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The accuracy of posttranslocation population monitoring methods is critical to assessing long-term success in translocation programs. Translocation can produce unique challenges to monitoring efforts; therefore, it is important to understand the flexibility and robustness of commonly used monitoring methods. In Florida, USA, thousands of gopher tortoises Gopherus polyphemus have been, and continue to be, translocated from development sites to permitted recipient sites. These recipient sites create a broad range of potential monitoring scenarios due to variability in soft-release strategies, habitat conditions, and population demographics. Line transect distance sampling is an effective method for monitoring natural tortoise populations, but it is currently untested for translocated populations. We therefore produced 3,024 individual-based, spatially explicit scenarios of translocated tortoise populations that differed in recipient site and tortoise population properties, based on real-world examples, literature review, and expert opinion. We virtually sampled simulated tortoise populations by using line transect distance sampling methods and built a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the population density for each simulation, which incorporated individual-level covariates (i.e., burrow width and burrow occupancy). Line transect distance sampling was largely appropriate for the conditions that typify gopher tortoise recipient sites, particularly when detection probability on the transect lines was greater than or equal to 0.85. Designing the layout of transects relative to the orientation of soft-release pens, to avoid possible sampling biases that lead to extreme outliers in estimates of tortoise densities, resulted in more accurate population estimates. We also suggest that use of individual-level covariates, applied using a Bayesian framework as demonstrated in our study, may improve the applicability of line transect distance sampling surveys in a variety of contexts and that simulation can be a powerful tool for assessing survey design in complex sampling situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inherent challenge in managing rare or cryptic species is data deficiency. For this reason, ancillary data is a potentially valuable resource for generating key population estimates for priority species. We compiled ancillary commensal data collected between 1982 and 2020 during surveys of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows to estimate the terrestrial distribution of gopher frogs (Rana capito) from potential breeding wetlands. Gopher frogs were detected in gopher tortoise burrows 30‒3,879 m from identified wetlands. A global model of all records from all sites indicated that the probability of a gopher frog residing in a gopher tortoise burrow declined with increasing distance from a wetland. This pattern also held for 4 of 5 sites with a sufficient number of gopher frog detections to model independently. Based on the full data set, we estimated that 50%, 90%, and 99% of gopher frog observations occurred within 392 m, 1,019 m, and 2,752 m of the nearest wetland, respectively. Our results indicate a higher proportion of gopher frogs emigrate longer distances from wetlands than was previously reported using other methods, such as radio‐telemetry. This information can directly assist with management decisions, notably the spatial extent for application of habitat management surrounding breeding wetlands. More generally, this study illustrates the capacity of ancillary data to fill data deficiencies for a rare and cryptic species and highlights the importance of these data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Line‐transect distance sampling (LTDS) surveys are commonly used to estimate abundance of animals or objects. In terrestrial LTDS surveys of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows, the presence of ground‐level vegetation substantially decreases detection of burrows of all sizes, but no field or analytical methods exist to control for spatially heterogeneous vegetation obstruction as a source of variation in detection. We propose the addition of a simple measurement of ground‐level vegetation that serves as a covariate for the detection function. We present a Bayesian hierarchical model in which covariates burrow width and nearby vegetation height help to account for detection bias and improve precision of estimated density. We investigate the performance of this covariate by simulation and by using real LTDS data collected before and after application of prescribed fire. We collected data in 2018 at the Jones Center at Ichauway in Newton, Georgia, USA. Across all simulations, our model including both covariates produced the most accurate density point estimates of any of the models tested. For our case study, our Bayesian model with vegetation covariates tended to produce similar estimates of density before and after burns. Our study indicates that any level of spatial variation in vegetation obstruction decreases detection of burrows and may lead to underestimation in population size (≤68%) and proportion of individuals with small burrow sizes (≤32%) when not considered during analysis. Our work is extensible to other terrestrial sampling efforts where systematic measurement of a spatially distributed obstructing feature is feasible during the LTDS survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The gopher frog Lithobates capito is one of the most terrestrial frogs in the southeastern United States and often inhabits gopher tortoise burrows Gopherus polyphemus outside of the breeding season. Gopher frog populations have declined, and the species is under review for listing as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Much of our knowledge on the status of gopher frogs is based on detections of larvae at breeding wetlands, which can be challenging because of environmental variability and provides no information on the terrestrial life stages of the species. Therefore, an alternative method is called for. We recorded observations of gopher frogs during gopher tortoise surveys at four conservation lands in Florida and used line-transect distance sampling to estimate frog abundance. We also recorded burrow size, incidence of frog co-occupancy with tortoises, and distance from frog-occupied burrows to breeding wetlands. We observed 274 gopher frogs in 1,097 tortoise burrows at the four sites. The proportion of burrows occupied by gopher frogs among sites ranged from 0.17 to 0.25. Gopher frog abundance in tortoise burrows was 742 (512–1,076 95% CL) at Etoniah Creek State Forest, 465 (352–615) at Ft. White Wildlife Environmental Area, 411 (283–595) at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, and 134 (97–186) at Watermelon Pond Wildlife Environmental Area. We observed up to four frogs in a single burrow. The proportion of frogs detected in burrows occupied by a gopher tortoise ranged from 0.46 to 0.79 among sites, and overall, gopher frogs preferred burrows occupied by tortoises over unoccupied burrows (χ2 = 15.875; df = 3; P = 0.001). Gopher frogs used burrows from 7 to 43 cm in width; mean width of frog-occupied burrows did not differ from that of unoccupied burrows (F1,3 = 0.049, P = 0.825). Distance from frog-occupied tortoise burrows to the nearest breeding wetland ranged from 141 to 3,402 m. Our data on gopher frogs collected in conjunction with gopher tortoise monitoring efforts using line-transect distance sampling and burrow cameras provided novel information on frog abundance in their terrestrial habitat and required no additional effort. However, the extent to which frogs use tortoise burrows relative to other available refuges (small mammal burrows, stumps, or other structures) is unknown; thus, our estimates should be considered conservative. We suggest that terrestrial abundance estimates for gopher frogs can complement efforts to monitor breeding activity to provide a more comprehensive means of monitoring population trends in this cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework to predict how animals regulate nutritional balances within their tissue and, as a result, how animal biomass affects ecosystem processes through nutrient cycling. However, most interspecific and developmental stoichiometric studies in animals focus on invertebrates, and the few vertebrate studies are largely fish‐centric. Larval anurans are ideal vertebrates to test predictions of developmental and interspecific stoichiometry as they undergo a complex development, exhibit broad arrays of life‐history traits, and can constitute high animal biomass in wetlands, implying major roles in wetland nutrient storage and cycling. We examined (1) patterns of body stoichiometry across larval developmental stages within multiple anuran species, (2) whether key predictors of stoichiometric change, specifically body size, developmental period, and breeding season, influence interspecific stoichiometric variation, and (3) natural magnitudes and fluctuations of larval anuran nutrient storage in geographically isolated wetlands (GIWs). We measured carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) tissue content in larval anurans across five developmental stages within 11 species collected from four GIWs to examine patterns of developmental and interspecific stoichiometry. Within species, we found broad developmental stoichiometric patterns in which later developmental stages were lower in %N, but higher in %P than earlier stages. Patterns in %C were inconsistent but were generally lower in later stages, while tissue C:N ratios increased, and C:P and N:P decreased in later developmental stages. Interspecific stoichiometric variation was partially explained by body size and developmental period which positively affected %C and C:N ratios. We observed spatial and temporal fluctuations in species‐specific biomass which dictated nutrient storage patterns within larval anuran assemblages, though stoichiometric identity played a major role. Our estimated magnitudes of larval anuran areal nutrient storage also greatly exceeded that of other wetland fauna with the maximum estimated areal P storage reaching over 200 times that of a similar‐density co‐occurring invertebrate group. These results highlight stoichiometric patterns of development and interspecific variation in a diverse group of amphibians while providing critical baseline information for elucidating the role of anurans in wetland nutrient dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barbour's map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) is the species of map turtle with the highest degree of sexual dimorphism, with females attaining larger body sizes and having much greater head widths than males. Accordingly, females and males also feed on different riverine prey, with females historically feeding on native gastropods and bivalves and males predominantly feeding on soft-bodied macroinvertebrates. Here, we report on a diet shift in female Barbour's map turtle from native prey to an invasive mollusk, the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), in southwestern Georgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) have been increasingly recognized for their importance in providing ecosystem services, including support of regional biodiversity. These wetlands serve as valuable foraging and breeding habitat for wetland-dependent species, including wading birds. In certain regions of the U.S. Southeastern Coastal Plain approximately two-thirds of GIWs are impacted by adjacent human land use. We quantified wading bird density in agricultural and natural GIWs to determine the factors influencing their use of these habitats. Using monthly transect surveys, we found that wetland-specific variables, including prey abundance and size, wetland surface area, and dry-down rate, were better predictors of wading bird density than landscape level variables such as wetland density and distance to breeding colony. Bird density was highest in agricultural wetlands early in the hydroperiod, but as GIWs dried down, density dropped in agricultural wetlands and rose in natural wetlands. Collectively, these results suggest that wading birds in the Coastal Plain rely on a matrix of both agricultural and natural wetlands, and their use of wetlands varies temporally, peaking in late spring, to maximize prey availability. The seasonal process of receding water levels in GIWs and subsequent concentration of aquatic fauna provides important food resources for nesting wading birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence of growth and development on the stoichiometry of organisms with complex lifecycles is necessary to understand the spatial and temporal extent of consumer-driven nutrient dynamics. This can be particularly challenging in temporally variable habitats, such as geographically isolated wetlands (GIW), which dry down seasonally. Larval anurans (tadpoles) are excellent model organisms for studies within the framework of ecological stoichiometry because they undergo major anatomical changes during metamorphosis that likely require a shift in body stoichiometric demands. To examine stoichiometry of larval anurans in GIWs, we measured larval Lithobates sphenocephalus tissue carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) content, excretion NH4-N, TDN and TDP, and egestion C, N and P across three developmental stage categories (no limbs, hind limbs only, and four limbs). We found that tissue P content increased significantly during later stages when bone development was occurring, which significantly reduced tissue C:P and N:P. Tissue C also increased across stages. Mass-specific excretion of TDN and N:P decreased across stages. Per capita NH4-N excretion rate had a positive relationship with body size, and per capita excretion N:P had a negative relationship with body size. Mass specific bulk egestion and C egestion varied across stages, as well as C:N and C:P, but we could not distinguish which stages were different from one another. Per capita egestion rates of N and P were positively correlated with body size, and both C:N and C:P were negatively related to body size. We found that development stage of larval anurans was an important indicator of tissue, excretion, and egestion stoichiometry and these differences may influence their functional role in aquatic ecosystems throughout their development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus populations have declined by as much as 80% over the past century, primarily as a result of habitat loss. In 2006, the eastern population of the gopher tortoise was petitioned for federal listing as threatened. In response, a Candidate Conservation Agreement was developed for the gopher tortoise. A Candidate Conservation Agreement is a voluntary agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other interested parties to address the conservation needs of a species before it becomes federally listed and to enact measures to preclude the need to list the species. The gopher tortoise Candidate Conservation Agreement identified an assessment of the status of populations on protected lands as a priority and line transect distance sampling (LTDS) was adopted as the standardized survey methodology. Surveys with LTDS rely on detection of gopher tortoise burrows because tortoises are fossorial. However, gopher tortoise burrows vary greatly in size and small burrows of juveniles are rarely detected. Although LTDS is statistically robust and allows for imperfect detection, few studies have examined how detection varies with tortoise burrow size and whether habitat structure may influence detection of gopher tortoise burrows. Both factors could affect the accuracy of population estimates using LTDS and interpretation of demographic parameters needed for the Candidate Conservation Agreement. Therefore, we conducted surveys for burrows using LTDS before (28 March–13 April 2016) and after (9–18 May 2016) a prescribed burn, which reduced vegetation cover. We detected significantly more burrows (P < 0.001, n = 651) of all sizes after the burn, and the burrow abundance estimate was 64% higher postburn. Our study showed that conducting gopher tortoise surveys after a prescribed burn increased detections and provided a more accurate population estimate. We therefore recommend conducting surveys immediately after a burn. However, varying burn cycles on large sites may make it difficult to survey following a prescribed burn and because the effects of a burn on habitat structure may vary within a site, methods to account for variation in detection due to habitat structure are needed. Population estimates for gopher tortoises using LTDS that do not account for variation in detection due to habitat structure likely underestimate population size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) in North American tortoises (Gopherus) has been the focus of numerous laboratory and field investigations, yet the prevalence and importance of this disease remains unclear across many tortoise populations. Furthermore, much research has been focused on understanding diagnostic biomarkers of two known agents of URTD, Mycoplasma agassizii and Mycoplasma testudineum, yet the reliability and importance of these diagnostic biomarkers across populations is unclear. Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) have experienced significant declines and are currently protected range wide. Geographically, Alabama represents an important connection for Gopher Tortoise populations between the core and periphery of this species’ distribution. Herein, we systematically sampled 197 Gopher Tortoises for URTD across seven sites in south-central and south-eastern Alabama. Plasma samples were assayed for antibodies to M. agassizii and M. testudineum; nasal lavage samples were assayed for the presence of viable pathogens as well as pathogen DNA. Lastly, animals were scored for the presence of external symptoms and nasal scarring consistent with URTD. External symptoms of URTD were present in G. polyphemus in all sites sampled in Alabama. There was no relationship between active symptoms of URTD and Mycoplasma antibodies, however the presence of URTD nasal scarring was positively related to M. agassizii antibodies (P = 0.032). For a single site that was sampled in three sequential years, seroprevalence to M. agassizii significantly varied among years (P < 0.0001). Mycoplasma agassizii DNA was isolated from four of the seven sites using quantitative PCR, yet none of the samples were culture positive for either of the pathogens. An analysis of disease status and condition indicated that there was a significant, positive relationship between the severity of URTD symptoms and relative body mass (P < 0.05). This study highlights the need for continued monitoring of disease in wild populations. Specifically, focus must be placed on identifying other likely pathogens and relevant biomarkers that may be important drivers of URTD in North American tortoises. Special consideration should be given to environmental contexts that may render wild populations more susceptible to disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing aquatic system science community includes interdisciplinary researchers collectively working to improve the physical, chemical, and biological functions of aquatic systems. Connectivity describes the flow of materials, organisms, and energy between ecosystems or ecosystem components, and it serves as a unifying concept for the study, management, and restoration of aquatic systems. This featured collection was motivated by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) Specialty Conference, Connecting the Dots: The Emerging Science of Aquatic System Connectivity. Held in May 2017 in Snowbird, Utah, the conference consisted of 33 technical sessions with over 140 presenters from across engineering, earth science, and life science disciplines. Session topics ranged from basic and applied research, to management applications and policy discussions. This collection, the first in a series of two, contains 11 manuscripts and builds upon the momentum of the AWRA specialty conference by facilitating continued conversations about aquatic systems connectivity and providing guidance for future interdisciplinary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the effectiveness of box trap arrays for capturing snakes and introduces a new trap design to address observed limitations. Topics discussed include the efficacy of traditional box traps combined with drift fences, the high escape rates of certain snake species, and the improved performance of the new "Knapp-Murphy" trap design in capturing a broader range of snake sizes.

Gopher tortoises ( Gopherus polyphemus) are candidates for range-wide listing as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Reliable population estimates are important to inform policy and management for recovery of the species. Line transect distance sampling has been adopted as the preferred method to estimate population size. However, when tortoise density is low, it can be challenging to obtain enough tortoise observations to reliably estimate the probability of detection, a vital component of the method. We suggest a modification to the method based on counting usable tortoise burrows (more abundant than tortoises) and separately accounting for the proportion of burrows occupied by tortoises. The increased sample size of burrows can outweigh the additional uncertainty induced by the need to account for the proportion of burrows occupied. We demonstrate the method using surveys conducted within a 13,118-ha portion of the Gopher Tortoise Habitat Management Unit at Fort Gordon Army Installation, Georgia. We used a systematic random design to obtain more precise estimates, using a newly developed systematic variance estimator. Individual transects had a spatially efficient design (pseudocircuits), which greatly improved sampling efficiency on this large site. Estimated burrow density was 0.091 ± 0.011 burrows/ha (CV = 12.6%, 95% CI = 0.071-0.116), with 25% of burrows occupied by a tortoise (CV = 14.4%), yielding a tortoise density of 0.023 ± 0.004 tortoise/ha (CV = 19.0%, 95% CI = 0.016-0.033) and a population estimate of 297 tortoises (95% CI = 210-433). These techniques are applicable to other studies and species. Surveying burrows or nests, rather than animals, can produce more reliable estimates when it leads to a significantly larger sample of detections and when the occupancy status can reliably be ascertained. Systematic line transect survey designs give better precision and are practical to implement and analyze. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population genetic diversity is widely accepted as important to the conservation and management of wildlife. However, habitat features may differentially affect evolutionary processes that facilitate population genetic diversity among sympatric species. We measured genetic diversity for two pond-breeding amphibian species (Dwarf salamanders, Eurycea quadridigitata; and Southern Leopard frogs, Lithobates sphenocephalus) to understand how habitat characteristics and spatial scale affect genetic diversity across a landscape. Samples were collected from wetlands on a longleaf pine reserve in Georgia. We genotyped microsatellite loci for both species to assess population structures and determine which habitat features were most closely associated with observed heterozygosity and rarefied allelic richness. Both species exhibited significant population genetic structure; however, structure in Southern Leopard frogs was driven primarily by one outlier site. Dwarf salamander allelic richness was greater at sites with less surrounding road area within 0.5 km and more wetland area within 1.0 and 2.5 km, and heterozygosity was greater at sites with more wetland area within 0.5 km. In contrast, neither measure of Southern Leopard frog genetic diversity was associated with any habitat features at any scale we evaluated. Genetic diversity in the Dwarf salamander was strongly associated with land cover variables up to 2.5 km away from breeding wetlands, and/or results suggest that minimizing roads in wetland buffers may be beneficial to the maintenance of population genetic diversity. This study suggests that patterns of genetic differentiation and genetic diversity have associations with different habitat features across different spatial scales for two syntopic pond-breeding amphibian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to articles in the issue is presented on topics including the hydrologic role of wetlands at the landscape scale using modeling approaches, capabilities of hydrologic models and their ability to simulate hydrologic connectivity of non-floodplain wetlands, and implications of connectivity on water quality.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta; hereafter RIFA) is an invasive predator found on four continents, namely South America, North America, Australia, and Asia. Red imported fire ants are implicated in the decline of native invertebrates and vertebrates throughout their invaded range. We used the eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) as a model species to understand the influence of RIFAs on native reptiles in the southeastern United States. Our objective was to quantify the effects of RIFAs on fence lizard recruitment and survival. We experimentally stocked populations of fence lizards into eight enclosures with either ambient or reduced numbers of RIFAs from May 2012 to October 2013. Fitting LinkBarker models, we found that the RIFA treatment affected fence lizard recruitment ( f ), but not survival (Φ). Recruitment was 1.6 times greater in the enclosures with reduced numbers of RIFAs than in those with ambient numbers. Red imported fire ants likely affect reptiles with analogous life history strategies to those of fence lizards similarly. Consequently, RIFAs may have undesirable consequences for the biodiversity of reptiles in the southeastern United States and on other continents with established RIFA populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus) populations are declining range-wide primarily because of habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, but low recruitment due to nest predation also may be contributing to this decline. The relationship of nest location and nest survival is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to determine whether nest location influenced depredation risk and potential recruitment success. Between 30 May 2013 and 3 September 2014, we constructed and monitored 105 artificial gopher tortoise nests (45 in 2013 and 60 in 2014) with 35 nests at each of 3 classifications of nest sites: within active burrow aprons (i.e., the mound of sand at the burrow entrance), inactive burrow aprons, and open sandy sites. Using the artificial nests, we investigated the influence of nest site classification, distance to road, and prescribed fire frequency (<1 year and 1 year since burn) on gopher tortoise nest survival. Additionally, we monitored 21 natural nests at burrow aprons to assess predation patterns as compared to artificial nests. Seventy-two (57%) of 126 nests were fully depredated during the study, and predation rates at artificial and natural nests were similar. We identified predators at 48 nests using trail cameras; the nine-banded armadillo ( Dasypus novemcinctus) was the primary nest predator (69%). Nests in open sandy areas away from burrows exhibited greater daily survival rates (DSR; 0.991 ± 0.005 SE) compared to nests in burrow aprons (active burrow aprons: 0.967 ± 0.018; inactive burrow aprons: 0.949 ± 0.027). Additionally, nests at locations burned the year of the study had a lower chance of survival (DSR: 0.959 ± 0.022) than nests at locations burned the previous year (DSR: 0.991 ± 0.005). Management practices that maintain open sandy areas (e.g., prescribed fire) away from burrows may increase tortoise nest survival. Fire return intervals of >1 year that are implemented frequently enough to maintain open sandy areas would be beneficial to nesting tortoises. © 2016 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Red imported fire ants ( Solenopsis invicta; fire ants) are predators of turtle (Testudine) eggs and hatchlings, but little information is available indicating how and when fire ants detect turtle nests during incubation. Therefore, during 2014, we compared fire ant presence at gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus) nests in burrow aprons in early and late incubation with paired burrow aprons that did not contain eggs. To determine whether fire ants were attracted to soil disturbance associated with nesting, we compared fire ant presence at physically disturbed burrow aprons without eggs (i.e., simulated empty nests) with paired burrow aprons with no disturbance or eggs at Ichauway, Georgia, USA. We found fire ants more frequently at nests than at paired aprons early in incubation, but not late in incubation. Additionally, we found no difference in fire ant presence between simulated empty nests and paired sites. Our results indicate that fire ants are attracted to gopher tortoise nests because of a factor other than the initial soil disturbance that accompanies nest deposition, possibly the mucous and moisture released by the female as eggs are laid. © 2016 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Lethal control of coyotes ( Canis latrans) is a mechanism for increasing white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) recruitment but can be difficult to implement and may be ineffective on small parcels of land because of coyote immigration. In 2003, we constructed 4 40-ha mesopredator exclosures with the objective of quantifying the influence of mesopredators, including coyotes, on select wildlife populations and communities. Camera trapping indicated neonate/adult female white-tailed deer ratios were approximately 2 times greater inside predator exclosures than in control plots. Hunter success data provided further evidence of increased recruitment associated with exclosures relative to the remainder of the study site. Because exclosures were located on the boundary of our study area and off-site white-tailed deer harvest records were not available, we used estimates of deer density, sex ratios, reproductive rates, relative use of exclosures, and neonate survival inside and outside of exclosures to parameterize a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the impact of our 4 exclosures on neonate recruitment into the start of the firearms hunting season on a 1,600-ha area. After 1,000 iterations, we estimated that predator exclusion provided an additional 18 ± 0.13 ( [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) occur in open-canopy pine habitat on well-drained soils in the southeastern United States, where they construct burrows that offer protection from thermal extremes, fire, and predators. Gopher tortoise populations have declined over the past 50 y, primarily as a result of habitat loss and degradation. Southeastern pine forests require active management with prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, or removal of hardwoods to maintain suitable habitat for gopher tortoises. In addition, many pine forests in the Southeast that support gopher tortoise populations are managed for multiple uses including intensive silviculture. Heavy equipment associated with these activities used in proximity to gopher tortoise burrows can cause them to collapse, potentially causing harm to tortoises or other imperiled organisms that use their burrows. Hence, there is a need for practical guidelines for use of heavy equipment for timber harvest, management, and other activities around gopher tortoise burrows to minimize risk to tortoises. We conducted a field study to determine the distance at which heavy equipment caused gopher tortoise burrows to collapse using a feller buncher, rubber-tire front-end loader, and an agricultural tractor with a tree-mower attachment in sandy clay loam (15 burrows) and undifferentiated deep sand (15 burrows) soils at a site in southwestern Georgia. All burrows were confirmed to be unoccupied by tortoises or other vertebrate commensal species using a camera scope before collapse. The greatest mean distance to collapse across all vehicles tested in sandy clay loam and undifferentiated deep sand was 2.19 ± 0.56 m and the maximum distance to collapse was 3 m. Given the variation in collapse distance, we recommend a buffer that extends 4 m in radius from the entrance of the gopher tortoise burrow to minimize risk of collapse from heavy equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the imported red-ire ant (Solenopsis invicta; hereafter ire ant) and hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) as model species to address the population-level effects of an invasive ant on a semiprecocial small mammal. We stocked cotton rats into 8 enclosures, implementing a 2-way factorial design with predator (ambient or excluded) and ire ant (ambient or reduced) treatments as factors. We trapped monthly from June 2012 to June 2013 and calculated monthly recruitment and survival. Rats in enclosures with ambient predators had a risk of mortality approximately 2 times greater than rats in enclosures with predators excluded. The risk of mortality was 3 and 4.5 times greater for female and male cotton rats, respectively, in enclosures with ambient ire ants and predators compared to enclosures with reduced ire ants and excluded predators. We found no effects on recruitment. Our results indicate that native predators had the greatest influence on cotton rat populations. Nevertheless, in the absence of other predators, the effects of ire ants on cotton rat survival are compensatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that Terrapene carolina is a wide-ranging species with varying activity seasons across its extensive range from southern Maine through the Florida Keys and west to Texas, USA. Topics include the historic subspecific divisions in an inclusive T. carolina but note the present disparity in taxonomic classification for southern populations, the length of the active season for T. carolina varies geographically, and the number of clutches produced within one season.

Adult gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are difficult to physically restrain, particularly for examination of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity--areas important for biological sample collection during disease surveillance studies. Collection of nasal lavage is required for determining the status of Mycoplasma infection in tortoises. Anesthesia is often necessary to provide full relaxation in order to gain access to the head and mouth for nasal lavage. Therefore, deep sedation or general anesthesia are required both for the welfare of the tortoise and to maximize the usefulness of biological samples collected. The objective of this study was to assess the utility and safety of a novel field-anesthetic combination of dexmedetomidine-ketamine-morphine (75 mc/kg; 8 mg/kg; 1mg/kg, respectively), followed by reversal with atipamezole (0.02mg/kg). Between May and October 2009 at the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center in Baker County, Georgia, USA, 128 tortoises were captured and anesthetized with this protocol. Average time to first effects was 9.7 minutes, to induction was 21.6 minutes, to total recovery after administration of reversal was 92.7 minutes, and the mean time from administration of anesthesia through complete recovery for adult tortoises was 129 minutes but ranged from 40 minutes to 300 minutes. Clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease significantly reduced the induction time such that tortoises with clinical signs lost consciousness faster than healthy tortoises. Study month significantly influenced the time to induction and time to recovery, such that as the study progressed, both parameters decreased. This anesthetic protocol proved to be an effective, reliable, repeatable, and safe method to collect quality biological samples from gopher tortoises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common Kingsnakes (formerly known collectively as Lampropeltis getula) are experiencing localized declines throughout the southeastern United States. Because there have been limited studies to determine how snakes regulate prey populations, and because Kingsnake declines may result in ecosystem impacts, we evaluated the hypothesis that Kingsnakes regulate the abundance of one of their prey, the venomous Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). We generated a database of captures of the two species across the southeastern United States and, while controlling for large-scale habitat preferences, identified a negative relationship between the relative abundance of Kingsnakes and the relative abundance of Copperheads. Our results are correlative but consistent with the hypothesis that Copperhead populations experience a release from predation pressure where Kingsnake abundances are low. We suggest that Kingsnake declines, which are occurring for unknown reasons, are having ecological effects in affected ecosystems. We further highlight the potential role that snakes play in influencing the population dynamics of their prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakes often occur in species-rich assemblages, and sympatry is thought to be facilitated primarily by low diet overlap, not interspecific interactions., We selected, a priori, three species pairs consisting of species that are morphologically and taxonomically similar and may therefore be likely to engage in interspecific, consumptive competition. We then examined a large-scale database of snake detection/nondetection data and used occupancy modelling to determine whether these species occur together more or less frequently than expected by chance while accounting for variation in detection probability among species and incorporating important habitat categories in the models., For some snakes, we obtained evidence that the probabilities that habitat patches are used are influenced by the presence of potentially competing congeneric species. Specifically, timber rattlesnakes ( Crotalus horridus) were less likely than expected by chance to use areas that also contained eastern diamond-backed rattlesnakes ( Crotalus adamanteus) when the proportion of evergreen forest was relatively high. Otherwise, they occurred together more often than expected by chance. Complex relationships were revealed between habitat use, detection probabilities and occupancy probabilities of North American racers ( Coluber constrictor) and coachwhips ( Coluber flagellum) that indicated the probability of competitive exclusion increased with increasing area of grassland habitat, although there was some model uncertainty. Cornsnakes ( Pantherophis guttatus or Pantherophis slowinskii) and ratsnakes ( Pantherophis alleghaniensis, Pantherophis spiloides, or Pantherophis obsoletus) exhibited differences in habitat selection, but we obtained no evidence that patterns of use for this species pair were influenced by current interspecific interactions., Overall, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that competitive interactions influence snake assemblage composition; the strength of these effects was affected by landscape-scale habitat features. Furthermore, we suggest that current interspecific interactions may influence snake occupancy, challenging the paradigm that contemporary patterns of snake co-occurrence are largely a function of diet partitioning that arose over evolutionary time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six-lined racerunner ( Aspidoscelis sexlineata) is an indicator species of frequently burned Longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris) forests. To evaluate how the species responded to forest restoration, we conducted a mark-recapture study in formerly fire-suppressed Longleaf pine forests exposed to prescribed fire or fire surrogates (i.e. mechanical or herbicide-facilitated hardwood removal) as well as in fire-suppressed control sites and reference sites, which represented the historic condition. After initial treatment, all sites were exposed to over a decade of prescribed burning with an average return interval of approximately 2 years. We used population-level response of A. sexlineata as an indicator of the effectiveness of the different treatments in restoring habitat. Specifically, we compared mean numbers of marked adults and juveniles at treatment sites to that of reference sites. After 4 years, restoration objectives were met at sites treated with burning alone and at sites treated with mechanical removal of hardwoods followed by fire. After over 10 years of prescribed burning, restoration objectives were met at all treatments. We conclude that prescribed burning alone was sufficient to restore fire-suppressed Longleaf pine sandhills for A. sexlineata populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gopher tortoise ( Gopherus polyphemus) populations are declining throughout the Southeast, and high levels of predation on nests and juveniles have been suggested as a potential contributor to this decline. Therefore, we documented gopher tortoise nest success and hatchling survival relative to mammalian predator control. We used 4, large (approx. 40-ha) fenced, predator exclosures to exclude mid-sized mammalian predators: bobcat ( Lynx rufus), raccoon ( Procyon lotor), Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginianus), fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Vulpes vulpes), coyote ( Canis latrans), nine-banded armadillo ( Dasypus novemcinctus), and skunk ( Mephitis mephitis); 4 unfenced plots served as controls. We monitored nests for survival through hatching and used radio-telemetry to examine hatchling survival. We radio-tracked 40 hatchlings for up to 329 days, but we were only able to track 8 individuals from a single nest at an unfenced plot because of high nest predation. Mean nest survival was greater at exclosures than at unfenced controls ( F1, 2 = 45.80, P = 0.0001). Hatchling survival differed ( χ2 = 5.839, P = 0.016) between unfenced plots (37.5%) and exclosures (74.4%), suggesting that mammals also were significant predators of hatchlings. The number of juvenile (<13 cm in diameter) and subadult tortoise burrows (13-21.9 cm) increased over a 6-year period in exclosures, providing further support for an effect of excluding mammalian predators on nest and juvenile tortoise survival. © 2012 The Wildlife Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring the effects of ecological restoration on wildlife assemblages requires study on broad temporal and spatial scales. Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests are imperiled due to fire suppression and subsequent invasion by hardwood trees. We employed a landscape‐scale, randomized‐block design to identify how reptile assemblages initially responded to restoration treatments including removal of hardwood trees via mechanical methods (felling and girdling), application of herbicides, or prescribed burning alone. Then, we examined reptile assemblages after all sites experienced more than a decade of prescribed burning at two‐ to thee‐year return intervals. Data were collected concurrently at reference sites chosen to represent target conditions for restoration. Reptile assemblages changed most rapidly in response to prescribed burning, but reptile assemblages at all sites, including reference sites, were generally indistinguishable by the end of the study. Thus, we suggest that prescribed burning in longleaf pine forests over long time periods is an effective strategy for restoring reptile assemblages to the reference condition. Application of herbicides or mechanical removal of hardwood trees provided no apparent benefit to reptiles beyond what was achieved by prescribed fire alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological restoration of fire‐suppressed habitats may require a multifaceted approach. Removal of hardwood trees together with reintroduction of fire has been suggested as a method of restoring fire‐suppressed longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests; however, this strategy, although widespread, has not been evaluated on large spatial and temporal scales. We used a landscape‐scale experimental design to examine how bird assemblages in fire‐suppressed longleaf pine sandhills responded to fire alone or fire following mechanical removal or herbicide application to reduce hardwood levels. Individual treatments were compared to fire‐suppressed controls and reference sites. After initial treatment, all sites were managed with prescribed fire, on an approximately two‐ to three‐year interval, for over a decade. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordinations suggested that avian assemblages on sites that experienced any form of hardwood removal differed from assemblages on both fire‐suppressed sites and reference sites 3–4 years after treatment (i.e., early posttreatment). After >10 years of prescribed burning on all sites (i.e., late posttreatment), only assemblages at sites treated with herbicide were indistinguishable from assemblages at reference sites. By the end of the study, individual species that were once indicators of reference sites no longer contributed to making reference sites unique. Occupancy modeling of these indicator species also demonstrated increasing similarity across treatments over time. Overall, although we documented long‐term and variable assemblage‐level change, our results indicate occupancy for birds considered longleaf pine specialists was similar at treatment and reference sites after over a decade of prescribed burning, regardless of initial method of hardwood removal. In other words, based on the response of species highly associated with the habitat, we found no justification for the added cost and effort of fire surrogates; fire alone was sufficient to restore these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent reports of declines in terrestrial snake populations in the southeastern U.S. have highlighted the need for life history information for these often cryptic animals. In this study, we used radio-telemetry to describe home range size and habitat use of the Florida Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus), a large fossorial species associated with the endangered Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem. Florida Pine Snakes had large home ranges that varied in size among individuals (mean = 59.2 ± 50.8 ha, minimum convex polygon). There was no significant difference between mean annual home range size of males and females, but home range size differed significantly among seasons and between males and females by season. At the home range scale, Florida Pine Snakes selected natural pine forests and mature slash pine plantations, and they tended to use sites with shrubs and vines and very little bare ground at a local scale. As has been observed in other studies, Florida Pine Snakes were highly fossorial and they frequently sought shelter in Southeastern Pocket Gopher (Geomys pinetus) burrows. Snakes in our study rarely crossed paved or graded dirt roads; however, they frequently crossed low-use harrowed dirt roads. Collectively, our findings indicate that Florida Pine Snakes require large contiguous pine forests and that paved and graded roads may be significant barriers to their movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In colder climates, survival of neonate Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) following dispersal relies heavily on conspecific scent trailing and the ability to locate suitable communal hibernacula. Less is known regarding populations in the southern portion of their range where they are more likely to den solitarily in ephemeral overwintering sites. On 6 August 2009, we captured a post-parturient female Timber Rattlesnake with a litter of 23 neonates in a hardwood thicket within a Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) forest in southwestern Georgia. Fourteen of the neonates were radio-tracked to examine their movements and activity range overlap as they dispersed from the natal site. Snakes were tracked for periods of 1-110 days, daily for the first three weeks and at least three times per week thereafter. Dispersal distances increased over time, and overlap of activity ranges was minimal, potentially reducing intraspecific competition between litter mates. Neonates were located predominantly beneath clumps of vegetation or beside coarse woody debris (62.4%), in hardwood tree branches (31.6%), or just off the ground in vegetation or on top of course woody debris (6.0%). Selection of appropriate cover structure may aid in reducing susceptibility to predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the influence of landscape-level on terrestial snake occupancy within the southeastern U.S. The study uses occupancy modeling to identify habitat variables that affect in determining the presence of a particular species. Results show that some species were positively associated with scrub or shrub and grassland like Slowinski's cornsnake (Elaphe slowinskii), while copperhead snake and eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake were positively associated with forested habitats.

The article discusses a study of a small population of loggerhead musk turtles or Stenotherus minor in northwestern Florida. The researchers used goggling, a sampling method facilitated by the clear water of spring and spring habitats to study the loggerhead musk turtle. Goggling is reportedly efficient at detecting loggerhead musk turtles in riverine systems but should consider sampling-specific biases when making population-level inferences. The researchers note that failing to incorporate heterogeneity in detection probability will possibly bias abundance estimates.

We examined isolated wetland food webs using stable C and N isotopes to understand resource-consumer relationships and controls on baseline isotopic signatures. Marshes were usually more C-enriched than cypress savannas and cypress gum swamps. Analysis of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) fractions indicated that C plants contributed the majority of organic matter to isolated wetlands. Individual wetlands of the same type were sometimes significantly different in δC and/or δN, suggesting that differences in stable isotopic signatures were related to baseline isotopic values rather than feeding preferences. Bi-plots were normalized using baseline values and resulting resource-consumer relationships were similar among the three wetland types. Food webs appeared to be supported by basal resources including periphyton and conditioned particulate organic matter, although indirect evidence suggested phytoplankton as an important basal resource. Differences in baseline isotopic signatures may have been partly a function of vascular plant decomposition based on significant positive relationships between the median δC of individual wetland food webs, the δC of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and CPOM pools, and a strong positive relationship between δC-DIC and δC-DOC. Mixing model calculations showed that other mechanisms were also important for establishing baseline isotopic signatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Status and trends of gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are a critical information need for natural resource managers, researchers, and policy makers. Many tortoise populations are small and isolated, which can present challenges for deriving population estimates. Our objective was to compare abundance and density estimates for a small tortoise population derived using a total burrow count versus estimates obtained with line transect distance sampling (LTDS) using repeated surveys. We also compared results of the 2 survey methods using standard burrow-to-tortoise correction factors versus assessing occupancy of all burrows with a camera scope. In addition, we compared LTDS data obtained using a compass and measuring tape to define transects to those obtained using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and Personal Data Assistant (PDA) field computer to navigate transects. Line transect distance sampling with repeated surveys (both with a measuring tape and compass and with a GPS-PDA) yielded sufficient observations of tortoises to calculate population estimates. From 18% to 31% of burrows were occupied by tortoises as determined with the burrow camera. We found 25 burrows during the LTDS survey that we did not find in the total count survey, which demonstrated that the assumption of 100% detection for the total count was not met; hence, density or abundance measurements derived with this method were underestimates. We recommend using GPS-PDA technology, scoping all burrows detected, and using LTDS with repeated surveys to estimate abundance and density for small gopher tortoise populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Common Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula, is thought to be experiencing population declines in the southeastern portion of its geographic range. However, limited information exists regarding the natural history and habitat requirements of the species in this region. We conducted a radio-telemetry study to investigate habitat selection in L. getula at multiple scales in southwestern Georgia. At the home range scale, L. getula did not show habitat selection. However, at the study-area scale, L. getula selected for natural pine and hardwood forest types over other available habitats. At the microhabitat scale, L. getula were found in locations with more coarse woody debris and woody vegetation than random sites. Lampropeltis getula primarily used small mammal (Peromyscus spp.) burrows and stumpholes as below ground refuge sites. We demonstrate that habitat selection of L. getula is complex and occurs at multiple scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although nest predation is often the single largest source of mortality in avian populations, manipulative studies to determine predator impacts on nest survival are rare, particularly studies that examine impacts of mid-size mammalian predators (hereafter, mesopredators) on nest survival of shrub-nesting birds. We quantified nest survival and identified nest predators of shrub-nesting songbirds within 4 large (approx. 40-ha) exclosures and 4 control sites within a longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystem. During 2003-2006, we located and monitored 535 shrub nests (222 with videography) for 4,804 nest-days to quantify daily nest survival and document predation events. We found no support for a treatment effect, suggesting mesopredators had little impact on daily nest survival (0.9303 in controls and 0.9260 in exclosures) of shrub-nesting songbirds. For the 5 most commonly monitored species, daily nest survival within species was constant. Our analysis suggested that shrub nests were most vulnerable during the nestling stage and presence of cameras on nests increased survival with the increase in survival being more pronounced during the incubation stage.We filmed 107 nest predation events, identifying predators at 88 nests. Of these 88 nests, snakes caused 33%, red imported fire ants (hereafter fire ants, Solenopsis invicta) 28%, raptors 17%, corvids 8%, mesopredators 6%, and small mammals 8% of nest predations. Cause-specific nest predation in controls and exclosures did not differ from expectation, providing evidence that compensatory predation did not occur. Nest predators differed from expectation with regard to nest stage; fire ants and raptors only depredated nests during the nestling stage. Presence of cameras had no effect on nest abandonment. Fire ants were the most prevalent nest predator, and nest predation by fire ants was only observed on nestlings, potentially reducing likelihood of renesting. Magnitude and timing of fire ant predation suggests that fire ants may be the most influential nest predator of shrub-nesting birds within the longleaf pine ecosystem. Our data suggest that controlling mesopredators will have no effect on nest success of shrub-nesting birds within longleaf pine forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, populations are threatened by habitat loss across their range. Management and conservation of the species has been hindered by the lack of population monitoring data. Recent studies have demonstrated that line transect distance sampling (LTDS) is efficient for estimating population parameters for gopher tortoises, yet this method has not gained wide-spread acceptance. We attempted to use LTDS to survey gopher tortoise populations on 20 protected areas across southern Georgia, USA in 2007 and 2008. We used a camera system to determine burrow occupancy at each site. The survey data were used to compare population estimates derived using LTDS (with burrow scoping) to estimates obtained with survey methods recommended in the 2007 Florida Gopher Tortoise Management Plan: area-constrained surveys of 15% of suitable habitat and a standard 50% burrow occupancy. LTDS estimates of tortoise population density ranged from 0.21 ± 0.04 tortoises/ha at Ohoopee Dunes Natural Area to 1.65 ± 0.37 tortoises/ha at General Coffee State Park. Distance sampling was generally very efficient (on average our survey rate was 0.88 km/h) and we obtained estimates of population size and density at 13 of the 20 sites. The method was much less efficient at sites with extremely low tortoise densities, and at sites where the survey area was poorly defined. Under the former circumstance, LTDS sampling would have required 88-1318 km of transect per site, which was beyond the scope of our overall project. In the latter circumstance additional ground-truthing of the habitat would have been necessary. Hence, we reported only the tortoise encounter rate and burrow occupancy estimates for these sites. Population estimates obtained with area-constrained surveys and a 50% burrow occupancy rate differed by as much as 114% from those obtained with LTDS and occupancy estimates based on burrow scoping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the effectiveness of five amphibian sampling methods in nine isolated wetlands in Baker County, Georgia, USA. Overall, aquatic funnel traps yielded the most species, although the number detected using frogloggers (automated frog call recording devices), funnel traps, dipnetting, and PVC pipe refugia was not significantly different among sampling techniques. We detected the same median number of species with funnel traps and frogloggers as with all five methods combined. Methods varied widely in their detection probabilities for individual species and life stages. Species occupancy estimates were strongly affected by method choice. Our results suggest that a combination of methods and prolonged sampling periods are necessary to detect the large number of species present in southeastern isolated wetlands. We recommend that future amphibian surveys in these habitats use a combination of floating funnel traps, frogloggers, and crayfish traps as sampling methods when an assessment of species richness is the objective of a study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the American alligator has been well-studied in coastal marshes and large reservoirs, very few studies have taken place in the isolated, seasonal wetlands that occur within the inland portion of the alligator's range. Understanding alligator populations in these systems is important because, although they are subject to the same management strategies and regulations as their more well-studied counterparts, they may have markedly different population dynamics and densities. Additionally, understanding patterns of alligator presence in isolated, seasonal wetlands is important to understanding how alligators may affect these critical habitats as ecosystem engineers. However, survey methods designed for large, open water systems may not work in these small, vegetated wetlands, and their efficacy in this habitat has yet to be documented. We conducted eyeshine surveys for alligators along walking transects through isolated, seasonal wetlands in southwest Georgia. We used a double-observer method with a Huggins closed capture analysis to determine the detection probability of this method, to model the effects of observer and wetland type on that parameter and to estimate abundance. We found that detection probability for eyeshine surveys under the best-supported model was 57%, between 2 and 5 times higher than documented in other habitats. We then compared eyeshine surveys with systematic trapping to ascertain which components of the population were more likely to be detected by each method. Both methods were effective in detecting a range of size classes in the wetlands; however, the two methods were most effective when used in concert. Wildlife biologists studying population trends and establishing harvest quotas can use this information to design surveys in the inland portion of the alligator's range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is increasing recognition of the importance of terrestrial habitat to aquatic fauna, little is known about the specific habitat requirements of these species at a fine scale within the terrestrial landscape. Our knowledge of subadult life stages of many species, specifically aquatic turtles, is particularly depauperate. We used radio-telemetry to determine the timing and extent of terrestrial movements of 11 subadult Eastern Mud Turtles, Kinosternon subrubrum, during the winter. We also quantified microhabitat variables (ground cover composition, shrub cover, and canopy cover) of temporary refugia and overwintering sites (hibernacula) of radio-tagged turtles. On average, hibernacula sites were 72 m from the wetland (defined as the water's edge). Turtles remained at hibernacula a mean of 107 days before emerging in the spring. Radio-tagged turtles selected winter hibernacula with a large component of leaf and pine litter and less tree cover than temporary refugia. The leaf litter may provide stable temperature and soil moisture at hibernacula for overwintering turtles, whereas the open canopy may expose turtles to relatively higher temperatures in the spring prior to emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) and timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) are sympatric throughout most of southern Georgia, USA. We used rattlesnake sightings to quantify and compare habitat use by these 2 species in the Gulf Coastal Plain. At the largest scale examined, univariate statistics and logistic regression models indicated that eastern diamondback rattlesnakes were associated with roads but not with any of the specific habitat types we examined. In contrast, timber rattlesnakes were closely associated with hardwood habitat and riverine systems but not with roads and edges. To effectively conserve and manage both species in the Southeast, a habitat matrix of large intact patches of both hardwood and pine (Pinus spp.) forest may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the results and recommendations of the workshop on the ecology, status and management of the Gopher Tortoise. Although only 21 attendees returned questionnaires, he considers the results noteworthy because these individuals were a cross section of experts from the entire range of the species and because they represented academia, state and federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

Seasonally inundated wetlands contribute to biodiversity support and ecosystem function at the landscape scale. These temporally dynamic ecosystems contain unique assemblages of animals adapted to cyclically wet–dry habitats. As a result of the high variation in environmental conditions, wetlands serve as hotspots for animal movement and potentially hotspots of biogeochemical activity and migratory transport of nutrient subsidies. Most amphibians are semi-aquatic and migrate between isolated wetlands and the surrounding terrestrial system to complete their life cycle, with rainfall and other environmental factors affecting the timing and magnitude of wetland export of juveniles. Here we used a long-term drift fence study coupled with system-specific nutrient content data of amphibians from two small wetlands in southeastern Georgia, USA. We couple environmental data with count data of juveniles exiting wetlands to explore the controls of amphibian diversity, production and export and the amphibian life-history traits associated with export over varying environmental conditions. Our results highlight the high degree of spatial and temporal variability in amphibian flux with hydroperiod length and temperature driving community composition and overall biomass and nutrient fluxes. Additionally, specific life-history traits, such as development time and body size, were associated with longer hydroperiods. Our findings underscore the key role of small, isolated wetlands and their hydroperiod characteristics in maintaining amphibian productivity and community dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces a method to reduce flying squirrel mortality without affecting treefrog occupancy. Use of polyvinylchloride pipes; Results of the initiative; Advantages of the method.

The article focuses on Crotalus horridus, the Timber Rattlesnake, and explores its hibernation behavior, specifically its communal denning habits in some parts of its range, including a previously undocumented instance of communal denning in the Southeastern Coastal Plain.