Hunting is a North American tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, we have the privilege to enjoy nature. Truth be told, todays forests would not exist if it weren’t for the valiant effort to restore North Americas wildlife and creating the North American model of wildlife conservation. Sometimes, wildlife managers, biologists, and conservationist forget that the greatest conservation success story is right in front of us.
For decades, we have enjoyed reward of the greatest conservation success story in history. Wildlife restoration. Through colonization, much of North America was stripped of wildlife and their ecosystems. Species were extirpated out of their native range; some species went extinct through overharvest and lack of conservation. Thanks to the state and federal agencies that work to conserve, fight, and protect wildlife; through their careful work, we have wildlife, we have biodiversity, and we have diverse ecosystems. Today, the North American Model of wildlife conservation is under attack. Quality wildlife habitat is fading through urbanization and habitat fragmentation. Wildlife conservation agencies are under funded from depleting budgets. Deadly diseases are spreading across the landscape and devastating ecosystems. Wildlife diseases are reshaping ecosystems as we know it. Bat populations have decreased by 90% in some areas (CFBD 2017). Pennsylvania Ruffed Grouse are having a population crash like never before (PFGC 2017). The greater sage grouse populations have declined in North America by 95% (Axelson 2015). Cervids are under attack from the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. These diseases arguably hold the biggest concerns for the future of wildlife.
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)
In the winter of 2006-2007, researchers discovered White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in Schoharie County of New York. This disease was accidentally introduced from Europe by cavers who did not properly clean their gear. As of 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated 6.7 million bats have died from WNS and has been confirmed in 28 states the last 11 years (CFBD 2017).
White-Nose Syndrome is a fungal disease, (Pseudogymnoascus destrutans). This fungal disease attacks winter hibernating bats, attacking the bats skin and their wing membrane. The white fungus can be found growing around the face and wing membrane. During the winter months of hibernation, WNS can cause the bat to wake up more frequently. This causes the bat to use more of its limited fat reserve. This can cause the bat to loose all of its fat reserve during the winter and then lead to death. WNS can cause severe damage to a bats wing membrane, which can then lead towards a struggle to fly. If a WNS infected bat survives the winter, the bats immune system would be far to weak in the spring also casing death in the spring (USFWS 2017). There is currently no cure for WNS; however, research is proving that a cure is very possibly soon to come. Bats are extremely important to an ecosystem. A single bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitos an hour (USFWS 2017).
For decades, we have enjoyed reward of the greatest conservation success story in history. Wildlife restoration. Through colonization, much of North America was stripped of wildlife and their ecosystems. Species were extirpated out of their native range; some species went extinct through overharvest and lack of conservation. Thanks to the state and federal agencies that work to conserve, fight, and protect wildlife; through their careful work, we have wildlife, we have biodiversity, and we have diverse ecosystems. Today, the North American Model of wildlife conservation is under attack. Quality wildlife habitat is fading through urbanization and habitat fragmentation. Wildlife conservation agencies are under funded from depleting budgets. Deadly diseases are spreading across the landscape and devastating ecosystems. Wildlife diseases are reshaping ecosystems as we know it. Bat populations have decreased by 90% in some areas (CFBD 2017). Pennsylvania Ruffed Grouse are having a population crash like never before (PFGC 2017). The greater sage grouse populations have declined in North America by 95% (Axelson 2015). Cervids are under attack from the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. These diseases arguably hold the biggest concerns for the future of wildlife.
White-Nose Syndrome (WNS)
In the winter of 2006-2007, researchers discovered White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) in Schoharie County of New York. This disease was accidentally introduced from Europe by cavers who did not properly clean their gear. As of 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated 6.7 million bats have died from WNS and has been confirmed in 28 states the last 11 years (CFBD 2017).
White-Nose Syndrome is a fungal disease, (Pseudogymnoascus destrutans). This fungal disease attacks winter hibernating bats, attacking the bats skin and their wing membrane. The white fungus can be found growing around the face and wing membrane. During the winter months of hibernation, WNS can cause the bat to wake up more frequently. This causes the bat to use more of its limited fat reserve. This can cause the bat to loose all of its fat reserve during the winter and then lead to death. WNS can cause severe damage to a bats wing membrane, which can then lead towards a struggle to fly. If a WNS infected bat survives the winter, the bats immune system would be far to weak in the spring also casing death in the spring (USFWS 2017). There is currently no cure for WNS; however, research is proving that a cure is very possibly soon to come. Bats are extremely important to an ecosystem. A single bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitos an hour (USFWS 2017).
(National Park Service 2017)
More than half of the 47 bat species are winter hibernating that live in North America. White-nose Syndrome has been confirmed in 8 winter hibernating bat species: big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), little brown bat (Myotis grisescens), eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii), gray bat (Myotis grisescens), Indian bat (Myotis sodalist), northern long-eared bat (Myotis lucifugus), south eastern bat (Myotis austroriparius), and tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). WNS is currently suspected in 7 other species but has not had any confirmed cases (USFWS 2017).
(Brandon Witmer 2017)
West Nile Virus (WNV)
West Nile virus is an arthropod-borne virus. WNV is mainly spread through mosquitoes. WNV was originally across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In 1999, the first outbreak in North America was documented in New York City. By 2004, WNV outbreaks were documented in the continental United States, all of Canada and through out Mexico. WNV effects, thousands of avian species, horses and humans. There is at least 48 different species of mosquitos that carry WNV. There have been over 250 species of birds and 18 mammalian species, including humans, have been confirmed with WNV (USGS 2016). The only way to prevent the spread of WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. There 2 major species of birds that are greatly affected by WNV and are experiencing population crashes, greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). There is also a number of songbird species that are greatly affected by WNV.
Greater Sage Grouse
Greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are a western species found throughout the plains of the Rocky Mountains. As of 2006, the greater sage grouse populations have declined by 45-80% in North America (Clark et al 2006). Greater sage grouse populations were already on the decline since the 1950’s due to overharvest, disease outbreaks, urbanization, and loss of habitat. There are pre- settlement population estimates as high as 16 million. In 2017, the population crash is up to 95% decline. Habitat loss is still a problem. The last decade, the greater sage grouse have had to battle the West Nile Virus. A study was done to determine a survival rate for greater sage grouse when infected with WNV. The study resulted in only a 50% survival rating (Clark et al 2006). Federal and state agencies have spent a combined $700 million on greater sage grouse conservation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the federal Bureau of Land Management have been working together to purchase and secure land to establish greater sage grouse management lands (Axelson 2015). State and federal agencies must continue to work together to manage for greater sage grouse and educate the public on their survival, if we give up this fight greater sage grouse will face extinction.
Greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are a western species found throughout the plains of the Rocky Mountains. As of 2006, the greater sage grouse populations have declined by 45-80% in North America (Clark et al 2006). Greater sage grouse populations were already on the decline since the 1950’s due to overharvest, disease outbreaks, urbanization, and loss of habitat. There are pre- settlement population estimates as high as 16 million. In 2017, the population crash is up to 95% decline. Habitat loss is still a problem. The last decade, the greater sage grouse have had to battle the West Nile Virus. A study was done to determine a survival rate for greater sage grouse when infected with WNV. The study resulted in only a 50% survival rating (Clark et al 2006). Federal and state agencies have spent a combined $700 million on greater sage grouse conservation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the federal Bureau of Land Management have been working together to purchase and secure land to establish greater sage grouse management lands (Axelson 2015). State and federal agencies must continue to work together to manage for greater sage grouse and educate the public on their survival, if we give up this fight greater sage grouse will face extinction.
(Jeannie Stafford, USFWS 2015)
Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) populations are crashing in Pennsylvania due to the effect of West Nile Virus. Ruffed grouse are found in 35 states and most of Canada. With the discovery of ruffed grouse being affected by WNV, this has potential to be a devastating entire population crash. In Pennsylvania, populations have crashed by 63% the last decade (PGC 2017). Wildlife conservationist goals should be to try to manage and conserve so ruffed grouse do not become the next greater sage grouse. We need to depend on scientist and wildlife biologist to conduct more research and begin to create a solution to this devastating problem.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Chronic Wasting Disease is a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) that affects the Cervidae family (CWDA 2017). CWD is a type of prion disease that attacks the brain, similar to mad cow disease. In North America, CWD has only been found in cervids: mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), elk (Cervus Canadensis), and moose (Alces alces). CWD is a fatal disease that destroys the brain by mutating the prions that slowly reduce critical brain functions (CWDA 2017). When a cervid is infected with CWD and the animal progresses through the disease, it will experience, severe weight loss and extreme behavior changes (CWDA 2017). CWD was first documented in captive mule deer in 1967. Today, CWD has been found in 24 states and 3 Canadian provinces and involves both wild and captive cervids. In the United States, 21 states have found CWD in free ranging cervids. There are 160 counties that have been deemed infected by CWD by their state agencies (CWDA 2017). It is critical to find a way to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. If CWD truly spreads nationally, it could prohibit the success of quality wildlife populations.
Ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) populations are crashing in Pennsylvania due to the effect of West Nile Virus. Ruffed grouse are found in 35 states and most of Canada. With the discovery of ruffed grouse being affected by WNV, this has potential to be a devastating entire population crash. In Pennsylvania, populations have crashed by 63% the last decade (PGC 2017). Wildlife conservationist goals should be to try to manage and conserve so ruffed grouse do not become the next greater sage grouse. We need to depend on scientist and wildlife biologist to conduct more research and begin to create a solution to this devastating problem.
(Tim Lenz 2009)
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Chronic Wasting Disease is a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) that affects the Cervidae family (CWDA 2017). CWD is a type of prion disease that attacks the brain, similar to mad cow disease. In North America, CWD has only been found in cervids: mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), elk (Cervus Canadensis), and moose (Alces alces). CWD is a fatal disease that destroys the brain by mutating the prions that slowly reduce critical brain functions (CWDA 2017). When a cervid is infected with CWD and the animal progresses through the disease, it will experience, severe weight loss and extreme behavior changes (CWDA 2017). CWD was first documented in captive mule deer in 1967. Today, CWD has been found in 24 states and 3 Canadian provinces and involves both wild and captive cervids. In the United States, 21 states have found CWD in free ranging cervids. There are 160 counties that have been deemed infected by CWD by their state agencies (CWDA 2017). It is critical to find a way to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease. If CWD truly spreads nationally, it could prohibit the success of quality wildlife populations.
(Dr. Terry Kreeger of Wyoming Game and Fish Department 2012)
The North American model of wildlife conservation is under attack. Wildlife is important. There is so many ecological benefits that wildlife provides. Protecting wildlife is a privilege. It is imperative that we strive and push for wildlife conservation and research. Science should be leading wildlife conservation, not politics. Populations are continuing to decline due to poor management and the spread of disease. Ask any hunter, sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, they do what they do, because of the tradition and heritage. We need to stand together and work with state agencies, federal agencies, and non-profit wildlife conservation organizations with continuing the tradition and experience of wildlife, through conservation for the next generation. It’s important to get involved with wildlife conservation and it is important to get the youth involved with wildlife and the great outdoors, through experience and education. Conserve wildlife today for the enjoyment of tomorrow.
Brandon Witmer
Work Cited:
Axelson. G. 2015. Five things you need to know about greater sage grouse and the
endangered species act. All About Birds. <www. Allaboutbirds.org/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-greater-sage-grouse-and-the-endangered-species-act/>. Accessed 22 Apr 2017.
Center for biological diversity [CFBD]. 2017. White-nose syndrome: questions and
answers. Center for Biological Diversity. <www.biologicaldiversity.org/
campaigns/bat_crisis_white-nose_syndrome/Q_and_A.html>. Accessed 22 Apr 2017.
Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance [CWDA]. 2017. Chronic Wasting Disease Info.
<www.cwd-info.org>. Accessed 22 Apr 2017.
Clark L., J. Hall, R. McLean, M. Dunbar, K. Klenk, R. Bowen, and C. Smeraski. 2006.
Susceptibility of greater sage-grouse to experimental infection with west nile virus. Journal of Wildlife and Disease. 42:14-22.
Pennsylvania game commission [PGC]. 2017. West nile virus. Pennsylvania Game
Commission <www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/Documents/
West%20Nile%20Virus%20and%20Pennsylvania%20Grouse.pdf>. Accessed 22 Apr 2017.
U.S. fish and wildlife service [USFWS]. 2017. White-nose syndrome. U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. <www.whitenosesyndrome.org/about-white-nose-syndrome>. Accessed 22 Apr 2017.
U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]. 2016. West nile virus (WNV). U.S. Department of the
Interior. <www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/west_nile_virus/>. Accessed 22 Apr 2017.
Hello Brandon,
ReplyDeleteYour post raises many great points, and covers some of the terrible diseases moving through today’s wildlife nicely. White-nose syndrome is an absolute terrible disease and as of right now nothing really seems to be stopping it. I cannot even imagine what this world would be without bats. There would be so many mosquitoes it would be disgusting. Which moves into the next topic of West-Nile Virus, with the increase in mosquitoes because of the loss of bats, West-Nile will most likely kill most if not all of the ruffed grouse in Pennsylvania along with affecting other bird species and humans. Although Chronic Wasting Disease hasn’t made a real impact on the wild deer population in my area, I know its only a matter of time before the entire state is impacted with this terrible disease.
Hi Brandon, Awesome post. I agree with all of your points. The need to protect our wildlife is extremely important. Heck curing white nose syndrome is huge, if we can acheive bat populations numbers to what they were before the disease could also help with reduce mosquito populations, lower mosquito populations will most likely reduce the west nile disease and improve ruffed grouse populations. I feel that all of these diseases need to be cured because we humans are responsible for introducing them even if it was accidental.
ReplyDeleteHello Brandon,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100 percent. There is a serious concern with many species in todays world and something must be done about it. there are many terrible diseases that are over running many species today and with that there is tons of researching going in to the disease in order to help find a way to either cure it or control it. the research needs to be done because if the species decline to far we may risk losing some key species forever.
Great post Brandon! I completely agree with you. Protecting wildlife and its habitat is very important, not only to us but to future generations. There are multiple species that are in danger. Finding cures to all of these diseases would make a huge impact on these animals and their habitats. We could also find ways to control the spread of these diseases so they do not affect more of the species. I agree with Rob, we are responsible for introducing these diseases so we are responsible to find a cure for them.
ReplyDelete