Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Health, feeding, and relative weight of brown (Salmo trutta) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were assessed seasonally at 2 sites on the Norfork tailwater, Arkansas, to evaluate effects of hypoxic water discharges from Norfork Dam. The upper site was immediately below Norfork Dam and subject to low (<6 ppm) dissolved oxygen (DO) in water releases during summer and fall. Dissolved oxygen recovers to ≥6 ppm before reaching the downstream control site. During fall, the health of brook and brown trout was significantly lower at the upstream, low DO, site than at the downstream, normal DO, site, and at both sites during the spring, normal DO period. Feeding rates of brook trout were also found to be reduced during the low DO period at the upper site. Relative weight was significantly higher for brown trout during the normal DO period in spring probably due to food availability during winter.

Shadow bass (Ambloplites ariommus) stocks were characterized in the Yockanookany and upper Pearl Rivers (1994-1996) to determine if this relatively uncommon fish could be used to evaluate streams for inclusion in the Mississippi Natural and Scenic Waterways System. Habitat influences (e.g., negative effects of channelization) on shadow bass were best reflected in stock characteristics that need considerable data and laboratory work (i.e., age and growth studies, condition factor analysis). Such studies focusing on shadow bass are incompatible with programs requiring rapid assessments of stream characteristics. Therefore, and unless the legislative initiative recommends slow, thorough processes for evaluating streams for the Mississippi Natural and Scenic Waterways System, shadow bass should not be selected as an indicator species, even though shadow bass can reflect the general well-being and relative status of the stream as a naturally functioning system.

The utility of bioenergetics models for answering fisheries and ecological questions has often been hampered by the availability of data or resources for deriving species-specific models. Among the principal components of bioenergetics models are metabolism equations that historically have been derived from series of long experiments in which fish of different sizes are acclimated and tested at each temperature for extended periods. Acclimation may take several weeks to months and actual observation on metabolism (oxygen consumption) may take several days for each group of fish with several groups often needed to provide sufficient sample size. Here, I present a rapid method for determining metabolic rates by forcing the fish through a series of rapidly declining temperatures over a 1- to 2-day period.

Mail questionnaires and telephone interviews were used to determine the importance of small impoundments and management strategies for small impoundments in the southeastern United States. Responses showed that small impoundments were highly valued by managing agencies in most states. Small impoundments open to the public were typically managed by state fish and wildlife agencies, whereas several agencies participated in the management of private small impoundments. In some states, the Cooperative Extension Service and the Natural Resource Conservation Service were more involved than fish and wildlife agencies in the management of small private impoundments. General management practices were found to be similar among the southeastern states, although specific recommendations varied geographically.

Growth, survival, and catchability of non-native coppernose bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus purpurescens) were compared to that of common bluegill (L. macrochirus) from East (Neches River system) and West (Rio Grande system) Texas populations. The 3 types of bluegills were stocked together (each identifiable by coded-wire tags) into 4 0.25- ha hatchery ponds. Bluegill types were evaluated with and without an established fish community present at age 1 and 2. Coppernose bluegill were larger (i.e., length and weight) than East or West Texas bluegills, regardles of fish community presence. Coppernose bluegill y-o-y survival was higher than East or West Texas bluegills in the presence of a fish community. Survival did not differ among bluegill types regardless of fish community presence in age 2. Catchability was similar among bluegill types, except for lower catchability of age-2 coppernose bluegill without a fish community present.

Reports of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) from the lower Trinity River and Trinity-Galveston Bay of southeastern Texas prompted concerns that this introduced fish may be successfully spawning and recruiting in local waters. To examine these possibilities, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) personnel conducted icthyoplankton sampling from April through July 1992 and 1993 and electron shed during July and August 1993 in the lower Trinity River. Additionally, fish-kill records from the Trinity-Galveston Bay area were examined. Icthyoplanton samples taken in 1992 and 1993 contained 708 grass carp eggs, including many that were viable and devloping at the time of collection. In 1993, samples also contained 1,500 recently-hatched grass carp larvae. Additionally, 54 juvenile grass carp between 104 and 175 mm total length (TL) were recorded from a section of Bray's Bayou off the Houston Ship Channel in September 1993.

The relationships between 2 environmental factors (river discharge, salinity) and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) abundance, as measured by juvenile recruitment and commercial landings, were evaluated. Correlation coefficients were calculated between a blue crab recruitment index (Jan-Feb catch-per-unit effort of individuals <40 mm carapace width) or commercial harvest and lagged or concurrent salinity and river discharge. The recruitment index was correlated with monthly means of lagged late summer/early fall Mississippi River discharge (positively) and salinity (negatively) whereas commercial harvest were significantly correlated with unlagged Mississippi River discharge (positively) and salinity (negatively). The effects of Mississippi River discharge and salinity on blue crab recruitment and abundance were probably manifested indirectly through biotic mechanisms such as predation.

Comparisons were made on the catch rate, sizes of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), and bycatch taken in Mississippi Sound waters with crab traps equipped with and without a diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) excluder device from April through August 1997. The excluder device consisted of welding rods shaped into a 5 X 10 cm rectangle and fitted into the funnel entrances of a common Gulf Coast crab trap. All blue crabs taken were counted, carapace width measured (mm), and sexed. Bycatch was recorded for each sample. A total of 740 blue crabs were captured, 370 in control traps and 370 in excluder traps. No significant difference in mean size (2-tailed t-test) and catch rate (paired t-test) by trap type was observed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov 2-sample test indicated a significant difference in the size distribution of blue crabs between the 2 trap types. This statistical difference is attributed to the small sample size of blue crabs collected.

Prescribed winter burning is a common practice in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) to manage for red-cockaded woodpeckers (Picoides borealis). The effect of these burns on non-target animals is not well studied. Bachman's sparrows (Aimophila aestivalis) were captured in predominantly longleaf pine stands to be burned and not to be burned at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge (CSNWR) and the Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina. Sparrows were marked with radio-transmitters and monitored daily. Before burning, daily movements did not differ among sites within or among study areas. Additionally, daily movements did not differ by sex or time within the breeding season. After prescribed burning, daily movements were longer for sparrows in burned stands than in unburned stands. All marked sparrows dispersed 1-3 days after a stand was burned and never returned. We found no evidence that dispersing sparrows successfully breed elsewhere.

The effects of 2 years post-treatment of group selection and 2-aged timber harvests on woodland salamanders and mammals were assessed on stands in high elevation, southern Appalachian northern red oak (Quercus rubra)-flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) communities, in the Nantahala National Forest. We collected 4 salamander species and 10 small mammal species. We detected no difference in woodland salamander relative abundance between timber harvests and uncut (control) stands. Similarly, relative abundance of all small mammal species, except masked shrews (Sorex cinereus), was unaffected by timber harvest. Masked shrew relative abundance was greater post-harvest in 2-aged harvest stands than in group selection harvest stands or uncut stands. For masked shrews, these high elevation, 2-aged harvests may have provided an optimal mix of residual overstory shading, dense shrub-layer shading from new regeneration, and abundant downed coarse woody debris.

This study examined species composition and relative abundance of birds in the Post Oak Region of Texas during winter and spring 1993. A grazed and an ungrazed site were established in each of 4 habitat types: forests, woodlands, upland pastures, and wet meadows. Habitat characteristics of the study sites were evaluated using plot and point methods. Birds were surveyed using time-area circular plot methods with 4 plots per study site. Highest numbers of bird species and individuals were recorded in the woodlands during winter and wet meadows during spring. As a result of flocking birds, more individuals were recorded in grazed woodlands, pastures, and meadows than on the ungrazed sites during winter. Otherwise, ungrazed study sites generally had more species and individuals than did the grazed sites of similar habitats. Differences between grazed and ungrazed sites were probably the result of mechanical vegetation manipulation rather than cattle grazing.

Quail are declining throughout much of their range in the southeastern United States. The reason for this decline is unknown. However, the decline of fur prices during the late 1980s fueled a hypothesis that furbearer harvest has decreased, which in turn led to an increase in furbearer abundance, and a subsequent decrease in quail numbers. To evaluate this hypothesis, we attempted to correlate raccoon (Procycon lotor) fur prices, furbearer and raccoon harvest, and furbearer and raccoon abundance with abundance of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) for 1980-1999 in 3 ecological regions of Texas. Data supported the hypothesis that declining fur prices were associated with decreasing furbearer harvest. However, there was no increase in furbearer abundance and no correlation between raccoon fur prices, furbearer harvest, or furbearer density with quail abundance.

We collected reproductive tracts from female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) along with mast indices, deer condition data, and population parameters for a 20-year period in northeastern Georgia. The objectives were to determine what factors influenced reproduction and if ovulation incidence or mast abundance could be used to predict recruitment rate the following year. Percentage of does bred before 1 December and adult doe ovulation incidence were both associated with mast abundance. Higher ovulation incidence of adult does coincided with early breeding. Recruitment rate was not correlated with mast supply, ovulation incidence, or late breeding of any doe age classes from the previous year. The only real value of ovarian analyses was the identification of late breeding in years of acorn scarcity, which also coincided with poorer condition and reproductive effort.

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).