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The habitat selection and movements of 33 radio-collared black bears (Ursus americanus) were monitored from March to December 1988, on Drummond Island, Michigan. An attempt was made to validate a Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) model designed for black bears. Habitat variables required by the HSI model were measured in appropriate vegetation types to determine HSI scores for each adult bear's home range. The movement of bears depended on the distribution and abundance of preferred foods. Significant correlations were not obtained when HSI scores were compared to home-range sizes, cub litter sizes, cub weight gains and mean daily movements. The HSI score for Drummond Island did not correspond well to average age of first reproduction and mean home- range overlap. The black bear HSI model should be revised to better reflect black bear ecology.
Report on the results of the 1991-1992 River Otter Survey. In order to allow export of river otter (Lutra canadensis) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of river otter.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monitors northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) distribution and relative abundance using whistling surveys and hunter harvest and effort surveys. The whistling survey is the primary index used by the DNR to monitor the status of quail in Michigan. This report summarizes results of the 1999 quail whistling surveys. Additionally, this report discusses results of the 1998 hunter harvest surveys and current regulations. A total of 31 quail whistling surveys were completed in 1999. The overall mean index in 1999 of 5.5 quail heard per route was statistically not different from the index of 5.7 heard in 1998. However, most of the routes showed a decrease in quail heard since 1998. Results indicate that about 5,600 persons spent 26,850 days hunting quail in 1998. This is about 42% fewer hunters than in 1993, the last year in which a quail season was held. Estimates were not available on hunter harvest.
The theme of joint ventures is one of relationships that build synergies, resulting in enhanced outcomes with smaller investments by individual partners. Groups and individuals with varied resources and expertise work together, reducing overlap in effort and creating greater efficiencies. Success of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, and its associated habitat-delivery programs via joint ventures, has resulted in an unprecedented surge in new bird conservation initiatives. Other large-scale bird conservation programs which have evolved in recent years include the North American Landbird Conservation Plan, the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan. In addition, a North American Bird Conservation Initiative was also established to facilitate linkages among the individual bird plans. The collective efforts of these continental bird conservation initiatives may seem overwhelming to wildlife professionals being asked to participate in them. However, becoming familiar with plan vision statements, regional priorities, and those species which are of greatest concern should make implementation more manageable. Coupled with a list of priority bird species, this report should provide Michigan wildlife planners and managers with background information helpful for integrated bird conservation in this region.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monitors northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) distribution and relative abundance using whistling surveys and hunter harvest and effort surveys. The whistling survey is the primary index used by the DNR to monitor the status of quail in Michigan. This report summarizes results of the 2000 quail whistling surveys and discusses current regulations. A total of 28 quail whistling surveys were completed in 2000. The overall mean index was 7.9 quail heard per route. In 1999 the overall mean index was 5.5 quail heard per route. However, comparison of 25 similar routes in 1999 and 2000 revealed no significant statistical differences.
The first Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) census was organized by Harold Mayfield in 1951. The census was to be repeated every 10 years and the second census in 1961 recorded a total similar to that of 1951. The census of 1971 however revealed a precipitous drop in the population--a decline of approximately 60 percent from the 1961 count. In order to monitor the population more closely, censuses have been conducted every year since 1971. Only 167 singing male Kirtland's warblers were located in the 1987 census. Ironically, this year's census count of 167 is the same as that of 1974, when the count showed a decline of 23 percent from 1973. The 1975 census showed a 7 percent increase to 179 singing males, rose 12 percent to 200 in 1976, and increased 10 percent to 21.9 in 1977. The next several years will indeed be critical to the fate of this species.
Report on the results of the 2001-2002 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
During early June 1993, breeding quail surveys were conducted by personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. These surveys were conducted in 34 counties in the traditional quail range. Results showed a stable population in statewide quail numbers. However, on a county by county basis, numbers varied somewhat from 1992 figures. There appears to be a slight rebound in quail numbers in the western portion of the range and a slight to moderate decline in counties with traditionally high quail numbers.
Memorandum responding to a request for information on the desirability of either a small sanctuary or larger international sanctuary in Muscomoot Bay, Lake St. Clair.
Results of a survey of breeding loons conducted on a sample of lakes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 1983 in an effort to obtain an estimate of the number of nesting loons.
Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on some furbearers. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of populations and to justify continued harvesting and exportation of pelts. During the winter of 1982-83, the Wildlife Division collected bobcats (Felis rufus) from hunters and trappers to increase the knowledge of this species, and to evaluate possible field techniques for sex and age determination. The sex ratio of the bobcats examined from Region I was 100:82 (33:27), males to females. The percentage of young-of-the-year submitted was down for the second year in a row. falling from 40% in 1980-81, to 35% in 1981-82, and to 30% in 1982-83. The age groups 0 to 3 years for the third year in a row made up nearly 80% of the total animals submitted. The sex ratio of bobcats examined from Region II was moderately skewed toward males: 100:65 (20:13). This was fairly consistent with the previously mentioned studies, but was considerably less than last year's ratio 100:35 (20 males:7 females). Only 18% of the animals were young-of-the-year, with age groups 1 to 6 years being nearly equally represented in the sample (9-15%).
Twenty-five bull moose (Alces alces) and 36 cow moose were translocated from Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario to Marquette County, Michigan in 1985 and 1987. Mortality-sensing radio-collars fitted on these animals, and on 41 moose born and captured in Michigan during 1989-95, enabled biologists to track movements, census calves, and perform necropsies on dead animals. Two population models estimated a postpartum population of 304 or 334 animals in 1994. Three of 6 Michigan-born cows produced their first calf when 2 years old. Only 1 of 11 calves that were captured and radio-collared in Michigan died during the year following dispersal from its dam. Two of these 11 moose emigrated at least 160 km (100 mi) to Wisconsin. Parasites accounted for about half of 43 diagnosed deaths. Motor vehicles and poaching accounted for 7% and 5%, respectively. Public acceptance of moose has been high.
Notes of a talk given to the Michigan Federation of Humane Societies meeting on August 15, 1935 (includes program of meeting) on the pros and cons of trapping, especially as it relates to humane treatment of animals.
Report on the results of the 1989-1990 Bobcat Survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of bobcat populations to allow for their continued harvest and the exportation of pelts.
Results of the 2005-2006 Bobcat Survey, the 26th consecutive year of the survey. In order to allow the export of bobcat (Felis rufus) pelts under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles data on the harvest and status of bobcats.
The first census was organized by Harold Mayfield in 1951, probably the first complete survey ever carried out for any songbird. Originally, similar inventories were to be conducted at ten-year intervals. While counts were made in 1961 and 1971 as planned, the results of the 1971 census were so low that an ad hoc group of concerned individuals instituted annual censuses. Thus, including 1984, we have had an unbroken string of 14 consecutive years of census data. In 1984, a total of 215 singing males were found, all in Michigan. None were outside the traditional breeding range in northeastern Lower Michigan. Annual counts in Michigan from 1971 through 1983 averaged 206 males. Although we have been disappointed that the species has not increased dramatically since the Recovery Team instituted intensive management practices in the early 1970s, the number of males has been above the average for seven of the past eight years.
Report on the results of the 1986-1987 Bobcat Survey. Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on state furbearers.
In 1951, Harold Mayfield organized the first census of the species - a project generally recognized as the first such undertaking for any songbird. Since that time, thirteen more censuses have been carried out; the first three at ten-year intervals and since 1971, annually. The highlight of the 1982 census was the discovery of the first Kirtland's warbler ever found in the Upper Peninsula. Dr. John Probst, ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service. found one singing male near Gwinn. Overall, workers tallied 207 singing males, all in Michigan. This represents a drop of 25 (10.8 percent) from the 1981 count of 232, and 14.8 percent less than the 243 males found in 1980. The 1980 count was the highest in the entire series from 1971 to 1982, but still well below the 432 present in 1951 and the 502 in 1961.
The first Kirtland's warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii) census was organized by Harold Mayfield in 1951. The census was to be repeated every 10 years and the second census in 1961 recorded a total similar to that of 1951. The census of 1971 however revealed a precipitous drop in the population--a decline of approximately 60 percent from the 1961 count. In order to monitor the population more closely, censuses have been conducted every year since 1971. 210 singing male Kirtland's warblers were located in the 1986 census. Several census personnel commented on a possible increase in the number of males which sang only infrequently. This, plus several days with less than ideal weather conditions, could mean that the census count may be slightly low, and the population is essentially holding its own.
Report summarizing wolf population monitoring and management activities in Michigan during 2009.
The timber wolf (Canis lupus) population in Michigan rebounded from near extinction to at least 57 animals in 1994. Wolves recolonized the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario, Canada. Ontario wolves migrate west into Michigan's Chippewa County, crossing the frozen St. Mary's River during winter. Large islands within the St. Mary's River, including Sugar, Neebish, and Drummond Islands, serve as travel corridors for transient wolves. Evidence of wolves in the Lower Peninsula has not been recorded in recent decades. During the winter of 1990-91, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) began conducting winter track surveys to determine the population status of wolves in the U.P. The first survey found 17 animals, 4 of which were located on Sugar, Neebish, and Drummond Islands. Subsequent surveys produced evidence of an increasing population with minimums of 21, 30, and 57 animals across the U.P. in 1992, 1993, and 1994, respectively. However, knowledge of summer population levels is lacking. When tested during the summer months, wolves responded to simulated howling on Sugar, Neebish, and Drummond Islands.
Pressure by concerned organizations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has caused the Fish and Wildlife Service to compile comprehensive data on some furbearers. This documentation is necessary to verify the stability of populations and to justify continued harvesting and exportation of pelts. During the winter of 1981-82, the Wildlife Division undertook collection of hunter and trapper harvested bobcats (Felis rufus) in order to increase knowledge of this species and to evaluate possible field techniques for sex and age determination. The sex ratio of the bobcats examined from Region I was 41:28, males to females. The young-of-the-year percentage was down slightly from last year, but the age groups 0 to 3 years again made up over 80% of the total animals harvested and submitted. The yearling age class was greatest in occurrence. The sex ratio of the bobcats examined from Region II was skewed heavily towards males (20:7). This is a much higher figure than has been reported before. Over forty percent of the animals were young-of-the-year, and nearly 75 percent were in the age classes 0-3 years.
Results of the 1998-1999 otter survey in Michigan. In order to allow export of river otter (Lutra canadensis) under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), the United States Fish and Wildlife Service compiles this data on the harvest and status of river otter.
The first Kirtland's warbler (Dendraica kirklandii) census was organized by Harold Mayfield in 1951. The census was to be repeated every 10 years, and the second census in 1961 recorded a total similar to that of 1951. The census of 1971, however, revealed a precipitous drop in the population-a decline of approximately 60 percent from the 1961 count. In order to monitor the population more closely, censuses have been conducted every year since 1971. The 1995 census found 765 singing male Kirtland's warblers in Michigan. This represents a significant increase of over 20 percent from the 1994 count of 633, and a greater than four-fold increase from 1987 when the count was only 167. The 1995 count is the highest ever recorded for all of the 27 censuses so far conducted.
The survey in this report was designed and conducted at the request of the Furbearer Management Workgroup of the Wildlife Bureau. It was designed to assess the current distribution and abundance of the marten across its potential range in both peninsulas, and to provide timely information for the management of this species in Michigan.
