Geology topics

Barry K. Hartup

Publications and source records attributed to Barry K. Hartup.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2020

Comparison of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in hand‐ versus parent‐reared whooping cranes (Grus americana)

Endangered whooping cranes ( Grus americana ) have been produced in captivity for reintroduction programs since the 1980s, using techniques such as artificial insemination, multiple clutching, and captive‐rearing to speed recovery efforts. Chicks are often hand‐reared (HR) by caretakers in crane costumes, socialized into groups and released together, unlike parent‐reared (PR) cranes that are raised individually by a male/female crane pair and released singly. HR cranes historically exhibit greater morbidity rates during development than PR cranes, involving musculoskeletal and respiratory system disease, among others. We hypothesized that HR crane chicks exhibit a higher baseline fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations during the development compared with PR chicks. Fecal samples were collected between 15 and 70 days of age from HR ( n = 15) and PR ( n = 8) chicks to test for differences in FGM concentrations using a radioimmunoassay technique following ethanol extraction for steroids. Linear mixed model analysis suggests increasing age of the chick was associated with an increase in FGM ( p < .001). Analysis also supported the interaction between rearing strategy and sex of the crane chick ( p < .01). Female PR chicks had greater FGM concentrations than all other groups (PR male, p < .01; HR female, p < .001; and HR male, p < .001). This result suggests that there may be an effect of rearing strategy on stress physiology of whooping crane chicks, especially among females. Further research is needed to investigate whether the FGM concentrations are reflective of true differences in stress physiology of young cranes and whether this may impact health and conservation success.zo

Zoo Biology↗

USGS2020

Postmortem evaluation of reintroduced migratory whooping cranes (Grus americana) in eastern North America

We reviewed necropsy records of 124 Whooping Cranes ( Grus americana ) recovered following reintroduction of 268 individuals from 2001 to 2016 in the eastern US. Causes of death were determined in 62% (77/124) of cases facilitated by active monitoring that limited decomposition and scavenging artifact. The greatest proportions of mortality were caused by predation (0.468; 95% confidence interval 0.356–0.580; 36/77), collision with power lines or vehicles (0.260; 0.162–0.358; 20/77), and gunshot (0.169; 0.085–0.253; 13/77). Six deaths were attributed to infection (0.078; 0.018–0.138; 6/77), including bacterial and fungal etiologies. Lead analysis of 50 liver samples yielded two results with elevated concentrations (3.65 and 10.97 ppm wet weight), and 10 bone samples from partial carcasses lacking suitable liver tissue resulted in one elevated result (48.82 ppm dry weight). These data indicate that underlying subclinical or clinical lead toxicosis may be a factor in up to 5% of deaths attributed to predation or impact trauma. Brain cholinesterase activity testing indicated no exposure to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides (mean±SD=17.32±2.90 µmol/min/g, 31/71). The causes of death and potential underlying factors summarized in this study constitute the first definitive mortality survey of migratory Whooping Cranes based on a high carcass recovery rate. Causes of death by infectious etiologies remained comparatively rare in this study, and occurred as single cases with no evidence of sustained transmission among reintroduced Whooping Cranes.

Eastern North America↗

USGS2019

Mortality in Aransas-Wood Buffalo Whooping Cranes: Timing, location, and causes

For long-lived species with low fecundity rates, population growth rate can be sensitive to changes in annual survival. Understanding where, when, and why animals die provides useful information for prioritizing conservation practices designed to increase survival. As part of a satellite tracking study, we identified 19 confirmed and suspected deaths of Whooping Cranes of various ages from the Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population. Of these, more occurred during winter (∼45%), compared with summer (∼40%) or migration (∼15%). Summer mortalities occurred exclusively within Wood Buffalo National Park, and all winter mortalities occurred on the primary wintering grounds along the Texas Gulf Coast. Predation was the most common cause identified; proximate cause of mortality was not known for most of the birds. Previous assessments of mortality, based on assumptions and some supporting data, speculated that most mortality occurred during migration. Although preliminary, our results are based on stronger evidence and provide a different perspective. Migration may be less risky than previously assumed and of similar risk to other seasons; thus, conservation or management efforts to reduce mortality may have greater effect when focused during breeding and wintering periods, although feasibility and efficacy of these actions will need to be determined.

Book chapter↗

USGS2009

Postmortem evaluation of reintroduced migratory Whooping Cranes in eastern North America

Reintroduction of endangered Whooping Cranes ( Grus americana ) in eastern North America has successfully established a migratory population between Wisconsin and Florida. Eighty birds (47 males, 33 females) were released between 2001 and 2006, and all birds were tracked following release with satellite and/or VHF monitoring devices. By the end of 2006, 17 deaths (12 males, five females) were recorded from this population. Postmortem findings and field data were evaluated for each bird to determine the cause of death. Causes included predation ( n =8, 47%), trauma ( n =2, 12%), and degenerative disease ( n =1, 6%); the cause of death was undetermined for 35% ( n =6) of the birds. Based on physical evidence, the primary predator of the birds was the bobcat ( Lynx rufus ). Limited roosting habitat availability or bird behavior were likely prime factors in the occurrence of predation. Traumatic injuries and mortality were caused by gunshot, electrical utility lines, and an unknown source. The lone case of degenerative disease was due to chronic exertional myopathy associated with translocation. Available postmortem testing did not indicate the presence of infectious disease in this limited sample.

Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, South Carolin↗

USGS2005

Fecal corticoid monitoring in whooping cranes (Grus americana) undergoing reintroduction

We used radioimmunoassay to determine fecal corticoid concentrations and assess potential stress in 10 endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana) undergoing reintroduction to the wild. Fecal samples were collected shortly after hatching at a captive facility in Maryland, during field training in Wisconsin, and throughout a human-led migration to Florida. After a 14-day decline following hatching, fecal corticoid concentrations stabilized at baseline levels for the duration of the captive period, despite exposure to potentially stressful stimuli. Shipment of the cranes to the field training site was correlated with an eight- to 34-fold increase in fecal corticoid concentrations, which returned to baseline levels within 1 week. Increases were positively correlated with age but not body weight at the time of shipping. Fecal corticoid concentrations during the training period increased slightly and exhibited greater variation than levels observed at the captive facility, but were well within expected norms based on previous studies. Fecal corticoid concentrations increased twofold following premigration physical examinations and placement of radiotransmitters, and persisted for up to 4 days before they returned to baseline levels. Though fecal corticoid concentrations and variation during the migration period were similar to training levels, there was an overall decline in fecal corticoid concentrations during the artificial migration. Acute stressors, such as capture, restraint, and severe storms, were associated with stress responses by the cranes that varied in accordance with lasting physical or psychological stimuli. The overall reintroduction process of costume-rearing, ultralight aircraft habituation, training, and artificial migration was not associated with elevations in fecal corticoid concentrations suggestive of chronic stress.

Zoo Biology↗