John D. Newsom

Habitat use by bobcats (Lynx rufus) was investigated in 1978-79 in forested uplands of Louisiana by monitoring 7 radio-collared adult bobcats (3 females, 4 males). Mean male home range (x = 1,010 ha) did not differ significantly from female ranges (x = 591 ha). Distances traveled during a diel period ranged from 0.5 Ian to 10.2 km and averaged 3.0 Ian. Mean diel travel distances of males (2.8 km) were similar to those of females (3.3 km). Botanical composition of habitats within modified minimum home ranges averaged 40.1% mixed pine (Pinus spp.)-hardwood, 18.1% hardwood, 5.4% pine, and 36....

Wintering Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) were analyzed for lead and mercury residues and lead shot ingestion. Lead shot ingestion paralleled assimilation of lead residues. Snow geese collected in rice-growing areas had significantly (P < 0.01) more lead residues than marsh area geese. This was attributed to different soil finnness, feeding habits, and hunting practices in the 2 areas. Recent deposits of lead apparently played a major role in lead shot ingestion because lead residues and shot ingestion were greatest during the hunting season. Mercury residues significantly (P...

The relationship between fire ants (Solenopsis spp.) and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) was investigated in Louisiana coastal marshes because of persistent reports of ant depredation on young muskrats. Two different marsh types in southwestern and southcentral Louisiana were selected for study. During May-June of 1974 and 1975, 50 muskrat houses were opened on each study area; 50 additional houses were examined during January 1976 on the western study area. There were no significant year or area differences in the proportion of houses which were active or which contained ants. A...

In the winters of 1971, 1972, and 1973 st udy groups of white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) were fed rations of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), and winter ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), respectively, in prder that the effects on growth might be determined. During each eight-week study period, fresh rations were cut and fed daily to individually-penned animals. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences (P<.01) between rations, both for consumption and body weight gain. Average daily consumption of wheat was 6.0 pounds as compared...

Population level and habitat selectivity of an introduced population of the wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo L. was investigated during 1969 and 1970 on a 17,000 acre area of bottomland hardwoods. A cover type map was developed to give reconnaissance evaluation of forest types and detailed analysis of vegetative plots furnished a more complete characterization. Five environment types were subsequently revealed; hardwood or glade bottoms, swamp bottoms, clearings, a small live oak grove, and a limited stand of willows. Vegetative analysis indicated that sweetgum, hackberry, and water...