{"title":"Direct Observation of Muskrat Feeding on Crayfish","authors":"S. Adams, Rebecca L. Rosamond","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0308","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Ondatra zibethicus (Common Muskrat) are often considered herbivores; however, they also eat animal matter, especially mussels, which comprise a considerable part of their diet in some populations. Common Muskrats also feed on crayfish (Astacoidea), although such behavior is poorly documented. On 21 April 2022, we observed a Common Muskrat repeatedly catching crayfish (Cambaridae) and carrying them to its den. The site in the Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge, Quitman County, MS, consisted of a ditch with a water-control structure on the edge of a waterfowl impoundment being dewatered. The consumption of crayfish by a Common Muskrat during a time when vegetation was presumably less available has important ramifications for the management of both species.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"115 1","pages":"N43 - N47"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79456521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Documenting Wild Turkey Breeding Patterns in North Carolina with Camera Traps","authors":"Chase Carey, Ashley Lohr, R. Kays","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0306","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Meleagris gallopavo L. (Wild Turkey) is a valued game species that is sensitive to the timing of hunting seasons, which generally overlap with breeding, but can vary spatially or temporally. Here, we analyze the timing of turkey reproduction across North Carolina by examining camera-trap images collected from 527 sites over 3 years. We found a peak of male strutting behavior at Julian week 13 and, based on the age of poults photographed later in the summer, estimated the peak of egg hatching at week 22. The timing of strutting significantly varied across years but not across the 3 ecoregions of the state. Understanding turkey breeding and reproductive chronology can be useful when agencies set hunting seasons to balance the interest of hunters while minimizing potential impacts to reproduction.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"2 1","pages":"220 - 234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73066290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clutch Size, Clutch Frequency, and Egg Characteristics of Diamond-Backed Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in Southwestern Louisiana","authors":"Jordan Donini, W. Selman","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0307","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - The reproductive output of Malaclemys terrapin (Diamond-backed Terrapin) is highly variable across its geographic range. While much of the literature is based on populations from the Atlantic coast of the United States, little reproductive-output data exists for the Gulf of Mexico populations. We captured female Diamond-backed Terrapins in southwestern Louisiana and assessed their reproductive output using radiographic- and ultrasound-imaging techniques. X-rays identified that average clutch size was 7.2 and average egg width was 21.9 mm. We revealed a positive relationship between female size (plastron length) and both clutch size and egg width, but no relationship between egg size and clutch size. Ultrasound imaging in a subset of individuals revealed large pre-ovulatory follicles and fully shelled eggs concurrently in females, indicating the potential for at least 2 clutches annually in this region. Our results suggest Diamond-backed Terrapins in southwestern Louisiana show variation in reproductive output compared to other populations at similar latitudes, indicating the need for additional study within and between populations in the region.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"1 1","pages":"235 - 245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88699875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mattea A. Lewis, Emily A. Ferrall, Joseph S. Johnson, K. Morris, Nicholas W. Sharp, J. Stober, Kaitlyn E. Torrey, A. Edelman
{"title":"Extralimital Occurrences of Southeastern Myotis in Alabama and Georgia","authors":"Mattea A. Lewis, Emily A. Ferrall, Joseph S. Johnson, K. Morris, Nicholas W. Sharp, J. Stober, Kaitlyn E. Torrey, A. Edelman","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0304","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Myotis austroriparius (Southeastern Myotis) traditionally inhabit bottomland hardwood forests along the Atlantic coastal plain and lower Mississippi River Valley. This insectivorous bat is a species of conservation concern in Alabama and Georgia and was thought to be restricted to the Southern Coastal Plain and Southeastern Plains ecoregions. Based primarily on cave, transportation-structure, and mist-netting surveys, we documented occurrences of Southeastern Myotis in 14 Alabama and 20 Georgia counties outside and along the border of the accepted range, including in the Piedmont, Ridge and Valley, Interior Plateau, and Southwestern Appalachians ecoregions. We reviewed observations of bats year-round in both states, including pregnant and lactating females and winter hibernacula. Roosting sites included caves, culverts, bridges, and tree cavities. Combined, these observations provide strong evidence that the range of Southeastern Myotis should consist of all Alabama and Georgia except for the Blue Ridge ecoregion. This increase in distribution may result from increased surveying efforts and/or range expansion due to climate change, as observed in other southeastern bat species.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"32 1","pages":"211 - 219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78793819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Venetia S Briggs-Gonzalez, Paul Evans, Cassidy Klovanish, F. Mazzotti
{"title":"A Species Bioprofile for the Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)","authors":"Venetia S Briggs-Gonzalez, Paul Evans, Cassidy Klovanish, F. Mazzotti","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0302","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0302","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Varanus salvator (Asian Water Monitor) is the second largest species of lizard in the world and is a member of the Varanidae Family. This highly aquatic species can also be found in arboreal environments and is an active predator and scavenger. Originating from southeastern Asia, including parts of India, this species is common in the international pet trade. Its popularity in the pet trade has led to multiple introductions outside of their native range, making this a species of concern as potentially invasive to the southeastern US with ready access to the Caribbean and Latin America. As a generalist species that has already been identified in Florida, there is a high likelihood for establishment as an invasive species. In cases such as these, implementing early detection and rapid response for successful management of invasive species is critical. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of natural history findings on the Asian Water Monitor, including management methods and potential ecological impacts as an invasive species.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"198 1","pages":"187 - 210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80004052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
N. Silvy, R. Lopez, Cristian N. Lopez, Jewel A. Uzquiano, Philip A. Frank, Wendy Wheatley-Techmer
{"title":"A Camera-trap Survey Targeting Herpetofauna at Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida","authors":"N. Silvy, R. Lopez, Cristian N. Lopez, Jewel A. Uzquiano, Philip A. Frank, Wendy Wheatley-Techmer","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0301","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - We surveyed the Naval Air Station in Key West, FL, to document state-listed herpetofauna in 2 different vegetation types using 3 motion-detecting infrared cameras centered within radiating drift fences. Cameras were activated on 21 June 2021 and retrieved on 30 November 2021. Of 225,153 photos taken, 1210 were of vertebrates (603 of herpetofauna, 512 of mammals, and 95 of birds). July produced the most photographs of vertebrates per camera day (6.84/camera day), whereas August had the fewest (1.17/camera day), likely due to low precipitation. The mean time of day when vertebrate photos were taken was midday at 1247 hours. We found no Florida-listed birds or herpetofauna present on Navy lands during our camera-trap research; however, we did have 259 photos of the federally endangered Sylvilagus palustris hefneri (Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit). Additionally, 4 species of invasive herpetofauna were detected.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"6 1","pages":"175 - 186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89454734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) Associated with Two Species of Live Birds (Cardinalis cardinalis and Zenaida macroua) in Northeast Arkansas","authors":"A. Sweet, David Stanford-Beale","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0303","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Dispersal is an important factor in shaping ecosystems and patterns of biodiversity. However, animals use several different modes of dispersal, each of which can have varying impacts on the ecology and evolutionary history of a group. One of these modes is phoresy, when an animal (the phorant) will temporarily attach itself to another animal (the host) as a means of dispersal. This behavior has been described in many groups of animals, but very infrequently in the thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera). Here, we report the collection of 2 species of live thrips, Hoplothrips sp. and Neohydatothrips variabilis, from 2 species of live birds, Cardinalis cardinalis (Northern Cardinal) and Zenaida macroura (Mourning Dove), respectively, in northeast Arkansas. Most previous records of thrips associated with birds were from nesting material or found on deceased birds. The presence of thrips on live birds suggests some thrips are phoretic on birds, or at the very least that interactions between thrips and birds are more frequent than previously assumed.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"8 1","pages":"N37 - N42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88912610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Graham, D. Walker, C. Kelehear, J. Jensen, Khorizon Dunn, C. Guyer
{"title":"Georgia Distribution and Characterization of Species within the Eurycea quadridigitata Complex","authors":"S. Graham, D. Walker, C. Kelehear, J. Jensen, Khorizon Dunn, C. Guyer","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0207","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - We performed systematic surveys for members of the Eurycea quadridigitata (Dwarf Salamander) complex in Georgia to determine the distribution of member species. Over 409 person-hours of search effort, we sampled 211 locations in 38 counties, detecting 108 individuals, including many that bridge substantial distribution gaps. Molecular data document Georgia specimens belong to 2 species, E. hillisi and E. quadridigitata. No specimens attributable to E. chamberlaini were found in Georgia, indicating this species has a distribution restricted to South and North Carolina. We used color patterns and measures of body size and shape of specimens identified by molecular methods to separate 4 species of 4-toed Eurycea from the Coastal Plain of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Large body size and the presence of melanophores across the chin and surrounding the cloaca separated E. quadridigitata from all others. Additionally, E. sphagnicola and E. quadridigitata possessed dark sides to the body and tail, with these features being disrupted by irregular white stripes or spots. In contrast, E. chamberlaini and E. hillisi possessed light sides to the body and tail that lacked irregular white stripes. Small body size distinguished E. sphagnicola from E. quadridigitata, but no feature distinguished E. chamberlaini from E. hillisi.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"33 1","pages":"125 - 139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73380508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chad M. Harrison, Joseph Colbert, Collin J. Richter, Preston J McDonald, Lauren M Trumbull, S. A. Ellsworth, Michael P. Hogan, D. Rokyta, Mark J. Margres
{"title":"Using Morphological, Genetic, and Venom Analyses to Present Current and Historic Evidence of Crotalus horridus x adamanteus Hybridization on Jekyll Island, Georgia","authors":"Chad M. Harrison, Joseph Colbert, Collin J. Richter, Preston J McDonald, Lauren M Trumbull, S. A. Ellsworth, Michael P. Hogan, D. Rokyta, Mark J. Margres","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0209","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - On 17 June 2019, we collected a unique juvenile rattlesnake from a wildlife response call on Jekyll Island State Park, GA. The snake exhibited intermediate color patterns and gross anatomical features suggesting potential hybridization between Crotalus horridus (Canebrake/Timber Rattlesnake) and Crotalus adamanteus (Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake). Using mitochondrial and nuclear genetic sequencing, venom analyses, and morphological characteristics to test that hypothesis, we were able to verify that this specimen represents only the second documented observation of natural hybridization between C. adamanteus and C. horridus and the first reported with multiple lines of evidence sufficient for confirmation. Surprisingly, genetic analyses found evidence of previous introgression between these species, suggesting hybridization may not be a rare occurrence in the area (and perhaps specifically on Jekyll Island). We will continue to monitor the hybrid individual via radio-telemetry to assess its survival and any subsequent F2 hybridization reproduction events.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"217 1","pages":"158 - 174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79690113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Population Characteristics of the Etheostoma pallididorsum Distler and Metcalf (Paleback Darter), a Narrowly Distributed Endemic in the Ouachita Highlands, Arkansas","authors":"B. L. McCall, Brook L. Fluker","doi":"10.1656/058.021.0208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.021.0208","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Etheostoma pallididorsum (Paleback Darter) is endemic to the headwater reaches of 2 river systems in the Ouachita Highlands of Arkansas. Records of low abundance and habitat alterations have resulted in the species' imperiled conservation status and being petitioned for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. The objective of this study was to conduct seasonal surveys across the Paleback Darter's distribution to better characterize growth, spawning patterns, and mortality using the seasonal von Bertalanffy statistic with an optimized electronic length frequency analysis (ELEFAN), as well as assess sex ratios throughout a calendar year to better inform future conservation management decisions for the species. We established seasonal survey collection sites at 4 localities and sampled with a backpack electrofishing unit and dip nets from January 2016 to October 2017. The study indicated relatively high abundance, based on catch per unit effort (CPUE), across all sampled localities throughout the duration of the study, with representation of the entire population from 3 age classes: 0, 1, and 2. Growth and coarse spawning patterns, based on the seasonal von Bertalanffy statistic, were comparable between the populations, suggesting similar and stable environmental factors throughout the distribution. Lastly, there was evidence of multiple spawn events occurring during winter and late spring or early summer that has not been documented for this species, warranting additional research. Collectively, this study, though narrow in scope and with limited data, suggest that the Paleback Darter populations assessed are not impaired. The endemic status and narrowly fragmented distribution of the Paleback Darter, however, still renders this species vulnerable to extirpation or extinction by stochastic events.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"3 1","pages":"140 - 157"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79800392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}