000 born in 2025. Other arctic species that rely on sea ice will also be negatively impacted.
The need for new theory in global dendroclimatologyScott St. George
This document summarizes an interdisciplinary tree-ring research conference. It discusses the need for new theory in dendroclimatology, presentations on temperature and river flow reconstructions from tree rings, and principles of tree ring research site selection and replication. It also questions how to evaluate rare signals in tree growth and climate relationships and where remote teleconnections may be most evident in tree rings.
- The study examines δ18O records of surface and subsurface planktonic foraminifera species from ODP Site 1264 in the South Atlantic over the past 4 million years to reconstruct changes in thermocline depth.
- All species show decreasing δ18O values from 4 Ma to present, indicating warming and/or freshening over this period when the global ice volume signal is removed.
- As sea surface temperature was stable, the δ18O trend likely reflects decreasing salinity through time due to reduced inter-ocean water exchange between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean from 4 Ma to present.
Golden eagle populations in western North America have been declining due to human activity like wind turbines and power lines obstructing migratory paths. Climate change is also impacting prey availability and habitat suitability. Additional research is recommended to accurately assess population numbers, trends, and migratory patterns to inform conservation efforts. Reducing human-caused threats like collisions, electrocutions, habitat loss, and decreased prey will help stabilize golden eagle populations if accompanied by efforts to mitigate climate change impacts on habitat and food sources.
The "Year Without A Summer" was not a year without a ringScott St. George
The Tambora eruption of 1815 cooled the planet and caused the "Year Without A Summer" in western Europe and eastern North America. But was it cold enough to cause trees across the Northern Hemisphere to skip a ring?
This document summarizes several studies on the public health impacts of surface disposal and smearing of human feces in alpine, forest, and arid environments. The studies found that:
1) Fecal bacteria can survive on snow but numbers decrease significantly within a week as the feces dry out. Deeper in feces, bacteria survive longer but decrease by one order of magnitude every 3-4 weeks.
2) Smeared feces on rocks in alpine, forest, and desert environments begin drying immediately and disappear almost completely within 8 weeks, with 84-95% weight loss on average.
3) Surrounding soils do not become significantly contaminated by bacteria washing from drying feces. This
rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.orgResearchCite this article .docxhealdkathaleen
rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org
Research
Cite this article: Hallworth MT, Marra PP,
McFarland KP, Zahendra S, Studds CE. 2018
Tracking dragons: stable isotopes reveal the
annual cycle of a long-distance migratory
insect. Biol. Lett. 14: 20180741.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2018.0741
Received: 23 October 2018
Accepted: 23 November 2018
Subject Areas:
ecology, behaviour
Keywords:
Anax, common green darner, stable-hydrogen
isotopes, migration phenology
Author for correspondence:
Michael T. Hallworth
e-mail: [email protected]
Electronic supplementary material is available
online at https://dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.
figshare.c.4320911.
& 2018 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
Animal behaviour
Tracking dragons: stable isotopes reveal
the annual cycle of a long-distance
migratory insect
Michael T. Hallworth1,2, Peter P. Marra1, Kent P. McFarland3, Sara Zahendra3
and Colin E. Studds1,2
1Migratory Bird Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC 20008, USA
2Department of Geography and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore,
MD 21250, USA
3Vermont Center for Ecostudies, White River Junction, VT 05001, USA
MTH, 0000-0002-6385-3815; PPM, 0000-0002-0508-7577; KPM, 0000-0001-7809-5503;
CES, 0000-0001-5715-1692
Insect migration is globally ubiquitous and can involve continental-scale
movements and complex life histories. Apart from select species of
migratory moths and butterflies, little is known about the structure of the
annual cycle for migratory insects. Using stable-hydrogen isotope analysis
of 852 wing samples from eight countries spanning 140 years, combined
with 21 years of citizen science data, we determined the full annual cycle
of a large migratory dragonfly, the common green darner (Anax junius).
We demonstrate that darners undertake complex long-distance annual
migrations governed largely by temperature that involve at least three gen-
erations. In spring, the first generation makes a long-distance northbound
movement (further than 650 km) from southern to northern range limits,
lays eggs and dies. A second generation emerges and returns south (further
than 680 km), where they lay eggs and die. Finally, a third resident gener-
ation emerges, reproducing locally and giving rise to the cohort that
migrates north the following spring. Since migration timing and nymph
development are highly dependent on temperature, continued climate
change could lead to fundamental changes in the biology for this and similar
migratory insects.
1. Introduction
Insects are the most species-rich and abundant group of macroscopic organisms
on the planet, yet our understanding of the biological underpinnings of their
annual cycles and migratory behaviours drastically trails behind that of
vertebrate taxa [1]. Perhaps the best-known insect migrations are the multi-
generational migrations of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in eastern
...
This document provides an overview of a central Florida freshwater turtle study being conducted at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The study aims to capture and collect data from multiple turtle species to estimate their population sizes. Researchers use marking and capture-recapture methods along with the Jolly-Seber model to calculate population point estimates and confidence intervals. Key turtle species discussed include snapping turtles, softshell turtles, chicken turtles, musk turtles, and cooters. Over 2,100 individual turtles representing seven species have been captured and measured since 1999.
This document summarizes observations of the thermoregulatory behavior of the Australian water dragon lizard (Physignathus lesueurii) in relation to body size and social status. The behavior of adult and subadult lizards fit the prediction that basking decreases with increasing operative temperature, but alpha male lizards did not follow this pattern. Subadult lizards engaged in more locomotory movement and were disturbed more frequently than larger lizards, especially in the morning. The results suggest thermoregulation imposes different costs for lizards of different sizes and social statuses.
Tree rings tell us much more than just a tree’s age. They also provide clues that help us understand how our environment has changed in the past, and provide insights into how key processes in atmosphere, biosphere and geological systems operate over long timescales.
This document provides information about plate tectonics through 5 sections:
1) It defines plate tectonics and provides diagrams of Earth's layers.
2) It describes where plate tectonics is occurring globally and locally through examples.
3) It discusses how plate tectonics has affected life on Earth through changing environments and fossil evidence.
4) It notes there are still issues and debates around fully understanding the mechanisms driving plate tectonics and predicting impacts.
5) It argues more research across scientific fields is needed to better comprehend plate tectonics and issues like its relationship to volcanism and climate change.
This document summarizes a study of the phytoplankton and zooplankton communities in the Westport River Estuary in Massachusetts over one annual cycle from April 1980 to November 1980. The key findings were:
1) The phytoplankton community was overwhelmingly dominated by small (<5um) nanoplankton that accounted for over 95% of individuals and carbon.
2) The zooplankton community was primarily composed of copepod nauplii, which made up 24-98% of individuals collected and peaked at over 80,000 individuals/m3 in May.
3) Other dominant zooplankton included various copepod species like Acartia
The document summarizes research conducted at Emerald Bay, which was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969. It provides background on the geology of the area, including how glaciers carved out U-shaped valleys millions of years ago that now contain Emerald Bay and other lakes. Pictures and descriptions highlight various rock types like granite and basalt found in the region. Wildlife observed includes Canadian geese that frequent the area's clean waterways. A brief overview of human evolution and a photo of a person enjoying the scenery at Emerald Bay is also presented.
Similar to Ptarmigan Internship poster Vance Fletcher (20)
1. As climate changes many animals will move, adapt, or become locally
extinct. This study examines how an alpine grouse, the White-tailed
Ptarmigan, is responding to climate and habitat changes and will assess
the potential for adaptation in the future. The study is split into four
parts. 1. Examine the demography of ptarmigan at Logan Pass and other
locations within the park, 2. Locate and assess habitat of late summer
flocks with the addition of thermal stress data, 3. Collect genetic samples
from blood and feathers of captured individuals to assess genetic
populations, structure, and isolation within the park, 4. Examine the
hormonal impacts of changing climate through the collection of blood
and feces to indicate stress levels. This data will help scientist and
managers understand the actual and potential effects of global warming.
PTARMIGAN INTERNSHIP: MOVE, ADAPT, OR DIE IN GLACIER
NATIONAL PARK, MT
Vance Fletcher and David Benson
School of Mathematics and Sciences, Marian University Indianapolis
3200 Cold Spring Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46222
PURPOSE OF STUDY
WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN
White-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura; herafter ptarmigan) is the only
species in North America to spend their entire lives in the alpine; above
tree-line. Because of this they have many adaptations to extreme cold
including highly insulative feathers, the ability to build snow roosts, and
feathered legs and feet. Ptarmigan are not well adapted to warm
temperatures, however. At just 20°C a ptarmigan begins to gain heat
and can quickly die when temperatures reach the mid 30s. Alpine temps
are frigid in the winter, but can be hot during the summer. During these
times of high temperatures ptarmigan tend to stay close to snow and
water to keep cool. The edge of snow fields located on moist vegetation
and new buds are prime habitat for this small grouse that spends much
of its time on the ground. These cooler microclimates are diminishing as
the glaciers and perennial snow fields disappear due to changing
climate. It is predicted that ptarmigan will be completely gone within the
lower 48 states by 2100 (Lawler 2009). By measuring location, stress
levels, and microclimate we can assess the potential and actual effects of
global warming on this permanent alpine resident.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
FIELD METHODS
CONCLUSIONS
We have found that ptarmigan have been moving, adapting, and
declining. The ptarmigan at Logan Pass have been moving upslope (Fig.
5.) in search of better habitat and colder microclimates. They have also
adapted to the warmer climate utilizing snow and shade in order to
remain cooler than areas around. Finally they are declining at Logan Pass
where the number has dropped from 32 ptarmigan in 1959 during the
breeding season to just 7 in 2014 (Table 1). With continued research on
microclimate we are hoping to find a correlation between stress levels
and microclimates at flock locations.
LITERATURE CITED
Joshua Lawler USEPA Corvallis 2009; 1932 George Grant- Courtesy of
Glacier National Park Archives 1988 Jerry DeSanto Courtesy of K. Ross
Toole Archive; Choate. 1963. J. Wildlife Management 27:684-699;
Gregory T. Wann, Long-Term Demography of a White-tailed Ptarmigan
Population in Colorado pp. 65-66
RESULTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to Dr. Benson and his family for all of their generosity.
Thanks also to Glacier National Park and Marian University for funding
and logistical support.Fig. 3. Boulder Glacier in Glacier National Park, MT in 1932 (left) and 1988 (right)
Year Breeding Season (until July 15) Post-breeding Season (July 16-
Sep.1)
Total
sighted
Female Male Total Female Male Total Total
1959 12 20 32 Ave. 70
1960 14 21 35 55 70
1961 17 25 42 For the 80
1962 15 26 41 4 years 76
1995 12 16 28 9 18 27 38 (3 im)
(15f 23m)
1996 13 16 29 12 18 30 34 (4 im)
(14f 20m)
1997 11 12 23 10 15 25 29 (3 im)
(12f 16m)
1998 7 12 19 10 12 22 29 (7 im)
(14f 15m)
2011 2 4+ 6+ 5 9 14 11 (1 im)
(5f 6m)
2012 4 6 10 5 10 15 17 (5 im)
(7f 10m)
2013 3 5 8 8 9 17 21 (3 im)
(10f 11m)
2014 3 4 7 6 4 10 14 (1 im)
(8f 6m)
Fig. 1. White-tailed Ptarmigan in late summer plumage
Looking at mortality rate and breeding season numbers it is evident that
the ptarmigan at Logan Pass are declining. This could be due to a
number of reasons, but changing habitat thanks for changing climate is
likely a main cause. This change is forcing the ptarmigan to travel
farther, reducing their habitat, and may be causing more stress. Higher
annual temperatures in winter have even shown to decrease survival by
decreasing ability to build snow roosts (Wann 2012).
Located in northwest Montan,a Glacier National Park covers 1,500
square miles. Part of the Rocky Mountain chain GNP’s steep valleys
have been carved away by massive ice-age glaciers. Recently the
remaining glaciers melting off. The number of glaciers has declined
from 150 to 27 since the late 1800’s and all are predicted to be gone by
2030 (Hall and Fagre 2003). The average temperature has increased
three times the global average, at 1.6°C in just the past 150 years (Hall
and Fagre 2003). As can be seen in Fig. 3, many of the iconic glaciers
that give the park its name have vanished.
Mortality Choate 1963 Benson 1999 Current Data
1959
-
1960
1960-
1961
1961-
1962
1995-
1996
1996-
1997
1997-
1998
2011-
2012
2012-
2013
2013-
2014
Females 27.8 32.4 44.7 53.4 31.3 38.5 40.0 42.9 90.0
Males 18.8 15.2 31.5 13.0 25.0 29.4 33.4 30.0 63.6
Total 28.9 27.8 35.5 36.4 35.3 76.2
Fig. 2. Location of
Glacier National Park
(GNP)
• In order to locate individuals, I used recorded male territorial calls to
elicit a response in the spring/summer. In the late summer/fall a
distressed chick call will be used to elicit calls from females. Once
located the birds were captured with a noose pole.
Fig. 3. Measuring tarsus (left). Banding both legs (right)
Fig. 4. Checking secondaries for speckles (Left). Releasing captured bird (right)
Breeding Season Numbers
Fig. 5. Reading the Kestrel weather station (left) Kestrel 6400 “black globe” (right)
Table 1: White-tailed Ptarmigan numbers on Logan Pass. 1959-62 from Choate
(1963) and 1995-1998 from Benson (1999).
Mortality Rate
Fig. 5. Flocking locations from 1961-2010
• The majority of research time was spent attempting to locate the
territorial males with their females in the spring when little habitat
was present. Later in the summer/fall most habitat becomes dry
and the ptarmigan begin to flock. At this time I searched for the
flocks near snow melt or what was left of the snow fields. The use of
a distressed chick call also allowed me to locate females with chicks.
The chicks were accounted for and some captured in order to
collect feathers for data. Late into the season a fire cause Logan Pass
to be inaccessible. At that point, more time was spent at other sites.
• I also collected droppings. The fecal samples will be used to assay
fecal steroid metabolites of corticosterone allowing us to measure
stress levels.
• After processing and release, GPS coordinates from all confirmed
sightings were collected.
• Once captured blood was drawn from the wing vein in less than three
minutes in order to collect a baseline of corticosterone, then the bird
was processed. This included;
• Banding with one black and white plastic band for easy
identification
• Banding of one metal band of same number for long term
identification
• Recording weight
• Measuring tarsus length
• Collecting feathers for DNA
• Check secondary feather for speckles to determine adult or
juvenile
• Then slowly releasing
• The microclimate of the location of the ptarmigan was recorded
using a Kestrel 6400 “black globe” mini weather station. The
weather station was placed at ptarmigan height on a mini tripod
exactly where the ptarmigan was initially found. After calibrating I
recorded the ambient temperature, black globe temperature, wet
bulb temperature, wind speed, humidity, and other variables.