Geology Reports⌕ Search

Geology topics

H. M. Wight

Publications and source records attributed to H. M. Wight.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1970

Determining parameters for populations by using structural models

A method for calculating parameters necessary to maintain stable populations is described and the management implications of the method are discussed. This method depends upon knowledge of the population mortality rate schedule, the age at which the species reaches maturity, and recruitment rates or age ratios in the population. Four approaches are presented which yield information about the status of the population: (1) necessary production for a stable population, (2) allowable mortality for a stable population, (3) annual rate of change in population size, and (4) age ratios in the population which yield a stable condition. General formulas for these relationships, and formulas for several special cases, are presented. Tables are also presented showing production required to maintain a stable population with the simpler (more common) mortality and fecundity schedules.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS1970

Progress of primary feather molt of adult mourning doves in Missouri

The examination of 7,892 adult doves in Missouri between 1953 and 1965 showed that less than 2.5% of adult doves completed their molt before October 1. Adult doves of both sexes began molting their primary feathers during early June in Missouri and lost the last (tenth) primary during the latter half of October. Approximately 140-150 days were required to complete the molt. Thus, early-hatched immatures, which begin their primary molt 25-30 days after hatching, contributed the bulk of the wings with completed molts in September. By correctly classifying September samples of dove wings with a completed molt as young-of-the-year a more accurate young: adult ratio is obtained.

Missouri↗
USGS1967

Aging mourning doves by outer primary wear

Many immature mourning doves ( Zenaidura macroura ) cannot be aged by the conventional white-tipped primary covert method if molt has proceeded beyond the 7th primary. A new method of aging doves in this group is based on the presence (immature) or absence (adult) of a buff-colored fringe on the tips of the 9th and 10th primaries. Experienced biologists were nearly 100 percent accurate in aging wings of 100 known-age doves from eastern and midwestern states. The technique is not as reliable for doves from southwestern United States because of added feather wear, apparently from harsh vegetative and soil conditions.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS1963

Annual production by a cottontail population

Adult females in a cottontail ( Sylvilagus floridanus ) population produced seven or eight litters during the 1961 breeding season. A synchrony of the conception dates was maintained throughout the breeding season. Data about ovulation rate, prenatal mortality, and litter size for each litter are presented. The first litter was smallest, averaging about three young, and the remaining litters ranged between five and six young. The last four litters may be slightly smaller than the second and third litters of the season. The total annual production of young by an adult female would be approximately 35.

Missouri↗