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| Statewide | Panhandle Region | Clearwater Region | Southwest/McCall Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Valley Region | Southeast Region | Upper Snake Region | Salmon Region |
Statewide
Snow-Track Survey
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) conducts snow-track surveys to collect baseline data for forest carnivores, their principal prey, and other carnivore species. The primary objectives of the IDFG snow-track surveys are to determine: (1) species occurrence, (2) species distribution, and (3) persistence over time of populations in a given geographic area.
Target species monitored by the snow-track surveys include: American marten (Martes americana), fisher (Martes pennanti), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), and wolverine (Gulo gulo).
Nontarget species monitored include: snowshoe hare (Lepus americana), red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrans), mountain lion (Puma concolor), and gray wolf (Canis lupus).
IDFG may collect hair and/or scat samples for DNA analysis. This will provide the positive identification often required for these species with respect to Forest Service management and Fish and Wildlife Service regulatory oversight.
White-faced Ibis
Although they are one of our Species of Greatest Conservation Need, we don't know a whole lot about white-faced ibis in Idaho. To begin answering questions about how the ibis colonies in eastern Idaho are connected, and how these birds move around the state and the region, IDFG has teamed up with Red Rock Lakes NWR (Montana) on a regional ibis banding and re-sighting project. As part of the Idaho Bird Inventory and Survey (IBIS) program, IDFG wildlife technicians captured and banded 320 young ibis in early July 2007 at their nesting colonies at Market Lake WMA, Mud Lake WMA, Bear Lake NWR, and Oxford Slough WPA. Each bird received a USFWS metal band and a colored plastic band with an alphanumeric code. Each colony was given its own color (for example, birds from Mud Lake have red bands), to make it easier for observers to tell which colony the bird came from when it is hopefully spotted later, and each bird within the colony has its own unique alphanumeric code (such as "T03"). In just the first couple months, banded birds have been spotted at American Falls Reservoir (6 birds from Market Lake WMA and 1 from Red Rock Lakes NWR), near the Great Salt Lake (1 bird from Oxford Slough WPA), and in Delta, Colorado (1 bird from Bear Lake NWR). The banding portion of this project will continue for at least one more year, and the re-sighting effort will likely last for several years.
Secretive Marsh Birds
Called "secretive" for a reason, these birds generally go undetected by all but the most dedicated birders, and include such species as the sora and Virginia rail. As a result, there isn't much known about where these birds are, how abundant they are, or what their population trends are like.
To start getting a handle on these basic distribution and abundance questions, the IBIS program joined the national marsh bird monitoring effort and launched statewide secretive marsh bird monitoring in 2005. Because these birds are much more likely to be heard than seen, tape recorded calls of these secretive marsh bird species are broadcast into the marsh to elicit responses from the birds. This technique has been quite successful, and to date, 14 wetland sites around the state have been surveyed each spring since 2005.
Colonial Waterbirds
Colonial waterbirds, such as the American white pelican and western grebe, nest in groups (i.e., colonies) in many wetlands throughout Idaho. A statewide assessment of these species was conducted in the early 1990's, and was actually the first such assessment in Idaho. To provide a current snapshot of Idaho's colonies, as well as to provide a means for tracking how colonial waterbird populations are faring throughout the state, the IBIS program began counting nests at colonies in 2004. In 2006, the IBIS program began implementing rotational monitoring, as outlined by the Intermountain West Waterbird Conservation Plan, surveying all known island colonies in the state that year. The IBIS program will continue to monitor colonies in Idaho, and participate in regional colonial waterbird survey efforts.
Panhandle Region
Harlequin Duck Inventory
The harlequin duck is a sea duck that winters and molts in coastal areas of North America and Asia and migrates inland to breed on swiftly flowing mountain streams. In Idaho, harlequin ducks breed along streams from the Canadian border to the Selway River, and in southeastern Idaho near the Wyoming border.
The harlequin duck is considered "Apparently Secure" rangewide; however, the breeding population is considered critically imperiled in Idaho. Approximately 70 pairs are estimated to breed in Idaho, and recent surveys suggest a declining population from 1996 - 2004 on select streams. Harlequin ducks have disappeared both from areas where they were formerly present but rare and from centrally located areas where they were once relatively common. Reasons for these declines remain unknown.
In 2007 the Idaho Department of Fish and Game initiated a 3-year study examining the current distribution and population status of Harlequin Ducks statewide. Field work includes ground-based pair surveys conducted from April 15 - May 25, followed by summer brood surveys from July 15 - August 5. In addition, IDFG biologists are examining the utility and cost-effectiveness of aerial surveys in an attempt to reduce the need for logistically-challenging ground-based surveys.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! IDFG is soliciting your observations of Harlequin Ducks in Idaho to help identify additional breeding locations. If you observe a Harlequin Duck in Idaho during the breeding season, please contact Sonya Knetter, Panhandle Regional Nongame Biologist at (208) 769-1414 or sknetter@idfg.idaho.gov
WHEN AND WHERE TO LOOK: Harlequin Ducks form pair bonds on their wintering grounds on the coast and migrate inland to breed. Look for breeding pairs from mid-April to early June. When females begin incubating eggs, males leave their mates and migrate back to the coast. Females can be observed with ducklings during July and August.
Clearwater Region
Landscape Ecology of Fisher in North-Central Idaho:
The fisher (Martes pennanti) is generally associated with mesic, closed canopy, mature coniferous forests in western landscapes. Yet, the impacts of fragmentation, habitat modification, and road development in these areas are poorly understood. The primary objective of this research is to achieve a better understanding of how fishers use habitats at home range and landscape scales in North-Central Idaho to provide forest managers with needed information to better include fisher ecology in management plans. We are employing satellite telemetry and hair snaring techniques to collect data that that will be used to create models of habitat suitability, predict occurrence, and assess landscape connectivity throughout North-Central Idaho.
Landscape Ecology of Idaho Giant Salamander in Idaho:
The distribution and abundance of Idaho Giant Salamanders (Dicamptodon arterrimus) in Idaho is poorly understood. Anecdotal information suggests that adjacent streams may vary significantly in abundance, even though the streams appear superficially similar. The goal of this research is to improve our understanding of the distribution and abundance patterns of Idaho Giant Salamanders. Of particular interest are how landscape variables (topography, fragmentation, road development, etc.) work with micro-habitat variables (stream sinuosity, stream chemistry, substrate size and embeddedness, etc.) to influence the presence/absence/abundance of the species. Eventually this information with be paired with results from genetic investigations to formulate habitat management principles that will foster Idaho Giant Salamander conservation.
Southwest/McCall Region
Idaho Ground Squirrel
The Idaho Ground Squirrel has 2 subspecies, the northern Idaho ground squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus brunneus) and the southern Idaho ground squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus endemicus). The northern Idaho ground squirrel (NIDGS) is a federally listed Threatened Species. The southern Idaho ground squirrel (SIDGS) is listed as a federal candidate species and a state "species of special concern". Both designations are based on the limited range and low population numbers of the respective subspecies. One of the rarest mammals in North America, the NIDGS is found only in Adams County, Idaho, with a population estimate of about 500 individuals.
Historically, the NIDGS inhabited open ponderosa pine forest with grassy understory, interspersed with meadows. Over the past 100 years, these habitats have been significantly altered by fire suppression, conifer invasion of meadows, and livestock grazing. To help rebuild the NIDGS population, the U.S. Forest Service designed habitat prescriptions to improve historical locations. These actions were followed by efforts to trap and transplant ground squirrels to rehabilitated sites, which appears to be successful. Sites are monitored for population size and overwinter survivorship.
Southern Idaho ground squirrel populations declined abruptly throughout the species' range from about 40,000 in 1985 to between 2,000 and 4,500 individuals now. This population decline may be due to a combination of factors: wild fire, overgrazing by livestock, invasion by exotic plants, drought, and disease. While many population sites are small, most have some potential for habitat restoration. Efforts to monitor populations and transplant animals to suitable habitat continue.
Flammulated Owl Surveys
The flammulated owl (Otus flammeolus) is a tiny, migratory owl that occurs in Idaho during its breeding season, roughly May through September. This owl is nocturnal and rarely seen, but males are quite vocal during the breeding season and respond well to "playback" surveys, where their call is broadcast to elicit a response. The McCall office of IDFG and the Forest Service have partnered to conduct surveys for long-term monitoring across the Payette Forest. The objectives of this project are to document occurrence and habitat associations, compare owl detections over time to assess changes in abundance and distribution, and examine differences in habitat that could explain changes in owl occurrence.
Western Grebe Monitoring
Western Grebes are large, recognizable water birds best known for their elaborate courtship displays, which include rushing side by side across the water's surface. Western Grebes nest together in colonies; the largest such colony in Idaho occurs on Lake Cascade. Grebes declined on Cascade through the 1990s. Since 2004 IDFG has been monitoring this breeding population with boat surveys to estimate total numbers and to count chicks to assess productivity. We also map the nesting colony once grebes have left the nests. Numbers have increased from ~1,400 in 2004 to >3,000 in 2007. Grebes possibly are benefiting from the reintroduction of yellow perch for recreational fishing on Cascade.
Forest Carnivore Studies
"Forest carnivores" refers to species such as lynx, wolverine, American marten, and fisher. These animals generally occur in low numbers and wander over large areas, making them difficult to detect and monitor. Snow track surveys and hair snag traps laid out in grids are designed to gather basic information on the presence and distribution of these secretive species. Detections of these animals help fill in gaps in our understanding of where they occur, if certain geographic areas or habitats are frequented more than others, and even individual identification based on DNA.
Magic Valley Region
Sage Grouse Ecology
The greater sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a species whose life history is intimately tied to sagebrush steppe habitats. Anthropomorphic changes in this ecosystem had coincided with substantial reductions in sage grouse populations and this species is now considered a species of greatest conservation need. In the Magic Valley region, two inter-agency cooperative projects are underway, using radio-telemetry, with the focus of acquiring a greater understanding of the viability of local sage grouse populations and the particular habitats that these birds use throughout the year.
Bat habitat
Bats provide an amazing community service deed that often goes unnoticed. As an example, one big brown bat (a species found in Idaho) can eat an estimated 6,000 mosquitoes a night (www.batconservation.org). In an effort to increase the available roosting habitat for bats, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has teamed up with local boy scouts to build and distribute bat boxes throughout the Magic Valley area. So far, we've been able to put up 64 bat boxes around Wildlife Management Areas and fish hatcheries. We hope to continue this effort and look forward to seeing if the bats like our boxes as much as we do.
Amphibian and Reptile Surveys
Amphibians (frogs, toads, and salamanders) and reptiles (snakes and lizards) have been exhibiting population declines across the world. Some species have been lost to extinction and many more are at risk of following the same path. There are many factors that are suspected as contributing factors such as global warming, invasive species, and habitat loss, alteration, and/or contamination. In the Magic Valley region, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management have been cooperating on survey and monitoring projects to assess the current status of reptiles and amphibians in this area and are developing plans for longer-term monitoring of these species.
Southeast Region
Southeast Idaho Trumpeter Swan
Habitat loss, low productivity, and overcrowding on wintering grounds in southeast Idaho threaten the overall health of the Trumpeter swan population in the Rocky Mountains and the stability of the local population. Dispersing the wintering population and establishing secure use of other parts of southeastern Idaho may lessen population impacts on habitat and concern over die-offs in Island Park because of disease or starvation.
Winter translocation efforts up to this time, however, have not adequately achieved the goal of dispersing the population to new wintering grounds. During the winters of 2001-2004 a multi-agency group captured and marked nearly 400 cygnet swans at Harriman State Park, releasing half on site and moving the other half to the Bear River area in southeastern Idaho. Release sites proved suitable, as many of the translocated cygnets remained at the sites throughout the winters showing no signs of starvation or disease.
In addition, a number of translocated birds returned to the Bear River site in the following years. A number of translocated cygnets also spent portions of the winter outside the release area migrating to places as far away as the Colorado River and Arizona.
Initial conclusions point to a more distributed population and less crowding at Harriman State Park and the surrounding areas. Continued monitoring throughout 2010 will provide additional insight to cygnet survival, winter movements, and the distribution of wintering Trumpeter swans throughout southeast Idaho.
Upper Snake Region
Grizzly Bear Education
The Upper Snake region has been educating residents, visitors and hunters recreating in bear country about the dos and don'ts of living with large carnivores for the past four years. As grizzly bear populations expand outside Yellowstone National Park people need to understand that intentional or unintentional feeding provides serious safety risks for both humans and bears. IDFG staff in cooperation with the Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service hand out 'Living in Bear Country' pamphlets, provide educational programs to community and school groups and respond to calls about 'urban' bears. IDFG is also working with local businesses and government leaders to come up with working solutions for secure garbage and food storage within the community. The main goal of this project: Keep wild bears wild!
Salmon Region
Pygmy Rabbit Inventory
The pygmy rabbit is a diminutive rabbit found in sagebrush ecosystems supporting tall, dense stands of sagebrush and deep, friable soils suitable for excavating burrow systems.
One of a suite of sagebrush obligate species including greater sage-grouse, pygmy rabbits are particularly vulnerable to loss and alteration of sagebrush-steppe habitats due to their specialized habitat needs and limited dispersal capabilities. Population declines apparently linked to habitat loss and fragmentation have elevated concerns over the conservation status of this species.
In the Salmon Region, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and U.S. Bureau of Land Management have been conducting inventories to identify the distributional limits and population centers of pygmy rabbits in the east-central basins of Idaho. Agency biologists also provide logistical support to University of Idaho researchers investigating pygmy rabbit ecology and population dynamics; dispersal, movement and gene flow of pygmy rabbits; estimation of abundance; and genetic identification of lagomorph fecal pellets.
Flammulated Owl Surveys
The flammulated owl is a small, migratory owl that breeds in montane forests of western North America. In Idaho, flammulated owls occupy mid-elevation, mature mixed conifer forests from early May through September. Prior to 2007, no count-based monitoring for flammulated owls had occurred in the central heart of Idaho and no historic or contemporary records were known despite presence of predicted breeding habitat. "Playback" surveys were conducted during the 2007 field season with flammulated owls detected in several drainages. Surveys will continue in 2008 to document flammulated owl occurrence, distribution and habitat associations in the Beaverhead Mountains and Lemhi and Lost River ranges through a Challenge Cost Share Agreement with Salmon-Challis National Forest.
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