 |
|
Arctic oil: A boon for nest predators
September 09, 2009A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other groups reveals how oil development in the Artic is impacting some bird populations by providing "subsidized housing" to predators, which nest and den around drilling infrastructure and supplement their diets with garbage - and nesting birds.
Oil development has attracted populations of opportunistic predators including Arctic fox, ravens, and gulls, which feed on nesting birds. The predators use oil infrastructure, which ranges from drilling platforms to road culverts, to build their nests or dens. In this study researchers found one bird species, the Lapland longspur, lost significantly more nests in areas closer to oil development than farther away. Nests beyond 5 kilometers (3.11 miles) from oil development remained unaffected by predators.
Other birds, including red and red-necked phalaropes, may also be feeling impacts from predators, though data was less strong than with longspurs. At the same time, other species tested did not show an effect. Authors believe this may be due to high natural variation in nesting success across years and between sites.
The study appears in the September issue of the journal Ecological Applications. Authors include: Joe Liebezeit and Steve Zack of the Wildlife Conservation Society; S.J. Kendall, P. Martin and D.C. Payer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; S. Brown of Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences; C.B. Johnson and A.M. Wildman of ABR, Inc; T.L. McDonald of West, Inc.; C.L. Rea of ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.; and B. Streever of BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc.
The authors monitored nearly 2,000 nests of 17 passerine and shorebird species over a four-year period. Birds from five continents migrate to the Arctic each year to nest.
"This is the first study specifically designed to evaluate the so-called oil 'footprint' effect in the Arctic on nesting birds," said the study's lead author, Joe Liebezeit of the Wildlife Conservation Society. "The study was also unique in that it was a collaborative effort among conservation groups, industry, and federal scientists."
The impetus for this study stemmed from previous evidence suggesting predators have increased in the oil fields near Prudhoe Bay.
"The findings of this study shed new light on growing concerns about oil development impacts to wildlife in the Alaskan Arctic, an immense region that, outside of Prudhoe Bay, is still largely undisturbed by humans and home to vast herds of caribou, the threatened polar bear, and millions of breeding birds," said Jodi Hilty, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's North America Programs.
WCS is engaged in separate studies in remote areas of the western Arctic, evaluating where wildlife protection would be most effective in advance of development.
"Our interest is in ensuring a balance of both wildlife protection in key areas and helping industry minimize potential impacts to wildlife as they begin to pursue development in western Arctic Alaska," said Steve Zack, coauthor and Coordinator of the Arctic Program for WCS. "This study helps inform industry on some consequences of development."
Wildlife Conservation Society
The study appears in the September issue of the journal Ecological Applications. Authors include: Joe Liebezeit and Steve Zack of the Wildlife Conservation Society; S.J. Kendall, P. Martin and D.C. Payer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; S. Brown of Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences; C.B. Johnson and A.M. Wildman of ABR, Inc; T.L. McDonald of West, Inc.; C.L. Rea of ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.; and B. Streever of BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc.
The authors monitored nearly 2,000 nests of 17 passerine and shorebird species over a four-year period. Birds from five continents migrate to the Arctic each year to nest.
"This is the first study specifically designed to evaluate the so-called oil 'footprint' effect in the Arctic on nesting birds," said the study's lead author, Joe Liebezeit of the Wildlife Conservation Society. "The study was also unique in that it was a collaborative effort among conservation groups, industry, and federal scientists."
The impetus for this study stemmed from previous evidence suggesting predators have increased in the oil fields near Prudhoe Bay.
"The findings of this study shed new light on growing concerns about oil development impacts to wildlife in the Alaskan Arctic, an immense region that, outside of Prudhoe Bay, is still largely undisturbed by humans and home to vast herds of caribou, the threatened polar bear, and millions of breeding birds," said Jodi Hilty, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society's North America Programs.
WCS is engaged in separate studies in remote areas of the western Arctic, evaluating where wildlife protection would be most effective in advance of development.
"Our interest is in ensuring a balance of both wildlife protection in key areas and helping industry minimize potential impacts to wildlife as they begin to pursue development in western Arctic Alaska," said Steve Zack, coauthor and Coordinator of the Arctic Program for WCS. "This study helps inform industry on some consequences of development."
Wildlife Conservation Society
Wildlife Conservation Current Events and Wildlife Conservation News RSSAfrica's rarest monkey had an intriguing sexual past, DNA study confirms
The most extensive DNA study to-date of Africa's rarest monkey reveals that the species had an intriguing sexual past. Of the last two remaining populations of the recently discovered kipunji, one population shows evidence of past mating with baboons while the other does not.
New study provides insight on energy development and sage-grouse habitat in the intermountain West
A study released October 14th in the current issue of the peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE will shed new light on oil and gas development potential in the Intermountain West.
Whale-sized genetic study largest ever for southern hemisphere humpbacks
After 15 years of research in the waters of the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and an international coalition of organizations have unveiled the largest genetic study of humpback whale populations ever conducted in the Southern Hemisphere.
World will miss 2010 target to stem biodiversity loss, experts say
The world will miss its agreed target to stem biodiversity loss by next year, according to experts convening in Cape Town for a landmark conference devoted to biodiversity science.
Oil and wildlife don't mix in Ecuador's Eden
What harm can a simple road do in a pristine place such as Ecuador's Yasuni National Park, home to peccaries, tapirs, monkeys and myriad other wildlife species?
Research recommends compromise when choosing conservation site
A lot of variables come into play when selecting a site for environmental conservation that yields benefits to people nearby such as wildlife needs, species and vegetation uniqueness, and costs to the government or community.
Tiny pump means pain relief for big cats
Veterinarians from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo and the University of Tennessee have found a solution to the challenge of providing effective pain relief to some of their most difficult patients: big cats.
WCS study on birds and streams included in federal guidelines to safeguard waterways
The results of a Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) study that rapidly measures stream habitat have been adopted by a government agency working with private landowners to restore waterways throughout the U.S.
New hope for fisheries on the horizon?
Scientists have joined forces in a groundbreaking assessment on the status of marine fisheries and ecosystems.
121 breeding tigers estimated to be found in Nepal
he first ever overall nation-wide estimate of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationists.
More Wildlife Conservation Current Events and Wildlife Conservation News Articles
 |
Wildlife Ecology, Conservation and Management by Anthony R. E. Sinclair (Author), John M. Fryxell (Author), Graeme Caughley (Author) This extensively revised new edition of Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management provides a succinct and clear introduction to general ecological principles, and then goes on to show how those principles can be applied to wildlife management and conservation. The unique feature of this book is that general ecology is explained first, allowing those students who do not have an ecology background to get to grips quickly with applications to real world situations. This said, the book is appropriate to both undergraduate and graduate classes in applied ecology, conservation, and natural resource management. The book will also be valuable to professional wildlife biologists in developing their research and management. This edition includes new chapters on foraging and on... |
 |
John Denver - The Wildlife Concert Starring: John Denver Directed By: Jeb Brien Also With: David Williams (Editor), Ralph Scaglione (Editor), Allen Kelman (Producer), Andy Kadison (Producer), David Stallbaumer (Producer), Elizabeth Lee (Producer), Eric Trigg (Producer), Gary Pacheco (Producer), Harold Thau (Producer), Maxim Langstaff (Producer), Stephen Herman (Producer) Denver sings rocky mountain high and other favorites in this acclaimed benefit performance. Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 09/10/2002 Starring: John Denver Run time: 120 minutes Rating: Nr |
|
Conservation Land Management by British Wildlife Publishing English Nature's way of encouraging land managers to practice nature conservation - no lectures, just useful advice from fellow practitioners. Articles focus on the problems of managing different sites, using case studies to suggest practical solutions. | |
 |
1972 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION #1467a Plate Block of 4 x 8 cents US Postage Stamps On September 20, 1972 in Warm Springs Oregon, the USPS issued this Se-Tenant to stress the importance of wildlife conservation. While the Alaska Fur Seal, the Cardinal, and the Brown Pelican are not necessarily endangered, in the mid-1970s, there were fewer than 20,000 Bighorn Sheep. This issue points out the fact that wildlife conservation should be a major concern. |
 |
8.5 Inch Plush Meerkat Conservation Collectible By Wildlife Artists by Wildlife Artists This cuddly meerkat has soft fur and brown eyes. He measures 8.5" tall and is part of the Conservation Collectibles by Wildlife Artists. |
 |
Womens World Wildlife Fund WWF SAVE THE GIRAFFE T-Shirt, Large by Vintage Wear |
 |
Wildlife & Conservation Volunteering: The Complete Guide (Bradt Travel Guide) by Peter Lynch (Author) From student backpackers who lose sleep over the plight of pandas, to merchant bankers seeking a holiday that gives meaning to their money, the market for ‘voluntourism’ is booming. But should one camp out with underprivileged orangutans, or live it up a luxury eco-lodge? This ground-breaking guide dissects volunteering market—with a special focus on wildlife and environmental conservation—and helps prospective volunteers to find a genuine eco-friendly, conservation-focused experience.
|
 |
Conservation Guide to: Landscaping for Wildlife Also With: Natural History Division/MDC (Primary Contributor) Video tape producted by the Missouri Department of Conservation on how to landscape for wildlife. You can attract and enjoy birds, butterflies, and mammals and more by turning your backyard into a rich home for wildlife. |
 |
Wildlife Conservation Nathan Chance (Primary Contributor) |
 |
The Last Refuge (1890-1915) Also With: PBS (Producer) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |