Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

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).

Information on survival rates and causes of mortality are important to understanding white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) population dynamics and implementing appropriate management practices. We examined sex- and age-specific survival rates for three Missouri white-tailed deer populations that represented agricultural, forest, and urban landscapes. Except for males on Woods Farm (forest site), we observed no differences in age-specific or annual survival for male or female deer .6 months of age. For this exception, greater yearling than adult survival was attributed to deer harvest strategies that emphasized harvest of adult males. On the two rural study sites, hunting-related mortality accounted for 66% and 61% of female mortalities and 82% and 97% of male mortality.

Due to increased deer/vehicle collisions involving endangered Florida Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) planned to fence a stretch of U.S. Highway 1 that crosses Big Pine Key, Florida. Public access roads, which would allow deer to enter the fenced portion of the highway, posed public and wildlife-related hazards. Currently there are no structures (deer guards) that are effective in preventing deer from entering access roads. Our purpose was to design, construct, and test a deer guard that would allow normal passage of vehicles while preventing Key deer from crossing. Between September 1998 and December 1999, we constructed and tested deer-guard prototypes within a deer-holding facility at the Welder Wildlife Foundation Refuge near Sinton, Texas. Wild-trapped Texas white-tailed deer (O. v. texanus) were used as test animals.

While national boating accident statistics readily identify the abuse of alcoholic beverages as a contributing factor in a large number of our nation's boating accidents, the challenges of formulating and implementing effective methods of reducing the abuse of alcoholic beverages on our nation's waterways are often overwhelming. One challenge hinges on the fact that the consumption of alcoholic beverages while boating meets with both legal and societal approval. Another is due primarily to our society's perception of what the stereotypical “drunk” person looks, smells, and acts like.

In June 2002, investigators of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed a black market distributor of illegally obtained and protected wildlife species in South Florida. The suspect operated a black market taxidermist business in which he received money to mount the illegally obtained wildlife. Some of the animals were then sold to other customers in South Florida. A covert investigator infiltrated this enterprise called Taxidermy by Fried and identified the suppliers of the wildlife. The investigator became so trusted by the suspect that he accompanied the suspect on an illegal alligator hunt in South Florida. After four months of investigation, the take down phase of Taxidermy by Fried yielded arrests of seven suspects on 26 charges: 14 felonies and 12 misdemeanors. Intelligence gathered after interviewing showed this market had dealt in illegal saltwater fish, alligators, protected birds, illegal deer, and black bear.