new mexico cooperative fish and wildlife research unit

Annual Report

1 October 2005 – 30 September 2006

New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

U.S. Geological Survey

P.O. Box 30003, MSC 4901 2980 South Espina Street, Knox 132

New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003-0003

Unit Cooperators U.S. Geological Survey

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish New Mexico State University Wildlife Management Institute U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface.......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Personnel and Cooperators ........................................................................................................................ 5 Coordinating Committee Members………………...…………………………………………………..5 Cooperative Staff……………………………………………………………………………………….5 Faculty Cooperators…………………………………………………………………………...6 Other Cooperators .................................................................................................................................. 7 Graduate Students on Unit-Assisted Projects....................................................................................... 11 Mission–Direction Statement ................................................................................................................... 12 Project Geography .................................................................................................................................... 13 Aquatic Research ...................................................................................................................................... 14 Culture and Life History Aspects of Native Fishes in New Mexico .................................................... 15 Post-wildfire Effects on a Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) Stream..................................................... 16 Native Fish Community Restoration in Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Management............................. 17 Physiological Stress Responses of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow to Confinement, Handling and

Transport Associated with Captive Propagation, Augmentation and Rescue ...................................... 18 Susceptibility of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout to Experimentally Induced Infection with Myxobolus

cerebralis.............................................................................................................................................. 19 Southwest Regional Risk Assessment for Whirling Disease in Native Salmonids in Arid and Semi-

arid Lands: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.............................................................. 20 Grazing Effects on Aquatic Habitat, Macroinvertebrates, and Fishes in Streams on the Valles Caldera

National Preserve ................................................................................................................................. 21 Terrestrial Research ................................................................................................................................. 22 Identification of Factors Limiting Mule Deer Populations and Development of Corrective

Management Strategies Along the Upper Santa Fe Trail, New Mexico .............................................. 23 Distribution, Population Dynamics, and Herbivory Impacts of a Pioneering Elk Herd on Chaco

Culture National Historic Park ............................................................................................................. 24 Determining Population Status, Trends, and Critical Habitats of Black Bears in Rocky Mountain

National Park; Nutritional Influences on Black Bear Condition, Survival and Productivity in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado....................................................................................................... 25

Ecology of Mountain Lions in a Priority Recovery Area for the Endangered Desert Bighorn Sheep: San Andres National Wildlife Refuge; Determining Food Habits of Mountain Lions in a Priority Recovery Area for the State-endangered Bighorn Sheep..................................................................... 26

Determination of Foraging Ecology and Habitat Capability – Animal Density Relations of Sympatric Elk and Cattle on Lincoln National Forest ........................................................................................... 27

Invasive Species in Big Bend National Park: Identification and Verification Using Remote Sensed Data ...................................................................................................................................................... 28

Identification of Animal Individuals and Species Using Gas Chromatography of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Scat Samples................................................................................................................... 29

Habitat Use, Individual Performance, and Population Performance of Wild Ungulates Relative to Population Structure and Domestic Ungulate Habitat Use .................................................................. 30

Identification of Factors Limiting Mule Deer on White Sands Missile Range-San Andres National Wildlife Refuge with Emphasis on Effects of and Risks Associated with Chronic Wasting Disease . 31

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Integrated Research .................................................................................................................................. 32 Source, Transport, and Fate of Mercury in South Central New Mexico.............................................. 33 New Mexico Ecoregional Mapping and Modeling in the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project. 34 Technical Assistance ................................................................................................................................. 35 New Mexico Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy ............................................................ 36 Evaluation of Deer and Elk Body Condition in New Mexico.............................................................. 37 Application of Aerial Sightability Models to Oryx .............................................................................. 38 Determination of Condition and Pregnancy of Elk on Valles Caldera National Preserve ................... 38 Assessing Elk Condition on Ft. Riley Military Reservation, Kansas ................................................... 39 Development of Sight-bias Aerial Survey Models for Elk and Deer ................................................... 39 New Mexico Hunting Lottery .............................................................................................................. 40 Habitat Distribution Models for 37 Vertebrate Species Addressed by the Multi-species Habitat

Conservation Plan of Clark Country, Nevada ...................................................................................... 40 Spatial Analysis of the Habitat Stamp Program for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. 41 Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project: Application, Education, and Outreach Component ......... 42 Land Stewardship Mapping for the National Gap Analysis Program .................................................. 43 River Otter Restoration in New Mexico............................................................................................... 43 Las Cruces Museum of Natural History ............................................................................................... 44 Ecoregions of New Mexico .................................................................................................................. 44 Center for Applied Spatial Ecology (CASE)........................................................................................ 45 Professional Recognition .......................................................................................................................... 46 Scientific Publications…………………………………………………………………..........46 Technical Publications………………………………………………………………….........46 Thesis and Dissertations……………………………………………………………………...48 Technical Presentations………………………………………………………………….…...48 Teaching Activities…………………………………………………………………………..52 Committees and Other Professional Assignments…………………………………………...52 Grants, Awards and Special Recognition……………………………………………………52 Meet the Unit ............................................................................................................................................. 53

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Preface

This is the 17th annual report of activities and accomplishments of the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Two new research projects were started and three projects were completed during this reporting period. Notable among new projects is the research of Dr. Bender and Dr. Jon Boren of Cooperative Extension on the Corona Ranch regarding effects of land management practices on condition and productivity of wild ungulates. In addition, Dr. Caldwell and Dr. Robert DuBey, Unit Fisheries Specialist, received funding from the Whirling Disease Initiative to develop a risk assessment model as an adaptive management tool to assist state and federal agencies in the southwest region with formulating effective management strategies for whirling disease within native salmonid populations. Dr. Colleen Caldwell agreed to step into the Leader position for the Unit.

Six New Mexico State University graduate students advised by Unit Staff on Unit projects completed requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. degrees during this reporting period. Overall, Unit projects supported 14 graduate students, 6 full-time research specialists, one post-doctoral research associate and numerous seasonal or part-time student employees on 18 active research projects and 14 technical assistance projects during this reporting period.

The illustration on our report cover was taken from designs of the native Mimbres people in southwestern New Mexico. The logo on our cover incorporates the ancient sun symbol of the Zia Pueblo to represent the energy base on which our natural and human resources depend. The lines radiating from the central sun represent clockwise from the top, the four directions of the wind, the four stages of life from birth to death, the four seasons, and four parts of the day from morning until night. All of their climatic, demographic, and time interval symbols relate to the natural world we study and the time scale in which we work.

Visit the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

at http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/fwscoop/

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Personnel and Cooperators Coordinating Committee Members U.S. Geological Survey Dr. Bern Shanks Cooperative Research Units 909 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Mr. Tod Stevenson Assistant Director P.O. Box 25112 Santa Fe, NM 87504

New Mexico State University Dr. LeRoy Daugherty Director, Agricultural Experiment Station P.O. Box 30003, MSC 3BF Las Cruces, NM 88003

Wildlife Management Institute Dr. Len Carpenter 4015 Cheney Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mr. Charles Ault Regional Research and Ecosystems Coordinator 500 Gold Avenue SW Albuquerque, NM 87102

Cooperative Unit Staff Colleen A. Caldwell, Ph.D., Unit Leader and Adjunct Associate Professor, Fishery and Wildlife Sciences Louis C. Bender, Ph.D.,

Assistant Unit Leader-Wildlife and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Fishery and Wildlife Sciences and Animal and Range Sciences

Connie Alsworth, Unit Secretary Sandra Day, Bookkeeper YongJiu Chen, Post-doctoral Research Associate Robert DuBey, Fisheries Specialist Jerry Landye, Fisheries Specialist Scott Schrader, GIS/Remote Sensing Analyst Kenneth G. Boykin, Wildlife Specialist Kendal Young, Wildlife Specialist Andrea Ernst, Research Specialist Suzie Propeck-Gray, Research Assistant Jennifer Puttere, Technician Veronica Lopez, Specialist Zachary Schwenke, Student Employee Nikhil Balachandran, Graduate Assistant Mahitha Prasad, Graduate Assistant Sean Eckert, Research Assistant Jesse Lujan, Research Assistant Sneha Mulvvala, Research Assistant Tomas Kamienski, Research Assistant Stephanie Caballero, Workstudy

Rene Galindo, Workstudy Sara Pinch, Workstudy Nathan Duran, Workstudy Buck Westcott, Workstudy Dustin Myer, Workstudy Steven Ferguson, Workstudy Zachary Trower, Workstudy

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Faculty Cooperators Fishery and Wildlife Sciences

Raul Valdez, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Department Head Phillip Alkon, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor Mark C. Andersen, Ph.D., Associate Professor Wiebke Boeing, Ph.D., Assistant Professor David Cowley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Martha Desmond, Ph.D., Associate Professor Jennifer Frey, Ph.D., Adjunct Assistant Professor Gary Roemer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Rosanna Sallenave, Ph.D., Research Specialist Sanford D. Schemnitz, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus Paul R. Turner, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Emeritus

Agricultural Experiment Station Dinus Briggs, Ph.D.

Animal and Range Sciences Laurie Abbott, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Derek Bailey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Reldon Beck, Ph.D., Professor Andres Cibils, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Dennis Hallford, Ph.D., Professor Jerry Holechek, Ph.D., Professor Mark Wise, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head

Biology Daniel J. Howard, Ph.D., Professor Michele Nishiguchi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring Research Center Rich Arimoto, Ph.D.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Gary Eiceman, Ph.D., Professor

Collegio de Postgraduados, Campes San Luis Potosi Octavio Rosas-Rosas, Ph.D. Cooperative Extension

T.T. “Red” Baker, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Extension Riparian Specialist Jon Boren, Ph.D., Assistant Professor & Extension Wildlife Specialist

Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Sciences Robert Sanderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor John Mexal, Ph.D. Professor

Facilities and Services Ben Woods

Geography Christopher P. Brown, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Robert J. Czerniak, Ph.D., Professor and Department Head Michael DeMers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Government Russell Winn, Ph.D., Associate Professor

New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute M. Karl Wood, Ph.D.

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New Mexico Space Grant Consortium Judy McShannon Physical Sciences Laboratory

Janet Greenlee, Physical Scientist Southwest Technology Development Institute

Rudi Schoenmackers, Ph.D., Professor and Director Luz Elena Mimbola, Ph.D.

University Statistics Center Dennis L. Clason, Ph.D., Associate Professor David Daniel, Ph.D., Associate Professor William R. Gould, IV, Ph.D., Professor Marta Remmenga, Ph.D., Professor David W. Smith, Ph.D., Professor Robert L. Steiner, Ph.D., Professor

Other Cooperators Alta Vista Animal Clinic

Ulysses McElyea, DVM

Earth Data Analysis Center, University of New Mexico Laura Gleasner Mike Inglis

Frontier Geosciences, Inc. Nicolas Bloom Eric Prestbo, Ph.D. Phil Swartzendrubber

Jack Berryman Institute Terry Messmer, Ph.D.

Kansas Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Matt Peek

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement John Cook, Ph.D. Rachel Cook Larry Irwin, Ph.D.

The Nature Conservancy

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Steve Anderson Casey Harthorn Luis Rios David Propst, Ph.D. Chuck Hayes Mike Robertson Pat Block Clint Henson Pat Snyder Micheal Catanach Alvin Martinez Tod Stevenson Scott Draney Patrick Mathis Charlie Painter Bruce Thompson, Ph. D. Catherine Sykes Chris Neary Yvette Paroz Joel Pafford Darrel Weybright Barry Hale Steve Kohlmann, Ph.D. Kerry Mower, Ph. D. Bill Graves Richard Hansen Mike Sloane Leland Pierce James Stuart Kirk Patton

New Mexico Natural Heritage Program Esteban Muldavin, Ph.D. Kristine Johnson, Ph.D.

Private

CS Ranch Ross Ligon Philmont Scout Ranch Chase Ranch Moore Ranch TO Ranch Express Ranch NRA-Whittington Center Vermejo Park Ranch

T&E, Inc. Tom Wootten

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Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, College of Forest Sciences Fernando Gonzalez, Ph.D.

University of Chihuahua Alberto Lafon, Ph.D.

U.S. Army Army Environmental Center

Fort Bliss Dallas Bash Rafael Corral Brian Locke, Ph.D.

White Sands Missile Range David Anderson, Ph.D. Trish Griffin Cristina Rodden Max Bleiweiss Patrick Morrow Daisan Taylor Fort Riley Alan Hynek

U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Southwest Tribal Fisheries Commission Butch Blazer Mescalero Tribal Hatchery Michael Montoya

U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, Idaho Frederick T. Barrows, Ph.D. Forest Service

Carson National Forest Dan Rael

Lincoln National Forest Danney Salas

National Partnership Coordinator Don Duff

Rocky Mountain Research Station Deborah M. Finch, Ph.D. John M. Rinne, Ph.D. Alice Chung-MacCoubrey, Ph.D. Santa Fe National Forest Sean Ferrell Southwestern Region Amy Unthank, Ph.D.

Tonto National Forest Bob Calamusso

Jornada Experimental Range Ed Fredrickson, Ph.D. Barbara Nolen Kris Havstad, Ph.D.

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U.S. Department of Energy Los Alamos National Laboratory

Philip Fresquez, Ph.D. Gilbert Gonzales, Ph.D.

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Elizabeth Peck Mike Howard Jack Barnitz Sam DesGeorges Mark Powell Rusty Stovall

Bureau of Reclamation Mike Landis Woodrow Irving

Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 Office Wendy Brown Sarah Rinkevich

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Gordon Warrick Boseman Fish Technology Center Greg Kindschi Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Debra Davies Dexter National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center Manuel Ulibarri Dave Hampton Connie Keeler-Foster

Maxwell National Widlife Refuge Patty Hoban

New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office Susan MacMullin Joel Lusk Lyle Lewis Russ McCrae Michael Hatch

New Mexico Fisheries Resources Office Jim Brooks Jason Remshardt

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge Kevin Cobble Mara Weisenberger

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Terry Tadano

Valles Caldera National Trust Robert Parmenter, Ph.D.

National Park Service Big Bend National Park Richard Gatewood Joe Sirotuak Chihuahuan Desert Network Hildy Reiser, Ph.D. Chaco Culture National Historic Park Brad Shattuck

Rocky Mountain National Park Terry Terrell, Ph.D.

U.S. Geological Survey Mike Bogan, Ph.D

Environmental and Contaminants Research Center Duane Chapman Chris Schmitt Kevin Buhl

Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Phil Gipson, Ph.D. Jonathan Conard

National Gap Analysis Program Ree Brannon Kevin Gergeley Julie Prior-Magee

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife P. Briggs Hall, DVM

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Graduate Students on Unit-Assisted Projects

Student Previous Education Degrees

Mike Anderson Arizona State University B.S. Roger Baldwin Kansas State University B.S. University of Memphis M.S. Eric Burham* University of Washington B.S. Sung Jin Cho Kunsan National University, South Korea B.S. Stephanie Coleman University of Arizona B.S. Robert DuBey* New Mexico Highlands University B.S. New Mexico Highlands University M.S. Heather Halbritter SUNY-Brockport B.S. Brock Hoenes University of Missouri B.S. Tomas Kamienski New Mexico State University B.S. Laurie Lomas* Texas A&M-Kingsville B.S. Jessica Piasecke* Carleton College (MN) B.A. Suzanne Propeck-Gray Mississippi State University B.S. Brian Sanchez* University of New Mexico B.S. Sam Smallidge* Purdue University B.S. New Mexico State University M.S. * Student received Master’s or Ph.D. degree during reporting period.

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Mission–Direction Statement

Initially Adopted 24 February 1997 Accepted without changes 28 March 2006

USGS Biological Resources

New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

The mission of the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit is to facilitate cooperation among federal and state wildlife, fish, and water resource agencies, universities, tribal interests, private organizations, and individuals to conduct fishery and wildlife research and education on issues of mutual interest. Particular attention will be placed on issues that reflect the unique environment and floral and faunal assemblages of New Mexico and the Southwest.

Specific research objectives are to:

1) predict changes in wildlife and fishery populations as well as human responses to strategic management alterations of habitat;

2) assess human influences on natural resources and attributes of human use, appreciation, and management of wildlife and their habitat;

3) detect and interpret ecological changes in the state's ecosystems, especially to enhance understanding and appreciation of arid, wetland, and riparian ecosystems;

4) support fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation efforts in Mexico that address international interests of U.S. federal and state cooperators;

5) evaluate the extent and biological effects of contaminants in water and terrestrial ecosystems; and

6) enhance knowledge of sensitive species and systems to aid recovery of biota so classified and to help preclude special conservation classification for other biota.

Specific educational objectives are to:

1) provide equal opportunity for academic training toward advanced degrees by teaching graduate level courses and advising graduate students;

2) provide for the preparation and transfer of technical conservation information through data sharing, publications, lectures, and demonstrations; and

3) emphasize opportunity for outreach, professional growth, continuing education, and training for Cooperator personnel, Research Unit staff, and others, to include assisting cooperators to achieve helpful research and issue focus.

To achieve these objectives, the New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit will

apply proven ecological approaches to research efforts based upon state and regional needs. Priority for the Unit's research efforts will be placed on concerns demonstrating the greatest sensitivity to ecological changes.

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Project Geography

San Juan River Colfax County Santa Fe Trail

San Antonio MountainCarson National Forest

Chaco Culture NHP

Los Alamos National LaboratorySanta Fe National Forest

Elephant Butte ReservoirCaballo Reservoir

White Sands Missile RangeNew Mexico State University

Fort Bliss, Texas and New Mexico

Rocky Mountain National Park

Big Bend National Park

Fort Riley, KS

San Andres National Wildlife Refuge Lincoln National Forest

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refu

Valles Caldera National Preserve

ge

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Aquatic Research

Rio Grande silvery minnow - female 2002 year class

Gila trout

Culture and Life History Aspects of Native Fishes in New Mexico

Investigators Dr. Colleen A. Caldwell Jerry Landye, Fisheries Specialist Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen A. Caldwell Collaborators Manuel Ulibarri, Director, Dexter

National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Dr. Frederick Barrows, Fish Nutritionist U.S.D.A., Agriculture Research Service, Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station, Idaho

Greg Kindschi, Aquaculture Specialist Bozeman Fish Technology Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Jim Brooks and Jason Remshardt, Fisheries Biologists, Fishery Resources Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Michael Hatch, Fisheries Biologist Joel Lusk, Contaminant Specialist, Ecological

Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Funding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Objectives Determine food and feeding requirements for Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) brood stock and larval production and rearing; Determine environmental factors that cue spawning and spawning periodicity of Rio Grande silvery minnow; Determine hybridization potential between the Rio Grande silvery minnow and plains minnow (Hybognathus placitus) and investigate behavioral interactions (spawning cues) in adult congeners; and Determine biological requirements using physiological challenge tests such as swimming performance, water quality tolerances, and growth and development. Location New Mexico State University Expected Completion September 2006 Project No. NMCFWRU-077 (RWO #41)

Status As of 30 September 2006, the A-Mountain Fish Culture and Research facility held a total of 7,194 Rio Grande silvery minnow.

Progress and Results

At the request of the USFWS, spawning of 2002 wild egg collected adults was conducted over a four-week period beginning April 24 and ending May 30. Captive spawning activities were conducted during this reporting period in which the A-Mountain facility produced 116,638 fertilized eggs in addition to 5,900 larval fish. We used adults that were reared from wild eggs collected in 2002 to produce fertilized eggs and larval fish which were transported to Dexter {lot number assigned from New Mexico State University: 06 cs F1 LC). In January of 2006, we completed a series of feed trials using juvenile fish {05 cs F2 LC} at both the A-Mountain Facility and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Dexter National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center. This feed investigation was designed to test a range of grower diets developed for Rio Grande silvery minnow by the USFWS Bozeman National Fish Technology Center.

Products The study resulted in the selection of a RGSM diet formulation that produced the best growth and performance for the species. The diet has been commercially produced by Nelsons and Sons of Murray, Utah and is currently used at all facilities involved in RGSM research and propagation. The feed will also be used as an experimental diet for other imperiled cyprinids cultured throughout the U.S.

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Post-wildfire Effects on a Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) Stream Investigators Stephanie Coleman (M.S.) Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen A. Caldwell Cooperators Jim Brooks, New Mexico Fisheries

Resource Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

U.S. Forest Service, Gila National Forest, Supervisor’s Office and Wilderness Ranger District

Funding Source U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New

Mexico Fisheries Resource Office T & E, Inc. Trout Unlimited National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Objectives Characterize stream morphology, fish habitat, distribution and abundance of fishes and riparian vegetation in areas of the stream subjected to the Dry Lakes Complex Fire (2003); Assess burn severity by determining fuel consumption, ground char and flame height in the area surrounding each study site; and Compare unburned areas of stream to burned areas within the same stream. Location Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness,

Gila National Forest, New Mexico Expected Completion May 2007 Project No. NMCFWRU-102

Status Field sampling and data analysis continued during this report period. Progress and Results Endangered Gila trout in New Mexico have been affected by recent wildfires in the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness. The extent of the relationship between fire severity and its effect on aquatic systems is not fully understood. This project focuses on that relationship by studying a Gila trout stream, White Creek, exposed to two severities of wildfire (low and moderate-high), characterizing post-fire effects and comparing them to the unburned headwaters of the creek. Gila trout were absent from an area that received high burn severity and only one fish was collected in low burn treatment areas. The unburned site had multiple size classes reflecting a healthy, reproductive population as indicated by a strong young-of-year cohort (almost 1/3 of total fish collected). Despite the presence of the species, low numbers of Gila trout over 185 mm total length in unburned areas can be attributed to lower water temperatures over winter and greater temperature fluctuations which may slow growth. It is equally likely that lack of pool habitat for larger fish initiated movement to more favorable areas. Major stream habitat types in unburned and low burn consisted of riffles and runs with gravel and cobble substrate providing good spawning habitat for Gila trout. Siltation of fine sediment was evident after summer 2005 rains and remained in spring 2006, particularly in high burn areas which had a 20% increase in embeddedness. High burn areas lack spawning and nursery habitat for Gila trout based on low percentage of gravel substrate (23%) and high embeddedness (25%). Stream habitat surveys showed an average pool: riffle ratio of 0.18:1 across all burn types, much lower than the 0.30:1 ratio measured in a study prior to the fire. Morphologically, White Creek does not create pool habitat due to a low gradient and lack of boulder substrate. All pools measured were created by large woody debris within the active stream channel. Pools are important as over wintering habitat for Gila trout, and pool depth is positively correlated with adult Gila trout size. White Creek would benefit from accumulation of woody debris to create pools and increase instream cover, which should occur within burned areas with decomposition and windfall of burned trees. A high percent ground cover by plants in low (75%) and high (50%) burn areas should reduce current and future sedimentation. Average relative canopy cover was highest in unburned (55%) and decreased in low (45%) and high (22%) burn areas. The little canopy present in high burn is produced by willows regenerating along the stream. These provide shade when the sun is low on the horizon, but not when the sun is high leading to increased water temperatures. In spring 2006, water temperature of 23oC was recorded in the high burn area. The maximum temperature Gila trout can withstand for a long period of time is 25oC. Therefore, high burn areas require stream-side tree regeneration to increase stream shading and lower water temperatures conducive for salmonid growth and well being. Products: Two annual reports were completed and delivered during the report period. Scientific presentations were given at the Arizona/New Mexico Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, the Native American Fish and Wildlife Association, and a Symposium on the Natural History of the Gila.

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Native Fish Community Restoration in

Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Management

Investigators Dr. David E. Cowley Barak Shemai (M.S.) Ryan McShane (M.S.) Project Supervisor Dr. David E. Cowley Funding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey, SSP Program Cooperators New Mexico Department of Game and

Fish, Fisheries Management Division

U.S.D.A. - Forest Service, Gila National Forest

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Turner Endangered Species Fund Ladder Ranch Objectives Cooperate in stream restoration activities on Las Animas Creek funded by NMDGF, USFWS, and TESF; Collect community level data prior to piscicide treatment, and collect comparable data on Jack’s Creek, another restored population in New Mexico; and Initiate development of guidelines for restoring a native fish community that includes Rio Grande sucker, Rio Grande Chub, and Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Location Las Animas Creek, Sierra County,

New Mexico Completion December 2006 Project Number NMCFWRU-085 (RWO #45)

Status Completed Progress and Results Isolated pools in intermittent streams of arid to semi-arid lands can function as important refugia for fishes during seasonal drought, but introduced species can negatively affect the ability of natives to survive in these habitat patches, complicating species conservation. We investigated interactions of introduced longfin dace (Agosia chrysogaster) with native Rio Grande sucker (Catostomus plebeius) and Rio Grande chub (Gila pandora) during summer intermittency in Las Animas Creek, New Mexico. Two 4-week experiments were conducted in pools isolated by dry streambed (A. chrysogaster with C. plebeius; A. chrysogaster with G. pandora). Four 3-m2 enclosures were erected in each of three isolated pools which served as experimental replicates. Each replicate comprised three treatment enclosures, each with an equivalent biomass of one (e.g., A. chrysogaster) or two species (e.g., A. chrysogaster and C. plebeius), and one control enclosure with no fish. Lengths and weights of fish were measured and benthic samples of invertebrates, periphyton and detritus were collected before and after each experiment. In single-species treatments A. chrysogaster had greater growth and survival than C. plebeius or G. pandora, and both native species suffered diminished biomass and elevated mortality in two-species treatments with A. chrysogaster, indicating severe competition. Changes in invertebrate species diversity, abundance and biomass, along with periphyton and detritus biomass, demonstrated broad resource overlap between A. chrysogaster and C. plebeius but more narrow between A. chrysogaster and G. pandora. The capacity for the isolated pools to function as refugia for the native fishes during stream intermittency appears to be altered by the introduced species. Successful restoration of the native fish assemblage in Las Animas Creek will likely require complete removal of A. chrysogaster. Products An oral presentation was given by R. McShane at a national conference. A Master’s thesis is being prepared by R. McShane.

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Physiological Stress Responses of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow to

Confinement, Handling and Transport Associated with Captive Propagation, Augmentation and Rescue

Investigators Dr. Colleen Caldwell Sung Jin Cho (M.S.) Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborators

Jim Brooks and Jason Remshardt, Fisheries Biologists, Fishery Resources Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Michael Hatch, Fisheries Biologist Ecological Services Field Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Funding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Ecological Services Field Office Fishery Resources Office

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Act Collaborative Program

Objectives Evaluate physiological responses of Rio Grande silvery minnow subjected to a range of rescue and recovery efforts using a suite of primary, secondary, and tertiary physiological stress indices; and

Determine tolerance limits under controlled conditions in laboratory and field settings. Location New Mexico State University and areas throughout the Middle Rio Grande Expected Completion December 2007

Project No. NMCFWRU-090

Status A systematic evaluation of the Rio Grande silvery minnow’s (RGSM) physiological responses to propagation, augmentation and rescue activities began in 2005. In 2006, research was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions at NMSU and in two field studies to characterize physiological responses to handling, confinement and transport (activities typical of propagation and augmentation procedures). A second year of funding was received by the MRG Collaborative Program to conduct additional field studies to identify the effects that intermittency has on wild RGSM populations within the Middle Rio Grande.

Progress and Results The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determined rescue of Rio Grande silvery minnow from intermittent and drying pools throughout the Isleta and San Acacia reaches in the middle Rio Grande a reasonable and prudent measure to minimize incidental take of the federally endangered fish. Protocol for rescue and transplant of the species was developed and implemented by the Service. This protocol required locating isolated pools, collection and transport of fish by bucket, amphibious vehicle, or distribution truck to optimal habitat of perennial flow. Additional information, however, was needed to determine the effects of capture and transport, as well as survival of RGSM after release to reaches of the MRG containing flowing water. We characterized the magnitude and duration of the physiological stress response and survival of RGSM subjected to standard collection and transport activities in a series of controlled experiments and within an intermittent reach (San Acacia) and a perennial reach (Isleta) of the MRG. We used a suite of primary (plasma cortisol), secondary (plasma glucose and osmolality) and tertiary indices (disease incidence) and compared these responses in wild RGSM to those obtained from hatchery-reared RGSM subjected to a similar suite of activities under controlled conditions. Physiological responses and survival obtained from the two field collections reflected the cumulative effects of intermittency, capture, and transport resulted in lower survival of RGSM than the cumulative effects of capture and transport in fish collected from perennial or flowing water. Fish subjected to periods of intermittency resulted in reduced mobilized levels of plasma glucose concentrations compared to fish from perennial waters. This may reflect lower overall glycogen stores and thus energy reserves in fish subjected to intermittency. In addition, RGSM from intermittent areas contained a virus (unidentified at the time of this report) as well as extensive opportunistic pathogens (i.e., Costia, Trycophyra, and Pseudomonad bacteria). Products Interim report to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

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Susceptibility of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout to Experimentally Induced Infection with Myxobolus cerebralis

Investigator Dr. Robert DuBey, Fisheries

Specialist and Project Coordinator

Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell

Funding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

National Partnership for the Management of Wild and Native Coldwater Fisheries, Whirling Disease Initiative-Montana State University

U.S.D.A.- Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

Objectives Determine susceptibility of Rio Grande cutthroat trout to Myxobolus cerebralis.

Location New Mexico State University

Completion December 2005


Status Completed

Progress and Results We evaluated the susceptibility of Rio Grande cutthroat trout (RGCT; Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) to infection by Myxobolus cerebralis in a laboratory experiment. In the same experiment, rainbow trout (RBT; O. mykiss) were similarly exposed to M. cerebralis as a reference of known sensitivity to the parasite. Treatments consisting of six parasite concentrations (0, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 triactinomyxons per fish; TAMs/fish) were randomized within a complete block design using RGCT and RBT fry beginning at 60 d post-hatch (600 degree-d at 10oC). The laboratory experiment was terminated at 130 d post-exposure (1900 degree-d at 10oC). Diagnostic metrics included clinical symptoms (behavioral and black-tail), survival, myxospore counts, histology, and a swimming stamina challenge. Clinical symptoms of whirling disease were observed within both species at 500 and 1000 TAMs/fish by 66 d post-exposure to the disease. Rio Grande cutthroat trout exhibited significantly reduced survival (55% cumulative mortality in 1000 TAMs/fish) and a pronounced concentration-response compared to RBT (8% cumulative mortality in 1000 TAMs/fish). Examination of cranial histological sections revealed greater disease severity in RGCT (3.20) than RBT (2.43) for 100 TAMs/fish but no different at 1000 TAMs/fish (4.15 and 4.12, respectively). Swimming performance revealed detectably lower critical swimming speed (Ucrit) in both RGCT and RBT in relation to increased parasite concentrations with RGCT exhibiting detectably lower critical swimming speeds compared to RBT with increased parasite concentration. Rio Grande cutthroat trout would experience population-level effects if M. cerebralis were to spread to areas at moderate levels supporting the fish species. Products Submission of research results to Transactions of the American Fisheries Society (in review) and presentations at the Annual Meeting for Whirling Disease sponsored by the Whirling Disease Initiative.

19

Southwest Regional Risk Assessment for Whirling Disease in Native Salmonids in Arid and Semi-arid Lands:

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming Investigator Dr. Robert DuBey, Fisheries Specialist

and Project Coordinator Scott Schrader, GIS Specialist Dr. Colleen Caldwell, USGS, New

Mexico CFWRU Dr. Dana Winkleman, USGS, Colorado

CFWRU Dr. Phaedra Budy, USGS, Utah CFWRU Dr. Scott Bonar, USGS, Arizona CFWRU

Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell

Funding U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Partnership for the Management

of Wild and Native Coldwater Fisheries, Whirling Disease Initiative-Montana State University

Objectives Identify management goals of the disease for each state cooperator (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah) and gather and integrate relevant and spatially explicit data sets from each state cooperator; Develop a conceptual model and identify sub-regions to create a spatially explicit regional map depicting disease sources, supporting habitat, and native species distribution within each sub-region; Develop a ranking scheme for exposure, establishment, and consequences for all model parameters within the sub-region; Calculate risk for each scenario for the sub-regions and evaluate the uncertainty and sensitivity of the models; and Communicate risk assessment results for disease exposure, establishment, and consequences of native salmonid populations to stakeholders.


Completion September 2008


Status This project was funded and initiated August 2006.

Progress and Results We are developing a spatially explicit risk assessment model as an adaptive management tool to assist state and federal agencies in the southwest region with formulating effective management strategies for whirling disease within native salmonid populations. The final model will document the extent, range, environmental and ecological factors related to whirling disease and guide management decisions to prevent its spread. This research will result in additional research related questions that will enhance our understanding of the nature of whirling disease and its ecological relationship within arid-lands systems and provide a framework for other systems with whirling disease, or, are attempting to prevent its entry. In addition, this work will identify environmental factors that affect incidence and infection levels and thus potential M. cerebralis infection rates not only within arid regions, but may also identify factors that may be relevant to other systems throughout the U.S. We have formulated management goals and are developing protocols and formats for data transfers from state and federal agencies.

20

Grazing Effects on Aquatic Habitat, Macroinvertebrates, and Fishes in Streams on the Valles Caldera National Preserve

Investigators Dr. Robert DuBey, Fisheries Specialist and Project Coordinator Mike Anderson (M.S.) Dr. Colleen Caldwell Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell Funding Valles Caldera National Trust U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station Objectives Characterize effects of grazing by livestock and elk (Cervus elaphus) by surveying benthic macroinvertebrate and fish communities and collecting physical and chemical information from aquatic habitat within two watersheds containing ungulate exclosures; Synthesize terrestrial insect and vegetation data within ungulate exclosures to characterize linkages to aquatic habitat and communities; and Survey fish communities to characterize the effects of wildfire. Location Valles Caldera National Preserve Expected Completion September 2009 Project No. NMCFWRU-98 (RWO#52)

Status Field collection of physical habitat fish assemblage, water quality, and macroinvertebrate samples were completed June and October 2004, 2005 and May 2006. Due to winter drought in 2005-2006, several treatment sites on Jaramillo Creek lacked sufficient flow in the spring collection to support either macroinvertebrate or fish populations and only habitat data was collected at those sites. Laboratory processing and analysis of samples has been completed for the collections. Mike Anderson joined the project this year to assist with overseeing data collection and analysis; additional objectives will be integrated in the project to assist Mike toward completion of his Masters of Science degree. Progress and Results Fish assemblage, physical habitat attributes, water quality and macroinvertebrates were collected October 2005 and May 2006 (fall and spring, respectively). Analysis of the data illustrates a study area that contains two distinct watersheds both biologically and geomorphologically that vary in water quality, macroinvertebrate and fish species compositions, and habitat conditions. The sites on the East Fork Jemez River and Jaramillo Creek supported native fish species considered as species at risk (Rio Grande sucker and Rio Grande chub) in 2004 and 2005 with viable populations of native longnosed dace and fathead minnow. In 2006, native fish communities were only found at the lower Jemez River site due to drought. Low densities of non-native brown trout were in the East Fork Jemez River while high densities of the species dominated in the San Antonio River. The salmonids had low relative weights (Wr index scores) indicating an insufficient food base to sustain salmonid populations in both watersheds. As the food base for trout includes both terrestrial and aquatic insects, further investigation of terrestrial inputs is warranted. All sites within both watersheds contained macroinvertebrate taxa that were intolerant of perturbed biotic conditions. Macroinvertebrate community analysis revealed generally higher scores at exclosures when compared to the open sites. These trends indicate improved benthic conditions within exclosure sites when ungulates were excluded. An additional objective was added to investigate the low Wr index scores exhibited by salmonids in the San Antonio River in May 2006. In June 2006, trout were sampled within the treatment sites of the San Antonio River to collect stomach contents to characterize their food preference. These samples have been processed and analysis will be completed in October 2006. Terrestrial insect surveys, terrestrial vegetation transect surveys, and grazing level surveys are ongoing. Pre-treatment fish surveys were conducted in May and October 2005 and post-treatment surveys in May 2006 in the Valle Toledo to characterize the effects of high mountain meadow fire treatments on the aquatic communities. Preliminary analysis of the survey data indicate that the fire treatment in November 2005 had no detectable effect on the fish community. Products Preliminary progress report delivered to VCNP and USDA partner.

21

22

Terrestrial Research

Identification of Factors Limiting Mule Deer Populations and Development of Corrective Management Strategies Along the

Upper Santa Fe Trail, New Mexico

Investigators Dr. Louis Bender Jason Browning Laurie Lomas (M.S.)

Project Supervisor Dr. Louis Bender

Collaborators Dr. T. Messmer, Utah State University Dr. R. Valdez, Fishery and Wildlife

Sciences, New Mexico State University

Funding U.S. Geological Survey New Mexico Department of Game and

Fish Mule Deer Foundation National Rifle Association Santa Fe Trail Mule Deer Adaptive

Management Project (STAMP)

Objectives Determine deer habitat use patterns and identify key habitat features; Determine deer distribution patterns in relation to land management practices and competing herbivores; Determine deer condition and its influence on pregnancy, fawn production, and survival; Determine range production and quality of preferred forage and relationships to deer condition and productivity; Determine deer, elk, and livestock numbers and densities relative to habitat capability; Determine past and current landscape composition, and current and future habitat potential of the study area to support deer, elk and livestock; Identify and implement management strategies to optimize production of livestock and wildlife, with a mule deer emphasis; and Monitor wildlife, livestock, and range trends in response to experimental management.

Location Colfax County, New Mexico Expected Completion: December 2009 Project No. NMCFWRU-078 (RWO #42)

Status Adult mule deer does were captured, radio-collared, and body condition determined December and April, 2001-2004. Monitoring survival, movement and condition of does continues. Mule deer fawns were captured and radio-collared July-August 2002-2004. Baseline vegetation data collection began August 2002 and continues. Collection of fecal samples to determine deer seasonal dietary quality was initiated in summer May 2002 and continues. Hunt monitoring was initiated September 2001 and continues. Development of management plans for cooperator properties was initiated in August 2006 and continues. Pretreatment sampling of vegetation treatments began in January 2006 and continues.

Progress and Results We found adult female survival of 0.63 (SE = 0.08)–0.91 (SE = 0.04), 2002–2004. Starvation was the most common cause of mortality, accounting for 11/23 mortalities. Mean ingesta-free body fat (IFBF) levels of adult females in December were low (6–9%) despite few (0–13%) lactating adult females, indicative of extremely nutritionally deficient summer–autumn ranges. A priori levels of IFBF and rump body condition scores (rBCS) were higher in deer that survived the following year regardless of cause of mortality. Logistical analysis indicated that models containing individual body fat, rBCS, mean population body fat, winter precipitation, precipitation during mid-late gestation, and total annual precipitation were related to deer survival, with individual IFBF (Beta = –0.47 [SE = 0.21]; odds ratio = 0.63 [0.42-0.94]) and population mean IFBF (Beta = –1.94 [SE = 0.68]; odds ratios = 0.14 [0.04-0.54]) the best predictors; with either variable, probability of dying decreased as fat levels increased. Fawn production was low (2–29 fawns/100 adult females), and combined with adult survival resulted in estimated population rates-of-increase of –35%, –5%, and +6% for 2002–2004, respectively. Because productivity of mule deer was closely linked to individual nutritional condition, we modeled body fat of individual does as a function of characteristics of their annual, summer, and winter home ranges. Levels of body fat individual deer were able to accrue were most closely and negatively related to the amount of pinyon-juniper in their home ranges (F1,21 = 7.8; P = 0.011; r2 = 0.27). Pinyon-juniper types provided little (combined ground cover of preferred forbs and shrubs = 5.7%) mule deer forage, but were included in home ranges in excess of their availability on the landscape, likely because of security cover attributes. Deer survival and population performance were limited in northcentral New Mexico due to poor condition of deer, likely a result of limited food resulting from both drought and long-term changes in plant communities. Precipitation during mid-late gestation was also important for adult female survival in northcentral New Mexico. Most immediate gains in mule deer habitat can be attained by management of pinyon-juniper communities to increase forage quantity and quality, while maintaining cover attributes. Products Research resulted in peer-refereed publications which are in press (Lomas and Bender (2007), Bender et al. (2007; Journal of Wildlife Management 71) and Bender et al. (2007; Range Ecology and Management 60), and a Masters Thesis (L. Lomas).

23

Distribution, Population Dynamics, and Herbivory Impacts of a Pioneering Elk Herd on

Chaco Culture National Historic Park Investigators Dr. Louis Bender Jessica Piasecke (M.S.) Tomas Kamienski


Collaborators Dr. Phil Gipson, U.S. Geological

Survey Brad Shattuck, U.S. National Park

Service

Funding U.S. National Park Service

Objectives Determine current elk population size, trend, and productivity; Determine elk condition and contrast elk condition of Chaco Culture National Historic Park (CCNHP) elk with condition of other elk populations in western North America; Predict elk population growth potential; Determine elk habitat use patterns and identify foraging habitats; Determine levels of elk use of desert grassland and riparian forage species; and

Identify management strategies to optimize CCNHP objectives with respect to elk numbers and vegetation impacts.

Location Chaco Culture National Historic Park,

New Mexico

Expected Completion December 2007

Project No. NMCFWRU-087 (RWO #47)

Status Elk were captured, radio-collared, and evaluated for physiological condition each April and November 2003–2006. Elk have been monitored monthly for movements, home ranges, behavior, and survival. Calf elk were captured and radio-tagged June–July 2004 and 2005. Vegetation surveys, grazing surveys, browse surveys, and pellet group surveys were completed, summer 2004-2006. Fecal samples for diet composition and diet quality analysis were collected beginning June 2004.

Progress and Results Since colonization, elk have increased from approximately 20 to > 53 in December 2005, an average annual rate of increase of approximately 18%/year. For 2003–2005, adult cow survival was 0.94–1.00; survival of radio-collared calves was 1.00. Based on pregnancy and lactation rates, pooled calf survival for 2003–2005 was 0.86. All of these survival rates were comparable to the highest documented for elk. Pregnancy rates of > 2.5 year-old cows were 0.69–1.00 and pregnancy rates for yearling cows were 0.00–0.50, 2003–2005, respectively. Calf/cow ratios in November were 55/100 and 44/100 for 2004–2005, respectively, indicating high calf production for 2004 and moderate for 2005. Fat levels of lactating cows in late autumn (November) were 10.6%–13.2% in 2003–2004, but dropped to 5.6% in 2005. Expressed as a percent of potential ecological carry capacity (ECC), elk were at 20% and 51% in 2003 and 2004, but severe habitat declines resulted in the elk population moving to 95% of ECC in 2005. Reasons for the severe decrease in ECC of the CCNHP area in 2005 may reflect patterns in precipitation. Accretion of body fat in elk was positively affected by the amount of Low Sagebrush Shrublands and Mixed Salt Desert Scrub habitat types in their home range. Mean 95% MCP home range size for adult cows was 56–100 km2. The total elk use area around CCNHP was 308.4 km2. Elk used pinyon-juniper habitat types to a greater degree than they were available in the CCNHP area, likely for security cover. Elk feeding sites had greater cover of shrub (23% v. 11%) and grass/forb (25% v. 11%) components than bedding sites, whereas bedding sites had higher overstory cover (46% v. 4%) than did bedding sites. Bedding sites were most commonly under pinyon/juniper trees (37%) or rock overhangs and caves (25%). Browse utilization was < 25% for both key species (willow and saltbush), rates much lower than observed in other National Parks (> 70–90%) and well below maximum levels of sustainability (50–60%). Both elk and mule deer relative use was related to observed levels of browse utilization. However, in both 2004 (21%) and 2005 (63%) mule deer use accounted for the majority of the variation in use of browse in CCNHP, indicating the mule deer use was primarily responsible for observed levels of browsing. Products M.S. Thesis (J. Piasecke).

24

Determining Population Status, Trends, and Critical Habitats of Black Bears in Rocky Mountain National Park

Nutritional Influences on Black Bear Condition, Survival and

Productivity in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Investigators Dr. Louis Bender Roger Baldwin (Ph.D.)


Collaborators Dr. Andres Cibils, Animal and Range


Dr. Terry Terrell, U.S. National Park Service

Funding U.S. National Park Service

Objectives Determine minimum number of bears in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) by individual identification through camera-trapping and associated sign (track characteristics);

Estimate black bear population size using multiple mark/resight models;

Determine trends in black bear numbers using sign surveys;

Determine habitat correlates with bear locations at both local and landscape levels and identify critical habitats in RMNP;

Determine nutritional influences on black bear survival and productivity in RMNP; and

Identify food habits and critical foraging habitats of black bears in RMNP.

Location Rocky Mountain National Park,

Colorado

Expected Completion June 2007

Project No. NMCFWRU-088 and 092

Status Capture of bears was initiated June 2003 and bears have been monitored for movements and survival since 2003. Focal animal sampling has been used to determine habitat use of individual bears, especially preferred foraging habitats. Fecal samples have also been collected since summer-fall 2003 to determine food habits of bears. Den checks were initiated in winter 2003-4 and 2004-5 to determine body condition, morphology, and productivity of bears in RMNP. Population estimation using photographic mark/resight methods (“camera traps”) was conducted in September 2004–2006. All project activities continue.

Progress and Results Body mass at capture of bears ranged from 36–104 kg. Body mass was low for adult males but was similar for other sex and age classes when compared to similar localities. Body condition estimates indicated that bears entered dens in good condition but lost substantial fat and total body mass throughout the hibernating period. One subadult male and subadult female were harvested by hunters outside of RMNP in autumn 2004 and 2005, respectively. Survival rates for all cohorts combined were 1.000 (SE = 0.000) for June–December 2003; 0.833 (SE = 0.138) for January–December 2004; 0.875 (SE = 0.110) for January–December 2005; and 1.000 (SE = 0.000) for January–May 2006. Survival rates for subadult females were 1.000 (SE = 0.000) for June–December 2003; 0.833 (SE = 0.138) for January–December 2004; 0.667 (SE = 0.221) for January–December 2005; and 1.000 (SE = 0.000) for January–May 2006. Mean age of primiparity (6.3), interbirth interval (2.5), litter size (1.45), natality (0.58), and cub survival (36.7%) were among the lowest recorded for black bear populations. Relating these values to subadult female survival suggests RMNP’s bear population requires immigration of bears from lower elevation areas for maintenance. Camera trapping with passive infrared camera sets resulted in the identification of 7–8 additional bears (4 west of the continental divide, 3–4 east). These additional “captures” combined with the 12 captured bears likely represent most of the total bear population in RMNP. Sizes of bear home ranges ranged from 5.5–167.3 km2. Mean home range size of sows was 24.2 (SE = 8) km2 in 2004 and 59.7 (SE = 11) km2 in 2005, while boars averaged 71.9 (SE = 1) km2 and 129.5 (SE = 55) km2 in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Duration of denning varied; males and adults denned for shorter periods than females and subadults. The majority of den sites were found in lodgepole pine and spruce/fir forests at relatively high elevations (2,800–3,400 m). Onset of denning was later in 2004, likely due to increased food abundance that summer/autumn.

25

Ecology of Mountain Lions in a Priority Recovery Area for the Endangered Desert Bighorn Sheep: San Andres National Wildlife Refuge

Determining Food Habits of Mountain Lions in a Priority Recovery Area for

the State-endangered Desert Bighorn Sheep Investigator Dr. Louis Bender


Collaborators Mara Weisenberger, San Andres

National Wildlife Refuge (SANWR)

Kevin Cobble, San Andres National Wildlife Refuge

Funding U.S. Geological Survey U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Objectives Determine mountain lion population size, trends, and demographics; Determine home range size, location, and movement patterns of mountain lions; Determine habitat selection and use of mountain lions; Determine prey selection and food habits of mountain lions; and Determine population trends and distribution of prey on SANWR.

Location San Andres National Wildlife Refuge


Project No. NMCFWRU-089 (RWO#48) NMCFWRU-100 (RWO#54)

Status Fecal samples from mountain lions collected since 2000 are currently being cleaned and analyzed for prey remains. Lion capture was initiated in 2004 and continues. Currently, two lions are radio-collared and field surveys indicate that these may be the only lions currently present in the northern portion of SANWR. Camera-trapping for lion and prey abundance estimation was initiated Fall 2006. Mule deer sightability surveys will begin Winter 2006-7. Habitat suitability modeling of SANWR for desert bighorn was initiated August 2006. Evaluation of habitat management prescriptions (burns, thins) began Summer 2006.

Progress and Results Ninety-one lion scat samples have been analyzed to date. Preliminary results indicate that lagomorph (27%), small mammal (21%), mule deer (16%), oryx (16%), skunk (11%), and pronghorn (2%) remains were present in lion scat samples. Lion remains were also found in 1% of samples. Analysis of 33 coyote samples found vegetation (55%), oryx (21%), rodents (15%), and insects (9%) remains present in scat samples. Radio-collared mountain lions were recaptured April 2006 and VHF collars were switched to GPS. Analysis of radio-collared lion movement indicates large home ranges, including portions of SANWR, White Sands Missile Range, and the Jornada Experiment Station. Body condition of captured lions was moderate based on length-girth relationships. Initial habitat modeling will be completed December 2006. Analysis of vegetation transects is currently ongoing. Products Research resulted in peer-refereed publication (Bender and Weisenberger 2005).

26

Determination of Foraging Ecology and Habitat Capability - Animal Density Relations of Sympatric Elk

and Cattle on Lincoln National Forest Investigators Dr. Louis Bender Heather Halbritter (M.S.) Jessica Piasecke (M.S.) Tomas Kamienski


Collaborators Danny Salas, Lincoln National

Forest Steve Kohlman, New Mexico

Department of Game and Fish Darrel Weybright, New Mexico

Department of Game and Fish

Funding U.S. Forest Service New Mexico Department of Game

and Fish

Objectives Determine elk habitat use patterns and identify key habitat features; Determine elk distribution patterns in relation to land management practices and other herbivores; Determine elk condition and its influence on pregnancy, calf production, and survival; Contrast elk condition on LNF with other elk populations in North America; Determine range production and quality of preferred forage and their relations to elk condition and productivity; Determine elk and cattle numbers and densities relative to habitat capability/dietary quality; Determine current and future habitat potential of the study area to support elk and cattle at a given level of population production; and Identify management strategies to optimize production of sympatric elk and cattle.

Location Lincoln National Forest (LNF)


Status A total of 64 individual cow elk were captured > 1 time (133 total captures), radio-collared, and assessed for physiological condition using ultasonography, December 2003–April 2006. Elk have subsequently been monitored for movements, habitat use, and behavior. Observations of other large herbivores (deer, cattle) have been collected beginning May 2004. Fecal samples of elk, deer, and cattle have been collected beginning May 2004. Vegetation composition and use surveys were initiated in October 2004. All project activities continue.

Progress and Results Fat levels of lactating cow elk in late-autumn were 8.9–11.8%, indicating that the elk population on LNF ranged from 50–77% of ecological carrying capacity (ECC) during this project. Geographic distribution of elk and cattle differed in 2004 and 2005, as did relative use of key cover types. Annual relative use of key cover types in LNF by elk was: mountain meadow > thinned conifer > aspen. For cattle, mountain meadow > thinned conifer = aspen. For mule deer, thinned conifer > aspen = mountain meadow. Relative use of large burns (Scott Able and Harvey Ranch) was generally equal to or greater than use of non-burned vegetation cover types for mule deer and cattle. Elk use of large burns was comparable to use of mountain meadow or thinned conifer types. Spring-autumn relative use of key cover types by elk was: mountain meadow > thinned conifer. For cattle, mountain meadow > thinned conifer. Significant variation occurred in both elk (range 0–86 pellet groups/stand) and cattle (range: 0–34 pellet groups/stand) use of mountain meadow and thinned conifer (elk: 0–22 groups/stand; cattle: 0–13 groups/stand), indicating that use by each herbivore varies greatly within key habitat types. Use of palatable browse species (mountain spray, aspen, mountain maple, chokecherry, and snowberry) was relatively high in both aspen (45–88%) and thinned conifer (20–72%) cover types. Palatable browse species were rare in large burns. Combined elk, cattle, and deer use of key browse species accounted for 61% of browse use in burns and 10% of browse use in thinned conifer stands. Elk were responsible for the majority of use (45% and 6% for burns and thinned conifer, respectively). Grazing survey data indicated that most grasses were used less than maximum sustainable levels in LNF, with the exception of Kentucky bluegrass in 2005. Total combined use of Kentucky bluegrass by elk, cattle, and deer accounted for 33% of the variation in residual biomass of Kentucky bluegrass. Cattle accounted for the majority of use (22% of the variance), while elk (8%) and deer (3%) use was also significant. However, > 67% of the variance in residual biomass of grasses was not immediately attributable to large herbivore grazing in 2004 and 2005. Products M.S. Thesis (J. Piasecke)

27

Invasive Species in Big Bend National Park: Identification and Verification Using Remote Sensed Data

Investigators Kendal E. Young, Wildlife Specialist Scott Schrader, Imagery Specialist Dr. Gary Roemer, Fishery and

Wildlife Sciences, NMSU Project Supervisors Dr. Gary Roemer, Fishery and

Wildlife Sciences Dr. Colleen Caldwell Kendal E. Young Collaborators Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin, NMSU-

NMCFWRU Dr. Hildy Reiser, National Park

Service Funding U.S. Geological Survey- National Park

Monitoring Project Objectives Create spatially explicit models of invasive species predicted distributions using remotely sensed data and GIS; Test the efficacy of spatially explicit models by verifying and quantifying the accuracy of the predicted habitat distributions with actual occurrence based on historic data; Develop a field sampling protocol that will be used to efficiently assess areas for invasive species occurrence, and that will lend itself to adaptive management of invasive species threats to the Park’s biological integrity; Identify distribution vectors and pathways for the selected invasive species; and Conduct a regional assessment of risks posed by invasive species to the Park’s biodiversity based on above analysis. Location Big Bend National Park, Southwestern

Texas Expected Completion November 2006 Project No. NMCFWRU-099 (RWO#53)

Status Research will be completed November 2006. Progress and Results Target invasive plant species have been identified in Big Bend National Park. Eight target invasive species were selected: giant reed, Bermuda grass, Lehmann lovegrass, horehound, buffelgrass, Russian thistle, Johnson grass, and saltcedar. Field sampling identified additional populations of target species. A literature review was conducted on each targeted species to determine variables that could be used for modeling habitats and for identifying vectors and pathways. Predicted habitat distribution models were constructed for each invasive plant species. Distribution models were constructed using multitemporal Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) imagery and GIS layers of soils, and hydrology. Known species locations, predicted potential habitat, and modeled vectors and pathways were used for risk analyses across the Park for each species and for all target plants. Current work focuses on completing final report. Products Project investigators are collaborating with the USGS and NPS in the development of a handbook for the early detection of invasive plants. Project investigators authored the remote sensing strategies chapter for this handbook and have participated in frequent conference calls related to handbook development. Presentations were given to the Wildlife Society, Natural Areas Conference, and a guest lecture to Geography Graduate Students on the application of remotely sensed data for early detection of invasive plants. A news article on the project was produced for The Chihuahuan Desert Discovery Magazine (Vol 52, Spring 2006).

28

Identification of Animal Individuals and Species Using Gas Chromatography of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Scat Samples

Investigators Eric Burnham (M.S.) Dr. Gary Eiceman, New Mexico State

University Dr. Louis Bender

Project Supervisor Dr. Gary Eiceman

Funding U.S. Geological Survey New Mexico State University

Objectives Evaluate efficiency of a short, fast, polar gas chromatograph column in analysis of odorants; Determine whether SPME fiber sampling yields consistent results in chemical detection; Determine effects of weathering and moisture on scat samples; Test the ability to distinguish between closely related canid species using GC analysis of scat odorants; and Test the ability to differentiate individuals within a species from GC analysis of scat odorants.


Expected Completion Completed

Project No. N/A

Status Scat samples from 5 canid species (grey fox, swift fox, red fox, coyote, and domestic dog) and black bear have been collected from numerous captive and wild populations. Setup and calibration of GC equipment has been completed. Optimal exposure times for SPME saturation to detect target chemicals have been determined. Analysis of aging and exposure effects on canid scat samples has been completed.

Progress and Results Identification of wild animal species in the field is a critical part of wildlife management. Examples include studies of biodiversity and endangered species. Such information is expensive and often has high rates of error. We used a common analytical chemistry technology to identify five species of North American canids (coyote, domestic dog, gray fox, swift fox, red fox) using 32 scats from individuals. Scat volatile organics were analyzed with solid phase micro-extraction fibers (SPME) and captured using a gas chromatograph with flame-ionization detector (GC-FID). We used discriminate functions analysis (DFA) with bootstrapping to develop models for differentiating species. DFA resulted in 88.8% (95% CI = 60.7–100%) successful classification for all species. Coyote scats were the most frequently misclassified (26.7% of all misclassifications), and mis-classified scats were most commonly mistakenly attributed to swift foxes (45.0% of all mis-classified scats). The technique was less expensive and of comparable accuracy when compared to other commonly applied identification methods including DNA analysis and scent dogs. We also evaluated aging and desiccation effects on scats to determine whether or not information is quickly lost. Chemicals remained in detectable abundances 3 weeks after deposit, or 3 days after a moisturizing event. We conclude that scats may remain viable sources of information up to 3 weeks after deposit or 3 days since moisturizing. However, certain chemicals can be used as indicators of age up to 36 hours (decane) and 3 weeks with periodic moisture addition (decanal and 2 unidentified chemicals), as well as days since saturation (decanal and 1 unknown chemical). Moisturizing a dry scat may increase the abundance of some chemicals even when it is very old. Products M.S. Thesis (E. Burnham)

29

Habitat Use, Individual Performance, and Population Performance of

Wild Ungulates Relative to Population Structure and Domestic Ungulate Habitat Use

Investigators Dr. Jon Boren, Cooperative Extension Dr. Louis Bender Shad Cox, Corona Range and Livestock Research Center Tomas Kamienski (M.S.)

Project Supervisor Dr. Jon Boren

Collaborators Dr. Andres Cibils, Department of Range

Sciences, NMSU Dr. Derek Bailey, Department of Range

Sciences, NMSU

Funding Skeen Institute Corona Range and Livestock Research

Center

Objectives Determine effects of land management practices on condition and productivity of wild ungulates; Determine effects of fine (hourly, daily) and coarse (seasonal, annual) scale livestock use patterns on distribution of mule deer and pronghorn at both fine and coarse temporal scales; Determine productivity, survival, and cause-specific mortality patterns of mule deer and pronghorn and how these are affected by individual condition and animal distribution;. Determine population composition and population size of mule deer and pronghorn and relate these to individual animal performance; Evaluate current and alternative population management programs for mule deer and pronghorn to assess affects on population performance and economic returns;. Define effective habitat and livestock management schemes for maximizing individual deer and pronghorn performance and consequently population production. Location Corona Range and Livestock Research

Center, Corona, NM Expected Completion December 2010

Status A total of 25 mule deer and 25 pronghorn were captured, radio-collared, and assessed for physiological condition using ultasonography December 2005. Deer and pronghorn have subsequently been monitored for movements, habitat use, and behavior. Aerial sightability and composition surveys of deer and pronghorn were conducted in April 2005-2006. Vegetation composition and use surveys were initiated in Summer 2006. Hunt monitoring has been continuous throughout the history of CRLRC. All project activities continue.

Progress and Results Aerial surveys indicated mule deer densities of 12–13 deer/mile2 in April 2005, higher than other population in New Mexico where comparable data is available (5-7 deer/mile2). Survey data indicated that the mule deer population declined approximately 26% from April 2005 to April 2006. Further, evidence indicates that age structure of the doe population is old; of 15 mule deer does captured during December 2005, four were aged by tooth wear as >10 years despite efforts to avoid deer that appeared aged (i.e., substantial grey/white in pelage, emaciated). Pronghorn populations were more stable than mule deer; minimum counts were 136 and 126 in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Adult mule deer females were in poor condition on CRLRC; lactating does averaged only 5.1% ingesta-free body fat (IFBF; all does combined = 6.9%) and only 5/15 had measurable subcutaneous fat. Bucks were able to accrue significantly more subcutaneous fat than does; based on rBCS scores, fat levels in bucks averaged 8.8% IFBF. Pronghorns showed significantly less sexual dimorphism in any condition or size measures than did mule deer. In general, buck pronghorn had slightly greater amounts of subcutaneous rump fat, had thicker loin muscles, and higher rBCS scores than did does. Comparative data on pronghorn condition are not available to place condition levels at CRLRC in perspective. Survival of both mule deer and pronghorn does (0.47 and 0.64, respectively) was extremely low, while buck survival (0.75 and 0.89, respectively) was good. Little or no precipitation during mid-late gestation resulted in high early mortality due to malnutrition for mule deer, a pattern seen previously in north-central New Mexico (see STAMP summary). Pronghorn died primarily from disease, likely enterotoxemia associated with the June green-up and later likely toxic effects of certain forages (analysis pending).

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Identification of Factors Limiting Mule Deer on White Sands Missile Range-San Andres National Wildlife Refuge with Emphasis on Effects of and Risks

Associated with Chronic Wasting Disease Investigators Dr. Louis Bender Brock Hoenes (M.S.) Cristina Rodden


Collaborators Patrick Morrow, White Sands Missile Range Mara Weisenberger, San Andres National

Wildlife Refuge Kevin Cobble, San Andres National Wildlife

Refuge Jack Barnitz, Bureau of Land Management Barry Hale, New Mexico Department of Game

and Fish Pat Mathis, New Mexico Department of Game

and Fish

Funding U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Bureau of Land Management New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Objectives Determine prevalence of chronic wasting disease (WD) in mule deer in the San Andres Mountains (SAM); Determine survival and cause-specific mortality of mule deer in the SAM; Determine mule deer health and condition and their influence on pregnancy, fawn production, and survival; Determine production and survival of fawns in the SAM; Determine movement patterns and population exchange of mule deer in the SAM; Determine past and current habitat characteristics in terms of the ability of the landscape to support mule deer; Determine whether occurrence of CWD is localized or generalized in the SAM; Evaluate habitat characteristics associated with occurrence of CWD and determine whether habitat manipulations can be used to discourage deer use of affected areas; and Evaluate effectiveness of NMDGF control measures on preventing spread of CWD from the SAM.

Location San Andres and Organ Mountains, New

Mexico

Expected Completion June 2011

Project No. NMCFWRU-095 (RWO 51 & others)

Status A total of 255 mule deer (114 individual does and 64 individual bucks handled ≥ 1 time; 127 [39 bucks; 88 does] radio-collared) were captured, assessed for physiological condition, and tested for CWD by tonsilar biopsy, December 2003–April 2006, inclusive. Monitoring of mule deer movements and survival was initiated December 2003. Analysis of vegetation in the study area was initiated October 2004. All activities continue.

Progress and Results Levels of ingesta-free body fat (IFBF) of lactating does in December, 2003–2005, were < 7%, indicative of deficient summer–autumn ranges throughout the San Andres Mountains area (SAM). IFBF levels for bucks in December ranged from 11–15%, indicating that bucks were acquiring relatively higher quality diets than were does. Adult female survival was 0.84–0.86 annually. Adult male survival was 0.84–0.91 annually. Causes of mortality for does (19) and bucks (7) combined included: predation (9), non-human accidents (3), human-accident (1), malnutrition (3), disease (pneumonia; 2), and unknown (7); and unknown (no predator) (3). Survival rates for both bucks and does were relatively high for mule deer. Pregnancy rates of does in the SAM were 0.85, 1.00, and 0.93, 2004, 2005, 2006, respectively. We captured and radio-collared 17 fawns and located one stillborn during parturition in 2005. Mean parturition date in 2005 was 7 July with an average birth mass of 4.6 lbs. Mean birth weights in the SAM were lower than any reported in the existing literature. Mean birth weights of twins (4.2 lbs) and singletons (4.9 lbs) did not differ, but males (5.7 lbs) were significantly heavier than females (4.1 lbs). Pre-weaning fawn survival was 0.43 in 2005. Changes in fawn/doe ratios estimated post-weaning fawn survival at 0.68 in 2004 and 1.0 in 2005. Lactating mule deer does in the SAM accrued ≤ 6.8% body fat in all years, indicating that foraging environments were deficient in meeting the demands of gestation and lactation. Vegetation surveys found high quality mule deer forages were scarce; forbs accounted for ≤ 3.8% total plant cover in all but mesquite shrubland and sandsage shrubland habitat types (5.8% in both). Key mule deer browse species were found in all habitat types, but only grama grasslands, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and oak-mountain mahogany woodlands had > 2 species. Densities of woody species in these two woodland habitat types and average height of key browse species suggests these stands were late successional, limiting their quality for mule deer. Repeated seasonal sampling of mule deer in the SAM for CWD has shown incidence levels of 0.000, 0.000, 0.056, 0.091, and 0.036, 2003–2005; incidence did not differ statistically among captures for a pooled mean of 0.041 which did not differ between males (0.027) or females (0.060). No mortality of radio-collared deer have been diagnosed with CWD. Incidence levels indicate a maximum potential mortality effect from CWD of 0–9% per year, with effect most likely in the 2–4% range. Current mortality rates of radio-collared mule deer in the SAM were ≤ 16%, indicating a low potential effect of CWD on population-level mortality. Geographic analysis of CWD-positive deer indicates 2 potential foci (Dripping Springs and Main Post) although CWD-positive deer range the length of the San Andres.

Integrated Research

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Source, Transport, and Fate of Mercury in South Central New Mexico

Project Supervisor and Primary Investigator Dr. Colleen A. Caldwell

Funding U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Frontier Geosciences, Inc. T&E, Inc. New Mexico Water Resources

Research Institute U.S. Geological Survey Objective Determine mercury concentrations in wet deposition. Location Caballo Reservoir (Sierra County,

New Mexico)



Status Weekly sample collections for mercury in wet deposition began May 1997 and will continue through December 2007.

Progress and Results Collection and analysis of mercury in wet deposition has been standardized and incorporated into a nationwide survey to develop a national database for mercury concentrations in wet precipitation. The study site at Caballo Reservoir represents the only site in the southwest measuring mercury concentrations in episodic rain events. Throughout eight years of monitoring mercury in weekly rain events (1997-2006), the site in southcentral New Mexico consistently exhibited the highest annual concentrations of mercury (average 23.8 ng/L; range 1.0 – 276.4 ng/L, n=150) compared to the median concentration of 9.7 ng/L across the entire MDN program (1996 - 2005). Yet, the site received an annual average of 19.55 cm of rainfall resulting in the site with the lowest annual depositions of mercury (4.7 µg/m2) in the MDN program (average 10 µg/m2). Mercury in wet deposition in New Mexico appears to be seasonal with elevated concentrations during the warmer months when rainfall is greater with a general trend of elevated mercury concentrations in low precipitation events. Products Continued weekly monitoring of the site which results in an annual contribution of mercury in deposition to the MDN program database. This is available to the public for review at: http://www.frontiergeosciences.com/MDN_Data/MDNsites03a.pdf

A portion of the monitoring results were published in peer refereed journal (see Caldwell et al. 2006).

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New Mexico Ecoregional Mapping and Modeling in the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project

Investigators Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin, Project Coordinator Scott Schrader, Imagery Analyst Andrea Ernst, Regional Stewardship Coordinator Suzi Propeck-Gray (M.S.) Jennifer Puttere, Technician Veronica Lopez, Specialist

Tomas Kamienski, Student Employee Zachary Schwenke, Student Employee Nikhil Balachandran, Graduate Assistant Mahitha Prasad, Graduate Assistant Project Supervisors Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Dr. Gary Roemer, Fishery and Wildlife Sciences Dr. Colleen Caldwell Funding Source U.S. Geological Survey Objectives Develop a regional multi-institutional cooperative project; Map existing land cover of the 5 state southwest region; Produce maps of predicted distributions of indigenous vertebrates; Map ownership of public lands and private conservation lands; Categorize lands according to national management status; Produce a database of statistics; Collaborate in writing regional reports; Collaborate in long-term institutional framework to maintain and update regional and state information; and maintain region-wide World Wide Web pages, FTP site and Listserv. Location Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah Expected Completion September 2005


Status Completed. Final report and datasets are in USGS review process. All deliverables (reports and datasets) have been provided to U.S. Geological Survey.

Progress and Results The Southwest Regional Gap Analysis was a multi-state and multi-cooperator project including the states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Regional datasets were completed including a 125-class land cover dataset, 819 terrestrial vertebrate habitat models, land stewardship, land management status, and the resultant gap analyses statistics. The New Mexico project completed land cover mapping within the area of responsibility for the New Mexico project and facilitated the creation of a a seamless 5-state dataset with 125 land cover classes including 109 ecological systems. The remaining 16 classes represent national land cover data classes and disturbance classes. The New Mexico Project provided regional animal habitat modeling coordination including 1) deriving habitat modeling protocols, 2) creating a database to facilitate association compilation, expert review and modification, and potential end user application; 3) creating and modifying habitat models for 381 species in which the New Mexico project is responsible; 4) conducting expert review; and 5) assessing regional accuracy of all completed models. The New Mexico project was also the regional land stewardship laboratory with completion of a consistent regional land stewardship and management status dataset. The New Mexico project completed the gap analysis statistics for the regional project. This includes the region-wide gap analyses, analyses for each of the five individual states, and a gap analyses for the Colorado Plateau. Products Datasets are considered “Provisional Final” until USGS review is completed. Products completed for the regional effort include: 1) regional land cover dataset, 2) habitat modeling protocol for the region, 3) a habitat modeling database, 4) habitat models for 819 terrestrial vertebrate species, 5) land stewardship dataset, and 6) gap analyses. The New Mexico project maintains the main web page and listserv communications for the entire region. Presentations were given to diverse cooperators including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management.

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Technical Assistance

New Mexico Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy

Investigators Kendal E. Young, Wildlife

Specialist Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin,

Wildlife Specialist Project Supervisors Kendal E. Young, Wildlife

Specialist Collaborators Center for Applied Spatial

Ecology (CASE) New Mexico Department of

Game and Fish Funding New Mexico Department of

Game and Fish. Objectives Provide expertise and technical assistance to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to assist with completing the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for New Mexico that includes the eight elements required by congress and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for compliance with the State Wildlife Grant program. Location New Mexico Expected Completion February 2006


Status Completed. The Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) for New Mexico was completed and submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service September 2005. The Strategy received approval and final revisions to the document were completed February 2006. Progress and Results

New Mexico needed to develop and submit a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) that addressed 8 essential elements to maintain eligibility for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program funding.

The CWCS for New Mexico discusses the distribution and abundance of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), describes key wildlife habitats, and factors that may influence species and habitats. The CWCS also outlines information gaps, research, survey, and monitoring needs, and conservation actions to overcome challenges affecting the conservation of species and their habitats. The overriding desired outcome is that New Mexico’s key habitats persist in the condition, connectivity, and quantity necessary to sustain viable and resilient populations of resident SGCN and host a variety of land uses with reduced resource use conflicts.

New Mexico has 452 vertebrate, molluscs, and arthropod considered SGCN. The greatest diversities of terrestrial SGCN are predicted to occur in the Apache Highlands, Arizona-New Mexico Mountains, and Chihuahuan Desert Ecoregions. The greatest diversities of aquatic SGCN are predicted to occur in the Pecos, Rio Grande, and Gila Watersheds.

The most significant factors affecting the persistence of SGCN statewide are those that cause habitat conversion, loss, and degradation. Ephemeral natural catchments, perennial marsh/cienega/ spring/seeps, and riparian habitats may be at a higher risk of alteration by multiple factors than other habitat types in New Mexico. The Chihuahuan Desert, Arizona-New Mexico Mountains, and Southern Shortgrass Prairie Ecoregions have been subjected to significant habitat alterations as the result of off-road vehicle and other recreational uses and military activities.

Key areas upon which to focus conservation efforts in New Mexico may include riparian and aquatic habitats throughout the state, areas in the “boot heel” region of southwestern New Mexico extending northward into the Madrean habitats, and areas of the shortgrass prairie and western mountain ranges where they converge with Chihuahuan Desert and Pecos River habitats. These areas contain key habitats, have a high diversity of SGCN, are subjected to a moderate to high magnitude of multiple habitat altering factors, and lack legal constraints or long-term management plans protecting them from habitat conversion.

There is a strong need to fill the information gaps impeding assessment and conservation of New Mexico’s biodiversity through the collaborative and coordinated implementation of research, survey, and monitoring projects.

The highest priority conservation action for both terrestrial and aquatic key habitats statewide is to work with federal, state, and private organizations, research institutions and universities to design and implement research, survey, and monitoring projects to enhance our understanding of SGCN and their key habitats. Knowledge of SGCN abundance and distribution and the connectivity and condition of key habitats is of particular interest as are studies that monitor the status of SGCN and identify and quantify factors limiting their populations. Products The 526 page (+appendices) CWCS was approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006. New Mexico’s CWCS was identified along with 11 other states as leaders in the content of their strategies by the Defenders of Wildlife. Presentations were given to the wildlife Society and the National Gap Analysis Conference.

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Evaluation of Deer and Elk Body Condition in New Mexico

Investigator Dr. Louis Bender

Project Supervisors Dr. Louis Bender Collaborators New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Funding New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Progress and Results Based on data collected by NMDGF in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006, modified Kistner scores indicated that bucks showed poor-marginal body condition. Because data from research studies indicates that bucks accrue significantly more fat than does, Kistner scores from bucks may actually overestimate the condition of deer in New Mexico. Thus, data collected from the modified Kistner scores in NM should be a good relative index of buck condition, but applicability to doe condition and population productivity is unknown. Sample sizes were low, preventing a rigorous comparison of regions of the state in terms of relative condition. Also, low samples and inconsistent returns by GMU between years preclude any analysis of changes on Kistner scores through time. Scores continue to struggle scoring fat deposits in the correct sequence of catabolism. Fat should be catabolized first in kidneys, then pericardium, and last heart. Thus, individual organ scores should be either heart ≥ pericardium ≥ kidneys. This general pattern was seen in 6/9 NM GMUs. When organs are incorrectly scored, the most common error seems to be overscoring kidneys relative to heart and pericardium.

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Application of Aerial Sightability Models to Oryx

Investigator Dr. Louis Bender Project Supervisor Dr. Louis Bender

Collaborator White Sands Missile

Range New Mexico Department

of Game and Fish Funding Source U.S. Geological Survey

Progress and Results Application of the aerial sight-bias population estimator developed for oryx on WSMR to 2005-2006 survey data from the Stallion Range indicated that the 806 oryx observed during 2006 surveys equated to population estimates of 1,194 (95% CI = 1,008-1,421) when corrected for group size and activity of oryx, or 1,391 (95% CI = 1,202-1,615) when corrected for group size only. Comparing population estimates from 2005 and 2006 using group size correction only indicated that oryx decreased from 1,503 (95% CI = 1,364-1,653) in 2005 to 1,391 (95% CI = 1,202-1,615) in 2006, a 7.4% decline. Data was used by WSMR staff to modify harvest goals for the Stallion Range hunt.

Determination of Condition and Pregnancy of Elk on Valles Caldera National Preserve


Collaborator Dr. Robert Parmenter Valles Caldera National Trust Funding Source Valles Caldera National Trust

Progress and Results To aid in the management of elk populations on the VCNP, cow elk were captured and assessed for body condition and pregnancy tested April 2006. A total of 20/22 (91%; SE = 6% assuming N = 3,000) adult cow elk were pregnant. Mean age of captured cows was 9.0 years-old, and 8/22 (36%) cows were >12.5 years-old and in reproductively senesced age classes (> 11.5). Elk condition (body fat = 8.3% [SE = 0.05]) was likely comparable to other populations studied in New Mexico, although elk were captured after the seasonal low in condition thus precluding direct comparisons. Pregnancy was not related to any measure of age, size, or condition (likelihood ratio Chi Square < 1.18; P > 0.277). Logistical analysis suggested that pregnancy was related to Neospira exposure (Chi Square = 5.4; P = 0.021), BVD exposure (Chi Square = 6.7; P = 0.010), and PI3 exposure (Chi Square = 5.4; P = 0.021). However, none of these models were stable (i.e., questionable convergence) as evidenced by extremely large standard errors around coefficients and hence odds ratios of infinite range. Thus, logistic models were unreliable for assessing any relations between exposure and probability pregnancy.

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Assessing Elk Condition on Ft. Riley Military Reservation, Kansas

Investigators Dr. Louis Bender Dr. Phil Gipson, USGS Jonathan Conard (Ph.D.) Jessica Piasecke (M.S.)

Project Supervisors Dr. Phil Gipson Dr. Louis Bender Collaborators Dr. Robert Parmenter Valles Caldera National Trust Funding Valles Caldera National Trust

Progress and Results Continued to assist Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit personnel in a study of elk on Ft. Riley, Kansas. Since October 2003, this project has captured, radio-collared, and assessed for condition 32 individual elk > 1 time (54 total capture events) on Ft. Riley. Radio-collared elk are providing data on population dynamics and habitat use of this elk population. Final data from a Ph.D. program of J. Conard (Kansas State University) will be used by Kansas Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and the Environmental Department of Ft. Riley to better manage this unique elk population. .

Development of Sight-bias Aerial Survey Models for Elk and Deer


Collaborator New Mexico Department of Game and Fish STAMP partnership Funding Source New Mexico Department of Game and Fish STAMP partnership

Progress and Results Aerial sightability models for elk and mule deer were developed and are currently being tested for sensitivity and applicability. The elk model was developed in northcentral New Mexico (GMU 52) and southcentral New Mexico (GMU 34). The full model includes correction factors for group size and vegetation type. Currently, a simplified model using group size only is being tested against the group size-vegetation type and modified Idaho sightability models using survey data from both GMUs 52 and 34. Model predictions are also being validated using population reconstruction and population simulation modeling in GMU 34. A sightability model for mule deer was developed in conjunction with the STAMP project. Sightability of mule deer during aerial surveys was affected by group size, activity, vegetation cover, conifer cover, and vegetation type. Mule deer population size was best estimated by a model correcting for deer missed based upon social group sizes and group activity. This model estimated mule deer population densities as 5–8/mile2 for two areas of the STAMP project, February 2005. Incomplete surveys in 2006 suggested an approximately 20% decline in numbers from 2005. Application of this model to the CRLRC estimated mule deer densities at 12-13/mile2 in 2005 and 9-10/mile2 in 2006. Work on model validation is ongoing on CRLRC.

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New Mexico Hunting Lottery

Investigator William R. Gould, Ph.D. Project Supervisors Dr. Colleen Caldwell

Funding Source New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Progress and Results In New Mexico, about 100,000 hunters apply for a limited number of licenses that are selected by lottery and the New Mexico Cooperative Fishery and Wildlife Research Unit helps guarantee success. This year, unit personnel assisted in integrating algorithms developed into the NMDGF special hunts system. To keep it fair, the systems began with the applicant list randomly sorted by NMCFWRU staff. Reporting is done with database code developed. A special raffle for hunts on the Valles Caldera Nature Preserve was also developed and performed. By providing technical expertise and being a neutral third party, the NMCFWRU continues to help maintain the integrity of NMDGF special hunts program.

Habitat Distribution Models for 37 Vertebrate Species Addressed by the Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan of Clark Country, Nevada

Investigator Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Project Supervisor Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborator Bill Kepner Dr. David Bradford Environmental Protection Agency Funding Environmental Protection Agency

Progress and Results Thirty-seven species identified in the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan have previously been modeled through the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project. Existing SWReGAP habitat models will be used to facilitate the revision of models. Models have been reduced to study area extent (Mojave Desert and Clark County) and a gap analysis has been conducted using the SWReGAP stewardship data to provide tables representing the existing models by intersecting the datasets in a geographical information system (GIS). Collaborating with EPA and Clark County personnel, these models will be refined for specific application within the study area. Models will be revised based on additional research and will include datasets that were not available at a regional scale for SWReGAP. Location data will be collected collaboratively and filtered according to agreed upon criteria for desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis), common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater), phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), and desert kangaroo rat (Dipsosaurus deserti). Location data will be used in Maximum Entropy modeling to identify habitat associations based on an inductive modeling framework. Models for all 37 species will be revised as necessary and reanalyzed to complete a gap analysis. A sensitivity analysis will be conducted using standard methodology and narrative written to explain the dominant factors in habitat modeling. Deliverables will be focused on specific application to the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan for Clark County, Nevada.

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Spatial Analysis of the Habitat Stamp Program for the New Mexico

Department of Game and Fish

Investigator Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Greg Propeck, Technician Sneha Muvvala, Graduate Research Assistant Project Supervisor Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborator New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Dale Hall Jan Ward Robert Magee Funding New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

Progress and Results This work includes providing technical assistance to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish to analyze past, present and potential future HSP projects and effects of those projects on species, habitat, and conservation lands. Current work has focused on creating a database that can be queried and modified by Department personnel while also providing a web application for spatial representations of the data.

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Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project: Application, Education, and Outreach Component

Investigator Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Project Supervisors Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborators Arizona Game and Fish Department Nicole Brown Colorado Division of Wildlife Jim Sinley Don Schrupp Environmental Protection Agency David Bradford William Kepner Nevada Division of Wildlife Larry Neel Cris Tomlinson New Mexico Game and Fish Department Leland Pierce Jan Ward U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rob Deitz Utah Division of Natural Resources Carmen Bailey Funding U.S. Geological Survey

Progress and Results The Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project was a successful multi-state project in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. The effort mapped land cover, 819 terrestrial vertebrate species, and land stewardship over the 5-state region. With the completion of the project, there was a need to provide outreach and education to agencies on how to use the data and to assist in applying the data to land managers needs such as the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Conservation Goals Project. This project is providing a one-year outreach effort to build upon the success of the SWReGAP effort. The effort is working closely with existing cooperators to provide outreach, expertise, and coordination in using GAP analysis data in agency conservation planning and to identify future collaboration with these cooperators. This phase of the project will be completed in 2007. An additional application phase will begin in 2007

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Land Stewardship Mapping for the

National Gap Analysis Program

Investigator Andrea E. Ernst , GIS Specialist Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborator Julie Prior-Magee, NBII-Southwest Information Node Funding U.S. Geological Survey - Gap

Analysis Program

Progress and Results The National Gap Program formalized an endeavor to centralize and coordinate stewardship mapping for regional projects which are currently active. This centralized approach will maintain product consistency with previous work (SWReGAP), increase efficiency and data quality, and greatly increase the utility of data for Gap analyses performed at a national scale. Stewardship mapping has continued for the Southeast GAP project, producing detailed digital maps of land ownership, land management and assignment of GAP conservation status categories. These data will be used for the final assessment in the SEGAP project by helping to identify those species and plant communities that are not adequately represented in existing conservation lands in the Southeastern U.S.

River Otter Restoration in New Mexico

Investigator Dr. Colleen Caldwell Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborator New Mexico Department of Game

and Fish Funding New Mexico Department of Game

and Fish

Progress and Results The purpose of this project is to assist the NMDGF with the restoration of the river otter within its historic range in New Mexico. Initial surveys of the fish communities (density and abundance estimates) and contaminant analysis of fish (the otter’s prey base) within the restoration areas will be conducted winter of 2006. An analytical facility has been identified and contracted for contaminant analysis of total mercury, organochlorine pesticides and total polychlorinated biphenyls in fish. The NMDGF Commission approved restoration activities of the otter spring 2007.

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Las Cruces Museum of Natural History

Investigators Dr. Colleen Caldwell Project Supervisor Dr. Colleen Caldwell Collaborator Las Cruces Natural History Museum- Chris Newsome, Curator

Funding New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Progress and Results Dr. Caldwell continues to assist the Las Cruces Museum of Natural History with providing fish and technical assistance for the Museum’s live animal exhibits.

Ecoregions of New Mexico

Investigators T. Scott Schrader (NMCFWRU) Glen E. Griffith (Dynamac Corporation) James M. Omernik (USGS) Maryann M. McGraw (NMED) Gerald Z. Jacobi (Jacobi and Associates) Christopher M. Canavan (NMED) David Mercer (NMED) Robert Hill (NRCS) Brian C. Moran (Indus Corporation) Cooperators Shann Stringer (NMED) David McCraw (NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources) Ken Scheffe (NRCS) Paul Neville (EDAC/UNM) Phil Crocker (USEPA) Shannen Chapman (Dynamac Corporation) Sandy Bryce (Dynamac Corporation) Mark Gruber (New Mexico Department of Game and Fish) John Hutchinson (Science Applications International Corporation) Jack Wittmann (USGS) Tom Loveland (USGS) Funding USEPA-Region VI, Regional Applied Research Effort Program U.S. Geological Survey

Progress and Results Researchers of the Environmental Protection Agency have collaborated with other federal agencies and states to refine and subdivide the US EPA framework on a state-by-state basis. These state-level efforts have provided multiple federal and state agencies an opportunity to refine Level III ecoregions and develop larger-scale, Level IV ecoregions. These state-level projects also have provided the USFS, NRCS, USGS, EPA, BLM, and other federal and state agencies with an opportunity to reach consensus on the delineation of ecoregion boundaries. These efforts are greatly aided by coordinated, multi-state databases such as SWReGAP. The use of the New Mexico portion of the SWReGAP land cover data set was an important part of the development of the level IV ecoregion categorization of this project from the start. New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit supported this effort directly by attending planning meetings in Albuquerque and providing both NM-GAP and SWReGAP data that was used in the development of the initial drafts of the ecoregions for New Mexico. The draft ecoregion boundaries were plotted on a statewide map of the SWReGAP land cover for use in several review meetings, exhibiting the often close relationship between that data and the ecoregion boundaries, and facilitating discussion about regional variations of New Mexico. Scott Schrader (NMCFWRU) also participated in the statewide ecoregion field trip to help develop the final draft map. The map is currently in production, and will be available in hardcopy and digital form Spring 2007. Completed level IV ecoregional poster and descriptions for New Mexico will be available in hard copy form directly from the Unit. Digital data and requests for hard copies will be available at http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions.htm .

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Center for Applied Spatial Ecology (CASE) Investigators Dr. Kenneth G. Boykin, Wildlife

Specialist Kendal E. Young, Wildlife Specialist T. Scott Schrader, Imagery Analyst Andrea E. Ernst, Spatial Ecologist Veronica Lopez, Research Assistant Suzanne Propeck-Gray, Research

Assistant Greg Propeck, Database Specialist Dr. Colleen Caldwell Dr. Louis Bender Collaborators U.S. Geological Survey New Mexico Cooperative Fish and

Wildlife Research Unit Department of Fishery and Wildlife


Objectives Conduct spatially oriented research at various scales to support natural resources management; and Provide research results to managers with the ecological context needed to make management decisions at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. Projects During Reporting Period Stewardship datasets for Southeast and

Northwest for Regional Gap Analysis Projects

Southwest Regional Gap Analysis

Project – Outreach and Application Invasive Plant Species in Big Bend

National Park Habitat Models for Exotic Animals in

Big Bend National Park Spatial Analysis of Texas Horned Lizard Habitat on Holloman Air

Force Base, New Mexico Invasive Species on Holloman Air

Force Base. Spatial Analysis of NMDGF Habitat

Stamp Program Habitat Distribution Models for 37

Vertebrate Species Addressed by the Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan of Clark County, Nevada

Background The New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit created the Center for Applied Spatial Ecology (CASE) in 2004. The foundation for CASE was created by the Research Unit in 1993 as part of the New Mexico Gap Analysis Project (NM-GAP). CASE is comprised of professional staff affiliated with research unit projects and USGS Research Scientists. The goal of CASE is to provide technical and biological knowledge to bridge the gap between spatial research and management application. CASE staff provide technical assistance, education, and outreach services to a variety of University departments, federal agencies, and professional organizations. Staff provide educational opportunities for a wide variety of cooperators, including presentations given at the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Game Commission Short Course, and guest lectures for University classes. CASE staff have been invited speakers at professional meetings and developed, coordinated, and facilitated professional workshops. Research on Biodiversity The Center for Applied Spatial Ecology was the regional lab for stewardship and animal habitat modeling for the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project (SWReGAP). Data collection and image analyses for land cover mapping in New Mexico was also conducted by CASE. SWReGAP was a multi-state, multi-agency effort with cooperating projects in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico. A follow-on project is underway to provide agencies with outreach and applications of the SWReGAP datasets. CASE personnel are currently working on the stewardship datasets for Southeast Gap Analysis Project and the Northwest Gap Analysis Project. Research on Species and Habitat CASE has participated in specific species or species habitat research on a wide variety of scales. Texas Horned Lizard Habitat is currently being modeled for Holloman Air Force Base to meet regulatory needs. Models for 37 vertebrate species are being modified to provide conservation context for Clark County, Nevada. Research on Community Ecology CASE has conducted research on fire ecology, landscape vegetation change, and invasive species. CASE is currently working on project designed to test the efficacy of the remote sensing in management of invasive species in Big Bend National Park. A similar project has begun to look at mapping invasive plant species within Holloman Air Force Base. Future Directions CASE is committed to the future of conservation management in the Southwest and its unique environment. CASE is dedicated to continued research that focuses on the evolving needs of state and federal agencies in accomplishing their mandates. Products Case specializes in creating habitat models, vegetation mapping, fire risk assessments, as well as providing ecological context, spatial analysis, and visualizations to aid in natural resource conservation.

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Professional Recognition

Scientific Publications Baldwin, R.A., P.S. Gipson, G.L. Zuercher and T.R. Livingston. 2006. The effect of scent-station

precipitation covers on visitations by mammalian carnivores and eastern cottontails. Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science 109:3-10.

Bender, L.C. and M. Weisenberger. 2005. Relations among precipitation, density, and

population dynamics of desert bighorn sheep on San Andres National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. Wildlife Society Bulletin 33:956-964.

Bender, L.C., M. Davison, J.G. Cook, P.B. Hall and R.C. Cook. 2006. Assessing elk

population status and potential performance in the Nooksack herd area, Washington. Northwestern Naturalist 87:98-106.

Biggins, D.E., J.G. Sidle, D.B. Seery and A.E. Ernst. 2006. Estimating the Abundance of Prairie Dogs.

In: Hoogland, J.L. (editor) Conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog: saving North America’s western grasslands. Island Press, Washington D.C. xv + 350 pp.

Caldwell, C.A., P. Swartzendrubber and E. Prestbo. 2006. Concentration and dry deposition of mercury species in arid south central New Mexico (2001-2002). Environmental Science and Technology 40:7535-7540. DuBey, R., C.A. Caldwell and W.R. Gould. 2005. Effect of temperature, photoperiod, and Myxobolus cerebralis infection on growth, reproduction, and survival of Tubifex tubifex lineages. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 17:338-344.

Technical Publications Baldwin, R.A. and L.C. Bender. 2006. Assessing the status of black bears in Rocky Mountain National

Park. Rocky Mountain Nature Association Quarterly: Spring 2006: 8-9. Bender, L.C. (compiler) January 2006. Population demographics, dynamics, and movements of South

African oryx in south-central New Mexico. Final Report, New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

Bender, L.C. (compiler) June 2006. Identification of factors limiting mule deer populations and

development of corrective management strategies along the upper Santa Fe Trail, New Mexico. Final Report, New Mexico Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

Boykin, K.G., B.C. Thompson, R.A. Deitner, D. Schrupp, D. Bradford, L. O’Brien, C. Drost, S.

Propeck-Gray, W. Rieth, K. Thomas, W. Kepner, J. Lowry, C. Cross, B. Jones, T. Hamer, C. Mettenbrink, K.J. Oakes, J. Prior-Magee, K. Schulz, J.J. Wynne, C. King, J. Puttere, S. Schrader and Z. Schwenke. 2006. Predicted Animal Habitat Distributions and Species Richness. Chapter 3 in J.S. Prior-Magee, ed. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Program, Moscow, ID. Available on-line at: http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/swregap/.

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Boykin, K.G., L. Langs, J. Lowry, D. Schrupp, D. Bradford, L. O’Brien, K. Thomas, C. Drost, A. Ernst, W. Kepner, J. Prior-Magee, D. Ramsey, W. Rieth, T. Sajwaj, K. Schulz and B.C. Thompson. 2006. Analysis based on Stewardship and Management Status. Chapter 5 in J.S. Prior-Magee, ed. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Program, Moscow, ID. Available on-line at: http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/swregap/.

Caldwell, C.A. 2005. Diagnostics and blood chemistry of Rio Grande silvery minnow collected during rescue operations. Interim technical report submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Field Office, Albuquerque, NM. DuBey, R. and C.A. Caldwell. 2006. Relative susceptibility of Rio Grande cutthroat trout

(Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) to experimentally induced infection with Myxobolus cerebralis. Final Report to Whirling Disease Initiative, Montana Water Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.

DuBey, R. and C.A. Caldwell. 2006. Distribution and status of Rio Grande cutthroat trout and native

fish assemblages: Impacts of grazing in streams on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Interim technical report submitted to Valles Caldera Trust, Jemez Springs, NM.

DuBey, R. and C.A. Caldwell. 2006. Fish population surveys in study areas containing burned and

unburned watersheds on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Interim technical report submitted to Valles Caldera Trust, Jemez Springs, NM.

Ernst, A.E., A.L. Clark and D.R. Gober. 2006. A Habitat-based Technique to Allocate Black-footed

Ferret Recovery among Jurisdictional Entities. In: Roelle, J.E., Miller B.J., Godbey, J.L., and Biggins D.E. eds., Recovery of the black-footed ferret – progress and continuing challenges: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5293, 288p.

Ernst, A.E., T.S. Schrader, V. Lopez, J. Prior-Magee, K. Boykin, D. Schrupp, L. O’Brien, W. Kepner,

K. Thomas, J. Lowry and B. Thompson. 2006. Land stewardship. Chapter 4 in J.S. Prior-Magee, et al., eds. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Program, Moscow, ID.

Griffith, G.E., J.M. Omernik, M.M. McGraw, G.Z. Jacobi, C.M. Canavan, T.S. Schrader, D. Mercer, R.

Hill, and B.C. Moran. 2006. Ecoregions of New Mexico (color poster with map, descriptive text, summary tables and photographs): Reston, Virginia, U.S. Geological Survey (map scale 1:1,400,000).

Langs, L., K.G. Boykin, J. Lowry, A. Ernst, D. Bradford, W. Kepner, J. Prior-Magee, K. Schulz, D.

Schrupp and K. Thomas. 2006. Conclusions and Management Implications. Chapter 6 in J.S. Prior-Magee, ed. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Program, Moscow, ID. Available on-line at: http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/swregap/.

Lowry, J. H, Jr., R. D. Ramsey, K. A. Thomas, D. Schrupp, W. Kepner, T. Sajwaj, J. Kirby, E. Waller, S.

Schrader, S. Falzarano, L. Langs, G. Manis, C. Wallace, K. Schulz, P. Comer, K. Pohs, W. Rieth, C. Velasquez, B. Wolk, K., Boykin, L. O’Brien, J. Prior-Magee, D. Bradford and B.C. Thompson. 2006. Land cover classification and mapping. Chapter 2 in J.S. Prior-Magee, ed. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Final Report. U.S. Geological Survey, Gap Analysis Program, Moscow, ID. Available on-line at: http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/swregap/.

Seglund, A.E., A.E. Ernst, M. Grenier, B. Luce, A. Puchniak, and P. Schnurr. 2006. White-tailed prairie

dog conservation assessment. Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Laramie, WY.

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Seglund, A.E., A.E. Ernst, and D.M. O’Neill. 2006. Gunnison’s prairie dog conservation assessment.

Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Laramie, WY. Young, K. (compiler). 2005. Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for New Mexico. New

Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Santa Fe, NM. 526 pp + appendices. Young, K. 2006. Invasive species in Big Bend National Park: Identification and Verification Using

Remotely Sensed Data. The Chihuahuan Desert Discovery. Magazine of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. Vol 52.

Thesis and Dissertations Burnham, E. May 2006. Identification of five canid species from volatile chemical chromatography of

scats. Masters Thesis. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. Davis, R.W. December 2005. A GIS-based habitat model predicting elk nutritional condition in the

Pacific Northwest. Dissertation. University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA. DuBey, R. May 2006. Ecology of whirling disease in arid lands with an emphasis on Tubifex tubifex.

Dissertation. Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

Krueger, B. December 2005. Gemsbok movement patterns, demographics, and population estimation in

southcentral New Mexico. Masters Thesis. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

Lomas, L.A. July 2006. Survival and cause-specific mortality of mule deer fawns along the Upper Santa

Fe Trail, Northcentral New Mexico. M.S. Thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Piasecke, J. R. May 2006. Relationships among condition, health, and reproduction in free-ranging elk

(Cervus elaphus) populations throughout the United States. Thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces.

Sanchez, B. December 2005. Transport and fate of PCBs in a wetland food web: Implications of

biomagnification and associated risk. M.S. Thesis, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

Smallidge, S. A. October 2005. Temporospatial distribution of a northcentral New Mexico elk herd in

relation to spring vegetation greenness values, vulnerability to harvest, and public land grazing. Dissertation, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA.

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Technical Presentations Baldwin, R.A. and L.C. Bender. April 2006. An assessment of Rocky Mountain National Park's bear

population. Bi-annual Research Conference, Rocky Mountain National Park, 4 April. Estes Park, CO.

Baldwin, R.A. and L.C. Bender. June 2006. The "bear" essentials: Insight into the charismatic black

bear. Science Behind the Scenery Public Education Series, Rocky Mountain National Park, 29 June. Estes Park, CO.

Baldwin, R.A. and L.C. Bender. August 2006. The "bear" essentials: insight into the charismatic black

bear. Science Behind the Scenery Public Education Series, Rocky Mountain National Park, 3 August. Estes Park, CO.

Black, C., A. Cibils, R. Endecott, M. Rubio, S. Cox, M. Petersen and K.G. Boykin. February 2006. Habitat use by cattle grazing pinyon juniper rangelands during calving in early spring. Annual Meeting Society for Range Management. Vancouver, British Columbia.

Boykin, K.G. October 2005. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis project. USGS NBII All-Nodes National

Meeting. Invited Speaker, 24-28 October. Albuquerque, NM. Boykin, K.G. October 2005. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis project: Habitat modeling, stewardship,

and analyses. WCC-40 Meeting. Invited Speaker, 28-29 October. Las Cruces, NM. Boykin, K.G, C.A. Drost and J. J. Wynne. November 2005. Vertebrate species of the Colorado Plateau.

The 8th Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau, 7-10 November. Flagstaff, AZ.

Boykin, K.G. December 2005. An overview of animal-habitat modeling in Southwest Regional Gap

Analysis. National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium, 6-8 December. Reno, NV.

Boykin, K.G. December 2005. Vertebrate species habitat modeling workshop. National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium, 6-8 December. Reno, NV.

Boykin, K.G. December 2005. State wildlife strategies: Drawing partners, data, and managers together

to conserve declining wildlife in every state. (Presentation given for Dave Chadwick). National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium, 6-8 December. Reno, NV.

Boykin, K.G. January 2006. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project. Society for Range Management

– New Mexico Section Winter Meeting. 10-12 January. Las Cruces, NM. Boykin, K.G. April 2006. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project. SCERP/USGS US-Mexico Border

GIS Summit. 10-11 April. El Paso, TX. Boykin, K.G., J. Prior-Magee, A. Ernst and J. Lowry. August 2006. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis

Project. Twenty-sixth Annual ESRI International User Conference, 7-11 August. San Diego, CA.

Coleman, S.M, C.A. Caldwell and J.E. Brooks. November 2005. Wildfire effects on Gila trout

(Oncorhynchus gilae) streams. 37th Annual Meeting of the Desert Fishes Council. Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico.

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Coleman, S.M, C.A. Caldwell and J.E. Brooks. February 2006. Wildfire effects on Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) streams. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Coleman, S.M., C.A. Caldwell and J.E. Brooks. August 2006. Wildfire effects on a Gila trout

(Oncorhynchus gilae) stream. 21st Annual Conference of the Southwest Region of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Mescalero, NM.

DuBey, R. and C.A. Caldwell. September 2006. Dynamics of whirling disease within a hypoliminion

release tailwater of an arid lands reservoir. American Fisheries Society 136th Annual Meeting. Lake Placid, NY.

DuBey, R. and C.A. Caldwell. September 2006. Southwest regional risk assessment for whirling

disease in native salmonids in arid and semi-arid lands. Whirling Disease Initiative Annual Board Meeting. Lake Placid, NY.

DuBey, R., C.A. Caldwell, and W.R. Gould. February 2006. Relative susceptibility of Rio Grande

cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) to experimentally induced infection with Myxobolus Cerebralis. Whirling Disease Symposium 12th Annual Meeting. Denver, CO.

DuBey, R., C.A. Caldwell, and W.R. Gould. February 2006. Susceptibility of Rio Grande cutthroat

trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) and rainbow trout (O. mykiss) to experimentally induced infection with Myxobolus Cerebralis. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Ernst, A.E. and J. S. Prior-Magee. November 2005. Land Stewardship and the Gap Analysis. 8th

Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau. Flagstaff, AZ. Ernst, A.E. December 2005. Stewardship mapping for Southwest Regional GAP. National Gap Analysis

Conference and Interagency Symposium. Reno, NV. Ernst, A.E. December 2005. Stewardship mapping workshop – Southwest Regional GAP Project Data

Product Debut. National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium. Reno, NV. Ernst, A.E. and J. S. Prior-Magee. March 2006. Stewardship mapping workshop – Southwest Regional

GAP stewardship mapping – techniques beyond GAP. Interagency Meeting. Reston, VA. Kepner, W.G., D.J. Semmens, D.C. Goodrich, C.J. Watts and K.G. Boykin. April 2006. The San Pedro

River, an example of an integrated system for transborder environmental management using geospatial data and process models. SCERP/USGS US-Mexico Border GIS Summit, 10-11 April, El Paso, TX.

Prior-Magee, J.S., J. Lowry, K. Boykin and A. Ernst. October 2005. Keeping common species common.

The 8th Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau, 7-10 November. Flagstaff, AZ.

Prior-Magee, Julie S., J. Lowry, K. Boykin and A. Ernst. November 2005. Keeping common species

common. 8th Biennial Conference on the Colorado Plateau. Flagstaff, AZ. Prior-Magee, J., K. Boykin, A. Ernst, and J. Lowry. May 2006. Southwest Regional Gap Analysis

Project. Sixth Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts, 2-5 May. Tucson, AZ.

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Schrader, S.T., K.E. Young, G. Roemer, K.G. Boykin and C. Caldwell. February 2006. Modeling

invasive plant species in Big Bend National Park. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Schrupp, D. and K. Boykin. December 2005. The future opportunities to leverage regional GAP data for

implementation efforts in support of recently developed Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies. National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium, 6-8 December. Reno, NV.

Thomas, K., K. Schulz, K. Boykin and T. Arundel. May 2006. A Gap perspective of the Sonoran Desert

Ecoregion. Sixth Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts, 2-5 May. Tucson, AZ.

Wynne, J.J., C.A. Drost and K.G. Boykin. October 2005. Vertebrate Gap analysis on the Colorado

Plateau using southwest regional Gap (SWRegap) data. The 8th Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau, 7-10 November. Flagstaff, AZ.

Young, K., K. Boykin and D. Schrupp. December 2005. Combining the efforts of the Southwest

Regional Gap Analysis Project and CWCS in New Mexico and Colorado. National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium, 6-8 December. Reno, NV.

Young, K.E., R. Valdez and W. Gould. February 2006. Tools to assist land managers in prioritizing

areas for conservation, management, and restoration of aplomado falcons in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Young, K.E., B. Graves, K.G. Boykin and C. Caldwell. February 2006. Comprehensive Wildlife

Conservation Strategy for New Mexico. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Young, K.E., S.T. Schrader, G. Roemer, K.G. Boykin and C. Caldwell. August 2006. Predicting risk

of occurrence: Remote sensing strategies for invasive plant species in Big Bend National Park. Natural Areas Conference. Flagstaff, AZ.

Young, K.E. October 2006. Predicting risk of occurrence: Remote sensing strategies for invasive plant

species in Big Bend National Park. Guest Lecture, Geography Department, New Mexico State University.

Wescott, B., R. DuBey and C.A. Caldwell. February 2006. Dynamics of grazing impacts on native fish

assemblages in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Teaching Activities Louis Bender Wildlife Population Analysis and Management, 3 credits, Senior/Graduate Advanced Habitat Management, 3 credits, Graduate Colleen Caldwell Environmental Biology of Fishes, 4 credits, Senior/Graduate Special Topics, 2 credits, Senior/Graduate

Committees and Other Professional Assignments Louis Bender

Member, Olaf C. Wallmo Award Committee, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 2006

Kenneth Boykin Boreal Toad Recovery Team Advisory Member (2006) Session Co-Moderator and Co-Organizer - Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies

(CWCS), National Gap Analysis Conference and Interagency Symposium, Reno, Nevada, December 2005

Colleen Caldwell American Fisheries Society, Parent Society 2005-2006 Meeting Oversight Committee Arizona/New Mexico Chapter Ad Hoc By Laws Committee NMSU Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Faculty Advisor

Space and Facilities Committee, Chair, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences Kendal Young

Part of a team to develop a handbook titled ‘Early Detection of Invasive Plants: A Handbook.’ Natural Resource Technical Report, U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service

Conducted a 1.5 day training workshop on Aplomado Falcon Habitat Assessment for the Bureau of Land Management

Grants, Awards and Special Recognition Louis C. Bender, Invited author of Elsevier Encyclopedia of Ecology (Chapter of Population Age Structure) Stephanie Coleman won Best Fisheries Poster. Coleman, S.M, C.A. Caldwell and J.E. Brooks. Wildfire

effects on Gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) streams. 39th Annual Meeting of the AZ/ NM Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Flagstaff, AZ.

Stephanie Coleman received external funding for her masters research titled “Post wildfire effects on a gila trout (Oncorhynchus gilae) stream” from the following organizations:

T&E, Inc. Old Pueblo Chapter of Trout Unlimited Arizona Chapter of Trout Unlimited National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Bob DuBey and Colleen Caldwell received a two-year competitive grant from the National Partnership for the Management of Wild and Native Coldwater Fisheries, Whirling Disease Initiative-Montana State University for the project titled “Southwest Regional Risk Assessment for Whirling Disease in Native Salmonids in Arid and Semi-arid Lands: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming”.

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Meet the Unit

Connie Alsworth performs a wide range of administrative support and clerical duties as the Unit Secretary. She has been with the Unit for 10 years and has over 20 years with the University. Connie was the bookkeeper for the Fishery and Wildlife Sciences Department in an earlier University assignment.

Lou Bender is Assistant Unit Leader-Wildlife. His interests include habitat and population relationships of ungulates and carnivores, predator-prey relations, forest ecology and management, and wildlife nutrition and disease. He has an extensive background with state agencies in both research and management.

Ken Boykin is a Wildlife Specialist, assisting with GIS and database needs for Unit projects and coordinating others, including species at risk and Southwest Regional Gap Analysis. Ken has degrees in biology from NMSU and Texas Christian University and is a Ph.D. candidate in the Animal and Range Science Department.

Co it Leader. Her research interests include fish health, aquatic contam and ecological effects of environmental disturbances on aquatic syste n the American Fisheries Society and enjoys the energy and v ide.

Bob DuBey is a Fisheries Specialist concentrating on coldwater aquatic syinvertebrate ecology. He is currently researching etiology and ra(parasitic infestation of salmonids) in New Mexico through field surveys anexperiments. He enjoys fly-fishing and an occasional game of pool. Bob comin the Department of Biology during this reporting period.

Andrea Ernst is a Spatial Ecologist responsible for creating the stewardship map for the SWReGAP Project. Her work involves the use of GIS to map protected areas, landscape scale animal habitat modeling, and aerial photography interpretation. Andrea has a B.S. in Wildlife Management and an M.S. in Biology, both from Texas Tech University.

lleen Caldwell is the Uninants and toxicology,

ms. She is very active iitality that students prov

stem vertebrate-nge of whirling disease

d laboratory pleted his Ph.D.

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Jerry Landye is a Fisheries Specialist. His research interests range from fish culture and fish health to the biogeography of native freshwater molluscs. He has over 35 years of experience in fisheries biology and 12 years of experience in fish health. He oversees the culture and propagation of the Rio Grande silvery minnow at the A-Mountain Geothermal Fish Culture and Research Facility.

Kendal Young is a Wildlife Specialist. His research interests include raptoecosystems, habitat modeling and GIS applications for wildlife research anAfter working on spotted owl research, Kendal shifted to desert ecosystemcompleted the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for New MePh.D. candidate in the Animal and Range Science Department.

Scott Schrader is the Unit’s GIS/RS Imagery Specialist responsible for the land cover portion of the SWReGAP project and other projects. His work involves satellite data, vegetation classification systems, and land cover and animal habitat models. Scott enjoys creative tinkering and altering machines and computer systems.

YongJiu Chen works for the New Mexico Unit as a post-doctoral research associate studying native fish conservation genetics and ecology. He came to NMSU from University of California- Davis after completing his Ph.D. in 2005.

r ecology, riparian d management. s. He recently xico. Kendal is a

new mexico cooperative fish and wildlife research unit

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