Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Human-wildlife conflicts are common in suburbia where methods for dealing with wildlife damage are limited by regulations or perceived safety concerns. Interactions between humans and deer result in management actions to reduce impacts. Changes in deer abundance are often used to judge management actions. We examined deer population estimation methods in a woodland-grassland habitat in NY state. We compared program NOREMARK, Lincoln-Peterson estimates, and Jacobson's buck:doe ratios (BDR) for estimating abundance. We used infrared-triggered cameras (IRCs) to survey a deer population of known size that inhabited a fenced area (11-day survey, 1 camera/33 ha) estimating abundance with program NOREMARK. We obtained an accurate and precise population estimate. We also used program NOREMARK and 2 similar estimators with a suburban deer population (10-day IRC surveys, 1 camera/38 ha), using program NOREMARK, the BDR method, and the Lincoln-Peterson estimator. All 3 methods produced similar estimates of deer abundance. We concluded that IRCs, in conjunction with either program NOREMARK or the Jacobson BDR method, will provide reliable estimates of deer abundance in suburban areas. Several factors influence people's perceptions of human-wildlife interactions in residential areas, reporting interactions to authorities, and potential conservation implications. Data were obtained from a mail survey of 1,439 Adirondack Park landowners. We used logistic regression to predict probabilities of having non-positive perceptions and reporting negative interactions to authorities. Our models predicted perceptions relatively well. Factors influencing perceptions included attitudes toward wildlife, experiences with wildlife, age, urban or rural upbringing, and location of current residence. Our models did not predict reports of human-wildlife interactions with satisfactory accuracy. Overall perceptions of wildlife interactions were more positive compared to perceptions of experiences with specific species around respondents' homes. Those not having positive interactions demonstrated less support for land and wildlife conservation. Woodpecker damage to houses and buildings is a widespread and locally severe problem, yet the probability and type of damage has never been quantified and related to home characteristics. Woodpeckers excavate holes in homes for building nest and roost cavities, drumming, and foraging for insects. We examined the external characteristics of houses that were contributing factors in attracting woodpeckers to bore holes in house siding and trim. We surveyed 1,185 houses in Tompkins County, NY. Of the houses visited, 33 percent had woodpecker conflicts. The probability of woodpecker damage on a house was strongly dependent on siding type. Grooved plywood siding was more likely to be damaged than tongue-and-groove, board-and-batten, clapboard, and non-wood siding types. Probability of damage also increased as the tree density in the yard increased. Interactions occurred between sealant and yard type, and houses stained with natural colors suffered greater probabilities of woodpecker damage in all wooded yards. PARTICIPANTS: Wildlife Conservation Society, Adirondack Research Program: in-kind support and collaboration on project objectives. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife: funding, in-kind support, access to NYS wildlife conflict database. Cornell Lab of Ornithology: access to local contacts reporting woodpecker damage to homes. In-kind support for field research. TARGET AUDIENCES: Wildlife agency staff- internal reports and discussions to highlight study outputs. Peer-reviewed publications for wildlife management professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Reducing human-wildlife conflicts with cost-effective methods will enhance positive attitudes towards wildlife. Our research clearly shows that such positive perceptions of wildlife have broader land conservation implications. Future research should explore species-specific and incident-specific details to anticipate potentially negative perceptions of human-wildlife interactions, develop mechanisms for engaging landowners indifferent to wildlife interactions, and determine interventions that effectively reduce negative wildlife impacts. This information would help maintain positive public support for land and wildlife conservation endeavors.
Publications
- Kretser, H. E., Curtis, P. D., Francis, J., Pendall, R., and Knuth, B. A. 2009. Factors affecting perceptions of human-wildlife interactions in residential areas of Northern New York and implications for conservation. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 14:102-118.
- Harding, E. G., Vehrencamp, S. L., and Curtis, P. D. 2009. External characteristics of houses prone to woodpecker damage. Human-Wildlife Conflicts 3(1):136-144.
- Curtis, P. D., Boldgiv, B., Mattison, P. M., and Boulanger, J. R. 2009. Estimating deer abundance in suburban areas with infrared-triggered cameras. Human-Wildlife Conflicts 3(1):116-128.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Many wildlife conflicts occur at the urban-rural interface. Disease transmission by wildlife is becoming an important concern in New York and other states. Helicopters and hand baiting are commonly used to distribute vaccine-laden baits to help control raccoon rabies, but these techniques may be labor intensive, costly, or unavailable in some areas. We tested conventional baiting strategies against polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) bait stations in Erie County, NY, during July and August 2003-05. Hand, helicopter, and bait station treatments were randomly assigned to six, 25 sq. km study sites. Tooth and blood samples were collected from 954 raccoons and examined for tetracycline biomarker and rabies-neutralizing antibodies. Overall, 38% (358/954) of the raccoons tested positive for tetracycline; 16% (155/954) tested seropositive for rabies virus. Probability of seropositivity increased with raccoon age. No significant differences existed between baiting strategies, frequencies of biomarker, and antibody-positive raccoons across all years combined. The efficacy of an oral-rabies-vaccination (ORV) program was also evaluated in Erie County, NY. Ingress of the raccoon rabies first occurred along the southern county border during 1992, and began to spread northward at 30.6 km per year. Fixed-wing aircraft dropped ORV baits in rural landscapes; helicopters, hand baiting, and bait stations distributed baits in suburban areas. Our objectives were to quantify rabies case densities, evaluate efficacy of ORV efforts, and determine biological, census, geographical, and weather variables potentially affecting ORV for raccoons. Overall, 16% (202 of 1,241) and 9% (108 of 1,241) of the raccoons tested positive for virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNA) at the 0.125 and 0.5 IU/ml levels; 38% (358/954) of the suburban raccoons tested positive for biomarker. In the suburban area, 25% (90/353) of biomarker positive raccoons were also positive for VNA. We found no differences between baiting strategies and frequencies of antibody positive raccoons. The probability of seropositivity increased with raccoon age, and seroprevalence of VNA differed among raccoon sex and age classes, and vaccination year. We investigated whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunocontraceptive vaccines altered the physiological characteristics of individual white-tailed deer. We conducted gross necropsy examinations, histology, and blood chemistry comparisons on euthanized deer treated with immunogenic GnRH (n = 18 females, n = 4 males), or left as untreated controls (n = 7 females, n = 6 males). Granulomas were found at injection sites of most deer 3 years post-treatment. There were no significant differences in ovary (F = 0.31, P = 0.73), or pituitary weights (F = 0.30, P = 0.75) between treatment groups. Ovaries from control females had significantly more secondary follicles (F = 20.56, P = 0.001), but not Graafian follicles (F = 2.22, P = 0.13). Immunized males had significantly lower mean testes weights, a number of morphologic abnormalities, and varying degrees of aspermatogenesis. We do not recommend treating male deer with anti-GnRH immunocontraceptive vaccines. PARTICIPANTS: Bigler, L. L. and D. H. Lein, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca. Boulanger, J. R., Extension Associate, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca. Curtis, P. D., Associate Professor, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca. Lembo, A. J., Jr., Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca. Miller, L. A., USDA National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado. Quimby, F. W., Rockefeller University, New York, NY. Richmond, M. E., USGS/BRD, NY Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Cornell University, Ithaca. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences for these results include wildlife management professionals, especially state and federal agency staff dealing with overabundant wildlife in suburban areas. Results are available in peer-reviewed publications targeted at wildlife specialists dealing with wildlife diseases and human-wildlife conflicts. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Our results pertaining to epizootic velocities, rabies case densities, and factors related to vaccination will help wildlife managers maximize limited resources during distribution of baits containing oral rabies vaccines. PVC bait stations could be used as part of an integrated rabies control strategy for areas where either distribution of baits by aircraft, or intensive hand baiting, is impractical. The use of bait stations for dispensing ORV baits is currently being tested to stop a raccoon rabies outbreak in Nassau County, Long Island.
Publications
- Boulanger, J. R., L. L. Bigler, P. D. Curtis, D. H. Lein, and A. J. Lembo, Jr. 2008. Comparison of suburban vaccine distribution strategies to control raccoon rabies. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 44(4):1014-1023.
- Boulanger, J. R., L. L. Bigler, P. D. Curtis, D. H. Lein, and A. J. Lembo, Jr. 2008. Evaluation of an oral vaccination program to control raccoon rabies in a suburbanized landscape. Human-Wildlife Conflicts 2(2):212-224.
- Curtis, P. D., M. E. Richmond, L. A. Miller, and F. W. Quimby. 2008. Physiological effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunocontraception on white-tailed deer. Human-Wildlife Conflicts 2(1):68-79.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Many wildlife conflicts occur at the urban-rural interface where conventional management techniques have minimal effect on wildlife abundance and associated impacts. Managers with wildlife and park agencies often have a narrow view of negative wildlife impacts and potential management options. Often it is assumed that reducing deer abundance by lethal means will lower negative deer impacts and resolve management concerns. However, suburban deer issues are more than just complex; they are messy. Messy problems do not have a single problem formulation and simple solution. Conceptual models may be used as a starting point for discourse-based engagement processes to facilitate mutual learning between key stakeholders and managers that expands perspectives beyond conventional problem frames to create sustainable solutions. One potential approach for managing wildlife in urban parks and woodlands is fertility control. Because management decisions are influenced by citizen input,
it is important to understand what makes people support or oppose lethal or fertility control for a specific wildlife population. We studied 6 U.S. communities trying to manage large populations of white-tailed deer or feral cats, and categorized the ethical arguments citizens used to support their positions on either lethal or fertility control methods. We identified two broad categories of ethical arguments. Arguments in the obligations to people category focused on (1) decision-making procedures, (2) public policy decisions, and (3) management outcomes. Arguments in the obligations to animals and the environment category focused on (1) life, suffering, and death, (2) altered characteristics of animals, (3) individuals and communities, and (4) invasive species impacts. Factual information can influence ethical judgments. Public policy education can therefore potentially modify peoples ethical judgments, but doing so requires a thorough understanding of the basis for those judgments.
Whether public policy education can be effective for information presentation such as press releases and public presentations remains to be seen. We also investigated whether immunocontraceptive vaccines altered the characteristics of individual white-tailed deer. Deer (n = 14 treated, n = 7 control) were examined postmortem to identify pathophysiology resulting from porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccination. Deer were treated twice in 1997; given a booster in 1998, with 6 being revaccinated in September 2000. Granulomas were found at injection sites of most deer, even 2 years post-treatment. Eosinophilic oophoritis occurred in 6 of 8 (75%) deer vaccinated in 1998, and 3 of 6 (50%) revaccinated in 2000. Deer vaccinated with PZP exhibited eosinophilic oophoritis 2 years after the last injection, including some deer that had already returned to normal fertility. The long-term health implications resulting from this vaccination and associated pathologies are still unknown, and further
study is advisable. Observation of some deer with bone marrow fat depletion, at a time of year when they should have their maximum energy reserves prior to winter, is an important concern.
PARTICIPANTS: P. D. Curtis, project PI and research leader. B. A. Knuth, project co-leader. T. B. Lauber, senior reesearch associate, Human dimension Research Unit, Cornell University. J. A. Tantillo, research associate and lecturer, Cornell University. D. J. Decker, project co-leader. K. M. Leong, graduate research assistant, Human dimension Research Unit, Cornell University. M. E. Richmond, project co-leader, USGS-BRD, NY Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Collaborating organizations: National Park Service, BRMD, Fort Collins, CO (M. A. Wild) NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Wildlife, Albany, NY (G. Mattfeld) Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (F. W. Quimby) USDA National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, CO (L. A. Miller)
TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audiences include wildlife management professionals, elected officials, and community leaders. Groups engaged in community-based wildlife management and public policy education will benefit from the results.
Impacts
We have demonstrated that wildlife fertility control has important policy and management implications, along with possible side effects to individual treated animals. It is important to integrate both the public policy implications, and the population ecology of the wildlife species treated, to enhance the effectiveness of any management application. To focus only on the biology or policy components of a wildlife control program, could lead to reduced effectiveness and/or public opposition, resulting in limited management impacts including wasted time and resources.
Publications
- Curtis, P. D., M. E. Richmond, L. A. Miller, and F. W. Quimby. 2007. Pathophysiology of white-tailed deer vaccinated with porcine zona pellucida immunocontraceptive. Vaccine 25:4623-4630.
- Lauber, T. B., J. A. Tantillo, B. A. Knuth, and P. D. Curtis. 2007. The role of ethical and normative judgments related to wildlife fertility control. Society and Natural Resources 20(2):119-133.
- Leong, K. M., D. J. Decker, J. Forester, P. D. Curtis, and M. A. Wild. 2007. Expanding problem frames to understand human-wildlife conflicts in urban-proximate parks. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration 25(4):62-78.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
In April 2005, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in a captive white-tailed deer in Oneida County as part of a required herd health monitoring program implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Markets in July 2004. Trace-back and trace-forward investigation of the index herd, coupled with depopulation of the index herd and an intensive sampling effort of wild deer within 10 miles from the index herd, identified three additional positive cases in the index herd, one positive case in another neighboring captive herd, and two positive cases in nearly 300 wild deer collected within 5 miles of the index herd. New York responded to the finding of CWD quickly with regulations restricting various activities that could introduce or spread CWD within the state. The regulations restrict: importation and movement of live deer and elk except from certified herds under permit issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; deer feeding;
importation and possession of certain animal parts and carcasses from western states and provinces, and from any captive herds; and liberation of wild or captive deer and elk. Additional provisions define a CWD containment area and restrict activities within its boundaries. We evaluated the reactions of sportsmen to determine if CWD would influence their hunting behavior in fall 2005.
Impacts
Accurate and timely information on the potential risks associated with CWD in deer alleviated many public concerns. Testing of more than 8,000 tissue samples collected statewide from road-killed and hunter-harvested deer resulted in no further positive cases of CWD in free-ranging deer since the original cases were confirmed during March and April 2005. Most hunters contacted were aware of CWD in general, and its discovery in Oneida County. There was a demand for more information about CWD, and Cornell Cooperative Extension had the highest credibility rating of government agencies mentioned. New York sportsmen indicated they would continue to hunt deer at their usual locations in fall 2005 despite the findings of CWD. Additional public education and updates will be important.
Publications
- Brown, T. L., D. J. Decker, J. T. Major, P. D. Curtis, J. E. Shanahan, W. F. Siemer. 2006. Hunters and other citizens reactions to discovery of CWD in Central New York. Human Dimensions of Wildlife 11:203-214.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
In April 2005, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in a captive white-tailed deer in Oneida County as part of a required herd health monitoring program implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Markets in July 2004. Trace back and trace forward investigation of the index herd coupled with depopulation of the index herd and an intensive sampling effort of wild deer within 10 miles from the index herd identified three additional positive cases in the index herd, one positive case in another neighboring captive herd, and two positive cases in nearly 300 wild deer collected within 5 miles of the index herd. Based on investigations it is theorized that CWD infected materials were imported into NY as part of taxidermy specimens prior to regulations prohibiting importation of such parts. Subsequent co-mingling of the wild fawns with the captive herd and direct release of infected rehabilitated fawns back to the wild may have resulted in exposure to both
captive held and wild white-tailed deer.
Impacts
New York responded to the finding of CWD quickly with regulations restricting various activities that could introduce or spread CWD within the state. The regulations restrict: importation and movement of live deer and elk except from certified herds under permit issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; deer feeding; importation and possession of certain animal parts and carcasses from western states and provinces, and from any captive herds; and liberation of wild or captive deer and elk. Additional provisions define a CWD containment area and restrict activities within its boundaries, including: prohibit the movement of potentially infected materials out of the zone, require mandatory checking of all hunter collected deer from within the zone, and restrict the collection and sale of deer urine. New regulatory provisions also apply to taxidermists and wildlife rehabilitators statewide. Accurate and timely information on the potential risks
associated with CWD in deer alleviated many public concerns. Testing of more than 8,000 tissue samples collected statewide from road-killed and hunter-harvested deer resulted in no further positive cases of CWD in free-ranging deer since the original cases were confirmed during March and April 2005. Deer and deer hunting contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to rural economies in New York, and hunting is the primary management tool for managing deer abundance, crop damage, and other associated deer impacts.
Publications
- Curtis, P. D., G. R. Goff, M. L. Ashdown, R. Stumvoll, and B. Njaa. 2005. Understanding chronic wasting disease in New York State: The first step to regional disease control. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. 16pp.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Deer-related crashes are increasing as both deer populations and vehicular travel increase. Many methods have been used in attempts to reduce deer crashes, often with little scientific foundation and limited evaluation. We summarized the methods and reviewed the evidence of their effectiveness and the situations in which each may be useful. The only widely accepted method with solid evidence of effectiveness is well-designed and maintained fencing, combined with underpasses or overpasses as appropriate. Herd reduction is controversial but can be effective. Deer whistles appear useless. Roadside reflectors appear to have little long-term effect, although additional well-designed evaluations are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Both temporary passive signs and active signs appear promising in specific situations, but considerable research is required to evaluate long-term driver response and to improve and test deer detection technology for active signs.
Other methods using advanced technology require substantial additional research and evaluation.
Impacts
More than 1.5 million traffic crashes involving deer are estimated to occur each year in the United States. These crashes produce at least $1.1 billion in vehicle damage and about 150 fatalities annually. Based on an extensive literature review, the only reliable method with sound scientific evidence for preventing deer-vehicle crashes was properly constructed and maintained fencing. A Cooperative Extension publication was developed to educate motorists and community leaders. Proposed barrier fencing for high-risk roadways will potentially reduce crashes, associated property damage, and human injuries.
Publications
- Hedlund, J. H., Curtis, P. D., Curtis, G., and Williams, A. F. 2004. Methods to reduce traffic crashes involving deer: What works and what does not. Traffic Injury Prevention 5:122-131.
- Curtis, P. D., and Hedlund, J. H. 2004. Reducing deer-vehicle crashes. Wildlife Damage Management Fact Sheet Series, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, New York, 14853.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
No-choice feeding trials with prairie voles (Microtus ochragaster) were used to assess the repellency of compounds extracted from pachysandra, a plant avoided by mammalian herbivores. A bioassay showed that ethanolic extracts from pachysandra were highly deterrent to prairie voles. Reduced feeding activity was present in samples containing both polar and non-polar fractions. Chromatography revealed that combinations of compounds were responsible for the repellency. Active compounds include previously identified steroidal alkaloids and their glycosides. Deer-related crashes are increasing as both deer populations and vehicular travel increase. Many methods have been used in attempts to reduce deer crashes, often with little scientific foundation and limited evaluation. The only widely accepted method with solid evidence of effectiveness is well-designed and maintained fencing, combined with underpasses or overpasses as appropriate. Herd reduction is controversial but
can be effective. Deer whistles appear useless. Roadside reflectors appear to have little long-term effect, although additional well-designed evaluations are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Both temporary passive signs and active signs appear promising in specific situations, but considerable research is required to evaluate long-term driver response and to improve and test deer detection technology for active signs. Other methods using advanced technology require substantial additional research and evaluation. A statewide survey of deer damage to agriculture in NYS was conducted. Of the 3,808 delivered questionnaires, 1,927 were returned for an adjusted response rate of 50.6 percent. Nonrespondents to this study were less likely than respondents to be negatively affected by deer. Out of the 100 nonrespondents reached by telephone, 72.9 percent reported damage of less than $100, compared to just 25.1 percent for respondents. Deer damage estimates were reduced by 31.5
percent from a straight extrapolation from sample respondent data to account for less damage incurred by nonrespondents. Respondents, whose farms averaging 268 acres statewide, reported an average of 21 deer as the largest number they had seen on their property at one time in the past 12 months. Of farmers who had been in business for at least five years, (96.9 percent of all respondents), 55.2 percent indicated there were more deer now, 32.6 percent believed the current population is about the same as five years ago, and 12.2 percent indicated there were fewer deer now than five years ago. Statewide, about one-quarter of responding farmers indicated they had little or no deer damage (less than $100) in 2002. Just over half of respondents (56.7 percent) estimated damage of $1,000. However, 13.7 percent of respondents estimated damage in excess of $5,000, and 6.8 percent estimated damage in excess of $10,000. After adjusting for nonresponse bias, the total deer damage to crops in New
York in 2002, as estimated by farmers, was approximately $58.8 million.
Impacts
More than 1.5 million traffic crashes involving deer are estimated to occur each year in the United States. These crashes produce at least $1.1 billion in vehicle damage and about 150 fatalities annually. Based on an extensive literature review, the only reliable method with sound scientific evidence for preventing deer-vehicle crashes was properly constructed and maintained fencing. Deer herd reduction could be effective. However, more research is needed to correlate deer densities with collision rates. Other possible techniques, such as active and passive signage, or reflectors, require substantial additional research before conclusions about their effectiveness can be made.
Publications
- Hedlund, J.H., P.D. Curtis, G. Curtis, and A.F. Williams. 2003. Methods to reduce traffic crashes involving deer: What works and what does not. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Arlington, Virginia. (October)
- Brown, T.L., P.D. Curtis, D.J. Decker, and N.A. Connelly. 2003. Farmers estimates of economic damage from white-tailed deer in New York State. Human Dimensions Research Unit, Dept. of Natural Resources, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Many plants have mechanisms of chemical resistance that protect them from herbivores in their environment. No-choice feeding trials with prairie voles (Microtus ochragaster) were used to assess the relative efficacy of 10 plant species to deter voles from consuming a preferred food, applesauce. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus), and crown vetch (Coronilla varia) were the best feeding deterrents. At the 14 percent plant concentration, mean intake of the plant/applesauce mix was 85 percent less with pachysandra than with the most preferred species, dandelion (Taraxicum officinalis). I also examined the resistance of more than 30 varieties of flowering bulbs to vole and deer feeding. Excluding two varieties of tulips, most of the remaining bulb varieties experienced little damage from voles in the lab, or deer damage in home landscapes. Through careful plant selection, it is possible to design
landscapes that minimize conflicts with mammalian herbivores. Extensive deer damage to ornamental shrubs commonly occurs in NYS and the Northeast. Japanese yews (Taxus spp.) provide preferred winter forage for white-tailed deer, and a good plant model for testing deer repellents. Collaborative support from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets was used to evaluate a new sprayable fiber technology for reducing deer damage. A total of 240 potted yews were placed at 8 home sites with a history of deer damage near Ithaca, NY. The long-term effectiveness of 6 replicates for 5 treatments (Deer Away, Deer Stopper, EVA sprayable fibers, EVA fibers with abrasives, control) is being evaluated during winter 2002-03. External funding was used to supplement Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station support and develop a statewide survey of deer damage to agriculture in NYS. Collaborators included NY Farm Bureau, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and NYS Department of Agriculture and
Markets. Assistance was provided to staff in the Human Dimensions Research Unit in the Department of Natural Resources to develop a survey instrument.
Impacts
More cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods are needed to protect plants from wildlife pests. Knowledge of plant secondary compounds and resistant varieties can be used to design more herbivore-resistant landscapes, or develop more effective mammalian repellents.
Publications
- Curtis, P. D., E. D. Rowland, M. M., Harribal, G. B., Curtis, J. A., Renwick, M. D., Martin-Rehermann, and G. L. Good. 2003. Plant compounds in Pachysandra terminalis that act as feeding deterrents to prairie voles (Microtus ochragaster). Hort Science: (In press).
- Curtis, P. D., Rowland, E. D., and Good, G. L. 2002. Developing a plant-based vole repellent: screening of ten candidate plants. Crop Protection 21: 299-306.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Many plants have mechanisms of chemical resistance that protect them from herbivores in their environment. The goal of this project was to identify compounds that could be used to develop more effective and long-lasting herbivore repellents. The ornamental plant Pachysandra terminalis is highly unpalatable to voles, but the nature of this resistance is not fully understood. Extracts of P. terminalis were prepared to determine the extent to which chemical constituents could account for its avoidance by voles. A bioassay in which samples were mixed with applesauce showed that ethanolic extracts were highly deterrent to captive prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Bioassay-guided fractionation of ethanol extracts showed that repellent activity was present in both polar and non-polar fractions. Further separation of each fraction by open column chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography revealed that combinations of compounds were responsible for the
deterrent activity. Preliminary ultraviolet and mass spectroscopic analyses indicated that steroid alkaloids characteristic of this plant were likely the active compounds. We assessed the efficacy of free-ranging dogs, confined by buried fences and electronic collars, for reducing deer damage to apple trees in three commercial apple orchards in Oswego County, New York State. During 1995 and 1996, we monitored paired dog-protected and control plots in each orchard. Within dog-protected areas, the percentage of buds damaged by deer was lower, and fruit yield was higher in both 1995 and 1996 than for control plots. Gross economic returns were higher from dog-protected than control plots in both 1995 (by 51%) and 1996 (by 184%). After two seasons of growth, trees planted in May 1995 had nearly three times the cross-sectional area, and were 60% taller if they were in dog-protected rather than control plots. Dogs provided increased economic returns for growers at much lower cost than
conventional barrier or electric fencing.
Impacts
More cost-effective methods are needed to protect crops from wildlife pests. Costing approximately $5,700 to protect a 20 ha orchard block, the invisible fence system was considerably less expensive to install than woven wire or conventional electric fencing ($48,000 and $28,000, respectively for the same area). On average, apple growers using dogs with invisible fencing to control deer damage had increased economic returns of >$1,000 per ha in 1995, and nearly $3,000 per ha in 1996, when compared to unprotected control plots in the same orchards.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Plugging of highway culverts by beavers (Castor canadensis) is a common problem in many northeastern states. A survey of 132 town and county highway superintendents from NYS indicated that >80% experienced beaver damage to roadways, and costs ranged from $2,000-4,000 annually to maintain sites with beaver problems. Shooting and trapping were used by two-thirds of highway departments to reduce beaver impacts, and were viewed as the most effective methods to resolve conflicts. We sampled 308 culvert sites in New York State, and used step-wise logistic regression to identify key variables associated with culverts experiencing beaver problems and roadside areas where beaver colonies were present. The overall model indicated that the culvert inlet area and stream gradient had the strongest influence for distinguishing between sites where beavers obstructed the culvert and sites where beavers did not. The amount of habitat adjacent to the stream that was devoid of woody
vegetation, stream gradient, and stream width best distinguished between roadside areas that beaver occupied and those they did not. These models correctly classified 80 and 87 percent of the culvert sites, respectively. Communities often struggle with finding solutions to problems with overabundant deer herds. We have been examining methods for involving citizens in suburban deer research and management. Fifty white-tailed deer were trapped and ear-tagged in the Village of Cayuga Heights, NY. Citizens in the community were asked to report sightings of tagged deer via a web site or phone hotline. From April through December 2000, we received 608 deer reports from 282 households in the 1.8 square mile village. Home ranges for tagged deer based on sightings are being compared to those calculated for 17 deer fitted with radio-collars. This is an innovative way to apply citizen science and involve communities in deer research and management decisions.
Impacts
Reducing beaver damage to highway infrastructure could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in NYS each year. Over-sizing culverts is a proactive way to limit plugging and associated road flooding caused by beavers. Integrating deer research with community education may be an effective way to resolve suburban deer conflicts throughout the northeast.
Publications
- Jensen, P. G., and P. D. Curtis. 2001. Regional Analysis of Beaver Damage in New York: Implications for Future Management. Proceedings, North American Aquatic Furbearer Symposium, Starkville, Mississippi. (In press).
- Jensen, P. G., P. D. Curtis, and D. L. Hamelin. 2001. Factors influencing obstruction of highway culverts by beaver. Wildlife Society Bulletin:(In press).
- Curtis, P. D., D. J. Decker, and T. M. Schusler. 2001. Beyond citizen task forces: the future of community-based deer management. Proceedings Vertebrate Pest Conference 19:(In press).
- DeNicola, A. J., K. C. VerCauteren, P. D. Curtis, and S. E. Hygnstrom. 2000. Managing white-tailed deer in suburban environments: a technical guide. Cornell Cooperative Extension Information Bulletin, N.Y. State College of Agriculture and Life Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 52pp.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Plugging of highway culverts by beavers (Castor canadensis) is a common problem in many Northeastern states. Mitigating these conflicts on a continual basis requires considerable staff time, money, and equipment from highway departments. Currently, a long-term solution to this problem does not exist. We sampled 308 culvert sites in New York State: 154 in St. Lawrence County and 154 within the Appalachian Plateau ecozones. Step-wise logistic regression was used to identify key variables associated with culverts experiencing beaver problems and roadside areas where beaver colonies were present. The overall model indicated that the culvert inlet area and stream gradient had the strongest influence for distinguishing between sites where beavers obstructed the culvert and sites where beavers did not. The amount of habitat adjacent to the stream that was devoid of woody vegetation, stream gradient, and stream width best distinguished between roadside areas that beaver
occupied and those they did not. These models correctly classified 80 and 87 percent of the sites, respectively. Our results indicate that installing larger culverts will likely have the greatest impact on discouraging plugging by beavers. Repellents are often used by growers and homeowners to protect plants from feeding damage by deer. A 10-week study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of 6 commercial and 2 experimental deer repellents (Deer-Off, Tree Guard, Big Game Repellent (BGR)-mix, BGR-spray, Deer Stopper, Repellex, CU-A, and CU-B) relative to each other and untreated control plants. The Cornell experimental repellents (CU-A, CU-B) contained methanol extracts of Pachysandra or Pachysandra extracts mixed with synthetic fermented egg. Thirty-six Japanese yew shrubs were placed at 10 homeowner sites with a history of deer damage near Ithaca, NY. The yews were separated into 2 blocks of 18 plants at each site, with 2 replicates of each treatment within a block. Plants were
checked once each week, and photos were taken of damaged yews to measure the amount of deer browsing. The deer repellents that provided the most consistent protection were BGR-spray, BGR-mix, Deer-Off, and Deer Stopper II. The pachysandra extracts (CU-A and CU-B) were not effective as deer repellents at the concentration tested. The performance of other commercial repellents varied greatly between sites. None of the repellents tested provided more than 5 weeks of reliable protection from deer feeding. This indicates the need to reapply the repellents on a monthly basis in order to obtain consistent protection from deer feeding.
Impacts
Reducing beaver damage to highway infrastructure could save hundreds of thousands of dollars in NYS alone each year. Over-sizing culverts is a proactive way to limit plugging and associated road flooding caused by beavers. Information on repellent longevity can help growers and homeowners effectively protect plants from deer feeding damage.
Publications
- Jensen, P. G., and P. D. Curtis. 2000. Regional Analysis of Beaver Damage in New York: Implications for Future Management. Proceedings, North American Aquatic Furbearer Symposium, Starkville, Mississippi.
- Jensen, P. G., P. D. Curtis, and D. L. Hamelin. 1999. Managing Nuisance Beavers Along Roadsides: A Guide for Highway Managers. Cornell Cooperative Extension Info. Bull. N.Y. State Coll. of Agric. and Life Sci., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y.
- Curtis, P. D., and J. Jackson. 1999. Controlling critters in golf course landscapes. Grounds Maintenance (March):1, 4, 8, and 12.
- Curtis, P. D. and K. L. Sullivan. 1999. Approaches for minimizing deer damage in New York State. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Department of Natural Resources, N.Y. State Coll. of Agric. and Life Sci., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y. 200+pp.
- Curtis, P. D., and K. L. Sullivan. 1999. How deer and beaver affect you and your land and what you can do about it. Pages 45-51 In P. J. Smallidge and G. R. Goff, eds., Informing Private Landowners of Opportunities for Enjoying and Managing their Forest and Rural Properties for Environmental Quality and Economic Vitality, Proc. Captial District Forest Owner Workshop, Cornell Coop. Extension, Dept. of Nat. Resources, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y. 99pp.
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