Joining the dots - understanding the complex interplay between the values we place on wildlife, biodiversity conservation, human and animal health: A review.

The value of wildlife has long been ignored or under-rated. However, growing concerns about biodiversity loss and emerging diseases of wildlife origin have enhanced debates about the importance of wildlife. Wildlife-related diseases are viewed through these debates as a potential threat to wildlife conservation and domestic animal and human health. This article provides an overview of the values we place on wildlife (positive: socio-cultural, nutritional, economic, ecological; and negative: damages, health issues) and of the significance of diseases for biodiversity conservation. It shows that the values of wildlife, the emergence of wildlife diseases and biodiversity conservation are closely linked. The article also illustrates why investigations into wildlife diseases are now recognized as an integral part of global health issues. The modern One Health concept requires multi-disciplinary research groups including veterinarians, human physicians, ecologists and other scientists collaborating towards a common goal: prevention of disease emergence and preservation of ecosystems, both of which are essential to protect human life and well-being.

Restoration Efforts and Prairie Dog Management at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is being re-seeded to native shortgrass prairie, but the effects of prairie dog colonization on some sites may be limiting successful native plant establishment. This Capstone Project compares vegetation monitoring data and prairie dog distributions in four refuge sites to evaluate the effects of prairie dog colonization on restoration. In general, native plant abundance has increased on study plots since initiation of restoration. Localized changes in plant abundance have occurred among transects, but prairie dog densities could not be correlated with the changes. Future prairie dog expansion is cause for concern due to intensified burrowing and grazing effects. Seven recommendations are presented to aid future restoration efforts.

Comparison of Wildlife Impacts Associated with Uranium In-Situ Recovery and Wind Farms in Wyoming

Wyoming has multiple resources including non-renewable sources, renewable sources, as well as its wildlife. Two of these resources are uranium and wind. Currently wind farms in Wyoming are generating approximately 5 million MW of power, with less of an impact on wildlife than in-situ facilities. In-situ facilities in 2007 produced an estimated 32 million MW of power from uranium, with a greater impact to wildlife than wind farms. Both resources have a great potential in Wyoming and both will have an impact on wildlife. Currently wind farms show less of an impact on wildlife but they are also producing fewer megawatts. The potential for wind-generated energy over the next century shows wildlife impacts will be greater than impacts from ISR facilities.