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Coastal areas are subject to the joint risk associated with rainfall‐driven flooding and storm surge hazards. To capture this dependency and the compound nature of these hazards, bivariate modelling represents a straightforward and easy‐to‐implement approach that relies on observational records. Most existing applications focus on a single tide gauge–rain gauge/streamgauge combination, limiting the applicability of bivariate modelling to develop high‐resolution space–time design events that can be used to quantify the dynamic, that is, varying in space and time, compound flood hazard in coastal basins. Moreover, there is a need to recognize that not all extreme events always come from a single population, but can reflect a mixture of different generating mechanisms. Therefore, this paper describes an empirical approach to develop design storms with high‐resolution in space and time (i.e., ~5 km and hourly) for different joint annual exceedance probabilities. We also stratify extreme rainfall and storm surge events depending on whether they were caused by tropical cyclones (TCs) or not. We find that there are significant differences between the TC and non‐TC populations, with very different dependence structures that are missed if we treat all the events as coming from a single population. While we apply this methodology to one basin near Houston, Texas, our approach is general enough to make it applicable for any coastal basin exposed to compounding flood hazards from storm surge and rainfall‐induced flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural complexity, heterogeneity, and extent of transboundary aquifers around the world, have led to controversy over which method or criteria should be used to identify and delineate their boundaries. Currently, there is no standard methodology that aquifer‐sharing countries can use to delineate the area of a transboundary aquifer. In the case of Mexico and Texas, Mexico uses administrative boundaries, whereas Texas uses geological boundaries. This paper proposes a method for delineation and prioritization of aquifers (or aquifer areas) called effective transboundary aquifer areas (ETAAs), which uses a combination of physical criteria (geological boundaries, topography, and hydrography) and the location and density of active water wells in the borderland between Mexico and Texas. This method identifies the area of priority (productivity area) in the aquifer using pumping patterns or hot spots regardless of the aquifer's surficial geological limits, therefore offering a more effective, local and practical management option at the transboundary level. Different geological features or pumping patterns will have different sizes and locations of ETAAs within the same aquifer. In West Texas, which is dominated by bolsons, the method produces limited options for ETAAs, whereas in South Texas in the easternmost border the identified ETAAs are more significant. Research Impact Statement: The effective transboundary aquifer areas approach is an alternative way to identify the priority area of an aquifer using pumping hot spots for a simpler and local‐based transboundary groundwater management scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage (CCS; geologic sequestration) is a promising technology for reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere from industrial point sources. Aspects of CCS have been investigated for over two decades, and many large‐ and small‐scale geologic storage field demonstration projects are now underway globally. Interest in offshore CCS has been increasing in recent years (e.g., European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United States). Deep geologic storage in offshore settings is analogous to onshore CCS activities in many respects (i.e., geologic and geotechnical aspects), but is distinct from previously explored seabed sediment CO2 storage) or deep marine dissolution). Given the large subsurface geologic storage volumes available in offshore settings, much discussion of offshore CCS is focused on the benefits and risks of such activity compared to onshore settings. Similar to onshore settings, existing (legacy) wells likely present the most direct migration pathway and largest risk of noncontainment in offshore settings. As part of current studies to evaluate geologic storage options in offshore settings along the Texas coast and greater Gulf of Mexico (GoM), mapping of the geographic distribution and ages of wells in a region containing coastal counties and extending 30 miles offshore Texas indicates that both well spatial density and well age decrease moving from onshore to offshore. Results suggest reduced risk of leakage owing to more rigorous and documented well completion and abandonment practices for these generally younger wells (although many are decades old). A result of decreased well density is that larger areas are available for leasing for CCS projects that avoid legacy wells altogether (> 1 mile from any existing well). The one‐mile designation is used as an arbitrary convention, and while it is recognized that this is smaller than a typical area of review (AoR) for permitting, each site will have a different AoR radius for consideration. The combination of large subsurface storage volumes under control of a single landowner and reduced risks from legacy wells makes offshore CCS attractive in the GoM. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is a fungal pathogen and the causative agent of ophidiomycosis that has affected multiple snake taxa across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Ophidiomycosis has often been referred to as an emerging infectious disease (EID); however, its status as an EID has recently come under debate. Oo infections have been confirmed in wild snake populations in Texas; however, it is unknown if the pathogen is novel (i.e., invasive) or endemic to the state. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted surveys for Oo among preserved Nerodia deposited at three university museums in Texas. First, we visually assessed snakes for signs of infection (SOI), and if SOI were present, we sampled the affected area. We then used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to diagnose the presence of Oo DNA on areas with SOI and used these data to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of Oo prevalence. We also tested for significant spatial clusters of Oo infenction using a Bernoulli probability model as implemented in the program SatScan. We found that the proportion of snakes exhibiting SOI was constant over time while the prevalence of Oo DNA among those SOI increased across space and time. Within these data, we detected an incidence pattern consistent with an introduction and then spread. We detected six spatial clusters of Oo infection, although only one was significant. Our results support the hypothesis that Oo is an emerging, novel pathogen to Texas snakes. These data narrow the knowledge gap regarding the history of Oo infections in Texas and establish a historical record of confirmed Oo detections in several counties across the state. Thus, our results will guide future research to those areas with evidence of past Oo infections but lacking confirmation in contemporary hosts. There is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) infection among Texas snakes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted surveys for signs of Oo infection (SOI) among preserved Nerodia deposited at three university museums in Texas. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to diagnose the presence of Oo DNA on snakes with SOI and then used spatiotemporal patterns in these data to evaluate the plausibility of novelty or endemism for Oo in this part of North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) are a grassland specialist that have experienced a >60% reduction in their historical range due to habitat fragmentation and encroachment of woody vegetation. Pronghorn populations are increasing in the Texas Panhandle despite conversion of grassland to cropland (27–43% of the regional landscape) and associated fragmentation. We hypothesized that pronghorn avoid cropland when selecting seasonal home ranges and avoid cropland within their home ranges. We captured 64 adult pronghorn of equal sex ratios in both the High Plains (n = 32) and Rolling Plains (n = 32) ecoregions of Texas, USA, during February 2017 and fitted them with iridium satellite global positioning system (GPS) collars. We collared 27 additional pronghorn in 2018 to account for mortalities and collar failures. We estimated resource selection functions for the High Plains and Rolling Plains populations using mixed‐effects logistic regression at the home range (second order) and within home range (third order) scales separately for each ecoregion and season (fawning, summer, rut, and winter). Our hypothesis that pronghorn avoid cropland was supported in the Rolling Plains ecoregion at the home range scale; otherwise, cropland was inconsistently and seasonally important in resource selection. Furthermore, pronghorn often avoided paved roads more strongly than cropland. At the home range scale during 2017–2019, female pronghorn in the High Plains selected cropland during rut and winter. Males exhibited weak selection for cropland during rut. Within home ranges in the High Plains, female pronghorn avoided cropland during fawning in 2017, during rut in 2017 and 2018, and during winter 2019 but selected areas closer to cropland in winter 2017 and fawning 2018. Males selected areas farther from cropland during all sampling dates in 2017 and winter 2019. Avoidance and selection of cropland within home ranges also varied among seasons and years in the Rolling Plains. Overall, pronghorn avoided cropland when selecting home ranges in the Rolling Plains and cropland was otherwise inconsistently and only seasonally important in resource selection at the home range and within home range scales. We speculate that loss of pronghorn habitat to cropland in the High Plains and Rolling Plains of Texas may outweigh temporary nutritional benefits from seasonal use of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evaluations of flood damage from past events are key for identifying the most important factors influencing household vulnerability to floods. However, creating accurate assessments of flood risk with observed records is challenging because of issues associated with data quality, analytical approach, and the successful integration of different information and measurement schemes into one comprehensive model. This paper reviews these issues and proposes ways to overcome them using revised research protocols and spatial analytical methods and techniques. Recommendations are then applied to an empirical evaluation of residential property damages resulting from a major coastal storm in the Houston area, Texas. Results indicate that a parcel‐based, spatial approach to modelling flood risk yields a more detailed and accurate assessment of impacts with an explained variance 2 to 4 times greater than other observation‐based flood damage models available in the literature. Structural improvements to analytical approach and measurement also made it possible to derive direct measures of flood risk at neighbourhood scales and assess the influence of specific land development decisions with respect to major disaster events. Such improvements to flood risk modelling can help reduce the uncertainty of damage estimates and support effective decision‐making in insurance, risk management, and community planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Risk, Hazards & Crisis in Public Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Management of a species requires knowledge of their distribution and the environmental factors that influence their use of an area. The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is a small fox species endemic to the threatened desert grasslands of the western United States and northern Mexico. Little information exists on the status and distribution of kit fox in Texas, USA; however, researchers have documented population declines in the closely related swift fox (Vuples velox) in the Texas Panhandle. Therefore, our objectives were to survey areas of potential kit fox habitat using remote trail cameras to determine use and detection rates for kit fox, evaluate and quantify environmental effects on habitat use, and map potential distribution of kit fox habitat throughout the Trans‐Pecos using results from the preceding occupancy analysis. We conducted camera surveys at 732 baited sites from March 2018 to March 2020, with each survey lasting 14 days on average (~10,248 camera‐days). We detected kit fox at 99 of 732 camera survey sites. We divided surveys into 3‐day sampling occasions and fit single‐season occupancy models to test for an effect of sampling occasion and season on detection and for effects of slope, elevation, shrub height, shrub canopy cover, percent litter, percent herbaceous cover, and bare ground on habitat use. Overall detection was 0.31 ± 0.001 (SE) and was influenced by sampling occasion and season, with detection being highest during November to February and earlier in the survey. Mean probability of use for sites was 0.17 ± 0.01 (range = 0.00–0.85) and was influenced by 4 environmental covariates, with the greatest probability of use in areas with gentler slopes, lower elevations, shorter shrubs, and a greater percentage bare ground. We used the most supported model to make a map of predicted habitat use across the Trans‐Pecos region and showed evidence of model fit. Our work provides detailed baseline information on the distribution and environmental relationships of kit fox in the region and can be used to assist with future research and monitoring efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use Texas's constitutional amendment in 1997 that expanded the scope of home equity loans as a source of exogenous variation to estimate the effects of relaxing credit constraints on small businesses. We find, using standard panel data methods and restricted‐use microdata from the US Census Bureau, that the Texas amendment increased the use of home equity finance by small businesses, increased new business and job creation and reduced firm exit and job loss. The effects are larger and significant for businesses with fewer than 10 employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a 5-year planning process that addressed the decline of hunting participation in Texas. We began the planning process by examining 20 years of research that revealed a decline in hunting participation and factors contributing to the decline. We convened a Hunting Think Tank meeting where we presented the 20-year trend data to 30 individuals with vested interests in the future of hunting in Texas. One outcome of the first meeting was the development of a synthesis brochure, "The Future of Hunting in Texas," to educate the hunting public and stakeholders about current trends and future implications and build support for the need to develop a strategic plan. The Future of Hunting information and brochure were presented to the Hunting Advisory Board of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, after which the Board added development of a strategic plan to its agenda. In fact, the 2002 Governor's Hunting Heritage Symposium was delayed one year until a strategic plan was developed. Group Solutions was hired to survey the hunting and nonhunting public about the future of hunting in Texas. Its survey data were used to define content of the strategic plan during a 2-day meeting of 60 invited stakeholders before the annual conference of the Texas Wildlife Association. The strategic plan included, among other things, all issues and problems associated with the decline in hunting participation in Texas, an action plan to address the decline, and the requirements needed to activate the plan. Several other valuable outcomes derived from the planning process, beyond development of the Strategic Plan, were included in this report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anglo-Texas women typically do not think of themselves as Southerners, but many can use speech forms that came to Texas from the American South. The relationship of Texas women to Southern speech is complex, and Texas women orient to and use Southern forms in various ways. Several of the possibilities are briefly illustrated. These examples serve to raise questions about language crossing and stylization in contexts in which the variety being adopted does not clearly 'belong' to an outgroup, and to suggest some new avenues for thought about what 'regional varieties' are and how regionally-marked speech forms can serve as rhetorical resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent pluvial years, extreme precipitation, and highly variable precipitation in the Southern Plains have produced substantial socioeconomic damage. While numerous studies examine the characteristics of heavy precipitation, explicit identification of meteorological 'cause' (e.g., thunderstorms, extratropical cyclones, weather fronts, etc.) is often excluded from climatological analyses. This work examines the meteorological cause and associated characteristics of widespread heavy precipitation (WHP) in the Texas‐Gulf watershed, using 16 years of weather observations and Stage IV multi‐sensor precipitation. WHP days are those with heavy rain (24‐hr accumulation at or above 95th percentile) that have spatial coverage and/or basin‐wide accumulations ≥90th percentile. Using expert assessment, WHP days and events (the latter as the total duration of distinct weather system in the watershed) are categorized into meteorological causes. WHP days possess longer durations and higher rain rates, and are important contributors to annual accumulation. Disaggregation of WHP days/events by cause reveals notable seasonal and interannual variability, with a tendency for frontal systems to dominate annually. Recent pluvial years have featured increased duration of frontal systems, while dry years showed a dearth of extratropical cyclones and summer mesoscale convection. While duration is statistically distinct between different cause categories for certain seasons and causes, rain‐rates generally were generally not found to depend on the event type. WHP events were accompanied by numerous meteorological and surface hazards, most notably severe thunderstorms during spring and summer, while the proportional contribution of flood hazard reports peaked during the fall. Ultimately, the climatological information extracted from this work may benefit researchers, planners, and water‐resource professionals dealing with precipitation extremes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the increasing economic losses from floods in coastal communities, little observational research has been done at a fine spatial scale to identify the relative influence of residential location in predicting adverse economic impacts. In response, this study conducts a parcel‐level analysis of flood losses to identify the influence of specific location‐based variables on property damage from multiple flood events. We statistically isolate the effect of multiple location‐based characteristics on insured flood claims associated with two major coastal storms for over 7813 properties within the Clear Creek watershed southeast of Houston, Texas. Results indicate that location‐based variables are among the strongest predictors for both, where seemingly subtle shifts in location add up to large dollar losses from flooding. These findings provide an increased understanding of the role of physical location within a flood‐vulnerable region and how residential choice can be a major factor in exacerbating actual property loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chagas disease ( Trypanosoma cruzi infection) is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases affecting the Americas. The transmission dynamic of this parasite is a complicated process that involves three genera of Triatominae subfamily and over 100 known mammalian reservoirs composed of domestic, peridomestic and wildlife species. Understanding the complex relationship between vector species and mammalian hosts is important for preventing transmission to humans. We performed a historical literature review to assess the disease burden in the Texas wildlife and domestic animal population. Reports of sylvatic transmission in Texas date back to the 1940s. We found that up to 23 species can serve as reservoirs for T. cruzi in the state with wood rats, raccoons, and wild and domestic canine species most frequently reported as positive for the parasite. We finish with a discussion of the current research gaps, implications for high-risk populations and future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a growing body of research analyses the functional mechanisms of the cultural or creative economy, there has been little attention devoted to understanding how local governments translate this work into policy. Moreover, research in this vein focuses predominately on Richard Florida's creative class thesis rather than considering the wider body of work that may influence policy. This article seeks to develop a deeper understanding of how municipalities conceptualize and plan for the cultural economy through the lens of two cities held up as model 'creative cities' - Austin, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. The work pays particular attention to how the cities adopt and adapt leading theories, strategies and discourses of the cultural economy. While policy documents indicate that the cities embrace the creative city model, in practice agencies tend to adapt conventional economic development strategies for cultural economy activity and appropriate the language of the creative city for multiple purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Politics & Policy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Decomposition studies utilizing nonhuman subjects as human analogues are well established, but fewer studies utilizing intact human remains exist. This study provides data from a controlled decomposition study involving human remains in Central Texas. A 63.5-kg unmodified cadaver was placed in an open-air site and observed over a 10-week period from April 11 through June 19, 2008. A wire enclosure restricted scavenger access. State of decomposition and environmental conditions were recorded daily for the first 36 days and then every 2 weeks thereafter. Results indicated a high degree of correlation with other decomposition studies originating in the southwestern United States, although slight deviations for the average duration of early events were noted. The data were also utilized to test a quantitative method for estimating the postmortem interval. Results indicated preliminary support for a quantitative approach. Additional research is encouraged to further establish the human decomposition data set for Central Texas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods continue to pose the greatest threat to the property and safety of human communities among all natural hazards in the United States. This study examines the relationship between the built environment and flood impacts in Texas, which consistently sustains the most damage from flooding of any other state in the country. Specifically, we calculate property damage resulting from 423 flood events between 1997 and 2001 at the county level. We identify the effect of several built environment measures, including wetland alteration, impervious surface, and dams on reported property damage while controlling for biophysical and socio-economic characteristics. Statistical results suggest that naturally occurring wetlands play a particularly important role in mitigating flood damage. These findings provide guidance to planners and flood managers on how to alleviate most effectively the costly impacts of foods at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed 8 years of data from the Texas Cooperative Nest Box Program initiated in 1988 by Texas Parks and Wildlife, USA, as a means of involving private cooperators in statewide wood duck (Aix spoma) management. Cooperators operated ≤9 boxes and most reported nest-box data for only 1 year (56.5%) and 2 years (20.6%) over the 8-year life of the project. Mean nest-box use differed among ecological regions of the state (F= 4.23, df= 6, P= 0.001) but did not exceed 30% in any region. Mean nest-box success ranged between 74-91% across ecological regions during 1988-1995, but annual estimates of nest-box success lacked precision (CVs >30%) in most years for all regions. Our project was unsuccessful as a management tool for monitoring wood cluck demographics. Future efforts should focus on improving the amount and quality of data collected from box-nesting wood ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the behavioral effects of necklace-style radiotransmitters on breeding male western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in 2 areas of northwestern Texas, USA, in 2004 and 2005. We tested the hypothesis that transmittered owls would spend time interacting with their necklaces and as a result spend less time in vigilance and resting activities than would nontransmittered owls. Nontransmittered owls (n = 6) spent significantly more time being vigilant (P = 0.007) than did transmittered owls (n = 3) in 2004, who spent significant amounts of time interacting with their necklaces. In 2005, behaviors of transmittered owls (n = 8) were significantly different (P < 0.001) from control individuals (n = 4), but behaviors did not vary consistently by treatment period (prenecklace vs. necklace vs. postnecklace periods). Behavioral activity budgets varied considerably among individuals. Although the owls spent a significant amount of time interacting with their necklaces, they appeared to habituate to the presence of the transmitters within a relatively short period (<1 week), and necklaces did not affect survivorship or fitness in the short-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latinos in the United States are an increasing segment of the population and are becoming important stakeholders in the management of natural resources. Although Latinos have been included in attitudinal research on environmental concerns, few studies have focused exclusively on Latino attitudes toward natural resources and the environment. We surveyed Texas college and university students of Mexican descent (n = 635) to determine their environmental concerns. Using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP), we determined an environmental concern score for each respondent and compared this index to several demographic variables. We found that gender, a political candidate's environmental position, mother's education, combined parental income, and, to a lesser degree, the number of grandparents born in the United States and religiosity (church attendance), were important model variables. We hypothesized that acculturation would be an important factor in predicting NEP scores; however, acculturation level was not an important predictor in our study, which we attribute to both the nature of our sample (i.e., highly acculturated college students) and small sample sizes of less-acculturated college students. We recommend that future research consider determining the importance of acculturation in Latino attitudes toward natural resources and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Age-specific reproduction has been suggested for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and has been hypothesized as a factor contributing to population irruptions. However, little research has been conducted on the subject. We conducted a laboratory and field study to determine if age-specific reproduction occurred in northern bobwhites. Our objectives were to compare 7 reproductive measures (% F nesting, date of first incubated nest, egg-laying rate, nesting rate, clutch size, egg mass, and egg hatchability) between first- and second-year breeders and determine if differential reproduction was impacted by diet quality. The laboratory study consisted of a 232 factorial experiment with age and diet quality (low protein [12%] and high protein [24%]) as the factors. Data for the field study represented a 6-year data set of bobwhite reproduction (May-Sep 2000-2005) obtained from an ongoing radiotelemetry study in southern Texas, USA. We documented similar productivity (i.e., % F laying, egg-laying rate, and egg mass) and timing of laying (i.e., date of first egg) between juvenile (n = 33) and adult bobwhites (n = 27) in our laboratory study. However, females on the high-protein diet exhibited a greater egg- laying rate than females on the low-protein diet. Under field conditions, we also documented no difference in productivity (% F nesting, nesting rate, clutch size, egg hatchability) and timing of nesting (date of first incubated nest) between age classes (n = 59 juv and 32 ad). Our findings do not support early suppositions of age-specific reproduction in quail. Quail irruptions should not be influenced by population age structure as it relates to age-specific reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used an information-theoretic approach to investigate nest-site selection by black-capped vireos (Vireo atricapilla) at the landscape and habitat-patch scales on Fort Hood Military Reservation in central Texas, USA, during 2003 and 2004. We used a use--availability sampling design and logistic regression to compare woody cover characteristics at nests to random points in the landscape to determine habitat selection at the landscape scale. At the habitat-patch scale, we used matched case-control logistic regression to compare habitat measures at nests and random non-nest points to evaluate support for hypotheses concerning the influence of woody cover, nest-patch, and nest-site characteristics on black-capped vireo nest-site selection. At the landscape scale, we found strong support (Akaike wt [wi] = 1.0) for a model with a cubic effect of percent woody cover and woody cover edge density. Sites with the greatest predicted probabilities of use had woody cover values between 30% and 60% and increasing amounts of edge. We found strong support (wi = 0.93) for the global model at the habitat-patch scale that included characteristics of the nest site, nest patch, and woody cover within 25 m. Based on odds ratios and confidence limits, percent woody cover, cover below 2 m, cover type, and substrate height had the greatest effect on nest-site selection. The predicted probability a site was selected for a nest site increased with foliage cover below 2 m, taller substrates, deciduous cover, and decreased at high levels of percent woody cover (especially >80%). Texas red oak (Quercus buckleyi) was the most used nest substrate (100 of 358 nests), followed by shin oak (Q. sinuata var. breviloba; 86 of 358 nests) and Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei; 44 of 358 nests). Black-capped vireos used Texas red oak and shin oak in greater proportion to their availability, whereas Ashe juniper was used less in proportion to its availability, suggesting vireos avoided this species. We suggest that managers promote dense deciduous cover for nesting habitat and maximize edge-to-area ratios to maintain spatial and structural heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derived a method of estimating the direction and magnitude of cover changes for potentially maximizing wildlife abundance on an area. We illustrate the method with data on cover selection by northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) collected in the Texas Panhandle from 2000 to 2003. We used radiotelemetry to determine use of cover associations, Geographic Information System analysis to determine their availability, and logic related to use availability analysis to collapse 95% kernel home ranges to usable space. Bobwhites selected mixed shrub cover consisting of sand plum (Prunus angustifolia) and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), and they avoided or neutrally used g other cover associations. However, grass upland and sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia) associations occurred in ≥86% of home ranges (n 96 bobwhites with ≥30 radiolocations). Usable space averaged 54.2% ± 1.72 SE of kernel home ranges. The data indicated that adding about 226 ha of mixed-shrub cover or a structural homologue while simultaneously reducing the quantity of most other cover associations would maximize bobwhite abundance. An area with 30-60% mixed shrub cover, with the balance in grass upland and sand sagebrush, and with cover dispersed such that no point was >30 m from mixed shrub cover was hypothetically optimal for bobwhites in our region. Within certain constraints (e.g., financial, social, edaphic), managers can apply this method by manipulating cover types through relevant management practices (e.g., planting, prescribed burning, mechanical removal of vegetation). This method, with minor modification, could also be used to decrease usable space on an area, and thus decrease wildlife densities, should that be the manager's objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel technique using a video serial interface to link a motion-activated, infrared video camera and a weigh-scale to measure supplemental feed consumption by wildlife. This "video-scale" allows us to quantify consumption of various feeds by individual animals to an accuracy of 5 g and to record feeding duration to the second. Using intake rate and total time spent feeding, we calculated comparative use of supplemental feed by animals categorized by species, age, and sex. We present preliminary data on feed consumption and intake rates of wild and tame white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) eating shelled corn, pelleted supplement, and whole cottonseed. Other uses and limitations of the video-scale are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We collected 341 northern pintails (Anas acuta) along the lower Texas coast, USA, to investigate dynamics of carcass and digestive tract components during winter to help assess the ability of this region to support wintering pintail populations. Pintails relied more on endogenous lipid and protein reserves during winter of a dry year than a normal to wet year. Carcass fat remained relatively stable during the wet winter; however, pintails catabolized approximately 65% of their lipid reserves between arrival in October and departure at the end of February during the dry winter. Somatic protein mass also declined over both winters as pintails catabolized up to 20% of their muscle mass. Gizzard atrophy explained most of the changes in somatic protein during the wet winter, whereas catabolism of breast muscle also contributed to changes in protein mass during the dry winter. Ingesta-free digestive tract mass was greatest in early December, and then declined abruptly through February during both winters. Pintails departed the lower Texas coast in late February approximately 20% lighter in body mass than when they arrived in autumn. Mid-continent pintails may frequently opt to winter in southerly latitudes where they can maintain minimal endogenous reserves due to the moderate climate, limited human disturbance, and relatively dependable, but often lower-quality food resources. However, potential consequences of pintails initiating spring migration with reduced energy reserves include greater reliance on spring staging and breeding areas to meet their nutrient requirements for migration and reproduction, later arrival on breeding grounds, and reduced survival and reproductive success. Nutrient reserve dynamics of wintering, mid-continent pintails support the need for enhanced conservation of productive spring staging and breeding habitats for this population. It also provides additional concern over the loss of productive wintering sites along the western Guff Coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first abundant, well-preserved fossils of the unusual archosauromorph reptile Trilophosaurus jacobsi Murry are from an Upper Triassic bonebed in the lowermost Trujillo Formation of the Chinle Group in Borden County, Texas. A nearly complete left side of the skull and incomplete but articulated mandible of a juvenile individual demonstrate that Trilophosaurus jacobsi Murry is referable to Trilophosaurus, so the putative procolophonid genus Chinleogomphius is a junior objective synonym of Trilophosaurus. Features of T. jacobsi that diagnose it from T. buettneri include asymmetrical, tricuspate teeth in which the central cusp is taller than the marginal cusp, polygonal in cross-section and displaced slightly lingually; the lingual cusp is low, transversely broadened and anteroposteriorly compressed; teeth with prominent cingula along the mesial and distal margins; and paired sagittal (parasagittal) crests composed of portions of the postfrontals and the parietals, as well as a relatively broad skull roof between the supratemporal fenestrae. We also re-illustrate and re-describe the holotypes of both Trilophosaurus buettneri Case and T. jacobsi Murry. T. jacobsi is primarily Adamanian in age, and the lowest occurrence of T. jacobsi is stratigraphically above that of T. buettneri. Therefore, T. buettneri is an Otischalkian–Adamanian index taxon, and T. jacobsi is an Adamanian–?earliest Revueltian index taxon. Trilophosaurus teeth are readily identifiable to species and therefore identifiable as isolated fossils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003 we conducted a study to determine the consequences of feral hog (Sus scrofa) invasions in several ecoregions of Texas. We examined the observations, experiences, and actions of landowners and managers concerning feral hogs on their property. We used purposive sampling of landowners and managers who fit 1 or more of 3 selection criteria. Landowners and managers were either sent a self-administered, mail-out questionnaire or given a copy of the questionnaire during pesticide applicator workshops. There were 775 survey participants. The effective response rate from those landowners and managers who received a mailed questionnaire was 62% (n=284). Nearly all (95%, n=491) of the pesticide applicator workshop participants turned in a completed questionnaire. Sampling error based on the farms (includes ranches) in Texas and in each region was ±3%, α = 0.05. The majority (74%) of respondents were ranchers, and 18% were farmers. Most respondents felt that feral hogs came from the neighbor's property and were an agricultural pest. Rooting, wallowing, and crop damage were the major forms of damage caused by feral hogs. The average economic loss due to hog damage, over the lifetime ownership of the land by the respondent, was $7,515 (U.S). Hog control was an incidental process. The average cost for hog control over the lifetime ownership of the land by the respondent was $2,631 (U.S.). There was strong support for programs related to feral hog management and control, but only half of the survey participants responded to the question. The average quiz score of 11.5 indicated that respon- dents could correctly respond to <50% of the 26 questions. Region was found to have an effect (P≤0.05) on all questions tested except one. Management implications included the need for educational programs about feral hogs, how landowners can make better use of feral hogs on their property, ongoing education efforts about feral hogs, and the impact of this study on the public policy and decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations in southwestern rangelands are influenced by precipitation; populations increase during relatively wet periods and decrease during drought. Understanding the demographic responses of bobwhites to fluctuations in precipitation might provide a basis for identifying mechanisms responsible for the phenomenon. We compared 10 population variables (bobwhite survival, nesting- season length, nest success, hen success, percent hens nesting and renesting, nesting rate, percent juveniles in fall harvest sample (Nov-Feb), clutch size, and egg hatchability) between a dry (Sep 2000-Aug 2001; 51 cm precipitation) and wet period (Sep 2002-Aug 2003; 93 cm precipitation) in Brooks County, Texas. We monitored radiomarked bobwhites on 3 sites during the dry (n=263 bobwhites) and wet period (n=191 bobwhites) to obtain estimates of survival and reproductive effort. Bobwhite survival curves differed between the dry period (0.30±0.04; I±SE, n=102 bobwhites) and wet period (0.60± 0.06; n=71 bobwhites; P≤0.001) during fall-winter (Sep-Feb). A lower proportion of hens nested during the dry period (95% Cl: 52.6±22.5 %; n=19 hens) compared to the wet period (100%; n=15 hens). Of hens that nested, the dry period exhibited a lower nesting rate (95% Cl: 1 .2±0.3 nests/hen) compared to the wet period (95% Cl: 2.3 ±0.5 nests/hen). The dry period also experienced a shorter nesting season (69 days) compared to wet period (159 days). Lastly, percent juveniles (Nov-Feb) was lower during the dry period (95% Cl: 69.3 ±0.3 %; n=740 harvested bobwhites) compared to wet period (95% Cl: 78.3±2.1%; n=1,415 harvested bobwhites). Our field study highlights 4 demo- graphic variables (i.e., survival, percentage of hens nesting, nesting rate, and nesting-sea- son length) that warrant further research to identify causal factors responsible for the boom-and-bust phenomenon in bobwhites. Further, our data suggest that drought negatively impacts bobwhite reproductive effort such that harvest should be reduced or ceased during drought (e.g., <50 cm annual precipitation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and human health issues associated with outdoor air pollution, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants in metropolitan regions, are an area of growing concern for both policy officials and the general public. Increasing attention from the news media, new health data, and public debate over the effectiveness of clean air regulations have raised the importance of air quality in the public consciousness. While public perceptions of air quality have been studied thoroughly dating back to the 1960s, little empirical research has been conducted to explain the spatial aspects of these perceptions, particularly at the local level. Although recent studies suggest characteristics of local setting are important in shaping perceptions of air quality, the roles of proximity, neighborhood characteristics, and location have not been clarified. This study seeks to improve understanding of the major factors shaping public perceptions of air quality by examining the spatial pattern of local risk perception, the role of socioeconomic characteristics in forming these perceptions, and the relationship between perceived and scientifically measured air pollution. First, we map the spatial pattern of local air quality perceptions using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across the Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas. Next, we explain these perceptions through local contextual factors using both bivariate correlations and multivariate regression analysis. Results indicate that perceptions of air quality in the study areas are not significantly correlated with air quality based on readings of air monitoring stations. Instead, perceptions appear to be influenced by setting (urban vs. rural), state identification, access to information, and socioeconomic characteristics such as age, race, and political identification. We discuss the implications of the findings and provide direction on how further research can provide a deeper understanding of the local contextual factors influencing public perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Conservation Biology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Conservation Biology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We isolated and characterized eight polymorphic microsatellite loci for a Texas population of three-toed box turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, using a refined hybridization capture procedure. All eight primer pairs amplified successfully at all loci in seven Texas ornate box turtles ( T. ornata ornata). Due to the decline and conservation concerns of North American box turtles, these isolated microsatellites may be a most valuable tool for evaluating baseline population genetic structure for threatened box turtle populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidioides immitis causes coccidioidomycosis, a fungal disease of both immunocompromised and otherwise healthy people; it is capable ofcausing large epidemics and the disease is often refractory to chemotherapy. To quantify the magnitude of population differentiation and estimate levels of gene flow in C. immitis, multilocus genotypes werescored for 20-25 clinical isolates from each of Bakersfield (California), Tucson (Arizona), and San Antonio (Texas). The molecular markers used were PCR products with polymorphic restriction endonuclease sites, found and characterized in a previous study of the Tucson population. The data show very highly significant differences in allele frequencies between all three populations, and suggest very low levels of migration between populations. One isolate in the San Antonio sample was an outlier, showing the California-specific allele at all four of the loci distinguishing the two populations, and subsequent inquiries indicated that the infection had indeed been acquired in California. Thus, genetic information can be used to infer the geographical origin of a fungal infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane emissions at different rice productivity levels were observed from Texas rice paddy soils during the years 1991--95. Analysis of field measurements showed that seasonal methane emission (E) was strongly dependent on soil, cultivar, and rice grain yield. The relationship can be quantitatively described by E (g m-2) = 0.048 xSI x VI x GY. SI is a soil index to characterize the relative effectof soil texture on emission and is linked with soil sand percentage.VI is a variety index to identify the intervarietal difference in methane emission and is related to the amount of methane emission per unit grain yield. GY is grain yield (g m-2). Constant 0.048was derived from the measurements of 10 cultivars planted in 1993. Computed emission applying the relationship is well matched with measured data. The comparison of computed with measured seasonal methane emission over an 80-day period using a total of 32 data sets yields a correlation coefficient r2 of 0.800. In addition, the ratio of seasonal methane emission to net primary productivity was calculated on a carbon to carbon basis, which produces an average value of 2.8%, ranging from 1.2% to 5.4%. A further investigation indicated that the ratio is soil and variety dependent and can be quantitatively explained by C[CH4]/C[NPP] (%) = 3.21 x SI x VI + 0.12 (r2 = 0.738, n = 32). Under the condition of 30% soil sand, this ratio is (approx.) 3% for the majority of cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements focused on seasonal contribution of rice productivity to methane emission were made in three experiments conducted in Texas flooded paddy soils during 1994 and 1995 growing seasons. A total of five rice cultivars representing two distinct groups in methane emission were involved. Over a 10-week period after permanent flooding, total seasonal methane emission was positively correlated with rice above-ground biomass (r2 = 0.845, n = 11). A very strong dependence of daily methane emission on above-ground vegetative biomass (r2 = 0.887, n = 93) and on root biomass (r2 = 0.816, n = 33) was also observed. Calculation from three developmentalperiods (vegetative, reproductive and ripening) of rice plant indicated that more than 75% of total seasonal methane was emitted during the last 5-week period in concert with reproductive and ripening stages, while rice biomass production during the same period-amounted to (approx.) 50% of the seasonal total. According to the correlation of cumulative methane emission with above-ground biomass increment between every two-week interval (r2 = 0.490, n = 93, P = 0.000),the carbon released as methane is approximately equivalent to 3% and4.5% of photosynthetically fixed carbon in the biomass for low and high emission cultivars, respectively. A further investigation showed that these fractions are related to plant growth and development. Thecarbon ratio of methane emitted to net photosynthetic production during vegetative, reproductive, and ripening periods averaged 0.9%, 3.6% and 7.9%, respectively, for low emission cultivars, and 2.0%, 5.0% and 8.3%, respectively, for high emission cultivars. Moreover, the ratio was strongly dependent on plant biomass, resulting in r2 values from 0.775 to 0.907. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]