Abstract

The Turner Endangered Species Fund (TSEF) is dedicated to conserving biodiversity by ensuring the persistence of imperiled species and their habitats. Our efforts focus on carnivores, grasslands, plant-pollinator complexes, species that historically ranged on properties owned by R.E. Turner, and dissemination of reliable scientific and policy information of biodiversity conservation. The overall organizational goals are directed at protecting environments and habitats, although most research efforts often address the endangered or threatened species or populations within that habitat. TESF now integrates all health issues within the framework of habitats that are multiuse human dominated environments. Although the species addressed in any propagation or restoration effort are the driver, the ability of the habitats to sustain imperiled species and biodiversity must be evaluated. Restoration efforts will also affect the surrounding ecosystems and are generally not curtailed by a set boundary or property fences. For example, the reintroduction of buffalo (Bison bison) into prairie habitats results in ecological changes that affect a variety of other species that historically or currently use those habitats. Prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, Mexican and northern wolves, bighorn sheep, aplomado falcons, red cockaded woodpeckers, California condors, plant pollinators, and bison all must interact in these human-influenced and altered habitats. Reintroductions or relocations within these environments require more than moving “healthy” species into historic ranges. The habitats that these species will occupy must be assessed for present and future compatibility with the understanding that a balanced, healthy, sustainable ecosystem must remain the goal of all of these efforts. This must also fit into the mandate of the Turner Enterprises, Inc. as properties are “dedicated to managing Turner lands in an economically sustainable and ecologically sensitive manner while promoting conservation of native species.” This presentation will address the importance of wildlife veterinary perspectives in building a team of biologists, range managers, agronomists, environmentalists, livestock managers, and landowners and creating strong core values that allow both economic and species sustainability.

Introduction

All of the properties purchased by Turner Enterprises, Inc., were managed for one purpose—producing domestic livestock. These habitats underwent many alterations geared at maximizing the production of one species. These changes were accomplished without regard for native flora and fauna. A multidisciplinary team approached guidelines to be addressed before native species reintroductions on these human-altered habitats.

Discussion

The process of ecosystem health will be discussed from a wildlife veterinary perspective. Input from veterinarians working on complicated wildlife issues is critical to long-term monitors used to evaluate the success of a reintroduction.

Literature Cited

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