EPA/600/R-12/059F I March 2013 I www.ep
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
User's Guide for the Wildlife Scenario Builder
(Version 1.0, Beta Test)
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC
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EPA/600/R-12/059F
March 2013
www.epa.gov/ncea
USER'S GUIDE FOR THE WILDLIFE SCENARIO BUILDER
(VERSION 1.0, BETA TEST)
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
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DISCLAIMER
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products
does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. This application is being released
as a beta-test version.
ABSTRACT
This user's guide provides general guidance on how to use the Wildlife Scenario Builder
(Version 1.0, Beta Test), a wildlife exposure application that generates adjusted intake rates
itemized by diet component, with consideration of the metabolic requirements of each organism.
The application can be used as a tool for estimating intake and assimilation for a variety of North
American wildlife species. The user's guide gives step-by-step instructions for installing the
program, working with the databases, starting a new project, using the model to create wildlife
scenarios, calculating wildlife intake rates for completed wildlife scenarios, and printing the
associated wildlife reports. It also includes troubleshooting recommendations and a list of
commonly encountered known developer error messages.
Cover Photo Credits: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Robert Burton (photographer)
Preferred Citation:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2013) User's guide for the wildlife scenario
builder (Version 1.0, Beta Test). National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington,
DC; EPA/600/R-12/059F. Available from the National Technical Information Service,
Alexandria, VA, and online atwww.epa.gov/ncea.
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CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES v
PREFACE viii
AUTHORS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND REVIEWERS ix
ACKNOWLEDGMENT x
1. OVERVIEW OF THE USER'S GUIDE AND THE WILDLIFE
SCENARIO BUILDER 1
1.1. USER'S GUIDE 1
1.1.1. Practice Scenarios 1
1.1.2. Tip Boxes 2
1.2. WILDLIFE SCENARIO BUILDER 2
1.2.1. Background and Description 2
1.2.2. Application Components 3
1.2.2.1. Functional Components 3
1.2.2.2. Databases 4
1.2.2.3. Data Entry 5
1.2.2.4. Help System 5
1.2.3. Input Data 5
1.2.4. Wildlife Scenario Builder Output 6
1.2.5. Flowchart 7
2. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO USING WSB 8
2.1. INSTALLATION, SETUP, AND INTRODUCTION 8
2.1.1. Installation 8
2.1.2. Setup 10
2.1.2.1. General Setup 11
2.1.2.2. Comments Setup 12
2.1.2.3. User Setup 12
2.1.2.4. Reports Setup 14
2.1.2.5. Exit WSB Setup 14
2.1.3. WSB Introduction 14
2.1.4. Control Buttons and Menu Icons 15
2.2. ADDING DATA TO WSB DATABASES 15
2.2.1. Wildlife Data Entry 18
2.2.2. References 18
2.2.3. Generic Data Entry 19
2.2.4. Life History Database 21
2.2.4.1. Using Search Criteria 22
2.2.4.2. Viewing Life History Information 23
2.3. STARTING A NEW PROJECT 23
2.4. CREATING A WILDLIFE SCENARIO 26
2.4.1. Overview of Creating a Wildlife Scenario 26
2.4.2. Steps in Creating a Wildlife Scenario 28
2.4.2.1. Step 1: Select a Species 28
in
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CONTENTS (continued)
2.4.2.2. Step 2: Select a Body Weight 29
2.4.2.3. Step 3: SelectaDiet 32
2.4.2.4. Step 4: Select Intake Rates 37
2.4.2.5. Step 5: SaveandExit 42
2.5. RUNNING THE WSB CALCULATOR 42
2.5.1. Calculations for a Wildlife Scenario 42
2.6. PRINTING THE RESULTS 45
2.6.1. Project Summary Report 47
2.6.2. Wildlife Scenario Reports 47
2.6.2.1. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Overview 47
2.6.2.2. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Species 48
2.6.2.3. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Weight 49
2.6.2.4. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Diet 49
2.6.2.5. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Intake 49
2.6.2.6. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Calculations 49
2.6.3. Saving the Results 54
3. TROUBLESHOOTING 56
3.1. FREQUENTLY ENCOUNTERED DEVELOPER ERROR MESS AGES 56
3.2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS 59
4. REFERENCES 60
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
1. The organization of components of the wildlife scenario builder 3
2. Overview of steps for using the Wildlife Scenario Builder (WSB), Version
1.0, Beta Test 7
3. The WSB introductory setup pop-up window and warning regarding open
applications 9
4. A warning box appears when the user exits the setup program in progress 9
5. The user is offered three options during setup: (1) install the program in
the default directory, (2) modify the target directory, or (3) exit setup 10
6. When the installation process is complete, the user is prompted to set up
the newly installed program 11
7. From the General Setup screen, the user can modify the program file
storage locations. Accepting the default locations is recommended 12
8. In the Comments Setup screen, the user can modify the comment headers
that will appear in all files created from this installation 13
9. Enter user information (name, company, address, contact information) for
the specific installation of the WSB 13
10. Enter standard report headers that will appear in all reports generated from
the specific installation 14
11. Functions of the icons on the main toolbars 16
12. The primary wildlife database entry form includes three primary data
inputs: species, weight, and diet 17
13. References are sorted (2), selected (3), and categorized (4), from this
primary reference screen 19
14. Access the generic data entry windows through the data entry tab on the
main WSB 20
15. A sample of a generic data summary table of available inputs. In this case,
a summary of assimilation efficiencies is displayed 20
16. A blank generic data entry form 21
17. The search/filter tool within the life history database provides the user
with multiple search options (1) 22
v
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LIST OF FIGURES (continued)
18. The project setup screen summarizes overall project information and
serves as the entry point for creating and editing wildlife scenarios 24
19. The highlighted areas require user input and offer wildlife scenario
function keys 25
20. The first step in creating a wildlife scenario is to click Create Wildlife
Scenario from the project window 27
21. The first step in wildlife scenario setup is the selection of a wildlife
species 27
22. Under the "Weight" tab, after the Select From Database button is clicked,
all body weight records for the selected species are displayed 30
23. The body weight records can be filtered using the radio button sorting
criteria 31
24. The options for diet entry include Select From Database and Enter
Hypothetical Data 33
25. Use the record scroll bar to view multiple diet records, if available 33
26. In most cases, when modifying a current diet item, the user will modify
the proportion of that item in the diet 35
27. The five intake rate entry windows are arranged as tabs 38
28. The drinking water intake tab after the user has elected to enter
hypothetical data 39
29. Depending on the species group, the user can select from a number of
allometric equations that can be used to estimate food intake rates 40
30. Soil ingestion rates (expressed as a percent soil in the diet) are available
for a number of species in the database 41
31. Two on-screen calculation summary tables are generated when the
calculation is initiated 43
32. The Intake Rates tab presents the adjusted intake rates, sorted by medium 44
33. The on-screen calculations page labels the results as either wet or dry
weight, depending on user preference 44
34. The Dietary Requirements-Conversion page 45
35. The intake rates summary page 46
vi
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LIST OF FIGURES (continued)
36. The options page for report generation, including the selection of the
scenario, the report type, and the report options 46
37. The project summary report printed from the project window 48
38. The overview report presents a general scenario description 48
39. The species summary report provides background information on the
selected species from the database 50
40. The weight summary report provides the weight selected for the scenario
and background information about the underlying study 51
41. The diet summary report presents the selected diet and background
information from the underling study 52
42. The intake summary report presents a table of the intakes and adjusted
intakes and supporting information from the underlying studies 53
43. The calculations report presents the calculated itemized daily intake rates
and supporting information 54
44. The user can copy a report output and paste the output as an image into
another file 55
45. When input data are missing and a user initiates an action, this error may
occur 56
46. This is another variant of a missing data error window 57
47. This error window appears when a user clicks Sum Proportion to 1 for a
mixed diet (some items from the database and others that the user
entered) 58
48. When linking scenarios, this error box may open 58
vn
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PREFACE
This document was prepared by the staff of the National Center for Environmental
Assessment. Subcontracting support was provided by ICF Consulting, TN & Associates, and
Menzie-Cura & Associates. The Wildlife Scenario Builder (WSB) user's guide provides
background information on the application environment, introduces the components of the
application, and provides stepwise instructions for accessing the database and setting up and
running the application. Development of the guide coincides with the release of the beta-test
version of the WSB.
The guide is intended to be used by any party employing this application and will allow
any new user to operate the WSB without further instruction. The data provided in the WSB
have undergone review as part of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency quality assurance
procedures. However, there has been no attempt to evaluate the quality of the original studies
and associated data; it is the user's responsibility to ensure that the literature and data are applied
appropriately to meet their objectives. Users of the WSB, therefore, are strongly encouraged to
retrieve the original literature and confirm input values for any studies that are important to the
exposure assessment.
All WSB programming code has been evaluated and thoroughly checked using a variety
of input data. Functionality tests show the application is stable and components and calculations
function as designed. Compatibility tests show the application is compatible with the Windows
7 operating system (2012). A Usability review was conducted and errors found during the
review were fixed or otherwise mentioned in this Guide. Any suspect errors and technical
questions regarding the use of WSB should be e-mailed to wsb@epa.gov.
Vlll
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AUTHORS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND REVIEWERS
This document was prepared by the National Center for Environmental Assessment
(NCEA). The document and the program development and review were supported by three
external project teams.
AUTHORS
Project Manager: Susan B. Norton, U.S. EPA, NCEA-W
Senior Scientist: Scott Freeman, (Formerly) U.S. EPA, NCEA-W
PROJECT TEAMS
ICF Consulting
Project Manager and Senior Scientist: Margaret McVey
Programmers: (ICF Enterprise IT Solutions): Troy Robinson, Catherine Patrick,
Christine Blincoe
Data Quality Review: Mariana Arcaya, Elizabeth Bohnett, Peter Frantz, Lauren Hall,
Krystina Hawryluk, Leonard Zwack
The ICF Project Team extracted the Wildlife Scenario Builder from the larger application
package developed by Environment Canada. ICF programmers modified the program to operate
independently. ICF scientists conducted a quality assurance review of database entries. Finally,
ICF personnel reviewed application operation.
TN & Associates, Inc. (TN&A)/Menzie-Cura & Associates, Inc. (MCA)
Project Manager: David Eskew, TN&A
Senior Scientist: Theodore Wickwire, MCA
Senior Editor: Debbie Arnett, TN&A
Programmer: Dimitriy Burmistrov, MCA
The TN&A Project Team updated the user's guide to reflect recent application updates
and extraction from the larger original application. Project scientists updated the text, added tips
to guide users around difficult steps, and inserted screen captures providing additional
explanatory power.
IX
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AUTHORS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND REVIEWERS (continued)
Environment Canada
Project Managers: Lorna Brownlee, Julie Perrault
Senior Biologists: Cathy Rogers, Julie Perrault
Programming: Sanjeev Singla, Lalita Singla, David Ward
Database: Julie Perrault, Melanie Whiteside, Shona McPherson
The Environment Canada Project Team developed a comprehensive wildlife exposure
application and associated databases from which the Wildlife Scenario Builder was derived.
This application included wildlife and chemical scenario builders.
REVIEWER
Michael Kravitz, U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati OH
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors gratefully acknowledge reviewers of previous versions of the user's guide
and application, including Rick Bennett, Anne Fairbrother, Ed Kaminski, Tim Lewis, Diane
Nacci, Leela Rao, Sharon Taylor, Sharon Thorns, and Rosemary Zaleski. Thanks to Jeffrey
White and Liejun Wu of TetraTech Inc. for fixing several final program bugs, and to Laurie
Alexander and Linda Phillips for testing the application in Windows 7.
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1. OVERVIEW OF THE USER'S GUIDE AND THE WILDLIFE
SCENARIO BUILDER
1.1. USER'S GUIDE
This document provides general guidance on how to use the Wildlife Scenario Builder
(WSB) (Version 1.0, Beta Test). It includes general background on the application and the larger
context, a summary of the databases and instructions for searching and adding records, and a
stepwise summary of WSB operation. Each narrative description is paired with the
representative application interface screen to reinforce the instructions.
Throughout the guide, underlined text indicates a clickable function key in the
application.
NOTE: Users of the application and databases described herein are cautioned regarding
application of the data. Although the data have undergone review as part of U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency quality assurance procedures, some values or studies included may be
inaccurate. There has been no attempt to evaluate the quality of the original studies and
associated data; it is the user's responsibility to ensure that the literature and data are applied
appropriately to meet study objectives. Users of the WSB, therefore, are strongly encouraged to
retrieve the original literature and confirm input values for any studies that are important to the
exposure assessment.
1.1.1. Practice Scenarios
To facilitate learning how to use the WSB, practice scenarios, denoted by a ^-and
italicized text, are provided at the end of each application step to assist the new user in
assembling a WSB scenario. The practice scenario (Mink - Mean Values) is presented to
demonstrate application functionality. The data are adapted from a probabilistic risk assessment
conducted by Moore et al. (1999). The assessment evaluated risks to mink and kingfishers from
exposure to methylmercury and PCBs at a portion of the Department of Defense's Superfund
site, East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) in Oak Ridge, TN. For the wildlife exposure parameters,
the authors used data from EPA's Wildlife Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA, 1993). To
conduct a Monte Carlo assessment, they estimated value distributions for the parameters likely to
substantially influence the results. For the remaining parameters, the authors used point
estimates. The exposure results are reported as distributions (graphically) and as median,
minimum, and maximum values. The advantage of using information from Moore et al. (1999)
as a practice data set is that it provides an example of real-world data availability and
assumptions used to address data gaps. To maximize utility, while reviewing the guide, the user
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should open the WSB and enter the practice scenario data as instructed to illustrate each
application step.
1.1.2. Tip Boxes
The WSB is offered in beta-test form to users. At certain steps in the application, the
program may not perform as expected, or the user could benefit from additional information.
Tip boxes are provided throughout the text for topics that require a more detailed description or
for steps in the application that require a specific, sometimes non-intuitive approach. To
continue to use the application when a problem is encountered, apply the suggested tip. In a case
in which a solution has not been provided, save inputs, shut down the WSB, and restart the
program.
1.2. WILDLIFE SCENARIO BUILDER
1.2.1. Background and Description
The WSB is a software product developed in Microsoft Visual Basic that provides an
efficient, systematic, and transparent means of estimating wildlife exposure. The program was
originally developed as part of a larger effort initiated by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS)
of Environment Canada, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to
facilitate and enhance wildlife risk assessment in North America. As presented in this guide, the
WSB is a stand-alone application designed to calculate the intake rates and metabolic
requirements for wildlife receptors. It provides the user with a tool for estimating intake and
assimilation for a variety of North American wildlife species. The application is most useful for
screening-level risk assessments, but it can be adapted to more detailed characterizations of risk.
The outputs from the WSB may be combined with chemical data to estimate wildlife
exposures independent of the WSB. However, the WSB itself focuses exclusively on biological
functions that impact intake, generating adjusted intake rates itemized by diet component, with a
consideration of metabolic requirements of each organism. The application produces intake rates
using the weights of diet items ingested, volume of water ingested, and volume of air inhaled.
To utilize the intake rates generated by the WSB to estimate exposure to chemicals, the user can
combine the WSB output with measured or estimated concentrations of chemicals in the
different diet items, air, soil, sediment, or water. To normalize the exposure by organism weight
(e.g., mg/kg-day), the same body weight is used as the one used to develop the intake rates.
In the WSB, the user selects a species, a body weight, a diet (in terms of both scope and
relative abundance of diet items), and physiological intake rates for air, drinking water, food,
soil, and sediments. Based on the data selected by the user, the WSB estimates the organism's
daily requirements/intake as units of media taken in per day for air (m3), drinking water (L), and
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food (g). The application includes a comprehensive wildlife database from which the user may
select inputs and a life history database that provides more detailed species information. Site-
and user-specific data may also be entered.
The WSB includes a database of exposure parameters (i.e., allometric equations for
estimating intake rates, assimilation efficiencies, gross energy values, body weights, diets, and
intake information) and a separate life history database, which provides supplemental species-
specific information.
1.2.2. Application Components
1.2.2.1. Functional Components
The WSB is divided into a number of functional components, including project
organization, scenario development, calculation, and reporting, which are described briefly
below. Figure 1 provides an overview of the components of the WSB.
Life History Database
view only
Project
Manager
Module
Wildlife
Database
Generic Data
Data entry
I
t
Data entry
Wildlife Scenario Builder
Calculator Module
Report Module
a
re
Figure 1. The organization of components of the wildlife scenario builder.
The Project Manager is used to document information about a project and to access
(i.e., create, edit, link) relevant wildlife scenarios. A project consists of two key elements: (1)
background information, including a general description of the project (e.g., its context, the
purpose or circumstances of the project), its geographic location, potential contacts (e.g., author,
author affiliation), and comments to facilitate the interpretation of exposure estimates; and (2)
links to all wildlife scenarios required for the intake calculations of interest.
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In the Scenario Builder, data for characterizing the wildlife organism are entered. The
species, weight, and diet, as well as intake rates for air, water, food energy, soil, and sediments,
are all entered when creating a scenario.
The Calculator executes and displays all calculations. This component performs
calculations associated with the wildlife scenario, including (1) organism-specific daily
requirements for air, water, and food and incidental ingestion of soil and sediments; and (2)
conversion of calorie-based dietary requirements to weight-based dietary requirements based on
the caloric content of the different diet items and their proportion in the diet on a wet-weight or
dry-weight basis.
Reports can be generated after the calculations have been completed. The report module
is the venue for obtaining hard-copy (printed) output from the WSB. Users can print directly to a
printer, print in Portable Document Format (PDF) (if Adobe PDF Writer is loaded), or copy and
paste the report pages to another program as image files.
1.2.2.2. Databases
The life history database and the wildlife database contain information on 49 North
American species of wildlife, including 24 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 3 species of
amphibians, and 5 species of reptiles. The life history database contains natural history
information (e.g., population dynamics distribution, habitat, diet, reproductive and other seasonal
activities) and physiological data (body weight and intake requirements for air, water, and
food/energy) that are most relevant to wildlife exposure assessment, as well as information on
ecologically similar species of the same class. The database is a supplemental resource. It
includes the data in the wildlife database and additional species-specific information and can be
accessed outside of other WSB functions. The information in the database was extracted
primarily from EPA's Wildlife Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA, 1993). Existing records
cannot be modified and new records cannot be added. The database has undergone a basic
quality review by Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) personnel.
The wildlife database and the generic data comprise the principal input parameters used
to calculate the diet. Species-specific data include body weights and diets. Generic values
include allometric equations, assimilation efficiencies, and moisture and gross energy contents.
The wildlife and generic databases are populated with base inputs. These data cannot be
modified and are qualified on the basis of the review.
Data within each database are qualified with one of the following codes:
EPA-Vetted: EPA contractors and staff performed the final quality assurance review.
CWS-Vetted: Environment Canada staff performed a quality assurance review.
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User-entered data can be modified and is qualified as User-Vetted, i.e., no external regulatory
quality assurance review occurred. Each user is responsible for quality assurance. User-entered
data are also listed as User-Defined and User-Modified in the WSB.
1.2.2.3. Data Entry
The WSB contains data entry options where the user can directly enter wildlife data or
generic data. Data entry in this portion of the WSB directly supports application operation
through the wildlife database. Two types of data entry are available. First, the user may enter
data for specific species. For species-specific data entry, all input parameters (e.g., species
name, weight, and diet [intake rates rely on allometric equations]) are entered in a wildlife
database. Second, the user may enter generic data applicable to wildlife groups. These data are
entered by category, such as allometric equation, assimilation efficiency, and gross energy.
1.2.2.4. Help System
The internal help module provides documentation and assistance, including definitions,
explanations, and instructions for the WSB. Access to help is provided through the help header
on the application screen or through issue-specific clickable help icons.
1.2.3. Input Data
To estimate intake and metabolism, the user begins by creating a project that includes
the wildlife information needed to estimate exposures. General information about a project is
saved in a project file identified as a "*.PWC" file in the project subdirectory of the WSB (e.g.,
program files\WSB\[USER]\Project). Data for each species scenario (i.e., combination of
species exposure assumptions) for each project are saved in a separate file(s): the wildlife
scenario builder file(s) or the "*.WSB" file. The wildlife scenario files are saved in the scenario
subdirectory. Each project file identifies the wildlife scenario files that are associated with it.
Two example projects and the variety of scenarios that might be assigned to a project are shown
below.
Project 1. Mink Assessment Project 2. Aquatic-Based Wildlife
Scenario 1. Mink Mean Values Scenario 1. Mink
Scenario 2. Mink 95th Percentile Values Scenario 2. Belted Kingfisher
Scenario 3. Mink Minimum Values Scenario 3. Eastern Box Turtle
"Project 1, Scenario 1" is developed further in this guide, and practice data are integrated into
each step.
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Each of the wildlife scenario files (stored in *.WSB file) includes the following
information:
General Information
Species Name
Body Weight for Scenario
Scenario Description
Intake Rates
Air intake rate (input or allometric equation)
Drinking water intake rate (input or allometric equation)
Food intake rate (input or allometric equation)
Incidental soil ingestion (input or value from application)
Incidental sediment ingestion (input only)
Composition of Diet
Basis of Estimate
Wet or dry weight
Type of measurement (e.g., % volume)
Material examined (e.g., stomach contents)
Diet, and for Each Diet Item:
Proportion in diet
Moisture content
Gross energy content
Assimilation efficiency
Trophic level
For a given project and wildlife scenario, only one value is input for each wildlife
exposure parameter. In order to represent average characteristics of the local wildlife population
and characteristics that might maximize exposure, separate wildlife scenarios must be created for
the average values and the values that would maximize exposure.
1.2.4. Wildlife Scenario Builder Output
After a project and its associated wildlife scenario files have been created, the user
initiates calculations. The calculations follow the approach described in the EPA's Wildlife
Exposure Factors Handbook (U.S. EPA, 1993). The completed calculations are displayed on the
monitor (user interface) and can be sent directly to a printer or saved as a file on a disk (e.g.,
PDF file if Adobe Acrobat PDF Writer is installed). Documentation of the data and models used
to perform the calculations can also be printed or saved.
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1.2.5. Flowchart
The general steps for developing a project and its scenarios and to obtain the printed
report are outlined in Figure 2.
OPEN the WSB
Install the WSB
From
the
Main
Menu
1. Review the Help Window Tutorial [Help/Contents, "»"]
2. Enter Setup Information [File/Setup]
3. Create New Project [Project/New]
4. Enter New Wildlife Scenario/Data [Data Entry]
5. Review Life History Database [Life History]
Create a New Project [Project/New]
6. Enter and Save General Project Information
7. Create and Save Wildlife Scenario [Create Wildlife Scenario]
8. Run Wildlife Calculator
Repeat For Each Species
| 9. Print Repo
Completed
'
EXIT the WSB
Figure 2. Overview of steps for using the Wildlife Scenario Builder (WSB),
Version 1.0, Beta Test.
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2. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO USING WSB
This section provides a step-by-step guide to using WSB (Version 1.0, Beta Test). It
covers installation (Section 2.1), database modification (Section 2.2), starting a new project
(Section 2.3), creating a wildlife scenario (Section 2.4), running the calculator (Section 2.5), and
printing out the results (Section 2.6). We highly recommend that new users work through the
practice scenario that begins in Section 2.3.
2.1. INSTALLATION, SETUP, AND INTRODUCTION
2.1.1. Installation
Installation instructions are provided below. Although installation has not been tested on
every computer configuration, it has been tested on a number of Microsoft Windows platforms.
Installation suggestions are provided to ensure a smooth process.
Before installing the WSB, the user should verify that the target PC has the following
specifications:
Pentium 586 MHz (or equivalent) or faster processor;
At least 50 MB of hard disk space;
Microsoft Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista, or Windows 7; and
VGA or higher-resolution monitor set at 1024 x 768.
The WSB communicates with a Microsoft
Access database. However, the program does not
require Microsoft Access in order to function.
Before reinstalling WSB, complete a full
uninstall and search for the C:\Program
Files\WSB folder. If this folder is still present
after uninstalling the program, manually delete
the folder and contents. This ensures a clean
TIP: HELP FILES IN WINDOWS 7
The Help files were created in Windows
Help format, which is not provided in
Windows 7. Downloading
WinHlp32.exe from the Microsoft
Support Center will enable these files to
be accessed.
installation. NOTE: A new installation will erase any
database additions created using the active WSB
installation.
To install the WSB:
1. Exit any applications that are running.
Close programs that run in the background,
TIP: RE-INSTALLATION
All entered data will be lost upon
reinstallation. Save the database
and project files for future use in a
new folder before reinstalling the
program.
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such as Microsoft Office and electronic mail.
2. Move the installation files to the PC hard drive prior to launching setup.
3. Launch the Setup.exe file (Figure 3).
Welcome to the WSB installation program.
Setup cannot install system files or update shared files if they are in use.
Before proceeding, we recommend that you close any applications you may
be running.
OK
Exit 5etup
Figure 3. The WSB introductory setup pop-up window and warning
regarding open applications.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the WSB.
5. Click OK. NOTE: If the user exits the setup process (by clicking Exit Setup) at any
point in the process, the setup program will step through the removal of installed files
up to the interruption point (Figure 4).
WSB Setup
W5B 5etup was interrupted before your new software was fully installed.
You can run W5B 5etup in its entirety at a later time to complete the installation,
Figure 4. A warning box appears when the user exits the setup program in
progress.
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6. To change the installation directory, click the Change Directory button. Otherwise,
click the large desktop button (Figure 5).
WSB Setup
Begin the installation by clicking the button below,
Click this button to install WSB software to the specified destination
directory,
Directory:
C:\Program Files\WSB\
Change Directory
Exit Setup
Figure 5. The user is offered three options during setup: (1) install the
program in the default directory, (2) modify the target directory, or (3) exit
setup.
The program may now be opened and
accessed. The program is found under WSB under
Programs and is WSB 1.0. To start the WSB, click
on the desktop icon. The logo for the WSB appears
in the center of the screen for a few seconds,
followed by a gray window requesting completion of
entry of setup information. Click OK (Figure 6).
2.1.2. Setup
General program setup screens appear when
the WSB application is opened for the first time.
These setup screens can also be accessed by clicking
on File/Setup from the primary WSB screen. Four
setup screens require user attention:
TIP: INSTALLATION
If updated program files have been
provided, after completion of
installation, click on C:\Program
Files\WSB. Copy the new files into
this folder and overwrite the existing
files.
TIP: PROGRAM ERROR ON
STARTUP
In some cases after installation, the
MS Access database (wsb.mdb) is
set to read-only. This will prevent
the program from opening. Right-
click with the mouse on the database
file and deselect read only. Re-open
the WSB.
10
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Welcome to WSB. You are a new user.
Please complete WSB Setup Information before proceeding,
Add User Information on the User Setup tab.
Add default comments on the Comments Setup tab.
Add Report header default values on the Report Setup tab,
Thank you!
OK
Figure 6. When the installation process is complete, the user is prompted to
set up the newly installed program.
General setup information,
Comments setup information,
User setup, and
Reports setup information.
Navigation from screen to screen is accomplished by clicking on the folder tabs. This
form of navigation between screens is used throughout the WSB.
2.1.2.1. General Setup
The setup screens are presented below. In the first setup screen, the General Setup tab
indicates where various files in the WSB are stored (i.e., drive and directory path) (Figure 7).
The user may select where the project files are stored on the PC. By default, the WSB creates
subfolders and establishes linkages for data storage within the WSB program file.
At a minimum, it is recommended that all files be stored on the PC used for the WSB
application (not on a network or web-based storage). As general practice, accept the WSB
default file locations. Although the WSB may be able to track new file locations, to ensure
program and file stability, it is recommended that file locations set by the WSB remain
unchanged. Moving project files will destabilize the WSB.
11
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General SetupJ Comments Setup I User Setup | Reports Setup
Database Path and File Name:
Export Path:
Project File(s) Path:
ScenarioFile(s)Path:
Report File(s):
C:\Program Files\WSB\WSB.MDB
C:\Program Files\WSB\Export
C:\ProgramFiles\WSB\WTWPortland\Proiect
C:\ProgramFiles\WSB\WTWPortland\Scenario
C:\ProgtamFiles\WSB\WTWPordand\Report
Figure 7. From the General Setup screen, the user can modify the program
file storage locations. Accepting the default locations is recommended.
2.1.2.2. Comments Setup
In the second setup screen, Comments Setup, the user specifies the name of the different
comment fields (Figure 8). Comments are tracked by the WSB. The default template for
entering comments on the input data includes four subheaders:
Rationale (for selecting/using that particular input value),
Quality (for any data quality issues),
Assumptions (for assumptions that accompany use of the input value), and
Uncertainty (for the major uncertainties associated with using that value for a specific
project).
Two lines of comment space are saved for each subheader. On this screen, the user can
modify one of the default comment fields or add additional comment fields. Note that any field
entered or modified on this screen will appear in all projects created using this WSB application
installation. To edit a comment, click on an existing comment and type over it with the new
name. To add a comment field, enter the name in the entry cell and click Add.
2.1.2.3. User Setup
On the user setup screen, enter name and business contact information (Figure 9). This
information is not required to run the application, but entering this information is recommended.
12
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General Setup [Comments Setup .| User Setup | Reports belup
Comment
Quality
Assumptions
Uncertainty
Add
Figure 8. In the Comments Setup screen, the user can modify the comment
headers that will appear in all files created from this installation.
General Setup 1 Comments Setup [ Use.! Setup j Reports Setup
User Information
User Name
Address
Postal Code | Province/State
E-mail Address
I
Organization
City
Country
Phone | Fan
Figure 9. Enter user information (name, company, address, contact
information) for the specific installation of the WSB.
13
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2.1.2.4. Reports Setup
The final setup is the reports setup (Figure 10). Report headings are generated
automatically and provide the file name, date, and report type. This feature is not operational in
Version 1.0, Beta Test of the WSB.
General Setup ] Comments S elup ] User Setup [ Reports Setup .|
Report Header"!
| Report Header2
Figure 10. Enter standard report headers that will appear in all reports
generated from the specific installation.
2.1.2.5. Exit WSB Setup
Once the setup information has been entered, click Save to return to the home screen for
the WSB. The WSB automatically saves entered data as the user moves from one tab to the next.
However, periodically click the I H- button to confirm that all entries are saved.
To exit without saving changes made under a tab, click on the *j button (or the * I
button in the upper right hand corner of the screen).
The information entered under WSB Setup will apply to all subsequent uses of this WSB
installation. Thus, repeating this step is not necessary unless a change to existing setup
information is required.
When the exit process is complete, the application returns to the primary WSB project
screen.
2.1.3. WSB Introduction
To use this program for the first time, the user may click on the Help option (far right),
then Contents. This will open the window entitled "Help in the WSB." Clicking on "Help
Index" brings up a window entitled "Welcome to WSB 1.0." From this window, the user may
proceed through a series of help records using the "»" button on the help menu bar. NOTE:
clicking on "Help Topics" will bypass the ordered series of help records and open a specific
index topic.
14
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For an organized tutorial on WSB use,
the series of help windows includes the
following:
What is the WSB?
How the WSB Works
WSB Structure
Getting Started
Getting Help
Contacts
Development Team
Project Funding
Technical Details
TIP: NAVIGATING THE HELP TUTORIAL
In the help menu, the "»" and "«" tabs
move the help tutorial screens forward and
backward (NOTE: Those tabs also are
used to move through the alphabetical list
of help topics). To select specific help
topics, either search the index or scroll
through the titles on the left side of the
screen. To return to the tutorial, close and
then reopen the help index.
In many of the help windows, there are links to additional help windows. The links are
identified in underlined green text. Clicking on the Back button will display the previous
window. If the font size in the help windows is too small, click on the Options selection on the
help main menu bar and change.
Exit the help tutorial by clicking on the 2U button in the upper right-hand corner of the
help window.
Each screen in the WSB also contains a
JLJ button for accessing a help page specific
to the screen.
TIP:
Button
Not every help button leads to text in this
version.
2.1.4. Control Buttons and Menu Icons
The main menu bar selection and the generic control buttons for the user screens for the
WSB are shown below. The functioning of the main menu bar selections above the icons (i.e.,
File, Project, Data Entry, Life History, and Help) are discussed above. The functions of the icon
buttons on the main toolbars are described in Figure 11.
2.2. ADDING DATA TO WSB DATABASES
The wildlife database contains wildlife exposure values and input parameters for the
exposure calculations. The life history database includes expanded information on the life
history of each species described in the wildlife database. The databases are available to the user
on all data entry screens within a wildlife scenario through the Select From Database button.
The user may enter new wildlife species and exposure parameters into the wildlife database;
however, existing entries may not be modified. The new database entries will be available for
use on any projects created with the specific WSB installation. As discussed above, data in the
15
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distributed database have been reviewed. New entries or modifications of existing entries will be
assigned the label "user-vetted" or "user-defined."
The two primary tool bars in the WSB include:
V Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) - [Project]
File Project Data Entry Life History Help
AND
\ Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) - [Project List]
File Project Data Entry Life History Help
±1
Create a new project, scenario, or other type of record (NOTE: in
the life history database, it is also uaed to clear the search
criteria
Open an existing project, scenario, or other type of record
Close the current project, scenario, or other type of record
Save the entered data
Select this item for the scenario
Perform the calculations (e.g., wildlifee intake calculations)
: Print the report
: View Help Index files
Figure 11. Functions of the icons on the main toolbars.
16
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The two data entry options are Wildlife
Data Entry (Figure 12) and Generic Data Entry.
In addition, the Life History selection on the
main menu bar provides a database query tool
for reviewing supplemental data in the life
history database; data entry into the life history
database is not available.
TIP: DATABASE UPDATES
The WSB databases are specific to the installed
program. As a result, additions created in one
version will be lost should the WSB require
reinstallation. Remember to save any new
additions as a Microsoft Access database under
a new file name in a separate folder. Although
this has not been thoroughly tested, it may be
possible to save the database, reinstall the WSB,
and then replace the new database with the old
one. The databases are provided as read-only
MS Access files. Before using the WSB, verify
that the read-only checkbox has been
deselected.
\ Wildlife Data Entry
Currently Viewing Data for the following Species
Species | Weight ] Diet]
- Species Information
Common Name:
Classification
Scientific Name:
Data Source I User ^1
Tawon: 1 T I
Kingdom: Not applicable. Subkingdorn: not applicable. Phylum: not found. Class: not reported. Order: not applicable. Family:
not found
General Characteristics
Distribution:
Habitat: |
General Diet: I
Related Species: r
References
References
References
References
- References-
Add References
All References
Figure 12. The primary wildlife database entry form includes three
primary data inputs: species, weight, and diet. Intake allometric equations
are entered in generic data entry.
17
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2.2.1. Wildlife Data Entry
The WSB includes a comprehensive relational database, the wildlife database. This
database contains input values that can be used within the WSB. However, some users may wish
to add new species and data. From the main menu bar under Data Entry, select Wildlife Data
Entry. This screen is dominated by a large table of existing species data. The user may sort by
taxon or use the Browse Species Information button to apply more detailed sorting tools. To
enter a new species, click on an empty row in the wildlife data entry table or click on the
(add new record) button. This will open a
new data entry screen consisting of three
input tabs: species, weight, and diet (Figure
12). Enter the information required under
each of these tabs. Where available, the
user may click on a button to select data
from a list of inputs (e.g., Classification).
As discussed above, entered data will be
labeled as user-vetted, indicating the lack of
EPA review.
TIP: NEW DATA FOR EXISTING SPECIES
Database functionality will not permit
modification of EPA- and CWS-vetted data.
However, users may enter additional diet and
intake study data to an existing record. In
addition, the user can enter a new record with
a modified name, e.g., Robin2, and new data.
Finally, the user may modify existing records
within a wildlife scenario, but the
modifications will not extend to the database
and are therefore not permanent.
TIP: ADDED REFERENCE NOT IN LIST
If a newly added reference does not appear in the
reference list, close the reference screen and
reopen. The reference should now appear in the
master list.
2.2.2. References
References may be included for
all inputs. To select references, begin by
clicking on Add References in the
bottom right-hand corner of the main
input screen. This displays the full list of
references already included in the database or added previously (Figure 13). If the applicable
reference is already in the database, highlight it and click Select. The reference will appear in
the lower half of the screen with four option check boxes. Check off which references apply to
which input types (distribution, habitat,
TIP: ALLOMETRIC EQUATIONS
The base allometric equation may not be
modified. However, new inputs may be entered
in Generic Data Entry.
diet, or related). To add a new reference,
click on the -SJ button. A reference data
entry screen will appear. Save and close
this screen when reference entry is
complete. Next, select the new reference
*>. I
from the reference list. Click the MJ button to close and return to the data input tabs. New
species information, once saved, will be part of the overall database for this specific WSB
18
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installation. Clicking on the Reference button next to each species description will highlight the
applicable references in the lower half of the screen.
+ Reference
- n x
Currently Viewing Data for the following Species
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Filter
Type last name of first author or select reference from list:
K
3
_no reference placeholder. ... *
I
Abbott, K.D.. 1 974. Ecotypic and racial variation in the water and energy metabolism of Peromyscus rnaniculatus from the
Abies, E.D.. 1974. Ecology of the red fox in North America. In: The Wild Canids: Their Systematic?, Behavioral Ecology,
Adamcik, R.S., A.W. Tood and LB. Keith. 1979. Demographic and dietary responses of red-tailed hawks during a
Adams. N.A., D.L. ClaussenandJ. Skillings. 1989. Effects of temperature on voluntary locomotion of the eastern bow
./
Reference
Abies, E.D.. 1969. Home range studies of red foxes fVulpes vulpes]. J. Mammal.
50:108-120.
Abramsky,Z. and C.R. Tracy. 1980. Relation between home range size and
regulation of population size in Microtus ochroqaster. Oikos 34: 347-355.
Afton, A.D.. 1984. Influence of age and time on reproductive performance of
female lesser scaup. Auk 1 01 : 255-265.
Distribution
r
* r
F
Habitat
W
r
r
Diet
r
PI
r
Related
r
r
r
Figure 13. References are sorted (2), selected (3), and categorized (4), from
this primary reference screen. New references may be added by clicking on
the "add new record" button (1).
2.2.3. Generic Data Entry
In addition to entering new
species exposure data, users may also
enter exposure modeling data. These
data generally do not apply to a single
species, but rather to a group, such as
mammals. Data entry, therefore, is
separate from the species-specific data
entry. Under Generic Data Entry, the
user can enter data for allometric
equations, assimilation efficiencies,
gross energy, moisture, soil ingestion,
and trophic level (Figure 14). Each
option is accessed through Data Entry/Generic Data Entry on the main menu bar.
TIP: INACTIVE KEYS
On some pages, function keys and pull-down
menus may appear to be active but will not
perform any function. For example, on the data
entry screen, the Data Source pull-down menu
appears to be active. However, the user cannot
modify the selection. Any function key that does
not appear to function should be considered
locked for that window/operation. Clicking on
the inactive keys, though frustrating, will not
corrupt the data or scenario.
19
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V Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) - [Project List]
Data Entry
Wildlife Data Entry
Project Name
Generic Data Entry >
Test Project 1
Test Project 2
Allornetric Equations
Assimilation Efficiency
Gross Energy
Moisture
Soil Ingestion
Trophic Level
Figure 14. Access the generic data entry windows through the data entry
tab on the main WSB.
When a data type is selected, a window opens with a table of existing data (similar to the
reference section) (Figure 15). The user may click the -SJ button to create a new entry using a
formatted data entry screen for the particular data type (Figure 16). When the data have been
entered, click !"[, then exit the screen. During application setup, the user may select this newly
entered data for a particular scenario/project.
+ Select Assimilation Efficiency
nJ
11
Assimilation Efficiency Details
Consumer Name
birds
birds
birds
birds of prey
ducks
eagles, seabirds
geese
geese, grouse
grouse, ptarmigans
lemmings, voles
mammals
Food Item
fruit pulp, skin
fruit pulp, skin.
grasses, leaves
birds, small
aquatic
fish
emerqents (e.g..
bulbs, rhizomes
sterns, twigs.
mature grasses
small birds.
Lifestage
Component
Assirnilat
Mean
64
51
47
78
23
79
39
56
34
41
84
m^mn-u=ik h^h Ml
Classification
Assignment:
Reft
rence:
on Efficiency Value (kcal/g) *
Mm
Max
_>]
Kingdom: not found, Subkingdom: not found. Phylum: not found. Class: not found. Order: not found. Family: not
found
1
^
Figure 15. A sample of a generic data summary table of available inputs.
In this case, a summary of assimilation efficiencies is displayed.
20
-------
Q Assimilation Efficiency Data Entry
Consumer Classification
Tawon:
Consumer Name: |~
Consumer Genus: I
Data Source lUser
Consumer Species: [~~
Food Item Classification
Food Item Name: |~
Food Item Genus: f
Food Group: |~~
Food Item Species: |~
Classification
Kingdom: not found, Subkingdom: not found. Phylum: not found. Class: not found. Order: not found. Family: not found
Mean: ,Min: , Maw: .Variance: , Variance Type: not found. Data Source: User
Reference
Reference
Figure 16. A blank generic data entry form.
2.2.4. Life History Database
The life history database can be accessed as a supplemental information source; however,
it is independent of operations within a project/scenario file. This database may also be accessed
from within the WSB using the Browse Species Information button. The life history database
includes the data from the wildlife database as well as additional life history information. Data
in this database are in both narrative and
numeric formats. In contrast to the wildlife
database, the data may not be drawn directly
into the WSB from the life history database.
To access the life history database
from the main menu bar, click on Life
History. This opens a user-friendly database
interface that allows the user to scroll
TIP; ACCESSING LIFE HISTORY RECORDS
Once the species of interest is located in the
list on the main life history database screen,
open the record by double-clicking the
mouse. Using the select J^J button will
result in a WSB program error, requiring a
computer restart.
through all species in the database and also provides sorting functionality (Figure 17). By
entering a species name, selecting a taxon from the pull-down menu, or entering diet, habitat, or
trophic levels and then clicking the * I button, the user can apply the entered criteria to sort the
data.
21
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Si Life History Search
^Jj
Search Criteria
Species: F
Taxon: l~
Diet Item: |~
Trophic Level: from |~~
Habitat:
^1
Selected Species
K
^1
Lomrnon Name
Bullfrog
TM
Scientific Name
Rana catesbeiana
M i-.hni-.kH-, almi .^ ..jlrJrW-^-anti
Tanon *
Amphibian
A.-**- ^
General Information o
Diet and Intake Rate Information
Population and Habitat Dvnarni
Seasonal Activities
Body Size and Growth Rate
Figure 17. The search/filter tool within the life history database provides
the user with multiple search options (1). Once a record is located, the user
can select the information type to view (2).
2.2.4.1. Using Search Criteria
Five types of search criteria are available: species, taxon, diet item, trophic level ranges,
and habitat (Figure 17). To locate a specific species, enter the species name in the field. A
partial name may also work. After entering the name, click the search * I button. Taxa such as
birds or mammals may be selected from the pull-down menu to narrow the options. For the user
who is unsure which wildlife species to examine in a project, the remaining search criteria may
be of assistance:
Habitat: Select a habitat from among the drop-down list of options (_LJ button).
Trophic Level: Select a range of trophic levels (e.g., 3.5 to 5.5 for top carnivores).
The trophic level must be entered as a range and not a single value. A single value
will return a null set. The ranges are selected to include a range of species. Trophic
level refers to the position of an
organism (either predator or prey)
in the food chain. Organisms at
the lowest trophic level are plants,
which, by definition, derive their
energy from the sun. Organisms
at the second trophic level are
herbivores (animals that consume
plants). Organisms at the third
trophic level are primary
TIP; HABITAT SEARCH CRITERION
Once a habitat is selected as a search
criterion, habitat must be used in all future
searches, i.e., there is no option to deselect
habitat. To initiate a search without habitat,
close the search tool and reopen.
22
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carnivores (animals that consume herbivores) or omnivores (animals that consume
plants and herbivores). Organisms at higher trophic levels are secondary carnivores
(animals that consume carnivores) or omnivores (animals that consume plants,
herbivores, and carnivores).
Diet Item: Type in the name of a diet item of interest (e.g., fish).
2.2.4.2. Viewing Life History Information
Once a species has been selected ,^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^_
from the list, the user can view a range of
life history information. To open a
record, highlight the species name on the
main menu bar of the database and
double-click the mouse to open the record.
Five categories of life history information
are provided in the database as indicated
in the blue underlined text at the right-
hand side of the window. Highlight one of the species in the species list and then click on a
category of information to view. Once entries matching the sort criteria are highlighted, the user
may choose to view general information, diet and intake rate information, population and habitat
dynamics data, seasonal activities data, or body size and growth rate data. Functionality is read-
only.
TIP; LIFE HISTORY DATA VIEWING
If the user clicks on a specific information type to
view from the Life History Search screen (e.g.
diet and intake rate information) before selecting
a species on the Search screen, WSB may
generate an error message and the program may
close, requiring the user to restart. Always load a
species in the search screen prior to viewing
detailed information.
2.3. STARTING A NEW PROJECT
The WSB operates on a file called a project. A project may represent a site or a portion
of a site, but it is the unit of operation for the application. Each project is divided into scenarios.
A scenario represents an application run for a single species and set of inputs.
To create a new project, start by selecting Project/New from the main menu bar (Figure
18) to display the data entry window titled [Project]. Later, Project/Open may be used to access
an existing project from the subdirectory C:\WSB, which will display the information saved
under the project file name in the [Project] form window. A project must be created before any
scenarios can be developed.
23
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V Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) - [Project]
3 File Project Data Entry Life History Help
_QJ
Project |
Author: |EPA
Description:
Location: |
Comments:
e^State: |
Linked Scenarios
| Species
Eicenario File Path
Scenario File Name
Scenario Description:
Calculation:
Unlink Scenario Close
Figure 18. The project setup screen summarizes overall project
information and serves as the entry point for creating and editing wildlife
scenarios.
During project creation, provide a
other project information, including
author name, description, location/state,
and additional comments (Figure 19).
Project documentation is an important
component of project setup, though not
required. The fields for documenting a
project include "Description" and
"Comments." They are valuable for
summarizing key assumptions or
providing other users with project/site
details that may not be apparent from the
entered data in the other screens.
project name. After entering the project name, enter
TIP: AUTHOR NAME
The author name listed in the project
information screen does not appear on the
project reports. Instead, the name that appears
on the reports is the name entered under
Program Setup (General Information). Also,
the names "created by" and "modified by" do
not appear on the scenario or species reports.
To associate printed reports with scenarios, use
a descriptive scenario file name (e.g. mink -
mean - j smith). The file name will be printed
in every report header.
24
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V Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) - [Project]
3 File Project Data Entry Life History Help
Project |Mink Practice Data
Author: |EPA
Description:
Location:
Anytown
Province/State: [Washington, DC
Linked Scenario?
| Specie
| Scenario File Path
| Scenario File Name | Last Modified
Scenario Description:
Create Wildlife Scenario
£dit Scenario
Calculations
Link Scenario
Unlink Scenario
Figure 19. The highlighted areas require user input and offer wildlife
scenario function keys.
Click to save the project and provide a file name. Once the project is saved, the
scenario editing buttons become active. After a project has been created and saved, the user may
delete the project by highlighting the project row and pressing the delete key on the keyboard.
*> PRACTICE SCENARIO - Create A
New Project. Either click on the -SJ
button or click Project, then New. Enter a
project name (e.g., Mink Practice Project).
Next, enter the author name, a description
of the project that includes date and time,
location, and any other comments. Click
the !"! button and enter a file name for
the project (e.g., Mink Test Case). After
saving the project by clicking OK, the
scenario building tools will be active.
(NOTE: The user cannot enter comments
in the scenario description field at the bottom of this window. That field shows the descriptions
of the wildlife scenario after they have been created.) To exit the project, click on the close
TIP; LINK AND UNLINK
Scenarios, when developed, are assigned/
linked to the open project. Although an unlink
button and a link button are available, these
buttons have limited functionality in this
version of the WSB. This unlink button may
be used to delete/remove a scenario from a
project. To move scenarios between
computers and projects, replicate the
path/folders on the destination folder and copy
and paste the target scenario in Windows
Explorer.
25
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folder J*j button or the X | button in the upper right-hand corner. To continue building the
project, do not exit this window. Instead, click on the Create Wildlife Scenario button at the
bottom of the window.
2.4. CREATING A WILDLIFE SCENARIO
To create a new wildlife scenario,
open the project window. Click on Create
Wildlife Scenario at the bottom of the
project window. Once created, the
scenario inputs may be revisited and edited
(Edit Scenario) as needed.
TIP: DELETING A WILDLIFE SCENARIO
To remove a wildlife scenario from a project,
highlight the scenario and click Unlink. To
delete a scenario permanently, locate the
following folder C:\Program Files\WSB\
[USER NAME]\Scenario. Locate the scenario
file [name].WSB and delete.
2.4.1. Overview of Creating a Wildlife
Scenario
A wildlife scenario consists of species taxonomic information, body weight data, diet
composition, and intake rates. These inputs are either selected from the existing database or
drawn from user-supplied data sources.
Throughout the scenario-building process,
when a required input is not entered, the
WSB will provide a warning. The input
screens are organized by tabs, and
navigation between tabs is accomplished
by clicking on the tab, name. Additional
input and informational screens are nested
within each tabbed sheet. Specific details for each input are provided in the next section.
For each tab, the user is offered two options for data entry: Select from Database or
Enter Hypothetical Data. NOTE: For the species tab only, Select from Database is the only
option available because new species are entered directly into the database.
TIP: FILE SAVING
Once the initial project and scenario files are
created and saved, the WSB saves all data
entry when a screen is closed. However, to
ensure data retention, it is recommended that
users periodically and manually save inputs,
using the I "I button.
^ PRACTICE SCENARIO - Create A Wildlife Scenario. With the Mink Practice project open,
create a wildlife scenario. In this case, click on Create Wildlife Scenario at the bottom of the
project window (Figure 20). This will open the tabbed scenario input screens (Figure 21).
26
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V Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) -[Project]
| File Project Data Entry Life History Help
Project |Mink Practice Data
Description:
Location: [Anytown
Author: EPA
Province/State: [Washington, DC
Linked Scenario;-
| Spa
Scenario File Path
| Scenario File Name | Last Modified
Scenario Description:
Create Wildlife Scenario
Edit Scenario
Calculations
Link Scenario
Unlink Scenario
Figure 20. The first step in creating a wildlife scenario is to click Create
Wildlife Scenario from the project window.
1 axon. Mammal Common Name: Mink
Species | Weight ] Diet ] Intake |
Safe! from Database...
Scientific Name: Mustela vison
More Information...
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
T axon:
Species
Comments:
Mink | | Data Source: CWS vetted
Mustela vison |
Mammal T|
Rationale:
Quality:
Assumptions:
Uncertainty:
_
Scenario Description
Figure 21. The first step in wildlife scenario setup is the selection of a
wildlife species. All species are derived from the database, i.e. Select from
Database. Enter new species in the database before this step. More
Information provides a view of the entire species record.
27
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2.4.2. Steps in Creating a Wildlife Scenario
Creating a wildlife scenario requires the selection of (1) species, (2) body weight, (3)
diet, and (4) intake rates for different environmental media (Figure 21). These data entry
windows are presented as four tabs in the Create Wildlife Scenario form window. Input values
that can be used to practice creating a wildlife scenario are provided at the end of each
subsection.
2.4.2.1. Step 1: Select a Species
Under the Species tab, click on the button Select from Database (Figure 21). A drop-
down list of all of the species in the wildlife database will appear. The radio buttons are used to
filter the list by the desired taxon (e.g.,
.... ..,,.. TIP: REPEATING TEXT
to see just the bird species in the list). If
Occasionally, when adding a new species to a
scenario with existing species, the Species
Comments text from the previous scenario will
be copied into the new scenario. Delete this text
for the new scenario.
the specific species is known, highlight
(click on) the species name and click the
j*d button to select that species. The
WSB will then prompt the user to enter
a file name for the scenario.
The More Information button provides access to the full database entry for the species
selected. This option may be useful for screening the available data prior to selecting the
remaining inputs in subsequent steps. Also, as discussed in Section 3.2.4, the searchable
relational life history database is a valuable tool for researching species (click Browse Species
Information to access the life history database). If the species of interest is not in the wildlife
database, use the Data Entry functions described in Section 3.2.1 to enter the new species into
the wildlife database, or click directly on the -QJ button to enter a new species from the "Select
from database," "Select existing
species" database screen. After the
species is entered, click "close the
current project" icon to add that species
species is entered into the database,
click return to select/add that species to
the scenario. The WSB will then
TIP: SPECIES SELECTION
A species must be selected before the WSB will
allow the scenario to be saved. Clicking the
Weight, Diet or Intake tabs before selecting a
to the wildlife database. After the new spedes win bring up a waming about selecting a
species.
prompt the user to save the file and enter a file name for the scenario. The remainder of data
entry on this screen involves adding species comments, such as a rationale for selection, quality
of the data, assumptions, uncertainties, and any other comment that provides insight into the
selection of this species. Also, the user may enter scenario descriptions at the bottom of the
28
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species tab. This entry area provides
data that other users might need to
fully understand the site and
assessment goals for the specific
scenario/site. The WSB automatically
saves data entries when moving
between tabs. However, as an extra
precaution, periodically save data
using the l"l button as well.
TIP: SCENARIO NAMES
Here are a few considerations when entering a
scenario name. (1) If multiple versions of the
same species will be modeled, create a unique
name, e.g., minkl, mink2, for each entry. Note
that only a single species and series of inputs can
be entered and run from a single scenario. (2) If
the project may continue for an extended period
with a large number of species, consider
including the date in the name. (3) If multiple
versions of the same species will be used,
consider providing an area descriptor within the
name, e.g., mink-AOCl, mink-AOC3. (4) The
file name is the only unique reference to appear
on every report. Therefore, include identifying
information about the scenario and the author
(e.g., initials) in the file name.
*> PRACTICE SCENARIO - Species
Selection. The first step in scenario
development is selection of the species.
In this case, click on Select From
Database. Using the scroll bar and
the sorting keys (initial sort to
mammals), locate the mink. Select the mink by highlighting it in the list and then clicking the
^Jbutton. This will activate the scenario file-saving prompt. Save the file as mink-practice
scenario. After saving the file, the Wildlife Scenario Builder - Documentation window will be
active. All of the species taxonomic information will automatically be loaded from the database,
Enter species comments such as
rationale for selection, quality,
assumptions, uncertainties, or any other
comments. A scenario description may
also be entered. The species selected
has now been saved to this scenario file.
Note that from this point forward, every
movement between tabs activates the
saving functionality. The data are
automatically saved; however, it is
recommended that manual saves also be
included in the process.
2.4.2.2. Step 2: Select a Body Weight
Under the Weight tab, the user is
offered two options: Select from
TIP: BEWARE CHANGING SPECIES IN AN
ACTIVE SCENARIO: FILE SAVE OPTIONS ARE
REVERSED
Final testing of the WSB revealed a coding error
that reverses the save options when changing a
species within an active scenario. To change a
species, click on a scenario from the Project
window, then click Select from Database. After
selecting the new species, a pop-up menu will
ask whether you want to overwrite the current
record. Clicking No will overwrite the file.
Click Yes to bring up a box that will ask for a
new scenario name.
TIP: MOVE POP-UP SCREENS As NEEDED
The "Select Weight" pop-up screen may have to
be moved to view the "More information" tab.
29
-------
Database (to select a body weight from the WSB wildlife database) or Enter Hypothetical Data
(Figure 22). (NOTE: When Select from Database is selected, the More Information tab is
highlighted to provide additional detail regarding the body weight selected).
Select from Database...
Enter Hypothetical Data
+ Select Weight [Xj
Status
rca
ptive r Wild
-------
r iners
r Captive r Wild (? All
.
P Mean f Max f Min (~
\ C Male f^ Female (~ Unknown ( All
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Mean + Variance f Mean -Variance
Figure 23. The body weight records can be filtered using the radio button
sorting criteria.
When a body weight has been selected,
the More Information button opens the
full database entry for the selected
study. To exit the "Currently viewing
data for the Following Species" screen,
click on the JiEl button to close the
folder.
TIP: FILTERING TOOLS
In general, the filtering tools function only if the
database data are amenable to the given filter. In
most cases, the status and gender filters are
operable. However, the estimator filter is not
available for all entries in the database.
^ PRACTICE SCENARIO -Body Weisht Selection: Click on the Weisht tab. In this case, click
on Select From Database and locate the "body weight = 586 grams" (data from Mitchell, 1961)
from the database. This body weight can also be entered manually. Once located, highlight the
row and click the J^J button. This will populate the Weight tab. Enter weight comments below.
For more information on the study underlying the weight value, click on More Information.
Click to the Diet tab to save the data entries.
2.4.2.2.2. Entry of hypothetical body weight.
In some cases, the user may have actual site
data or data from a source not included in the
database. In this case, the user may enter a
study under Wildlife Data Entry or enter the
data by clicking on Hypothetical Data. This
button opens a blank body-weight entry
screen, which includes cells for the body
weight, gender of the species in the study, and
space to include the rationale, quality,
assumptions, uncertainty, and any other comments about the study. Hypothetical data are
available only in the respective scenario and are not available in additional scenarios or the
database. When the body-weight selection or entry has been completed, the data should be
TIP: DIET UNITS
It is important to remember that dietary
composition based on scat analysis does
not reflect dietary composition of the food
ingested on a wet-weight basis. Consider
carefully the "Material Examined" field
when selecting a diet from the WSB. It is
the user's responsibility to understand the
strengths and weaknesses of the dietary
measure associated with a selected diet.
31
-------
saved. To save the entry and move on to select a diet, click on the Diet tab. The data entered in
the Weight tab screen are automatically saved when transit!oning to another tab.
Body weights selected from the wildlife database will be fully documented. Hypothetical
Values require user documentation. Note that the hypothetical information is displayed in red
text to distinguish it from data included in the WSB wildlife database.
2.4.2.3. Step 3: Select a Diet
As with body weight, the user with site-specific diet data or diet data from studies not
included in the database can enter the information directly. In addition, users can select diet data
directly from the supplied wildlife database.
To enter a diet not included in the WSB wildlife database, as in the case of the practice
scenario, create the diet by selecting Enter Hypothetical Data or edit an existing diet record using
Select from Database (Figure 24). The latter option is more efficient if the study of interest is
available.
Under the Diet tab, there are two subtabs: Diet, and Diet Items. The Diet tab provides
general information about a diet study (e.g., season, gender, habitat), whereas the Diet Items tab
summarizes the input data by diet item (e.g., wet and dry weight proportion in diet, gross energy,
assimilation efficiency). To begin, click on the Select from Database button to see the first in the
series of diet composition records that are
included in the WSB for the species selected
(e.g., mink). If multiple records are available
r- ,1 , , i 1, 1, , -11 consuming. In general, it is more efficient
for the selected species, a small scroll bar will , & . . ,.' , ,.,, ,
to select an existing diet and modify that
TIP: ENTERING DIET DATA
Creating a diet can be very time-
diet to meet site-specific conditions.
be visible on the bottom of the screen (Figure
25). Navigate through the records using the
forward and backward arrows until the record
of interest is in the active window.
Once the record of interest is located on the screen, click on the [ _±J] select button. To
view all of the information in the database associated with the diet record, click on the More
Information button. To exit the "Currently viewing data for the following species" screen, click
on the ^J icon.
32
-------
Taxon Mammal Common Name: Mink
Species ] Weight Diet | Intake |
;^ jl Enter Hypothetical Data
Scientific Name: Mustela vison
More Information...
Diet
Add Diet Item Modily Current Diet Item
T
Diet Kerns
.Sum Proportions to 1.0
_t_
Diet Item
ground squirrels
insect
muskrat
small mammals
unknown mammals
Prop of
Diet (0-1)
wet
.235
.005
.565
.099
.096
Gross Energy
(Kcal / g wet
wt)
1.94
1.64
1.6
1.37
1.37
^ |
Prop ol
Diet (0-1)
dry
.232
.007
.568
.098
.095
Gross
Energy (Kcal
/ g dry wt)
5.355
5.3
4.637
426
4.26
H20SJ
64.4
51.8
63.8
64.4
64.4
^|
Gross Energy
Food Type
mammal, rat
mammal.
mammal, vole
mammal, vole
Assignment
Category
forGE
small
insects
small
small
small
Assirn.
Eff. %
91
83
91
31
91
Predator-Prey
Relationship for AE
rabbit
crickets
rabbit
rabbit
rabbit
LifeSt
not re|
not rep
not re|
not rep
not re|
i*
Figure 24. The options for diet entry include Select From Database and
Enter Hypothetical Data. This figure is a screen-shot of the Diet Items tab,
accessed after pressing Select From Database. After a diet is selected, the
user can add and modify diet item records within that diet.
Select Diet |xj
^d^i
Diet
r
Del
^
Diet I tern Prop of Gross Energy
Diet (0-1) (Kcal /g wet
wet wt)
ground squirrels .235 1.94
insect .005 1.64
muskrat .565 1.6
small mammals .099 1.37
unknown mammals .096 1.37
lurr
^nt Diet Item nererence.
T Diet Items
Data Source
Prop of Gross H20 % Gross Energy Assignment Assim.
Diet (0-1) Energy (Kcal Food Type Category E(f. %
dry /gdrywt] forGE
.232 5.355 64.4 mammal, rat small 91
.007 5.3 51.8 insects 83
.568 4.687 63.8 mammal, small 91
.038 4.28 64.4 mammal, vole small 91
.095 423 64.4 mammal, vole small 91
EPA-vetted
Predator-Prey
Relationship for AE
rabbit
crickets
rabbit
rabbit
rabbit
Arnold, T.W. and E.K. Fritzell. 1387. Food habits of prairie mink during the waterfowl breeding season. Can. J. Zool. 65:2322-2324.
D33
JRecord:! of 13 >JMJ
Figure 25. Use the record scroll bar to view multiple diet records, if
available.
33
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The diets may be modified from the diet displayed in the database. To modify the
parameters for one of the diet items in the diet selected from the database in the previous step,
highlight the diet item of interest and click
Modify Current Diet Item. The next window
displays data for that record and allows the
user to modify the inputs (Figure 26). Each
characteristic of the diet may be modified by
clicking on the appropriate selection, i.e.,
classification, moisture content, trophic level,
gross energy, or assimilation efficiency.
However, if the record selected is from the
database, these values should be reasonable.
At the bottom of the screen, the user may
modify the proportion of the selected item in
the overall diet. Enter either wet weight or
dry weight proportion in the diet. The WSB
does not convert from one to the other at this
TIP: WET vs. DRY WEIGHT
When modifying a diet item percentage, the
user may specify a new percentage in either
wet or dry weight. In this version, an entry
in one of the fields (wet or dry) does not
result in a corresponding change in the other
field. The proportions in the other field will
be recalculated as needed when the user
clicks Sum Proportion to 1 on the main diet
item interface. When entering new diet
information, modify all of the proportions
for all diet items in a given diet using only
the wet weight or only the dry weight fields.
When clicking Sum Proportion to 1,
highlight wet weight if wet proportions were
selected or input. This will modify the dry
proportions appropriately.
point. When the calculations are initiated,
the user selects either wet or dry, and at that time the WSB makes the necessary conversions.
NOTE: When manually entering proportions
of diet items for every item, clicking Sum
Proportions to 1 will result in an error. Click
OK and continue working with the WSB. The
correct calculations have been recorded.
The user may also add diet items to an
existing, database-selected diet. Click Add
Diet Item to add a new row. Enter the required
inputs for the new diet item. For all database
selections, locate the entry of interest and click
_±J to select the input.
To delete a highlighted diet item,
highlight the specific row and press the
[Delete] key. The program will ask the user to
confirm the delete request. NOTE: Once a
CWS/EPA-vetted diet record is modified, the
"Data Source "for the diet changes from
TIP: SUM DIET PROPORTION To 1
To obtain a desired proportion for each diet
item, enter each one manually, ensuring
the total sums to 1. The user should click
Sum Proportions to 1 after the
modifications and select wet or dry weight,
as appropriate to the given scenario.
NOTE: when manually entering
proportions of diet items for every item,
clicking Sum Proportions to 1 will result in
an error. Click OK and continue working
with the WSB. The correct calculations
have been recorded. The WSB does not
hold user-specified proportions constant
when the Sum Proportions to 1 function is
used to generate wet from dry weight
proportions or vice-versa. Because of
rounding errors, diet proportions may
change slightly if the user iteratively sums
proportions to 1 based on wet and dry
WPJ
34
-------
"CWS/EPA- Vetted" to "User Modified. "
+ Add/Modify Diet Item
Assignment
Diet Item Common Name: |ground squirrels
Diet Item Notes:
Classification kingdom: Animalia, Subkingdom: vertebrates. Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order:
Moisture Content
lltem: rabbit Percent Water: 64.4 - Data Source: EPA-vetted
Trophic Level Item: gray, ground, eastern fox, rock, 13-lined ground squirrel Trophic Level: 2.2 Data Source:
Gross Energy
lltem: rats Wet: 1.94 Dry: 5.355
Assimilation Efficiency Ifox eating rabbit - 91
Assign Values
Proportion (0 to 1.0) of this diet item: |.235 In wet weight
Figure 26. In most cases, when modifying a current diet item, the user will
modify the proportion of that item in the diet. However, the user can also
modify parameters such as assimilation efficiency and gross energy.
TIP: BLANK DATA ENTRY FIELDS
In many of the data entry windows, there
are data fields that are blank and cannot be
filled, even after clicking NEW. These are
data entry windows that must first be filled
via another data entry window before the
data appear in the field.
Once all diet item proportions have
been modified in either the wet-weight or the
dry-weight column proportion field, the Sum
Proportions to 1.0 button may be used to
accomplish the following tasks. First, the
WSB recalculates all of the proportions for the
selected column (e.g., either wet weight or dry
weight) so that they sum to 1.0. The
calculation algorithm maintains the original relative proportions among all of the diet items in
the selected column. Second, the WSB recalculates all of the proportions for the other column
(i.e., dry or wet) so that they reflect the proportions for the selected column and the water content
of each diet item. Finally, the proportions for the other column are adjusted to a sum of 1 on the
basis of the new proportions. Therefore, if the user selects wet weight for the calculations and
clicks on Sum Proportions to I/Wet Weight (indicating that the user is running the calculations
with wet weights), then the dry weight proportions will be modified to reflect the wet weight
proportions (however, rounding may result in different percentages).
The user may also Enter Hypothetical Data. Click on Enter Hypothetical Data and the
WSB will ask if the data are wet weight. A warning about overwriting existing data will appear.
35
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Finally, a blank Diet Items screen (or Diet tab) will appear. Click Add Diet Item to begin
assembling the customized diet.
^ PRACTICE SCENARIO - Modifying An Existing Diet. Click on the Diet tab. Click Select
from Database. Use the database navigation keys at the bottom of the window to locate Record
7 (data from Sealander, 1943). Select this record. Click on the Diet Items tab. Click on a row
to highlight the target food item, then click the
delete key to delete the diet item. Repeat this
process in order to delete all existing diet
items EXCEPT crayfish, fish, and small
mammals. Using the Modify Current Diet
Item key, modify the listed parameters to the
values specified below. In some cases, the
TIP: FORMAT OF PROPORTION DATA IN
THE WSB
When entering data into a WSB
project/scenario, carefully confirm the
units. Often percentage or proportion data
formats vary. In some cases the model
might use decimals (0.00-0.99) for
,./-..., , percentages, while in other parts of the
modification will require the user to select a i i i i 1
model data with percentage units are used.
different study from the database. For these
parameters (assimilation efficiency and gross
energy content) click on the button to open the database selection tool. The parameters for each
of these items should be modified as needed to reflect the following:
Dietary Information
For Invertebrates (crayfish)
Proportion of Diet (0-1) = 0.07 (wet) (enter directly)
Assimilation Efficiency (0-1) = 87% (choose lesser scaup with mean AE of 87% from database)
Gross Energy Content (kcal/gwetwt) = 0.80 (choose Bivalves (no shell))
For Fish
Proportion of Diet (0-1) = 0.52 (wet) (enter directly)
Assimilation Efficiency (0-100) = 85% (choose white ibis eating sardines, 85%)
Gross Energy Content (kcal/gwetwt) = 1.19 (choose blue gill (wet), 1.19)
For Mammals
Proportion of Diet (0-1) = 0.41 (enter directly)
Assimilation Efficiency (0-1) = 84% (choose mammals eating small birds, mammal, 84%)
Gross Energy Content (kcal/g wet wt) = 1.7 (small mammal wet, 1.7)
36
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Optional: Click on Sum Proportion to 1, select Wet Weight, close error box (See Tip Box: Sum
Diet Proportion to 1)
Click to the Intake tab.
For additional practice, the user may want to try to enter the same data using the Enter
Hypothetical Data tab.
To exit the diet inputs, click on the Intake tab. The information entered on the diet will
be saved when a new tab is selected. For those more comfortable with the manual saves, click
on the l"°l button to save the data prior to moving to the next tab.
2.4.2.4. Step 4: Select Intake Rates
Under the Intake tab, there are five
subtabs: Air, Drinking Water, Assimilated
Food Requirement, Soil, and Sediment
(Figure 27). For each of these (except
. ,. . , ., should be L/day). The units are corrected
Sediment), the user may either Enter when ^ media.specific intake rates are
Hypothetical Data or Select from Database. selected.
TIP: INTAKE RATE UNITS
Prior to entering any data into the intake tabs,
the default units in each tab should be
ignored (e.g., under the drinking water tab,
3/
the units are listed as m /day when the units
Sediment data are entered directly by the
user because no database values are available. The database provides allometric equations or
values from the WSB wildlife database. As discussed above, the user can enter new allometric
equation parameters by using the data entry/generic data entry functionality. NOTE: The user
cannot edit existing database entries.
37
-------
\ Wildlife Scenario Builder (Version: 1.0.0) - [Wildlife Scenario Builder - Documentation]
File Help
Taxon: Mammal Common Name: Mink
Species 1 Weight 1 Diet Intake |
Select from Database Enter Hypothetical Data
Scientific Name: Mustela vison
...Air |] Drinking Water ] Assimilated Food Requirement
More Information...
] Soil ] Sediment
Air Intake Rate:
Units:
Derivation:
Equation Units Conversion Factor:
Measure Conversion Factor:
Air Comments:
m3/day
Estimated
1
Rationale:
Quality:
Assumptions:
Uncertainty:
1 1
V
Figure 27. The five intake rate entry windows are arranged as tabs.
Each intake tab is discussed briefly below. All of the intake screens have the same
general format: intake rate, units, derivation, conversion factors, comments, and data source.
Air. Click on the Air tab and then
the Select from Database button. A
limited number of values are contained in
the database. There are only two
TIP: ZERO Ant INTAKE
Even though air is necessary for life, the user
may enter "0" for air intake if assessment of
this route is judged to be unnecessary.
allometric equations for birds (passerines
and non-passerines) and one allometric
equation for mammals. The WSB filters the displayed allometric equation such that only the
appropriate equation for the species of interest will be displayed (e.g., for the mink practice
scenario, only the one mammalian allometric model will be seen). In this case the options are
limited, but the appropriate approach can
be selected by clicking the ^J button.
The user can also enter hypothetical values
specific to the site of interest. A default
"Measure Correction Factor" of 2.5 is
applied to the allometric equation to
convert from an inhalation rate associated
TIP: MODIFYING ALLOMETRIC EQUATIONS
The allometric equations distributed with the
WSB model cannot be modified. However,
the user may enter user-defined allometric
equations and specific inputs and correction
factors.
with a "standard metabolic rate" to an inhalation rate for a free-living animal (see U.S. EPA,
38
-------
1993, Sections 3.3 and 3.5). The correction factors in the allometric equations included in the
database cannot be modified. However, the user may enter a user-defined allometric equation
and specify a user-defined correction
factor.
Drinking Water. Click on the
Drinking Water tab and then the Select
from Database button. Again, only two
allometric equations are available at this
time for drinking water ingestion: one for
birds and one for mammals (for the mink
practice scenario, only the one mammalian
allometric model will be seen). When a species is selected, only the applicable allometric
equation will be available for selection for the intake calculation. To select the appropriate
allometric equation from the database, click the _±J button. Click on the Enter Hypothetical
Data button and then enter the species-specific drinking water intake (Figure 28). Click the
Select button to use the entered data in the current scenario.
TIP: INTAKE RATE EDITS
The WSB will allow the user to enter "0" for
drinking water and food intakes during initial
scenario creation. However, if either of these
intakes is initially not equal to zero, neither
can be modified to "0" in a future edit. The
default value will be the previous nonzero
Species ] Weight ] Diet Intake
Select from Database Enter Hypothetical Data
More Information...
Ail
Drinking Water Assimilated Food Requirement
Water Intake Rate:
I Data Source: Project data
Water Comments:
Rationale:
Quality:
Assumptions:
Uncertainty:
Figure 28. The drinking water intake tab after the user has elected to enter
hypothetical data.
Food. Click on Select from Database under the Assimilated Food Requirement tab. For
diet intake, there are several allometric equations. To view the different options by species
group, click the _d button (Figure 29). In Version 1.0, Beta Test of the WSB, all of the
metabolic equations are from Nagy (1987) and Nagy et al. (1999), and they predict free-living
39
-------
metabolic rates (FMRs) on the basis of body weight. Click the _±J button to select the
allometric model for the project. If database-supplied allometric equations are not used, click
Hypothetical Data Entry to enter project-specific diet intake information, or enter new allometric
equation inputs through Data Entry/Generic Data Entry/Allometric Equations from the main
screen in the WSB.
Soil. Click on Select from Database under the Soil tab. A table of measured soil
ingestion rates will open, organized by taxon and species (Figure 30). The WSB database
contains estimated values of soil intake in percentage of soil in diet (dry weight). This will be
converted into grams per day by the WSB using final calculated Total Daily Intakes (TDI) for an
organism. The user may also enter a hypothetical value by selecting a unit (% or g/day) and
typing in the intake in the cell. In the WSB, the proportion of soil in the diet is based on a dry-
weight diet because soil concentrations are consistently measured in dry weight. Exposure from
a wet-weight diet item cannot be compared with exposure from soil in dry weight. If soil intake
is evaluated, dry weights should be used for all other diet items and inputs.
Select from Database Enter Hypothetical Data
+ Select Intake
G Model
Species Group:
a x (body weight
wiafemiH
I
gJJ b
E
BMRHI A || M arnmah
Value "a" :
Value "b" :
Allometric Equa
Regression Statistics
,"2:
E
Carnivora (by cl
Carnivores (by c
Chiroptera (bats
desert mammals
Desert rodents
Diprotodont mar
Eu(henan Marnr
i
o display
0.95
0.422
assification)
et]
sup
ials
Sample Size-
d:
I
Data Source
Food
EPA-vetted - |
~H| Wt. Units:
~~] Wt Units Factor:
I
1
Corre
Mea
79 Mean log X:
1.013 | e:
2.481
0.008
; ion Factor [Q.239 |
sure Factor R
Reference
Nagy, KA, IA Girard and T.K. Brown. 1399. Energetics of free-ranging mammals, reptiles, and birds. Annu. Rev. Nutr.
19:247-277.
Figure 29. Depending on the species group, the user can select from a
number of allometric equations that can be used to estimate food intake
rates.
40
-------
+ Select Existing Soil Ingestion
_D| ^
^
?
Species Taxon
Bird
Bird
Bird
Bird
Bird
I |Bird
j Mamma
-
E
| ^ (
Mamma
M amma
M amma
M amma
M amma
M amma
Mamma
Mamma
Mamma
M amma
Species
Ring-necked duck
Semipalrnated sandpiper
Stilt sandpiper
Western sandpiper
Wild Turkey
Wood duck
Bison
Black-tailed prairie dog
Elk
Meadow vole
Moose
Mule Deer
Opossum
Raccoon
Red Fox
White-footed mouse
White-tailed deer
Est. % Soil in
Diet
2.0
30
17
18
3.3
11
6.B
7.7
2.0
2.4
2.0
2.0
9.4
9.4
2.8
2.0
2.0
Intake
Units
T, dry diet
T, dry diet
"/, dry diet
"/, dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
% dry diet
Samples of
scat
6
1
1
1
12
7
4
12
4
7
3
5
16
4
7
9
16
Province /State
Mean Measured ^
Insoluble Ash in Scat(S"
North West Terr 0.72
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
North West Terr
Newfoundland
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
56
40
42
16
24
15
22
7.1
8.9
5.4 1
6.5
28
28
14
8.5
2.7
Whih>.lail«H nrairip Hnn 77 2 ilni Hint "i Uirninia 19
I...
-id
Figure 30. Soil ingestion rates (expressed as a percent soil in the diet) are
available for a number of species in the database.
Once a soil intake rate has been
selected [ j£J] from the database, the More
Information key may be used to view all of the
information in the database for that soil intake.
Sediment. The user may enter only
hypothetical intake values for incidental
ingestion of sediments. A database of
sediment intake values is not available.
Sediment intakes are not included in the practice
derivation, any correction factor, and comments.
TIP: SITE-SPECIFIC DATA ENTRY
FILE-SAVING
Remember, hypothetical data are only
saved within a scenario. Data entered
through Data Entry will become part of the
installation-specific database and will be
available for all projects and scenarios.
scenario. Enter an intake value in g/day,
I I
When completed, click the !! button.
^ PRACTICE SCENARIO - Enter Intake Rate Data. Click on the Intake tab. The three intake
routes that apply to the practice scenario include Air, Water and Assimilated Food Requirement.
Begin by selecting the Air tab. Click Enter Hypothetical Data. For air intake, enter 1.07
m3/day. Next, click on the Drinking Water tab. Click Enter Hypothetical Data. For drinking
water intake, enter 0.184 L/day. Finally, click on the Assimilated Food Requirement tab. Click
Enter Hypothetical Data. For Assimilated Food Requirement, enter 145 kcal/day.
41
-------
2.4.2.5. Step 5: Save and Exit
To save the wildlife scenario, click on the I "I button or move to another tab to save the
data entered in the last tab (e.g., the Sediment tab in the example above). The wildlife scenario
can now be closed and all data saved. To exit the Wildlife Scenario Builder - Documentation
window, click on the *J button or the .Xj button in the upper right-hand corner of that
window. The project screen will return and users may create another wildlife scenario or choose
to run the calculator.
^ PRACTICE SCENARIO - Saving Scenario and Project Data. Click through the tabs to save,
or manually save by clicking the !"! button.
2.5. RUNNING THE WSB CALCULATOR
The calculator [ ] performs and displays all calculations related to a project and
scenario. In the project window, click on (highlight) one of the linked wildlife scenarios, then
click the iJ button to run the calculator.
The calculator estimates organism-specific daily requirements for air, water, and energy,
and converts caloric-based dietary requirements to organism- and diet item-specific, weight-
based dietary requirements (Figure 3 1). The application also generates media-specific intake
rates, adjusted on the basis of the dietary
requirements (Figure 32). The outputs are the
dietary requirements conversion table and the
intake rates table. The data in both tables may be
printed as reports, as discussed in the sections that
follow.
2.5.1. Calculations for a Wildlife Scenario
To run a calculation, first select a wildlife
scenario listed in the project window. Then click
on the calculations button [ iJ] on the top icon bar
or click on the [Calculations] button at the bottom
of the screen. The button opens a small screen that
asks whether the calculations should be performed
on a wet-weight or dry-weight basis. If soil is an
intake route, select Dry Weight.
TIP: SELECTING CALCULATION
TYPE - WET vs. DRY
The WSB offers the user the option of
working in wet or dry weight. There
is no correct or incorrect choice. The
user may match the choice with the
measurements used in the original diet
study (which can be found in the diet
record under Diet Type).
Alternatively, if the output of the
WSB will be combined with
estimated or measured concentrations
in diet items, the user may match the
mode in which the chemical
concentrations are reported. Finally,
if soil ingestion is being incorporated
into the scenario, dry weight
measurements are used.
42
-------
The calculation buttons launch the calculator for the selected wildlife scenario. The
Wildlife Scenario - Calculations screen displays medium-specific Dietary Requirements and
Intake Rates under those two tabs. The results are specific to the highlighted wildlife scenario
only. The selection of a wet weight-based or dry weight-based calculation is displayed in the
bold red text on the right-hand side of the screen (Figure 33).
The tab Dietary Requirements-Conversion shows the intake rate for individual diet items
and lists gross energy (GE in kcal/g) for each item, assimilation efficiency (AE as a percent),
metabolizable energy (ME in kcal/g diet item), and proportion of the diet (Figure 34). The
Dietary Requirements tab also displays the average metabolizable energy (averaged across the
different diet items, with each item weighted according to its proportional representation in the
diet), FMR (in kcal/day), and total daily intake (TDI in g/day). If wet-weight calculations are
conducted, the GE and ME values will be on a wet-weight basis. If dry-weight calculations are
conducted, the GE and ME values will be on a dry-weight basis.
+ Wildlife Scenario
Wildlife Scenario:
Wildlife Species:
Free M
kcal/d
iDietar
etabolicRatelFh.
^
Diet Item
cottontail
crayfish
fish
frogs
large birds
rnuskrat
Calculations
MinkTestWSB Body Weight (g):
Mink Gender:
> Beauiiements - Conversion;
from (Kcal/d) to (g/d)
R . 0 Weig
Gross
Energy
(Kcal/g wet
| 2.18
.48
I 1.18
1 .5
I 1.22
1 1.6
small mammals ^1 1 .37
ited Avg Mete
:nergy(MEavt
Assimilation
Efficiency
(1-100)
31.0
87.0
85.0
30.0
85.0
91.0
91.0
I
bolizable 1.01
i-kcal/g)
Metabolizable
Energy
(kcal/g)
1.37
0.42
1.01
0.45
1.04
1.46
1.25
873.0
EXES]
female WEIGHT: Wet
Intake Rates
Total Daily Dietary Intake (TDI =
FMR/MEavg g/d)
Prop of Diet
(0-1)
0.06
0.12
0.24
0.17
0.02
0.06
0.33
Itemized Daily Intake
(g/d)
.06
.12
.24
.17
.02
.06
.33
1
Figure 31. Two on-screen calculation summary tables are generated when
the calculation is initiated. One of the tabs, the Dietary Requirements -
Conversion tab (shown here), presents itemized dietary intake rates.
43
-------
+ Wildlife Scenario - Calculations
Wildlife Scenario:
Wildlife Species:
Mink Test.WSB
Mink
Body Weight (g):
Gender:
WEIGHT: Wet
Dietary Requirements - Conversion
Intake Rates
Type of Intake
Base Intake Rate
Units
mS/day
Uday
kcal/day
% dry wt
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Correction Factor
(1-10)
Adjusted Intake Rate
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Figure 32. The Intake Rates tab presents the adjusted intake rates, sorted
by medium.
+ Wildlife Scenario - Calculations
Wildlife Scenario:
Wildlife Species:
Mink Test.WSB
Mink
Body Weight (g):
Gender:
WEIGHT: Wet
Dietary Requirements - Conversion
Intake Rates
Type of Intake Base Intake Rate
Air 0.0
Water 1 0.0
Food 1 0.0
Soil 0.0
jLedimeol Q D
Units
m3/day
LMay
kcal/day
% dry wt
n./Hsu
Basis
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
F ^HmsfpH
Correction Factor
(1-10)
1
1
1
1
1
Adjusted Intake Rate
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
nn
Figure 33. The on-screen calculations page labels the results as either wet
or dry weight, depending on user preference.
44
-------
+ Wildlife Scenario - Calculations
££|g|
liJ
Wildlife Scenario: Mink Test. WSB Body Weight (g):
Wildlife Species: Mink Gender:
FreeM
kcal/d
iDietary Reauirements - Conversion;
from (Kcal/d) to [gSd]
etabolicRate(FMR- ° We'9
J_
Diet Item Gross
Energy
(Kcal/g wet
14*1
cottontail 2.16
crayfish H .48
fish 1 1.19
frogs .5
large birds 1 1.22
niu.il la! 1.6
small mammals ^J 1.37
ntedAvgMetc
:nergy(MEav
Assimilation
Efficiency
(1-100)
91.0
87.0
85.0
90.0
35.0
91.0
91.0
873.0
female
] Intake Rates
bolizable 1.01 T
J.r,^a|Vg)
Metabolizable
Energy
(kcal/g)
1.97
0.42
1.01
0.45
1.04
1.46
1.25
Prop of Diet
(0-1)
0.06
0.12
0.24
0.17
0.02
0.06
0.33
It Jl
WEIGHT: Wet
utal Daily Dietary Intake (1
FMFVMEavg
Itemized Daily Intake
fuW)
.06
.12
.24
.17
.02
.06
.33
Dl= 1
am
Figure 34. The Dietary Requirements-Conversion page.
The tab Intake Rates shows the intake rate for each environmental medium. The base
intake rate is the output of an allometric equation or the measured value for the type of
metabolism measured in the study (e.g., basal, standard, free living). The derivation/basis of the
intake is also shown. NOTE: The WSB labels any user input, measured or modeled, as
"estimated. " Any applicable measure correction factor is also shown. For example, if the base
intake rate was based on an estimate of basal or standard metabolic rate, a correction factor of 2
to 3 is used to develop an estimate of FMR. Finally, the tab presents the adjusted intake rate,
which equals the base intake rate multiplied by the measure correction factor (Figure 35). For
food, the intake rate is still in units of kcal/day.
2.6. PRINTING THE RESULTS
The lH. (Print) button is used to print specific reports that summarize the results for the
scenario (for a selected scenario), as well as the project details (from the project window).
When the J=L button is clicked on the calculation results screen, the WSB print screen opens.
From this screen, the user has the option of selecting a specific wildlife scenario (only wildlife
scenarios that have been run through the calculation step will appear here) and the type of report
to be printed (Figure 36). Print options are also selected for each report.
45
-------
+ Wildlife Scenario - Calculations
Wildlife Scenario:
Wildlife Species:
Mink Test.WSB
Mink
Body Weight (g):
Gender:
WEIGHT: Wet
Dietary Requirements - Conversion
Type of Intake
Base Intake Rate
Units
m3/da.v
I/day
kcal/day
% dry wt
nAHau
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Fetimjtpri
Correction Factor
(1-10)
Adjusted Intake Rate
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Figure 35. The intake rates summary page.
B Print Qfbjfk]
i|]^ J^
Please select a Scenario to Print
Scenario Type | Scenario File Name | Species Date Last Modified |
J,. ~: .....
Please select a Report to Print:
Wildlife Scenario
WildlifeSpecies
.Vildlife Diet
Wildlife Intake
Wildlife Calculations
r~ Comments
[~ References
F~ Supporting Information
|~ Dv:
Figure 36. The options page for report generation, including the selection
of the scenario, the report type, and the report options.
To generate the detailed reports from this screen, begin by highlighting the wildlife
scenario, then highlight the report type and select the applicable Print Options. Click the JlE.
button to preview the report. This report may be printed to paper, printed to PDF (if the user has
46
-------
Adobe PDF Writer) or copied and pasted as an image file to any program that accepts image file
pasting. NOTE: The reports can only be printed one at a time.
2.6.1. Project Summary Report
The project summary report is generated by clicking the HE] icon from the project home
page. This report is not printable from within the calculation function. The printout includes the
project name, description, location information, author, comments, and associated scenarios. It
also shows the file names for the linked scenarios and the description entered for each wildlife
scenario, as well as project and scenario dates (Figure 37).
2.6.2. Wildlife Scenario Reports
From the Wildlife Scenario - Calculations window (i.e., the result of clicking the
button when highlighting a wildlife scenario in the project window), click on the print button (
lH.) on the upper toolbar of the wildlife
scenario-calculations window.
The print function allows the printing
of one report at a time. In this case, there are
six report options: wildlife scenario, wildlife
species, wildlife weight, wildlife diet, wildlife
intake, and wildlife calculations. Highlight
the report of interest. All of the reports except
the wildlife scenario report require further
user selection of subcategories for inclusion
on the report. The print options include
displaying comments, references, supporting
information, and, for the diet summary, diet
items. Selecting all options is recommended.
TIP: REPORT HEADERS
Each report includes a header that
presents the dates, disk file names, the
report type, and author initials.
However, the scenario and species
reports do not include the author
initials. In order to be able to track the
reports, create scenario file names that
include the author initials, species type,
and any other scenario-specific
information because the file name
appears on all reports.
2.6.2.1. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Overview
This report prints the scenario description, if the user entered one (Figure 38). It also
includes the disk file name and dates.
47
-------
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: Project Summary
Disk File: Test Project 1.PWC
Project Test Project 2
Description
Project Location:
Latitude:
Project Author: Test
Comments:
Associated Scenarios
Scenario Type Scenaro File Name
Wildlife Caribou Test. WSB
Wildlife Mink Test.WSB
Printed on: June 20, 2005
Last Saved: May 18,2005
State/Province
Longitude:
Date Last
Species Modified
Caribou 7-Jun-2Q05
Mink 20-Jun-2005
Figure 37. The project summary report printed from the project window.
This report provides general information about the project and the
associated wildlife scenarios.
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: OVERVIEW
Disk File:
Mink Test.WSB
Printed on: June 20, 2005
Last Saved: June 20, 2005
Scenario Description:
Figure 38. The overview report presents a general scenario description.
2.6.2.2. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Species
In this report, the species common and scientific names appear. Check all of the boxes
for parameters to be printed. This provides the supporting information (i.e., distribution, habitat,
48
-------
general diet, and related species) and all references for that species included in the WSB (Figure
39).
2.6.2.3. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Weight
The selected body weight value (and its corresponding estimator), reference, and
supporting information regarding the sample size, variance, and sampling region and location are
printed (Figure 40). The options for estimator include mean, min, max, mean + variance, and
mean - variance. The option is selected during data entry under the weight tab.
2.6.2.4. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Diet
This report prints general information about the diet selected or entered, including
information on season, habitat, location, measure term (e.g., % wet weight), basis of
measurement (a description of the measure term), material examined (e.g., scats, contents of
digestive tract), method of analysis (generic description of material analyzed), the estimated
average trophic level of the diet, and the reference for the original diet that was used as-is or as
modified by the user (Figure 41). Note that the estimated average trophic level of the diet does
not distinguish terrestrial from aquatic components of the diet and that the trophic levels assigned
to the various diet items are sometimes based on minimal data. As a result, the estimated
average trophic level of the diet should be used only as a general indication of the trophic
position of the wildlife species (which would equal the trophic level of the diet plus 1.0). The
diet report also prints information about the individual diet items for that study and wildlife
scenario.
2.6.2.5. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Intake
This report summarizes the intake rate values used for each environmental medium. The
food intake is expressed as assimilated energy in kcal/day. The detailed printout includes the
allometric equation(s) used and the associated species category (e.g., mammals) (Figure 42).
Detailed supporting information allows users to understand the calculations and assumptions
underlying the calculations.
2.6.2.6. Report Type: Wildlife Scenario - Calculations
The calculation summary page is a table of the itemized (by diet item) daily intakes, as
well as the total daily intake (Figure 43). The summary table includes the gross energy,
assimilation efficiency, metabolizable energy, and proportion of each item in the diet.
49
-------
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: SPECIES
Disk File: C:\Program Files\WSB\WTWPortland\Scenario\Mink Practice.WSB
Created by: Printed on: June 21,2005
Modified by: Last Saved: June 21,2005
Species
Common Name: Mink
Source:
Comments:
CWS vetted
Rationale:
Quality:
Assumptions:
Uncertainty:
Scientific Name: Mustela vison
Supporting Information
Distribution: Canada except extreme north
Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams, coastal marshes, shrubland, and forest, riparian,
woodland
General Diet: Mammals, fish, amphibians, crayfish, birds, reptiles, and insects/invertebrates,
earthworms, meadow vole, rnuskrat, shrew, cottontail, frogs, salamanders
Related Species Long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), Least weasel (Mustela nivalis), Ermine
(Mustela erminea), and River otter (Lutra canadensis)
References)
Ballard, W.B..J.S. Whitman, and C.L. Gardner. 1987. Ecology of an exploited wolf population in south-central
Alaska, Wildl. Monogr. 98:32-34,
Figure 39. The species summary report provides background information
on the selected species from the database.
50
-------
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: WEIGHT
Disk File: Mink Practice. WSB
Created by: not found
Modified by: not found
Weight
Wildlife Species: Mink
Estimator: Mean
Body Weight(g): 586.0
Status:
Source: EPA-vetted
Notes:
Comments: Rationale:
Quality:
Assumptions:
Uncertainty:
Supporting Information
Gender: female
Season: September October
Habitat: River, stream, creek, rapidly-flowing
Lifestage: adult
Reference(s)
Mitchell, J.L. 1961. Mink movements and populations on a
Printed on: June 21 , 2005
Last Saved: June 21 , 2005
Location:
Region: Madison River, Montana
Sample Size: 14
Variance Type: Not applicable
Variance value:
water; aquatic or semi-aquatic predators only
Montana river. J. Wildl. Manage. 25(1):48-54.
Figure 40. The weight summary report provides the weight selected for the
scenario and background information about the underlying study.
51
-------
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: DIET
Dis k Fi le: Mnk Tea. WS B
Created by: not found
Last Modified by: not found
Printed on: June 20,2DOS
Last Saved: June 20,2005
Diet
Wildlife Species: Mink
Season: december-december
Source:
Notes:
EPA-vetted
Habitat:
Gender:
Not reported
female
Comments:
Stomach valu es had less margin of error than the intestinal volumetric
measurements as the intestinal contents could not be separated as easily asthe
contents of the stomach.
It is suggested that the rate of passage through the digestive tract is different from
one food item to another.
Traces of small birds were found.
The number of intestines analyzed is not reported.
Rationale:
Quality:
Assumptions:
Uncertainty:
Supporting infotmation
Location: Alegan. Barry. Berrien, Branch. Calhoun. Cass, Clinton. Eaton. Genesee,
Hillsdale, Ingham. bnia, J
State/Prouiree: Michigan
Region: Southern Michigan
Measure Term: % estimated wiw volume
Basi s of M easurement: assurrptio n if only 'volume' spe cified (might rele ct visual estimates o f
relative volume in fresh sample)
Material Analyzed: intestine content
Est irnated A uerage Trophi c Leve I of Di et: 2.97
Reference $)
Sealander.J.A. 1943. Winter food habits of mink in southern Michigan. J. VUld I. Manage . 7(4):411 -417.
Diet Item:
Name:
Diet Proportion:
Trophic Leuel:
Component:
Life stage:
Notes:
cottontail
0.080
2
not reported
not reported
Kingdom:
Subkingdorn:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
% H2Q Type:
Ammalia
vertebrates
Chordae
Mammalia
Lagomorpha
Leporidae
mammal, rabbrttiare
M oi sture Content (% H2 0): 64.4
% H20 Source: EPA-wstted
% H20 Reference: Gorecki.A. 1975. Calorimetryin ecological studies, h Grodzinski, W.. KZ. Wekouuski,
A Duncan, eds. IPS Handbook no. 24: Methods for Ecological Energetics. Oxford.
London, Edinburgh.Melbourne: Blackuuell Seientiic Publications: pp. 275-281.
Gross Energy (GE, kcaljig): 2.16 GE Assignrneri: smallmammals
GE Source: EPA-xetted
GE Reference: Goreoki.A. 1975. Calorirnetryin ecological studies, h Grodzinski, W.. KZ. Klekowski,
A Duncan, eds. IPB Handbook no. 24: Methods for Ecological Energetics. Oxford,
London, Edinburgh,Melbourne: Blackuuell Soientric Publications: pp. 275-281.
Assimilation Efficiency (A E%): 91 A E Consumer: fox
A E Source: EPA-netted A E Food Item: rabbit
A E Ref ere nee: Vbgtsberg er. L.M. and G .W. Barrett. 197 3. Bioe nergetics of captive red foxes.
J .Wildl .Manag e. 37(4): 495 -5DO.
Figure 41. The diet summary report presents the selected diet and
background information from the underling study.
52
-------
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: INTAKE
Disk File; Mirk Test.WSB
Create*! By: not found
Last Modified not found
Printed on: 6.120/2005
Last Saved 6/20Q005
Ma*e Kites
VfiMtt e Species Mink
Body Weight*a): 873.0
Sex: female
Type of
intake
Base
Intake
Rate
Air
Water
Food
Soil
Sediment
Soil:
LI tits
Source
Estimitoi
Basis
Correction
Factor
(1-10)
Acfusted
Intake
Rate
llotes
0.00 m3/day
0.00 L/day
0.00 kcal/day
User
User
User
0.00 %drywt User
0.00 g/day User
g/day Calculated
Mean
Mean
Mean
Mean
Mean
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Calculated
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1 Base htake Rate: Forair.water.andfood.tNsiGluemaybebasalirtakerate.abboraton/setthg intake rate or a fee-Hung inshe rate.
2 Basis: This indicatesuphetherthe ifllue oflhe Base htake fete tuas estimated using an allometric equation, measured drectlyin a study.oruias entered asahvpothetrical yalue.
3 Correction Factor: ThisE usedtc con^ertthe Base htaka fete to a Free Liyng htake fete.
4 The untsof JcaJ/cfeyforfcod representassirntated kcaljttay.
Supporting tefo<
Air Allometric Equation:
Species Giotip:
Units Correction Factor:
Reference:
Water AJIonietik Etfi.itioii:
Species Groii|x
Units Correction Facton
Inhalation:
1
Water Intake
1
Wekjit Units Correction Factor:
Measire Correction Facton
Weisjit Units Correction Factor:
Measire Correction Factor:
Reference:
Metabolic Rate Allometric Equation:
Species Grou|x
Units Correction Factor:
r*2:
c:
e:
Lower 95% a (kcal/(lay)c
FUR 95% Cl Equation:
Reference:
Soil: Proportion Dry Diet er 95% Cl (kcal/day):
95%Cl for log_FMR_species_x = log_FMR_speices_x +/- c * [d + e *
(log_Wt_species_x - mean_log_Wt_model_species*-2)]A0.5 W'lere Wt is in grams
and FMR is in KJoules/day. Results converted to kcal/day.
Sani|)le Size:
(Average Percent Water:)
Figure 42. The intake summary report presents a table of the intakes and
adjusted intakes and supporting information from the underlying studies.
53
-------
Wildlife Scenario
Report Type: CALCULATIONS
Disk File:
Mink Test.WSB
Created By: not found
Last Modified by: not found
Printed on: 6/20/2005
Last Saved: 6/20/2005
[Dietary Requirements Conversion from (kcal (I) to (y /d) 1
Average Trophic Level of Diet: 2.97
Wet Weight
Diet Item
cottontail
crayfish
fish
frogs
large birds
muskrat
small mammals
Total
Component
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
Life Stage
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
not reported
Gross
Energy
(kcal g)
2.16
0.48
1.19
0.5
1.22
1.6
1.37
Assimilation
Efficiency
(0-100)
91.0
87.0
85.0
89.8
85.0
91.0
91.0
Met.ibofiz.inle
Energy (kcal g)
1.97
0.42
1.01
0.45
1.04
1.46
1.25
Prop onion
of Diet
(0-1)
0.06
0.12
0.24
0.17
0.02
0.06
0.33
1.00
Itemized
Daily Intake
(
-------
* Wildlife Scenario Calculations
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100% ~3J | j y f
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Wildlife Scenai
Report Type: CALCUL
Disk File:
Mink Test.WSB
Created By: not found
Last Modified by: not found
[Dietary Requirements - Conversion from (kcakd) ro (
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3. TROUBLESHOOTING
As is the case with any program, the user will periodically experience error messages.
The operation of the WSB has been reviewed and the data and equations used by the application
have been quality assured. However, users are likely to encounter developer error messages
when running the application. These developer error messages do not affect the calculations
performed by the application and will not produce erroneous results. In most cases, users can
click "OK" within the message box and continue with the application.
The purpose of this section is to describe known error messages and other issues with the
application. Common developer error messages are described Section 3.1. Common pitfalls and
recommendations for bypassing the pitfalls are described in Section 3.2.
3.1. FREQUENTLY ENCOUNTERED DEVELOPER ERROR MESSAGES
One common system developer error message is "Field '[FIELD NAME]' cannot be a
zero-length string, Error found in routine SaveSpecies" (Figure 45). This error message appears
during data entry, for example when a new entry is selected and saved before any actual data are
entered. It also occurs when a new species is added to the database with incomplete information,
for example, by entering a common name without the scientific name. The error will not crash
the program. The user may click OK to close the message and return to data entry.
Error in routine TB_MDI_ButtonClick
Field 'tblWildlife.Common1 cannot be a zero-length string.
3315
OK
Figure 45. When input data are missing and a user initiates an action, this
error may occur. Click OK and continue with application operation
entering the missing data.
A number of variants of these errors will occur when a user has not completed (or even
started) data entry. For example, if prior to creating any scenario the user clicks on Edit
Scenario, an error message will appear (Figure 46). In general, error messages may be clicked
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through without affecting the calculations. An error message often indicates that input data are
missing where they are required.
Error in routine FrmProject.GpenSelectedScenario
Object variable or With block variable not set
91
OK
Figure 46. This is another variant of a missing data error window.
Another error message occurs when the user begins with a diet drawn from the database,
deletes diet items, and enters manual proportions in the diet. When the user clicks Sum
Proportions to 1, this error box appears (Figure 47). The error message is a reminder that the
user cannot modify database entries permanently. Database edits within the input screens apply
only to the active scenario and do not result in permanent database changes. In this case, click
OK and continue using the WSB.
Using the Link Scenario button on the Project Manager screen to link a scenario from one
project to another, results in an error message (Figure 48). Click OK to complete the link. Note
that if a linked scenario is changed in one project it will also be changed in the linked scenario.
Linking has led to a number of program crashes. The user is advised against linking scenarios.
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Error in routine CalculateDietPorportion
Cannot update, Database or object is read-only,
3027
OK
Figure 47. This error window appears when a user clicks Sum Proportion
to 1 for a mixed diet (some items from the database and others that the user
entered).
380
Invalid property value
Error in frrnSearch File.Load
OK
Figure 48. When linking scenarios, this error box may open.
When reviewing records in the life history database, an error message is generated if no
record is loaded when the user begins to explore detailed information screens such as general
information, diet and intake rate information, population and habitat dynamics, seasonal
activities, body size, and growth rates. The error message will close the program and require the
user to restart the WSB. To avoid this error message, load a record in the Life History search
window before opening the detailed information screens.
Do not use the Select button j^J within the life history database. Using the Select
button to open a life history database record triggers a file save request pop-up that will result in
program failure. Instead, double-click the mouse over the record of interest to browse it. If the
error box appears, close the WSB and restart.
If an error occurs that is not mentioned in this guide, please save the current
project/scenario, exit the WSB, and restart the program.
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3.2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS
First, the WSB relies on a fixed file location. Although recent updates have increased the
file saving flexibility, they have not been fully tested. To maintain stability, save all project
files/scenarios/reports in the default folders within the WSB program folder. Moving
files/folders from one PC to another or on networks has shown some instability and is not
recommended. If files are moved, replicate the same file structure on the destination computer
as that found on the source machine.
Second, in some cases, a change may not appear on a screen until the user first clicks to
the previous/next screen/tab. For example, if the user decides to modify the description of a
project that has been created and contains a completed scenario, it will be necessary to return to
the home screen to activate the change. Often, when a change is made on one page and printing
is initiated, the change will not appear in the report. However, if the user closes the edited page,
then reopens the page and prints, the change will be visible.
Finally, a coding error in the WSB reverses the save options when changing a species in
an active scenario. To change a species, click on a scenario from the Project window, then click
Select from Database. After selecting the new species, a pop-up menu will ask whether you
want to overwrite the current record. Clicking No will overwrite the file. Click Yes to bring up
a box that will ask for a new scenario name.
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4. REFERENCES
Moore, D.R.; Sample, B.E.; Suter, G.W.; et al. (1999) A probabilistic risk assessment of the effects of
methylmercury and PCBs on mink and kingfishers along East Fork Poplar Creek, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 18(12):2941-2953.
Nagy, K.A.; Girard, LA.; Brown, T.K. (1999) Energetics of free-ranging mammals, reptiles, and birds. Annual
Review of Nutrition 19:247-277.
Nagy, K.A. (1987) Field metabolic rate and food requirement scaling in mammals and birds. Ecological
Monographs 57:111-128
U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). (1993) Wildlife exposure factors handbook, volumes I and II. Office
of Research and Development, Washington, DC: EPA/600/R-93/187a,b.
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Wildlife Scenario Builder
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC
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