Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Seasonal Habitat Use, Home Range, And Dispersal Of Wild Turkeys In Southcentral South Dakota, Scott L. Laudenslager

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal movements, home range, and habitat use of wild turkeys in south-central South Dakota were investigated using radio telemetry from summer 1984 to winter 1986. Spring dispersal from wintering sites ranged from 0.2 to 5.8 km (x = 2.8 km). Non-nesting females moved significantly (P ~ 0.05) farther than males. Fall movements from summer to winter habitat ranged from o.o to 5.0 km (x = 2.2 km). Marked birds always returned to summer areas used in previous years. In contrast, wintering areas changed yearly among some individuals. Home ranges for all birds in summer ranged from 46. 7 ha to …

Isotopic And Geochemical Study Of Groundwater In The Eastern Province Of Kenya, Martin Peter Mwangi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Eastern Province of Kenya has both arid and semi-arid climatic conditions and drought-related problems are common. The isotopic and geochemical compositions of surface water and groundwater of the province were surveyed in an attempt to identify the sources and nature of groundwater recharge and groundwater flow directions.

The isotopic data is characterized by a large scatter in 6180, 6D, and tritium levels. The variations are due to differences in altitude and climate (temperature and rainfall) of the recharge areas.

Differences in groundwater chemistry are also evident and as in the case of isotopic composition, are the result of differences …

Evaluation Of Largemouth Bass And Bluegill Stocking Strategies In South Dakota Ponds, David M. Gilbraith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three fish-stocking methods were evaluated to determine the effects of stocking density and chronology on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) survival, growth, and reproductive success during 1983-1985. Two densities of split-stocking largemouth bass with bluegills were compared to the simultaneous introduction of both species. First-year largemouth bass survival was low and variable among treatments. Survival of largemouth bass ranged from 0-85% and averaged 25% among treatments. Bluegill survival, for the first and second years combined, ranged from 0-60% and averaged 22% among two split-stocking treatments. Thirty-six percent of study ponds experienced at least partial winterkill during the …

Impacts Of Stocking Herbivorous Fishes For Aquatic Macophyte Removal Upon South Dakota Ponds, John Christopher Young

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Aquatic macrophyte removal by herbivorous fishes was investigated to determine changes in the predator-prey relationship of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, and bluegills, Lepomis macrochirus, stocked into 15 prairie ponds. Monosex grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and hybrid grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella x Hypophthalmicthys nobilis, were each stocked at a rate of 247 fish/hectare into five study ponds. Largemouth bass and bluegills were each stocked into 12 study ponds at 247 fish/hectare in July, and 1235 fish/hectare in September, 1984, respectively. Additional largemouth bass were stocked at a rate of 247 fish/hectare into nine study ponds in July, 1985. Conductivity was the …

Habitat Selection And Sexual Suggestion Of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep In Custer State Park, South Dakota, Larry J. Layne

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Spatial segregation between Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) ram and ewe herds has been documented by Geist (1971), Geist and Petocz (1977), Shank (1979), Morgantini and Hudson (1981), and Hogg (1983), where ram herds consist of mature males approximately 4 years old and older and ewe herds are comprised of all other individuals. Geist (1971), Shank (1979), and Hogg (1983) have shown that segregation occurs year-round except during the breeding season (November and December) when the sexes congregate on a traditional breeding range (cf. Geist 1971, p 209). These studies also have shown that the sexes remain separated …

Impact Of Grazing Systems On Rodent And Cottontail Rabbit Populations In South Texas, Meenakshi Nagendran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Study sites were established at Rob and Bessie Welder Refuge and Encino Division of the King Ranch in south Texas to monitor the impact of Short-duration cell grazing (SDG) and Continuous grazing on small mammal and cottontail rabbit populations. Small mammals were live trapped (With occasional snap trapping) and cottontails were spotlighted. Vertical and horizontal components of vegetative structure were measured in terms of percent cover. There was paucity of rodents on the Welder Refuge – 8 captures for 9705 trap nights. In 1984 127 cottontails/km) and in 1985-1986 64 cottontails were seen along 436.8 km of road transects (.14 …

Biotic Responses On Typha-Monodominant Semipermanent Wetlands To Cattle Grazing, Bryan David Schultz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Changes in the vegetative composition of most palustrine emergent semi-permanent wetlands is primarily a function of water level fluctuation. However, some wetlands do not exhibit vegetational shifts since emergent species such as Typha persist under flooded as well as drought conditions. Numerous techniques to control cattails such as burning and herbicide application have been suggested. The objective of this study was to test the use of cattle grazing as a method of controlling dense cattail stands in semi-permanent wetlands to improve breeding duck habitat. Plots (.81 ha) were established in the emergent zone in each of two wetlands (≤ 4 …

Habitat Use By Beaver Along The Big Sioux River, Charles D. Dieter

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Habitat utilization and lodge site selection by beaver (Castor canadensis) were investigated during 1985 and 1986 along the Big Sioux River in eastern South Dakota. Because livestock grazing has affected the number and size of trees available for beaver use, the study area was portioned into grazed, ungrazed, and farmed habitat. Diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees in grazed areas was greater (p < 0.01) than in ungrazed or farmed areas. Almost half (48%) of the trees in ungrazed areas were small (DBH < 7.5 cm), while a majority (58%) of the trees in grazed areas had large diameters (DBH > 30 cm). Beaver activity was evident on 286 of 2410 (11.8%) trees (DBH > 2.5 cm) and 756 of 7,794 (9.7%) stems (DBH < 2.5cm) sampled. A greater proportion (p < 0.01) of trees were cut by beavers in ungrazed than in grazed areas. Beaver did not select tree species for cutting according to availability (p < 0.01). Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) was selected for cutting while both boxelder (Acer negundo) and hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) were selected against. Sandbar willow (Salix exigua) stems were important for food and building materials. Trees cut by beaver were significantly smaller in diameter (p < 0.01) than uncut trees. Mean distance from water of cut trees was also less (p < 0.01) than for uncut trees. Over half (52%) of the trees damaged by beaver were not killed and either resprouted or remained alive and standing. Of 8 variables examined at lodge sites, analysis indicated that the 2 most important factors in beaver lodge site selection were riverbank slope and horizontal cover density between 0.9 m and 1.8 m above ground (read from 10 m). Mean slope of the riverbank at lodge sites (40.7 degrees) was greater (p < 0.01) than at control sites (26.7 degrees), while mean horizontal cover density between 0.9 m and 1.8 m (read from 10 m) was also greater (p < 0.01) at lodge sites (53%) than at control sites (28%). Ungrazed habitat was selected by beaver for lodge sites, and grazed areas were selected against. Although 40% of the study area was ungrazed, 27 of 33 (82%) active lodges were located in these areas. Ungrazed areas along the Big Sioux River are important for beaver populations and selection for these areas by beaver reflects habitat quality.

First Year Growth And Survival Of Walleyes In Power Plant Evaporation And Holding Reservoirs, Michael P. Faler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) were stocked at a rate of 88 fish/hectare in two South Dakota power plant reservoirs and their growth and survival were monitored for one year. Length, weight, and survival of walleyes were significantly (P < 0.05) different between the two reservoirs. The walleyes attained a mean length of 230 mm (range 192 - 265 mm) in the Evaporation Reservoir and 205 mm (range 177-250 mm) in the Holding Reservoir. Mean weights attained by the fish were 104 g (range 65 - 165 g) in the Evaporation Reservoir and 89 g (range 48 - 135 g) in the Holding Reservoir. The growth rates of walleyes in the two reservoirs were inversely related to survival and standing crops. Walleye survival in the Evaporation Reservoir was 1.5% (0.95 C.L., 0.9 - 2.8%) with a standing crop of 0.13 kg/hectare, whereas survival in the Holding Reservoir was 17.2% (0.95 c,L., 13.5 - 22.9%) with a standing crop of 1.33 kg/ hectare. Walleye standing crop estimates, calculated in terms of weight of fish per volume of water beneath the ice, -were similar in the two reservoirs1 standing crops were 0.06 kg/1000 m3 in the Evaporation Reservoir, and 0.08 kg/1000 m3 in the Holding Reservoir. Estimated forage fish standing crops were 1 .21 kg/hectare in the Evaporation Reservoir and 1.91 kg/hectare in the Holding Reservoir.

Rainbow Trout Cage Culture Utilizing Different Strains, Stocking Densities, And Feeding Methods In Eastern South Dakota Dugout Ponds, Jay Patrick Maher

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) cage culture techniques were investigated in dugouts as part of a continuing program to evaluate the potential of small-scale, landowner-based aquaculture operations. Trout raised in the study did not reach a marketable size (200 g) due to the short growing season and small size at stocking. No significant (P >0.05) differences in growth were detected between stocking densities of 60, 80, 100, and 120 fish/m³. Demand feeding resulted in significantly greater length (P≤0.01), weight (P≤0.01), and relative weight (P≤0.05) than hand feeding in both years tested. Rainbow trout of the Hildebrand strain reached a significantly greater …

Seepage Of Groundwater Into The St. Clair River Near Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, Sharon A. Mason

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The main objectives of this research program were to determine the quantity, quality and source(s) of groundwater seepage from the streambed into the St. Clair River in the vicinity of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Seventeen survey lines were installed on the bed of the St. Clair River in a 100 m by 7 km band between Sarnia Bay and the Sarnia Indian Reserve. The survey lines extended 100 m from shore at an angle of approximately 90° to the shore. Soil cores were collected along the survey lines in conjunction with river bottom descriptions to characterize the river bed. On the …

Ring-Necked Pheasant Cover Use In Eastern South Dakota, Karen Peterson Craft

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal cover use of radio-tagged hen pheasants was analyzed and vegetative characteristics of nesting habitat identified in east-central South Dakota during 1983 and 1984. Radio telemetry locations were collected during the summer and fall of 1983 and winter of 1983- 1984 for cover use determinations. Chi-squared analysis of cover use revealed positive selection (P≤0.05) for the idle/roadside cover category in summer, wetlands in fall, and the shelterbelt/woodlot category in winter. Agricultural set aside areas in the 1-year 1983 Payment In Kind (PIK) program were avoided by pheasants in summer as were row crop fields in both summer and winter. Cover …

Characteristics And Use Of Wild Turkey Roost Sites In Southcentral South Dakota, Randall Allen Craft

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ten radio-tagged wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)were monitored to document roost site use and bird movements in the Missouri River breaks complex of southcentral South Dakota during the summer of 1984. Distances between roost sites used by wild turkeys ranged from 0.55 km to 3.09 km. Primary and secondary roost sites were identified. Turkeys used one primary roost site consistently every night during periods ranging from a few days to 2 months, then moved to other primary roost sites. Secondary roost sites were used inconsistently by only a few birds that occupied the roost one night, and did not return on …

An Ecological Study Of Mourning Doves In A Cold Desert Ecosystem On The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Frank P. Howe

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) use of and movements around man-made ponds, as well as dove nesting ecology, were studied from 1983 through 1985 on the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). Relative dove use was higher (P < 0.01) on some ponds than others, and multiple regression revealed a positive association (R 2 = 0.49) between relative use and the geographic isolation of ponds. Two peaks in diurnal pond use were exhibited by doves on the INEL: the mourning peak began around 0800 and lasted until approximately 1300, and the evening peak began at about 2030 and ended by 2150. Seasonal pond use fluctuated slightly through the summer then dropped rapidly in early September. Average and average maximum movements indicated that the 41 mourning doves trapped and fitted with radio-transmitters at the Test Reactor Area (TRA) and the Naval Research Facility (NRF) did not move off of the INEL on a regular basis. The average distance from mourning dove locations to TRA and NRF was <2.0 km, and the average maximum dove location was <3.5 km from either facility. Average (<2.0 km) and average maximum (<3.5 km) distances were also measured from dove locations to watering sites. Doves captured at both TRA and NRF moved, on average, 1.5 km from their nests; the average maximum distance from a dove's location to its nest was 2.8 and 5.4 km for doves caught at TRA and NRF. The average maximum distance between any 2 locations (for the same individual) at both TRA and NRF was <4.0 km. Mourning doves on the INEL are primarily ground nesters. Nesting success averaged 68% per year, with 1.8 fledglings produced per successful nest. Nesting densities averaged 0.02 nests/ha during the study. Three peaks in hatching occurred on the INEL: 1 during the fourth week of June, another during the third week of July, and a third during the first and second weeks of August. Annual production estimates for the INEL ranged from 11,300 to 17,000 doves, based on a model using 2 and 3 nesting attempts per summer. No differences (P > 0.05) were indicated in the percent coverage of shrubs, grasses, forbs, and bare ground, as measured with the line-intercept method, in the 5-m area surrounding dove nests and paired random sites. However, a difference in the percentage of grass cover and bare ground, as measured with a point-frame, was indicated in the 1-m2 (microhabitat) centered on the nest or random site; nest sites contained …

The Effects Of Three Rodenticides On Nontarget Small Mammals And Invertebrates, Michele S. Deisch

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Mortality of non-target small mammals and invertebrates using 3 rodenticide treatments (pre-baited zinc phosphide, pre-baited strychnine, and strychnine alone) was evaluated in western South Dakota. Rodenticides were applied September 22-24, 1983 on 15 black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) towns. Immediate (September 1983) and long-term (September 1983 through August 1984) rodenticide efficacy and impacts on non-target wildlife species were evaluated. None of the 3 rodenticide treatments produced significant ( a < 0.10) immediate impacts on deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) relative densities. Increases of deer mice densities occurred in 1984 on sites that had been treated with the 2 strychnine treatments. These long-term increases in deer mice densities were due to habitat change associated with the absence of prairie dogs. Overall, comparisons among the 3 rodenticides for efficacy indicated that zinc phosphide reduced deer mice densities greater than either strychnine treatment. Seven invertebrate taxa were evaluated. Immediate and long-term effects of the 3 rodenticide treatments occurred when significant differences in invertebrate densities were found between control and treated sites. Spider mites (Acarina) and crickets (Orthoptera) were not affected by the 3 rodenticides. Immediate impacts of zinc phosphide occurred on ant (Hymenoptera) densities and long-term impacts were found in August 1984. Strychnine alone immediately reduced wolf spiders (Araneae) 13% in September 1983 and densities increased on treated sites as compared to control sites in June 1984. Densities of darkling beetles (Coleoptera) in September were significantly reduced with zinc phosphide. Ground beetle and dung beetle (Coleoptera) densities were not immediately reduced by the rodenticides in September. Generally, the few long-term changes in invertebrate densities are attributed to biotic and abiotic factors. Changes in vegetation structure due to prairie dog control may have affected invertebrate densities. Comparisons among rodenticides for efficacy indicated that zinc phosphide immediately reduced densities of ants and darkling beetles greater than either strychnine treatment. None of the other rodenticide comparisons showed significant differences in immediate reductions of non-target invertebrates in September 1983.

Seal Development And Infiltration As Affected By Rainfall Kinetic Energy, Deah Abed Mahamad

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The infiltration of water into soil has been studied for more than 50 years. Much of the effort has concentrated on obtaining infiltration rate measurements for different soils and on developing equations which describe the resulting data. A portion of the infiltration literature has dealt with the large affect that the development of a surface seal has had on the resulting infiltration measurement of a soil. This surface seal may be more significant in determining the infiltration characteristics of a soil than any other single or perhaps combination of factors. Surface seal development has been linked to both rainfall energy …

Stocking Density, Strain Performance, And Feeding Method Evaluation Of Cage Reared Rainbow Trout (Salmo Gairdneri) In Eastern South Dakota, Dale B. Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Methods for cage rearing rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were investigated to assist in the development of a landowner aquaculture program for eastern South Dakota. Rainbow trout when stocked as small fingerlings in the spring did not reach a marketable weight (200 g). The fish did attain a size acceptable to some landowners for personal consumption. Maximum stocking density (fish/m3) was not determined. Densities greater than those used would have been needed to determine the optimum stocking rate. The use of a deeper culture cage (3 m) was justified in this area due to the high water temperatures that were common. …

Growth, Survival, And Reproductive Success Of Largemouth Bass Stocked With Selected Forage Fishes In South Dakota Ponds, R. Dean Beck

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Five fish stocking combinations were evaluated to determine effects of forage availability and geographic location on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) growth, survival, and reproductive success two and three years following stocking. Four forage species stocked with largemouth bass included bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus), black bullheads (Ictalurus melas), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas), and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). A largemouth bass only stocking strategy was also evaluated. Largemouth bass survival two years after stocking in eastern South Dakota ponds averaged 26.5%. Largemouth bass only and largemouth bass-bluegill combinations exhibited the greatest survival rates (31.6% and 28.8%, respectively), while the largemouth bass-black bullhead combination …

Dynamics And Distribution Of Fishes Occupying A South Dakota Power Plant Cooling Reservoir, Timothy R. Walters

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Distribution, population number, growth rate, and reproductive activities of walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) were studied to evaluate the potential of the Big Stone Power Plant cooling reservoir as a source of walleye brood stock. In addition, dynamics and distribution of bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and orangespotted sunfish (L. humilis) were examined. Walleye grew well, reaching a weighted mean total length of 271 mm at formation of annulus I. Survival of walleye was poor, with population estimates of 41 and 43 fish in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Low sample size precluded analysis of distribution, but no consistent preference for an area of …

A Turkey Nesting Study In Gregory County, South Dakota, Tara L. Wertz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nest site vegetation characteristics and selection by wild turkey hens in Gregory County, South Dakota were examined during 1984 and 1985. A total of 23 adult and 12 juvenile hens were monitored during the study. Average adult nesting rate was 42% (31% in 1984 and 54% in 1985). No juveniles nested either year. Nesting success in 1984 and 1985 was 80% and 0%, respectively. Data was collected from 8 woodland and 5 grassland nests. Nest initiation dates ranged from 20 April to 13 June. Nest sites were chosen in locations having overhanging vegetation within 1 m above the nest bowl. …

Pheasant Nesting And Vegetation Development In Dense Nesting Cover Established Under The South Dakota Pheasant Restoration Program, Emmett J. Keyser Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) nest use of dense nesting cover (DNC) established under the Pheasant Restoration Program was evaluated in Beadle, Codington, Tripp, and Walworth Counties in South Dakota from 1978 to 1981. Nest densities and success in DNC plots were compared to those found in roadsides and privately owned alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields, pastures, and small grain fields. Vegetation density and cover development were monitored on DNC plots. Nest densities were generally greatest in DNC plots followed by roadsides and alfalfa fields. Pastures and small grain fields contained the lowest nest densities. No relationship was detected between nest success and …

Influence Of Geomorphological Origin Upon Macroinvertebrate Community Structure In Black Hills Streams, Matthew Lechner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to test a stream classification system proposed for the Black Hills National Forest. Stream physiochemical characteristics and macroinvertebrate community structure were compared among three geomorphically distinct landtype associations in the Black Hills. Stepwise disciminant analysis identified five physiochemical variables, which explained 90% of the variability among landtype associations. The classificatory discriminant procedure correctly reclassified 47 of 52 stations based on the five discriminating invertebrate taxa. Each landtype association was sufficiently different in stream physiochemical characteristics to permit classification. Macroinvertebrates exhibited distributional patterns related to changes in geomorphic structure and stream order, among landtype associations. …

Efficiency Of Two Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Rodenticides And Their Impacts On Non-Target Bird Species, Anthony Dean Apa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In 1983 zinc phosphide, strychnine with prebait, and strychnine without prebait were applied to black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies in west-central South Dakota. Short-term (4 days later) and long-term (1 year later) poison efficiency and impact (short-term and long-term) on horned larks (Eromophila alpestrus) and other seed-eating birds of the prairie dog colonies were evaluated. Prairie dog burrow densities ranged from 54-187 burrows/ha with an average burrow density of 114 ±8 (± SE) burrows/ha. Rodenticide short-term control reduced active burrows by 95% with zinc phosphide, 42% with only strychnine, and 78% with prebaited strychnine. More zinc phosphide was consumed …

Evaluation Of Seasonal Habitat Use By White-Tailed Deer In Eastern South Dakota, Thomas James Kramlich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Seasonal use of selected habitat types by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was investigated using radio telemetry locations during 1983 and 1984, on a predominantly agricultural area in east-central South Dakota. In the summer of 1983, radio-collared deer used corn, shelterbelts, and wetlands in proportion to their availability. Soybeans, grainfields, and grasslands were avoided. Deer selected shelterbelts in the fall and wetlands during the winter months, for protective cover. Habitat use shifted in the spring and shelterbelts received heavy use, once they became free of drifted snow. Shelterbelts continued to be selected by deer during the summer of 1984. IN the …

Distribution, Temperature Selection, And Gonadal Development Of Fishes In A Power Plant Cooling Reservoir, Henry R. Maddux

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The distribution, temperature selection, and gonadal development of fishes in the Big Stone Power Plant cooling reservoir were examined from July 1982 through July 1983. A total of 46.8% of the fishes captured during this study were from the discharge area, while 31.8% and 21.4% of the fish occurred in the mixing and intake areas, respectively. The mean water temperature occupied by common carp (Cyprinus carpio) ranged from 7.5 C in February to 31.2 C in August. Black bullheads (Ictalurus melas) were generally benthic and captured in the cooler water. The mean water temperature occupied by black bullheads ranged from …

Evaluation Of Structure And Growth Of Bluegills And Black Bullheads Stocked With Largemouth Bass In South Dakota Farm Ponds, Charles E. Morris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A two-year study estimated standing stock, growth, condition, survival rates, and population structure of bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) and black bullheads (Ictalurus melas) stocked in South Dakota farm ponds with largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Bluegills and black bullheads reproduced during the second growing seasons and by the end of the study three year-classes of fishes were present in most ponds. Mean back-calculated bluegill total lengths at annuli 1-3 were 58, 125, and 153 mm, respectively. Mean back-calculated black bullhead total lengths at annuli 1-3 were 82, 182, and 240 mm, respectively. A significant north vs south difference (P≤0.05) in third-year bullhead …

Effectiveness Of Shelterbelts In Improving Microclimatic Conditions For Pheasants In Eastern South Dakota, Todd Matthew Schneider

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To evaluate wintering habitat for ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), this study compared microclimate regimes , as determined by wind and temperature, between shelterbelts containing 1 or 2 rows of coniferous tree species with shelterbelts comprised entirely of deciduous tree species and between wetland and shelterbelt habitats. Maximum temperatures within both shelterbelt types, particularly deciduous shelterbelts, were cooler than outside ambient air temperature during summer. Throughout November, December, and January, minimum temperatures in coniferous shelterbelts types were significantly (P≤0.04) warmer than deciduous shelterbelt types. Effectiveness of shelterbelts in reducing wind velocity decreased from an average of 71% during summer to 28% …

Lungworm Infections, Reproduction And Summer Habitat Use Of Bighorn Sheep In Custer State Park, South Dakota, Gary C. Brundige

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were once indigenous to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. When European settlers moved into this region during the late 1800' s, market hunting, loss of habitat, and introduction of animal diseases and parasites caused the subspecies of the region, the Audubon's bighorn sheep (O. c. auduboni), to become extinct by 1916 (Buechner 1960). To reestablish bighorn sheep in the Black Hills, 8 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (O. c. canadensis) were introduced into the former range of the Audubon's sheep in 1922. Finding the habitat to be very suitable, this small population increased to …

Wildlife Response To Stand Structure Of Green Ash Woodlands, Robert A. Hodorff

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Vegetation, birds and mammals were sampled over two years in two types of green ash woodlands in extreme northwestern South Dakota. Woodlands referred to as closed canopy stands consisted of dense stands of various species of trees and shrubs in different size and age classes. Woodlands referred to as open canopy stands had sparse stands of older trees, with intermediate seedling, sapling and tall shrub layers nearly absent. Closed stands had significantly greater (P = .002) coverage of shrubs in the understory than open stands while open stands had significantly greater (P = .004) total coverage of grasses than closed …

An Economic Valuation Of South Dakota Wetlands As A Recreation Resource For Resident Hunters, Craig W. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In spite of efforts to conserve wetlands, intensified agriculture, water projects, and urban development annually diminish the quantity and quality of wetland resources (Weller 1981). Leitch and Danielson (1979) noted that when the discounted value of the returns to drainage exceed drainage costs there is an economic incentive to drain. If present drainage rates continue, Weller (1981) estimated that most wetlands will disappear by the year 2140. Research has only recently focused attention on the need to estimate the public value of wetland benefits and the social costs of drainage (Leitch and Danielson 1979). The disparity between private and social …