Papers by Laura Francoeur
Journal of Insect Conservation, Jan 23, 2010
Semi-natural grassland habitat fragments, such as those found on airports, might be important for... more Semi-natural grassland habitat fragments, such as those found on airports, might be important for arthropod conservation and biodiversity in urban ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the arthropod communities present within the grasslands on the John F. Kennedy International Airport and (2) assess spatial and temporal variation in those arthropod communities. We collected arthropods using a vacuum sampler during 2003 and using sweep-net collection methods during 2003 and 2004. During 2003, a total of 1,467 arthropods, representing 17 orders and 68 families were found in vacuum samples. A total of 3,784 arthropods, representing 12 orders and 94 families were collected in sweep-net samples during 2003. In 2004, a total of 3,281 arthropods, representing 12 orders and 85 families were collected in sweepnet samples. Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Diptera were the most abundant taxa, accounting for 47, 18, and 14% of all arthropods captured, respectively. We found evidence of spatial and temporal variation in arthropod abundance, in particular as noted by fluctuations in Orthoptera: Acrididae and Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha. Hemipteran family diversity was also influenced by habitat type. Grassland habitats on airfields, although influenced by anthropogenic factors (e.g., mowing), have the potential to provide abundant and diverse arthropod communities and might serve as a refugium for such species within urban ecosystems.
no pesticides registered for earthworm control. Consequently any application of a pesticide to ki... more no pesticides registered for earthworm control. Consequently any application of a pesticide to kill worms would be illegal. Researchers in England, Oregon , and Washington found that incorporating abrasive material into soil reduced the number of worms coming to the surface. We are conducting trials at the USDA's National Wildlife Research Center Ohio Field Station to develop simple procedures to reduce earthwom1 numbers on runways and taxiways. In lab trials , night crawlers (Lumbricus terrestris) have been initially repelled from areas containing phosphate fertilizer, high nitrate fertilizer or a mustard byproduct. Ground mustard mixed with diatomaceous earth also shows promise in reducing the number of earthworms in treated plots. Additionally, when placed on recycled coal slag, the worms have not burrowed into the material but tried to leave the test site. We anticipate field trials to investigate an integrated approach involving products that present both chemical and physical irritants. If a successful combination of products is detem1ined, the number of earthworms crawling onto taxiways and runways could be significantly reduced.
Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to... more Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat to aircraft safety. We conducted a 1-year ecological study to address concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Accomack County, Virginia, officials over potential wildlife hazards caused by the Accomack County Southern Landfill. During 48 surveys conducted from December 1995 to December 1996, we observed 112,693 birds at the landfill (x =503). Nine species represented 97% of all observations. Bird numbers varied during the year, increasing during winter and declining during summer. Bird abundance appeared unaffected by trash baling, with 629 and 612 birds per observation before and after implementation of a trash baling program on 24 January 1996, respectively. Bird management methods instituted by the landfill included harassment, exclusion, repellents, shooting, and habitat alteration. Pyrotechnics and pyrotechnics supplemented with shooting were used inconsistently and had only limited and temporary effects. Bird abundance actually increased 43% and 172% for gulls and crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), respectively, while harassment supplemented by shooting was being conducted. Birds appeared to prefer bare (unvegetated) ground or trash habitats. We recommend continuing harassment of birds with pyrotechnics supplemented with shooting and limiting the amount of bare ground. Wildlife damage management should be conducted by professional biologists because when methods are applied inappropriately or inconsistently, desired results are difficult to achieve.
Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 2006
Bird-aircraft collisions (bird-strikes) cause serious safety hazards to aircraft, costing civilia... more Bird-aircraft collisions (bird-strikes) cause serious safety hazards to aircraft, costing civilian aviation at least $496 million annually in the U.S. Non-lethal bird-frightening devices, such as propane exploders, are commonly used to deter birds from airport environments. We conducted a study during August-October 2004 to determine the efficacy of propane exploders utilized with and without concurrent lethal reinforcement activities for altering bird behavior at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. Two groups of 8 propane exploders each were deployed on the airfield. One group of propane exploders was set to "off" (control), whereas the other group was programmed to activate at 15-minute intervals (treatment). This pattern was reversed each week for a 12-week period. In addition, lethal control activities to reduce gull-aircraft collisions were conducted during August and September 2004. We conducted bird observations associated with propane exploders during the lethal control program (8-week period) and following the end of the program (4-week period). The number of bird flocks (≥1 birds) that were within 150 m of treatment (n = 432) and control (n = 442) propane exploders was similar. Simultaneous lethal control activities at the airport did not alter the effectiveness of the propane exploders. Birds responded (e.g., altered flight path) on 3 of 21 (14.3%) occasions when a bird flock was within 150 m of a treatment propane exploder that activated. Our findings suggest propane exploders used in this manner in this airport environment do not significantly alter birds behavior or reduce the threat of bird-strikes. Future research is needed to evaluate techniques such as motion-activated propane exploders to enhance the effectiveness of this tool to reduce wildlife hazards at airports.
The American Midland Naturalist, 2010
Laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) are commonly found in many areas of North America and little is ... more Laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) are commonly found in many areas of North America and little is known about their diet, particularly in coastal-urban interfaces where gull-aircraft collisions can be a serious concern. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the consumption of terrestrial invertebrates by laughing gulls at a coastal-urban interface in the northeastern United States. We examined the stomach contents of laughing gulls (n 5 1053) collected during wildlife damage management operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport during the summers of 2003 and 2004. Terrestrial invertebrates consumed by laughing gulls represented 2 taxonomic phyla, 4 classes, 15 orders and 40 families. Beetles (Coleoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera) were the most common terrestrial invertebrates consumed by laughing gulls. We found evidence of temporal (i.e., monthly) variation in the frequency of occurrence of terrestrial insects in laughing gull diets. Laughing gull gender and age did not influence the frequency of occurrence of terrestrial insects in gull diets. Terrestrial environments (e.g., areas of turfgrass) appear to provide important foraging locations and food resources for laughing gulls in coastal-urban areas. This information is important for developing effective management approaches to reduce human-gull conflicts, such as gull-aircraft collisions at coastal airports.
The Condor, 2013
Coastal urban environments provide a potentially diverse source of food for gulls, including item... more Coastal urban environments provide a potentially diverse source of food for gulls, including items of marine, terrestrial, and anthropogenic origin. Our objective was to examine variation in the diet and use of feeding habitat of four species of gulls, the Laughing (Leucophaeus atricilla), Herring (Larus argentatus), Great Blackbacked (L. marinus), and Ring-billed (L. delawarensis), at a coastal-urban interface. We necropsied, identified the sex and age class, and quantified the stomach contents of 1053 Laughing, 249 Herring, 67 Great Black-backed, and 31 Ring-billed Gulls collected near the New York City metropolitan area in 2003 and 2004. Great Black-backed Gulls specialized on marine foods, whereas Ring-billed Gulls were generalists. Laughing Gulls and Herring Gulls favored marine foods and foraged in marine habitats but also used terrestrial and anthropogenic food sources. We found evidence that demographics influenced the gulls' choice of diet and use of feeding habitat. Laughing Gulls and Herring Gulls switched their use of feeding habitats at various stages of breeding, exploiting terrestrial prey and feeding habitats most during chick rearing. Interspecific and intraspecific differences in the four species' diet and use of feeding habitat apparently allow for their coexistence at this coastal-urban interface.
Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) have been nesting at John F. Kennedy International Ai... more Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) have been nesting at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for decades. In 2009, the airport experienced a surge in terrapin activity that led to closing a portion of a runway. Runway closures may delay aircraft traffic at JFK which in turn can cause a ripple effect with delays at airports across the country. During the months of June and July, the terrapin nesting season coincides with peak travel for aircraft passengers with about 1,200-1,300 aircraft movements per day. The airport began collecting data on terrapins in 2010 to help understand the dynamics. From 2000-2012, aircraft struck an average of 3.8 terrapins per year. However, no aircraft were damaged as a result of striking terrapins and there were no other negative effects on flights. The airport did experience operational effects such as brief runway closures in order to move terrapins off runways or taxiways. Data collected from 2010-2012 showed increases from 200 to 1,3...
Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to... more Birds, especially gulls (Larus spp.), are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat to aircraft safety. We conducted a 1-year ecological study to address concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Accomack County, Virginia, officials over potential wildlife hazards caused by the Accomack County Southern Landfill. During 48 surveys conducted from December 1995 to December 1996, we observed 112,693 birds at the landfill ( x =503). Nine species represented 97% of all observations. Bird numbers varied during the year, increasing during winter and declining during summer. Bird abundance appeared unaffected by trash baling, with 629 and 612 birds per observation before and after implementation of a trash baling program on 24 January 1996, respectively. Bird management methods instituted by the landfill included harassment, exclusion, repellents, shooting, and habitat alteration. Pyrotechnics and pyrotechnics supplemented with ...
The number of wildlife strikes reported to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Wildlife S... more The number of wildlife strikes reported to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Wildlife Strike Database has significantly increased since US Airways Flight 1549 ditched into the Hudson River after striking a flock of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) while departing from LaGuardia Airport in New York City on January 15, 2009. This event made headlines around the world and had a profound effect on wildlife management at airports. Following the 2009 Miracle on the Hudson, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates five airports in the New York City region, implemented several initiatives to enhance the proactive wildlife hazard management programs that had been in place for decades at the Port Authority airports. These initiatives included centralizing the wildlife programs to ensure that best management practices were being implemented, hiring additional wildlife personnel, partnering with surrounding landowners to address hazards posed by Canada geese and o...
Conservation, a team of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) biologists mobilized in less than 24 ho... more Conservation, a team of USDA APHIS Wildlife Services (WS) biologists mobilized in less than 24 hours to assist federal, state and local law enforcement officials in managing birds and rodents impacting the recovey of evidence as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. During the 10-month recovery effort fiom September 2001 to June 2002, more than 1.7 million tons of debris was shipped fiom "Ground Zero" in Manhatran to a high-security crime scene at the Fresh W s Landfill (FKL), Staten Island, New York Close to a billion pieces of debris were sorted by law enforcement officials to recover personal effects, human remains, and other evidence to document the crime and identlfy victims, as part of the largest forensic investigation in U.S. history. Within days of bringing debris to FKL, more than 2,600 gulls were on site, disrupting work of law enforcement officials and creating a concem that evidence would be lost to birds. Historically, FKL has been a feeding and loafmg site for over 100,000 gulls. To address this unprecedented wildlife damage management problem, WS implemented an integrated bud and rodent management program that involved 69 biologists from 23 states. The goal was to reduce the impact of p u s , crows, house mice, and Norway rats on law enforcement personnel, equipment, and evidence collection including a zero-tolerance policy for gulls and crows landing on the working face. A combination of population surveys and direct management activities targeting gulls and crows was initiated 12-14 hours a day, 7 days a week using visual and noise deterrents including pyrotechnics, mylar tape, human and dead-bud effigies, lasers, paint ball guns, and lethal removal of a limited number of birds. In addition, commensal rodent surveys with snap traps were conducted twice monthly to document population trends and explore the need for rodent control on site. We deployed over 23,000 pyrotechnics and dispased over 172,000 gulls and 5,000 crows fiom the site. We removed 293 house mice and 46 Norway rats in 6,000 trapnights. 'Ibe program was highly effective in preventing gulls and crows from feeding on remains and disrupting workers. We discuss other key lessons learned regarding an emergency response program to manage wildlife.
Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) have been nesting at John F. Kennedy International Ai... more Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) have been nesting at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for decades. In 2009, the airport experienced a surge in terrapin activity that led to closing a portion of a runway. Runway closures may delay aircraft traffic at JFK which in turn can cause a ripple effect with delays at airports across the country. During the months of June and July, the terrapin nesting season coincides with peak travel for aircraft passengers with about 1,200-1,300 aircraft movements per day. The airport began collecting data on terrapins in 2010 to help understand the dynamics. From 2000-2012, aircraft struck an average of 3.8 terrapins per year. However, no aircraft were damaged as a result of striking terrapins and there were no other negative effects on flights. The airport did experience operational effects such as brief runway closures in order to move terrapins off runways or taxiways. Data collected from 2010-2012 showed increases from 200 to 1,300 terrapins relocated during the annual nesting season. At peak times, more than 200 terrapins have been relocated in a two-hour period. The dates of the peak nesting activity varied by year; however, there was a peak during the second week of June and no nesting activity observed after 17 July. The number of terrapins nesting and relocated per day was similar in 2011-2012, ranging from about 50-200 terrapins. In contrast, researchers observed 30-50 terrapins nesting each day in 2011-2012 at the nearby Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Terrapins that were collected in 2010-2012 were also measured to determine plastron and carapace length, marked with shell notches and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and then released. In 2012, over 84% of the terrapins collected were ≤ 160 mm, suggesting that this is a young terrapin population. Terrapins at JFK also captured the attention of media around the world and resulted in positive images of the airport's wildlife program. Management of terrapins at the airport must take into account the socio-political aspects of the issue, but also address potential safety hazards and operational problems posed by the large numbers of terrapins in the aircraft movement area. The airport was directed by FAA to address the terrapins in 2012 and set up a trial of two different barriers. Trail cameras were used to test the effectiveness of the barriers and provided results that helped to refine our survey techniques.
, are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat t... more , are attracted to landfills, and when landfills are close to airports, birds can pose a threat to aircraft safety. We conducted a 1-year ecological study to address concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Accomack County, Virginia, officials over potential wildlife hazards caused by the Accomack County Southern Landfill. During 48 surveys conducted from December 1995 to December 1996, we observed 112,693 birds at the landfill ( x =503). Nine species represented 97% of all observations. Bird numbers varied during the year, increasing during winter and declining during summer. Bird abundance appeared unaffected by trash baling, with 629 and 612 birds per observation before and after implementation of a trash baling program on 24 January 1996, respectively. Bird management methods instituted by the landfill included harassment, exclusion, repellents, shooting, and habitat alteration. Pyrotechnics and pyrotechnics supplemented with shooting were used inconsistently and had only limited and temporary effects. Bird abundance actually increased 43% and 172% for gulls and crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), respectively, while harassment supplemented by shooting was being conducted. Birds appeared to prefer bare (unvegetated) ground or trash habitats. We recommend continuing harassment of birds with pyrotechnics supplemented with shooting and limiting the amount of bare ground. Wildlife damage management should be conducted by professional biologists because when methods are applied inappropriately or inconsistently, desired results are difficult to achieve.
Journal of Insect Conservation, 2010
Semi-natural grassland habitat fragments, such as those found on airports, might be important for... more Semi-natural grassland habitat fragments, such as those found on airports, might be important for arthropod conservation and biodiversity in urban ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe the arthropod communities present within the grasslands on the John F. Kennedy International Airport and (2) assess spatial and temporal variation in those arthropod communities. We collected arthropods using a vacuum sampler during 2003 and using sweep-net collection methods during 2003 and 2004. During 2003, a total of 1,467 arthropods, representing 17 orders and 68 families were found in vacuum samples. A total of 3,784 arthropods, representing 12 orders and 94 families were collected in sweep-net samples during 2003. In 2004, a total of 3,281 arthropods, representing 12 orders and 85 families were collected in sweepnet samples. Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Diptera were the most abundant taxa, accounting for 47, 18, and 14% of all arthropods captured, respectively. We found evidence of spatial and temporal variation in arthropod abundance, in particular as noted by fluctuations in Orthoptera: Acrididae and Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha. Hemipteran family diversity was also influenced by habitat type. Grassland habitats on airfields, although influenced by anthropogenic factors (e.g., mowing), have the potential to provide abundant and diverse arthropod communities and might serve as a refugium for such species within urban ecosystems.
The Condor, 2013
ABSTRACT Coastal urban environments provide a potentially diverse source of food for gulls, inclu... more ABSTRACT Coastal urban environments provide a potentially diverse source of food for gulls, including items of marine, terrestrial, and anthropogenic origin. Our objective was to examine variation in the diet and use of feeding habitat of four species of gulls, the Laughing (Leucophaeus atricilla), Herring (Larus argentatus), Great Black-backed (L. marinus), and Ring-billed (L. delawarensis), at a coastal–urban interface. We necropsied, identified the sex and age class, and quantified the stomach contents of 1053 Laughing, 249 Herring, 67 Great Black-backed, and 31 Ring-billed Gulls collected near the New York City metropolitan area in 2003 and 2004. Great Black-backed Gulls specialized on marine foods, whereas Ring-billed Gulls were generalists. Laughing Gulls and Herring Gulls favored marine foods and foraged in marine habitats but also used terrestrial and anthropogenic food sources. We found evidence that demographics influenced the gulls' choice of diet and use of feeding habitat. Laughing Gulls and Herring Gulls switched their use of feeding habitats at various stages of breeding, exploiting terrestrial prey and feeding habitats most during chick rearing. Interspecific and intraspecific differences in the four species' diet and use of feeding habitat apparently allow for their coexistence at this coastal–urban interface. Los ambientes urbanos costeros pueden potencialmente brindar una fuente variada de alimentos a las gaviotas, incluyendo elementos de origen marino, terrestre o antrópico. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar la variación en la dieta y en el uso del hábitat de forrajeo de cuatro especies de gaviotas, Leucophaeus atricilla, Larus argentatus, Larus marinus y Larus delawarensis, en una interface costera-urbana. Realizamos la necropsia, identificamos el sexo y la clase de edad, y cuantificamos el contenido estomacal de 1053 individuos de L. atricilla, 249 de L. argentatus, 67 de L. marinus y 31 de L. delawarensis colectados cerca del área metropolitana de la ciudad de Nueva York en 2003 y 2004. L. marinus se especializó en alimentos marinos, mientras que L. delawarensis fue generalista. L. atricilla y L. argentatus prefirieron los alimentos marinos y forrajearon en hábitats marinos pero también usaron fuentes de alimento terrestres y antrópicas. Encontramos evidencia de que la demografía influenció la selección de la dieta y el uso del hábitat de forrajeo de las gaviotas. L. atricilla y L. argentatus intercambiaron sus usos de los hábitats de forrajeo en varias de las fases de cría, explotando principalmente presas y hábitats de forrajeo terrestres durante la cría de los polluelos. Las diferencias inter e intra específicas en la dieta y en el uso del hábitat de alimentación de las cuatro especies aparentemente permite su coexistencia en esta interface costera-urbana.
The American Midland Naturalist, 2010
Laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) are commonly found in many areas of North America and little is ... more Laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) are commonly found in many areas of North America and little is known about their diet, particularly in coastal-urban interfaces where gull-aircraft collisions can be a serious concern. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the consumption of terrestrial invertebrates by laughing gulls at a coastal-urban interface in the northeastern United States. We examined the stomach contents of laughing gulls (n 5 1053) collected during wildlife damage management operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport during the summers of 2003 and 2004. Terrestrial invertebrates consumed by laughing gulls represented 2 taxonomic phyla, 4 classes, 15 orders and 40 families. Beetles (Coleoptera) and ants (Hymenoptera) were the most common terrestrial invertebrates consumed by laughing gulls. We found evidence of temporal (i.e., monthly) variation in the frequency of occurrence of terrestrial insectsi n laughing gull diets. Laughing gull gender and age did not influence the frequency of occurrence of terrestrial insects in gull diets. Terrestrial environments (e.g., areas of turfgrass) appear to provide important foraging locations and food resources for laughing gulls in coastal-urban areas. This information is important for developing effective management approaches to reduce human-gull conflicts, such as gull-aircraft collisions at coastal airports.
Bird-aircraft collisions (bird-strikes) cause serious safety hazards to aircraft, costing civilia... more Bird-aircraft collisions (bird-strikes) cause serious safety hazards to aircraft, costing civilian aviation at least $496 million annually in the U.S. Non-lethal bird-frightening devices, such as propane exploders, are commonly used to deter birds from airport environments. We conducted a study during August - October 2004 to determine the efficacy of propane exploders utilized with and without concurrent lethal reinforcement activities
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Papers by Laura Francoeur