SWCC Spring 2016 Newsletter

Living with Wildlife Series:

Roadrunners A Bird Born to Run

Trophic Cascade Protecting the Natural Balance

Our New Clinic Expanding our Ability To Care

About Us Southwest Wildlife rescues and rehabilitates wildlife that has been injured, displaced, and orphaned. Once rehabilitated, they are returned to the wild. Wildlife education includes advice on living with wildlife and the importance of native wildlife to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Education and humane scientific research opportunities are offered in the field of conservation medicine.

Sanctuary is provided to animals that cannot be released back to the wild.

Board of Directors Anne Ruddy-­‐Chair Linda Moore-­‐Assistant Director Mike Wilson Michael Sapp Dr. Mark Finke Ann Siner

SWCC Staff Linda Searles Founder and Director Linda Moore Assistant Director Kim Carr Animal Care Director Kelly Marcum Education Director James O’Brien

Shorty and Sandy

Veterinary Tech.

Lynne Cataldo Animal Care Specialist/Volunteer Coor.

Robyn Moul Education

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is a 501 ( c ) (3) non-­‐profit organization which is run by a handful of staff and many dedicated volunteers. We are funded solely through private donations, fundraising and grants.

Barbara Anderson Office Manager/Marketing

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From our Founder

Trophic Cascades Preserving the Balance By Nic Rizo

Throughout nature, there exists a wide array of natural phenomenon that influence and shape the landscapes around us. These ecological occurrences can be observed through precipitation events such as the summer monsoons of the southwest, or the ebb and flow of the ocean along the coastal plains. Processes such as these stimulate biodiversity and create habitat for local plants and animals. These occurrences, among many others, help stimulate population growths and help to encourage the natural regulations needed to maintain balance. In the animal kingdom, a predator or top-­‐consumer exists at the top of the food chain and has a profound effect on the organisms beneath them.

Interactions involving individuals in a particular food web, and the order at which they are consumed or consuming is known as a trophic cascade.

What is trophic cascade?

The term trophic is d efined as “of or relating to nutrition”, whereas cascade implies a “flow from the top”, with influence radiating downwards.

Ecologically, this process h as enormous influence on the integrity of a landscape in that a flow of nutrients is guided by the consumption of organisms. An example of a trophic cascade can be observed in a setting such as Yellowstone National Park (YNP) where a variety of animals exist, and the overall ecology of the area is thought to be relatively well-­‐maintained. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is among several of the top-­‐ Ungulates (moose, elk, deer) have a significant effect on vegetation composition and the health

of riparian zones. They are a vital component of natural balance of many different ecosystems. predators that inhabit YNP. This canid often

hunts in a pack for u ngulates, its most preferred food source which includes deer, elk, and moose among others. By doing so, the wolf assists with the necessary regulation of local herds by culling the older slower m embers, and thus stimulating more healthy populations.

Known as browsers, these ungulates feed on specified vegetation such as cottonwood saplings. If left u nregulated by predation, overconsumption may occur leading to scarcity among cottonwoods and other riparian obligates. The presence of such trees provides habitat for nesting birds, materials for beaver dams, and even creates shade which provides shelter and helps regulate water temperatures for cold water fishes such as trout. Therefore, without the regulation of ungulates, Raptors and other species of birds affect trophic cascades from the top down predation on fish vegetation would be compromised resulting and small mammals. Small species of birds control bugs and aphids that affect vegetation. in ecosystems complications that adversely affect various populations including birds of p rey, rodents, amphibians among others.. Without the lower members of a food web present, at what point is the intrinsic value of nature compromised? The riparian corridor would certainly undergo major conversions with the loss of its high canopy vegetation. Of course it is not only these organisms that are affected by this phenomena. All types of consumers throughout various ecosystems are subject to the influence of trophic cascading.

Predator Conservation for the Continuation of Biodiversity Unfortunately, the abundance of predators in an area does not cascade well into the cattle ranching territories of the United States. Often times, predators are viewed as direct competition to game hunters.

Competition and outlooks like this have led to long-­‐term persecution resulting in the extirpations of some predatory species across their historic range. Perhaps the best known victim of this attitude in the southwest is the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). It wasn’t until recently that the environmental awareness movement began and predator conservation, specifically among wolves, b ecame a focus of public interest. Aiding in this was the discovery of the cascading trophic influence on regional ecology these animals possessed. In order to maintain the unique biodiversity that d efines our ecoregion, it is important to consider the need for predators within individual ecosystems. By building connections among differing communities and understandings, we make the first steps in changing our views of predator conservation.

SWCC’s Contribution The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center contributes directly toward the conservation of species and biodiversity by providing refuge for a variety of animals including predators. We (SWCC) have been a long-­‐standing member for the Species Survival Plan for the Mexican gray wolf program among other outstanding achievements. Although many of our resident predators will not be repatriated, we do all that we can to maintain the longevity of southwestern species. SWCC is working to raise awareness of predators in this role, as well as trying to conserve various species and subspecies of predators.

First trophic level. In this photo the plants, algae and phytoplankton in the stream, are primary producers.

They take nutrients from the soil or the water, and manufacture their own food by using photosynthesis, using energy from the sun.

A healthy and natural canopy of shade trees helps regulate water temperatures for cold water fish such as trout.

Wolves Keep Yellowstone in Balance

In the 1920’s government policy allowed the extermination of Yellowstone’s gray wolf-­‐the apex predator-­‐triggering an ecosystem collapse know as trophic cascade.

Without Wolves: • Elk populations exploded without their primary predator, resulting in severe overgrazing of willows and aspen needed by beavers for food, shelter and dam building • Beavers virtually disappeared in the northern range of YNP. Dams disintegrated, turning marshy p onds into streams. Massive loss of mature willows and aspens caused heavy stream erosion. Many p lant and animals species were affected.

• Various scavenger species (eagles, ravens and bear) suffered without year-­‐round wolf kills to feed on.

• Coyotes become an apex predator, driving down populations of pronghorn antelope, red fox and rodents. Which in turn drove down the number of bird of prey (eagles, hawks and owls) In 1995-­‐through the use of the endangered species act-­‐the conservation community reintroduced the gray wolf to restore balance. The impact was dramatic.

About the author:

After the reintroduction of the w olf-­‐

Nicholas Riso, is an undergraduate student in the Environmental Studies Program at Prescott College in Prescott, A rizona. He is originally from eastern North Carolina, and began his studies of the natural history and ecology of the Southwest in 2013. Over time, he gained a focus on conservation biology and wildlife ecology. Nic worked as an intern at SWCC this winter and will be working as an intern with AGFD after graduation this spring.

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For more information about internship opportunities at SWCC visit:

http://www.southwestwildlife.org/donate/get-­‐ involved/internships.html

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The coyote population decreases by half, allowing the number of rodents, fox and antelope to increase.

In the northern range the number of elk is reduced.

Riparian zones begin to recover. Beaver colonies increase from 1 to 12! Insects, songbirds, fish and amphibians thrive.

The biodiversity of YNP is enriched as scavenger species thrive on a steady supply of wolf supplied meals.

For more information on how the reintroduction of the wolf saved a river p lease visit: http://www.missionwolf.org/page/trophic-­‐cascade/

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Expanding our Ability to Care

Last fall, SWCC received a generous gift from For Those Without A Voice.

The gift w as a donation of funds to expand our clinic!

Working together, FTWAV and SWCC are aligning our missions to ‘reverse misfortunes and secure promising futures for Arizona’s children and animals’ and to ‘save our wildlife, one life at a time’. This amazing donation augments the ability of SWCC to provide needed care for the increasing number of wildlife that comes through our door every year.

The new hospital will be one of the premier wildlife veterinary clinics in the west. The 2600 square foot facility features: • • • • • • • • • •

Large, well lighted two table surgical suite Surgical p reparation and recovery room Designated neonatal ICU Large animal room for equines, bears and lions Separate radiology room 2 animal holding areas Laboratory and Pharmacy areas Oxygen therapy available in each room Staff office and restroom Public restroom

“In addition to increasing our ability to care for Arizona’s wildlife, the new hospital will allow us to expand our internship programs to educate the future stewards of our wildlife.”

Linda Searles, Executive Director SWCC

Vet Tech James O’Brien and volunteer veterinarian Dr. Rich Fisher apply anesthesia to our sanctuary owl One Eyed Jack in preparation for removal of a benign mass from his missing eye.

The designated neonatal room will come in handy during the busy baby season. The ‘nursery’ is equipped with incubators, warming pads, towels and even a rocking chair. The babies are given 24-­‐hour care 7 days a week.

Leo, SWCC’s beloved leopard/jaguar hybrid, receiving a routine medical examination.

SWCC’s

Discovery Corner

Trophic Cascade Definition of Trophic Cascade: Trophic Cascade occurs when predators in a food web suppress the abundance or alter the behavior of their prey, thereby releasing the next lower tophic level from predation.

Trophic Cascade Simplified!

Predators Control Ecosystems To help explain trophic cascade, let’s look at a waterfall.

This waterfall begins with a small stream at the top. The stream at the top represents predators. This stream flows down over several levels of rocks, causing a waterfall. Every “level of rock” that breaks into another flow of water within the waterfall is a trophic level. The different levels of the waterfall represent the different trophic levels below the predators, such as herbivores and p lants.

So what does all of this mean? Simply put, predators have an effect on the herbivores and plants in an ecosystem. If you remove a predator from an ecosystem, the herbivores will overpopulate, and eventually eat too many plants causing the plants not to grow or reproduce as well. Eventually the plants will die off, which in turn will cause the herbivores to have to go elsewhere for food or die off as well. Predators are at the top of the trophic levels, because they control the levels beneath them. It is important that we realize just how much predators are needed in an ecosystem, otherwise the rest of the animals and plants in that ecosystem will be damaged-­‐sometimes to a point that is nearly impossible to recover.

The Roadrunner Fastest Bird in the West!!!

The roadrunner sure is a fast bird, capable of running up to 20 miles per hour. The coyote, its natural predator, is capable of running up to 43 miles per hour. So it seems as though the coyote should definitely be able to catch a roadrunner.

Well just as the beloved cartoon suggests-­‐ it is highly unlikely that this would ever happen! While coyotes are faster, a roadrunner has the simple advantage of being able to fly. If it were about to be caught by a coyote, it would take flight!

Another reason why coyotes would have a difficult time catching a roadrunner-­‐ these swift birds rarely run in a straight line, making the chase even more d ifficult for their predators.

With that thought in mind, help the roadrunner escape from the coyote!

SWCC’s Living with Wildlife Series

The Greater Roadrunner A Bird Born to Run!!!

By

James O’Brien

If you live in the Sonoran desert, it’s likely you’ve experienced the joy of seeing a roadrunner. Perhaps you caught a glimpse of one darting between bushes on your morning hike or, if you’re particularly lucky, maybe even in your front yard.

The roadrunner is a bird that can bring to mind images of archaeopteryx, that extinct cousin that bridged the lives of dinosaurs and birds. If you do have the pleasure of spotting a roadrunner, try looking into their intense yellow eyes. You will see an old, tenacious soul.

Sometimes called the chaparral bird, the greater roadrunner boasts the land-­‐speed record for a flying bird, clocked at 26 mph. They have broad wings, up to two feet, and yet they rarely fly for more than short bursts, and only if necessary. Roadrunners prefer to run, making prey of just about anything they can catch, including lizards, insects, snakes, and even, rarely, rattlesnakes, which they may thrash against a rock to subdue.

During the hot months of summer roadrunners curtail their constant hunting by up to fifty percent, trading it for the shade of a creosote or mesquite. During cold winter nights they are able to significantly d ecrease their body temperature to conserve energy. In the morning they then flange the feathers along their lower back, exposing the dark skin to absorb the rising heat.

Breeding comes about in the spring and once a male and female find one another they tend to mate for life and, if able, will remain in their chosen territory as long as possible. Two to eight eggs are laid and incubated for approximately twenty d ays. Once hatched, the male and female care for the young for roughly three weeks– a fairly rapid growth – by which time the young are able to catch prey on their own.

The roadrunner is a large, mottled ground bird with a distinctive head crest. It has strong feet, a long, white-­‐tipped tail and an oversized bill.

General life expectancy for a roadrunner is seven to eight years in the wild. Major predators of the roadrunner are coyotes, skunks, raccoons, hawks and house cats.

Roadrunners communicate with a variety of “coos” and “whirs.” The alarm call is a rapid clacking sound produced by shuddering their strong beaks. They are a bird known for their curiosity.

This author has had more than one deliberately approach within a yard or two solely to see what I was up to, then abruptly turn and trot off, clearly bored by what they found. Moments such as these create lasting memories of these ancient-­‐ looking birds, but, don’t forget to look for a moment at their eyes!

Roadrunners seldom fly and will only do so in short burst, usually while traveling downhill.

Did you Know…

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The Hopi and other Pueblo tribes believed that roadrunners were medicine birds and could protect against evil spirits.

Stylized roadrunner tracks have been found in the rock art of ancestral Southwestern tribes like the Anasazi and M ogollon culture.

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Some Anglo frontier p eople believed roadrunners led lost people to trails and b ack to civilization.

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The roadrunner is also called the chaparral cock.

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The roadrunner’s n asal gland eliminates excess salt, instead of using the urinary tract like most birds.

One of the most efficient desert dwellers, on cold mornings, roadrunners flange the feathers along their lower back, exposing the dark skin to absorb the rising heat.

How can you help?

Become a Member of our Wild Family

Monthly giving is the easiest w ay to support SWCC’s work for wildlife. When you sign up to join our Wild Family with a monthly gift, you’re providing a consistent, reliable stream of income that we can count on-­‐ like family-­‐to always be there.

All the animals receiving care are rescues. Some are rescued from the wild starving, orphaned or lost. Some arrive with serious trauma or a treatable illness. Many are rescued former pets with disabling conditions caused by neglect or abuse.

SWCC is there 24/7, 365 days a year to provide help for these animals. Your monthly gift supports a place that is always there for the wildlife in need.

Become a part of our Wild Family. It’s easy to d o! You can go to our website: www.southwestwildlife.org and click on the monthly giving tab on the top of our homepage. From there click on ‘Join our Wild F amily’. Or simply fill out the information below and return in the enclosed envelope.

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