As part of his research into diversity, biogeography, and evolutionary relationships among Andean shrews, Neal Woodman of Patuxent's Biological Survey Unit, spent much of June and July working in systematic museum collections in Stockholm, Bonn, Vienna, Paris, and London. Although much of the collected data awaits formal analysis, immediate highlights comprise the discovery of numerous previously unreported specimens of historical interest as well as having scientific value for understanding the relationships among the many isolated populations. For example, shrews were not generally known to occur in South America until 1897, when the first Andean species was described by C. Hart Merriam (a Biological Survey Unit employee). However, among the specimens discovered on this trip was a previously unknown shrew collected in Colombia in 1854. In addition, two additional specimens (n=3) were found of poorly-known population that may represent an undescribed (and possibly recently extinct) species.

Perry Interviewed about Mute Swans on Maryland Public Television

USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center scientist Dr Matthew C. Perry will be interviewed and participate in a video shoot on mute swans by Maryland Public Television on 6 August. Dr Perry will discuss the use of exclosures for investigating the impact of mute swan consumption of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).

Sparling Receives the Excellence Award from Society of Technical Communication 2001 for book "Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles" on behalf of Co-Editors and Authors

Authors: Golden, N.H. and B.A. Rattner

Title: Ranking Terrestrial Vertebrate Species for Utility in Biomonitoring and Vulnerability to Environmental Contaminants.

Citation: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 176:67-136, 2002.

Abstract: The measurement of contaminant tissue concentrations or exposure-related effects in biota has been used extensively to monitor pollution and environmental health. Terrestrial vertebrates have historically been an important group of species in such evaluations, not only because many are excellent sentinels of environmental contamination, but also because they are valued natural resources in their own right that may be adversely affected by toxicant exposure. Selection of appropriate vertebrates for biomonitoring studies frequently relies on expert opinion, although a few rigorous schemes are in use for predicting vulnerability of birds to the adverse effects of petroleum crude oil. A Utility Index that ranks terrestrial vertebrate species as potential sentinels of contaminants in a region, and a Vulnerability Index that assesses the threat of specific groups of contaminants to these species, have been developed to assist decision makers in risk assessments of persistent organic pollutants, cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticides, petroleum crude oil, mercury, and lead shot. Twenty-five terrestrial vertebrate species commonly found in Atlantic Coast estuarine habitat were ranked for their utility as biomonitors of contamination and their vulnerability to pollutants in this region. No single species, taxa or class of vertebrates was found to be an ideal sentinel for all groups of contaminants. Although birds have overwhelmingly been used to monitor contaminants compared to other terrestrial vertebrate classes, the non-migratory nature and dietary habits of the snapping turtle and mink consistently resulted in ranking these species excellent sentinels as well. Vulnerability of Atlantic Coast populations of these species varied considerably among groups of contaminants. Usually a particular species was found to be at high risk to only one or two groups of contaminants, although a noteworthy exception is the bald eagle that is highly vulnerable to all five of the contaminant groups examined. This index could be further enhanced by generation of additional comparative toxicity data to facilitate interspecific extrapolations. The Utility and Vulnerability Indices have application to many types of habitat types in addition to estuaries, and are of value to natural resource and risk managers that routinely conduct local, regional or national environmental quality assessments.

Kendall and Gould Publish Article Entitled "An appeal to undergraduate wildlife programs: send scientists to learn statistics"

Authors: William L. Kendall and William R. Gould

Abstract: Undergraduate wildlife students taking introductory statistics too often are poorly prepared and insufficiently motivated to learn statistics. We have also encountered too many wildlife professionals, even with graduate degrees, who exhibit an aversion to thinking statistically, either relying too heavily on statisticians or avoiding statistics altogether.  We believe part of the reason for these problems is that wildlife majors are insufficiently grounded in the scientific method and analytical thinking before they take statistics. We suggest that a partial solution is to assure wildlife majors are trained in the scientific method at the very beginning of their academic careers.

Contact: Dr. William A. Kendall 301-497-5868

Sauer Reviews Book "Bird Census Techniques"

Author: Sauer, John R.

Title: Book Review of Bird Census Techniques

Citation: Bird Census Techniques, Second Edition. (Colin J. Bibby, Neil D. Burgess, David A. Hill, and Simon H. Mustoe. 2000. Academic Press, London, UK. xvii + 302 pp. ). Condor 104:698-701.

Excerpt from the review: Conservation concerns, federal mandates to monitor birds, and citizen science programs have spawned a variety of surveys that collect information on bird populations. Unfortunately, all too frequently these surveys are poorly designed and use inappropriate counting methods. Some of the flawed approaches reflect a lack of understanding of statistical design; many ornithologists simply are not aware that many of our most entrenched counting methods (such as point counts) cannot appropriately be used in studies that compare densities of birds over space and time. It is likely that most of the readers of The Condor have participated in a bird population survey that has been criticized for poor sampling methods. For example, North American readers may be surprised to read in Bird Census Techniques that the North American Breeding Bird Survey 'is seriously flawed in its design,' and that 'Analysis of trends is impossible from points that are positioned along roads' (p. 109). Our conservation efforts are at risk if we do not acknowledge these concerns and improve our survey designs. Other surveys suffer from a lack of focus. In Bird Census Techniques, the authors emphasize that all surveys require clear statements of objectives and an understanding of appropriate survey designs to meet their objectives. Too often, we view survey design as the realm of ornithologists who know the life histories and logistical issues relevant to counting birds. This view reflects pure hubris: survey design is a collaboration between ornithologists, statisticians, and managers, in which goals based on management needs are met by applying statistical principles for design to the biological context of the species of interest. Poor survey design is often due to exclusion of some of these partners from survey development. Because ornithologists are too frequently unaware of these issues, books such as Bird Census Techniques take on added importance as manuals for educating ornithologists about the relevance of survey design and methods and the often subtle interdisciplinary nature of surveys.

Woodman Publishes Article Entitled "A new species of small-eared shrew from Colombia and Venezuela (Mammalia: Soricomorpha: Soricidae: Genus Cryptotis)"

Author: Neal Woodman

Title: A new species of small-eared shrew from Colombia and Venezuela (Mammalia: Soricomorpha: Soricidae: Genus Cryptotis).

Citation: Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 115(2):249-272.

Abstract: Populations of small-eared shrews inhabiting the northern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and adjoining Venezuelan highlands in the vicinity of Páramo de Tamá have been referred alternatively to Cryptotis thomasi or Cryptotis meridensis. Morphological and morphometrical study of this population indicates that it belongs to neither taxon, but represents a distinct, previously unrecognized species. I describe this new species as Cryptotis tamensis and redescribe C. meridensis. Recognition of the population at Páramo de Tamá as a separate taxon calls into question the identities of populations of shrews currently represented only by single specimens from Cerro Pintado in the Sierra de Perijá, Colombia, and near El Junquito in the coastal highlands of Venezuela.

Contact: Neal Woodman 202-786-2483

Hatfield one of Authors of "Temporal variation in bird counts within a Hawaiian rainforest"

Authors: John C. Simon, Thane K. Pratt, Kim E. Berlin, James R. Kowalsky, Steven G. Fancy and Jeff S. Hatfield

Title: Temporal variation in bird counts within a Hawaiian rainforest

Citation: Condor 104(3):469-481, 2002

Abstract: We studied monthly and annual variation in density estimates of nine forest bird species along an elevational gradient in an east Maui rainforest. We conducted monthly variable circular-plot counts for 36 consecutive months along transects running downhill from timberline. Density estimates were compared by month, year, and station for all resident bird species with sizeable populations, including four native nectarivores, two native insectivores, a non-native insectivore, and two non-native generalists. We compared densities among three elevational strata and between breeding and nonbreeding seasons. All species showed significant differences in density estimates among months and years. Three native nectarivores had higher density estimates within their breeding season (December-May) and showed decreases during periods of low nectar production following the breeding season. All insectivore and generalist species except one had higher density estimates within their March-August breeding season. Density estimates also varied with elevation for all species, and for four species a seasonal shift in population was indicated. Our data show that the best time to conduct counts for native forest birds on Maui is January-February, when birds are breeding or preparing to breed, counts are typically high, variability in density estimates is low, and the likelihood for fair weather is best. Temporal variations in density estimates documented in our study site emphasize the need for consistent, well-researched survey regimens and for caution when drawing conclusions from, or basing management decisions on, survey data.

Contact: Jeff Hatfield 301-497-5633 

Key words: bird counts, density estimation, Hawaiian honeycreepers, phenology, rainforest, variable circular-plot

HiLites Contact: B.H. Powell, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 301-497-5782

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