The Struggle for U.S. Ocelots

Bailey Setzler 

“Fourth Endangered Ocelot Killed On Texas Highway”, “Female Ocelot Hit and Killed by Car in Willacy County”, “Ocelot Killed by Car Hurts Population”, “An endangered ocelot was killed in a vehicle collision in south Texas.” These are all common headlines when searching for ocelots in the news and they illustrate a sad truth for ocelot populations—critical endangerment.

In case you’ve never heard of them, ocelots are medium sized spotted cats that resemble a sort of leopard (they are listed under the genus Leopardus, after all), and are cousins of the margay and the oncilla. Its body is usually a pale grey or cinnamon colored underneath a combination of black spots and stripes along its body. 

Ocelot
http://www.banhamzoo.co.uk/Animals/AnimalProfile.aspx?pid=Ocelot 

The ocelot population in the United States started out small – which is not good odds for any species that is hoping to survive on this planet – and included Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Arizona. However, in recent decades this range has been reduced to only two small populations that exist in Texas and together amount to only about 80 individuals.

Habitat Range: Historic - Current
https://wryheat.wordpress.com/tag/ocelot/

            This population decline soon resulted in the ocelot being listed as an endangered species by the ICUN Red List and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Originally, ocelots were listed due to hunting and overexploitation for their unique coats that are were in demand as a consumer sign of wealth.

Ocelot Coat
https://www.flavorpaper.com/wallpaper/murals/ocelot

Though the amount of ocelot poaching has decreased in recent years, a new threat has surfaced: habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation. This habitat loss has occurred at staggering levels and according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, this is mostly caused by deforestation, agriculture, and ranching, as well as the construction of other human developments such as cities and the roads that connect them.

           

The Fish and Wildlife Service has evaluated the plight of the ocelot and created a Recovery Plan in order to try and avoid the extinction of the species. This recovery plan includes six steps: 

1. Assess, protect, reconnect, and restore sufficient habitat to support viable ocelot populations.
2. Reduce the human effects of population growth. One solution is to create what is known as habitat corridors. Habitat corridors serve as a bridge or tunnel to allow animals to bypass human developments, such as roads, that separate their viable habitats without the risk of being injured or killed by cars.

   

   Illustration of a Habitat Corridor
   http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662800/can-a-wildlife-bridge-fix-americas-8-billion-roadkill-problem

3. Maintain ocelot fitness, demographic conditions and health.
4. Get local landowners, regulations, and the public on board with the plan. Ocelots would not be able to survive without support from the community that shares their habitat. Landowners can give the ocelot a higher chance of survival simply by preserving ocelot habitat on their properties.
5. Monitor recovery and revise the recovery tasks in coordination with the Ocelot Recovery Implementation Team. The Fish and Wildlife Service knows that the problems plaguing ocelot populations are not static or permanent. Over time, the threats to the species may change as they have done in the past.
6. Get other countries on board with conservation efforts. Ocelots are not restricted to the United States and will have a better chance of survival if all of their populations are preserved through international support for conservation efforts. 

            So, now it is important to ask “What can we do?” It is not practical for the Fish and Wildlife Service to bear the burden of saving a species that is in danger because of our actions as a whole. We need to become advocates for wildlife. Here are some steps that we can take:

·      Informing our family, friends, and community about the problems threatening ocelot populations.

·      Contact the media. The media has the ability to reach a wider audience and if many people are concerned about the issue they can work together to make a difference.

·      Contact your local officials. If local officials believe that much of their constituency is advocating for an issue, they will be more likely to support that issue and push for legislation that will make their constituency happy. To find your local representative you can visit www.opencongress.org to find their contact information.

           

Bibliography

"Basic Facts About Ocelots." Defenders of Wildlife. N.p., 11 Apr. 2012. Web. 04 Dec. 2015 <http://www.defenders.org/ocelot/basic-facts>.

DuHamel, Jonathan. "Rosemont and Some Troublesome Cats." Wryheat.N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec.2015. <https://wryheat.wordpress.com/tag/ocelot/>.

"Female Ocelot Hit and Killed by Car in Willacy County." KGBT ValleyCentral.com. Associated Press, 29 June 2015. Web. 04 Dec. 2015 <http://valleycentral.com/news /local/femaleocelot-hit-and-killed-by-car-in-willacy-county?id=1223851>.

"Find Your Senators and Representatives." - OpenCongress. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2015.<https://www.opencongress.org/people/zipcodelookup>.

Kayleigh Sommer. "Ocelot Killed by Car Hurts Population." Valley Morning Star. AIM Media, 18 July 2014. Web. 04 Dec. 2015. <http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news /article_789a0832-0ef0-11e4-9a89-001a4bcf6878.html>.

"Ocelot Killed on State Highway 101." Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Facebook, n.d.Web. 04 Dec. 2015. <https://www.facebook.com/texasparksandwild life/posts/10151770782513693>.

Robbins, Elaine. "Last Stand for U.S. Ocelots?" National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 03 June 2014. Web. 04 Dec. 2015.<http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/ 2014/06/140603-ocelots-cats-wildlife-recovery-habitat-loss-panther-highway/>.

Swarts, Hillary, and Mitch Sternberg. "Fourth Endangered Ocelot Killed on Texas Highway." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. N.p., 14 July 2014. Web. 3 Dec. 2015. <http://www.fws. gov/news/ShowNews.cfm?ref=fourth-endangered-ocelot-killed-on-texas-highway &_ID=34623>.

Everything you need to know about the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit

Columbia Basin Distinct Population Segment of Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis)

Blogger: Dana Shell

 

The Columbia Basin Population Segment of Pygmy Rabbit is currently listed as ENDANGERED as of 11/30/2001

Lead region: Pacific Reion (Region 1)

Where listed: USA (WA-Douglas, Grant, Lincoln, Adams, Benton Counties)

 

Video of Pygmy rabbit in reintroduction enclosure

 

What does the species look like…

Part of the Leporidae family, the pygmy rabbit is within the monotypic genus Brachylagus classified as B idahonesis. With a weight range of .83-1.1 pounds and a length range of 23.5 to 29.5, the pygmy rabbit is the smallest leporid in North America. They undergo an annual molt. Their legs, chest, and nape are tawny cinnamon brown, bellies are whitish. Their short, thickly furred, rounded ears are pale bluff. They have very small tails, uniform in color. Distinguishing characteristics of this species are: its small size, short ears, gray color, small hind legs, and lack of white on tail.

 

What do the habitats of these cute rabbits look like?

The historical habitat for the pygmy rabbit include the majority of the semiarid shrub steppe biome of the Great Basin and of adjacent regions of the wester US. Pygmy rabbits are not currently distributed across their range, nor were they in the past. Instead they are distributed where suitable habitats occur that are comprised of dense vegetation among permanent and intermittent stream channels, alluvial fans, and sagebrush plains. Their distribution shifts across these patches in response to disturbance (fire, flood, grazing, crop production) and weather patterns.

This distinct segment of pygmy rabbit, historically distributed in Columbia Basin, has been disjoint from the remainder of the species for 10,000-7,000 years. Global climate change has affected the once broad range of this species habitat composition. The species historically lied with in the big sagebrush—blue wheatgrass. The habitat is comprised of four well-defined layers. The first layer (the most pertinent) consists of various shrub species, principally big sage brush that are intermixed with second layer comprised of a variety of tall perennial grasses. The third layer consists of low lying perennial and annual grasses and forbs. The final layer is made up of thin, fragile cryptogamic crust, occurring on the surface of the soil. The fourth layer is comprised of carious lichen, moss, and liverwort species, that greatly affect how susceptible to erosion, moisture retention, and nutrient cycling. Pygmy rabbits are most likely to be found in areas that include the tallest grass and areas that are the densest. The sagebrush is extremely critical to this species, as it is a main source of food and shelter.

 

Species range:

Pygmy rabbit’s Life History

During the winter season, the range of this species is within 30 meters of their small burrow—some snow burrows extending an additional 100 meters. During the spring and summer their ranges increase greatly. Females –who are generally larger than the males-- tend to make small movements in a core area during breeding season. Males make larger movements, most likely seeking out . Juveniles often undertake a single rapid dispersal movement in the first 6-10 weeks. These rabbits are particularly vulnerable with their low stance, deliberate gait, when in open areas. The ability to maneuver through dense vegetation, and hide in their burrows are their main defenses against predators.

 

Let’s talk about Burrows…

The pygmy rabbit is one of two in its species that its own burrows. These burrows are generally dug out of slopes or mounds that a made up of relatively deep, loose soil. Alternatively, the rabbits may burrow in areas of shallower, sandy soils that support sufficient shrub cover. Extensive burrows are dug in the winter in order to access sagebrush forage. The relatively simple and shallow burrows (1-2 meters) tend to have multiple entrances, some concealed by plants or vegetation. The number of burrows will increase during the summer season, however, do not reflect the population. Pygmy rabbits may maintain several burrows at a time.

 

What do they like to eat?

Their winter diet mainly consists of sagebrush. During the spring/summer they like to ass other native bunch grasses, and a small portion of forbs to their diet.

 

 

Breeding:

 This r-selected species begins breeding about a year after birth between January and June. Females may have 1-4 litters a year with a gestation that lasts 22-24 days. Their offspring (called kits) leave their  “natal” burrows at about two weeks old for the first time. These “natal” burrows generally have a single entrance covered by sagebrush.

 

Mortality rates L

The average mortality rate for adults may e as high as 88%, up to 50% of juvinilles dying in the first 5 weeks. Causes of mortality include: starvation and environmental stress, and predation a main threat. Predators of the pygmy rabbit are: badgers, long-tailed weasels, coyotes, and bobcats, and horned owls, hawks, and common ravens.

 

Geographic and population trends:

During the Early 20^th century the species was considered rare, thought to be extirpated from Washington during mid-20^th century until a sighting in 1979. From 1987-1988: Five small subpopulations were found on state lands, 2 on private lands. The Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit only have been found in southern Douglas and the norther Grant Counties.

 

The species population declined after their rediscovery in the 1980s. Four out of five of their populations contained less than 100 active burrows. (remember that pygmy rabbits may keep multiple burrows at a time). The fifth population was estimated, in 1993, to have almost 600 active burrows supporting fewer than 150 pygmy rabbits. An additional subpopulation was found on private lands in 1997.

 

By 2001 5/6 subpopulations were extirpated leaving a single known subpopulation at the Sagebrush Flat site. Unfortunately, the number of active burrows decreased by 50% in 1997 and continued to decline. No animals from this subpopulation have been detected since before 2004, meaning the Columbia pygmy rabbit may have been completely extirpated from the wild. There is only about7.7 % of suitable habitat (shrub) that remains within the Columbia Basin.

 

Fall 2000, captive breeding and reintroduction programs were started by the WDFW. The first 10 breeding seasons yielded a 25% annual growth, increasing over time from a low 19 to high of 275. Upon release, none survived beyond spring 2008 and efforts were put on pause. Reintroduction efforts were resumed in 2011, where several series of captive bred kits were released in the Columbia Basin. By 2012, there were a successful 103 captive breeds released into the site.

 

 

 

 

Main Threats to continued Existence

Five factors identified in sec 4(a)(1) of the ESA consideration for listing:

1 The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range

60% of native shrub steppe habitats in the Columbia Basin have been converted to either land for crop production or completely destroyed by urban and rural developments. Other causes the shrub habitats include: fires, invasive plant species, recreation and livestock grazing.

 

2 Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes

 

Due to the difficulty to distinguish between species of rabbits, the pygmy rabbit is subject to accidental shooting. Use of hunting dogs may add additional risk of harm or harassment. Trapping, handling and translocation can also lead to mortality, the primary causes being: injury from trap, intra specific fighting, and capture stress. The rabbits shallow burrows are also very susceptible to harm via human interaction (accidently stepping on one may destroy it).

 

3 Disease and Predation

The high parasite load that the pygmy rabbits carry (ticks, fleas, and lice) are often vectors of disease. Plaque and tularemia have been reported, as well as, several disease epidemics. Coccidiosis, a disease caused by protozoan occurring in soil/fences, is very detrimental to the rabbits. Bacteria from soil and water also infects these rabbits who have very poor immune systems. Inbreeding has also resulted in skeletal abnormalities, decreasing genetic diversity. Predation is thought to be a huge cause of mortality among the rabbits. With a good distribution, it is not likely to be a long term threat.

 

4 The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms

Beyond the endangered species act, Washington does not provide regulatory information that prohibits activities that may incidentally harm the species.

 

5 Other natural or human-caused factors affecting its continued existence

 

Small populations are very susceptible to random environmental events, abrupt changes in food or shelter, disease outbreaks, predators, and genetic limitations. Inbreeding depression and poor reproductive performance was observed in both the wild and captive populations.

 

Recovery Plan

 

The three phase recovery plan consists of:

1. removal or abatement of imminent threats to the population and suitable shrub steppe habitats in the Columbia Basin

2. the reestablishment of an appropriate number and distribution of free ranging subpopulations over the near term

3.establishment and protection of a sufficiently resilient, free ranging population that would be expected to withstand foreseeable long term threats

 

The outline of Recovery actions are listed below:

1. Manage partially controlled field-breeding for the CBPR
2. Reestablish free-ranging CBPR subpopulations within their historical distribution
3. Survey for, monitor, and asses free-ranging CBPR
4. Protect free-ranging CBPR
5. Manage habitats at recovery emphasis areas and intervening properties
6. Pursue Conservation agreements with landowners and managers of intervening properties within the population's historical distribution
7. Exchange info w/ stakeholders and the general public to address concerns and increase support for CBPR recovery efforts
8. Secure funding for CBPR Recovery efforts
9. Revise this Federal Recovery Plan to facilitate implementation of adaptive management measures considered necessary to achieve the phased recovery strategy

 

To read more in depth about the recovery plan and efforts please visit the link below:

 

Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit Recovery Plan

 

 

 

 

 

Save the Short-Tailed Albatross

Short tailed-Albatross

By: Jake Sesti

Ecology/Description

The Short-tailed Albatross is a type of albatross that belongs to the Diomedeidae family. They are a medium sized albatross with a wingspan of 85-91 inches, a length of 33-37 inches, and a body weight ranging from 9-18 pounds. They have dark brown colored plumage until they mature as adults, between the ages of 10-20 years old. Its adult feathers are mainly white with black "flight" feathers. It has a yellow colored head and neck with a large pink bill. The short-tailed albatross is easily distinguished from other albatrosses in its range due to its larger size, pink bill, and mainly white plumage. The short-tailed albatross also possesses some special characteristics. They have unique bills that split into seven and nine horny plates. They also produce a stomach oil that is made of wax and triglycerides. They use this oil to fight off predators and also as a long term source of energy and food during migrations. Furthermore, they have a salt gland above their nasal passage that helps desalinate their bodies, due to the high amount of ocean water they drink.  

Geographic and Habitat Changes

The short-tailed albatross once ranged throughout most of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. They also have historically been seen to range down the Western Coast as far south as Baja, Mexico. In the North Pacific, the albatross were known to breed on many islands in Japan, most notably Torishima. They used to breed on islands in Taiwan and were highly concentrated in many other Asian islands, as this was their main breeding grounds.  The only area in United States' jurisdiction where the Short-tailed Albatross attempted to breed was Midway Atoll. There has been previous notions that they tried to breed in Alaska and other Islands off the coast of the United States, but no successful breeding pairs have been officially documented. Short-tailed Albatross now breed solely on the island of Torishima. They have a current range that covers most of the North Pacific Ocean. They also have been spotted throughout international waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), consisting of Mexico, US, Canada, Japan, China, and North and South Korea. 

Short-Tailed Albatross Satellite Telementary 

Listing Date and Type of Listing

The Short-tailed Albatross was listed in 1973 under the Endangered Species Act is listed as endangered throughout its range

Cause of Listing and Main Threats to Existence 

Historically Short-tailed Albatrosses numbered in the millions and were extremely abundant off the North Pacific Coasts and on many Japanese Islands. Currently, they now number in the 2000's. Between the 1880s and 1920s the Short-tailed Albatross population was declining rapidly. It is estimate that over 5 million Short-tailed Albatross were harvested from a single breeding island in Japan. At this time they became nearly extinct. Throughout the late 1900s the Short-tailed Albatross' numbers continued to dwindle as they teetered on the brink of extinction. After over a century of decline, a recovery plan was finally created in 2007 to save them. Since the recovery plan was put into action, their numbers have increased at about a 5-8% rate per year. 

Similar to most ESA listed species there are multiple causes that lead to their endangered status. However, the main reason behind the decrease of Short-tailed Albatross is over-exploitation by humans. During the late 1800s and early 1900s feather hunters killed an estimated 8 million of them. They were also sought for food, sailors used almost every part of the albatross' body meat. Also, they have commercial value for their long and beautiful bill. Furthermore, their white and black tail feathers were highly sought after for pen plumes. It is noted in one seventeen-year period over five million albatross were killed to use their feathers to stuff mattresses and quilts for European markets. Short-tailed Albatross are also subject to human pollution that effects all species that live in the ocean. They are often found victims of fishing line accidents, or found dead with plastic in their stomachs. Another reason for the decline of Short-tailed Albatross were some introduced species. Alabtross chicks and eggs are very easy prey for invasive cats and rats who feed on their unprotected ground nests. Another huge threat to the Short-Tailed Albatross existence is that they their last breeding ground is on a Japanese island, Torishima. The big issue is there is an active volcano on Toroshima. It last erupted over 100 years ago resulting in killing all of the islands human occupants. If the volcano were to erupt again during breeding season, the albatross would undoubtedly become extinct leaving only juveniles out at sea to survive. Lastly, some researches have found intense natural storms have killed some albatross in the past due to their lengthy migrations. This is however not a major threat to their existence.

Torishima Volcano Description of Recovery Plan To be reclassified from endangered to threatened the Short-tailed albatross need to achieve these following conditions •   The total breeding population must reach a minimum of 750 pairs •   At least three breeding colonies each showing a 3-year running average growth rate of greater than 6% for over 7 years, also two of which must occupy island groups other than Torishima with a minimum of over 50 breeding pairs each •   A minimum of 75 pairs occur on a site or sites other than Torishima and the Senkaku Islands These are just a few major requirements of a longer list of more specific area based requirements. These other requirements are island specific with a main goal of achieving at least 3 more breeding grounds.  To achieve recovery, the US Fish and Wildlife Service created a 9 step plan. The plan involves continuing to monitor population and manage habitat on the important breeding island, Torishisma. They want to monitor the size and productivity of other island populations. They will strive to continue telemetry studies to help discover more information that can aid in the recovery process. They must establish at least one more breeding colony that is not on a volcanic island. Lastly, they will continue to conduct research that will facilitate recovery and they will conduct other outreach programs and international negotiations to raise awareness for the cause.  How can you help? Recycle all plastics. Short-tailed Albatross have been often found victims of plastic pollutants in oceans.  Read the recovery plan and familiarize yourself with the Short-tailed Albatross so you can promote awareness. http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/090520.pdf.   Donate to help boost recovery efforts on these websites, http://www.arkive.org/short-tailed-albatross/phoebastria-albatrus/, and http://www.rspb.org.uk/joinandhelp/donations/campaigns/albatross/about/species/short_tailed.aspx Works Cited Service, U.s. Fish And Wildlife. Short-Tailed Albatross (n.d.): n. pag. US Fish and Wildlife Services. Web.  "Short-Tailed Albatross: An Endangered Species." Bagheera. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2015.  "Short-tailed Albatross." The RSPB. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2015.  "Short-tailed Albatross Videos, Photos and Facts." - Phoebastria Albatrus. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2015.

Bring Back the Grizzly

By: Allison Sykes

Ecology of the Grizzly Bear: 

Ursus arctos horribilis, more commonly known as the Grizzly Bear, is a mammal and a subspecies of the Brown Bear. A full grown Grizzly Bear can weigh up to 800 pounds and can live to be 25 years old in the wild. This animal is an omnivore, it's diet consisting of berries, mushrooms, roots, fish, deer and elk. Most of their diet is plant based. This species is known to hibernate for about 3-6 months during the winter in North America. The Grizzly Bear plays a very important role in it's environment by spreading seeds, providing nutrients, and keeping prey populations regulated. Keeping these populations regulated allows for more plant and animal species to survive and thrive in that habitat and also for those populations to grow. The Grizzly used to roam the Western States along with Canada and Alaska and there were around 50,000 bears. However, today, there are only about 1,800 left in the wild, ranging in Alaska, lower Canada, and Yellowstone National Park. They live can live in many different habitats including dense forests, meadows, and tundras. Mature Grizzlies usually range about 300 square miles of territory.  

Listing of the Grizzly Bear:

On July 28, 1975, the Grizzly Bear was listed as threatened, in the lower 48 states, under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  The recovery plan created for the Grizzly Bear is called the 'Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy'. The plan was created in 1993, revised in 2006, and implemented on May 3 of 2013, and ranges the mountain-prairie region of the lower 48 states. This plan is designed to help the bear recover by scientists managing and monitoring their habitat, preventing conflict and nuisance with bears, and educating and outreaching to ensure that the bear's population grows back to it's full potential. Main threats posed to the Grizzly Bear are being hunted by the public or being deemed a 'nuisance bear' in campsites or rural areas. To help the bear, federal and states agencies have ended hunting seasons of the grizzly in the Yellowstone Ecosystem and have created the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team to help coordinate bear management tactics between state and the federal agencies. The goal of the recovery plan is to manage grizzly conflict in their recovery zones.

What you can do to help the Grizzly!

When it comes to helping threatened or endangered animals of course we all want to but sometimes don't know how. Well, if you an outdoorsy person who loves to camp and hike where bears live make sure to be smart about your food and safety! If you're backpacking purchase a bear canister which allows you food to be sealed tight. If you're camping in an area with bears, use the food storage lockers, if provided, that are capable of keeping bears out. Keeping your food stored safely will help prevent human and bear encounters. If you do encounter a Grizzly Bear it's important to stay calm and get your bear mace at hand, which you should always carry if you are hiking in bear territory. Check to see if the bear has cubs with them and if it does make sure not to get between the bear and it's cubs. Keep them at a distance and stay together with your group, then slowly back away from the bear. However, if the bear is not acting aggressively and seems just curious, stand your ground and get your bear mace ready to administer, you do not want to appear weak or as prey to the bear. Taking these steps to lessen the chance of a negative bear encounter can help save the grizzly bear.  

     

                       

Learn more about the Grizzly:

http://www.defenders.org/grizzly-bear/basic-facts

https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Mammals/Grizzly-Bear.aspx

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/NCDE_Draft_CS_Apr2013_Final_Version_corrected%20headers_1.pdf

Sources:

"Grizzly Bears and the Endangered Species Act." www.nps.com.

"NCDE Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy." ecos.fws.gov.

"Bear Encounters." www.bearsmart.com. 
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/

http://www.fs.usda.gov/

Louisiana Black Bear

Louisiana Black Bear, Pam Mcllhenny
Listed: 9/271995
Type: Threatened

                                                                     By: Layla Tahan


Get to know the Louisiana Black Bear
     The  Louisiana Black Bear, scientifically called Ursus americans luteolus, is a large, black haired mammal. They weigh an average of 300-400 pounds, for adult males, and 120-200, for adult females. The bears focus their time on searching for food, shelter, and mates while swimming or even climbing trees.  The bears are omnivores, therefore their diet mainly consists of vegetation, fruits and grains, and hard mast. While black bears do eat meat, it only consists of carrion or that of an opportunistic kill. Louisiana Black Bears are habitat generalists and live in hardwood forests, usually situated on river flood plains such as the Mississippi. Den trees are a very important component to the bears habitat, however, sometimes they also den on the ground. Large, remote blocks of land with large forests and fewer road are the most ideal habitat for the Louisiana Black Bear.

Black bear eating Cherries

Home Range and Historic Range
  While the females home range mainly depends on the habitat quality, males home range is determined by the distribution of females. The adult males home ranges tend to be three to eight times larger than that of an adult female. This is because female Black Bears establish a home range close to their mother's home range, and don't disperse; when they do it is only short range. Young males on the other hand almost always disperse from their maternal home range, sometimes up to 136 miles away.The Louisiana Black Bear is currently dispersed over four areas of Louisiana, but  historically they lived in southern Mississippi, all of Louisiana, and eastern Texas.

Louisiana Black Bear Historic Range

Reasons for Listing
   The biggest threat to Louisiana Black Bears has been habitat destruction and modification. Historically their habitats have encountered lots of modification. The reason for their listing is habitat fragmentation and human related mortality.

Recovery plan
  The Black Bear Conservation Committee (BBCC) was created in 1990 to restore the bears to suitable habitats. They had 5 major goals:
1. to prevent further habitat destruction
2. to establish corridors between existing fragmented habitats
3. to integrate management to effectively use fragmented resources
4. to focus efforts of a diverse user group toward common management objectives that will benefit the bears
5. to educate people about the Louisiana black bear.
The BBCC also created a bear conflict management team who's purpose was to reduce human-bear conflicts, with hopes of decreasing human related mortality amongst the bears.

Strategy
  The BBCC, along with the Fish and Wildlife Service will focus on restoring the bears habitat, especially those with interconnecting corridors between habitat fragments. They will also work with the support of local land owners, as well as educate the public on this issue.

Personal Action
  What I can do to help the restoration of the Louisiana black bear is help educate people about this topic. Creating things such as this blog is a step towards getting the word out there, and many similar acts like this can be taken, even if it's just talking to my pears.

Work Cited
Bob Bowker, and Theresa Jacobson. "Recovery Plan." (n.d.): n. pag. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Web.

Brady Beck. Black Bear Eating Cherries. Digital image. Bradybeckphotography.com. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Louisiana Black Bear Ecology and Habitat." Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Louisiana Black Bear (Ursus Americanus Luteolus)." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. N.p., 02 Nov. 2015. 
Web.