Checklist of the mosses of Grand Teton National Park and Teton County, Wyoming

Symphyotrichum expansum (Puepp ex Spreng.) Nesom is reported new to Utah from the Escalante River drainage. A major range extension is reported for Aralia racemosa L. in the Escalante drainage, and additional populations are reported of the rare species Imperata brevifolia Vasey in Utah, including the 1st record for the Grand Staircase--Escalante National Monument. Heterotheca grandiflora Nutt. is reported new to north central Arizona. New locations and notes on an additional 22 rare species in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area are listed.     

Ruffed grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) foraging in aspen stands during winter in northern Utah

Ruffed Grouse ( Bonasa umbellus ) population densities are lower in the Intermountain West than elsewhere in the species' range. Throughout much of its range, the Ruffed Grouse is closely associated with quaking aspen ( Populus tremuloides ), in part because aspen buds are an important winter food. Because population fluctuations of Ruffed Grouse have been associated with changes in aspen abundance or chemical composition, we studied winter foraging of the species in the Intermountain West where it has received little attention. Aspen buds were the most prominent forage in the bird's diet, although in contrast to other Ruffed Grouse food habits studies, reproductive buds were not eaten more than vegetative buds, and buds of other deciduous plants were also important (>20% of the diet). Excretion of high concentrations of ammonium nitrogen suggests that grouse in northern Utah are ingesting higher levels of secondary plant compounds than reported elsewhere. Our results show aspen is important in the winter ecology of Ruffed Grouse in northern Utah and suggest that continued loss of aspen may impact grouse populations.     

Macroinvertebrate richness is lower in high-elevation lakes vs nearby streams: evidence from Grand Teton National Park,Wyoming

Mountain ecosystems will be strongly impacted by climate change, yet little is known of extant biodiversity in high-elevation lakes, particularly in North America. In this study, we sampled the littoral zone of six alpine and subalpine lakes in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), Wyoming, to characterise invertebrate diversity and environmental variation in these climate change-threatened ecosystems. Overall, we collected 19 aquatic invertebrate taxa, and found that each lake harboured a unique assemblage of invertebrates despite close geographic proximity in some instances (e.g. less than 5 km). The results of this study complement previous efforts focused on macroinvertebrate diversity of streams in the Teton Range, highlighting much lower diversity in montane lakes vs nearby streams. Taken together, the two studies establish an important baseline understanding of mountain freshwater biodiversity in GRTE. With rapidly changing hydrologic inputs to mountain lakes driven primarily by the recession of alpine glaciers, these results may help target aquatic invertebrates to monitor as climate change affects the region. Moreover, these data clarify habitat factors, both biotic and abiotic, that influence high-elevation lake assemblages of the Teton Range.     

Summer habitat use and selection by female Sage Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) in Oregon

Cover types and vegetative characteristics (e.g., grasses, forbs, shrubs) used by female Sage Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) during summer were compared with available habitat on two study areas in southeastern Oregon. Broodless hens, which constituted 114 of the 125 (91%) radio-marked hens studied, selected big ( Artemisia tridentata ) subspp.) and low sagebrush ( A. arbuscular ) cover types at both study areas. At Hart Mountain, broodless hens did not select specific vegetative characteristics within cover types. However, at Jackass Creek, forb cover was greater ( P = .004) at broodless hen sites than at random locations. Differences in habitat use by broodless hens between study areas were associated with differences in forb availability. Broodless hens used a greater diversity of cover types than hens with broods. Broodless hens gathered in flocks and remained separate from but near hens with broods during early summer. By early July broodless hens moved to meadows while hens with broods remained in upland habitats.     

Nesting and summer habitat use by translocated Sage Grouse ( Centrocercus Urophasianus ) in central Idaho

We translocated 196 Sage Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus into Sawtooth Valley, Idaho, during March-April 1986-87 to augment a small resident population. Forty-four grouse equipped with radio transmitters were monitored through spring and summer. Nest sites ( n = 6) had greater ( P = .032) horizontal cover than did independent random plots ( n = 7). During summer, grouse used sites ( n = 50) with taller live and dead shrub heights, greater shrub canopy cover, and more ground litter ( P n = 50) 50-300 m from use sites. Distance to edge and mountain sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata vaseyana ) density best separated use sites from independent random plots in logistic regression analysis and correctly classified 64% of the use sites and 78% of the independent random plots. Sage Grouse used sties that had narrower frequency distributions for many variables than did independent plots ( P < .04), suggesting selection for uniform habitat.     

A checklist of the alpine vascular flora of the Teton Range, Wyoming, with notes on biology and habitat preferences

A checklist of the vascular flora of the alpine zone (treeless vegetation above 9500 feet or 2900 m) of the Teton Range is presented. For each of the 216 species, six attributes are listed: flower color and shape, pollination mode, life form, habitat preference, and whether each species is found in the Arctic. White and yellow flowered species are most common, and zoophilous species greatly predominate over anemophilous and apomictic species. Perennial/biennial herbs are the most common life form. Common habitats in the alpine zone include dry and wet meadows, bogs, debris accumulations, and cliffs and rock faces. Arctic species account for 25.9 percent of the flora. The 216 species are distributed among 111 genera and 36 families. The largest families, in order of size, are Asteraceae, Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Brassicaceae, Rosaceae, and Scrophulariaceae.     

Early brood-rearing habitat use and productivity of Greater Sage-Grouse in Wyoming

Populations of Greater Sage-Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ) have been declining throughout their range since the 1960s. Productivity, which includes production and survival of young, is often cited as a factor in these declines. We monitored radio-equipped Greater Sage-Grouse at 3 sites in western Wyoming to assess early brood-rearing habitat use (through 14 days post-hatch) and productivity. Logistic and linear regression analyses with Akaike's Information Criterion were used to evaluate early brooding habitat use and to examine relationships between productivity and vegetation, insect size and abundance, and weather parameters. Females with broods were found in areas with greater sagebrush canopy and grass cover, and fewer invertebrates compared to random areas. The number of juveniles per female (estimated from wing barrel collections during fall harvest) was positively related to the abundance of medium-length Hymenoptera and grass cover, and the proportion of females with confirmed chicks 14 days post-hatch was positively related to abundance of medium-length Coleoptera and total herbaceous cover. Although the specific parameters varied slightly, Greater Sage-Grouse productivity in Wyoming appeared to be associated with a combination of insect and herbaceous cover elements. Managing for abundant and diverse insect communities within dense protective sagebrush stands should help ensure high-quality early brood-rearing habitat and increased Greater Sage-Grouse productivity.     

Trampling disturbance and recovery of cryptogamic soil crusts in Grand Canyon National Park

Cryptogamic soil crusts in Grand Canyon National Park were trampled by hikers, under controlled conditions, to determine how rapidly they were pulverized and how rapidly they recovered. Only 15 trampling passes were required to destroy the structure of the crusts; visual evidence of bacteria and cryptogam cover was reduced to near zero after 50 passes. Soil crusts redeveloped in just one to three years, and after five years the extensive bacteria and cryptogam cover left little visual evidence of disturbance. Surface irregularity remained low after five years, however, suggesting that recovery was incomplete.     

Model of breeding habitat of the Mountain Plover ( Charadrius montanus ) in western Wyoming

To aid the conservation and management of Mountain Plovers ( Charadrius montanus ), we developed a spatially explicit model of breeding habitat for the shrub-steppe of western Wyoming. Points of Mountain Plover presence and absence were determined by field surveys conducted May through June 1999. At each point we measured topographic slope and a cover type suitability index related to vegetation height and density. Logistic regression revealed a strong negative relationship between presence and slope, and a weaker and positive relationship between presence and cover index. A multiple logistic regression model using slope and cover index to predict presence successfully classified 87% of the points in an independent data set covering much of western Wyoming. The spatial expression of this model will help managers target future surveys and identify currently unsuitable habitat that could be improved via vegetation management. Patches of suitable breeding habitat of the Mountain Plover in western Wyoming are probably functions of poor soil, low precipitation, and wind scour, and thus are likely rather persistent in space and time. Combined with the relatively large proportion of publicly owned land here, this may make conservation and recovery of the Mountain Plover easier in western Wyoming than in the more dynamic and privately controlled Great Plains.     

Fishtail Mesa: a vegetation resurvey of relict area in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Relict sites are geographically isolated areas that are undisturbed by direct and indirect human influences. These sites facilitate long-term ecological monitoring by providing a reference for gauging impacts occurring elsewhere. Knowledge gained through comparing vegetation change on matched relict and proximal disturbed areas can help partition the causes of change into natural and human-produced components. Fishtail Mesa in Grand Canyon National Park is a 439-ha relict site that is inaccessible to domestic livestock. Human visitation is infrequent and irregular, and fires have never been suppressed or managed. In 1958, U.S. Forest Service range scientists conducted a survey of Fishtail Mesa to gather reference data on vegetation, wildlife, and soils. Vegetation sampling was conducted using a method called the ";";elb.";"; We returned to Fishtail Mesa in May 1996 to perform a general vegetation and floristic survey, assess the extent of vegetation change after 38 years, and evaluate the suitability of the site as a location for long-term surveillance of ecological change. Fishtail Mesas vegetation consists primarily of a Pinus edulis (pinyon) and Juniperus osteosperma (Utah juniper) woodland with an Artemisia tridentata (sagebrush) understory, or tree-type (310.9 ha), and an Artemisia and Poa fendleriana (mutton grass) steppe, or shrub-type (127.5 ha). Since 1958 vegetation changes in both shrub- and tree-types have been limited to only a few species. In the shrub-type we detected slight increases from 1958 to 1996 in both Pinus and Juniperus , and reexamination of 1958 photo sites confirmed that Pinus and Juniperus are reoccupying the shrub-type. Artemisia cover declined from 1958 to 1996, whereas Poa increased from near trace amounts in 1958 to moderate cover in 1996. In the tree-type, Poa has increased from 1958 to 1996, while Artemisia , Juniperus , and Pinus showed no apparent change. Other species such as Ephedra torreyana (Torrey joint-fir), Opuntia polyacantha (prickly pear), and Gutierrezia sarothrae (snakeweed) have decreased. Vegetation analysis aided by TWINSPAN revealed that the shrub-type is defined more on the basis of absence of Pinus and Juniperus rather than any special association of differential species with a high preference for this type. We interpret the ";";invasion";"; of the shrub-type by Pinus and Juniperus as a ";";reoccupation.";"; Indirect ordination using DECORANA inferred 2 environmental gradients, a moisture gradient and perhaps a substrate texture gradient, that appeared to influence vegetation distribution on Fishtail Mesa. Fishtail Mesa is a valuable relict area for studying the effects of livestock grazing and prescribed fire. It should be designated a Federal Research Natural Area based on its vegetation communities, size, and protection afforded by its location in Grand Canyon National Park.     

Stoneflies (Plecoptera) of Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park, with an area of 95,356 ha, is approximately one-third as large as the state of Rhode Island. The lowest point is 490 m in elevation in the southeastern corner near where the Ohanapecosh River crosses the southern boundary. Columbia Crest is the highest point at 4392 m. The entire park is a rugged landscape marked by the major topographical feature, Mount Rainier, comprising over 25,899 ha, almost one-third of the park. The park lies entirely west of the crest line of the Cascade Range. Most streams in the park originate on Mount Rainier; however, several large rivers meander through the park near its boundaries. One of the first attempts to summarize the stoneflies of Washington, including Mount Rainier National Park, was Hoppe's 1938 work that reported ca 8 species. Jewett (1959) reviewed the stoneflies of the Pacific Northwest and listed 7 species that had type localities in the park: Megaleuctra kincaidi Frison, Doddsia occidentalis (Banks), Soliperla fenderi ( Jewett), Frisonia picticeps (Hanson), Isoperla rainiera Jewett, Megarcys irregularis (Banks), and M. subtruncata (Hanson). Subsequently, Kathroperla takhoma Stark and Surdick (1987) was described from the park. Samples of adult stoneflies from 1994 to 2001 indicate the presence of at least 82 species, with 64% of these typical Pacific Northwest species, and 30 species, or 36%, widespread western North American species. Seventeen new Washington state records are listed, including a substantial range extension for Lednia tumana (Ricker). One undescribed species in the Sweltsa borealis complex was also discovered. We also present illustrations of male terminalia for Despaxia augusta (Banks) and Moselia infuscata (Claassen) to aid in the identification of these species.     

Large, wetland-associated mayflies (Ephemeroptera) of Glacier National Park, Montana

We describe species richness and habitat associations of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) collected during amphibian surveys of 355 water bodies in Glacier National Park (NP), Montana, in 2006&ndash;2008. We collected 9 taxa (in 7 genera) of mayflies that were identifiable to species. Callibaetis ferrugineus hageni was collected most frequently, followed by Siphlonurus occidentalis, S. phyllis, Ameletus celer, A. similior, Parameletus columbiae, Ephemerella dorothea infrequens, Baetis bicaudatus, and Leptophlebia cupida. Siphlonurus phyllis had not been reported in the western United States prior to our surveys, and P. columbiae is a species of concern in the region. The identifications of 4 additional taxa were uncertain due to the poor condition of specimens found at only one site ( Centroptilum sp. and Paraleptophlebia sp.) or because nymphal specimens could not be confidently identified ( Cinygma sp. and Cinygmula sp.). Species richness of mayflies in wetlands seems low compared to that in streams and lakes in Glacier National Park. We found the most species of mayflies in beaver ponds, where we detected some species not commonly associated with lentic water bodies. Our survey was the first extensive survey of wetland invertebrates in Glacier NP and only the second that we are aware of in western Montana.     

Habitat use by the Persian onager,Equus hemionus onager (Perissodactyla: Equidae) in Qatrouyeh National Park,Fars, Iran

Iran’s Persian onager populations are critically endangered. This study of their natural history in Qatrouyeh National Park provides insights for enhancing their conservation. The population as a whole is greatly affected by weather. Wind, rain and cold drive populations from the plains to the valleys of hill-valley habitats. Vegetation features and water also influence habitat use, but differently for different sex and reproductive classes. Females with juveniles use plains with high-quality vegetation, whereas females without young and solitary territorial males choose those of intermediate quality. Females with young foals are also found closest to watering points. Future translocation of Persian onagers will only succeed if prospective habitats have sufficient hill-valley refuges and enough plains with winds to moderately hot conditions. Sufficient plains supporting high-quality vegetation near water for lactating females must co-exist with plains of moderate-quality vegetation that attract females without young, so reducing crowding and competition.     

Eimeria sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Wyoming ground squirrels Spermophilus elegans , and white-tailed prairie dogs, Cynomys leucurus , in Wyoming

Six species of the coccidian genus Eimeria ( E. larimerensis [prevalence = 17%], E. bilamellata [12%] E. beecheyi [34%], E. morainensis [43%], E. callospermophili [21%], and E. spermophili [5%]) were recovered from Wyoming ground squirrels ( Spermophilus elegans elegans ) collected during 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986. Infected ground squirrels were found to harbor from one to five species simultaneously. The 1007 hosts examined were collected from two different habitats: (1) a xeric desert shrub-steppe and (2) an irrigated alfalfa-brome field. All species of Eimeria occurred at each study site during all years, although the prevalence of each species varied between years. This is the first report of these congeries of species infecting this host. In a second study of sympatric populations of Wyoming ground squirrels and white-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys leucurus ), found three species of Eimeria present in both host populations ( E. beecheyi [white-tailed prairie dog prevalence = 83%, Wyoming ground squirrel = 52%], E. morainensis [22%, 52%], and E. bilamellata [17%, 10%]). This is the first report of these three species infecting white-tailed prairie dogs. Eimeria larimerensis was found in Wyoming ground squirrels but not in prairie dogs.     

Distribution, movements, and habitat use of razorback sucker ( Xyrauchen texanus ) in a lower Colorado River reservoir, Arizona-Nevada

Distribution, movements, and habitat use of 10 wild adult razorback suckers ( Xyrauchen texanus ) were examined in Lake Mohave, Arizona-Nevada, from November 1994 through July 1997. Movement rates (0.00-17.35 km d -1 ) and ranges ( x = 39 km) were similar to those for riverine populations. All study fish returned to spawning sites used in previous years, but they also visited other spawning areas. Spawning females were significantly ( P = 0.031) more active than males (480 vs. 87 m d -1 ) and moved substantial distances between spawning sites during peak reproduction (1-28 February). Fish became most active (m d -1 , km month -1 ) after spawning and moved to areas known to support higher algal production. Fish were typically within 50 m ( P 30.0 m). Adults were detected throughout the available thermal gradient (12°-30°C), but during summer typically had body temperatures between 18° and 22°C. Vertical movements within the water column showed no correlation with depth or time of day, but seasonal shifts suggest fish may regulate body temperature by seeking specific temperatures during reservoir stratification.     

Description of four new species of Hersiliidae (Arachnida,Araneae) from Kinabalu National Park,Sabah, Borneo,Malaysia

The family Hersiliidae includes, to date, seven genera and 148 species, distributed throughout tropical, subtropical and warm temperate zones. Of these, five genera and 30 species have been recorded from the Oriental region. In this paper, three new species of the genus Hersilia Audouin and one new species of the genus Tamopsis Baehr and Baehr are described from Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.     

Deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, and associated rodent fleas (Siphonaptera) in the arctic-alpine life zone of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Peromyscus maniculatus and related small rodents have been examined for ectoparasites in the tundra region of the Rocky Mountain National Park 1974&ndash;1979. One hundred and ninety-four P. maniculatus were examined from two tundra sites. Flea infestation rates were 1.9 fleas per mouse examined and 4.1 fleas per infested mouse. Species taken in significant numbers were Monopsyllus thambus (51 percent), Peromyscopsylla hesperomys (34 percent), Malaraeus euphorbi (9 percent), and Catallagia calisheri (4 percent). Peromyscus maniculatus host/flea relationships in the tundra are compared with those in other life zones in the park. &nbsp;     

Two new and a known species of dorylaim nematodes (Dorylaimida: Nematoda) from Kaziranga National Park,Assam, India

Two new and one known species of dorylaim nematodes are described and illustrated from Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India. Prothornenema vulvatum sp. nov. is characterized by having body 1.06–1.17 mm long; lip region cap-like, slightly rounded, offset by constriction with moderate labial and post-labial sclerotization; 10–11 μm long odontostyle; vulva a transverse slit; cuticle both anterior and posterior to vulva with two or three deep invaginations; female tail long filiform, male tail short conoid with 13 or 14 contiguous ventromedian supplements. Allodorylaimus kazirangus sp. nov. is characterized by having body 1.84–2.16 mm long; truncate, slightly offset lip region; 30 μm long odontostyle; amphids duplex; cardia short conoid, an asymmetrical ring-like structure surrounds the junction between pharyngeal base and cardia; transverse vulva; uterus characteristically long, tripartite with wide proximal portion followed by a long narrow intermediate portion with moderately sclerotized inner lining joining a wider pars dilatata distalis; short conoid tail with no sexual dimorphism and males with 13 or 14 contiguous ventromedian supplements. Thornia propinqua (Paesler, 1941 Paesler, FR. 1941. Neue Freilebende Erdnematoden aus Ostdeutschland. Zool Anz, 134: 245–252.  [Google Scholar]) Andrássy, 1957 Andrássy, I. 1957. Thornia gubernaculifera n. sp., ein neuer Süsswassernematode aus Ungarn. Nematologische Notizen, 6. Opusc Zool Budap, 2: 9–14.  [Google Scholar] is redescribed.     

Home-range fidelity and use of historic habitat by adult Colorado pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus lucius ) in the White River, Colorado and Utah

Twelve wild adult Colorado pikeminnow ( Ptychocheilus lucius ), captured in the tailwaters of Taylor Draw Dam on the White River, Colorado, were implanted with radio transmitters and their movement patterns monitored from 1992 to 1994. The spawning migration of these fish was extensive. In 1993, the only full year of the study, the fish migrated an average of 658 km from the White River to spawning sites in the Yampa or Green rivers and back to the White River. Eight of these fish were translocated in the river upstream of the dam in April 1993. These fish and the 4 others below the dam remained in the river until May 1993. All 12 had migrated down the White River to spawning sites in the Green and Yampa rivers by July 1993. The fish that were located above the dam successfully passed over the dam during their downstream migration. Seven fish migrated upstream toward the Yampa River Canyon spawning site and 5 migrated downstream toward the Green River Desolation/Gray Canyon spawning site. Five of 7 Yampa River fish were found at the spawning site. The other 2 were found 5-8 km downstream of the site. One of 5 Green River fish was found at the spawning site, the other 4 between 16 and 62 km upstream of the site. All fish migrated back to the White River by August 1993 and were found near the dam by October 1993. Two fish were recaptured and translocated above the dam in September 1993. Five fish were located below the dam and 2 above the dam in April 1994. By July 1994 seven of the same fish that had migrated toward the Yampa River in 1993 were found at the Yampa Canyon spawning site. At the same time, 3 of 5 fish that migrated toward the Green River in 1993 were found at the Desolation/Gray Canyon spawning site. This included 2 fish that had been found upstream of the site in 1993. The 12 fish traveled an average of 6 km d -1 (range: 4-10 km d -1 ) during the migration period from May through October 1993. Generally, fish moved faster to the spawning site than back from the site to the White River. These fish moved very little within their home ranges in the White River. Six fish tagged in 1992 moved only 0.1-2.3 km in the tailwater reach below Taylor Draw Dam from September 1992 through April 1993. All fish, after their spawning runs, had moved up to or near the dam by October 1993. These fish were not tracked again until April 1994. Their movement patterns in April 1994 were similar to those observed in April 1993. The greatest amount of fish movement in the White River was displayed by the 8 fish placed above Taylor Draw Dam in April 1993 and the 2 placed in Kenney Reservoir in September 1993. They moved 1.1-40.6 km in the river before and after their spawning migration in spring and autumn 1993. These spawning migrations suggest that adult Colorado pikeminnow in the White River were recruited from both Green and Yampa river spawning populations and were presumably imprinted to these respective spawning sites. Those fish placed above Taylor Draw Dam established home ranges in habitats previously occupied by Colorado pikeminnow before the dam was completed. They remained there until they migrated downstream during the spawning period. Although we did not study fish passage, our study demonstrates that adult Colorado pikeminnow will use habitat if access is provided. Translocation of wild adult fish into historic but unoccupied habitats may be a valuable recovery option.