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Efficiently and effectively identifying and assessing potential wildlife habitat and important ecological resources is essential as rapid anthropogenic land use change alters and detrimentally affects terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Accuracy assessment of remotely sensed data supports ecological planning and management decisions, and is especially important when using freely available, coarse‐resolution spatial datasets, such as the National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD). A popular dataset designed for application at larger regional to national spatial scales, the NLCD has been used in finer scale studies outside of its intended use, often without the imperative support of field‐based accuracy assessment. We ground‐truthed stratified random sampling points to assess the accuracy of the 2016 NLCD at a fine spatial scale relevant to stream‐based ecological research. Our results demonstrated an overall accuracy of <65%, less than the United States Geological Survey recommended accuracy of ≥85%. Results indicated that the NLCD may not be effective as a tool for stream‐level studies and could provide erroneous results for fine‐scale habitat assessment and planning when used as the only reference dataset. When conducting ecological research, it is important to consider the appropriate scale, resolution, and limitations of available datasets to achieve the most accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry) is an invasive shrub that escaped cultivation and spread in the northeastern United States. The impact of varying degrees of Japanese barberry invasion on the abundances of a Lyme disease bacterium vector, Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick), and reservoir, Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mouse) was investigated. Blacklegged ticks and white-footed mice in three habitats with different levels of Japanese barberry invasion (fully invaded, partially invaded, non-invaded) were surveyed. The efficacy of three tick collection techniques (flagging, dry ice traps, walking) within these habitats were evaluated. Blacklegged ticks and white-footed mice were more abundant in the fully invaded habitat than the non-invaded and partially invaded habitats. The walking method was most effective for collecting blacklegged ticks. Habitat management that prevents full invasion by Japanese barberry may limit the abundance of Lyme disease bacterium vectors and reservoirs, thus contributing to disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological communities are becoming more typified by generalist species in conjunction with anthropogenic activities. Using a long-term dataset (1968-2019), we documented the expansion of a native generalist species, the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), into a river community, and studied the subsequent population changes that occurred in conjunction with short- and long-term changes within the ecosystem. Trachemys scripta elegans was able to expand into a new geographic area following a harvesting-induced population decline of a native competitor, the northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica). The population of T. s. elegans remained small for approximately 2.5 decades, then significantly increased in conjunction with habitat degradation in the form of increased silt/sediment deposits and nuisance aquatic vegetation growth. Our results demonstrate how a generalist species can expand and establish a population in an area impacted by multiple anthropogenic stressors. This research reveals how ecological communities become characterized by more generalist species following anthropogenically-induced competitive release caused by harvesting of native competitors, habitat degradation, and extreme flooding associated with land cover and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater species are declining rapidly but more complete data are needed for determining the extent and cause(s) of population declines and extirpations. Integrating newer survey techniques, freely available data, and traditional field work may allow for more effective assessment of population decline., We used detailed historical species records and environmental DNA (eDNA) survey methods to identify changes in population distribution of a long-lived, imperiled stream salamander, the eastern hellbender ( Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis: Cryptobranchidae). We used logistic regression with Bayesian inference to test whether selected environmental variables may be good predictors of hellbender population persistence and extirpation., Hellbenders persisted in only 42% of the 24 historical record sites. The best fit model indicated electrical conductivity (EC) was the strongest predictor of hellbender population persistence (EC < 278 μS/cm) and extirpation. Conductivity was strongly negatively correlated with canopy cover within the total watershed ( r = −0.83, n = 21, p < 0.001) and riparian buffer of the watershed ( r = −0.77, n = 21, p < 0.001)., Electrical conductivity tends to increase following deforestation, and may inhibit sperm motility and thus limit recruitment of hellbenders and other aquatic vertebrate species with external fertilisation., By integrating historical data, eDNA, field data, and freely available high resolution remote sensing data, our study design allowed for rapid assessment of predictors of and changes in hellbender distribution over a relatively broad geographic area. This cost- and time-effective approach may be used for evaluating other rare aquatic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small ephemeral wetlands are commonly found in the Piedmont ecoregion of the southeastern USA. Ephemeral wetlands have important ecological functions but information about their water quality over its flooding periods is relatively limited. In this study, the water chemistry and physical parameters of three ephemeral wetlands and their nearby water bodies, including first order and second order streams and groundwater in the Piedmont ecoregion of South Carolina, were closely monitored during their flooding periods from January to June 2012. Nutrient and water quality analyses demonstrated the chemistries of wetlands, stream, and groundwater were different from each other in spite of their proximity. Greater concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen with a major portion in humic-acid-like and fulvic-acid-like fractions were generally found in wetland waters. In contrast, significantly lower DOC concentrations with a greater portion of inorganic nitrogen were observed in stream and groundwater. Electrical conductivity at 25 °C (EC 25 ) and temperature measurements showed a greater fluctuation in wetlands, indicating their poor buffering capacity against environmental changes. Results of this field study suggested that these small ephemeral wetlands in the Piedmont Ecoregion have relatively unique biogeochemistry in comparing their adjacent water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We found no evidence of direct mortality of American toads from prescribed fire. [•] Toads exhibited terrestrial site fidelity. [•] Mean dispersal between breeding ponds and summer habitat was 993.5±265.9m. [•] Availability of cover items for refugia was important for toad habitat selection. [•] Toad movements were driven more by resource availability than by fire effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report regarding the discovery and geographical distribution of Three-toed Box Turtle, Terrapene Carolina Triunguis, along with mentions about stream habitat use of the Terrapene Carolina Triunguis. It mentions that the specie commonly associated with humid and moist forest habitats.

Models suggest that a declined turtle population may rebound if the cause of decline is remedied and adult mortality is reduced, but recovery time will likely be slow. In 2005-2007, we reexamined a river turtle community which included a population of Northern Map Turtles (Grciptemys geographica) that had been reduced by approximately 50% between 1969 and 1980 likely as a result of harvesting, and had failed to rebound by 2004 despite no evidence of continued harvesting. Comparisons of population estimates for G. geographica showed no significant differences between 2005 and 2006 (z = 1.79, P = 0.073) or between 2006 and 2007 (z = 1.07, P = 0.284). However, the population estimate for 2007 was not significantly different from the population estimate for 1969 (z = 0.48, P = 0.629) but was significantly higher than the population estimate for 1980 (z = 2.96, P = 0.003), suggesting the population had returned to its pre-decline (1969) size. While the recovery of the G. geographica population demonstrates that a previously harvested river turtle population may rebound if no further harvesting occurs, the recovery period will be extensive, thus confirming model predictions. Furthermore, the turtle community composition was shifting towards a higher relative abundance of generalist species and a lower relative abundance of specialist species - a pattern that can be expected with habitat degradation, another threat which may present new challenges to G. geographica, a dietary specialist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation into the causes underlying the rapid, global amphibian decline provides critical insight into the effects of changing ecosystems. Hypothesized and confirmed links between amphibian declines, disease, and environmental changes are increasingly represented in published literature. However, there are few long-term amphibian studies that include data on population size, abnormality/injury rates, disease, and habitat variables to adequately assess changes through time. We cultured and identified microorganisms isolated from abnormal/injured and repressed tissue regeneration sites of the endangered Ozark Hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi, to discover potential causative agents responsible for their significant decline in health and population. This organism and our study site were chosen because the population and habitat of C. a. bishopi have been intensively studied from 1969-2009, and the abnormality/injury rate and apparent lack of regeneration were established. Although many bacterial and fungal isolates recovered were common environmental organisms, several opportunistic pathogens were identified in association with only the injured tissues of C.a. bishopi. Bacterial isolates included Aeromonas hydrophila, a known amphibian pathogen, Granulicetella adiacens, Gordonai terrae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Aerococcus viridans, Streptococcus pneumoniae and a variety of Pseudomonads, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. stutzeri, and P. alcaligenes. Fungal isolates included species in the genera Penicillium, Acremonium, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Streptomycetes, and the Class Hyphomycetes. Many of the opportunistic pathogens identified are known to form biofilms. Lack of isolation of the same organism from all wounds suggests that the etiological agent responsible for the damage to C. a. bishopi may not be a single organism. To our knowledge, this is the first study to profile the external microbial consortia cultured from a Cryptobranchid salamander. The incidence of abnormalities/injury and retarded regeneration in C. a. bishopi may have many contributing factors including disease and habitat degradation. Results from this study may provide insight into other amphibian population declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term studies are essential for understanding how and to what extent various stressors impact long-lived species, such as turtles. Turtle populations are declining globally. Empirical data from long-term studies of turtles are largely lacking, which hinders the development of effective conservation programs. We evaluated a river turtle assemblage over a 50 year study period (1969–2019), during which the assemblage was impacted by harvesting, habitat degradation, a record-shattering flood, and the removal of a small dam. Our objective was to determine how the turtle assemblage, Graptemys geographica population (i.e., predominant species), and habitat changed in light of a recent record-shattering flood and the removal of a small dam, and place those changes within the context of other stressors documented within the 50 year study period. The record-shattering flood changed the stream and riparian habitat and, along with the dam removal, the turtle assemblage. In the short term, G. geographica and other turtle species within the assemblage, with the exception of Sternotherus odoratus , either exhibited positive or neutral impacts from the flood. We conclude that turtle species adapted to lotic habitats can cope with extreme flooding if their populations are secure prior to flooding and if the riparian and stream habitats are intact. However, as more threats simultaneously impact turtle populations, we expect fewer populations to be able to withstand such additional stressors. Within the context provided by the fifty year study period, we found that harvesting had more immediate negative impacts on the G. geographica population than did flooding. • Flooding and dam removal can alter river turtle assemblages. • Healthy river turtle populations can cope with extreme flooding. • Flood-impacted, undeveloped riparian habitats support turtle recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the temporal and spatial niche partitioning of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis (Eastern Hellbender). Topics include the differences in nocturnal emergence times among various size classes of Hellbenders, the controlled laboratory conditions used to mimic their natural habitat, and the observed variations in behavior and habitat use after emergence.

The article focuses on larval habitat and retreat behavior in Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi that is Ozark Hellbender and utilize the interstitial spaces among the gravel and cobble as their primary habitat. It mentions larvae had any visible abnormalities, which have commonly been observed in adult and vulnerable to siltation and sedimentation. It also factors contributing to the decline Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi due to the degradation and reduction of habitat.

The article offers information on the geographic distribution of the Anaxyrus Fowleri Fowler's Toad species in Pennsylvania.

Characteristics of buildings and land cover surrounding buildings influence the number of bird-window collisions, yet little is known about whether bird-window collisions are associated with urbanization at large spatial scales. We initiated a continent-wide study in North America to assess how bird-window collision mortality is influenced by building characteristics, landscaping around buildings, and regional urbanization. In autumn 2014, researchers at 40 sites (N = 281 buildings) used standardized protocols to document collision mortality of birds, evaluate building characteristics, and measure local land cover and regional urbanization. Overall, 324 bird carcasses were observed (range = 0–34 per site) representing 71 species. Consistent with previous studies, we found that building size had a strong positive effect on bird-window collision mortality, but the strength of the effect on mortality depended on regional urbanization. The positive relationship between collision mortality and building size was greatest at large buildings in regions of low urbanization, locally extensive lawns, and low-density structures. Collision mortality was consistently low for small buildings, regardless of large-scale urbanization. The mechanisms shaping broad-scale variation in collision mortality during seasonal migration may be related to habitat selection at a hierarchy of scales and behavioral divergence between urban and rural bird populations. These results suggest that collision prevention measures should be prioritized at large buildings in regions of low urbanization throughout North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change models often assume similar responses to temperatures across the range of a species, but local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity can lead plants and animals to respond differently to temperature in different parts of their range. To date, there have been few tests of this assumption at the scale of continents, so it is unclear if this is a large-scale problem. Here, we examined the assumption that insect taxa show similar responses to temperature at 96 sites in grassy habitats across North America. We sampled insects with Malaise traps during 2019-2021 (N = 1041 samples) and examined the biomass of insects in relation to temperature and time of season. Our samples mostly contained Diptera (33%), Lepidoptera (19%), Hymenoptera (18%), and Coleoptera (10%). We found strong regional differences in the phenology of insects and their response to temperature, even within the same taxonomic group, habitat type, and time of season. For example, the biomass of nematoceran flies increased across the season in the central part of the continent, but it only showed a small increase in the Northeast and a seasonal decline in the Southeast and West. At a smaller scale, insect biomass at different traps operating on the same days was correlated up to ~75 km apart. Large-scale geographic and phenological variation in insect biomass and abundance has not been studied well, and it is a major source of controversy in previous analyses of insect declines that have aggregated studies from different locations and time periods. Our study illustrates that large-scale predictions about changes in insect populations, and their causes, will need to incorporate regional and taxonomic differences in the response to temperature., (© 2023 The Authors. Ecology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Ecological Society of America.)

Collisions with buildings cause up to 1 billion bird fatalities annually in the United States and Canada. However, efforts to reduce collisions would benefit from studies conducted at large spatial scales across multiple study sites with standardized methods and consideration of species- and life-history-related variation and correlates of collisions. We addressed these research needs through coordinated collection of data on bird collisions with buildings at sites in the United States (35), Canada (3), and Mexico (2). We collected all carcasses and identified species. After removing records for unidentified carcasses, species lacking distribution-wide population estimates, and species with distributions overlapping fewer than 10 sites, we retained 269 carcasses of 64 species for analysis. We estimated collision vulnerability for 40 bird species with ≥2 fatalities based on their North American population abundance, distribution overlap in study sites, and sampling effort. Of 10 species we identified as most vulnerable to collisions, some have been identified previously (e.g., Black-throated Blue Warbler [Setophaga caerulescens]), whereas others emerged for the first time (e.g., White-breasted Nuthatch [Sitta carolinensis]), possibly because we used a more standardized sampling approach than past studies. Building size and glass area were positively associated with number of collisions for 5 of 8 species with enough observations to analyze independently. Vegetation around buildings influenced collisions for only 1 of those 8 species (Swainson's Thrush [Catharus ustulatus]). Life history predicted collisions; numbers of collisions were greatest for migratory, insectivorous, and woodland-inhabiting species. Our results provide new insight into the species most vulnerable to building collisions, making them potentially in greatest need of conservation attention to reduce collisions and into species- and life-history-related variation and correlates of building collisions, information that can help refine collision management., (© 2020 Society for Conservation Biology.)