Livestock Water Sources Provide for Wildlife

Workshop teaches how to keep bats, birds, and other animals safe

Contact: Renee Bodine (602) 280-8778
or George Couch (602) 280-8806   

PHOENIX - June 12, 2007 - As drought and development diminish the distribution and abundance of natural water sources, livestock water developments have become an important resource to many species of wildlife. Unfortunately, animals attracted to these water sources can become trapped and drown. Bats, birds, and even larger animals such as mule deer and pronghorn can be trapped in water troughs without escape structures. Bats and some species of birds that drink on the fly are especially vulnerable.  

Workshops conducted this month by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Bat Conservation International showed ranchers how to build and install devices that keep that from happening.  The Navajo County Natural Resources Conservation District in Holbrook, AZ., and Yavapai  County Natural Resources Conservation District on the Y4 Ranch in Kirkland, AZ., sponsored the sessions. Approximately 28 people participated in Holbrook and 14 in Kirkland.

“Fortunately, wildlife escape structures can be inexpensively and easily constructed and installed, ensuring a safe source of water for wildlife while improving water quality for livestock,” said Stu Tuttle, wildlife biologist for NRCS. Participants also learned how to configure fencing and bracing to enhance wildlife access while meeting livestock management objectives.

“I learned something today,” said Linda Gonzales, a third generation rancher and a competitive roper. She and her husband Tom own the Y4 ranch where one of the workshops was held. She said she plans on outfitting all of her water sources because of what she learned in the workshop.

In the evenings after the course, participants observed bat monitoring and capture techniques using night-vision equipment, acoustic-monitoring methods and mist-nets.

In Holbrook the instructors caught Pallid bats and at Kirkland they caught Mexican free-tailed (Tadarida braciliensis), Big brown (Eptesicus fuscus) and Pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus).  Mexican free-tails feed on moths, mosquitoes and small beetles.    Pallid bats feed on scorpions, beetles, crickets, centipedes and other ground roving insects.  They are one of the few that can land on the ground to capture prey and regain flight.  Most bats feed and drink on the fly.  Big browns feed on many insects including beetles and mosquitoes. 

For more information about safe water sources for wildlife, contact Stu Tuttle, NRCS, Stu.Tuttle@az.usda.gov 928-214-0459 x 233.

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