Beaver Habitat Selection for 24 Yr Since Reintroduction North of Yellowstone National Park

Beavers (Castor canadensis) disappeared from drainages north of Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1900s because of trapping, a potential tularemia outbreak, and willow (Salix spp.) stand degradation by ungulates. Beavers were reintroduced in 1986 after a 40–yr absence with inventories of active-beaver structures completed each fall after reintroduction for 24 consecutive yr. We used this inventory to evaluate the expansion of beaver populations in a riparian environment recovering from past overuse by ungulates. Specifically, we investigated the density of active-beaver colonies and dams, the change in willow cover, and habitats associated with beaver expansion since reintroduction. Successful establishment and expansion of beavers indicate that sufficient resources were available to the population despite the suboptimal condition of riparian vegetation. Carrying capacity on third-order streams was reached approximately 14 yr after reintroduction (2000) with an average annual density of 1.33 (95th percentile = 1.23 ? 1.44 active colonies/stream km) between 2000 and 2010. The average annual density of beaver dams during this time was 2.37 (2.04 ? 2.71 active dams/stream km). Despite the beaver population being at carrying capacity in meadows since 2000, willow cover increased by 16% between 1981 and 2011. We speculate that beaver activities, together with reduced ungulate browsing from predation and habitat loss, combined to increase willow cover. Willow cover and height were positively associated with colony longevity, but numerous other influencing variables included secondary channels, sinuosity, stream depth, and sandbar width. Our results provide evidence that beaver reintroduction can be successful in riparian areas where willow stand condition is less than optimal and that beavers might ultimately improve willow condition. We suggest that reducing ungulate use of overgrazed riparian environments will facilitate the reestablishment of beaver populations. We also provide managers with habitats that should be identified in an environment targeted for reintroduction.     

Normal ocular features, conjunctival microflora and intraocular pressure in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis)

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the ocular features, normal conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the Canadian beaver (Castor canadensis). Sample population Sixteen, apparently healthy beavers with no evidence of ocular disease, and live‐trapped in regions throughout Prince Edward Island. Procedures The beavers were sedated with intramuscular ketamine (12–15 mg/kg). Two culture specimens were obtained from the ventral conjunctival sac of both eyes of 10/16 beavers for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal identifications. The anterior ocular structures of all beavers were evaluated using a transilluminator and slit lamp biomicroscope. Palpebral fissure length (11/16 beavers), and horizontal and vertical corneal diameters (10/16 beavers) were measured. IOPs were measured in both eyes of 11/16 beavers using applanation tonometry. Both eyes of 3/16 beavers and one eye of 1/16 beavers were dilated using topical tropicamide prior to sedation to effect timely maximal dilation. Culture specimens and IOPs were not evaluated in these four animals. Indirect ophthalmoscopy was performed on 7/8 eyes of these four beavers. Results Conjunctival specimens from all eyes cultured positively for one or more isolates of aerobic bacteria. The most common isolate was Micrococcus spp. (five beavers; 9/20 eyes). Other isolates included a Gram‐positive coccobacilli‐like organism (four beavers; 7/20 eyes), Aeromonas hydrophila (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Staphylococcus spp. (three beavers; 4/20 eyes), Gram positive bacilli (one beaver; 2/20 eyes), Enterobacter spp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), Streptococcus spp. (two beavers; 2/20 eyes), aerobic diphtheroids (one beaver; 1/20 eyes), and Pseudomonas spp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes). Clostridium sordellii (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) and Peptostreptococcus spp. (one beaver; 1/20 eyes) were the sole anaerobic bacteria isolated. All conjunctival specimens were negative for growth of fungi. Ophthalmic examinations revealed the normal beaver eye and ocular adnexa included dorsal and ventral puncta, a vestigial third eyelid, and a circular pupil. Average palpebral fissure length was 9.36 mm (SD = 1.00) for both eyes. Mean horizontal and vertical corneal diameters of both eyes were 9.05 mm (SD = 0.64) and 8.45 mm (SD = 0.69), respectively. Mean IOP for the right and left eyes were 17.11 mmHg (SD = 6.39) and 18.79 mmHg (SD = 5.63), respectively. Indirect ophthalmoscopic examinations revealed normal anangiotic retinas. Conclusions Gram‐positive aerobes were most commonly cultured from the conjunctival sac of normal beavers, with Micrococcus spp. predominating. The overall mean IOP in ketamine‐sedated beavers was 17.95 mmHg. The beaver, an amphibious rodent, has an anangiotic retina.     

Mitigating infrastructure loss from beaver flooding: A cost–benefit analysis

We installed 12 pond levelers to counter flooding by beavers and developed a cost–benefit analysis for these sites in Alberta, Canada. We also documented beaver management approaches throughout Alberta. Over 3 years, one site required regular maintenance until we designed a modified pond leveler; another required minor modifications. Others required almost no maintenance. Based on a “willingness-to-pay” (WTP) of $0 and discount rate of 3%, installing pond levelers resulted in a present value net benefit of $81,519 over 3 years and $179,440 over 7 years. Scenarios incorporating discount rates of 3% and 7%, horizons of either 3 or 7 years, and varying WTPs resulted in significant net benefits. Provincially, municipalities employed up to seven methods to control beavers: most commonly lethal control and dam removal. Total annual costs provided by 48 municipalities and 4 provincial parks districts were $3,139,223; however, cost-accounting was sometimes incomplete, which makes this a conservative estimate.     

Histological Evaluation of Selected Organs of the Eurasian Beavers (Castor fiber) Inhabiting Poland

There is a general scarcity of data on the histological structure of major organs in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). This study presents the histological characteristics of beaver organs such as the liver, spleen, cardiac muscle, lungs and kidneys. Tissue samples were collected from 21 beavers and analysed. Selected samples of tail tissue were additionally examined. Tissue samples were placed in neutral buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. 4‐μm‐thick sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and other staining techniques were also used. Scant amounts of inter‐lobular connective tissue were found in the liver. Ion or copper deposition was not observed, but scattered cytoplasmic glycogen deposits were present in hepatocytes. Our results suggest that beavers have defensive rather than storage spleens. Interestingly, the presence of melanin in splenic red pulp was noted. The histological structure of the examined organs closely resembled that of other rodent species. According to our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the histological structure of beaver organs. Nevertheless, precise characterization of the evaluated organs requires further work with the involvement of accurate and reliable techniques, such as molecular biology or electron microscopy methods.     

Electrofishing method improves evaluation of amphibian larvae abundance: a case of “beaver rivers”

There are many locations in Russia where Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) populations have been restored. As a keystone species, beavers provide wide‐ranging direct and indirect impacts on aquatic ecosystems. In particular, beaver‐created ponds are sites for spawning and nursery places for tadpoles of the brown frogs (genus Rana). Because of such impacts, study techniques for assessing aquatic organism abundance are being developed. We compared two methods for estimating tadpole abundance: traditional catches by dipnet and electrofishing. Our results show that the dipnet catch data for the shallower ponds with larger water surface area were five times lower than that obtained by electrofishing. Therefore, we conclude that dipnet catches are not suitable for comparing the relative abundance of tadpoles in the two beaver ponds that were studied.     

Integrating Conservation and Financial Objectives on Private Rangelands in Northern Colorado: Rancher and Practitioner Perceptions

Payments for ecosystem services and other approaches seek to expand conservation outcomes from working ranches in rangeland systems. Making these strategies attractive to ranchers and effective in achieving conservation goals requires information that is largely lacking about the human dimensions of aligning conservation, agricultural, and financial objectives on working ranches. This exploratory study addressed this knowledge gap about perceived strategies, barriers, and opportunities by interviewing a purposive sample of 23 ranchers and natural resource practitioners (e.g., government agencies, conservation nonprofits) involved in a collaborative stakeholder group in Larimer County, Colorado. Interviewees’ responses demonstrated a wide range of potential strategies for ranchers to adopt, yet their discussion of ranch-scale and regional concerns demonstrated the multiple interlinked ecological, financial, and social factors that pose challenges for mainstreaming opportunities. All interviewees expressed interest in developing a regional payment for ecosystem services program, seeing an opportunity to simultaneously support ranchers and improve conservation stewardship. However, substantial concerns were expressed regarding possible restrictions to the ranch operation, profitability, and other management and legal factors that would diminish attractiveness to ranchers. Our findings suggest that characteristics of our study system, including proximity to urban areas and the presence of a collaborative stakeholder group, contribute importantly to the opportunities and challenges perceived by interviewees. Furthermore, interviewees’ responses highlighted how factors beyond the ranch-scale can affect the viability of ranch business strategies to achieve conservation and agricultural objectives. Future research with representative populations across rangeland systems in the American West and in contexts with and without collaborative groups will build constructively upon this exploratory study.     

Genetic characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from European beavers (Castor fiber) and European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris)

Six free-ranging European beavers (Castor fiber) from Berlin greater metropolitan area and twelve European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) originating from the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt were found dead and their carcasses were submitted for necropsy. Brain and lung samples were analysed for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA. Histo-pathologic analysis of one beaver revealed several cyst-like protozoal structures in parts of the brain. Tissue DNA isolated from all animal samples was analysed by a specific T. gondii-PCR. Two beavers and four wildcats tested T. gondii-positive. DNA of the parasites was further analysed by PCR-RFLP typing using nine markers (nSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico). Only T. gondii type II alleles were detected, except for the Apico locus, where type I alleles were observed in two isolates from beavers and in three from wild cats. The results of this study indicate that type II T. gondii (including type II variant strain) is the most common genotype infecting wildcats and beavers from Germany.     

Systemic toxoplasmosis in a five-month-old beaver, (Castor canadensis).

A 5-mo-old orphan beaver, Castor canadensis, died of severe systemic toxoplasmosis during rehabilitation. Histologic lesions included lymphohistiocytic encephalitis, myocarditis, and interstitial pneumonia with multinucleated cells. Intracytoplasmic cysts containing tachyzoites and bradyzoites identified as Toxoplasma gondii by immunohisto-chemistry were present in macrophages, type-II pneumocytes, and endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal morbillivirus antibody and transmission electron microscopy of lung revealed no evidence of concurrent paramyxoviral infection, as commonly found in carnivores with toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis may affect young beavers in rehabilitation and zoological settings.     

Understanding Change: Integrating Rancher Knowledge Into State-and-Transition Models

Arid and semiarid rangelands often behave unpredictably in response to management actions and environmental stressors, making it difficult for ranchers to manage for long-term sustainability. State-and-transition models (STMs) depict current understanding of vegetation responses to management and environmental change in box-and-arrow diagrams. They are based on existing knowledge of the system and can be improved with long-term ecological monitoring data, histories, and experimentation. Rancher knowledge has been integrated in STMs; however, there has been little systematic analysis of how ranchers describe vegetation change, how their knowledge informs model components, and what opportunities and challenges exist for integrating local knowledge into STMs. Semistructured and field interviews demonstrated that rancher knowledge is valuable for providing detailed management histories and identifying management-defined states for STMs. Interviews with ranchers also provided an assessment of how ranchers perceive vegetation change, information about the causes of transitions, and indicators of change. Interviews placed vegetation change within a broader context of social and economic history, including regional changes in land use and management. Despite its potential utility, rancher knowledge is often heterogeneous and partial and can be difficult to elicit. Ranchers’ feedback pointed to limitations in existing ecological site-based approaches to STM development, especially issues of spatial scale, resolution, and interactions among adjacent vegetation types. Incorporating local knowledge into STM development may also increase communication between researchers and ranchers, potentially yielding more management-relevant research and more structured ways to document and learn from the evolving experiential knowledge of ranchers.     

Livestock Riparian Guidelines May Not Promote Woody Species Recovery Where Wild Ungulate Populations Are High

Stubble height, streambank alteration, and woody species use are indicators used to monitor livestock impacts on riparian areas in the western United States. Effects of wild ungulates on riparian conditions are often not monitored and assumed to be represented by indicators developed for livestock. We tested this assumption by evaluating effects of elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) on grazing indicators along Meadow Creek, a salmonid-bearing stream in northeastern Oregon. Wild ungulates reduced stubble height by 20% to 30%. Mean streambank alteration was 1.1% (ranged from 0.3–8%). Woody species use was negatively related to stubble height and positively related to streambank alteration (P < 0.05). Despite maintenance of stubble height and streambank alteration within regulatory guidelines, wild ungulate use of preferred woody species was moderate to high (> 50%). Adherence to guidelines developed for livestock may not result in desired riparian conditions where wild ungulate populations are high.     

Home on the Digital Range: Ranchers’ Web Access and Use

Access to the Internet continues to grow in rural areas, ensuring ranchers will have increasing opportunities to use the Web to find information about management practices that may provide them ecological and financial benefits. Although past studies have examined the role of the Internet in informing daily decision making by agricultural producers, no studies have focused specifically on the use of the Internet by ranchers in the western United States. This study uses a mixed-methods approach (a survey and semistructured interviews) to assess the extent and patterns of ranchers’ Internet use in Colorado and Wyoming, identify barriers to greater use, and establish a typology of Web use behavior by ranchers. Our findings indicate that Internet use is widespread and that age, education, and risk tolerance predict the extent to which a rancher will rely on the Internet for day-to-day ranch management. A cluster analysis delineated four distinct types of Web usage among ranchers: uninfluenced, focused on sales and herd management, moderately influenced, and an Internet-reliant type. Outreach personnel can use this classification to determine the potential utility of digital outreach tools for their programming on the basis of their target audience and outreach topics.     

锡林河流域退化草地植被恢复措施及水土保持效应研究

以内蒙古北部锡林河流域退化草地为研究对象,通过对围栏封育、免耕补播、旱作人工草地、灌溉人工草地和灌溉饲料地5种措施作用下植物生长状况、土壤水分保持作用、抗风蚀能力的试验研究。结果表明:围栏封育、免耕补播在恢复退化草地植被、提高生产力方面效果显著,是退化草地生态修复的主要措施;适地实施旱作人工草地、灌溉人工草地和灌溉饲料地面积各1hm~2,可置换出退化草地面积分别为10hm~2,18hm~2和79hm~2;通过灰色关联度进行效益评价,各种植被恢复措施之间的综合效益差异不明显,植被恢复措施实施后,综合效益均达到较高水平。     

Influence of Ecosystem Services on Management Decisions by Public Land Ranchers in the Intermountain West,United States

Ecosystem services are benefits humans obtain as a result of ecosystem processes and conditions. In the western United States, public rangelands are managed for a spectrum of ecosystem services on behalf of multiple stakeholders. Decisions of ranchers who hold public land grazing allotments must balance operational needs for forage with societal expectations for other ecosystem services. To better understand their choices regarding ecosystem services, we interviewed ranchers to learn about the bases for their management decisions and identify services they believe rangelands provide. A total of 19 services were identified, many of which reflected ranchers’ recognition that they manage within the context of a broader social-ecological system (e.g., maintaining open space). We then conducted a mail survey of Bureau of Land Management grazing permittees in six states to understand the importance they personally place on different services, as well as the extent to which they manage with those services in mind. Fourteen of the 19 ecosystem services identified in interviews were reported by at least 50% of the survey sample (N = 435) as influencing their management decisions. Most respondents reported trying to manage deeded and leased land to the same standard. Aside from forage for livestock (ranked #1), ranchers were less likely to report managing for provisioning services than for cultural, supporting, and regulating services. Importance ratings for ecosystem services followed a similar pattern, although there were a few differences in rank order. Ranchers tended to report managing for more ecosystem services if they had larger operations, earned at least 50% of their income from ranching, spent more time out on the ranch, and relied on multiple sources for information about range management. Results indicate public land ranchers believe they are managing for multifunctionality, balancing their own operational needs with those of society.     

Stakeholder Barriers and Benefits Associated With Improving Livestock Husbandry to Prevent Jaguar and Puma Depredation

Motivating ranchers to adopt preventive husbandry practices that limit livestock depredation by large carnivores, such as jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor), requires reducing perceived barriers and increasing benefits associated with coexistence. We assessed stakeholder perspectives on preventive practices by conducting eight focus groups consisting of ranchers, researchers, and government wildlife officers in Costa Rica using a nominal group technique to identify and rank benefits, barriers, and motivations. We identified 29 benefits, 27 positive motivations, 33 negative motivations, and 20 barriers. Common responses among stakeholders highlight the importance of economic issues, contextual factors, and external support. However, social interactions, a reactive approach to management, and personal motivations also influence rancher decision making, but tend to be ignored by researchers and wildlife officers. Nominal group rankings reveal misunderstandings and misalignment of priorities among stakeholders that should be targeted by collaborative problem-solving processes. Motivations behind prevention expose nuances of human–wildlife conflict.     

Practical Challenges in Private Stewardship of Rangeland Ecosystems: Yellow Starthistle Control in Sierra Nevadan Foothills

Private landowners are often de facto stewards of biodiversity and ecosystem services. In California's Sierra Nevada foothills, ranchers frequently present the only defense against biological invasions in private rangelands. Although ranchers' land management goals (e.g., the desire to control invasive species) can be consistent with ecosystem protection, practical constraints often limit their success. Considerable research on the invasive weed, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.), has produced numerous control strategies. Nevertheless, the range of this noxious weed continues to increase. We used surveys and interviews to document the weed control efforts of 202 ranchers and to identify practical limitations to their efficacy. Overall, 86% of ranchers who had experienced yellow starthistle infestation had attempted control, using one or more of 19 methods. Early response reduced negative effects from yellow starthistle. Control methods learned from agricultural advisors were reported more effective than those learned elsewhere. Limitations to yellow starthistle control in our study population resulted from incomplete information regarding control methods, complexity of weed control in heterogeneous landscapes, inconsistent application of methods, and lack of long-term planning for weed control. Such hindrances make it difficult for landowners to implement control methods promoted by researchers. This gap between science and practice contributes to the continued increase of yellow starthistle within the study region. To shrink this gap, researchers and agricultural advisors can incorporate environmental heterogeneity into applied agricultural research, use land stewards' knowledge and experience, and increase public education.     

高寒草甸类草地不同退化状态人工恢复与自然恢复经济分析

根据草地植被群落发展规律,利用数学和统计学、投入产出法等方法,对高寒草甸类不同退化状态草地自然恢复和人工恢复进行了经济预测和效益比较。数据证明:在重度→中度恢复中,人工恢复较自然恢复效益高;在中度→轻度恢复中,自然恢复较人工恢复效益高。此结果为草地建设科学决策提供了可靠依据。     

Prevalence of Microsporidia, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. in beavers (Castor canadensis) in Massachusetts.

Feces from 62 beavers (Castor canadensis) in Massachusetts were examined by fluorescence microscopy (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Microsporidia species, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. between January 2002 and December 2004. PCR-positive specimens were further examined by gene sequencing. Protist parasites were detected in 6.4% of the beavers. All were subadults and kits. Microsporidia species were not detected. Giardia spp. was detected by IFA from four beavers; Cryptosporidium spp. was also detected by IFA from two of these beavers. However, gene sequence data for the ssrRNA gene from these two Cryptosporidium spp.-positive beavers were inconclusive in identifying the species. Nucleotide sequences of the TPI, ssrRNA, and beta-giardin genes for Giardia spp. (deposited in GenBank) indicated that the four beavers were excreting Giardia duodenalis Assemblage B, the zoonotic genotype representing a potential source of waterborne Giardia spp. cysts.     

Detecting the Influence of Best Management Practices on Vegetation Near Ephemeral Streams With Landsat Data

Various best management practices (BMPs) have been implemented on rangelands with the goals of controlling nonpoint source pollution, reducing the impact of livestock in ecologically important riparian areas, and improving grazing distribution. Providing off-stream water sources to livestock in pastures, cross-fencing, and rotational grazing are common rangeland BMPs that have demonstrated success in drawing livestock grazing pressure away from streams. We evaluated the effects of rangeland BMP implementation with six commercial-scale pastures in the northern mixed-grass prairie. Four pastures received a BMP suite consisting of off-stream water, cross-fencing, and deferred-rotation grazing, and two pastures did not receive BMPs. We hypothesized that the BMPs increased the quantity of riparian vegetation cover relative to the conditions in these pastures during the pre-BMP period and to the two pastures that did not receive BMPs. We used a series of 30-m Landsat normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) images to track the spatial and temporal changes (1984–2010, n = 24) in vegetation cover, to which NDVI has been well correlated. Validation indicated that the remotely sensed signal from in-channel vegetation was representative of ground conditions. The BMP suite was associated with a 15% increase in the in-channel NDVI (0–30 m from stream centerline) and 18% increase in the riparian NDVI (30–180 m from stream center line). Conversely, the in-channel and riparian NDVI of non-BMP pastures declined 30% and 18% over the study period. The majority of change occurred within 2 yr of BMP implementation. The patterns of in-channel NDVI among pastures suggested that BMP implementation likely altered grazing distribution by decreasing the preferential use of riparian and in-channel areas. We demonstrated that satellite imagery time series are useful in retrospectively evaluating the efficacy of conservation practices, providing critical information to guide adaptive management and decision makers.     

Influence of Livestock Grazing Strategies on Riparian Response to Wildfire in Northern Nevada

In 1999–2001 wildfires burned 1.13 million ha across northern Nevada, burning through many grazed riparian areas. With increases in wildfire frequency and extent predicted throughout the Great Basin, an understanding of the interactive effects of wildfire, livestock grazing, and natural hydrologic characteristics is critical. A comparison of pre- and postfire stream surveys provided a unique opportunity to statistically assess changes in stream survey attributes at 43 burned and 38 unburned streams. Livestock grazing variables derived from an extensive federal grazing allotment inventory were used to identify interactive effects of grazing strategies, fire, and natural stressors across 81 independent riparian areas. Differences between baseline and “postfire” stream survey attributes were evaluated for significance using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney test for paired data. Binary logistic regression models evaluated the influence of fire, grazing, and hydrologic characteristics on observed stream survey attribute changes. Grazing attributes contributed most significantly to the bankfull width increase and bank stability rating decrease models. The odds of bankfull width degradation (increase in bankfull width) decreased where there had been rest is some recent years compared to continuous grazing. As the number of days grazed during the growing season increased, the odds of bank stability degradation also increased. The occurrence of fire was not significant in any model. Variation in the riparian width model was attributed primarily to hydrologic characteristics, not grazing. For the models in which grazing variables played a role, stream survey attributes were more likely to improve over time when coupled with a history of rotational grazing and limited duration of use during the growing season. This supports long-term riparian functional recovery through application of riparian complementary grazing strategies.     

Knowledge in Practice: Documenting Rancher Local Knowledge in Northwest Colorado

For more than 150 years, ranchers in the West have gained insight about natural systems through daily interaction and management of landscapes, but this knowledge has never been systematically documented and analyzed. We interviewed 26 ranchers from a single watershed to understand how ranchers acquire their knowledge, document what they know about rangeland ecosystems, and explore how this knowledge varies within the ranching community. This exploratory study offers insight into the types of knowledge ranchers possess without attempting to survey all rancher knowledge or ascribe this set of knowledge to all ranchers. We identified three major knowledge categories in interviews: active knowledge applied to management decisions, embedded knowledge from living in place, and integrative knowledge that links ecological, economic, and social aspects of rangeland systems. We found rancher knowledge complemented scientific knowledge in its ability to provide site-specific information on management practices and ecological responses, and insight regarding potential indicators of rangeland health. Knowledge varies widely within the ranching community, and knowledgeable ranchers are readily identified through community referrals. Ranchers gained their knowledge primarily through experience and social interactions, and this knowledge is an untapped source of context-specific information. We did find that economic constraints, social norms, and proximity to the system might limit application of knowledge to practice. There is also a danger that this accumulated and dynamic knowledge base will be lost over the next generation, as many family ranches are sold to new ranchers or for nonranching uses. Based on our findings, we propose that more dialogue within ranching communities and between ranchers and scientists may lead to more sustainable land management practices and effective outreach efforts, and could expand and strengthen the informal social networks through which much rancher knowledge is shared and on which the social sustainability of ranching communities depends.