Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download Module 6, Lesson 3 - University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Document related concepts
Transcript
Managing Wildlife Developed by Melody Hefner, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension USDA NRCS What we’ll be covering Living n Impacts to and from wildlife, including disease Methods to discourage wildlife Aspects of predator control Ways to deal with nuisance wildlife Methods to encourage wildlife and the risks of doing so Setting goals for managing wildlife on your property the Land Setting wildlife goals Living n What wildlife is common in your area? Do you want to encourage or discourage wildlife? What type of wildlife do you want to encourage? What type of wildlife do you want to discourage? the Land www.farmphoto.com Impacts to and from wildlife Living n Habitat loss Dependence on artificial feeding Disease the Land NRCS, Bozeman, Mont. www.farmphoto.com Habitat loss Living n Fencing Displaces some animals Subdivides and fragments habitat the Land www.farmpictures.com Artificial feeding Living n Attracts some species to feeding areas Changes species balance Can make some species become more vulnerable to predators the Land www.farmphoto.com Spread of disease Living n Domestic to wild Wild to domestic From both to humans! the Land USDA NRCS Brucellosis At risk: Living n Cattle, goats, sheep, swine and other domestic animals Moose, elk and bison Humans www.montana.edu/wwwcbs Historically spread from domestic to wild Spread from bison and elk to domestic herds today the Land Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies Living n Called TSEs Thought to be caused by prions, infectious, self-replicating proteins Three important diseases in animals Chronic wasting disease Bovine spongiform encephalopathy Scrapie the Land Chronic wasting disease Living n At risk: mule deer, white-tailed deer, Shiras moose and mountain elk Always fatal Not clear if transmittable to domestic animals Not clear if originally transmitted from domestic animals the Land USDA NRCS Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (aka “mad cow disease”) Living n Another TSE, much in the news Affects cattle 2 to 8 years old Always fatal Transmitted through consumption of brain or central nervous system tissues of infected animals Cannot be transmitted by animals sharing pasture or pens the Land NRCS Scrapie Living n Affects sheep and goats 2 to 5 years old Always fatal Passes from mother to young Can be passed from animal to animal or animal to environment Humans are not susceptible to infection from meat, milk or contact with infected animals Scrapie tag required in breeder sheep the Land NRCS Scrapie NRCS West Nile virus Living n Passed by mosquitoes from infected birds to other birds, horses and humans Not passed animal to animal or animal to human Most humans and animals infected show only flu-like symptoms the Land www.insectidentification.org www.cdc.gov Lyme disease Living n Spread by deer ticks Cannot be spread animal to animal, animal to human, or human to human Early symptoms are flu-like the Land www.insectidentification.org Hantavirus Living n Deer mouse is primary carrier Passed through urine, droppings and saliva Humans contract disease by breathing in dust from the infected materials the Land www.cdc.gov Bubonic plague Living n Transmitted by fleas that bite infected rodents Can be transmitted human to human Most common in southwestern states the Land www.insectidentification.org http://photogallery.nrcs.usda.gov Avian influenza (bird flu) Living n Wild birds, domestic poultry, and humans are at risk Passed from bird to bird and bird to human No documented human to human transmission Concern regarding mutation possibilities the Land www.smithmeadows.com Rabies Living n Infectious viral disease affecting mammals, including humans Passed through bites of infected animals Vaccinations available for most domestic animals and humans Treatable in humans after infection (before clinical signs appear) Fatal in untreated animals the Land E. coli Refers to a group of bacteria that are naturally occurring in the intestinal tracts of cattle, deer, goats and sheep Living n Transmitted to humans through ingestion of feces-contaminated food or water Infected people, especially children, can also pass the disease Most people recover without antibiotics, but in a small percentage of people, it can cause complications the Land Giardia Living n Gastrointestinal disease caused by a parasite Passed through ingestion of feces or food or water contaminated by manure Condition generally requires medical treatment Found in soils, water, contaminated surfaces and food the Land Preventing contamination Living n Small-acreage properties have the added complication of animal manure Manage manure sources, storage areas, compost and other sources of contamination carefully the Land Preventing contamination Living n Clean water troughs regularly Avoid contaminating irrigation water the Land UNCE, Reno, Nev. Identifying wildlife damage Living n Do you know that something is destroying your plants, property or livestock, but don’t know what animal it is? You can’t control or discourage it until you can identify the animal The following information may help you identify the culprit the Land Plant damage Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Park Commission Plant damage Living n the Land Wildlife Damage Image Collection, U of N, Lincoln and USDA Damage caused by carnivores Living n the Land National Park Service Minimizing wildlife conflicts Living n Limit access to your home Limit access to your yard Reduce the attractiveness of your living areas Reduce the temptations to predators the Land Limit access to your home www.crittercontrol.com Limit access to your yard www.farmphoto.com www.farmphoto.com Fencing to discourage wildlife Living n Type and species of wildlife Additional purpose(s) of fencing Type of fencing Net wire Electric Electric modification of existing fences Portable electric fences Deer fence the Land Fencing considerations UCCE Reduce the temptations to predators Living n the Land UCCE Pet management strategies Living n Remove pet food from wildlife access Control your pets, especially at night If you confine your pets outside, make sure the area is safe the Land UCES Livestock management Some domestic animals attract predators Living n mountain lions, bears, coyotes and dogs raccoons, opossums and skunks the Land www.aphis.usda.gov Predator avoidance Living n Move animals Guard animals Destroy pest animals the Land www.lgd.org Move animals Living n Moving animals into a barn or night pen will reduce access by predators the Land UCCE Guard animals Dogs Llamas Donkeys Living n UCCE the Land Guard dogs They are not shepherds or herders – they are protectors Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Kommodores, Anatolian shepherds, Maremmas Living n Pros Effective - 84% of respondents in a Colorado survey rated dogs’ performance at deterring predators as excellent or good Deters many species of wildlife Cons May be aggressive to people Must be started as very young pups the Land Llamas Pros 80% of owners rated them as effective or very effective Most effective for coyotes and dogs Need less training Need no special food Live longer than dogs Cons May be afraid of mountain lions (who isn’t!) Donkeys Pros Living n Least expensive Somewhat effective against dogs and coyotes Cons Not as effective as dogs or llamas 59% of Texas sheep producers rated donkeys good or fair the Land www.donkeybreedsociety.co.uk Destroying pest animals Living n Some may be destroyed without permit Others require a permit Some may not be destroyed, such as threatened species, endangered species or other protected species the Land Resources for help Living n USDA Wildlife Services Local Cooperative Extension office State Department of Agriculture Licensed pest control companies Local animal control authorities Local health department Local branch of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Local National Wildlife Federation chapter the Land Regulations in local area Living n Dogs Coyotes Foxes Mountain lions Bears Wolves Moose Nuisance deer, etc. the Land texnat.tamu.edu/ranchref Other wildlife pests that affect domestic livestock Living n Black flies Mormon crickets Scorpions Snakes Pigeons Starlings Flickers and woodpeckers Canada geese Commensal rodents Pocket gophers, moles and voles the Land Prairie dogs and ground squirrels Tree squirrels and chipmunks Beavers and muskrats Porcupines Rabbits Raccoon and opossums Large herbivores (deer and elk) Feral animals Black flies Living n the Land www.okstate.edu Black fly control Living n Use insecticides in still water Improve water quality Wear light-colored clothing to avoid bites Apply repellant to individual animals Try Bacillus thuringiensis israeliensis (Bti) the Land Mormon crickets Living n the Land www.uwyo.edu Scorpions Living n the Land western exterminators Scorpion control Living n Remove all debris that provides cover for scorpions Keep grass closely mowed Store garbage containers off the ground in a frame Never bring firewood in the house unless you are going to place it directly on the fire. Plug holes, repair screens, and fill all cracks to limit access Manage their food source (insects and spiders) the Land Snakes Living n Most snakes are not poisonous Most snakes eat insects and/or rodents Snakes like cool, damp, dark shelters, which may lead them to your house or other buildings the Land Poisonous snakes Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Park Commission Nuisance birds Living n Pigeons Starlings Woodpeckers Canada geese the Land Nebraska Game and Park Commission Environmental modifications Living n the Land Wildlife Damage Image Collection, U of N, Lincoln and USDA Frightening devices Living n the Land www.myths.e2bn.org Repellants or toxicants, trapping and destroying Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Park Commission Pigeons Living n the Land Ryancordell.com Starlings Living n the Land www.havahart.com Controlling starlings Living n Cover crops with nets Clean up food sources Use foods that are difficult for starlings to eat Feed later in the day Exclude birds from nesting and roosting areas the Land Woodpeckers and flickers Living n the Land www.gardencone.com Canada geese Living n the Land www.gardencone.com Controlling Canada geese Make sites less desirable by discontinuing public feeding Restrict easy access between land and water Plant less-palatable grasses Use dogs as a deterrent Provide an alternate food source Rodents and related varmints Commensal rodents (live near or with people) Living n Mice Rats Gophers, moles and voles Prairie dogs and ground squirrels Tree squirrels and chipmunks Beavers and muskrats Porcupines the Land Commensal rodents Living n the Land www.ag.arizon.edu Controlling commensal rodents Living n Remove food sources Exclude them by filling entry points Use traps or toxicants Get a cat the Land www.hpcsc.appstate.edu Pocket gophers Living n the Land http://wdfw.wa.gov Moles Living n the Land www.palaoes.com Voles Living n the Land Laurie Smith, USDA www.pestgon.com Prairie dogs and ground squirrels Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Parks COmmission Tree squirrels and chipmunks Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Parks COmmission Beavers and muskrats Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Controlling beavers and muskrats Living n Exclude them from small water bodies Vary water levels Fence Protect trees Trap (need permit) Shoot (if allowed) the Land , U of N, Lincoln and USDA Porcupines Living n www.gpnc.org the Land ICWDM.org and USDA/WS Controlling porcupines Living n Modify the habitat Exclude them Use tree trunk guards Trap Shoot the Land Rabbits Living n the Land Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Raccoons and opossums Living n www.unpronounceable.com the Land ICWDM.org and USDA/WS Controlling raccoons and opossums Living n www.flicr.com Never feed raccoons, no matter how cute they seem! the Land Don’t feed them! Store all food and garbage in secure containers Prevent access through pet doors Exclude them from compost piles and other sources of food More exclusion methods Eliminate access to potential den sites Secure poultry coops Fence vegetable gardens and orchards Fence ponds Protect bird feeders and nest boxes Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Large herbivores (deer and elk) Living n the Land USDA NRCS USDA NRCS Feral animals Living n the Land NRCS Feral animals Living n the Land Kayentaanimalshelter.org www.caspca.org Encouraging Wildlife www.usda.gov What wildlife needs Living n Food: a variety of plant species and types Water: natural or artificial sources Shelter: safety, shade, cover and nesting the Land USDA NRCS Plant selection Match food and shelter plants to the needs of the species you want to attract Create diversity Make sure plantings mesh with the needs and capabilities of your landscape Nebraska Game and Parks Commission More about plant selection Mix sizes, heights and types of vegetation Use native species Don’t forget to maintain defensible space and basic safety WSU Clark County Extension Water for wildlife Living n All life needs water, including wildlife Wildlife can use natural or artificial sources the Land dlp.cs.berkeley.edu Natural water sources Living n Should provide: Plants along edges to provide stability Buffer areas of taller plants to provide cover for animals A variety of plants, giving wildlife a variety of habitats the Land birdsofoklahoma.net Artificial ponds or water holes Living n Should provide: Both shallow and deep areas Rocks along the edges Plants along the edges to provide stability Buffer areas of taller plants to provide cover for animals the Land www.farmphoto.com NRCS, Mont. Artificial water sources Living n Troughs, tanks, etc. should have ramps to aid small animals and birds that might otherwise drown On-demand water sources for livestock should be routinely checked for problems What about mosquitoes? the Land www.farmphoto.com Shelter and nesting habitat Living n Provides shade, cover for nests and safety from predators Examples: Grasses and shrubs for small animals and birds Evergreen trees for year-round protection Snags for certain birds and small animals the Land www.farmphoto.com dlp.cs.berkeley.edu Selecting areas to be used for shelter or nesting habitat Living n Areas that are not easily cultivated or accessed, such as seeps, bogs, caves, roadsides, ditches, old buildings, etc. Orchards Riparian buffer strips Snags, fence rows, hedgerows the Land Habitat for birds Living n Need a combination of shrubs, trees and grasses Leave occasional downed and standing snags for nests and perches the Land dlp.cs.berkeley.edu For hummingbirds Hummingbirds are pollinators Living n As with all birds, they need water, food and shelter Hummingbirds are omnivores (also eat insects and spiders) the Land birdwatching-bliss.com Attracting songbirds Living n Identify the birds in your area Need food, water and shelter Some have special nesting needs Control potential predators, especially during the nesting season the Land USDA NRCS Habitat for upland game birds BLM NRCS NRCS USDA NRCS For birds of prey Nebraska Game and Park Commission Habitat for bats Living n Bats are great insectivores! Like all animals, they need water, food and shelter They are susceptible to pesticides the Land New Jersey Audubon Society For butterflies Living n Like all animals, they need water, food and shelter Providing food and shelter for all four stages of their life cycle can ensure return visits the Land http://news.synearth.net Native or solitary bees Living n Recent studies indicate a reduction in pollinators worldwide Many areas are reporting the disappearance of honey bees Solitary bees are the unsung pollinators present in most areas the Land www.pollination.com Amphibians Salamanders Frogs Toads www.statesymbolsusa.com Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Reptiles Turtles Snakes Lizards Nebraska Game and Parks Commission www.arabpinto.com Weforanimals.com Other species to attract??? Living n the Land calpoly.edu Pasture and landscape management to encourage wildlife Keep wildlife needs in mind Living n Provide access to water Avoid early season mowing and chemical weed control in tall grass Control noxious weeds Maintain habitat corridors Manage fuels to reduce fire hazards the Land Fencing considerations to encourage wildlife Living n Type and species of wildlife Continual or seasonal access needs Localized or full access the Land Avoiding impacts to wildlife requires: Living n Pet management Livestock management Pasture/landscape management Appropriate fencing the Land birdsofoklahoma.net www.flickr.com Living with wildlife Living n Determine local wildlife population Determine wildlife goals for your property Complete exclusion Open access Combination Determine available wildlife habitat on your property the Land Your design for your property Design or redesign your property layout and facilities, especially the portion dedicated to animal uses, to avoid impacts to the land and wildlife. Include: Living n Existing or proposed space, shelter, water and feed areas for animals Manure storage areas and schedules Fencing or strategies for avoiding predation or limiting wildlife access Landscaping or features to attract desirable wildlife the Land
