Browsing by Subject "Predatory animals -- Control"
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Item Nest predation and habitat utilization by striped skunks(Texas Tech University, 1995-05) Vander Lee, Bruce A.I monitored the fates of 1435 and 920 artificial ground nests m 1993 and 1994, respectively, to determine the effects of vegetation density, striped skunk removal (1993 only), and prey supplementation on the success of ground nests. I randomly placed artificial nests (1/4.3 ha) into two categories of cover density, dense and sparse. Striped skunk removal (one night per week) and supplemental prey treatments (catfood, fish, meat by-products) were randomly assigned to study plots. Nests in dense vegetation were more successful both years (P < 0.05). There were no differences in nest success among skunk removal, prey supplementation, and control plots m 1993 (P = 0.347), but success was higher on supplemental prey plots m 1994 (P = 0.037). Mammalian predation was greater on nests in sparse vegetation on supplemental prey plots (P < 0.05), but did not differ between vegetation categories on removal or control plots (P > 0.05). Cover density was an important determinant of nest success. Skunk removal provided no observable benefits, perhaps due to compensatory predation by other mammalian species. Prey supplementation may be an effective alternative to traditional predator management techniques. The introduced prey source may have affected the ability of mammalian predators to detect well concealed nests. I also examined habitat use by striped skunks, an important nest predator, by testing for selection of habitats using point locations, within home ranges, and within home range overlap areas. Utilization of small habitats was detected most efficiently using point locations. Skunks used potential nesting habitat (CRP) in proportion to its availability, selected against croplands, and for areas near roads. Skunks were probably using roads and right-of-ways as travel corridors and for foraging. Habitat in areas of home range overlap between two or more skunks was variable. Skunks probably do not defend exclusive territories or particular habitat types. Skunks chose habitats based on the availability of prey rather than vegetative structure. Supplemental prey treatments may have the potential to alter skunk habitat use and distributions as well as foraging strategies. Both habitat and predator management are essential for the effective, long-term management of grassland nesting areas.