Proceedings of Southeastern Fish and Wildlife Conference
Prior to 2013, SEAFWA published the Proceedings of annual conferences. In 2014, SEAFWA began publishing the peer-reviewed Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
501 - 550 of 4522 articles | 50 per page | page 11
| Article | Year |
|---|---|
Economic Impacts of Onshore Fishing Sites and Fishing Tournaments on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Our study attached a monetary value to marine resources associated with fishing on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In 2001, we conducted on-site surveys (N = 475) to collect expenditures of marine onshore anglers and marine fishing tournament participants in the Mississippi Gulf Coast three-county region. We then determined the extent and economic impacts of these activities and integrated marine onshore angler economic impacts and attendances into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Our survey response rate was 86%. Emily K. Loden, Stephen C. Grado, Jeanne C. Jones, David L. Evans
Pages 100-112 |
2004 |
This paper demonstrates the applicability of human dimensions research to the development of programmatic priorities and strategies for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Freshwater Fisheries (FWF) Section. Responsive Management (RM), a Virginia-based research firm specializing in public attitudes toward natural resources, conducted telephone surveys in 1998, 2002, and 2004 of South Carolina residents and licensed anglers to examine their attitudes and opinions toward fishing, fisheries management, aquatic resources, and various programs of the SCDNR. Mark D. Duda, Carol A. Zurawski, C. Wade Bales, Peter E. De Michele, Bebe Harrison, Gene Hayes, Ross Self
Pages 113-122 |
2004 |
Evaluation of Catch Card Reporting at Mississippi State Lakes We evaluated voluntarily completed catch cards as an alternative to access point surveys at intensively managed state-owned fishing lakes in Mississippi. Catch cards, with signs encouraging participation and completion, were conspicuously available to anglers. Five percent of anglers voluntarily completed catch cards; response rate increased to 13% when agency personnel verbally requested participation in the catch card program from those anglers they encountered on-site. Craig A. Walker, Harold L. Schramm, Jr.
Pages 123-129 |
2004 |
Urban fishing programs in Arkansas rely primarily on put-take stockings of channel catfish and rainbow trout. We evaluated hybrid striped bass as a potential addition to urban fisheries by stocking this fish at densities of 95 and 96 fish/ha in two urban fishing ponds. Angler surveys were conducted three times daily for five weeks following stocking to determine angler demographics, fishing success, and attitudes/preferences. We surveyed 320 anglers comprised primarily of local urban residents. J. Wesley Neal, Sanatan Shreay, N. Elizabeth Heitman, Mark C. Leao, Kelly R. Winningham, Regina E. Edziyie, Clifton Jackson
Pages 130-138 |
2004 |
Distribution of Freshwater Bivalves in the Canoochee River Drainage, Georgia The Canoochee River originates in the Southern Coastal Plain of Georgia and flows through the Coastal Flatwoods to terminate at the Ogeechee River. The Canoochee Drainage is the largest tributary of the Ogeechee River and is a fifth-order woodland stream. Investigators surveyed 83 sites for freshwater bivalve presence, noting species and counting individuals. We analyzed water chemistry parameters including nitrate nitrogen, total inorganic nitrogen, total dissolved phosphate, and total dissolved copper. Kathryn E. Sukkestad, Thomas D. Bryce, Eugene P. Keferl, Christopher R. Pretz
Pages 139-149 |
2004 |
Ten-year Assessment of the Unique Fishery of the Okefenokee Swamp The Okefenokee Swamp is the largest freshwater wetland in the United States; however, population dynamics of the fish assemblage within the swamp are poorly understood. Fish surveys from 1992-2001 indicate that two species, bowfin (Amia calva) and flier (Centrarchus macropterus), are the numerically dominant taxa of the eastern portion of the swamp, representing over 88% of all fishes collected. Results indicated that the fish assemblage was persistent and stable in terms of constancy of dominant species presence and their abundances. Steven J. Herrington, Karen J. Popp, Holly N. Blalock-Herod, Jeffrey Herod, Laura Jenkins
Pages 150-161 |
2004 |
Fish communities were sampled from macrotopographical features found in created wetlands of different ages (termed young, old, and reference) designed by the Wetland Reserve Program in three counties in east-central Arkansas. Wetlands were sampled from March-June 2003 using mini modified-fyke nets and experimental gill nets in pool and ditch habitats. A total of 8,952 fishes representing 49 species was collected. Mark Leao, Michael A. Eggleton, Edmund R. Buckner
Pages 162-173 |
2004 |
From April 1999 through February 2000, we electrofished fixed transects in two freshwater tidal wetlands of the Cooper River, South Carolina, to examine how spatial and temporal variation in these habitats influenced fish community composition. The Dean Hall site consisted of a collection of tidal creeks with intertidal, emergent vegetation and large fluctuations in submersed habitat due to tide. The Bonneau Ferry site was lacustrine, dominated by submergent vegetation, and fluctuated very little with the tide. We found 34 total species. James M. Long, Michael G. McManus, James S. Bulak
Pages 174-186 |
2004 |
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.
Pages 187-195 |
2004 |
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.
Pages 196-206 |
2004 |
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. John M. Jacobs, William F. Van Heukelem, Charles Gieseker, Reginal M. Harrell
Pages 207-218 |
2004 |
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. Hayden T. Mattingly, Jason E. Detar
Pages 219-227 |
2004 |
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. Michael J. Chamberlain, Juanita M. Constible, Bruce D. Leopold, Kurt M. Hodges, Jason E. G. Burton
Pages 228-237 |
2004 |
Raccoon Abundance and Rio Grande Wild Turkey Production in Central Texas 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. Markus J. Peterson, Nova J. Silvy, T. Wayne Schwertner
Pages 238-247 |
2004 |
Factors Affecting Wild Turkey Recruitment in Western Virginia 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. Gary W. Norman, Todd M. Fearer, Patrick K. Devers
Pages 248-262 |
2004 |
Seed Production and Cost of Mourning Dove Field Plantings in Alabama 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. Steven E. Hayslette, Ralph E. Mirarchi
Pages 263-273 |
2004 |
An Evaluation of Sampling Methods for White-winged Dove Surveys in Urban Areas 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. Jeff B. Breeden, Fidel Hernandez, Nova J. Silvy, Ralph L. Bingham, Gary L. Waggerman
Pages 274-281 |
2004 |
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. P. D. Keyser, D. C. Guynn, Jr., W. M. Knox, K. E. Kammermeyer
Pages 282-291 |
2004 |
Daily Movements of Female White-tailed Deer Relative to Parturition and Breeding 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. Gino J. D'Angelo, Christopher E. Comer, John C. Kilgo, Cory D. Drennan, David A. Osborn, Karl V. Miller
Pages 292-301 |
2004 |
Microhabitat Characteristics of Nocturnal Roost Sites of American Woodcock in East Texas 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. J. R. Glenn, R. Montague Whiting Jr., Jeffrey P. Duguay
Pages 302-311 |
2004 |
Effect of Prescribed Burning of Clearcuts on Ruffed Grouse Brood Habitat 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. Darroch M. Whitaker, Dean F. Stauffer, Gary W. Norman, Woodrow B. Chandler
Pages 312-322 |
2004 |
Hatching Success of American Alligator Eggs When Subjected to Simulated Collection Trauma 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. Jodi L. Bock, Allan R. Woodward, Stephen B. Linda, H. Franklin Percival, Dwayne A. Carbonneau
Pages 323-335 |
2004 |
Avian Vacuolar Myelinopathy: Unraveling the Mystery 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). Evelyn M. Galban, Richard A. Malecki, Tonie Rocke
Pages 336-343 |
2004 |
Wildlife Enterprises on Mississippi Private Lands 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. W. Daryl Jones, Jeanne C. Jones, Ian A. Munn, Stephen C. Grado
Pages 344-355 |
2004 |
Pages 356-361 |
2004 |
SEAFWA Guide to Authors (Technical Papers)
Pages 371-378 |
2004 |
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.
Pages 1-16 |
2003 |
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. Jeffrey W. Slipke, Michael P. Holley, Michael J. Maceina
Pages 17-27 |
2003 |
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. Wendell J. Lorio, Michael G. Pursley
Pages 28-34 |
2003 |
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. Michael J. Maceina, Jeffrey W. Slipke
Pages 35-43 |
2003 |
Ecological Changes Following an Alewife Introduction in an Oligotrophic Reservoir: A Case History 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. J. Michael Swing, John U. Crutchfield, Jr., Thomas E. Thompson
Pages 44-58 |
2003 |
Biology of a Spawning Population of Cycleptus meridionalis in the Alabama River 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. Maurice F. Mettee, Thomas E. Shepard, Patrick E. O'Neil, Stuart W. McGregor, Wiley P. Henderson, Jr.
Pages 59-67 |
2003 |
2002 Alabama Freshwater Anglers Survey 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. Russell A. Wright, Dennis R. DeVries, Stan Cook, Nick Nichols
Pages 68-79 |
2003 |
Age, Growth, and Status of Shortnose Sturgeon in the Lower Ogeechee River, Georgia 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. Joel E. Fleming, Thomas D. Bryce, James P. Kirk
Pages 80-91 |
2003 |
Angler Use and Stocking Evaluation of a Coastal River Fishery in Southwest Alabama 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.
Pages 92-101 |
2003 |
Movements and Home Ranges of Alligator Gar in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, Alabama 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. Peter C. Sakaris, Allyse M. Ferrara, Kevin J. Kleiner, Elise R. Irwin
Pages 102-111 |
2003 |
Fishing Activities and Economic Impacts of Charter Boat Businesses on the Mississippi Gulf Coast 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. Stephen C. Grado, Jeanne C. Jones, Shawn T. Earles, W. Daryl Jones
Pages 112-123 |
2003 |
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. Jeffrey C. Jolley, Elise R. Irwin
Pages 124-140 |
2003 |
Seasonal Distribution and Movement of Striped Bass in Lewis Smith Reservoir, Alabama 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. Jerry L. Moss, Keith B. Floyd, J. Chris Greene, Jim M. Piper, Traci D. Berry, Philip D. Ekema
Pages 141-149 |
2003 |
Historical Changes in the Brown Trout Fishery in the Smith River Tailwater, Virginia: A Case History 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. M. R. Anderson, D. J. Orth, S. M. Smith
Pages 150-159 |
2003 |
Foraging Habits of Mallards and Wood Ducks in a Bottomland Hardwood Forest in Texas 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. L. Christopher Miller, R. Montague Whiting, Jr., Michael S. Fountain
Pages 160-171 |
2003 |
Response of Plant and Invertebrate Communities to Pothole Blasting in a Giant Cutgrass Marsh 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). Sara H. Schweitzer, Jason T. Ayers, Philip E. Hale
Pages 172-180 |
2003 |
Effects of Pen-raised Northern Bobwhite Introductions on Wild Bobwhites in South Texas 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. Ashton R. Hutchins, Fidel Hernandez
Pages 181-191 |
2003 |
Effects of Seed Weathering on Food Selection by Mourning Doves 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. Steven E. Hayslette, Ralph E. Mirarchi
Pages 192-199 |
2003 |
Spatial and Temporal Trends in River Otter Harvest in Louisiana 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. Daniel G. Scognamillo, Michael J. Chamberlain, Greg Linscombe
Pages 200-207 |
2003 |
Animal Welfare-based Modification of the Rio Grande Wild Turkey Funnel Trap 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. M. Nils Peterson, Raymond Aguirre, Tim A. Lawyer, Dustin A. Jones, Jody N. Schaap, Markus J. Peterson, Nova J. Silvy
Pages 208-212 |
2003 |
Brood-count Power Estimates of Rio Grande Turkey Production in Texas 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. Fred E. Smeins, Markus J. Peterson, Nova J. Silvy, T. Wayne Schwertner
Pages 213-221 |
2003 |
Bobcat Diet on an Area Managed for Northern Bobwhite 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. Ivy A. Godbois, L. Mike Conner, Robert J. Warren
Pages 222-227 |
2003 |
Habitat Use of Bobcats at Two Spatial Scales in Southwestern Georgia 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. Ivy A. Godbois, L. Mike Conner, Robert J. Warren
Pages 228-234 |
2003 |
Bachman's Sparrow Habitat in the Lower Flint River Basin, Georgia 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. Micah W. Perkins, L. Mike Conner
Pages 235-242 |
2003 |