T. Bently Wigley

The production of bioenergy “feedstocks” (i.e., plant-based material used for transportation fuels, heat, and power) has been expanding rapidly in recent years. Unfortunately, there are considerable gaps in our knowledge base about implications of this industry expansion for wildlife. This information deficit is likely to grow as the industry expands and rapidly evolves in new directions in the coming years. In response, The Wildlife Society (TWS) Council charged a special committee to develop a TWS Technical Review about the effects of bioenergy production on wildlife and wildlife...

There is little published information available on non-target captures during small mammal trapping. We used a variety of snap traps baited with a rolled oat-peanut butter mix to capture 2,054 individuals from 9 genera of small mammals in a study of small mammal and avian community structure in riparian areas and adjacent loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations. We also captured 170 individuals from 24 non-target species over 122,446 trap-nights. Trapping was conducted from 1990 throught 1995 in 57 riparian areas and adjacent pine plantations in the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas, during 10-...

Extent and types of damage caused by black bears (Ursus americanus) and landowner attitudes and perceptions of bears were determined by mail survey in Arkansas. Based on 1,353 returned surveys, monetary losses of livestock production attributed to bears appeared to be minimal, but honey production losses were more significant. Nevertheless, only 4.6% of the landowners stated that the damage was intolerable. Eighty-three percent of the respondents indicated that black bear populations should be increased or maintained at their present levels. Respondents that favored lower bear populations...

Wildlife agencies in the 16 southeastern states were surveyed by mail to determine what programs were offered to encourge wildlife management on and public access to privately owned lands. To promote wildlife management on these lands, 14 agencies offered technical services, 7 agencies provided wildlife management materials, and 1 offered tax incentives. Public access to private lands was promoted through free cooperative areas in 9 states and fee-based cooperative areas in 5 states. All agencies considered their programs successful. Seven agencies were studying new programs to encourage...

Landowner perceptions of damage caused by beavers (Castor canadensis) in the Arkansas Delta were determined by mail survey. Beavers were reported on lands owned by 64% of the 460 respondents. Blocked culverts, flooded row crops, and girdled timber were the most common forms of damage. Of those with beavers on their lands, 90% requested decreased populations and 72% had tried removing beavers. Many landowners were unfamiliar with accepted control methods and where to get assistance. Landowners most often requested information on controlling beavers (49%) and demonstration of control...

Estimates of litter size in beaver (Castor canadensis), based on counts of corpora lutea, placental scars, and corpora albicantia, were compared to known litter size determined by fetus counts. Estimates based on corpora albicantia (x = 4.2) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than with any other method. Numbers of corpora lutea (x = 3.0), placental scars (x = 2.8), and fetuses (x = 2.6) did not differ (P > 0.05). No reproductive parameter differed by beaver age-class.