Browsing Theses supervised by AKCFWRU by Publication date
Now showing items 21-40 of 203
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Beaver population ecology in interior AlaskaThe ecology of beaver (Castor canadensis Kuhl) populations along two streams in interior Alaska was studied in 1972 and 1973. The two study areas were similar in most respects, except for the history of human trapping intensity. The heavily trapped population exhibited the following contrasts to the essentially unexploited population: (1) higher mortality among adult age classes, (2) higher survivorship of the prereproductives, (3) a sex ratio with a preponderance of females, (4) decreased age at first breeding and consequently, (5) a smaller average size at maturity. Males appear to expend lower effort for parental activities than do females, and consequently exhibit higher survivorship than their mates. Population regulating mechanisms, management implications, and the evolution of an optimal life history strategy are discussed. The distribution and abundance of beaver colonies were related to habitat types and characteristics of the physical environment by multiple linear regression analysis.
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Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus alaskanus) nesting related to forestry in southeastern AlaskaThere were 136 nests located by aerial survey along 225 miles of beach in six logged plots and six virgin plots. Nest densities during the three years were 0.20, 0.23, and 0.20 active nests per beach mile. Islets present within 2 miles of a logged main shore provided nesting territories for eagles not able to find suitable nest sites along the logged shore. Spatial distribution of active nests indicated a 1.25 mile territory radius per nesting pair. Statistical comparison (Mann and Whitney U test) of mean territory size found in logged versus virgin plots showed no significant difference in territory size between the two plot types. Nests located in beach fringe timber remaining after harvesting were utilized frequently because of the lack of alternate nest sites in the immediate vicinity; these nest sites were highly susceptible to wind throw. Storm damage resulted in the loss of 20 per cent of the known nests during winter 1968-1969. It is recommended that buffer zones (10 chain radius - 660 feet) around eagle nests be maintained during harvesting, and that logging activity in the vicinity of nesting eagles be curtailed during April and May. Also, smaller, scattered timber sales should be promoted to ensure that extensive beach strip logging does not remove potential nest sites along miles of shoreline.
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Reproductive behavior and related social organization of the muskox on Nunivak IslandThe sexual behavior and social organization of the muskox (Ovibos moschatus wardi Zimmerman) were studied on Nunivak Island, Alaska, in fall 1972 and summer and fall 1973. Observation effort was concentrated on a single harem group for two months, during the height of courtship activity. Movements and fluctuations in the structure of this group are documented. There was no significant change in mean herd size as a result of the rut, suggesting the existence of a basic social unit independent of the influence of harem bulls. Harem bulls were in the 6-10 year age class. They exerted a stabilizing influence on the harem but did not direct its movements. The rut extended from early July to mid-October. Copulation occurred on September 4 and 5. General patterns of sexual and agonistic behavior are described. Changes in activity patterns as a result of the rut are shown. Bulls displayed more marked changes than cows or juveniles. The proportion of time allocated to sexual and agonistic behavior increased at the expense of maintenance activity as the rut progressed.
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Habitat relationships and activity patterns of a reintroduced musk ox populationA reintroduced muskox herd in arctic Alaska was studied over a 2-year period to assess seasonal changes in activity patterns and feeding behavior. This large herd showed high calving rates and early breeding in females, characteristic of a rapidly expanding population. Age- and sex-specific differences in activity budgets reflect seasonal energy demands of the different cohorts. Comparison with high arctic muskoxen shows that characteristics of suckling behavior provide a more sensitive indicator of differences in range quality than does variation in summer activity patterns. In summer, muskoxen appear to select vegetation types on the basis of abundance and phenological stage of preferred forage species; snow characteristics strongly influence habitat selection in winter. The herd remained within a limited home range with overlapping seasonal ranges and a distinct calving area. The restricted movements and conservative activity budgets permit minimization of energy expenditure and forage requirements, allowing for a year-long existence in areas of low primary productivity.