The Manitoba Chapter Wildlife Society Newsletter

Presidents Corner

A few lucky souls do get out in winter and interact with wildlife as part of their job. Students or researchers working on resident wildlife or biologists conducting big game surveys to name a few. For most us our winter contacts with wildlife are limited to occasions when we pursue outdoor recreation or maybe watching birds at the backyard feeder over a Sunday morning cup of coffee.

Something most of us attract each winter are phone calls from youth group leaders, schools, fish and game groups or service clubs looking for a speaker. Unfortunately with the time demands of our jobs and busy personal schedules its all too easy to turn these down.  Rather than view them as opportunities we often  think of these requests as nuisances.  But opportunities they are.  What better way to communicate messages to the public and garner support for wildlife and their habitats .

Presentations like these can leave an indelible impression; I speak from personal experiences. One I clearly recall was a Conservation Officer speaking to a group of boy scouts - this back in the days when CO's were fortunate enough to work directly with wildlife.  He regaled our group with stories of extended pack train trips into the interior of BC where he worked on trapping and tagging cougars.  Heady stuff for a group of  11 and 12 year olds. Another time a Wildlife Branch biologist explained to me the intricacies of parasite life cycles after I phoned him to inquire about "blisters" I found when skinning a snowshoe hare.  At 14, I was fascinated by this - kids in my day were not so squeamish!

My advice is, next time you get a call to give a talk or write an article for a newsletter seize the opportunity.  The public is hungry for information and who better to supply the facts than a wildlife biologist.  The results are not always immediate or tangible, but a knowledgeable public can be our best allies when it comes to politicians or industry making decisions that can affect wildlife and their habitat. And who knows, somewhere out in your audience may be a future wildlife biologist!
- Don Sexton

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The origin of wild boar in the wild in Manitoba is from escapees from "game farm" or exotic meat production operations. The issue of escaped wild boars has been a prominent one for several years in Manitoba; it even made the front page of the Winnipeg Free Press a few years back. Escaped exotics often pose threats to an area's natural flora and fauna and the impacts of feral hogs or wild boar are well documented in other localities in North America.  Unfortunately, once established, control often becomes difficult.  It has always been hoped that Manitoba’s winter weather would  be severe enough to limit survival, but a decade of milder than average winters and the wild boar’s inherent adaptability to the climate - after all they originate from north eastern Europe - have allowed them to survive.

The issue of exotics is one wildlife managers often wrestle with, as well meaning sportsman’s groups or agricultural entrepreneurs lobby for introductions of these species. While examples of "successful " introductions are often put forward to support these, for example the ring necked pheasant in much of north central US, the risks generally outweigh the positives. It’s a case of "Wildlife Department and Managers Beware!"
 

A brief review of the document and process reveals a number of positive and negative elements. The vision statement emphasizes the need to manage water for present and future needs while meeting ecosystem needs.  Unfortunately this appears to be the last time the latter point is emphasized.  When reviewing the seven policy objectives it becomes clear that each was written by a different individual or discipline of water management as integration, although not entirely lacking, is weak.  The ecosystem approach seems to have been forgotten and water is emphasized throughout as being managed as a discrete entity.  A holistic approach of viewing overall land management as the key, with water as one element, is not well developed.  Lastly the opportunities for public input are limited as it appears written responses are preferred.

The Wildlife Society (Manitoba Chapter) will be providing a letter acknowledging this important step by the Province and suggesting ways to strengthen the strategies to benefit wildlife . For more information on Manitoba‘s water strategy visit the website; http://www.gov.mb.ca/natres/watres/water_strategy_index.htm.

Dr. Golla's talk will be an introduction to the natural history of spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta, and to field research conducted in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on this very often mistaken carnivore. Spotted hyaenas live in a female dominated society. Groups of hyaenas, so called clans, consist out of various matrilines and immigrated males. The sexes look very much alike and females have even evolved external genitalia much like those of males. Hyaenas are the most numerous of the Serengeti large predators. Each clan has one central denning site in which all females with cubs (usually two per litter) leave their offspring. Serengeti hyaenas have developed a foraging and ranging system, called a "commuting system", which combines a residential existence in large stable groups with regular extensive movements outside the territory.  From 1992 to 1995 Dr. Golla lived in the National Park and collected data for her PhD on the aggressive behaviour between siblings of a litter. She will give you her impression of day-to-day life in the field station and the kinds of exotic troubles researchers had to deal with.

Dr. Traudi Golla - Dr. Golla was born and raised in a little town close to Munich, Germany. She completed her undergraduate, Masters and PhD at the University of Munich. From 1992-1995 she lived in the Serengeti NP, Tanzania studying hyaena behaviour for her Masters and PhD under the supervision of Dr. Heribert Hofer and Dr. Marion East of the Max Planck Institute fuer Verhaltensphysiologie (behavioural physiology). She finished her PhD in 1997.  That same year she was married and in 1998 moved to Lethbridge, Alberta. Since the summer of 2000 Dr. Golla, her husband and two sons (1 and 3 years old ) have been living in Winnipeg.

Secretary-Treasurer - Tanys Uhmann.

Tanys has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science from the University of Manitoba, specializing in Ecology.  She recently graduated with a Master’s degree from the Natural Resources Institute (NRI) where her research focused on Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) modeling and the development of an HSI for burrowing owls in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.  Tanys now works for the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation holding the position of Habitat Stewardship Coordinator.  Prior to that, Tanys held various wildlife positions including a contract position with the City of Moose Jaw and has had seasonal employment with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.

Tanys has been a member of both The Wildlife Society and the Manitoba Chapter since 1995.  Her involvement with the Manitoba Chapter first began when she served on the Executive as Student Rep. Since then, her role on the Executive has continued as she has fulfilled the roles of Student Rep from 1995-1998 and Secretary/Treasurer from 1998 – present.  Tanys also served as Secretary/Treasurer on the CMPS 2000 conference organizing committee.

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When asked what will be the short-term and long-term goals of the wildlife branch under his direction Jack replied "...having only been in this job for a couple of weeks, I am still very much learning what the place is all about. About my only concrete goal at this point is to have the Branch and the Department formally or informally adopt the ecosystem-based management approach, similar to what Minnesota DNR and other agencies have done. Manitoba is about to release the Wildlife Strategy document as produced by the Manitoba Round Table, which says that all natural resource planning and management should be done on an ecosystem basis, so this goal should not be hard to at least get started - fully implementation/realization should take a week or two longer"

Jack’s training and experience include a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Manitoba and he has worked in the Natural History Division of the Manitoba Museum from 1971 –2001 (Associate Curator - Mammology & Ornithology).  He has been active in many other organizations including the Manitoba Round Table, the Manitoba Naturalists Society, the chair of the board of the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, past-president and chair of the Manitoba Eco-Network Inc. and former Manitoba representative and member of the Management Committee of the National Steering Committee of the Canadian Environmental Network.

Congratulations Jack !!!!

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Nominations should be forwarded to Don Sexton at d_sexton@ducks.ca by March 1st, 2002. Nominations should consist of a short biography of the individual and outline the aspects of the person’s actions that merit the "Conservationist Award". This award is presented at the Annual General Meeting , but not necessarily presented every year. The nomination form can be found online at https://twsmb.tripod.com/Conserve.htm
 
 

The Wildlife Society has established a Diversity Award to publicly acknowledge an individual or organization that is making an outstanding contribution to promote gender and ethnic diversity within natural resource-related professions, especially wildlife conservation/education.  Individuals and organizations will be considered for the award.  Evaluation criteria included demonstrating leadership in promoting diversity, innovation and efforts to promote diversity that have resulted in tangible results. For more information and nomination forms http://www.wildlife.org. Deadline is April 15, 2002.

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• Eligibility:  Any student enrolled in a post secondary research program pertaining to wildlife in Manitoba: preference will be given to Manitoba residents.
• Scholarship Application Review: A scholarship review committee composed of Chapter members will review all applications and rank them according to their merit, originality and overall addition to knowledge of wildlife in Manitoba.
• Amount of Scholarship: One scholarship in the amount of $500.00 will be awarded, depending on availability of funds and quality of applications.
• Time Frame: Deadline for application is 28 February, 2002.  The successful applicant will be announced during the Manitoba Chapter Annual General Meeting, to be held March 22, 2002.

• Mr. Dave Howerter, Awards Chair, at 467-3292 or d_howerter@ducks.ca,
• Mr. Neil Mochnacz, Manitoba Chapter Student Representative, at 984-2425 or mochnaczn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
• Application forms can also be downloaded from the Manitoba Chapter of The Wildlife Society website at: https://twsmb.tripod.com/Golden.htm

Please send completed applications to:

Dave Howerter
Ducks Unlimited
Box 1160
Stonewall, MB
R0C 2Z0
 
 
 

9th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society Bismarck, North Dakota September 24-28, 2002 Deadline: February 15, 2002

The Wildlife Society will hold its 9th Annual Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, September 24-28, 2002. The meeting will include symposia, workshops, contributed papers (oral presentations), and posters. We invite submission of technical papers and posters on topics of wildlife science, management, education, or policy within the broad theme of Excellence in Wildlife Stewardship through Science and Education. Presentations will not be published, so we encourage reports from the author's most recent scientific investigations and management experiences. Papers and posters should present results from completed studies or completed phases of long-term projects. Papers and posters will be accepted based on their technical merit and contribution to our knowledge of species, populations, communities, ecological processes, management practices, education models, or policy issues.

All contributed papers (oral presentations) will be scheduled for 20 minutes, which includes 5 minutes for questions. Equipment will be available for slide presentations only. Computer presentations will be allowed only for presenters who bring their own LCD projector and laptop computer. No overhead or video presentations. We urge participants to consider presentation of their work as posters. Posters provide an opportunity for authors to participate in more detailed communication with attendees. Posters are displayed for one or two full days and authors are requested to attend their posters for a minimum of 2 hours. Posters will be displayed on horizontal boards 4-ft. high x 8-ft. wide.

Instructions for Submitting Abstracts can br found on The Wildlife Society's website http://www.wildlife.org

The Wildlife Society announces the availability of travel grants for TWS student members presenting a technical paper or poster at the Society's 9th Annual Conference. Travel grants of up to $500 will be awarded to a limited number of students. To be considered, students must submit abstracts following guidelines in the Call for Contributed Papers and Posters (see Sept.-Oct. 2001 issue of The Wildlifer or the 2002 Conference Call For Papers, or visit the Society's website). The deadline for submission of abstracts is February 15, 2002. Application information will be sent to all students who have a paper or poster accepted in the program. Travel grant applications are due at TWS headquarters by May 31, 2002. An individual is eligible if he/she is a current student or 2002 graduate, a member of The Wildlife Society, and senior author of the accepted presentation or poster. Additionally, the student must present the paper or poster. Recipients of year 2001 grants are ineligible. Recipients will be notified in late July 2002.

• Feeding the World: A Food Policy for All Species

Symposia

• Management of North American Blackbirds - Sponsor: TWS Wildlife Damage Management Working Group
• North American Grasslands: Building a Conservation Strategy
• Restoration of Wildlife and their Habitat - Sponsor: TWS restoration Working Group
• Prairie Grouse: Managing Imperiled Species and Habitats
• Public Wildlife - Private Land Programs: Conservation of Commercialization of Wildlife? - Sponsor: TWS Economics Working Group and TWS Conservation Education and Extension Working Group
• Influence of Invasive Species on Biological Diversity - Sponsor: TWS Biological Diversity Working Group
• Sampling rare and/or Elusive Species: Challenges and Choices - Sponsor: TWS Biometrics Working Group
• Science and Large-Scale Conservation Planning for Northern Prairie Birds
• Conservation in Ricelands: Current Knowledge and Future Research and Education
• Role of Certification to the Wildlife Profession in the 21st Century - Sponsor: TWS Professional Development Committee
• Diversity: Not Just for Wildlife Anymore - Sponsor: TWS Ethnic and Gender Diversity Committee
• Diseases in Wild Birds: Ecology, Management and Effects on Populations
• Toxicological Effects on Wildlife Related to Agriculture - Sponsor: TWS Wildlife Toxicology Working Group
• Modern Regression Methods: New Tools for Wildlifers - Sponsor: TWS Biometrics Working Group

 

• Performance Measures for Ecosystem management and Ecological Sustainability - Sponsor: TWS Biological Diversity Working Group
• Media Self Defense: Skills and Strategies for Wildlife Professionals - Sponsor: TWS Urban Wildlife Working Group
• Wildlife Study Design: An Introduction to Basic Design Principles for Field Studies - Sponsor: TWS Biometrics Working Group
• GIS in the Management of Natural Resources - Sponsor: TWS GIS, Remote Sensing, and Telemetry Working Group
• Learning Theory, Motivation and Today's Wildlife Students - Sponsor: TWS College and University Wildlife Education Working Group
• Resource Selection Functions: Statistical Design and Analysis for Field Studies - Sponsor: TWS Biometrics Working Group
• Wildlife Investigator Series: Instructional Packages for K-12 Presentations

• Wildlife Toxicology: Contaminant Issues in Northern Great Plains - Sponsor: TWS Wildlife Toxicology Working Group

• Ecology and Conservation of Birds
• Ecology and Conservation of Mammals & Other Wildlife
• Conservation of Communities, Ecosystems and Landscapes
• Wildlife-Habitat Relationships
• Wildlife Population Dynamics, Estimation & Modeling
• Human Dimensions, Conservation Education & Conservation Policy
• Wildlife Damage Management
• Environmental Contaminants & Wildlife Diseases

Third International Wildlife Management Congress Christchurch, New Zealand, December 1-5, 2003 Call for Symposium and Workshop Proposals Deadline May 31, 2002

Proposals for symposia and workshops are invited for the 3rd International Wildlife Management congress.  Symposia and workshops should be technical in nature and focus on topics of wildlife science, management, education, or policy within the broad theme of "Ki te raki te tonga - Ki uta ki tai" ... "From the north to the south - From mountains to sea".  A more detailed lost of possible topic areas can ba found at http://www.conference.canterbury.ac.nz/wildlife2003/
 

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BirdLife International, a UK registered charity, is a global partnership working in international bird conservation with its headquarters in Cambridge is are seeking an enthusiastic Global Species Officer to join us at our Cambridge Secretariat. This position involves working in a small science team specifically on the global bird red list. It includes taking overall responsibility for and leading in some areas of research and data gathering on globally threatened bird species, but an important element of the work is promoting participation and collaboration in this work.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of postgraduate experience and good knowledge of ornithology and conservation issues. Skills include computer literacy and competence, good written English, aptitude for research and data synthesis and the ability to co-ordinate a range of activities, including the management and motivation of others. To apply please send a CV and covering letter to: Rosina Abudulai, Personnel Officer, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 0NA, UK. Email: rosina.abudulai@birdlife.org.uk (Fax 01223 277200).  Job descriptions available on request through above contact and will soon be accessible on our website at http://www.birdlife.net.  Please visit the website for more details on BirdLife International.

Closing date for applications is February 15, 2002.

Anyone can contribute to the Manitoba Chapter Newsletter.  We've only just begun to profile news of interest to our members.  I know there are many more items that can appear in our newsletter that would take only a few minutes to summarize.  You can contact me with you articles, announcements, etc. by phone at (204) 983-5265; by mail at the Canadian Wildlife Service, Suite 150-123 Main Street, Wpg., R3C 4W2; or by E-mail at marc.schuster@ec.gc.ca. - Marc Schuster
 

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