Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

In the 1970s, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) invaded Cumberland Island, Georgia, which includes a federally designated wilderness area where native flora and fauna are protected by the National Park Service. Because of concerns about the potential ecological effects of this exotic mammal on the island's protected ecosystems, we collected 171 armadillos to determine their diets by stomach content analysis. We measured relative amounts of each food on a seasonal basis for a sub-sample of armadillos from oak-palmetto (N=44) versus oak-pine (N=43) habitats. Food habits of these armadillos were similar to those reported for armadillos from other temperate environments. They primarily ate invertebrates, but 60 (35%) and 62 (36%) armadillos also ate fruits and vertebrates, respectively, during certain seasons. When combined across seasons and habitats, 8 orders of invertebrates represented 85% of the dry weight of foods consumed.

We studied nesting habitat selection, nest density, and nest success of mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) on islands in the Atchafalaya River Delta, Louisiana, 1995-1996. Nesting mottled ducks preferred shrub-moderate habitats and avoided shrub-sparse and marsh habitats. Other habitats were neither preferred nor avoided. Nest densities using non-random plot sampling in 1995 and line-transect sampling in 1996 averaged 3.9 nests/ha and 1.3 nest/ha, respectively. Mayfield nest success estimates on individual islands ranged from 6.0% to 67.1%. The Atchafalaya River Delta is potentially one of the most important areas for mottled ducks nesting along the Gulf Coast. In order to sustain high mottled duck use of islands, managers should consider implementing vegetation management practices that are aimed at maintaining shrub-moderate habitats.

We radiotracked 6 eastern red (Lasiurus borealis), 6 Seminole (Lasiurus seminolus), and 24 evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) to 55, 65, and 61 day-roosts, respectively, during summers 1996 and 1997 in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. For each species, we tested for differences between used roost trees and randomly located trees. We also tested for differences between habitat characteristics surrounding roost trees and randomly located trees. Eastern red and Seminole bats generally roosted in canopies of hardwood and pine (Pinus), respectively, clinging to foliage and small branches. Evening bats roosted in cavities or under exfoliating bark in pines and dead snags. Bats selected roost trees with larger dbh and greater height than randomly located trees.

Proportions of American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nests sighted during aerial survey in Florida were estimated based upon multiple surveys by different observers. We compared sighting proportions across habitats, nesting seasons, and observer experience levels. The mean sighting proportion across all habitats and years was 0.736 (SE=0.024). Survey counts corrected by the mean sighting proportion reliably predicted total nest counts (7?2=0.933). Sighting proportions did not differ by habitat type (P=0.668) or year P=0.328). Experienced observers detected a greater proportion of nests (P<0.0001) than did either less experienced or inexperienced observers. Reliable estimates of nest abundance can be derived from aerial counts of alligator nests when corrected by the appropriate sighting proportion.

The importance of public lands for mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) hunting in the Southeast may increase as other dove hunting opportunities decrease. Maximimizing satisfaction of dove hunters on public lands requires knowledge concerning hunter opinions and preferences. We documented dove hunter satisfaction on state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Alabama with respect to habitat and hunter management. Crops planted were the primary management concern; hunters preferred corn and browntop millet for dove hunting. Most dove hunters encountered unsafe conditions primarily blamed on crowding, but safety problems detracted little from overall hunting satisfaction. Hunters generally were satisfied with regulation enforcement and season starting date. Low success or perceived likelihood of success did not appear responsible for a low percentage of dove hunters using WMAs, and these factors seemed unimportant to overall satisfaction.

Age structure of harvested populations is important to wildlife biologists to adequately observe effects of harvest and management regimes. We aged harvested cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and swamp (S. aquaticus) rabbits by eye lens weight. We developed 2 logistic regression equations based on external morphometrics (mass [N=213] and hind foot length [N=209]) to predict age and species. Our model used to delineate species had high correct classification rates (>89%). Hind foot length and mass were significant predictors of age class for both species and correct classification rates were high (>78%). These predictive equations will allow wildlife biologists to determine species and age of rabbits in the field for less cost compared to other methods. Therefore, we believe our models will assist wildlife biologists in estimating age structure and determining species of harvested rabbits.

Size distribution information is useful for crocodilian management, but can be hard to obtain. Indirect and less costly demographic inferences made from track measurements may be valuable for management decisions. We related hind-foot lengths (HF) with total length (TL) to determine if we could indirectly assess alligator size using track length. Regression showed that HF was an excellent predictor (F1,246= 15722.9, R2=0.98, P<0.01) of TL and track length was an exceptional predictor of HF (F1,14=7520.3, R2= 1.00, P<0.01). The correlation between track length and HF length also was significant (N= 15, r=0.99, P <0.01). Thus, alligator size can be accurately estimated from measures of track length at sites where capture and direct measurement is impractical.

We estimated survival and cause-specific mortality of 59 raccoons (Procyon lotor) on a wildlife area in Mississippi which was in the early stages of an intensive land management program to enhance northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) habitat quality and populations. Average annual survival of radio-collared raccoons was 0.81 for males (N=47) and 0.79 for females (N=12) from March 1997 to February 1999. We detected no effect of sex, season, year, or age (P≥0.05) on survival. Causes of mortality (N=14) included vehicle collision (N=5), unknown (N=4), harvest (N=2), predation (N= 1), parasites (N= 1), and weather-related (N= 1). Potential factors controlling raccoon populations on these areas may only include harvests and periodic epizootic outbreaks. The effects of habitat management used to enhance bobwhite populations on raccoons and other nest predators, including varying spatial-temporal distributions of edge and disturbance, are not well known.

We estimated survival rates and cause-specific mortality of radio-marked game farm (N=120), F1-wild progeny (N=120), and wild-relocated northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) (N=80) released on the Amelia Wildlife Management Area (WMA) during October 1998 and March 1999 using the Anchor Covey Release System™ (ACRS) and a habitat release system. Mortality of game farm and F1 bobwhites was high immediately following both releases. During fall, game farm bobwhites survived an average of 1.6 ± 0.2 days and Fl-wild progeny survived 3.3 ± 0.8 days. Post-release survival of game farm and F1 bobwhites released during spring averaged 3.8 ± 0.4 and 6.1 ± 2.4 days, respectively. Survival of pen-raised and F1 bobwhites did not differ (P>0.05) between seasons or by release method. Wild-relocated bobwhites survived longer (P≤0.05) than game farm and F1 birds during both seasons. Predation was the primary cause of morality for released bobwhites.

Louisiana black bears (Ursus americanus luteolus) are protected under the Endangered Species Act and live in 3 isolated geographic areas thought to encompass nearly all breeding individuals for that subspecies. Management strategies to recover these bears continue to evolve without knowledge of any differences in demographic patterns among these populations. We summarized data on Louisiana black bear deaths to see if any evidence existed for differences in mortality patterns among the 3 subpopulations. Since June 1992, 34 of 75 (45±6 [SE]%) verified losses (72 deaths plus 3 live removals) were caused by vehicular collisions, including road kills (27), farm equipment (5), and train (2), which was the most common cause of death. Although this bear subspecies has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1992, at least 12 (16±4%) have been illegally shot.

We assessed survival and reproduction of Georgia and Iowa eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) relocated to the Pineywoods of Texas. Using approximately equal numbers from each state, 12 females and 3 males were radio tagged and released at each of 4 sites in February 1994. In February 1995, 8 resident females were captured, radio tagged, and released on a disjunct study area intensively managed for wildlife. Radio tracking of the turkeys began immediately after release and continued until 30 June 1996. We found no differences in annual, first-year after release, spring-summer nesting season, or study-period survival among Georgia, Iowa, or resident females (P >0.05). For each group, nests were initiated later (P≤0.05) in the spring following capture than during subsequent springs. Georgia males survived better than Iowa males (P≤0.05), which were all dead or missing 16 months post-release.

We estimated breeding season survival rates and nest success for Bachman's Sparrows at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, using radio telemetry. The 1995 breeding season (2 May-9 Aug) survival rate was 0.905 (95% C. I. 0.779-1.03) with 2 mortalities out of 20 individuals. The 1996 breeding season (10 May-25 Jul) survival rate was 0.882 (95% C. I. 0.729-1.04) with 2 mortalities out of 18 individuals. No significant differences in survival rates were detected between years, sexes, or habitat types. The overall breeding season survival rate was 0.893 (95% C. I. 0.794-0.992). Daily nest survival rate in 1995 was 0.952 (0.013 SE N=26) and 0.889 (0.027 SE N = 15) in 1996. Daily nest survival was significantly greater during 1995, with only 1 of 15 nests fledging a single individual in 1996. Nests attempts initiated before 15 June (0.975 [0.012], N = 15) had higher survival rates than later nest attempts (0.914 [0.029] N=11, X2=3.77, 1 df, P=0.05).

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are important furbearers that generate considerable income and recreation across the southeastern United States. Growing concerns about impacts of raccoons on wildlife populations necessitates sound information on raccoon behavior and population dynamics. Forest management has changed throughout the southeastern United States due to increased demands for wood fiber and changing land-use objectives on public lands. However, little research has examined potential influences of forest management strategies on raccoon ranging behavior, particularly within intensively managed forests. We examined spatial use patterns and movements of 118 radio-marked raccoons on 2 areas in central Mississippi during 1996-97. The Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA) was managed by the U.S. Forest Service for multiple use, whereas the Timber Company lands (TC) were managed intensively for wood fiber production.

Home range size quantifies space needed by an animal in a given area and time. Because fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) home range estimates in the Southeast are rare, I radio-monitored fox squirrels to determine their seasonal and composite (i.e., total duration of monitoring) home range size in southwest Georgia between March 1998 and September 1999. There was no sex by season interaction (P =0.11). Male seasonal and composite home ranges (35.8±4.4 ha and 37.0±3.6 ha, respectively) were larger (P <0.001) than female home ranges (seasonal = 13.3±1.5 ha, composite =21.0±6.3 ha). Seasonal home ranges were largest (34.3±5.9 ha) during March-May of 1998 and smallest (5.9± 1.2 ha) during January-February of 1999. Southeastern fox squirrels require more space than midwestern fox squirrels, perhaps a result of patchily distributed and/or temporally variable food supplies. Food abundance and breeding behavior may explain seasonal variation in home range size.

We conducted a survey from 1990 to 1995 to determine the distribution and status of the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in South Carolina. Populations appear largely confined to 3 counties in the Savannah river watershed of northwestern South Carolina. We found little evidence that a significant change in distribution has occurred in South Carolina since the species was first reported in the late 1930s. Swamp rabbits are restricted to bottomlands, but were found in a variety of successional habitats ranging from old-fields to mature hardwood forests.

We implanted radio transmitters in 11 armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) on Cumberland Island, Georgia, and monitored them seasonally from July 1987 through May 1988. Six individuals survived (S) the entire study: 5 died (D) between 1-4 months post-implantatin. Home range sizes for S individuals did not differ significantly between sexes (N=6; 3 males and 3 females). Mean overall home range size was significantly smaller for S compared to D armadillos for both the minimum convex polygon (MCP) (S=6.55 ha, D = 11.55 ha; F = 12.49, df=1, P <0.002) and adaptive kernel (AK) (S=9.47 ha, D = 18.81 ha; F = 11.07, df=1, P=0.003) methods. Mean home range sizes for S armadillos differed among seasons for both the MCP (summer =5.34 ha, fall =5.23 ha, winter = 1.65 ha, spring =3.95 ha; F =6.58, df=3, P <0.003) and AK (summer = 10.26 ha, fall =8.75 ha, winter =3.70 ha, spring =6.02 ha; F =5.29, df=3, P<0.008) methods.

We examined relative body size and space use patterns of free-ranging coyote (Canis latrans)-like canids occupying a marsh complex known to have been one of the last refuges of red wolves (Canis rufus). Morphometric analysis indicated that these animals were larger than other Louisiana coyotes, but smaller than red wolves. We radio-tagged 25 (13 male and 12 female) animals during January-August 1996 and January-April 1997 at Sabine National wildlife Refuge, Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Based on 10 individuals (4 males and 6 females) for which we had adequate data, annual MCP (100% Minimum Convex Polygon) home ranges averaged 12.99±2.97 km2 (x±1 SE) and did not differ by sex (P=0.85). Five other radio-tagged animals dispersed from the study area, but stayed within marsh-dominated areas. Canids included human activity zones in their home ranges more often than expected (P=0.01). Levees were preferred as travel paths (P=0.04).

Maintaining a motivated workforce is a challenge for all organizations. Law enforcement agencies are faced with the apparent contradiction in that the factors and performance we value most in officers can utimately lead to them becoming disgruntled and malcontent. Recognition of the early indications of problems is the responsibility of administration, first-line supervision, and the officers themselves. The goal is to guide officers into a well-rounded and balanced life, which will in turn lead them to being productive and motivated for their entire career.

Wildlife Crime Watch is a program based on the successful “Neighborhood Watch.” The objective is to develop a close working partnership with citizens within their communities. This program is an agency-wide effort, not just law enforcement, to involve people in the protection and development of wildlife, the environment, property, and people. By utilizing traditional crime prevention strategies/training we attempt to involve individuals within a community who are not normally interested in wildlife and environmental issues. Hopefully, by giving something of value to these people we expect to be able to interest them in issues important to our agency.

The need for game warderns in metropolitan areas is greatly underestimated. Demographics are used to show comparisons between tasks performed by wardens in metro vs. rural areas. This is demonstrated by tabulating the activity from wildlife agency reports. Results from Oklahoma hunter participation surveys are used to calculate regional hunting pressure and illustrate the violume of investigations. Wildlife revenue data from 3 county-based license categories are used as relative indices to show sportsmen density. This paper will show the great disproportion of sportsmen density to wardens deployed. Much of the information presented in this paper is based on 20 years of practical field experience as a game warden in the 2 major metropolitan counties in Oklahoma.

Conservation Rangers in the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) face new challenges that have resulted from social and ecological changes caused by urbanization during the past 10-20 years. As the type of natural resource user in Georgia has changed, so has the role and responsibility of the conservation ranger. These changes include increased numbers of boaters, decreased numbers of hunters, an increased emphasis on education of the public by law enforcement personnel, and new laws (some of which are not game and fish laws) to enforce. As a result of these trends, conservation rangers in the future will be required to assume more diverse responsibilities than that of the traditional game warden. To meet the challenges associated with these trends, DNR will need more and differently trained conservation rangers in the future to serve the increasingly urbanized public in Georgia.

In south Arkansas, the use of open oil pits by the oil industry and the oil, which has escaped into the secondary containment areas, is having a detrimental impact on migratory waterfowl, game species, non-game species, and the surrounding environment. The use of aerial surveillance to visually locate these sites and recording of the sites with a GPS has proven the most effective method for location of problem areas. The formation of a partnership of 5 agencies provided the manpower for the land-based investigative teams and a letter gave the oil producers the knowledge of the investigation and problems thought to exist. The retrieval of migratory birds and game and non-game species during the on site investigative visits gave the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the evidence necessary to pursue criminal charges against offending oil producers.

The succession and species composition of necrophilous insects on animal carcasses can be used by wildlife law enforcement officers for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) at suspicious death scenes. Necrophilous insects infesting wildlife carcasses (Louisiana black bear, white-tailed deer, and alligator) in a woodland habitat were monitored during the spring of 1999 to eventually develop a guide for estimating PMI by wildlife officers based on an insect database. The study was conducted at the Waddill Outdoor Educational Center in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. An overview of the study is provided herein based on sampling of aerial and ground inhabitating necrophilous insects associated with the carcasses. Sixty-five species of insects were manually collected during the spring study (20 fly species, 33 beetle species, and an assortment of spiders, mites, and other miscellaneous insects of minor forensic importance).

During 1996 and 1997, local wildlife officers reported illegal activity indicating the need for a covert operation to be conducted in and around the Everglades City area of Collier County, Florida. Information indicated individuals in the area were taking large amounts of wildlife and fish including deer, white ibis, snook, and possibly marine sea turtles. As a result, in May 1998, Operation Alliance was born. The operation consisted of 1 covert investigator taking up permanent residence in the Everglades City area. His task was to establish himself as an outlet for illegally taken wildlife and fish. Another investigator was assigned as case agent to handle evidence, non-covert investigations, and officer safety. After 2 years of investigation, Operation Alliance closed with the arrest of 13 individuals on 101 charges. This included 53 second degree misdemeanors, 3 first degree misdemeanors and 45 third degree felonies.

As our nation grows in a successful economy, wildlife enforcement agencies find themselves in a highly competitive race to recruit and develop qualified applicants for the ever-changing career of the wildlife enforcement officer. This challenge is not limited to any one area of the country and solutions must be as innovative as the technological advances our society is experiencing. Agencies that have developed standards for the level of experience and education they require in their officers, must also develop programs that target the recruitment and retention of those officers. Intern programs have often been viewed as a means to show effort on the part of agencies to hire minority and female applicants and yet most have not succeeded.