US Fish and Wildlife Service Grant for Stable Isotope Analysis of Carnivore Diets in Alaska

PURPOSE:

The continued cooperative examination of predator diets in southwest Alaska using stable isotope analysis. Data regarding the foraging ecology of wolves and other carnivores provide information that is fundamental to the Services management decisions for the continued management of wolves, ungulates, mesocarnivores, and other wildlife on the Alaska Peninsula and Becharof National Wildlife Refuges. Analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in predator and prey tissues will be used to characterize foraging strategies of individuals and populations of carnivores in southwest Alaska. Resulting information will be used to develop appropriate management strategies for wolves, ungulates, mesocarnivores, and other wildlife in southwest Alaska. The purpose of this agreement is to provide support and assistance to the University of Wyoming Department of Zoology and Physiology for analysis of stable isotopes in tissue samples from southwest Alaska.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this agreement is to provide support and assistance to the University of Wyoming for 2012 stable isotope analysis of tissue samples collected as part of the Alaska Peninsula Wolf Project.

REASON FOR SINGLE SOURCE:
1. Continuation, The activity for which this agreement will support is necessary to the continuation of an activity presently being funded, and for which competition would have a significant adverse effect on the continuity or completion of the activity. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has conducted research on carnivore foraging ecology in southwest Alaska since 2005. The broad and multidisciplinary scope of this work necessitates the involvement of specialists from universities and much of the previous work has been accomplished in close coordination with Dr. Seth Newsome at the University of Wyoming. Consistent with the principles of ecosystem management and the laws and polices listed below, continued funding will allow for the continued monitoring and examination of carnivore diets in southwest Alaska.

2. Unique Qualifications, The applicant is uniquely qualified to perform the activity based upon a variety of demonstrable factors such as location, property ownership, voluntary support capacity, cost sharing ability, technical expertise, and other such unique qualifications. Dr. Seth Newsome and the University of Wyoming have unique experience in the examination of carnivore diets using stable isotope analysis. In addition, the University of Wyoming meets other criteria which preclude competition for this cooperative agreement, including location, property ownership, technical expertise, and support capacity.