The Mysterious Killer of the Killer Whale

http://www.orcanetwork.org/nathist/offshores.html

Orcinus Orca: The Southern Resident of the Killer Whale
Hannah Apa

http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_
species/marine_mammals/killer_whale/esa_status.html

Description:

The Orcinus Orca is a toothed whale who is related to the sperm and pilot whale. Commonly known for their black and white colors, the Killer whale is one of the most, if not the most, well known cetacean of marine life. The white spot behind the dorsal fin, or "saddle spot," is a way researchers track individuals' age and regional variation, as each white spot is unique to each whale. The saddle spot and a distinctive scaring on the dorsal fin is also how these marine mammals are catalogued for tracking and compared to the Northeastern Killer Whales. The SRKW are actually a large extended family composed of three pods: the J,K, and L pods. Within each pod there are sub-pods that center around older females, normally the grandma or great-grandma!

Ecology:

This species of whales are known to stay close to their normal feeding patters, often near coastal channels or occasionally near river mouths. The congregate near these areas for a particular reason, the fish. SRKWs primary diet consists of chinook salmon, the largest species of salmon found only in the Northeastern Pacific. However, they have been significantly declining due to their heavy fish harvesting, causing the whales to recently migrate farther than normal(NOAA II-45). 

Geography & Population:

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery
_plan/whale_killer.pdf

This species is iconic in the Pacific Northwest and can frequently seen from spring to fall. Most siting of the SRKW is in the protected waters of the Salish Sea, comprised of the Straight of Georgia, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Pudgent Sound. They are also commonly seen in the waters encompassing the Gulf of Islands in British Columbia and Washington's San Juan Island. 
According to the Center for Whale Research, around 1965 to 1975 NOAA started noticing significant declines in the these Killer Whale. Their decline originated from marine park captures. When researches did a species count they were a an ultimate low of 71. As of December 14, 2014, the current total species count is 80 (J Pod: 25, K Pod: 19, L Pod: 35).It's believed about 13 whales were causalities of the capturing, and a disturbing 45 SRKW were delivered to marine parks globally (Center for Whale Research par13). 

Listing Date & Type of Listing:

All killer whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act(MMPA), but only two species, one being the Southern Resident Killer Whale, has special protection under the Federal Law's List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service. On January 14, 2008 the species was listed as endangered under the ESA(NMFS II-124).

Cause of Listing & Ongoing Threats:

http://www.orcahome.de/impact.htm

One of the main causes of decline known is the capture of these Killer Whales for marine Parks, like Sea World and Sea Life Park. These parks hunted down calfs, driving them away from their family trapping them in river heads or banks. Most of the calfs they took were also mostly females and a few males, so all they left behind were old males of females who were too old to reproduce, driving down the numbers immensely. The other possible causes of the decline are actually still not known, but under the recovery plan there is much research to find out why this species depleted. Some of the causes are thought to be, 1. constant pollutants like oil spills/mining that could be decreases the SRKWs' immune system, 2. reduction and decreasing quality of their prey (like the chinook salmon and steelhead trout), and 3.noise disturbance from fishing and container vessels(NMFS IV-5).   

Recovery Plan:
Even though Orcinus Orca has been studied and closely monitored for over 30 years, NOAA and the ESA. So, the biggest part of the recovery plan is to research these marine mammals to understand why their numbers still aren't increasing. The second biggest part of the recovery plan is to educate, as most of the believed 
issues are large scale problems and cannot be fixed with this recovery act alone. NOAA and the National Marine Fisheries and Services is working closely with the Coast Guard, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans to make sure certain rules are strictly endorsed. The Recovery Plan has put together helpful strategies for each of the categories they feel are causing the most damage. 
For prey ability, they have been helping with salmon restoration in the region where the SRKW are located by providing hatcheries, harvest, and a stable habitat. For all the oil spills they have been attempting to improve the response time to decrease the effects it's having on the whales and their habitat. For vessel noise and damage, they have been evaluating and attempting to improve guidelines these vessels have to abide by when in these protected areas. And for general pollution, they have been doing extensive clean ups to highly contaminates cites, and monitoring new contaminates(NMFS V-5). 

http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/gallery/images/photos/7024121007.html

MAHALO!

Works Cited:

"Endangered Species Act Status of Puget Sound Killer Whales." :: NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region. NOAA Fisheries, 14 Apr. 2014. Web. 11 Mar. 2015. <http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/marine_mammals/killer_whale/esa_status.html>.

National Marine Fisheries Service, and Northwest Regional Offic. Recovery Plan of Southern Resident        Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca) (n.d.): n. pag. Recovery Plan of Southern Resident Killer Whale (Orcinus Orca). NOAA, 17 Jan. 2008. Web. 5 Mar. 2015. <http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/whale_killer.pdf>.

"Southern Resident Killer Whale Recovery." Endangered Species Program. US Fish & Wildlife Services, Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Mar. 2015. <http://www.fws.gov/endangered/news/bulletin-summer2009/killer-whale-recovery.html>.

Are you feeling loopy on Lupin?

Are you feeling loopy on Lupin?

Lupinus sulphureus

By Juliann Arvin

*please don't ingest
*if ingested get medical attention 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mark_leppin/5940469429/

Endangerment of Lupinus sulphereus

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed Lupinus sulphureus Dougl. Ex Hook. Ssp. kincaidii (C.P. Sm) L. Pillips as an endangered species on January 23, 2000 (7). A plant is considered endangered if it is or is likely to be at risk of survival (1). Lupinus sulphereus is currently facing risk of survival due to habitat destruction, competition from non-native plants and the elimination of historical disturbance regimes (7).

1. Agriculture as well as human development is causing habitat fragmentation of Lupinus sulphereus (6,7). Fragmentation is the breakup of habitat; meaning that there are still patches of exiting habitat but they are separated from each other (2). A once large population with genetic variability is reduced to smaller isolated populations with less genetic variability and a higher probability of inbreeding (5).
2. Non-native plants are creating a competitive environment for space, nutrient, water and light resulting in habitat loss for Lupinus sulphereus (6, 7).
3. Historically habitats where Lupinus sulphereus are found would periodically burn. This burning was an important part of the plants survival (6, 7). This burning has declined and with that an alteration of the habitat causing habitat loss for Lupinus sulphereus (6, 7).

Historical and Current Habitat

Lupinus sulphereus is currently found in prairies in Northern Oregon to Northwestern Washington (6, 7). A prairie is “open native grasslands with little tree cover or the grass land understories of savanna habitats” (7).

This map shows where Lupinus sulphereus is currently found.

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/100629.pdf

Lupin was once found in Vancouver Island, British Columbia and Canada (7). Now populations are limited to certain locations in Washington and Oregon (7).

Plant Lifecycle

Lupinus sulphereus is an herbaceous plant that can live for many years (5). It begins flowering in April and last through June. It produces purple flowers and when the flowers are fertilized they turn into pea pods. Lupinus sculphereus can reproduce by seed or can spread by underground stems producing genetically identical plants (5). Pollinating insects for seed production include: bumblebees, solitary bees, and honeybees (7). By mid-August this plant will have died back.

http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/lupinus_sulphureus_kincaidii.jpg

This plant is vulnerable to seed damage, fruit and flower damage, and leaf and stem (7).

• Seed Damage (7)

                Weevil                                                                                                   Bruchid Beetle      

http://www.chris-schuster.com/pics/insects/beetles/weevil/weevil_1.jpg                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                 http:/upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Callosobruchus_maculatus_dorsal.jpg

   

• Fruit and flower damage (7)

Silver Blue Butterfly

http://butterfly-conservation.org/files/silver-studded-blue-upperwing-male1-keith-warmington-web.JPG

• Leaf and stem damage by "root borers, sap suckers and defoliator" (7)

Other Interesting information

Lupinus sulphureus provides habitat for the larvae of the Fender’s blue butterfly (6 & 7). This butterfly is listed as an endangered species (3). Disappearance of this plant will result in habitat loss for the butterfly.

http://oregonexplorer.info/portal_images/wetlands/content_images/FendersBlueButterfly.jpg

Lupinus sulphureus contains chemicals that can be toxic (4). The potentness of the toxins will vary plant to plant (4). Younger plants normally contain more toxic chemicals then older ones (4). Although the seeds can be highly toxic (4). 

Recovery Plan

Fish and Wildlife has outline a recovery plan Lupinus sulphureus (7). This recovery plan also includes the recovery of Fender’s blue butterfly, Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens , Lomatium bradshawii, and Sidalcea nelsoniana (7). The goal of this plan is to “achieve viable populations of the listed species distributed across their historical ranges in a series of interconnected populations; this will be accomplished by establishing networks of restored prairie reserves across the geographic range of this recovery plan” (7). To achieve this goal 8 steps have been outline:

Picture is a screenshot taken from: http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/100629.pdf

The hope is that by sometime in 2020-2030 Lupinus sulphereus will be delisted as an endangered species (7).

 

http://research.appliedeco.org/2011/05/past-two-weeks-interns-split-up-with.html

http://www.co.benton.or.us/parks/hcp/kincaids_lupine.php

Sources:

1.     "7 5­6­1. Endangered Plant Species; Definition; Conservation; Penalty Protection;   Permits." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 10 Mar. 2015. <http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SFD/ForestMgt/LE/documents/75-6-1.pdf>.
2.     "Benton County, Oregon." Benton County Prairie Species Habitat Conservation Plan. Benton County, Oregon, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015. <http://www.co.benton.or.us/parks/hcp/kincaids_lupine.php>.
3.      Comstock, Amy, and Emma MacDonald. "Adventures in Conservation Research." : Lupinus Oreganus: Population Monitoring, Reintroduction Success and Evaluation of Experimental Treatments. The Institute for Applied Ecology, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015. <http://research.appliedeco.org/2011/05/past-two-weeks-interns-split-up-with.html>.
4. 4. Cook, D., ST Lee, D. R. Gardener, JA Pfisher, KD Welch, BT Green, TZ Davis, and KE Panker. "Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 25 Feb. 2009. Web. 11 Mar. 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19182952>.
5.         Serverns, Paul M., Aaron Liston, and Mark V. Wilson. "Journal of Heredity Advance Access." Implications of Nonadventitious Rhizome Spread on Reproduction, Inbreeding, and Conservation for a Rare Grassland Legume (2011): 1-9. The American Genetic Association, 18 May 2011. Web. 10 Mar. 2015. <http://jhered.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/05/18/jhered.esr034.full.pdf>
6.         U.S.Fish andWildlife Service.2006. RecoveryOutline for Lupinussulphureusssp.kincaidii.(Kincaid's Lupine). Portland,Oregon. 23 pp.
7.         U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2010. Recovery Plan for the Prairie Species of Western Oregon and Southwestern Washington. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. xi + 241 pp. 

The Albatross Around Our Necks

Bryce Aston, Bio 227

The Albatross Around Our Neck: 

Saving the short-tailed albatross

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Description and Ecology:

Imagine the tallest person you know. Maybe a friend, a sibling, your mother or father. That person is probably anywhere from 6' to 6'10". Now imagine a bird...with a wingspan wider than that person is tall. What you're imagining is our friend the short-tailed albatross. These massive birds are known for being the largest seabirds in the Northern Pacific. The complete extent of their range consists of most of the temperate and subarctic Northern Pacific, including the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.

     The rarity of these birds can be seen in many aspects of their lives.
In particular, it is notable that today, there are only two active breeding locations left for the birds: Minami-kojima Island and Torishima Island, Japan. To make the situation even more precarious, one of those islands an active volcano! 
     Short-tailed albatrosses are known for being beautiful birds, with white and black plumage and light pink bills that make them distinct from other species of albatross. They reproduce slowly and live long lives; each mating pair lays one egg in the fall, and by June the young albatross is ready to head out to feeding areas in the Pacific. These birds mostly eat squid, fish, and shrimps. Because of their aquatic diet and their powerful wings, albatrosses are able to - and have been known to - not touch land for months if they are not breeding! 

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The short-tailed albatross was
one of thousands of birds hunted
specifically for the feather trade
for hats such as this one.

Geographic and population changes:

     The short-tailed albatross has had quite the tumultuous past. In the past, short-tailed albatrosses lived by the millions across the pacific and in the islands of Japan, and were probably the most prolific of the three species of albatross found in their range (the other two species are the black-footed albatross and the Laysan albatross.) 

     However, during the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, the albatross became one of many birds hunted for the blossoming feather trade, which supplied plumage for all ranges of headwear and clothing. The exploitation of the albatrosses was so complete that by the middle of the 20th century, they were nearly extinct. 

     In summer of 2008, the existing population of short-tailed albatrosses was listed at 2400 with between 400 and 450 mating couples. This was a massive shift from their prevalence in the past, and these numbers make it quite clear the the short-tailed albatross needs to be protected in order for it to attempt recovery to the point at which it once was.

------------------------

So what happened next?

The short-tailed albatross was listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act on September 20, 2009.

------------------------

Cause of listing and main threats to continued existence:

1. Late 1800s - early 1900s: Harvested to near extinction by hunters     for feather trade; nearly five million birds clubbed to death.

2. 1930's: only one active nesting island in Japan; nests damaged         and wiped out by volcanic activity on island.

3. 1940's: only around 50 birds left.

The continued natural threats to these birds' existence are:

   - loss of nesting habitat

   - volcanic eruptions

   - competition with black-footed albatrosses for nesting land

The continued human threats to these birds' existence are:

   - hooking and drowning on commercial longline gear

   - entanglement in abandoned fishing gear

   - ingestion of plastic debris

   - contamination from oil spills

   - possible predation from introduced mammals on breeding land.

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Recovery Plan!

     Under the ESA, it's required that a unique "recovery plan" is developed for every listed species. The recovery plan for the short-tailed albatross is estimated to span through the year 2033, costing $5,520,000 in total. The good news is that experts predict that 2033 will see roughly 5,845 pairs of birds, and that the short-tailed albatross will be delisted!

     The recovery plan for the birds can be broken down into nine "recovery actions" that are most essential to ensuring the ongoing and future stability of the population:

   1. Experts will continue to regulate the population of birds and the        quality of habitat on Torishima.  

   2. Experts will monitor the population size and activity of the              group living on Senkaku Island.
   3. Experts will continue studies on at-sea habitat use, and the                potential for birds to interact with particular fisheries.
   4. There will be breeding colonies established on at least one non-        volcanic island in case of the worst on Torishima.
   5. There will be continued research with fisheries to help reduce          the take of short-tailed albatrosses.
   6. There will be other research conducted to help recovery.
   7. All other non-listed measures necessary to help recovery will            be taken.
   8. Those knowledgeable of the species will work on awareness of        the species and their situation internationally.
   9.  There will be protocols established for all parts of recovery
With these steps and more, there's hope that the short-tailed albatross will someday return to something like its former glory!

------------------------

To learn more about the short-tailed albatross and the recovery plan, visit these websites:

Official ESA File On Short-Tailed Albatross

Offiical ESA Text of Short-Tailed Albatross Recovery Plan

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Thank you for reading!

I-guana save the Cayman Blue Iguana

Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, Cyclura lewisi

Listed: Endangered  

Listing date: June 6, 1988 

What you might not have known about these animals! 

Geography and Description/Ecology:

Baby Blue Iguana hatching from leathery egg

The Cayman Islands are located in the Gulf of Mexico and are within the Caribbean Sea as shown by the yellow square on the map below. The blue iguana is the Grand Caymans largest native land animal. The fiction looking green and blue dragon lizard grows to about 5 feet long and can weigh up to 25 lb. There range of life isn't exactly known but we have encountered some that are as old as 60 or 80 years old. Scientist believe they can live as old as humans do. Cayman Blue Iguanas are very dependent on their habitat for reproduction and without the right temperatures and humidity the females eggs could never develop. These iguanas can only be found on Grand Cayman Island or captive breeding facilities. They like tropical weather and either live on the coastal land or the interior shrub lands. 

Why did they almost become extinct? 
Population Changes, Cause of listing and Main Threats:

The original population of the Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas spread across then entire Grand Cayman Island. In 1938 they found the population was declining on the west side and 25 years later there no signs of the wild iguana. 2002 is the most recent survey were they found a total of 10-25 individuals on the island and in 2005 they declared it functionally extinct. 

Whats causing a lot of animal extinction all over the world is habit destruction and this is affecting the iguanas too. Grand Cayman Islanders have clear cut habitats for agriculture, roads, and real estate development. The remaining population is threatened by non-native animals like common iguanas, feral dogs, cats and rats. Also because development on the island has increase iguanas are becoming a road kill target. We know reptiles to lay out and warm up on hot surfaces (like road ways) doing this is developing into a serious problem for the iguanas. 

IT IS THE MOST ENDANGERED IGUANA ON EARTH

Just think about what that means. These iguanas are only found on this single island. There are 44 species of iguanas in the world and 1 that has already become extinct. However, in 2001 they started working on restoring the population by capturing and willing reproduction between remaining individuals. The process included restoring diversity into the species by putting two iguanas together that have genetic diversity. 
They have restored an area to about 200 individuals which is a positive outcome for their recovery plan.  

The recovery plan

The national Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non profit that implemented the Cayman Island Blue Iguana Recovery Program which began in 2009 and was planned to continue into 2011. They planned to create a large population of genetically diverse hatchlings. They would take on a three year action plan each step having its own objective. 

1. Objective: Protect and manage xerophytic shrub land (needing little water) in the easter side of the Grand Cayman Island so that it can support at least 1000 Blue Iguanas. They would open a visitor center to educate the public along with get started on a Protected living habitat area. 

2. Objective: Restore, maintain and protect free roaming Blue Iguanas in natural habitats. This would be in areas prepared for 2010 and 2011 captive Iguana releases.  Improvement in nesting areas, genetically divers population release and a regularly monitored area. 

3. Objective: Provide genetically optimal animals for reintroduction from the existing on-island captive breeding and head-starting facility. 

4. Objective: Safeguard against catastrophic loss of Grand Cayman Blue Iguana populations, by maintaining the off-island captive populations. They will have 3 protected areas on Grand Cayman Island from 2009 and on. 

5. Objective: Ensure sustained support for conservation through education for the public and awareness programs. "True Blue" teaching guides for all school age group. Along with using local media and websites. 

6. Objective: Secure finances, human and technical resources for a long term Blue Iguana Recovery Program. Doing this through hosting studies and reaching out to have grants and corporate sponsors. 

Below is a link to the actual Recovery Plan Document: 

Recovery Plan

Summer Aleman

Bio 227