Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

In 2004, the Southeastern Cooperative Fish Disease Project completed 40 years of research, education, and disease diagnosis in support of the fisheries management goals of the members of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA). This project has been possible because of the cooperation of biologists and support from the Southeastern states. Major areas of research included parasites of warmwater sport fish, bacterial and viral diseases of fish, and environmental effects on fish health. These research topics arose from problems identified because of the disease diagnostic activities of this cooperative project. Continuing education courses provided basic instruction about fish diseases and also transferred new research information to biologists in the SEAFWA states. In addition, the training of fish disease specialists increased the availability of personnel to assist SEAFWA members.

Several diseases of fish present challenges to both fishery managers and aquaculturists in the Southeast. Emerging diseases along with a suite of known and persistent diseases can present management challenges for native species and biodiversity, can cause loss of recreational fishing opportunities, and can affect local economies or reduce profitability in commercial aquaculture. Emerging diseases such as mycobacteriosis in striped bass, epizootic ulcerative syndrome in menhaden, and spring viremia of carp present some new challenges to fishery managers. Likewise, recurring epizootics resulting from such etiologic agents as Streptococcus and Vibrio in estuarine fishes or Aeromonas and Edwardsiella in freshwater fishes have challenged managers for decades. Pathogens including Photobacterium damselae piscicida and several of the Mycobacterium species may represent health risks to managers, anglers, or fish culturists.

Cages as tools for in situ bioassays have a proven track record in monitoring the effects of effluent and sediment toxicity. Application to biomonitoring, however, has received comparably little attention. With the increasing threat of harmful algal blooms to both humans and aquatic organisms, their use as sentinels for early warning and for the examination of organism response in situ is evident. During efforts to monitor and describe the response of juvenile menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) to the reportedly toxic dinoflagellates of the genus Pfiesteria, we devised a simple, inexpensive cage for the conduct of in situ bioassays. This design, in combination with fish husbandry and transport techniques specific for menhaden, allows for rapid, inexpensive deployment of cages in at least a 4-h radius of the holding facility with an acceptable level of mortality and minimal caging effects.

The anesthetic properties of clove oil and tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) were tested in a laboratory setting on the southern redbelly dace (Phoxinus erythrogaster), a small cyprinid common to upland streams of the Mississippi River basin. We used southern redbelly dace as a surrogate species to indicate the lowest, most effective anesthetic level for our work with the closely related blackside dace (Phoxinus cumberlandensis), a federally protected species. Concentrations of 20, 40, and 60 mg L-1 clove oil and 20, 40, and 60 mg L-1 MS-222 were used to anesthetize southern redbelly dace at water temperatures of 11, 17, and 21 C, representing a natural range of temperatures encountered in research streams from spring through autumn. For clove oil, induction rates were dependent on dose, temperature, and the interaction between these two variables. Recovery rates, on the other hand, were dependent only on temperature (quicker recovery at warmer temperatures).

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are ecological generalists that use a variety of landscape and habitat types. Although space and habitat use are well understood for raccoons throughout the southeastern United States, relationships between space use and landscape characteristics are not. We examined relationships between space use and landscape characteristics for 95 radio-marked raccoons monitored during 1996-1997 on two adjacent forested landscapes that differed in forest management strategies. We noted relationships between space use and patch richness, proportion and size of riparian habitats on the landscape, and size of patches providing soft mast resources. Raccoons within an intensively-managed forest maintained spaces with reduced patch richness and less of the landscape in riparian habitats, likely attributable to forest management strategies that optimize wood fiber production.

An understanding of spatial and temporal dynamics of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations is essential in setting management goals. In central Texas, raccoon (Procyon lotor) populations have increased in recent years, causing concern that they may be limiting Rio Grande wild turkey (M. g. intermedia) production. We used two long-term data sets in central Texas to explore the relationship between raccoon abundance and Rio Grande wild turkey production at the regional, county, and local scale. We found no evidence that natural variation in raccoon abundance was associated with Rio Grande wild turkey production. Although further research is warranted, we suggest that raccoons may influence broad-scale Rio Grande wild turkey production in central Texas less than expected.

Annual recruitment of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) should be closely monitored to regulate fall turkey seasons and reduce risk of over-harvest. However, previous studies have not encompassed the spatial or temporal scales needed to produce models that can consistently predict recruitment over a large region. Our objective was to assess the ability of using long-term data sets of sex-age ratios, oak (Quercus spp.) mast, and weather variables to forecast annual wild turkey recruitment in western Virginia. We conducted a thorough literature search on factors believed to be limiting reproduction and developed a series of 14 a priori models and 1 a posteriori model to predict recruitment.

Cost-effectiveness of various planting options is an important consideration in selecting planting strategies for mourning dove (Zenaida macroura, hereafter ‘dove') fields. We documented costs and seed yields of three cultivated and three wild dove foods, and tested effects of fertilization rate, row-spacing, and seeding rate on seed yield of highly-preferred dove foods. Browntop millet generally had the greatest seed yield and lowest cost/kg of seed produced. Broadleaf signalgrass (Brachiaria platyphylla) generally was the second highest-yielding species, but high seed cost limited cost/kg of seed produced for wild species. White proso millet, dove proso millet, and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) produced little seed and had low cost-efficiency. Fertilization rate did not affect seed yield of the species we tested. Effects of row spacing and seeding rate on yield of browntop millet and dove proso millet varied between study sites.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has used auditory call counts annually since 1949 to monitor white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) populations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Recently, white-winged doves have been expanding their distribution, and now the largest populations occur in urban areas north of their historic south Texas range. It has become necessary to develop an urban survey method to better monitor these populations. We compared two call count sampling methods for surveying white-winged doves in urban environments (i.e., transects vs. grid-points in Austin during 1999-2002 and San Antonio during 2001-2002). We also determined the percent annual population change we were able to detect for each year with the current sample size using the grid-point survey method. Estimates of white-winged dove breeding density were higher using the transect method compared to the grid method each year.

Managers and biologists have long relied on relatively inexpensive and easily collected data from hunter-harvested deer to provide information for making harvest management decisions. We sought to better understand the influence of time lags and population segment (i.e., total adult and total herd density) on the density-physical parameter relationship. Nine long-term harvest data sets (15-31 years duration, median = 26 years) were acquired from populations located across the Southeastern United States which spanned several physiographic provinces and a wide range of densities (1-32 deer/km2). Population densities were derived from a combination of Downing and Wisconsin reconstructions. These densities were correlated to commonly used physical parameters in the current year and with one- and two-year lags. Time lags proved to be useful in identifying the relationship between physical parameters and density for both the total and adult segments of the herd.

To assess how white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) herd demographics influence reproductive behaviors, we examined 24-h diel movements of female white-tailed deer relative to parturition and breeding in a low-density population with a near even sex ratio at the Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina. We conducted a series of intensive, 24-h radio-tracking periods of 13 females during spring and fall 2002. We compared daily range (ha), rate of travel (m/h), and distance between extreme daily locations (m), among the periods of pre-parturition and post-parturition and pre-, peak-, and post-rut. From pre-parturition to post-parturition, we observed decreases in diel range size (-38.2%), distance between extreme diel locations (-17.0%), and diel rate of travel (-18.2%). Diel range size, distance between extreme diel locations, and diel rate of travel during the pre-rut and rut exceeded those observed during post-rut.

Long-term declines in American woodcock (Scolopax minor) populations may be partially the result of low survival rates on wintering grounds especially in nocturnal habitats. We compared microhabitat characteristics of woodcock nocturnal roost sites to random sites in eastern Texas. We located woodcock roost points by nightlighting in winters of 2000-01 (45 points) and 2001-02 (74 points). Percentage bare soil, sapling-size tree canopy cover above 0.5 m, and sapling density were greater at roost than random sites. Conversely, shrub ground cover (i.e., below 0.5 m) was lower at roost than random sites. Woodcock roosted in mowed areas, unmowed bunchgrass, under saplings treated with herbicides the previous summer, and in areas where carpetgrass had been burned the previous winter. They did not roost in unburned carpetgrass.

We evaluated short-term effects of prescribed burning of clearcuts on potential ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus) brood habitat in oak-hickory forests in western Virginia. We divided six <1-year-old clearcuts into two portions and designated one portion for prescribed burning during late fall or winter. Because of dry conditions, only four treatment areas were burned. We monitored habitat conditions on burned and unburned portions of clearcuts during the growing season preceding treatment and during the two subsequent growing seasons. Excessive coarse woody debris (CWD) can hinder movements of grouse chicks and inhibit growth of plant foods; prescribed burning reduced density of small-diameter CWD approximately 50%. Numbers of some early successional plants were greater on burned than control sites by the second growing season post-treatment, whereas some species associated with shaded sites, including red maple (Acer rubrum), declined after burning.

Hatching success of crocodilian eggs can be influenced by the age of the embryo at time of collection. We conducted an experiment to determine the amount of care necessary during egg collection to optimize embryo survival when alligators eggs at different stages of development were subjected to simulated field conditions of choppy vs. smooth water and cushioned vs. non-cushioned support. We also compared hatching success of rolled vs. non-rolled eggs at different stages of development. We found that transporting eggs in choppy water reduced hatch rates in the absence of cushioning (P < 0.001) and cushioning improved the likelihood of eggs hatching (P = 0.071). The hatch rate probability of eggs with 7-8 days of embryonic development was less than those of 12-14 or 17-18 days (P < 0.010). Rolling did not significantly affect the probability of eggs hatching (P > 0.89) for the ages 13-24 days. This study indicated that precautionary measures can reduce egg mortality.

Avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM), a disease of unknown etiology, was first diagnosed in 1994 (Thomas et al. 1998) as the cause of morbidity and death of American coots (Fulica americana) and bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the southeastern United States. The disease, now confirmed on 10 lakes in four southeastern states, also has been found in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris), bufflehead (Bucephala albeola),one great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), and a killdeer (Charadrius vociferous). Histological examination of the central nervous system (CNS) shows a striking diffuse, spongy degeneration of the white matter, especially in the optic tectum and cerebellum. However, assessments of epidemiology, histopathology, and environmental chemistry/toxicology have failed to determine the cause.

We conducted a survey of nonindustrial private (NIP) landowners in Mississippi during the 1996-97 and 1997-98 hunting seasons to determine revenues collected and expenditures incurred for fee hunting on their properties. We mailed the survey to random samples of landowners who owned $16.4 ha within statewide and Mississippi Delta counties during 1996-97 and statewide and Mississippi Gulf Coastal counties during 1997-98. Questionnaires mailed over the two hunting seasons totaled 6,966 and resulted in 2,283 respondents. Game species pursued on lands committed to fee hunting included deer, waterfowl, turkey, quail, dove, and “other” game. Respondents reported expenditures for overhead items and wildlife management activities related to fee hunting on their lands. Two hundred thirty-six respondents reported gross revenues from fee hunting ranging from US$2,964 to $5,254 on average per landowner or $7.50 to $14.28 per ha, depending upon the region.

As part of a statewide regulation change in 1990, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department adopted 254-mm minimum length and 25-fish daily bag limits on crappies (Pomoxis spp.) at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The objective of the regulation was to increase the size of harvested crappies while maintaining pre-regulation catch rates, harvest rates, and yield. Population and fishery parameters during 3-year unregulated and 8-year regulated periods were compared. Results indicated that mean length and weight of harvested crappies increased significantly (16% and 40%, respectively), while yield was maintained. Significant increases in trap net catch rates of crappies, coupled with a 36% increase in angler catch rates, suggested an increase in stock-length crappie abundance during the regulation period.

Between the early and late 1990s, a nearly 10-fold decline in angler catch rates of large (?2.27 kg) largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was observed in Wheeler Reservoir, Alabama. The objective of our study was to estimate the exploitation rate of largemouth bass and compare predicted population responses from simulated minimum length limit (MLL) regulations in an attempt to explain this reduction. Exploitation was seasonal, with most of the harvest occurring during spring. Spring and early summer exploitation estimates adjusted for tag loss and angler non-reporting ranged from 10% to 15% in 2001, 9% to 14% in 2002, and 6% to 10% in 2003. No fish were reported as harvested in the first four months following tagging in October 2002. Simulation modeling predicted that a 406-mm MLL could potentially increase by 56% the proportion of a cohort that would recruit to 508-mm (approximately 2.27 kg), compared to a 305-mm MLL.

Roving-clerk creel surveys were conducted at Cat Island, Mississippi, during two three-year periods: 1977-1979 and 1997-1999. Angler interviews provided data of species caught with estimated weight and number, as well as duration of fishing activity. Periodic aerial counts of fishermen provided further estimates of total fishing activity. Fishing pressure increased significantly (P ? 0.05) during the 20-year study interval in numbers of fishermen and total hours fished. Greatest fishing activity occurred on weekends during both study periods with the greatest fishing pressure from March- November. Despite increased fishing pressure, total catch did not increase significantly (P ? 0.05) between study periods. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) exhibited a decline proportionate with the increase in fishing pressure.

We examined the effects of an aquatic herbicide (Aquathol K) applied prior to largemouth bass spawning to reduce the exotic submersed macrophyte hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) and promote establishment of native submersed plants on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) population metrics. Density and biomass of adult (>250 mm) largemouth bass were determined between 2000 and 2003 using a catch-depletion technique in a cove that had been periodically treated with herbicides. Also, catch-per-effort for both number and weight were compared in 2002-2003 between a treated and untreated hydrilla-infested cove. In the cove where catch-depletions were conducted, herbicide applications reduced hydrilla between 2000-2003 and abundance of native plants increased. Coincident with these changes, largemouth bass density and biomass increased 50% to 120%. Over time, the size of fish captured increased in this cove, but temporal changes in relative weight were not evident.

Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) was introduced into oligotrophic Mayo Reservoir, North Carolina, during 1992 or 1993. The species established a self-sustaining population and increased from <1% of total fish biomass in 1993 to 31% in 2000. Size-selective planktivory by the species, a well-documented phenomenon in other alewife introductions, was implicated in observed changes in the reservoir zooplankton community. Large- and mid-sized zooplankton (> 0.7 mm) (Onchyodiaptomus birgei, calanoid copepodites, Daphnia spp., Diaphanosoma brachyurum, and Holopedium gibberum) decreased in density and biomass within a year after the alewife introduction. Total cladoceran densities and biomass and total copepod biomass also exhibited the same pattern. Conversely, smaller or more evasive zooplankton (e.g., Bosmina longirostris, Mesocyclops edax, Tropocyclops prasinus, cyclopoid copepodites, and rotifers) either increased or did not change in abundance following introduction.

A spawning population of Cycleptus meridionalis was sampled 71 times in the generator outflow area below Millers Ferry Lock and Dam from 1995-2003. Sampling success ranged from 32 fish in 2001 to 247 fish in 2003. Sixty-seven percent of 1059 fish captured were males; 30% were females, and 3% were gender unknown. Females attained a greater total length and total weight than males. Regression slopes for standard length versus total length and total weight versus standard length were significantly different (P<0.01) between males and females. Collections of >100 fish indicated peak spawning activity occurred in late March when water temperatures ranged from 15 to 17 C. Most fish left the spawning area when water temperatures reached 20 to 21 C. Twenty percent of 702 Cycleptus meridionalis anchor tagged from 1995-2002 were recaptured from 1996-2003.

We conducted a mail survey to evaluate the demographics, attitudes, and practices of Alabama licensed freshwater anglers. The survey consisted of 36 questions that largely paralleled the most recent (1987) previous angler survey conducted by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Of the 2000 surveys mailed to randomly-selected licensed anglers, 31% (628) were returned before the stated deadline. Responses were similar to those in the last statewide survey. Tournament anglers represented only about 5% of respondents. The most sought freshwater fish species by respondents was largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Anglers demonstrated a greater desire to release rather than harvest fish, with reasons for releasing fish including the expectation of improving fishing and fear of contaminants.

Shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum) were monitored as part of continuing studies in the Ogeechee and Canoochee rivers adjacent to Fort Stewart, Georgia, during 1999 and 2000. Over 13,000 net-meter h soak time and 1,700 person h of effort were expended; short (27.5-m) experimental gill nets were a satisfactory sampling gear. Retention of externally mounted telemetry tags was poor (mean = 80 d), and spawning habitats were not located. The population, ranging from ages 3 to 14, was estimated at 147 individuals. Growth equation parameters and rates of mortality were similar to those described in other river systems. Recruitment appears to limit the recovery of the population. Modeling suggests this population has been maintained by yearly recruitment of about 30 age-1 fish since 1993. Cultured shortnose sturgeon released into the Savannah River allowed for age validation and contributed substantially to year classes 8, 9, and 11.

Hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, and blue catfish I. furcatus were tagged and stocked to assess the potential for recreational fishery enhancement in a coastal Alabama river. Creel and mail surveys were completed to evaluate the existing fishery and success of fish stocking. After adjusting for angler tag reporting, tag loss, and mortality, catch rates were 2%, 11%, and 17% for blue catfish, channel catfish, and hybrid striped bass, respectively. No directed angler effort was recorded for any stocked species and catch rates did not increase over time. Estuarine species, such as speckled seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), white trout (Cynoscion arenarius), and red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), comprised over 67% of targeted effort and 58% of the catch. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and crappies (Pomoxis spp.) were the most targeted freshwater species.

Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) populations have declined across the species' historical range. Therefore, data on movements and home ranges of alligator gar are needed to evaluate potential management scenarios. The movements of 12 alligator gar were monitored using radio and sonic telemetry in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Alabama, from June 1998 to April 2000. Fish were fitted with external radio transmitters (N = 5) from June to October 1998 and sonic transmitters (N = 10) from March to May 1999. Seven fish were released in Threemile Creek in the western delta, three fish were released in the central delta and five fish were released in the eastern delta. Twelve of 15 alligator gar were located at least once after tagging. Fish were relocated from one to 19 times, and total observed movement was highly variable (1.55-23.10 km). Linear home ranges of fish ranged from 2.73 to 12.25 km.

We conducted a study of recreational fishing and economic activities of charter boat operators along Mississippi's Gulf Coast to determine their local and statewide economic impact in 2001. Mail questionnaires received (N = 36) from charter boat operators included information on sport fish species pursued, locations fished, number of trips and number of clientele entertained, gross revenues collected, expenditures incurred, and number of employees hired in 2001. Sport fish species or species groups that were most pursued in descending order of preference were sea trout (Cynoscion spp.), snapper (Lutjanus spp.), redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus) mackerel (Scomberomorus spp.), and sharks (Carcharhinus spp., Sphyrna spp., Isrus spp., Rhizoprionodon spp.). Captains reported open saltwater, offshore shipwrecks, oil rigs, sandbars off barrier islands, and inland shipwrecks as the top five locations fished during charter trips.

The food habits of blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish (I. punctatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) in a section of the Coosa River, Alabama, were determined by examining the contents of 800 catfish stomachs from tailwater and reservoir habitats on the Coosa River from 2001-2002. Stomachs were described using the Relative Importance Index. Small blue catfish consumed mainly molluscs in tailwaters and insects in reservoir habitats. Insects were most important to larger blue catfish in both habitats. Channel catfish consumed mostly insects in both habitats but a wider diversity was present in the diets from tailwater catfish. Flathead catfish had similar feeding patterns in both habitats. Small flathead catfish consumed mostly crayfish and zooplankton in tailwaters, whereas insects and fish were most important in reservoir areas.

Lewis Smith Reservoir, an 8,583-ha Alabama Power Company impoundment on the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River in north central Alabama, has received annual stockings of Gulf strain striped bass (STB-G) since 1983. Little is known about the distribution and seasonal movement patterns of striped bass in Lewis Smith Reservoir. During a three-year period from 1999-2001, 22 striped bass were captured, surgically implanted with ultrasonic transmitters and released back into the reservoir near their original capture site. Movement patterns of transmitter-equipped striped bass indicate that fish movement in the lake was dependent on fluctuations in seasonal temperature and water quality. During the critical summer months when the reservoir stratifies, striped bass tended to move downstream into cooler and deeper sections of the reservoir, taking advantage of lower water temperatures.

Historical data on brown trout from the Smith River tailwater, Virginia, below Philpott Dam, from 1971-2002 were reviewed to assess changes in the fishery during the time period. Data from citation brown trout (>2268 g) and electrofishing data were evaluated for changes in size distribution and fish condition. The number of citation brown trout declined over the time period. Relative stock density also decreased. Although relative condition of citation brown trout was high in the early 1970s, values decreased and remained stable after 1980. Declines in the number of trophy-sized trout and smaller size distribution may be related to trophic interactions, overexploitation, water quality or trophic status changes, or limitations in food availablility.

Although winter foods of mallards (Anas platyrhyncos) and wood ducks (Aix sponsa) have been documented in several studies, no such research has been conducted in natural bottomland hardwood forests in eastern Texas. We collected 40 mallards and 38 wood ducks and sampled available foods in eastern Texas during winters 1987-1988 and 1988-89 to study food habits and preferences. Acorns from four oak species comprised >89% and >99% of the diets of mallards and wood ducks, respectively. Nuttall oak (Quercus texana) acorns made up >67% of the diet of each species both years. Program PREFER indicated seeds of deciduous holly (Ilex decidua) and willow oak (Q. phellos) acorns were favored by mallards and wood ducks, respectively; preferences overlapped widely among potential foods, however.

Thousands of hectares of tidally-influenced, forested wetlands were cleared in the South Atlantic Coastal Zone and put into rice production during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Many of these ricefields were abandoned in the late 1800s and were not maintained thereafter; hence, they no longer have functional dikes and provide poor habitat for waterfowl and wading birds due to colonization by dense stands of giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea). Because efforts to open these extensive stands with herbicides and fire have been largely unsuccessful, in April 1997 we used an ammonium nitrate gel to blast a cluster of five potholes in a 162-ha abandoned ricefield system in Georgetown County, South Carolina. Potholes ranged from 100-175 m2 and cost ranged form US$700 to $1,000 per pothole. Our objectives were to estimate and compare plant community characteristics and invertebrate biomass in the pothole cluster and control sites.

Although restocking wild populations with pen-raised bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) is considered ineffective, it has become popular and acceptable among sportsmen to supplement hunting opportunities. Nonetheless, their impact on wild bobwhite populations remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to compare bobwhite survival, core area of use, and relative predator abundance between treatment (release of pen-raised bobwhites) and control areas. We monitored 136 wild bobwhites via radiotelemetry from September to February 2000-01 and 2001-02 on 2 areas (1 release and 1 control site) in Brooks County, Texas. We released 800 pen-raised bobwhites on the treatment site from November to December 2000 and 1,920 pen-raised bobwhites during the same time period in 2001. We documented greater survival of wild bobwhites in the control site (38%; N = 39 bobwhites) compared to the treatment site (14%; N = 41 bobwhites) only during 2001 (P = 0.02).

Changes in seed nutrient content during field weathering may have important effects on food selection by mourning doves (Zenaida macroura, hereafter ‘doves') and other granivorous wildlife. We documented changes in food selection by mourning doves with seed weathering, and we compared patterns of seed preference pre- and post-weathering with seed deterioration rates documented in an earlier-published study. Doves selected white proso millet over all other species among fresh seeds, but selected broadleaf signalgrass (Brachiaria platyphylla) over most others among weathered seeds. Results generally confirmed shifting food preferences of doves from cultivated to wild foods with seed weathering. These shifts in preference seem to be based on differential deterioration rates among seed types; selection among weathered seeds seems to favor those most resistant to mass loss.

Louisiana is the leading state in number of river otters (Lontra canadensis) used in reintroduction programs in other states and in the production of pelts. However, habitat loss and degradation have prompted concern about the status of otter populations. We analyzed harvesting records maintained by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries during 1983-2001 to identify spatial and temporal trends in otter harvesting activity. To summarize temporal trends, we estimated mean number of otters harvested and trappers, correlation coefficients for number otters trapped and number of trappers, and harvest rate (otters/trapper) for each trapping season. We used the geostatistics mean center, weighted by the number of otters harvested in each parish, to identify spatial trends in otter harvest distribution.

The funnel trap has proven a safe (for handlers), efficient, low-manpower method of capturing Rio Grande turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia). Field biologists in Texas maintain that private ranchers accept this technique more readily than alternatives because it is passive and only requires one person. The impact of the technique on animal welfare, however, has not been addressed. In 2002, in the first year of an ongoing population ecology study, we trapped 46 turkeys using a standard walk in trap, and 40 more where a tarpaulin was slipped over the trap prior to removing birds. Using this modification, trap-related mortalities dropped from 4 to 1, serious injuries fell from 11 to 1, and minor abrasions declined from 5 to 4. Funnel traps were easily modified to minimize turkey injuries and relieve landowner concerns about injury rates.

Brood counts are used frequently by state conservation agencies to estimate wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) recruitment. We performed power analyses for 25 years of Rio Grande Wild Turkey (M. g. intermedia; RGWT) brood-count data from five ecological regions of Texas in order to determine if these data had sufficient (1-b ?0.80) power to detect inter-annual and long-term changes in turkey production of 10%-20%, which we considered biologically meaningful. We then analyzed the data to determine trends in production. The analyses showed that a minimum annual sample of 200-500 turkey-group observations per region was required to detect an inter-annual change of 10%-20% in the proportion of poults in the hen:poult population. Historic annual sample size averaged 65-306. Existing data were not sufficiently powerful to detect long-term changes of 10%-20% in poult proportions.

We quantified bobcat (Lynx rufus) diet on a longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) dominated area managed for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), hereafter quail. We sorted prey items to species when possible, but for analysis we categorized them into 1 of 5 classes: rodent, bird, deer, rabbit, and other species. Bobcat diet did not differ seasonally (X2 = 17.82, P = 0.1213). Most scats (91%) contained rodent, 14% contained bird, 9% contained deer (Odocoileus virginianus), 6% contained rabbit (Sylvilagus sp.), and 12% contained other. Quail remains were detected in only 2 of 135 bobcat scats examined. Because of low occurrence of quail (approximately 1.4%) in bobcat scats we suggest that bobcats are not a serious predator of quail.

Habitat needs of wildlife are important for science-based wildlife management. Further, these needs may differ based upon the ecosystem in which the species lives. Bobcat habitat use within the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forest ecosystem has received little attention. Therefore, we monitored 21 bobcats (Lynx rufus) (8 M, 13 F) during 2001-2002 in southwestern Georgia to determine habitat use at two different spatial scales: (1) habitat associated with each animal's locations relative to habitat composition of its home range and (2) habitat composition of each bobcat's home range relative to habitat composition of the study area. Seasonal habitat selection did not differ between sexes. At the smaller spatial scale, bobcats preferred (i.e., use $ availability) food plots within their home range during fall, winter, and spring, though they preferred hardwood areas within their home range during summer.

Bachman's sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis) populations are generally declining throughout much of the Southeast, and habitat loss is suspected as the principal force driving declines. Therefore, we assessed the potential effects of current land use practices on Bachman's sparrows (BACS) within the lower Flint River Basin (LFRB). We then used a previously developed habitat model to quantify current available BACS habitat and used common landscape metrics to describe fragmentation of remaining habitat. Prior to major land use changes associated with European settlement, approximately 86% of the LFRB was suitable for BACS. Of this once suitable habitat, 3.8% is now urban, 42.4% is now in agriculture, and 48.2% is now in forests unsuitable for BACS. We estimated that only 3.3% of the original upland forests within the basin remain suitable for BACS. Today, 97.4% of suitable habitat occurs in patches <30 ha with 17.9% of patches fragmented by >1000 m.

We tested an a priori plant community classification model, developed using topographic characteristics and GIS, to determine if it could be used to predict the distribution of the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) in the Balsam Mountains of western North Carolina. Nest boxes were used to sample northern flying squirrel populations in areas of predicted presence versus areas of predicted absence. There was no difference between the two site types for presence or absence of northern flying squirrels. However, significant differences were found for number of squirrels captured and nest boxes used between types. The mixed results of our analyses suggested that our definition of predicted present and predicted absent sites was flawed.

Currently, nearly 98% of the land area once dominated by longleaf pine ecosystems has been converted to other uses. The U.S. Forest Service is replanting logged areas with longleaf pine at the Savannah River Site, New Ellenton, South Carolina, in an effort to restore these ecosystems. To ascertain the effects of various silvicultural management techniques on the vertebrate communities, we surveyed small mammal, herpetofaunal, and avian communities in six 10- to 13-year-old longleaf pine plantations subjected to various thinning and herbicide regimes. Areas within each plantation were randomly assigned one of four treatments: thinning, herbicide spraying, thinning and herbicide, and an untreated control. For all vertebrate groups, abundance and species diversity tended to be less in the controls than treated areas. Birds and small mammals were most abundant and diverse in thinned treatments versus spray only and control.

Area searches and pitfall trap methods are commonly used to quantify presence or abundance of reptile and amphibian species. However, most studies do not use both methods simultaneously. We compared these methods with respect to detectability of herpetofauna species and detection rates for individual species on public lands in east central Mississippi. We conducted area searches along 300 m2 belt transects measuring 50 x 6 m at distances of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 m from first and second order streams. Pitfall traps were placed along transects at 0, 50, and 100 m from streams. Transects were checked 2-3 times/year in 2001 and 2002. Transect data encompassed 84 surveys over 21 study sites. Twenty-four reptile species (741 individuals) and 17 amphibian species (615 individuals) were recorded during transect surveys. Nine reptile species (135 individuals) and 10 amphibian species (315 individuals) were captured using pitfall traps.

Using questionnaires, we surveyed fifth grade students in eastern Texas during spring 1998 to evaluate their knowledge of and attitudes towards wildlife. We grouped data from 1315 completed surveys by community size (urban, semi-urban, semi-rural, and rural) and ethnicity (black, Hispanic, and white). We compared knowledge and attitude scores among groups using Kruskal-Wallis tests and evaluated relationships between knowledge or activities and attitudes using Pearson's correlations. We found that television was the primary source of wildlife information for the students; parents generally ranked lowest. White students had higher (P < 0.05) knowledge and attitude scores than Hispanics, which were higher (P < 0.05) than blacks. Rural white students had the highest scores (P < 0.05) among community sizes. For each ethnic group and community size, correlations between knowledge and attitudes were significant (P < 0.05).

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are abundant throughout the southern United States with a complex legal status and a reputation for negative interactions with wildlife and vegetation. The impacts of feral swine upon water quality are not extensively nor quantitatively documented in the published literature. We quantified the effects of feral swine on dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform bacteria, overall heterotrophic bacteria plate counts, and the presence of disease-causing bacteria. We sampled Mill Creek in western Louisiana in summer 2002 and spring 2003. Feral swine increased fecal coliform counts (P = 0.03 in 2002 and P ? 0.01 in 2003) and heterotrophic plate counts (P ? 0.01 in 2003). Fecal coliform counts (r2 =0.25, P = 0.01 in 2002, r2 = 0.30, P ? 0.01 in 2003) and heterotrophic plate counts (r2 = 0.44, P = 0.02 in 2003) were positively related to swine presence. We also identified pathogenic bacteria, Aeromonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Shigella spp., in swine impacted water.

Black bear (Ursus americanus) conservation and restoration in the southeastern United States have become conservation priorities in the past decade. The release of black bears into portions of their former range has been proposed in some states and initiated in others to re-colonize available habitats. To coincide with restoration of the federally threatened Louisiana black bear (U. a. luteolus) to public lands, we conducted hunter surveys (N = 518) at release sites and proposed release sites. Although public meetings were held with the region where bear restoration was proposed, < 60% of hunters were familiar with the plan to restore black bears to the areas they were using. However, approval of bear restoration was high (> 80%). Word-of-mouth was an effective way of disseminating information about the project, but there is concern about the trustworthiness of information the public receives.

Increased interactions among humans and black bears (Ursus americanus) are spurring increased concerns over property damage and human safety. These concerns become more apparent with habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly in relation to urban situations. To better understand the behavior and ecology of nuisance and non-nuisance black bears, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) captured 152 (127 males, 25 females) nuisance and 118 (61 males, 57 females) non-nuisance individuals from 1996 to 2002. Sample sizes for each analysis were lower due to missing or incomplete data. Initial age of capture was greater for nuisance (N = 104, ¯x = 4.04 yr, SD = 2.64) than non-nuisance (N = 52, ¯x = 3.29 yr, SD = 2.75) bears (P = 0.003). Mean litter size was similar for nuisance (N = 15, ¯x = 3.0 cubs, SD = 1.09) and non-nuisance (N = 17, ¯x = 2.65 cubs, SD = 0.88) female bears (P = 0.309).

Understanding the responses of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) to controlled dog hunting can aid in the effective implementation of canine-assisted population management strategies. We examined the 24-h diel movements of 13 radio-collared female deer exposed to dog hunting on the Savannah River Site (SRS) near Aiken, South Carolina, where regulated dog hunting has occurred since 1965. We compared diel home range size, rate of travel, and distance between extreme diel locations before, during, and after hunts from 14 September-14 December 2002. Diel home range size (F2,91 = 7.71, P < 0.001) and distance between extreme diel locations (F2,91 = 6.78, P = 0.002) on hunt day were greater than 10-day pre- and post-hunt periods. There was no difference between pre-and post-hunt diel home range size (F2,91 = 7.71, P = 0.999) and distance between extreme diel locations (F2,91 = 6.78, P = 0.704).