Dissertations / Theses: 'Native wildlife'

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Youngmann, Jordan L. "Genetic Assessment of Native and Non-native White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Southcentral U.S." Thesis, Mississippi State University, 2019. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10979981.

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Population genetics of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus ) have been influenced through human actions including the translocation of deer from across the United States in the 1900s and, recently, the creation of the captive-cervid industry, which uses animal husbandry to manipulate genetic variation. To assess the effects of these actions, I studied the genetic variation of free-range and captive populations of deer across the southcentral U.S. using a 14 microsatellite panel. In free-range populations I found genetic structure that divided deer west to east along the Mississippi River. Additionally, I found that captive populations were genetically distinct from geographically proximate free-range populations. However, after 2 generations of hybridization, this distinction disappeared. Finally, using both Bayesian clustering and multivariate approaches, I was able to identify a non-native individual from local freerange populations in southern Mississippi. Using these methods, wildlife managers can further investigate cases of hybridization between non-native deer and free-range populations.

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Morales, Susana Maria. "Effects of transplanting saguaros on native cavity nesting birds." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278725.

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Expanding urbanization into undisturbed Sonoran Desert vegetation has led to public concern over the removal and destruction of large saguaro cacti (Carnegia gigantea). Development mitigation plans were established requiring transplantation, salvage and replacement of saguaros in certain development sites. However, no research has assessed whether native birds use transplanted saguaros at the same rate as non-transplanted cacti. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of saguaro transplantation on nest use. In Tucson, Arizona, 87 transplanted and 28 non-transplanted saguaros on a developed site and 26 non-transplanted saguaros on an undisturbed site were selected for observation of bird nesting activity during the breeding seasons of 1997 and 1998. Birds showed a preference for saguaros, transplanted or non-transplanted, which were surrounded by native vegetation and in areas with low human activity. I suggest that guidelines be revised for development mitigation standards and saguaro transplanting.

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Garner, Alan Brad. "High-Density Grass Carp Stocking Effects on a Reservoir Invasive Plant, Water Quality, and Native Fishes." NCSU, 2008. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-09132008-145505/.

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Stocking grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella is a commonly applied technique used to control nuisance aquatic vegetation in reservoirs. Factors that influence the degree of aquatic vegetation control are stocking density, regional climate, abundance and species composition of the aquatic plant community, and relative grass carp feeding preferences for the plant species. We evaluated high-density grass carp stocking in a reservoir for control of parrot-feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum, an invasive aquatic plant that is not preferentially consumed by grass carp) and the associated effects on water quality and native fishes. Lookout Shoals Lake, a piedmont North Carolina reservoir, was stocked with triploid grass carp at a density of 100 fish per vegetated hectare. Parrot-feather biomass in the lake was significantly reduced three months after grass carp stocking, compared to biomass in in-situ exclosures. During the second year after grass carp stocking, parrot-feather biomass in the lake compared to biomass in in-situ exclosures indicated continued control, but unexplained lack of growth within most experimental exclosures precluded biomass analyses. Increases in ambient water chlorophyll a, reactive phosphorus, and nitrate-nitrite concentrations were measured after grass carp stocking. We evaluated the native fish community using seasonal shoreline electrofishing before and after grass carp stocking. Total catch for all fish species in aggregate at shoreline transects was not significantly different after grass carp stocking by number or biomass. Catch rates of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, and redbreast sunfish Lepomis auritus were not significantly different after grass carp stocking, but yellow perch Perca flavescens catch rates were significantly lower. The biological significance of fish distribution changes and long-term effects on lake biota remain undetermined. Our results demonstrate that intensive grass carp stocking can control an invasive aquatic plant that is not preferentially consumed by grass carp, and reveal associated changes in water quality and fish distributions.

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Weiler, Lazarz Annalisa M. "Factors limiting native species establishment on former agricultural lands." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2012. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/5564.

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Restoration of abandoned, nonnative species-dominated agricultural lands provides opportunities for conserving declining shrubland and grassland ecosystems. Land-use legacies, such as elevated soil fertility and pH from agricultural amendments, often persist for years and can favor nonnative species at the expense of native species. Understanding the factors that limit native species establishment on abandoned agricultural lands can provide important insights for restoration and conservation of native species on human-modified lands. I conducted two field experiments on abandoned agricultural lands: a former pasture on Martha’s Vineyard, MA and a former citrus grove at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) in Titusville, FL. In these experiments I tested how soil chemical properties affect native and nonnative species abundance and how different methods of removing nonnative, invasive species affect native and nonnative species abundance. In the first experiment, specifically I tested how restoration treatments affect competition between existing nonnative agricultural plant species and native plant species that are targets for sandplain grassland restoration on Martha’s Vineyard, MA. At MINWR, I examined how lowering soil fertility with carbon additions and lowering soil pH by applying sulfur affects nonnative species richness and cover (in two former citrus groves that were historically scrub/ scrubby flatwoods. Overall, I found that biotic factors, such as competition with nonnative species, play a stronger role in limiting native species establishment than soil chemical properties. Likewise, control of nonnative, invasive species is most effective with mechanical treatments to physically reduce cover, rather than altering soil chemical properties.
ID: 031001305; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Adviser: B. Von Holle.; Title from PDF title page (viewed March 18, 2013).; Thesis (M.S.)--University of Central Florida, 2012.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 85-98).
M.S.
Masters
Biology
Sciences
Biology

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Bibles, Brent Dean 1965. "Is there competition between exotic and native cavity-nesting birds in the Sonoran Desert: An experiment." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/278158.

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I examined the relationship between exotic and native cavity-nesting birds in the Sonoran desert near Tucson, Arizona during 1988 and 1989. I attempted to limit cavity availability in 1989 by plugging cavities that were unused, or used by exotics, in 1988 with rubber test tube stoppers. Numbers of nests of any species did not significantly change between 1988 and 1989. Control plots showed similar results. I found no significant negative correlations between number of nests of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and any other cavity-nesting species. Of the cavity characteristics examined, species only differed in size of cavity openings. My data indicate that exotic and native cavity-nesting birds were not competing for nest cavities. An excess of available nest cavities is the probable reason for this lack of competition. Temporal differences in cavity use among species may have helped contribute to the abundance of cavities.

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Allen, Shannon Louise Hepp Gary R. "Restoration of native plants through chemical control of alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) at Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge." Auburn, Ala., 2006. http://repo.lib.auburn.edu/2006%20Summer/Theses/ALLEN_SHANNON_53.pdf.

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Eddy, Zachary. "Efficacy of native grassland barriers at limiting prairie dog dispersal in Logan county, Kansas." Thesis, Kansas State University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/12055.

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Master of Arts
Department of Geography
J. M. Shawn Hutchinson
Prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) are social, ground-dwelling rodents native to North American short- and mixed-grass prairie. They are also the main prey of the Federally-endangered black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). At the same time, prairie dog colonization is highly opposed by most agricultural landowners. Therefore nonlethal population management techniques must be investigated. This paper presents the results of research on the effectiveness of ungrazed vegetative barriers composed of native plants at limiting prairie dog dispersal away from a ferret reintroduction site in northwest Kansas. Data was collected on barrier quality and condition as well as estimates of population densities of immigrant prairie dogs, dispersing through the vegetative barrier to reoccupy previously extirpated colonies on properties surrounding the ferret reintroduction site. Using strip transects and aboveground visual counts to estimate population densities and visual obstruction ranking techniques to sample barrier condition, statistical analysis of the data indicated that while barrier condition increased over time, it was not effective at limiting prairie dog emigration from the black-footed ferret reintroduction site.

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Lilith, Maggie. "Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia?" Lilith, Maggie (2007) Do pet cats (Felis catus) have an impact on species richness and abundance of native mammals in low-density Western Australian suburbia? PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2007. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/158/.

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Cat ownership in Australia is declining compared to an increasing trend of cat ownership in the United Kingdom, United States and Europe. The decline in Australia may be linked to concerns over perceived impacts of cat predation and an associated dislike of cats. However, while there are numerous studies on feral cats and their impacts on declining native fauna, the impact of pet cats on suburban wildlife or fauna in remnant bushland is relatively unknown although there is a wide perception of risk. The primary aim of this thesis was to apply the precautionary principle to the question of the putative impact of pet cats on the abundance and diversity of small mammals in urban bushland adjacent to low-density suburbia in the City of Armadale, a municipality on the south-east fringe of Perth, Western Australia. At the time of writing, Western Australia is yet to introduce state legislation governing cat control although many local councils within the state have either implemented or are in the process of implementing cat regulations. The precautionary principle was deemed an ideal approach to this question, because it provides a rationale for deciding on possible actions where both the potential risk to environmental values and the uncertainty about possible impacts are high. In such cases the precautionary principle requires two broad lines of action: firstly, detailed consultation with stakeholders to determine their perceptions of risk and the actions they are prepared to take to reduce it and, secondly, research to reduce uncertainty. With regard to stakeholder consultation, local residents were surveyed in regard to their attitudes and current cat husbandry practices. A substantial proportion of respondents within this municipality believed cat regulations were necessary (75% of owners and 95% of non-owners). At least 70% of both owners and non-owners agreed with the propositions that cats not owned by licensed breeders should be desexed, local councils should restrict the maximum number of cats that can be owned on one property and that pet cats entering nature reserves are harmful to wildlife. Most (c.85%) cat owners agreed that they would license their cats if that became compulsory. Although fewer owners (c.60%) were prepared to keep their cats on their property at all times to protect wildlife, over 80% were willing to confine their cats at night if it was required. Owners seemed to be substantially motivated by the value of these measures in reducing injury to cats and facilitating the return of lost animals rather than concern over wildlife protection. Attempts to reduce uncertainty involved (i) assessing roaming patterns of pet cats to determine the sizes of appropriate buffer zones around nature reserves, and (ii) determining species diversity, species richness and abundance of small mammals in remnant bushland adjacent to sub-divisions with varying regulations governing cat husbandry. Radio tracking results to assess cat roaming patterns showed substantial variation in home range size between cats in high density suburbia (ranged between 0.01 ha - 0.64 ha) and those in low density suburbia (ranged from 0.07 ha - 2.86ha). Larger home range sizes of cats in the rural areas (up to 2.9 ha) suggest buffer zones of up to 500 metres around nature reserves are needed to exclude almost all roaming cats. The abundance and species richness of small mammals were investigated in four areas of remnant bushland. Two were adjacent to subdivisions where cat ownership was unrestricted, one next to a subdivision where cat ownership was prohibited and the remaining one next to a subdivision where compulsory night curfew and bells on pet cats were enforced. No definitive evidence of predatory impact by pet cats on the small mammals was found. Mammal species diversity was not significantly different between sites and species richness and absolute abundance were not higher in sites where cats were restricted. Vegetation comparisons showed significant differences in the structure and species composition of the vegetation between most sites and the mammal species richness and abundance appeared linked to ground cover density in the various sites. This factor, not cat restrictions, appeared to be the primary determinant of species richness, species diversity and absolute numbers of small mammals in these sites. This study in the City of Armadale has shown that the implementation of proposed cat legislation must have a 'whole of ecosystem' approach, i.e. protecting identified remnant bushland containing biodiversity from threatening processes such as plant disease and inappropriate fire, especially arson, as well as possible predations from pet cats. Habitat restoration and protection may be more important conservation activities than regulation of cats. Regulation of cats can be done at differing levels of intensity and cost, bearing in mind that this community is receptive to regulation of some aspects of cat ownership. Community education on the values of cat confinement in regards to cat welfare might increase chances of compliance.

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Wilhite, Jerry W. "Use of infrared aerial photographs to identify and assess habitat needed by native fish in rivers." Laramie, Wyo. : University of Wyoming, 2007. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1445041571&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=18949&RQT=309&VName=PQD.

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DiFrancesco, Darryn Anne. "Fishing for Foresters: A New Institutional Analysis of Community Participation in an Aboriginal-owned Forest Company." Thesis, University of Ottawa (Canada), 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/28758.

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Aboriginal groups across Canada are looking for new ways to improve the living conditions of their people. Coast Tsimshian Resources LP is a forest company that is collectively owned by the Lax Kw'alaams band, a traditional fishing community in northern British Columbia. This research investigates the collectively-owned company as a possible creative means toward development, but in the process uncovers the significance of community 'embeddedness' in shaping development outcomes. Data was collected primarily through semi-structured and informal interviews with respondents from the community and company, among others. Interviews revealed the problem of a disconnection between the community and company. Through a New Institutional Analysis, which pays particular attention to context, the possible reasons for the disconnect are explored, and community 'embeddedness' is presented as a way of understanding it. Fishing is identified as a culturally salient practice and serves as a point of comparison to explain the lack of participation in the company's forestry activities. Suggestions for ways the company can work within this 'embeddedness' to ameliorate the disconnect are provided, and an elevated appreciation of the "sub-institutional elements" within New Institutional theory is suggested. Finally, the community-owned company is evaluated in terms of its ability to meet the development goals and visions of the Lax Kw'alaams band and First Nations in Canada.

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Calliou, Brian. "Losing the game, wildlife conservation and the regulation of First Nations hunting in Alberta, 1880-1930." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 2000. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp01/MQ60048.pdf.

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Barratt, David, and n/a. "Movement patterns and prey habits of house cats felis catus (l.) in Canberra, Australia." University of Canberra. Resource, Environmental & Heritage Sciences, 1995. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060607.160345.

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House cat movements in Canberra suburbs adjacent to grassland and forest/woodland areas were examined using radio-telemetry over 9 months. Information on the composition of vertebrate prey caught by house cats in Canberra was also collected by recording prey items deposited at cat owners' residences over 12 months. Home range areas of 10 suburban house cats, and a colony of seven farm cats, were examined using 95% convex polygons. Nocturnal home range areas of the suburban cats varied between 0.02 and 27.93 ha (mean 7.89 ha), and were larger than diurnal home range areas (range 0.02 to 17.19 ha - mean 2.73 ha). Nocturnal home range areas of cats from the farm cat colony varied between 1.38 and 4.46 ha (mean 2.54 ha), and were also larger than diurnal home range areas (range 0.77 to 3.70 ha - mean 1.70 ha). Activity levels were greater at night than during the day, though diel activity patterns varied seasonally in response to ambient temperature. Four suburban house cats moved between 390 m and 900 m into habitat adjoining the suburb. Movements further than 100-200 m from the suburb edge were always made at night. Polygons describing the home ranges of these animals were strongly spatially biased away from the suburban environment, though the cats spent the majority of their time within the bounds of the suburb. In addition to nocturnal and diurnal effects, home range areas, and subsequently habitat utilisation, appeared primarily determined by the density and spatial distribution of cats utilising separate food resources, and the dominance of individual cats in local social hierarchies, rather than gender or neutering effects. Home ranges of cats in the farm cat colony overlapped extensively, as did those of cats living at the same suburban residence. There was little or no overlap between the home ranges of cats from different residences. Barriers, in the form of busy roads, appeared to also significantly influence home range size and shape. Within home range areas, house cat movements during the day appeared strongly influenced by available cover (drains, tall grass, fences and shrubs etc.), and the location of resting/sunning spots and hunting sites close to home. At night, movement patterns appeared influenced by the location of favoured hunting sites toward the outer edges of home range areas (in this study, tall grass and scrub/forest habitat, and farm buildings). Nineteen hundred and sixty one prey items representing 67 species were reported or collected. Sixty-four percent of the prey items were introduced mammals, with native birds comprising 14%, introduced birds 10%, unidentified birds 3%, reptiles 7%, amphibians 1% and native mammals 1%. Predation appeared to be largely opportunistic with respect to spatial and temporal (daily and seasonal) prey availability and accessibility. All amphibians and 62% of mammals taken by cats not confined at night, were caught at night. In contrast, 70% of birds caught, and 90% of reptiles, were taken during the day (45% of birds between 0600 h and 1200 h, and 61% of reptiles between 1200 h and 1800 h). There was some evidence that small mammals are preferred prey of house cats. The mean number of prey items reported per cat over 12 months - 10.2 � 2.66 (2SE, n=138) - was significantly lower than mean predation per cat per year - 23.3 � 6.16 (2SE, n=138) - estimated by cat owners before the prey survey began. Seventy percent of cats were observed to catch less than 10 prey items over 12 months, but for 6% of cats, more than 50 prey items were recorded. Because counts of the amount of prey caught per house cat per unit time were highly positively skewed, data assumptions and statistical parameters used to extrapolate results from the study sample of cats, to the house cat population of Canberra, had a significant effect on estimates of total predation in Canberra. The precision of the total predation estimate was low (± 25%), from a sample of 0.3% of the Canberra house cat population. The accuracy of such estimates are dependent on how representative the study cat sample is of the wider house cat population, and on the proportion of prey items not observed by cat owners. The total amount of prey taken was not significantly influenced by cat gender, age when desexed, or cat breed. Nor did belling or the number of meals provided per day have a significant influence on predatory efficiency. Cat age and the proportion of nights spent outside explained approximately 11 % of the variation in the amount of prey caught by individual cats. House cat density and distance to prey source areas (rural/grassland habitat) explained 43% of variation in predation on introduced mammals and birds. The impact of predation beyond suburb edges is likely to be most significant on populations of small to medium sized arboreal and ground-dwelling mammals, because of their nocturnal nature, and because they appear to be preferred prey types of house cats. Impacts on diurnally active prey, such as most birds and reptiles, are likely to be confined to within 200 m of residential housing (possibly further where good cover is available). Properly enforced nocturnal confinement should restrict the range sizes of cats that roam widely and utilisation of habitat beyond suburb edges, and also reduce predation on mammals and amphibians. Night-time curfews however, are unlikely to greatly reduce predation on diurnally active species, including most birds and reptiles. Curfews are currently neither widely adopted nor effectively practiced in Canberra. Estimates of predation by house cats, particularly extrapolated estimates, should be treated with caution. They do not necessarily reflect relative impacts on different prey types. Nor do high rates of predation prove prey populations are detrimentally effected, particularly in urban environments. Nonetheless, on a small (backyard) scale in suburban environments, and in habitat within 1 km of residential housing, including isolated private properties, predation by individual cats may threaten populations of native wildlife. Hunting by house cats is particularly undesirable in relatively undisturbed habitat because of fundamental differences in the ecological processes operating in these areas (especially isolated remnants) compared with contrived and modified suburban environments. Adverse impacts on native fauna will always be potentially greatest in undisturbed habitat adjacent to new residential developments

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Bali, Archana. "The study of human-caribou systems in the face of change| Using multiple disciplinary lenses." Thesis, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10133723.

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Barren-ground caribou herds are part of social-ecological systems that are of critical importance to northern Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic, contributing to nutritional, cultural, and spiritual well being that are today undergoing significant changes. This dissertation uses multiple disciplinary lenses to understand the dynamics of these systems and to clarify methods for studying them. Chapter 1 focuses on a prediction of summer (June 1- August 31) mosquito activity and potential insect harassment of caribou in response to a changing climate. The Mosquito Activity Index (MAI) was based on daily ambient temperature and wind velocity obtained from the North American Regional Reanalysis dataset (NARR) from 1979 to 2009 for summer ranges of Alaska’s four Arctic herds: Western Arctic Herd (WAH), Teshekpuk Caribou Herd (TCH), Central Arctic Herd (CAH), and Porcupine Caribou Herd (PCH). Mean MAI was lowest for TCH, followed by WAH and PCH and highest for CAH. Over 31 years there was an increasing trend in MAI that affected the summer habitat of TCH and PCH, but a decreasing trend for WAH. Intra-annual patterns in MAI among herds differed in peak MAI. Chapter 2 presents a novel method of participatory videography to document the knowledge and experiences of Caribou People. Ninety-nine interviews were videoed in six arctic communities of North America in the summer of 2008 as part of the International Polar Year. Chapter 3 presents “Voices of Caribou People,” a composite film of those interviewed, portraying the range of topics reported. Chapter 4 presents the results of an open-coding content analysis of a sample of 34 of the Voices Project interviews. Interviews described people’s rich memories of the past, aspects of their traditional knowledge and practices, the changes they have observed, the challenges they face, and what they perceive as their needs to meet present and future challenges. A key finding of the analysis is that while the research community and funding agencies are highly focused on climate change, Caribou People expressed greater concern about their social, economic, and political challenges. Caribou people noted that more studies undertaken in full partnership with caribou user communities along with community authority in decision-making are needed to sustain their human-caribou systems.

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King, Narelle Gaye, and n/a. "Tourism Based on Reintroductions of Threatened Mammals: Achieving Positive Conservation Outcomes." Griffith University. School of Environmental and Applied Science, 2006. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20070212.113043.

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Reintroduction programs have often been used to help redress serious declines across species' former ranges, but they suffer from high expense and low success rates. Tourism is one tool that could be used to support such programs, by generating funding for the programs and the local community, and by educating tourists about reintroductions and conservation. However, if tourism is not incorporated successfully into reintroduction programs, it may not provide any advantages and may even harm the reintroduction. There is a need to find ways to ensure efforts to integrate tourism and reintroductions achieve positive conservation outcomes. This is a topic that has been little researched to date. To achieve positive conservation outcomes, the enterprises must have financial sustainability and sustainable mammal populations. This thesis investigates ways to achieve these dual goals. The international literature is reviewed to establish what can be learnt from previous reintroduction attempts to increase the likelihood of reintroductions of mammals being successful. A number of broad measures are established, including starting the enterprises by reintroducing herbivores and early breeders, preferably wild caught, and then moving to carnivores or omnivores and captive-bred animals when staff have more experience. Some new ideas are developed for experimental releases that will add to the available knowledge on how to increase the chance of successful reintroductions. Tourism enterprises based on reintroductions of threatened native mammals in Australia and South Africa are reviewed. The review shows tourism enterprises based on reintroductions make significant contributions to conservation, but enterprises in Australia need to diversify further. It also describes a number of significant obstacles that enterprises in Australia and South Africa face in achieving financial sustainability and sustainable mammal populations. It then provides recommendations for dealing with the problems, such as employing staff or consultants with knowledge of wildlife management and marketing, and allowing tourists to view wildlife only on guided tours. Finally, the review identifies ways that government bodies in Australia could better facilitate enterprises based on reintroductions, such as making endangered species available free of charge or heavily subsidised at this stage, and then later running wildlife auctions. Legislation systems applying to tourism enterprises based on mammal reintroductions in Australia and South Africa are also reviewed. The review identifies a number of shortcomings of the current Australian legislation that affects the ability of government bodies to facilitate the development of such enterprises. Certain changes to the legislation are suggested. The international literature on factors influencing tourist satisfaction is reviewed and field research at an Australian case study site described, to determine ways tourism enterprises based on reintroductions can maximise tourist satisfaction. The field research draws out a number of new lessons for satisfying tourists, including: placing supplementary food or building waterholes in grasslands and areas with sparse vegetation; providing supplementary food for some species of wildlife; and providing pamphlets with information on the wildlife. The field research also illustrates some new ideas for tests to determine which methods should be used to maximise tourist satisfaction at a specific site, such as testing whether it is better to run tours in vehicles or on foot. The published international literature on minimising impacts of tourism on wildlife is reviewed and field research at one Australian case study site and one Chinese case study site described, to determine how to minimise the negative impacts of tourists on wildlife. The field research illustrates some new ideas for tests to determine which techniques should be used to minimise the impacts of tourism on wildlife at a specific site, such as tests to determine whether it is necessary to ensure tourists remain on the path at all times. The thesis then brings all these elements together into a flow chart giving recommendations to increase the rate of success of tourism enterprises that reintroduce mammals in achieving financial sustainability and sustainable mammal populations.

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Iqbal, Sahar Jameel. "Characterization of individuals residing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador who consume native grown and locally available foods /." Internet access available to MUN users only, 2003. http://collections.mun.ca/u?/theses,178557.

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Adams, John Peter. "Parasites of feral cats and native fauna from Western Australia the application of molecular techniques for the study of parasitic infections in Australian wildlife /." Connect to this title online, 2003. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20040730.142034.

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au, Padams@central murdoch edu, and Peter John Adams. "Parasites of Feral Cats and Native Fauna from Western Australia: The Application of Molecular Techniques for the Study of Parasitic Infections in Australian Wildlife." Murdoch University, 2003. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20040730.142034.

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A survey of gastro-intestinal parasites was conducted on faecal samples collected from 379 feral cats and 851 native fauna from 16 locations throughout Western Australia. The prevalence of each parasite species detected varied depending upon the sampling location. Common helminth parasites detected in feral cats included Ancylostoma spp. (29.8%), Oncicola pomatostomi (25.6%), Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (14%), Taenia taeniaeformis (4.7%), Physaloptera praeputialis (3.7%) and Toxocara cati (2.6%). The most common protozoan parasites detected in feral cats were Isospora rivolta (16.9%) and I. felis (4.5%). The native mammals were predominately infected with unidentified nematodes of the order Strongylida (59.1%), with members of the orders Rhabditida, Spirurida and Oxyurida also common. Oxyuroid nematodes were most common in the rodents (47.9%) and western grey kangaroos (27.8%). Several species of Eimeria were detected in the marsupials whilst unidentified species of Entamoeba and coccidia were common in most of the native fauna. Primers anchored in the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were used to develop a polymerase chain reaction-linked restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique to differentiate the species of Ancylostoma detected in feral cats. Amplification of the ITS+ region (ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S gene) followed by digestion with the endonuclease RsaI produced characteristic patterns for A. tubaeforme, A. ceylanicum and A. caninum, which were detected in 26.6%, 4.7% and 0% of feral cats respectively. Giardia was detected in a cat, dingo, quenda and two native rodents. Sequence analysis at the small subunit rDNA gene (SSU-rDNA) identified the cat and dingo as harbouring G.duodenalis infections belonging to the genetic assemblages A and D respectively. Subsequent analysis of the SSU-rDNA and elongation factor 1 alpha (ef1á) identified a novel species of Giardia occurring in the quenda. Attempts to genetically characterise the Giardia in the two native rodents were unsuccessful. Serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii was compared to a one tube hemi-nested PCR protocol to evaluate its sensitivity. PCR was comparable to serology in detecting T. gondii infections, although PCR was a much more definitive and robust technique than serology for large numbers of samples. Amplification of T. gondii DNA detected infections in 4.9% of feral cats and 6.5% of native mammals. The distribution of T. gondii does not appear to be restricted by environmental factors, which implies that vertical transmission is important for the persistence of T. gondii infections in Western Australia. These results demonstrate that cats carry a wide range of parasitic organisms, many of which may influence the survival and reproduction of native mammals. As such, the large-scale conservation and reintroduction of native fauna in Western Australia must not disregard the potential influence parasites can have on these populations.

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Adams, Peter John. "Parasites of feral cats and native fauna from Western Australia : the application of molecular techniques for the study of parasitic infections in Australian wildlife /." Adams, Peter John (2003) Parasites of feral cats and native fauna from Western Australia: the application of molecular techniques for the study of parasitic infections in Australian wildlife. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2003. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/29/.

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A survey of gastro-intestinal parasites was conducted on faecal samples collected from 379 feral cats and 851 native fauna from 16 locations throughout Western Australia. The prevalence of each parasite species detected varied depending upon the sampling location. Common helminth parasites detected in feral cats included Ancylostoma spp. (29.8%), Oncicola pomatostomi (25.6%), Spirometra erinaceieuropaei (14%), Taenia taeniaeformis (4.7%), Physaloptera praeputialis (3.7%) and Toxocara cati (2.6%). The most common protozoan parasites detected in feral cats were Isospora rivolta (16.9%) and I. felis (4.5%). The native mammals were predominately infected with unidentified nematodes of the order Strongylida (59.1%), with members of the orders Rhabditida, Spirurida and Oxyurida also common. Oxyuroid nematodes were most common in the rodents (47.9%) and western grey kangaroos (27.8%). Several species of Eimeria were detected in the marsupials whilst unidentified species of Entamoeba and coccidia were common in most of the native fauna. Primers anchored in the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were used to develop a polymerase chain reaction-linked restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique to differentiate the species of Ancylostoma detected in feral cats. Amplification of the ITS+ region (ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S gene) followed by digestion with the endonuclease RsaI produced characteristic patterns for A. tubaeforme, A. ceylanicum and A. caninum, which were detected in 26.6%, 4.7% and 0% of feral cats respectively. Giardia was detected in a cat, dingo, quenda and two native rodents. Sequence analysis at the small subunit rDNA gene (SSU-rDNA) identified the cat and dingo as harbouring G.duodenalis infections belonging to the genetic assemblages A and D respectively. Subsequent analysis of the SSU-rDNA and elongation factor 1 alpha (ef1[alpha]) identified a novel species of Giardia occurring in the quenda. Attempts to genetically characterise the Giardia in the two native rodents were unsuccessful. Serological detection of Toxoplasma gondii was compared to a one tube hemi-nested PCR protocol to evaluate its sensitivity. PCR was comparable to serology in detecting T. gondii infections, although PCR was a much more definitive and robust technique than serology for large numbers of samples. Amplification of T. gondii DNA detected infections in 4.9% of feral cats and 6.5% of native mammals. The distribution of T. gondii does not appear to be restricted by environmental factors, which implies that vertical transmission is important for the persistence of T. gondii infections in Western Australia. These results demonstrate that cats carry a wide range of parasitic organisms, many of which may influence the survival and reproduction of native mammals. As such, the large-scale conservation and reintroduction of native fauna in Western Australia must not disregard the potential influence parasites can have on these populations.

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Loyd-Pain, Jennifer. "What are the opportunities for introducing education provision in urban parks in Tallahassee, Florida that develops positive attitudes towards, and a desire to protect, native wildlife?" Thesis, London South Bank University, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.631740.

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Tallahassee, Florida is a rapidly growing small city for which human encroachment on wildlife habitat, and the conservation of natural resources in general, has become of paramount importance. It was within this context that the thesis examined the opportunities for introducing education provision in urban parks in Tallahassee, Florida that develops positive attitudes towards, and a desire to protect, native wildlife; or “conservation motivation”. The research aimed to assist educators in the non-formal sector, decision-making organizations and urban park administrators in the development of relevant programming, as well as to design pilot wildlife-based environmental education programs which may be applied as a model in other contexts. The theoretical framework for the project, including criteria for the evaluation of wildlife-based environmental education programs, was influenced by elements of previously developed learning concepts. These concepts include experiential learning, constructivism, and the complementary systems approach. The theoretical framework focused on how these theories inform the type of learning this endeavor sought to develop in city parks. Due to significant municipal economic limitations, it was imperative that programming be developed at minimal staff and financial cost. Given their accessibility, urban parks provide the ideal location for experiential wildlife-based education. The thesis statement that education concerning indigenous animal species that many often take for granted, and sometimes malign, will contribute to the development of positive attitudes towards, and the desire to protect, native wildlife was carried out through the investigation of three primary research questions (PRQs). The questions concerned existing provision for environmental education in, and linked to, public parks and local non-formal organizations and, arising from the former, the development of pilot programs for public parks in a small city. Data was collected via secondary and field-based primary research. The methods chosen to reflect an action-based research methodology and to correspond with the PRQs included semi-structured pre and post-program surveys, semi-structured interviews, and observations. It was determined that appropriately targeted experiential wildlife-based environmental education leads to the development of positive attitudes toward native wildlife. The impact on attitudes for the purpose of change, in this case fostering the desire to protect native wildlife, was largely favorable but requires additional study. Through consultation with the City of Tallahassee and related non-formal organizations, three wildlife-based pilot programs were developed for Tallahassee Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs (TPRNA), with two having been fully implemented and evaluated. The project addressed opportunities for further research in related areas, and provided the foundations on which to introduce expanded, accessible, low cost education provision in urban parks pertaining to native wildlife conservation.

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Block, Kelci A. M. "The gray wolf and Native American self-determination : a comparative study of the White Mountain Apache and Nez Perce Tribe." Honors in the Major Thesis, University of Central Florida, 2009. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETH/id/1241.

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This item is only available in print in the UCF Libraries. If this is your Honors Thesis, you can help us make it available online for use by researchers around the world by following the instructions on the distribution consent form at http://library.ucf.edu/Systems/DigitalInitiatives/DigitalCollections/InternetDistributionConsentAgreementForm.pdf You may also contact the project coordinator, Kerri Bottorff, at kerri.bottorff@ucf.edu for more information.
Bachelors
Sciences
Political Science

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Tomblin, David Christian. "Managing Boundaries, Healing the Homeland: Ecological Restoration and the Revitalization of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, 1933 – 2000." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/27577.

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The main argument of this dissertation is that the White Mountain Apache Tribe's appropriation of ecological restoration played a vital role in reinstituting control over knowledge production and eco-cultural resources on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in the second half of the twentieth century. As a corollary, I argue that the shift in knowledge production practices from a paternalistic foundation to a community-based approach resulted in positive consequences for the ecological health of the Apachean landscape and Apache culture. The democratization of science and technology on the reservation, therefore, proved paramount to the reestablishment of a relatively sustainable Apache society. Beginning with the Indian New Deal, the White Mountain Apache slowly developed the capacity to employ ecological restoration as an eco-political tool to free themselves from a long history of Euro-American cultural oppression and natural resource exploitation. Tribal restoration projects embodied the dual political function of cultural resistance to and cultural exchange with Western-based land management organizations. Apache resistance challenged Euro-American notions of restoration, nature, and sustainability while maintaining cultural identity, reasserting cultural autonomy, and protecting tribal sovereignty. But at the same time, the Apache depended on cultural exchange with federal and state land management agencies to successfully manage their natural resources and build an ecologically knowledgeable tribal workforce. Initially adopting a utilitarian conservation model of land management, restoration projects aided the creation of a relatively strong tribal economy. In addition, early successes with trout, elk, and forest restoration projects eventually granted the Tribe political leverage when they sought to reassume control over reservation resources from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Building on this foundation, Apache restoration work significantly diverged in character from the typical Euro-American restoration project by the 1990s. While striving toward self-sufficiency, the Tribe hybridized tribal cultural values with Western ecological values in their restoration efforts. These projects evolved the tripartite capacity to heal ecologically degraded reservation lands, to establish a degree of economic freedom from the federal government, and to restore cultural traditions. Having reversed their historical relationship of subjugation with government agencies, the Apache currently have almost full decision-making powers over tribal eco-cultural resources.
Ph. D.

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Stead, Chuck. "Ramapough/Ford The Impact and Survival of an Indigenous Community in the Shadow of Ford Motor Company’s Toxic Legacy." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1426460126.

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Hiemenz, Vanessa Serrao. "Reflexive filmmaking for wildlife and nature films." Thesis, Montana State University, 2009. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2009/hiemenz/HiemenzV0809.pdf.

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Historically, wildlife and nature filmmakers have embraced the expository mode of filmmaking and a realistic style, attempting to influence their audience with compelling arguments. However, while their scripts may call for activism, their expository, realistic style, with hidden production methods, an authoritative tone, and pristine visuals, instead encourages voyeurism. In addition, standard theater and television distribution methods offer no outlet for action to viewers who do feel inspired. I offer a different model for influence in my wildlife series Nature Break: reflexive filmmaking. In this series I use such reflexive strategies to critique the voyeuristic way in which spectators consume wildlife and nature films. However, critiquing passive spectators with reflexivity is not the same as creating active spectators. Therefore, with Nature Break I go beyond simply making and distributing a film. Additionally, I will create a related website on the Internet as a platform for viewers to post their own films, discuss issues inspired by films on the site, and coordinate activism efforts. Through Internet distribution, the Nature Break series can finally live up to the reflexive filmmaker's goal of creating an art that leads to activism.

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Lippi, Nadia. "Wildlife research and rehabilitation facility." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2004. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-05282004-085758.

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Kennedy, Addison F. "Producing Nature(s): A Qualitative Study of Wildlife Filmmaking." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1589201321354644.

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Myatt, Taylor Scott. "Preservation, Education, and Rehabilitation: A Wildlife Conservation Internship at Brukner Nature Center." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1493336910350278.

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Sander-Regier, Renate. "The Power of a Small Green Place – A Case Study of Ottawa's Fletcher Wildlife Garden." Thèse, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/24219.

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The Power of a Small Green Place is an ethnographic case study among the volunteers and urban wilds of Ottawa’s Fletcher Wildlife Garden (FWG). Through the conceptual lens of the geographical concept of place – with its wide range of physical, relational and deeper meaningful considerations – this urban wildlife habitat project emerged as a place of profound significance. Volunteers working to create and maintain the FWG’s diverse habitats benefit from opportunities to engage in physical outdoor activity, establish social connections, make contact with the natural world, find deep personal satisfaction and meaning, and experience healthier and mutually beneficial relations with nature. This case study fills a knowledge gap in geography regarding the significant relationships that can emerge between people and the land they work with, thereby contributing to geography’s “latest turn earthward” examining practices and relationships of cultivation with the land. The case study also contributes to a growing interdisciplinary dialogue on human-nature relations and their implications in the context of future environmental and societal uncertainties.

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Van, Velsor Stanley W. "A qualitative investigation of the urban minority adolescent experience with wildlife." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/4090.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004.
The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (June 29, 2006) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

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Choate, Christina Shirley. "How different styles of nature film alter our perception of wildlife." Thesis, Montana State University, 2012. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2012/choate/ChoateC0512.pdf.

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Different styles of natural history film evoke distinct feelings and emotions about wild animals which viewers use as a basis for their perception of wildlife. I define three categories of nature film which reflect varying degrees of human-animal interaction, anthropomorphism and aesthetics: the testimonial, explanatory and non-verbal styles. Although each one is limited in its ability to represent wildlife accurately, it is important to realize that they all show animals from different perspectives (from most to least human-centered, respectively). Given that the majority of people today gain most of their knowledge about wildlife from natural history programs, it is critical for viewers and filmmakers to understand the impact of these films on society--as both emotional and intellectual conduits into the natural world.

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Ariantiningsih, Fransisca. "Wildlife utilisation by local people in Papua : a case study from Bupul Nature Reserve and Danau Bian Game Reserve, Papua, Indonesia /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2005. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe18865.pdf.

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Singh, Praveen. "Narrative in wildlife films How it shapes our understanding of the natural world and influences conservation choices /." Thesis, Montana State University, 2005. http://etd.lib.montana.edu/etd/2005singh/SinghP0505.pdf.

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Chris, Cynthia. "Watching wildlife : on the nature genre in film and television, its history and meanings /." Diss., Connect to a 24 p. preview or request complete full text in PDF format. Access restricted to UC campuses, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/ucsd/fullcit?p3044794.

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33

Millward, Alison. "Community involvement in urban nature conservation : Case studies of the urban wildlife group 1980-1985." Thesis, Aston University, 1987. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/15096/.

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The effectiveness of the strategies employed by the Urban Wildlife Group (a voluntary conservation organisation) to provide and manage three urban nature parks has been evaluated, using a multiple methods methodology. Where the level of community interest and commitment to a project is high, the utilisation of the community nature park strategy (to maximise benefits to UWG and the community) is warranted. Where the level of interest and commitment of the local community is low, a strategy designed to encourage limited involvement of the community is most effective and efficient. The campaign strategy, whereby the community and UWG take direct action to oppose a threat of undesirable development on a nature park, is assessed to be a sub-strategy, rather than a strategy in its own right. Questionnaire surveys and observations studies have revealed that urban people appreciate and indeed demand access to nature parks in urban areas, which have similar amenity value to that provided by countryside recreation sites. Urban nature parks are valued for their natural character, natural features (trees, wild flowers) peace and quiet, wildlife and openness. People use these sites for a mixture of informal and mainly passive activities, such as walking and dog walking. They appear to be of particular value to children for physical and imaginative play. The exact input of time and resources that UWG has committed to the projects has depended on the level of input of the local authority. The evidence indicates that the necessary technical expertise needed to produce and manage urban nature parks, using a user-oriented approach is not adequately provided by local authorities. The methods used in this research are presented as an `evaluation kit' that may be used by practitioners and researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of a wide range of different open spaces and the strategies employed to provide and manage them.

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Caven, Andrew James. "The construction of human's identity in nature by opposing social movements in the Idaho wolf wars." Pullman, Wash. : Washington State University, 2009. http://www.dissertations.wsu.edu/Thesis/Spring2009/a_caven_041509.pdf.

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Henri, Dominique. "Managing nature, producing cultures : Inuit participation, science and policy in wildlife governance in the Nunavut Territory, Canada." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2012. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:2cde7bcb-4818-4f61-9562-179b4ee74fee.

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In this thesis, a critical analysis is proposed of the relationships between Inuit participation, science and policy in wildlife governance in the Nunavut Territory, Canada. This analysis situates the emergence of a participatory regime for the governance of wildlife in Nunavut, explores its performance and examines the relations between the ways in which wildlife governance arrangements are currently represented in policy and how they are played out in practice across the territory. To pursue these objectives, this research draws upon a number of theoretical perspectives and methodological strategies poised at a crossroads between environmental geography, science and technology studies, political ecology and ecological anthropology. It combines participant observation, semi-directed interviews and literature-based searches with approaches to the study of actor-networks, hybrid forums and scientific practices associated with Latour and Callon, as well as with Foucauldian and post-Foucauldian analyses of power, governmentality and subjectivity. This analysis suggests that the overall rationale within which wildlife governance operates in Nunavut remains largely based on a scientific and bureaucratic framework of resource management that poses significant barriers to the meaningful inclusion of Inuit views. In spite of their participation in wildlife governance through a range of institutional arrangements, consultation practices and research initiatives, the Inuit of Nunavut remain critical of the power relations embedded within existing schemes, where significant decision-making authority remains under the control of the territorial (or federal) government, and where asymmetries persist with regard to the capacity of various actors to produce and mediate their claims. In addition, while the use of Inuit knowledge, or Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, in wildlife governance in Nunavut has produced some collaborative research and management endeavours, it has also crystallised a divide between ‘Inuit’ and ‘scientific’ knowledge, generated unresolved conflicts, fuelled mistrust among wildlife co-management partners and led to an overall limited inclusion of Inuit observations, values and beliefs in decision-making.

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Turner, Jason. "The impact of lion predation on the large ungulates of the Associated Private Nature Reserves, South Africa." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07032007-141407.

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37

Bexell, Sarah Marie. "Effect of a Wildlife Conservation Camp Experience in China on Student Knowledge of Animals, Care, Propensity for Environmental Stewardship, and Compassionate Behavior Toward Animals." Digital Archive @ GSU, 2006. http://digitalarchive.gsu.edu/ece_diss/1.

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ABSTRACT EFFECT OF A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CAMP EXPERIENCE IN CHINA ON STUDENT KNOWLEDGE OF ANIMALS, CARE, PROPENSITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP, AND COMPASSIONATE BEHAVIOR TOWARD ANIMALS by Sarah M. Bexell The goal of conservation education is positive behavior change toward animals and the environment. This study was conducted to determine whether participation in a wildlife conservation education camp was effective in positively changing 8-12 year old students’: (a) knowledge of animals, (b) care about animals, (c) propensity for environmental and wildlife stewardship, and (d) compassionate behavior toward animals. During the summer of 2005, 2 five-day camps were conducted at 2 zoological institutions in Chengdu, China. The camp curriculum was influenced by theory and research on the following: conservation psychology, social learning theory, empathy and moral development theory, socio-biological theory, constructivist theory, and conservation science. Camp activities were sensitive to Chinese culture and included Chinese conservation issues. Activities were designed to help children form bonds with animals and care enough about them to positively change their behavior toward animals and the environment. This mixed methods study triangulated quantitative and qualitative data from six sources to answer the following: 1. Did camp increase student knowledge of animals? 2. Did camp increase student caring about animals? 3. Did camp increase student propensity for environmental and wildlife stewardship? 4. Did camp affect student compassionate behavior toward animals? A conservation stewards survey revealed significant increases on pre-post, self-report of knowledge, care, and propensity. Pre-post, rubric-scored responses to human-animal interaction vignettes indicated a significant increase in knowledge, and stable scores on care and propensity. Qualitative data from student journals, vignettes, and end-of-camp questionnaires demonstrated knowledge, caring, and propensity, and revealed the emergent theme empathy. To address question 4, instructors tallied campers’ behavior toward animals using a student behavior ethogram. Occurrence of positive behaviors was inconsistent, but negative behaviors decreased, indicating campers were more conscious of behaviors to avoid. Field notes helped determine that camps were implemented as planned, therefore not interfering with goals of the camp. This study contributes to an emerging and critical knowledge base of effective strategies to promote conservation behavior.

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au, jporsini@bigpond net, and Jean-Paul Orsini. "Human impacts on Australian sea lions, Neophoca cinerea, hauled out on Carnac Island (Perth, Western Australia): implications for wildlife and tourism management." Murdoch University, 2004. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20040520.154341.

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Over the last 15 years, pinniped tourism has experienced a rapid growth in the Southern Hemisphere, and particularly in Australia and New Zealand where at least four sites attract more than 100,000 visitors per year. Tourism focused on the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), a protected species endemic to Australia, occurs in at least nine sites in South Australia and Western Australia. Australian sea lions haul out on several offshore islands in the Perth region. Carnac Island Nature Reserve is one of the main sites where people can view sea lions near Perth, either during recreational activities or on commercial tours. This study sought: (1) to investigate the potential impact of human visitors on Australian sea lions hauled out on Carnac Island, (2) to consider implications of the results for the management of Carnac Island Nature Reserve, and (3) to examine under which conditions tourism and recreation around sea lions can be sustained in the long term. Sea lion numbers, rate of return to the site, behavioural response to human presence and incidents of disturbances of sea lions by visitors were recorded over a period of four months on Carnac Island. A survey of 207 visitors was also carried out. Findings indicated that there were two main types of human impacts on the sea lions: A specific state of sea lion vigilance induced by low level, but ongoing, repetitive disturbances from human presence, sustained at various approach distances ranging to more than 15 m, vigilance that is different from the behaviour profile observed in the absence of human disturbance, Impacts resulting from incidental direct disturbances of sea lions by visitors from inappropriate human recreational activities or from visitors trying to elicit a more active sea lion response than the usual sleeping or resting behaviour on display; these impacts included sea lions retreating and leaving the beach, or displaying aggressive behaviour. Impacts on sea lions from these disturbances may range from a potential sea lion physiological stress response to sea lions leaving the beach, a reduction in the time sea lions spend hauling out, and, in the longer term, the risk of sea lions abandoning the site altogether. Repeated instances of visitors (including unsupervised young children) approaching sea lions at very short distances of less than 2.5 m represented a public safety risk. Results also indicated that (1) the numbers of sea lions hauled out and their rate of return to the beach did not appear to be affected by an increase in the level of human visitation (although longer-term studies would be required to confirm this result); and (2) there appeared to be a high turnover rate of sea lions at the site from day to day, suggesting that there are frequent arrivals and departures of sea lions to and from Carnac Island. The visitor survey indicated that many visitors to Carnac Island had a recreational focus that was not primarily directed towards sea lion viewing (incidental ecotourists). Although many visitors witnessed incidental disturbance caused by humans to sea lions, they did not seem to recognise that they themselves could disturb sea lions through their mere presence. Visitors also seemed to have a limited awareness of the safety risk posed by sea lions at close range. Visitors expressed support for the presence of a volunteer ranger on the beach and for more on-site information about sea lions. Finally, visitors indicated that they greatly valued their sea lion viewing experience. It is anticipated that the continued increase in visitation to Carnac Island from recreation and from tourism will result in intensified competition for space between humans and sea lions. Long-term impacts of human disturbances on sea lions are unknown, but a physiological stress response and/or the abandonment of haulout sites has been observed in other pinniped species. The findings of this study highlight the need to implement a long-term strategy to reduce disturbance levels of sea lions by visitors at Carnac Island to ensure that tourism and recreation around sea lions can be sustained in the long term. Recommendations include measures to control visitor numbers on the island through an equitable allocation system between various user groups, the development of on-site sea lion interpretation and a public education and awareness program, the setting up of a Sea Lion Sanctuary Zone on the main beach, ongoing monitoring of sea lion and visitor numbers and other data, and a system of training and accreditation of guides employed by tour operators.

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Goodrich, Andre. "Rifling through 'nature' an ethnographic account of biltong hunting, late capitalist 'nature' and a politics of belonging in the South African wildlife ranching industry." Doctoral thesis, University of Cape Town, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3629.

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40

Deisinger-Murray, Alexander. "Whose Right to Urban Nature? A case study of Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden in Deptford, south-east London." Thesis, Stockholms universitet, Kulturgeografiska institutionen, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-169427.

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This exploratory research project explores the production and use, and subsequent closure and eviction of the community-designed and managed Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden in Deptford – a predominantly working-class area in south-east London. This community garden played a key role in the lives of many local residents and its closure and subsequent demolition to make way for a large housing project drew a significant backlash from local residents which included protests, law-suits, and the occupation of the garden itself. Why this small, half-acre community garden garnered such a notable response is the main focus of and motivation for this research project. Using a combined-methods approach consisting of semi-structured interviews and participant observation, this research investigates what it was about Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden which resulted in this backlash, and why the local council’s decision to close it drew such a militant revolt from local community members. Combining the empirical results of this research with a deep inquiry into the concepts of space and power within urban theory, this thesis seeks to understand the rights working-class communities have to contribute to the production of public green space, and how such community-led contribution can impact on the space produced, both inside and outside the context of Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden and its former users.

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41

Davis, Stuart Patrick. "Evaluating the Use of Drones to Estimate Deer Density and Count Wildlife Trails in Bath Nature Preserve, Ohio." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1619794458478716.

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42

Brock, Michael. "Understanding the human value for local wildlife and how a connection with nature can contribute to well-being." Thesis, University of East Anglia, 2014. https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/53363/.

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The most popular way environmental economists have quantified the worth we hold for wildlife has been through calculating a value for conservation or preservation practices. These typically focus upon endangered or charismatic species, and to an existence or non-use value which somebody holds for the creature in question. This thesis recognises that our value for wildlife may be more diverse than this. Indeed, it is highly feasible that people can derive an important yet cognitively disparate benefit from the animals and plants which they experience every day and which reside within close proximity to their homes. Using a combination of inter-disciplinary theories and techniques, this doctorate seeks to explore how mankind receives ‘nature connectivity’ value from local wildlife. This work implies that by undertaking a ‘warden-style’ role when interacting with the flora and fauna which resides upon our doorsteps, humans can satisfy a separate and distinct aspect of their subjective well-being from that which they establish through classic conservation mechanisms. Furthermore, this satisfaction may act as a substitute for other local social activities which are dwindling in modern UK society, including the participation in community or religious groups. The potential impact of these findings are that we may want to rethink the ways we approach the natural world if people are to maximise the participation in and welfare derived from their engagement with it. This includes attending to the behavioural and social infrastructure which can facilitate the opportunities for people to express and enjoy a connection with nature. More generally, the conjectures made here indicate the importance of understanding not only if values exist for environmental entities, but comprehending when these will be dampened or elevated. Until this can be done successfully, environmental economists will forever be fighting a losing battle to retain natural resources at socially optimum thresholds.

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Humphries, Kathryn. "A political ecology of community-based forest and wildlife management in Tanzania : politics, power and governance." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2013. https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/244970.

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My research is focused on investigating the socio-political processes taking place within Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) in Tanzania. I draw on a political ecology approach in an investigation of the politics of struggles over natural resources, their management and the benefits that can be derived from this. I bring together theories of policy processes, African politics and scale into an examination of power within two case studies of CBNRM from the wildlife and forestry sectors. I carry out a comparative analysis of these case studies, employing a qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews, focus groups, participatory activities, participant observation and document analysis. My research is clustered around three core themes. Firstly, I trace the process of policy reform that introduced CBNRM in both the forest and wildlife sectors, and examine the differences between the governance systems prescribed in policy as a result of these processes. The contrasts between the two sectors in Tanzanian CBNRM are important and multiple. Different policy pathways were adopted, relating to the distinct political economies of forest and wildlife resources and their politicisation within the context of power devolution for CBNRM. The prescribed governance systems in the two sectors contain important differences in the processes by which local communities can apply to participate in CBNRM, the mechanisms of revenue distribution, and the ways in which power is devolved to the local level. Secondly I examine the implementation of these prescribed governance systems and their performance in reality through an exploration of the configurations of power set out in CBNRM, and the struggles that take place around these in ‘politics of scales’ as actors attempt to benefit from CBNRM. I examine the ways the governance systems have been adopted and adapted from those set out in CBNRM policy. I argue that the distinctions between the prescribed governance systems in the two sectors produce separate contexts of re-configuration into the performed governance systems within the case studies. However, I also argue that while the contexts are specific to each sector, both the case studies revealed the same underlying socio-political process of struggles over power to both manage and benefit from natural resources. These struggles to control and benefit from CBNRM are closely linked to the unequal distribution of benefits that were witnessed in both case studies. Finally I examine the performance of CBNRM as an integration of systems of power set out in policy and hidden, often unacknowledged, local contours of power. I address the themes of how the reality of CBNRM differs from that set out in policy, examine the processes ongoing within the projects that permit and maintain elite capture and unequal distribution of benefits, and investigate the socio-political processes of corruption taking place within devolved environmental management. I argue that the struggles over power, combined with hidden aspects, especially neopatrimonialism, local moral economy and the cultural context of corruption, are central to these unequal outcomes and the capture of benefits by a small group of individuals. My research highlights that power, the politics of its devolution to the local level, the struggles that take place around it, and its subtle, hidden forms, lie at the heart of gaining further understanding of the ways in which policies develop, the unexpected outcomes they produce and the inequalities these often entail.

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44

Orsini, Jean-Paul. "Human impacts on Australian sea lions, Neophoca cinerea, hauled out on Carnac Island (Perth, Western Australia) : implications for wildlife and tourism management /." Orsini, Jean-Paul (2004) Human impacts on Australian sea lions, Neophoca cinerea, hauled out on Carnac Island (Perth, Western Australia): implications for wildlife and tourism management. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2004. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/238/.

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Over the last 15 years, pinniped tourism has experienced a rapid growth in the Southern Hemisphere, and particularly in Australia and New Zealand where at least four sites attract more than 100,000 visitors per year. Tourism focused on the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea), a protected species endemic to Australia, occurs in at least nine sites in South Australia and Western Australia. Australian sea lions haul out on several offshore islands in the Perth region. Carnac Island Nature Reserve is one of the main sites where people can view sea lions near Perth, either during recreational activities or on commercial tours. This study sought: (1) to investigate the potential impact of human visitors on Australian sea lions hauled out on Carnac Island, (2) to consider implications of the results for the management of Carnac Island Nature Reserve, and (3) to examine under which conditions tourism and recreation around sea lions can be sustained in the long term. Sea lion numbers, rate of return to the site, behavioural response to human presence and incidents of disturbances of sea lions by visitors were recorded over a period of four months on Carnac Island. A survey of 207 visitors was also carried out. Findings indicated that there were two main types of human impacts on the sea lions: * A specific state of sea lion vigilance induced by low level, but ongoing, repetitive disturbances from human presence, sustained at various approach distances ranging to more than 15 m, vigilance that is different from the behaviour profile observed in the absence of human disturbance, * Impacts resulting from incidental direct disturbances of sea lions by visitors from inappropriate human recreational activities or from visitors trying to elicit a more 'active' sea lion response than the usual 'sleeping or resting' behaviour on display; these impacts included sea lions retreating and leaving the beach, or displaying aggressive behaviour. Impacts on sea lions from these disturbances may range from a potential sea lion physiological stress response to sea lions leaving the beach, a reduction in the time sea lions spend hauling out, and, in the longer term, the risk of sea lions abandoning the site altogether. Repeated instances of visitors (including unsupervised young children) approaching sea lions at very short distances of less than 2.5 m represented a public safety risk. Results also indicated that (1) the numbers of sea lions hauled out and their rate of return to the beach did not appear to be affected by an increase in the level of human visitation (although longer-term studies would be required to confirm this result); and (2) there appeared to be a high turnover rate of sea lions at the site from day to day, suggesting that there are frequent arrivals and departures of sea lions to and from Carnac Island. The visitor survey indicated that many visitors to Carnac Island had a recreational focus that was not primarily directed towards sea lion viewing ('incidental ecotourists'). Although many visitors witnessed incidental disturbance caused by humans to sea lions, they did not seem to recognise that they themselves could disturb sea lions through their mere presence. Visitors also seemed to have a limited awareness of the safety risk posed by sea lions at close range. Visitors expressed support for the presence of a volunteer ranger on the beach and for more on-site information about sea lions. Finally, visitors indicated that they greatly valued their sea lion viewing experience. It is anticipated that the continued increase in visitation to Carnac Island from recreation and from tourism will result in intensified competition for space between humans and sea lions. Long-term impacts of human disturbances on sea lions are unknown, but a physiological stress response and/or the abandonment of haulout sites has been observed in other pinniped species. The findings of this study highlight the need to implement a long-term strategy to reduce disturbance levels of sea lions by visitors at Carnac Island to ensure that tourism and recreation around sea lions can be sustained in the long term. Recommendations include measures to control visitor numbers on the island through an equitable allocation system between various user groups, the development of on-site sea lion interpretation and a public education and awareness program, the setting up of a Sea Lion Sanctuary Zone on the main beach, ongoing monitoring of sea lion and visitor numbers and other data, and a system of training and accreditation of guides employed by tour operators.

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45

Patterson, Patricia E. "Ecosystem-level research planning and use in the National Park Service : the case of the Florida panther." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/28865.

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46

Mustin, Karen. "The spatial dynamics of biogeographic range shifts under climate change." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2010. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=165125.

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There is currently widespread concern about the impact of continuing climate change on the distribution, and ultimately persistence of species across all the major taxa. While much previous work has focussed on using climate envelope models to make projections of the location of potential future suitable climate space for a variety of species, these can at best give an indication of the likely direction and potential magnitude of distributional change. They lack information on spatial population dynamics, dispersal, habitat suitability, local adaptation and inter-specific interactions. The aim of this thesis was to explore how some of these other factors might alter projections regarding species’ distributional change in response to climate change, using both theoretical models, and garden warbler (Sylvia borin) as a model system. A key aspect which has been largely over-looked until very recently is the complex range dynamics which can result from spatial variation in population dynamics, and the impacts of inter-annual variability rather than simply mean climate, both of which can impact extinction risk. Much insight into future impacts of climate change can also be gained through studies of past distributional changes, such as that observed in the British breeding population of garden warbler in the last three decades. In many cases, studies at smaller-scales are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of climate change impacts and further explore potential synergies with other drivers of ecosystem change such as habitat loss and species invasions. The particular combination of factors which should be included to make projections of distributional change will be species-specific and scale-dependent, therefore modelling exercises should be carefully designed depending on the intended outcome for conservation.

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47

Wolf, Isabelle Diana Felicitas Gudula Biological Earth &amp Environmental Sciences Faculty of Science UNSW. "Towards sustainable tourism in outback Australia: the behaviour and impact of nature-based tourists on vegetation and selected wildlife species." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, 2009. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44572.

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Nature-based tourism offers significant socio-economic incentives to successfully replace more intrusive land uses but also causes negative environmental impacts. Currently, knowledge is needed about the effectiveness of specific management actions such as the provision of different access modes and tour experiences at minimizing these impacts while maximizing visitor satisfaction. Nature-based tourism activities were studied in the species-rich gorges of the Flinders Ranges in Outback Australia. This study developed a conceptual framework of visitor-environment relationships, constructed a regional visitor profile, assessed visitor monitoring methods to quantify usage intensity in relation to the access mode (roads vs. hiking trails), examined changes in vegetation and bird communities in relation to usage intensity and access mode, tested effects of approach behaviour among driving vs. hiking tourists on kangaroo behaviour, and designed a framework for a night-time wildlife tour. The usage intensity of gorge sections was best determined from visitor numbers stratified by their behaviour, as the access mode fundamentally changed visitor behaviour in gorges. High compared to low usage recreational tracks altered species community composition, decreased total plant cover, increased non-native species cover, increased or decreased plant diversity depending on the track distance, increased soil compaction, and decreased bird numbers and species richness. Vegetation changes had secondary aversive effects on the bird community. The magnitude and spatial extent of these community impacts were greater along roads than trails. Visitor approach towards kangaroos varied with the access mode and necessitated individual recommendations for low-impact behaviour. The optimal night-time observation tour employed night-vision devices and bat detectors and coupled visitor satisfaction with low impact on wildlife. A range of factors (e.g., weather conditions) moderated the susceptibility of the wildlife to tourism disturbance. To protect wildlife and habitat along recreational tracks in arid-lands gorges, it is recommended to (1) monitor usage intensity and the identified impact indicators within their effect zone, (2) curtail gorge usage by restricting vehicle access to sections and regulating high impact activities (e.g., wild camping), (3) base environmental education upon scientifically tested low-impact visitor behaviour, and (4) engage with tourism operators in the design of low-impact, yet satisfying tours based on scientific principles.

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48

Nobel, Laura Briana. "The Nature of People's Perceptions of Wolves." PDXScholar, 2009. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/2683.

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European immigrants once regarded wolves as the "devil in disguise" (Lopez, 1978, p.40). With our growing awareness of other cultural perspectives and flourishing body of scientific knowledge with regard to wolves' behavior, our perceptions of wolves have become more complicated and nuanced. Our collective awareness of the environment in which we live also gathers complexity. I examine these issues in this study. Wolves are returning to Oregon. The arrival of wolf B-45 in 1999 heralded the beginning of the return of wild wolves to Oregon. More wolves are expected to cross the border as young sub-adults disperse from the growing population in Idaho. This study explores our perceptions of wolves using empirical, qualitative methodology. Running in parallel with this main goal, I also seek to understand how these perceptions relate on a larger scale to the ways we understand nature. In exploring these questions qualitatively, I seek to answer the following questions: (a) What ways can story play a role in defining people’s perceptions, in particular, of wolves? (b) What lessons can be learned to inform future ecological educators' work to communicate on this or other similarly complex topics? (c) What is the collective story that we can tell each other on the eve of wolves' presence in the Oregon landscape becoming an acknowledged reality once again? (d) Finally, how can what is learned inform future ecological educational programs regarding wolves in the state? This study explores the above questions. In considering people's perceptions, I attempt to examine whether the desires to exterminate wolves are really gone. Perhaps, as we learn more about the complex ways that wolves interact in the landscape and the various ways that humans react to the idea of wolves, we may recognize the greater complexities in the ways we inter-relate with them.

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Vroegop, John. "Nature Connectedness & Winter Camping : A Combination of Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Nationellt centrum för utomhuspedagogik (NCU), 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-120253.

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A growing body of research indicates that nature connectedness should be an important component of environmental education programs as emerging empirical evidence shows a correlation between connectedness to nature and environmentally responsible behaviour. Despite an increased interest in further examination of the human-nature relationship, research is lacking in terms of specific factors or conditions that influence nature connectedness. In this study, a mixed methods approach was employed to quantitatively assess the impact winter camping had on nature connectedness and then qualitatively determine specific components of the camp experience that influenced this sense of nature connectedness. Nineteen scouts participated on a three day winter camp at Manning Park in British Columba, Canada, where they experienced many challenges such as sleeping in quinzees (snow caves) and learned new skills such as snowshoeing. The Nature Relatedness Scale was used to assess nature connectedness in this study. A pre-test was administered a few days before the winter camp and the post-test two days afterwards. The results from the paired sample T-test show that there was a statistically significant improvement in nature connectedness following the winter camp experience. Eleven scouts were then selected to participate in semi-structured interviews with the aim of gaining insight to the specific conditions of winter camping that influenced nature connectedness. The results indicate that the location of the camp, the condition of being immersed in nature, interacting with wildlife, the positive experience of challenges, the presence of risk, and freedom from technology are all contributing factors that influenced a sense o f nature connectedness. An increased environmental awareness was also a prevalent theme which supports research suggesting that there is a positive relationship between nature connectedness and pro-environmental behaviour. It is recommended that programs with the aim of promoting nature connectedness or environmental awareness should include as many of these components as possible. Further research should alsobe conducted to confirm that these results apply also to other populations as these results cannot be generalized with a sample size of nineteen.

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Sieber, Anika. "Land-use change, protected area effectiveness, and wildlife dynamics in post-Soviet European Russia." Doctoral thesis, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.18452/17797.

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Die Biodiversitätskrise des Anthropozäns wird vor allem durch vom Menschen bedingte Umweltveränderungen verursacht. Naturschutzgebiete sind ein globaler Eckpfeiler des Umweltschutzes und besonders wichtig für den Erhalt von Großsäugern. Fortschreitender menschlicher Einfluss sowie zunehmender Verlust und die Zerteilung von Lebensräumen innerhalb und außerhalb von Naturschutzgebieten beeinflussen deren Effektivität und Wert für den Umweltschutz stark, besonders in Zeiten sozioökonomischer und institutioneller Schocks mit reduzierten Ressourcen für den Umweltschutz. Der Zusammenbruch der Sowjetunion im Jahr 1991 war solch ein Schock und das Ziel dieser Doktorarbeit war es, besser zu verstehen, wie dieser Schock die Landnutzung, die Effektivität von Naturschutzgebieten und die Populationsdynamik von Wildtieren beeinflusst hat. Der europäische Teil Russlands bot sich deshalb als Untersuchungsgebiet an, da es eine vom Menschen stark beeinflusste Region ist, welche Lebensraum für Großsäuger aufweist sowie ein Netzwerk von Naturschutzgebieten besitzt, die über Langzeitdaten zur Biodiversität verfügen. Diese Doktorarbeit verwendete umfassende Datensätze und interdisziplinäre Ansätze, um die Veränderungen in Landnutzung, Jagddruck, Naturschutzgebieten, Lebensräumen und Populationsdynamiken von Wildtieren in post-sowjetischer Zeit zu beobachten und auszuwerten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der sozioökonomische und institutionelle Schock nach 1991 einen verringerten Landnutzungsdruck zur Folge hatte, bedingt durch die weit verbreitete Aufgabe von Landwirtschaft und generell abnehmende Raten von Waldeinschlag. Naturschutzgebiete spielten eine wichtige Rolle beim Schutz der Biodiversität und profitierten von vergrößerten Lebensräumen für Großsäuger. Wildtierpopulationsdynamiken waren in post-sowjetischer Zeit wesentlich beeinflusst von Landnutzungswandel und Jagddruck. Diese Forschungsergebnisse leisten einen wertvollen Beitrag zur Unterstützung des Biodiversitätsmonitorings.
The biodiversity crisis of the Anthropocene era is mainly caused by human-induced environmental changes such as land-use change and the overexploitation of wildlife. Protected areas are a cornerstone of the global conservation efforts and particularly important for preserving large mammals. Increasing human impact and continued loss and fragmentation of wildlife habitats inside and outside protected areas strongly affect their effectiveness and conservation value, especially during times of socio-economic and institutional shocks with reduced resources for nature conservation. The breakdown of the Soviet Union in 1991 was such a shock and the overall aim of this thesis was to contribute to a better understanding of how this shock affected land use, protected area effectiveness, and wildlife dynamics in European Russia. European Russia served as a representative area for such a study as it is a human-dominated region, which harbors large mammal species and a long-established network of scientific protected areas providing long-term biodiversity data. The overall aim of this thesis was assessed by using a broad range of data and interdisciplinary approaches to monitor and evaluate changes in land use and hunting pressure, protected areas, wildlife habitats, and species population dynamics in post-Soviet times. The results of this thesis revealed that the socio-economic and institutional shock after 1991 resulted in reduced land-use pressure due to widespread farmland abandonment and overall lowered rates of forest logging in European Russia. Protected areas played an important role in halting threats to biodiversity and benefitted from increased large mammals’ habitat within their zone of interaction. Wildlife dynamics were significantly affected by land-use change and hunting pressure in post-Soviet times. The findings of this thesis provide a valuable contribution to support biodiversity monitoring and overcome knowledge gaps on biodiversity conservation.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Native wildlife'

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