Page 35 - 2009 DT 7 issues

the New Mexican spiders as predict- Additional studies of other in- of Red Rock Canyon is
ably more aggressive and the Arizona sect species, such as crickets, have sponsoring a monthly drawing
spiders predictably less so. found more behavioral correlations. for $100 for everyone owning
When spiders from both popula- Chad Johnson says that an animal’s a current registered Red Rock
tions had offspring in the lab, the behavioral syndromes (personal- Canyon license plate. Complete
youngsters still differed from each ity?) can indeed be a benefit in some drawing rules are available
other despite growing up in the same scenarios and a liability in others. on our website, http://www.
environment, indicating that each of the Finding a syndrome could explain an friendsofredrockcanyon.org
behavioral traits had a genetic basis. otherwise baffling trait. Still, there • The Friends of Red Rock
The debate continues, however, as are examples that seemingly make no Canyon web store, RedWeb,
to what to call these linked behavioral evolutionary sense, such as killing a is open for business. Our
tendencies; Hedrick sees funnel spi- potential mate before mating can be custom-designed items are now
ders as a clear example of behavioral accomplished. Such aggression seems available for secure purchase on-
correlations: the faster, more aggres- self defeating. line and offer a 15% discount
sive spiders were also more fearless. Andrew Sih of the University for members. New items are
But might a favorable trait in one situ- of California at Davis is looking for being added weekly, so please
ation be a hindrance in another in the a framework that can predict why check back often. http://www.
same species? behaviors are sometimes correlated friendsofredrockcanyon.org/
The Arizona spiders’ riverbank and sometimes not. He asks, “Why store.php All proceeds from the
habitat buffered the extremes of does any animal have a behavioral license sales and the RedWeb
temperature and provided plenty of syndrome? Why do humans have a store benefit the programs and
insect prey, but it also attracted many personality?” —Barbara Wolin projects sponsored by Friends
birds that fed on and around the river. of Red Rock Canyon.
During nesting season, 40 percent of • Friends of Red Rock Canyon
the spiders in the test area were eaten Updates from the President and the Bureau of Land
by birds. April 2009 Management sponsored a team
For the New Mexicans, however, building/volunteer event for
pickings were lean in their arid grass- • It has been an active month for members of the Excalibur
lands. To keep cool, they worked their Friends of Red Rock Canyon. Hotel and Casino Staff on
webs only during the hours when the The best news is that the Red April 18. The PLANT, Natural
chills of night eased and before the Rock Canyon license plate has Resource and Excalibur teams
day’s heat began. With slim pickings, sold over 700 plates. As good completed a refurbishment
however, there was less danger from of the Willow Spring Picnic
predatory birds in that environment. Area which included extensive
Under such adverse circumstances, vegetation trimming, boardwalk
the New Mexico funnel spiders had to and parking area repairs and
compete more fiercely for food among general maintenance.
themselves. Hedrick reasons that some The Natural Resource
common underpinning unites their ag- Team also redefined the
gressive behavior and their tendency to as this news is, we still have parking areas at the Red Rock
return to normal quickly after escaping to actively promote plate sales. Wash Overlook, trimmed view-
a bird attack. Please encourage your friends blocking vegetation and repainted
On the other hand, the riverbanks and neighbors to purchase the graffiti-marked benches. Thank
of the Arizonans provide a rich envi- license plate. We must have you to the PLANT and Natural
ronment for predators, perhaps push- 1,000 plates on the road by Resource teams, as well as the
ing the spiders towards longer stints December 31, 2009 in order Excalibur staff, for making
a difference.
hiding in their funnels. In turn, these to keep the plate available for
spiders are milder mannered. What to new sales.
call these linked behavioral tendencies To thank those who have
has become contentious. purchased the plate, Friends News and Notes, continued on page 7

FORRC/May/2009 Page 3