Browsing by Author "Brigham, R. Mark"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 46

Open Access
Bat roosting and foraging ecology in naturally disturbed habitats.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2001) Psyllakis, Jennifer Michelle; Brigham, R. Mark
Open Access
Breeding Biology of Grassland Songbirds and the Effects of Oil and Natural Gas Development on Their Density and Reproductive Success
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-05) Ludlow, Sarah Maureen; Brigham, R. Mark; Davis, Stephen; Vetter, Mary; Lockhart, Wallace
Understanding the breeding ecology of grassland birds is vital for identifying the mechanisms underlying their widespread population declines. I describe the breeding biology of and quantify the effects of nest predation and brood parasitism on Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Baird’s Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Western Meadowlark (Sternella neglecta), and Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) in south-eastern Alberta. Nest predation was the primary cause of nest failure, accounting for 75% of all nest losses. For the three sparrow species, daily survival rates were higher during the incubation compared to the nestling stage. For all five species, clutch size, hatching success, and fledging success were within the range of values previously reported for these species in other parts of their range. Brown-headed Cowbirds parasitized nests of all species except Sprague’s Pipit, with 4- 11% of nests containing cowbird eggs. Savannah Sparrow experienced the highest frequency of brood parasitism and was the only species to successfully fledge cowbird young. Parasitized Savannah Sparrow nests experienced reduced hatching success, productivity, and clutch size compared to non-parasitized nests. The overall cost of parasitism to Savannah Sparrow was 1.7 young per successful nest. This information provides a basis for future comparisons regarding the influence of anthropogenic alterations to native grassland habitat on grassland songbird reproductive success and nest survival. Despite dramatic increases in oil and gas development over the last decade, research about the effects of this activity on grassland songbird reproductive success and density is lacking. I assessed how the density and reproductive success of five species of grassland songbirds in south-eastern Alberta varied with distance to oil and gas wells, roads, trails, and patches of introduced crested wheatgrass, along with percent cover of crested wheatgrass. Savannah Sparrow density was 2.5 times higher within 100 m of wells than further away and was almost twice as high in areas without crested wheatgrass compared to those with 60% cover. Sprague’s Pipit nest survival decreased with increased cover of crested wheatgrass. The proportion of Baird’s Sparrow eggs that hatched within 50 m of wells and trails were reduced by 33% and 46%, respectively, compared to areas further from these structures. Hatching success more than doubled for both Sprague’s Pipit and Western Meadowlark as percent cover of crested wheatgrass increased from 0-60%. The number of young fledged from successful Baird’s Sparrow nests was lower near trails. Savannah Sparrow fledging success was higher near wells and in areas with greater cover of crested wheatgrass. The number of young fledged from successful Western Meadowlark nests doubled as distance from crested wheatgrass increased from 0-800 m. There was no relationship between the frequency of brood parasitism and distance to oil and gas infrastructure. Overall, my results indicate that oil and gas development has mixed effects on the density and reproductive success of grassland songbirds. To mitigate potential negative effects, future development by the energy industry should attempt to minimize the amount of edge habitat created, continue to eliminate exotic vegetation in their reclamation protocols, and take precautions to avoid the spread of crested wheatgrass, and other invasive plants, into native grassland.
Open Access
Census methodology and habitat use of long-billed curlews ( Numenius americanus) in Saskatchewan.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2003) Foster-Willfong, Janna M.; Brigham, R. Mark; James, Paul
Open Access
Cold and alone? Roost choice and season affect torpor patterns in lesser short‑tailed bats
(Springer, 2017) Brigham, R. Mark; Hickey, Anthony J.R.; Parsons, Stuart; Czenze, Zenon J.
Seasonal changes in weather and food availability differentially impact energy budgets of small mammals such as bats. While most thermal physiological research has focused on species that experience extreme seasonal temperature variations, knowledge is lacking from less variable temperate to subtropical climates. We quantified ambient temperature (Ta) and skin temperature (Tsk) responses by individuals from a population of New Zealand lesser shorttailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) during summer and winter using temperature telemetry. During summer, communal roosts were more thermally stable than Ta. During winter, solitary roosts were warmer than Ta indicating significant thermal buffering. Communal roost trees were used on 83 % of observation days during summer, and individuals occupying them rarely entered torpor. Solitary roosts were occupied on 93 % of observation days during winter, and 100 % of individuals occupying them used torpor. During summer and winter, bats employed torpor on 11 and 95 % of observation days, respectively. Maximum torpor bout duration was 120.8 h and winter torpor bout duration correlated negatively with mean Ta. Torpor bout duration did not differ between sexes, although female minimum Tsk was significantly lower than males. The summer Heterothermy Index varied, and was also significantly affected by Ta. Mean arousal time was correlated with sunset time and arousals occurred most frequently on significantly warmer evenings, which are likely associated with an increased probability of foraging success. We provide the first evidence that torpor is used flexibly throughout the year by M. tuberculata, demonstrating that roost choice and season impact torpor patterns. Our results add to the growing knowledge that even small changes in seasonal climate can have large effects on the energy balance of small mammals.
Open Access
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) Habitat Associations and Activity Patterns in the Northern Boreal Forest
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2017-11) Sidler, Andrea; Brigham, R. Mark; Somers, Christopher; Vanderwel, Mark; Swanson, David L.
Understanding how organisms interact with their environment is key to developing effective management strategies. Due to population declines detected in the southern part of their range, Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) are listed as Threatened in Canada. Despite the northern boreal forest representing a significant portion of their breeding distribution, populations in these areas remain virtually un-studied and thus their numbers and biology are poorly understood. My study is one of the first to examine both temporal and spatial aspects of habitat associations for breeding nighthawks in the northern boreal forest. In the boreal region, fires create open habitats in an otherwise densely forested landscape. Considering nighthawks typically prefer open habitat, I assessed nighthawk abundance relative to forest age and vegetation characteristics to better understand spatial habitat associations in the northern boreal forest. I conducted evening roadside surveys and vegetation assessments along 20 different survey routes in 2015 and 2016, in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Nighthawks (both breeding and non-breeding individuals) were positively associated with open habitat at both the landscape and, within that, at the territory scale. At the landscape scale, I detected more individuals in early successional, post fire habitat compared to older, more densely vegetated forests. At the territory scale, nighthawks were negatively associated with denser tree canopy cover and greater cover by low shrubs. As well, I detected more birds on nights with colder temperatures and on nights with higher values of moon illumination. Given the association of this species with open habitats, land managers should be aware that the availability of early successional, post fire habitats may play a key role in the maintenance of populations of Common Nighthawks across the boreal region. Northern latitudes are characterized by a large variation in summer photoperiod, which has the potential to impact the activity patterns of these crepuscular birds. Because of this, the current Canadian National Nightjar Survey Protocol, which targets populations at southern latitudes, may be ineffective to accurately monitor northern populations. My goal was to assess nighthawk activity at northern latitudes and to provide recommendations for a targeted monitoring protocol, in the event that the current protocol was not suitable to accurately monitor these populations. I deployed autonomous recording units to record calling activity throughout the summers of 2015 and 2016, in the Yukon Territory, Canada, to better understand how temporal changes in ambient light and temperature impacts nighthawk activity. Daily activity period approximately reflected the length of civil twilight (sun 0-6 degrees below the horizon) and was constrained by nautical twilight (sun 7-12 degrees below the horizon) as nights grew darker. Calling activity was higher over the evening civil twilight period than the morning period. During the evening twilight window which my study targeted, nighthawks were more likely to call at low temperatures during low-light conditions and at higher temperatures during brighter conditions. Seasonally, calling activity increased during the first week of June and remained elevated until the first week of July. My data suggest that the recommended sampling times outlined in the Canadian National Nightjar Survey Protocol align with peak activity periods of nighthawks in our study area and that therefore this protocol should be used for future monitoring of northern nighthawk populations.
Open Access
Community ecology of migratory bats in a northern sky island
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2024-06) Green, Dana Maureen; Brigham, R. Mark; Baerwald, Erin; Somers, Chris; Buttigieg, Josef; Hurlbert, Margot; Fraser, Erin
Animal migrations are often motivated by the opportunity to exploit seasonal abundances of resources, a phenomenon particularly pronounced for species migrating to higher latitudes where seasonality is more extreme. Bats are the only mammalian order to have evolved flight, and three North American migratory bats are the long-distance migrating hoary (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans), and the regionally migrating little-brown Myotis bats (Myotis lucifugus). I describe a highly seasonal community of migratory bats in a northern “sky island” within the Cypress Hills of southern Saskatchewan, Canada, focusing on abundance trends, foraging behavior, niche ecology, and ecophysiology. By collecting data spanning 20 years, my first chapter describes that while long-distance migrating bats are experiencing population declines, the Cypress Hills currently has locally increasing abundances of hoary and silver-haired bats, likely driven by increased roosting habitat. Further in my second chapter, I found that three species of bat separate their ecological niches, allowing for current co-existence, but that silver-haired bats may experience competition with either the hoary or little-brown myotis. My final chapter describes the inter- and intra-specific differences of fur cortisol, a regulatory hormone often associated with stress. Notably, silver-haired bats exhibit elevated fur cortisol levels, but only in juveniles, suggesting it was transferred through their mothers milk while pups grew fur. Thus, female silver-haired bats likely have interactions within their environment causing increased cortisol circulation. Collectively based on my results, I postulate that long-distance migratory bats are disproportionally attracted to the Cypress Hills, and the local population of silver-haired bats may be experiencing increased inter- and intra- competition, resulting in heightened cortisol levels. Although each of the three bat species are seasonally abundant within the Cypress Hills, they are all currently experiencing population declines across their ranges. The environmental conditions hoary, silver-haired, and little-brown myotis bats face consist of highly seasonal resources in a relatively small area of land, while also experiencing habitat loss and increased risk during their annual migrations. My work highlights the importance of both long-term studies and datasets, and lays the foundation to continue to study the summer ecology of at risk species.
Open Access
Developing Grassland Songbird Management Targets for Multi-Species Conservation on Native Mixed-Grass Prairie
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-07) Rose, Phillip Kelsey; Brigham, R. Mark; Davis, Stephen; Vetter, Mary; Sutter, Glenn
Grassland birds are declining at steeper rates than birds from nearly every other habitat type, and the primary reasons for these declines are loss and degradation of native grasslands. Moisture, along with other environmental conditions such as soil type, topography, fire, and grazing, play important roles in determining the extent of habitat features important to grassland songbirds. I examined the associations between the abundance/occurrence of 14 grassland songbird species and vegetation characteristics along a moisture gradient in southwest Saskatchewan. Associations with at least one vegetation characteristic changed along the moisture gradient for 12 of the 14 species. Songbird abundance/occurrence was typically greater in areas with dense cover at drier sites along the moisture gradient when overall cover was sparse and greater in areas with sparser cover at wetter sites when overall cover was dense; however, absolute values for vegetation characteristics associated with peak abundance/occurrence often remained similar along the moisture gradient. The umbrella species concept is based on the premise that the conservation of a single species can also aid in conservation of a wide range of other co-occurring species with overlapping habitat requirements. I examined how the vegetation attributes of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) critical habitat influenced grassland songbirds, and whether sage-grouse could potentially serve as an umbrella species for the grassland songbird community at the northern extent of the sage-grouse range. I found that abundance of Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii) and Baird’s sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) was lower and abundance of lark bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) was higher within greater sage-grouse critical habitat in comparison to a 1.6 km buffer surrounding critical habitat. The abundance of all endemic grassland songbirds, except lark bunting, was negatively associated with vegetation attributes that characterized sage-grouse critical habitat (i.e., shrub and sagebrush cover). The vegetation characteristics associated with shrub-steppe songbirds and several grassland generalists overlapped with vegetation characteristics that defined greater sage-grouse critical habitat. Greater sage-grouse conservation is likely to have a positive influence on shrub-tolerant species, such as lark bunting, and a neutral or positive effect on generalist grassland species, but will provide few benefits to other grassland species at risk.
Open Access
Ecological aspects of the newly identified viral pathogen Regina ranavirus (RRV) in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum diaboli) in Saskatchewan, Canada.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1999) Schock, Danna Michelle; Brigham, R. Mark; Bollinger, T.K.
Open Access
Ecological aspects of torpor use and inactivity during winter by common poorwills.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2003) Woods, Christopher P.; Brigham, R. Mark
Open Access
The Effect of Food Supplementation on the Territorial Behaviour of a Nocturnal Bird: The Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus Nuttallii)
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-05) Preston, Paul Joseph; Brigham, R. Mark; Somers, Christopher; Manzon, Richard; McMaster, Glen
When animals have more energy available to them, they should be able to spend more time on other activities such as territory defense because they are able to spend less time searching for food. Most studies examining this relationship have been on diurnal organisms where the time available for these activities is quite long. In contrast, the focus of my study is on a visual-hunting nocturnal species where the time available each day is much shorter because of the constraints imposed by reductions in ambient light. I examined the influence of food availability on the territorial behaviour of the insectivorous Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii; hereafter poorwills). To do this, I erected artificial lights to attract and concentrate insect prey and therefore increase the ease of foraging. I then conducted point count surveys at stations with and without concentrated prey sources and assessed the vocal territorial behaviour of poorwills at these stations. The aim of my project was to determine whether increased prey availability would lead to increased territorial behaviour and to determine the influence of predation risk on this relationship. I hypothesised that increased prey availability would lead to increased territory defense, leading to the expectation of more calls detected at stations where the prey was concentrated. In addition, I expected to find a decrease in territorial behaviour when I detected the presence of predators. My results were mixed, with no influence of the concentrated food source alone on calling activity. However the visibility of moonlight was highly influential, with increased calling activity on nights when the moon was visible. In addition, there was a negative influence of the interaction between moonlight and food supplementation on calling behaviour—meaning that when the moon was visible and the light on, the birds called less. There was no influence of predator presence on calling activity, most likely due to the low predator density at my field site. From these results I conclude that poorwills exhibit more territorial behaviour on moonlit nights however I did not see any effects of the artificial lights .
Open Access
The Effects of natural Gas Development on Density, Reproductive Success and Nest Survival of Grassland Songbirds in South-Western Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-06) Gaudet, Carolyn Anne; Brigham, R. Mark; Davis, Stephen; Somers, Christopher; Clark, Robert G.
Natural gas development is currently expanding in south-western Saskatchewan and may be threatening the quality of the remaining grassland habitat. The effects of natural gas development on grassland birds are poorly understood but are often species-specific and vary across the species’ range. The purpose of my research is to (1) quantify aspects of grassland songbird breeding biology and (2) determine the effects of natural gas development on density and reproductive success of grassland songbirds. I found and monitored 392 nests of 7 species of grassland songbirds, including Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Baird’s Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). I quantified and compared aspects of their breeding biology with published data in other parts of their range. Reproductive rates were typical of those found elsewhere. Time-specific variables (age and date) were included in the top models for nest survival for several species. Chestnut-collared Longspur nest survival increased during the incubation stage and decreased during the nestling stage and also decreased and then increased as the breeding season progressed. I also determined that Western Meadowlark nest survival increased and then decreased with increasing ambient temperature. Natural gas development features (compressor stations, gas wells, trails and fences) affected grassland songbird reproductive success, nest survival and density both negatively and positively. Vesper, Baird’s and Savannah sparrows had lower nest survival near wells, fences and trails, respectively, while Western Meadowlark experienced higher nest survival near trails. Generally, there were fewer young fledged near development, but this varied by species and type of development. Vesper and Savannah sparrows had greater densities in high disturbance plots while Chestnut-collared Longspur and Horned Lark had lower densities in high disturbance plots. Baird’s and Savannah sparrows had lower densities near compressor stations while Horned Lark density was greater near compressor stations. The density of Sprague’s Pipit and Western Meadowlark was best explained by vegetation structure. Natural gas development affected grassland songbird reproductive success, nest survival and density in both negative and positive ways or there was no effect; however, the extent of the impact may vary with the habitat and within the species’ range.
Open Access
Effects of Oil Development on Grassland Songbirds and Their Avian Predators in Southeastern Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2015-10) Unruh, Jason Howard; Brigham, R. Mark; Davis, Stephen; Somers, Christopher; Mahony, Nancy
The quantity and quality of Saskatchewan’s remaining grassland may be threatened by energy development such as oil extraction. Grassland songbird populations are declining and increased oil development may be contributing to their declines through habitat loss and degradation. More quantitative research is needed to inform our understanding of how grassland songbirds are affected by oil development. I examined grassland songbird abundance, vegetation structure, habitat type (native and planted grasslands), and avian predator occurrence across a gradient of oil disturbance to determine the extent to which oil well proximity, density, and cumulative habitat disturbance influences the abundance of grassland songbirds and the occurrence of avian predators. I conducted 486 point counts in 243 sample sites (259 ha) at varying distances from oil wells, and in areas with varying well densities (0-48 wells/259 ha). The abundance of seven songbird species was reduced near oil wells or in areas with higher well densities, the abundance of two species was not influenced by oil wells, and the abundance of two species increased in the presence of oil wells or with greater well density. Three species also exhibited reduced abundance with greater cumulative disturbance, while two species exhibited reduced abundance when the area covered by well pads or oil access roads increased. I also found evidence that the abundance of four species was lowest in planted grassland compared to native grassland in the presence of oil development. My results indicate that oil development influenced vegetation structure, which likely influenced grassland songbird abundance to some degree. However, structural changes in vegetation did not account for all observed variation in songbird abundance. Finally, my results provide evidence that Northern Harrier occurrence is negatively influenced by oil development but that buteos and corvids are not affected. Northern Harrier occurrence is possibly influenced by habitat fragmentation caused by oil development since they are known to be area sensitive. As oil development increases in grassland habitat, its negative impacts on grassland songbirds will likely become more pronounced. Efforts should be made to limit well density and the cumulative area of disturbance on the landscape.
Open Access
Effects of supplemental calcium on the growth rate of an insectivorous bird: The purple martin (Progne subis).
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1997) Poulin, Ray G.; Brigham, R. Mark
Open Access
Environmental Factors Affecting the Distribution and Abundance of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-10) Fortney, Ashley Nicole; Somers, Christopher; Poulin, Ray; Brigham, R. Mark; Hare, James
Richardson's ground squirrels (RGS) (Urocitellus richardsonii) are an important species for the grassland ecosystem on the Northern Great Plains of North America. They are a main source of prey and burrows for many prairie species including several Species at Risk (SAR) of extinction. RGS are also maligned as agricultural pests and managed extensively via poisoning. Control programs have negative consequences for RGS and non-target species, including some SAR. Despite their ecological importance and agricultural pest status, little is actually known about their distribution on the landscape and habitat variables that influence their distribution and abundance. This lack of knowledge is a major impediment to development of conservation strategies for SAR that are significantly impacted by the management of RGS, and a key limitation for forecasting conflicts with agricultural producers. The objective of my research was to provide information on the distribution of RGS and determine how habitat variables influence their presence and abundance. I surveyed for the presence (detected at a site) and abundance (number of individuals) across a large area (130,000 km2) of RGS range on the Canadian prairies during 2011 and 2012 using an alarm call-playback method. I found that RGS were not distributed evenly on the landscape. RGS were only detected at 157 (8%) of 1,900 systematic survey points across Saskatchewan, with an average of 3.3 ± 0.4 individuals per used location. In 2012, additional searches to locate larger colonies in the high-conflict (between RGS and agricultural producers) area of southwestern Saskatchewan resulted in 31 colony locations with an average of 10.1 ± 1 RGS per colony. The systematic broad-scale surveys and more random colony searches revealed fewer and more patchily distributed RGS than expected given their pest status. I used multivariate Resource Selection Function (RSF) modeling to examine RGS habitat selection. Habitat variables included in the analysis were vegetation height, land cover types, land use, and proximity to water, shrubs, trees, and buildings/structures. Vegetation height was the top predictor of RGS presence and abundance; vegetation height above 15-30 cm was associated with a drastic decrease in the probability of habitat use. RGS presence was positively influenced by the percentage cover of grass in an area and bare ground when greater than 10% of the land cover. The proximity to trees within 400 m had a negative effect on RGS presence, as did proximity to shrubs and water on RSG abundance. Lastly, RGS abundance was positively influenced by finely textured soils and tilled crops, while negatively affected by increasing percent shrub cover. My data on RGS distribution and habitat selection can be used to implement integrated pest management strategies, such as through the inclusion of habitat modification, and will also provide valuable information to aid conservation planning for SAR that rely on RGS.
Open Access
Environmental Factors Affecting the Landscape-Scale Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Small Mammal Assemblages Across the Northern Great Plains of North America
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2013-07) Heisler, Leanne Michelle; Somers, Christopher; Poulin, Raymond G.; Brigham, R. Mark; McLoughlin, Philip D.
The logistic constraints of traditional sampling methods have limited our understanding of the effects of landscape-scale factors on the spatiotemporal distributions of rodents and shrews (small mammals), particularly in heterogeneous landscapes. I used owl pellets as an alternative sampling method, from which the remains of 60,972 individuals were identified and quantified in samples collected across 4.3 million hectares over 15 years. These remains were used to examine the influence of landscape-scale environmental factors on the spatial composition and annual abundances of small mammal species. I hypothesized that the spatial distribution of soil characteristics, agricultural land use, and weather patterns would largely determine the distributions of grassland small mammals within their geographic ranges, while annual weather variation would largely influence the temporal dynamics of grassland rodents across the landscape. I found soil texture was the primary landscape feature driving small mammal composition across my study area, whereas agricultural cropland significantly altered the composition of these assemblages. Cropland with clay soils was dominated by deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), whereas areas with higher proportions of native grassland and moderately sandy soils supported communities with more sagebrush voles (Lemmiscus curtatus). Areas with clay soils and higher annual precipitation were associated with higher proportions of house mice (Mus musculus), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and shrews (Blarina brevicauda and Sorex species), whereas drier areas with sandier soils and lower annual precipitation were dominated by olive-backed pocket mice (Perognathus fasciatus) and northern grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster). Furthermore, I found variation in weather had little influence on deer mouse or sagebrush vole annual abundance, indicating that other factors (i.e., habitat availability) are more responsible for changes in the abundance of these species at the landscape scale. In contrast, meadow voles were positively associated with the duration of snow cover above the hiemal threshold (i.e., 20 cm), exhibiting up to five-fold increases (i.e., irruptions) in abundance following winters of persistent, deep snow cover. This is the largest study in spatial scale ever conducted on grassland small mammals, which provides a truly landscape-scale look at the environmental factors affecting their spatial composition and long-term, population-level responses to environmental change.
Open Access
From gee to haw (and everything in between): Deconstructing the transspecies pidgin of mushing in northern Saskatchewan
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2024-07) Doley Barman, Pradeep Ranjan; Oehler, Alex; Abbott, Sarah; Brigham, R. Mark
This multispecies ethnography deconstructs the Gee Haw transspecies pidgin of settler origin mushing in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Through a focus on multisensory methodological inquiry, I describe interspecies communication and human perceptions around nonhuman knowledge in the context of sled dog racing. This pidgin is a product of biconstructivism which includes motherese (verbal) words rooted in the English language, vocalisation, short phrases for reinforcement, the use of material devices, and training methodologies to shape a multisensory experience of interspecies collaboration. Dogs are considered nonhuman athletes in this hybrid community. They are bred, cared and trained for their “drive”, speed, endurance and the ability to understand commands. The sled dog exchange is explored through the lens of team sports and perceptions around nonhuman “occupation” are explained. This study aims to contribute towards an academic space given to more than human communication by detailing its findings from Gee (right) to Haw (left) and everything in between. Keywords: mushing, pidgin, dog-human communication, nonhuman athletes, haptic sociality
Open Access
Habitat selection and demography of mixed -grass prairie songbirds in a fragmented landscape.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2003) Davis, Stephen K.; Brigham, R. Mark; James, Paul
Open Access
Habitat selection and nesting ecology of translocated Greater Sage-grouse
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2017-02) Balderson, Kayla Lane; Brigham, R. Mark; Davis, Stephen; Somers, Christopher; Moehrenschlager, Axel
Sagebrush ecosystems are one of the most imperiled ecosystems in North America. The cumulative effects of habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of the sagebrush ecosystem threaten the persistence of the Greater Sage-grouse. Sage-grouse depend on healthy, intact areas of sagebrush habitat throughout the year. In Alberta, the sage-grouse population is estimated to be only 5% of what it was in 1968. During the spring of 2011 and 2012, 41 sage-grouse were fitted with GPS transmitters and translocated from stable populations in Montana to active lek sites in southeast Alberta. I conducted research to improve our understanding of translocation as a management tool, and how translocated sage-grouse are affected by anthropogenic features. I examined nesting ecology including the differences in post-release movements between nesting and non-nesting hens and the extent to which nest success is affected by anthropogenic features. I also identified habitat that translocated sage-grouse select in relation to anthropogenic and natural features. My research documented some of the largest post-release movement distances, rates and areas ever recorded for grouse after being translocated. Average weekly linear distance travelled was 56 km and average area traversed was 1944 km2. Non-nesting hens had significantly higher movement rates than nesting hens. Movement rates of nesting hens decreased during the nest initiation period, whereas movement rates of non-nesting hens did not decrease until 6 weeks later. Apparent annual hen survival ranged between 31-72% across the study period. Nest initiation (53%) and nest success (29%) were low compared to other sage-grouse populations across their range. Nest success decreased with increasing distance from trees, power lines and settlements, suggesting that translocated hens are naïve to the release area and do not recognize the risks that are typically associated with certain anthropogenic features. Translocated sage-grouse were more likely to be observed, with increasing distance from all of the anthropogenic features included in the movement models: as far as 3 km from trees and gas wells, 10 km from buildings and 15 km from settlements, at least 23 km from power lines and 2.5 km from roads. Interaction models suggest that sage-grouse are avoiding anthropogenic features because of the disturbance of the features themselves, and not because the features occur in poor sagebrush habitat. My results indicate that the effects of power lines, buildings, trees and oil wells (up to 5 km) on the occurrence of sage-grouse were largest, suggesting that these features should be prioritized for removal. However, it is likely that cumulative effects of some or all anthropogenic features cause sage-grouse to select habitat further away from these features. The predicted intensity map I generated could be used to help strategically guide habitat enhancement efforts in the study area. Habitat enhancements would best be focused in areas where predicted intensity was high and suitable habitat was present yet no sage-grouse were observed, with the goal of increasing the likelihood of sage-grouse use within those areas. Future assessments of proposed developments should consider the construction of all new anthropogenic features as a potential detriment to habitat quality.
Open Access
Habitat selection and prairie drought in relation to grassland bird community structure and the nesting ecology of Sprague's pipit, Anthus spragueii.
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 1996) Sutter, Glenn C.; Brigham, R. Mark
Open Access
Habitat Use by Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) in Canada's Boreal Forest
(Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, University of Regina, 2018-10) Foley, Gabriel Josiah; Brigham, R. Mark; Cameron, Andrew; Vanderwel, Mark; Swanson, David
Diurnal aerial insectivores, a guild of birds related by foraging behaviour, are declining rapidly across North America but the reasons for the decline are unknown. One of these guild members, the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), may have substantial but undocumented populations in Canada’s boreal forest. Any differences between Common Nighthawk population trends in the boreal forest compared to more southern populations may help determine why aerial insectivore populations in general are declining. Wildland fires, common in the boreal forest, transform closed habitat into the open habitat Common Nighthawks prefer. Therefore, I assessed nighthawk abundance in northwestern Ontario in recently burned forest (~5 years since a fire) compared to unburned boreal forest. Based on survey data, Common Nighthawks were significantly more abundant in burned boreal forest than unburned forest, and the probability of detecting birds decreased with distance from a burn. Nighthawks were not more associated with riverine areas than other areas in my study area. I also evaluated forest attributes that may affect local nighthawk abundance. Lesser canopy cover and the number of logs in recently burned forest are likely important factors in habitat use by Common Nighthawks, but these factors are dependent upon the scale used for the evaluation. Common Nighthawks, like other nightjars, often sit on gravel roads at night where they are at risk of being struck by passing traffic, but neither the reasons behind their use of roads nor the frequency of traffic strikes are known. I found no significant vegetation structure variable that predicted nighthawk site use on roads. Further, neither nearby Common Nighthawk abundance nor nearby potential roost availability predicted presence. However, the overall frequency of Common Nighthawks on roads was significantly correlated with lunar phase, which suggests that Common Nighthawks (subfamily Chordeilinae) use roads as a foraging site like other nightjars (subfamily Caprimulginae). The low vehicle-induced mortality I observed likely results from the low traffic rate at my study site, thus the use of gravel roads by Common Nighthawks in the boreal forest, assuming similar levels of traffic, does not appear to be a substantial conservation threat.