Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are sympatric in many areas; however, this sympatry has evolved relatively recently in the southeastern United States with coyote range expansion. Where the 2 species are sympatric, habitat selection and diets of bobcats and coyotes may overlap. Knowledge of seasonal variation in prey selection is required to assess interspecific competition and understand factors facilitating coexistence between sympatric species, yet long-term (>5 years) information on sympatric diets is unavailable. We collected and analyzed 1,183 scats (591 bobcat, 592 coyote) from 1991-1997 in central Mississippi. Diet was assessed using frequency information and frequency-based correction factors to determine seasonal prey consumption. Coyote diets were dominated by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.), and fruits; whereas, bobcats consumed primarily rabbits and rodents.

To facilitate recovery of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW), management priorities and practices on >800,000 ha of Forest Service land in the Southeastern United States have been realigned to restore the pine-grassland system to which the RCW is adapted. Management regimes for RCW involve fire and mechanical suppression of hardwood understory and midstory. As such, RCW management practices might be expected to alter plant communities and associated wildlife populations. We examined differences in vegetation composition and structure between mature pine stands managed for red-cockaded woodpeckers and similarly-aged stands not managed specifically for RCWs on 2 national forests in southern Mississippi. During the growing seasons of 1997 and 1998, 123 vegetation plots were sampled on both study areas using nested circular plots. Pine sawtimber stands under RCW management differed in structure and composition from those under traditional U.S.

Schlumburger Geco-Prakla (SGP) conducted seismic operations in St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes of Louisiana, between October 1997 and March 1998. This area is located on the marsh-swamp interface and contains approximately 40% of the state's nesting bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used spatial buffer zones with a 460-m radius to protect all eagle nests located on properties of the SGP seismic operations. Bald eagle production during seismic operations (1998) was compared to the previous season (1997) and the following season (1999). Production did not differ (P=0.85) for the interaction between year and area (seismic affected nests/non-seismic affected nests). Experimental airboat disturbances were used in the 1998 and 1999 nesting seasons to evaluate flush response at distances closer than 460 m. Flush response increased as the distance from an airboat to a nest tree decreased.

A detailed understanding of the spatial arrangement of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) habitats would allow more focused efforts by wildlife managers. We used a 4-year average of northern bobwhite call-count data in conjunction with remotely sensed habitat maps to study landscape-level habitat associations. Landscape metrics were calculated for the landscape surrounding each stop and were used in 2 modeling exercises to differentiate between high and low northern bobwhite populations. Both pattern recognition (PATREC) and logistic regression models predicted levels of northern bobwhite abundance well for the modeled (73.5% and 73.9%, respectively) and independent (74.6% and 76.6%, respectively) data sets. The revised models were applied to the remotely sensed habitat maps of the eastern 2/3 of Virginia to develop maps expressing the quality of a landscape for supporting a high population of bobwhite based on existing land cover.

Multi-year studies in wildlife science and management can provide novel insights not detected in short-term investigations. Therefore, we continued a 2-year study by Stephens et al. (1998) to evaluate wood duck (Aix sponsa) reproduction in conventional and small nest boxes (i.e., approximately one-half conventional size) at Noxubee and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in Mississippi. Small nest boxes were designed to deter excessive dump nesting by wood ducks at these refuges. During 1994-1997, use of large boxes by wood ducks remained high (≥70%) at both study areas, but use of small boxes declined from 61% in 1994 to 34% in 1997 at Noxubee NWR. Concomitantly, use of small boxes by passerine birds increased from 14% to 65% at Noxubee NWR, but use of large boxes by passerines never exceeded 15%. Large boxes never were used by passerines at Yazoo NWR.

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) grasslands do not provide quality habitat for northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus). Converting tall fescue fields to other cool-season grasses and legumes (CSG) may provide more favorable wildlife habitat. We evaluated the effectiveness of spring and fall pre-emergence Round-Up PRO” applications with and without prescribed burns for eradicating tall fescue and establishing CSGs. Two tall fescue fields were located in western Kentucky. Prescribed burns, herbicide applications, and CSG seedings were applied in 2 0.05-ha treatment plots during spring and fall 1996 and spring 1997 at each site. Mean planted CSG cover at both sites was higher (P<0.05) in treatments with fall plantings (range=12.0%-124.5%) compared to treatments with spring plantings (range=0.0%-18.1%) during the first growing season.

Effect of exploitation on sympatric southern squirrel populations has not been documented. Additionally, opportunities to study effects of harvest on unexploited populations are rare. Consequently, we investigated the effect of exploitation on a previously unharvested population of fox (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrels (S. carolinensis) on Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area, Mississippi, from 1993-1998. We annually collected age, body morphometrics, color, sex, and species composition of harvested squirrels at voluntary check stations. A population decrease was documented for both species with stabilization occurring at different times (P≤0.001). Fox squirrel age ratio changed following exploitation (P=0.031), but color and sex ratios did not (P>0.05). Gray squirrels exhibited no change in age, color, or sex ratios following exploitation (P>0.05). Body morpho-metrics of both species were affected by exploitation (P≤0.003) and demonstrated a density dependent response.

Scent-station surveys have been used to examine trends in felid and canid abundance throughout the Southeast. Scent station methods have been developed on the presumption that canids rely on olfactory stimuli and that bobcats (Lynx rufus) rely on sight and auditory stimuli. No studies have quantified the effects of various olfactory, auditory, and visual stimuli on scent-station visitation by bobcats and canids; however, such information could improve the effectiveness and ability of scent-station surveys. We established scent stations and track transects in intensively managed pine forests in east-central Mississippi from August 1989-May 1991 to evaluate the effectiveness of 4 attractants for eliciting response from 3 carnivores. We randomly allocated synthetic fatty acid scent, bobcat urine, an auditory stimulus, a visual stimulus, and a control to stations at monthly intervals.

Relocated eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) have been increasing in northern Post Oak Savannah (POS) of Texas. However, it has been difficult to establish populations in the southern POS where mortality is high and reproductive success low. It has been proposed that high spring precipitation and high carnivore numbers account for poor population viability in the southern POS. We found that spring precipitation (1994-1995 nesting seasons) was not above the historic average (1950-1993), nor did unusually high rainfall events occur. These data suggest that spring precipitation might not account for low reproductive success of relocated wild turkeys in southern POS. Furthermore, carnivore indices for northern and southern counties (spotlight census data—7,658 km, 1980-1994) were 74 carnivores/100 km and 51 carnivores/100 km, respectively. We also reject the hypothesis that carnivore numbers were greater in the southern POS than in the northern POS.

To effectively manage a white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population in an agricultural area, information regarding habitat use and selection is needed to aid in reducing crop damage. We gathered data on deer use of clover (Trifolium repens) and soybean (Glycine max [L.]) fields at Chesapeake Farms, Maryland. We surveyed soybean and clover fields to test the hypothesis that deer distribute themselves proportionally to availability of soybeans and clover fields. Clover patch height and mass were also measured to quantify the amount of use by deer. Deer density in clover fields was always higher than in soybean fields in both years of the study (1997 and 1998). Browsing by deer significantly reduced clover patch height and mass. Our data suggested that active selection of crops by deer did not occur.

In 1995, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) established policy and rules for handling of nuisance wildlife by Wildlife Damage Control Agents (WDCA). The policy required a 1 -day long training session, culminating in an open book, certification examination. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service (NCCES) conducted the training and administered the examination. The certification-training program covered principles of wildlife damage management, wildlife laws and regulations, humane handling of animals and euthanasia, human health risks from exposure to wildlife, professional ethics, and sources of technical information. Between October 1995 and March 1999, 6 certification-training sessions were held and 240 WDCAs were certified, with agents in 56 of 100 counties. The Wildlife Division of NCWRC administered the program.

Poult survival is an important factor in the dynamics of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) populations. We captured wild turkeys in western Virginia and monitored radio-tagged hens (N=26) to determine the effect of brood habitat, brood movements and brood range size on poult survival. Poult survival to 21 days post-hatch averaged 0.203 (SE=0.05) during 1992 and 0.418 (SE=0.11) during 1993 (T= 1.37, P>0.10). No correlations were detected (P≥0.10) between macrohabitat and forest cover type variables and poult survival. Poult survival was correlated with the percentage of brood habitat composed of herbaceous understory vegetation (P=0.058). Poult survival was also examined in relation to a simple brood habitat classification system; however, no correlations were detected (P≥0.10).

To study the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) in the mountains of Virginia, we monitored 349 nest boxes at 26 sites from October 1985 to May 1996. The northern flying squirrel was captured 112 times at 6 of these sites; 78 individuals were ear-tagged, 11 neonates were not ear-tagged, and 6 escaped. Twelve northern flying squirrels were recaptured at least once. Most of the individuals (84.8%) were captured at 3 sites in Grayson and Smyth counties. The remaining individuals were captured at a fourth site in Grayson County and 2 sites in Highland County. The northern flying squirrel is now documented from 7 sites in 3 Virginia counties. The northern flying squirrel occupied 28 of the 349 nest boxes. The mean number of squirrels/occupied box was 2.1 (range= 1-5). The sex ratio of adult squirrels was 1.4 males/female. The juvenile to adult female ratio was 1.2 young/adult female during the breeding season.

The return of elk to eastern Kentucky in 1997 followed an absence of more than 150 years. This restoration was made possible by combining the financial, human resource, and land assets of several public and private organizations, as well as landscape changes that appear to have created suitable elk habitat. The impetus for the return of elk was based in part on the anticipation that the new herd would be accessible to the public for hunting and viewing. Pre- and post-release outreach included assessing public opinion which was mostly supportive of elk restoration and interacting with agencies from neighboring states. Release protocols were built upon previous elk restoration efforts in the eastern U.S. where success rates were highly variable. Adaptive management practices have been followed to reduce mortality among transported elk. Overall mortality in 1998 was 42% but declined to 4% in 1999.

Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are an important species in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests. We estimated fox squirrel density within 6 minimally disturbed longleaf pine strands, examined association between fox and gray squirrels (S. carolinensis), and measured habitat variables at fox and gray squirrel capture sites. Fox squirrel density estimates ranged from 12-19 squirrels/km2 among study areas. Fox squirrel capture sites had higher pine basal area, higher total basal area, higher herbaceous groundcover, and lower woody groundcover than other sites. Gray squirrel capture sites had higher hardwood, oak, and total basal areas; lower pine basal area, higher woody groundcover, and less herbaceous groundcover than other sites. A strong negative association between fox and gray squirrel capture sites appeared related to species-specific habitat preferences. Fox squirrel capture sites had higher pine and lower hardwood basal areas than gray squirrel capture sites.

We examined stomach contents from 219 American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) collected from 4 Florida lakes. Fish, mostly shad (Dorosoma spp.), bowfin (Amia calva), and gar (Lepisosteus spp.) occurred in 55.3% of the stomachs and was the most important food group (57.5%) by volume. Apple snails (Pomacea paludosa) and crayfish (Procambarus spp.) were important invertebrate prey (66.7% occurrence and 6.6% by volume). Of the 195 stomachs having a dominant food type (>50% of the total food volume), most (72%) contained one food type exceeding 90% of the total food volume. The predominant food type differed by lake (P< 0.001), sex (P= 0.056), and size (P< 0.001) of the alligator. In general, the dominant food type changed from invertebrate to vertebrate with an increase in alligator size. Alligator length-weight relationships (condition) were examined for variation associated with diet.

To determine the characteristics of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hunters in Texas, and their attitudes and preferences concerning turkey hunting and management, we developed and mailed a self-administered questionnaire to a sample of licensed turkey hunters in Texas and members of the Texas Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). We sampled 3,500 turkey stamp purchasers and 2,345 members of the Texas Chapter of the NWTF. We received questionnaires from 1,300 (37%) of the turkey stamp purchasers and 748 (32%) of the members of the Texas Chapter of the NWTF. We refer to turkey stamp purchasers and Texas Chapter of the NWTF as nonmembers and members, respectively. For all questions, we compared the Texas Chapter of the NWTF member responses to responses from nonmembers who bought license and turkey stamps.

Squirrels (Sciuris spp.) are important game species; however, it is believed that southern fox squirrel (S. niger) populations in many regions are declining. Changes in forest management practices may have reduced habitat availability and diversity, thereby contributing to declining population trends. However, relationships among forest management practices, active management of wildlife habitats, and wildlife populations requires an understanding of relationships among forest communities and wildlife populations. We used linear regression to build predictive models of gray squirrel (S. carolinensis) and fox squirrel relative abundance based on winter and summer habitat conditions. Relative abundance of gray squirrels was greatest in older hardwood stands containing high basal areas, regardless of season. Southern fox squirrel abundance also was correlated with percentage hardwood, indicating the importance of the hardwood component to southern fox squirrels.

Because estimates of small mammal species richness and diversity are strongly influenced by sampling methodology, 2 or more trap types are often used in studies of small mammal communities. However, in most cases, all traps are placed at ground level. In contrast, we used Sherman live traps placed at 1.5 m in trees in addition to Sherman live traps and Mosby box traps placed on the ground to sample small mammals in pine stands in the Upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina. To determine the importance of placing traps in trees, we compared estimates of small mammal (primarily rodent) species richness and diversity based on data from all traps (ground and tree) with estimates based on data from ground traps only. Estimates of species richness based on data from ground traps only did not differ from estimates based on data from all traps.

We evaluated the proximity to development of 2 representative groups of colonial waterbirds present in Maryland's coastal plain, active in 1985 through 1988, to determine the influence of land and water development on the distribution of waterbird nest sites. Thirty of 38 known common tern (Sterna hirundo) and Forster's tern (S. forsteri) colonies were located on marsh islands. All 23 great blue heron (Ardea herodias) colonies were located in forested areas usually along shorelines. The distance to and quantity of various man-made structures (e.g., buildings, roads, piers, agricultural areas) within 1 km of each colony were quantified from aerial photographs. Similar measurements were taken from randomly selected sites of potential nesting habitat. Development around the colonies was compared to the random sites using /-tests. Most of the 8 variables in the analysis were useful in differentiating between colony and random sites.

Nest success strongly influences wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) reproduction. Understanding selection of nesting habitats may provide information for management opportunities to increase turkey nest success. Therefore, we examined the landscape scale habitat selection of wild turkey hens during nesting. A logistic regression model with 89 nest locations and 89 random locations indicated an intercept term, elevation, and distances to mature pine burned ≤3 years ago and mature pine not burned within 3 years differed significantly (P<0.04) between used and random sites. Nest success was higher in mature pine stands (36.1%) than in regeneration stands (P=0.04; 11.1%), but no difference in nest success was detected between bottomland (18.8%) and upland habitats (34.8%; P=0.214). Distance to edge did not influence nest success.

Of 550 rabbit heads collected from 35 counties in central and eastern Kentucky, 73 (13.3%) were identified as Appalachian cottontails (Sylvilagus obscurus). These collections document the Appalachian cottontail in 20 counties covering a large part of Kentucky and suggest Appalachian cottontails exist throughout the Cumberland Mountains and Cumberland Plateau of the Eastern Coal Field and in portions of the Outer Bluegrass and Knobs physiographic regions. Appalachian cottontails and eastern cottontails (S. floridanus) often were found living sympatrically in early-successional forests. Appalachian cottontails were documented in lower elevations (260 m) and in a wider variety of habitat types than previously believed.

Current recommendations for subpopulation management for mid-continent sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are based on tentative evidence that suggests geographic separation of crane concentrations during migration and winter and possible variation in demographic characteristics between these groups. We determined distribution, abundance, subspecific composition, and annual recruitment of the Gulf Coast subpopulation of mid-continent sandhill cranes because little information was available on most demographic characteristics of this subpopulation. Based on aerial line transect surveys conducted along the Texas Coast during winter, subpopulation abundance was 120,072 cranes (SD = 31,845) during 1996-1997 and 121,057 cranes (SD = 31,521) during 1997-1998. Winter age ratios (percent hatch-year cranes) along the Texas Gulf Coast ranged from 9.5% (SE=0.52, N=3,239 cranes) to 10.8% (SE=0.61, N=2,570 cranes), indicating that annual recruitment was lower than previously reported.

Although surface mining may affect wildlife communities adversely, the degree of impact depends upon the extent of mining activity and the reclamation efforts employed. We compared breeding bird and small mammal communities on sites of different successional stages in 1995 and 1996 to evaluate the wildlife value of the reclamation prescriptions currently used on kaolin surface mines in east-central Georgia. Sites were grouped according to tree ages during the first year of the study (age class I, 2-4 years; age class II, 5-7 years; and age class III, 8-11 years). Avian abundance in 1995 was greatest in age classes I and II. In 1996, avian abundance was more than twice as great in age class I than in the 2 other age classes. Species richness in both years was greater in age class II. Avian diversity was greater in the 2 oldest age classes in 1995, but was not different among classes in 1996. Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) were the most common small mammals captured.

As the environment continues to change, so does conservation law enforcement. Today's conservation ranger has a diversified list of duties and serves more than just the hunter and fisher. In order to protect the environment, enforceable environmental laws are necessary to insure the safety of the habitat which we share with our wildlife. Georgia's Waste Control Law, Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) 16-7- 50 (5 Apr 1993), gave Georgia's 40,000 law enforcement officers statutes to meet this need. As we enter the new millennium, we will see the increasing importance of protecting the environment. As political awareness aims at polluters, we too should be on the front line waging war against crimes that destroy the environment that wildlife and mankind depend on. The following outlines the creation and implementation of a law designed to stop the people that commit these crimes.