Current procedures for reclaiming surface mines have produced many hectares of open grasslands. Asio flammeus (Short-eared Owl) and Circus cyaneus (Northern Harrier) are regularly found in such grasslands, but little is known about the suitability of these areas as raptor habitat. Our objective was to quantify the hunting behavior of Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers, and characterize the vegetation in areas used by foraging Short-eared Owls during the non-breeding season on a reclaimed surface mine in Muhlenberg and Ohio counties, KY, from 1 January–1 May 2002. Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls foraged in flight during our study, with no instances of perch-hunting observed, and initiated attacks primarily in areas dominated by either Lespedeza sp. (sericea) or Festuca sp. (fescue). Attack success rates were 7% and 10.9% for Harriers and Short-eared Owls, respectively, both within the range of success rates previously reported. Analysis revealed that areas used by foraging Short-eared Owls had shorter, less-dense vegetation than unused areas. The use of areas with shorter, less-dense vegetation by Short-eared Owls might increase prey detectability and increase attack success. The use of hunting behaviors and attack success rates similar to those reported in previous studies conducted in unmined habitats suggest that reclaimed surface mine grasslands in Kentucky provide suitable habitat for Northern Harriers and Short-eared Owls during the non-breeding season.

We compared 2 survey methods for assessing winter bird communities in temperate grasslands: Winter Bird Population Study surveys are area-searches that have long been used in a variety of habitats whereas Project Prairie Bird surveys employ active-flushing techniques on strip-transects and are intended for use in grasslands. We used both methods to survey birds on 14 herbaceous-reforested sites and 9 coastal pine savannas during winter and compared resultant estimates of species richness and relative abundance. These techniques did not yield similar estimates of avian populations. We found Winter Bird Population Studies consistently produced higher estimates of species richness, whereas Project Prairie Birds produced higher estimates of avian abundance for some species. When it is important to identify all species within the winter bird community, Winter Bird Population Studies should be the survey method of choice. If estimates of the abundance of relatively secretive grassland bird species are desired, the use of Project Prairie Birds protocols is warranted. However, we suggest that both survey techniques, as currently employed, are deficient and recommend distance-based survey methods that provide species-specific estimates of detection probabilities be incorporated into these survey methods.

Kleptoparasitism, the stealing of food from individuals of either the same or a different species, is a common behavior among seabirds. Little is known about the age-related differences in kleptoparasitism behaviors, which may elucidate how this behavior emerged and is maintained in populations. We observed the kleptoparasitic behavior of Fregata magnificens (Magnificent Frigatebirds) on the Dry Tortugas, a group of islands west of Key West, FL. For each kleptoparasitic event, we recorded whether an adult or a sub-adult frigatebird made the attack; whether the potential host was approached while it was in the air, in the water, or on the ground; the duration of the chase; and whether an individual or group of hosts was approached. Adult females most often approached potential hosts in the air (92% of recorded encounters), while sub-adults approached more potential hosts on the ground (61% of recorded encounters). Water approaches were rarely performed by sub-adults and never by adults. Adult females tended to spend significantly more time on each chase than did sub-adults, and adult females sought out individual hosts (69% of recorded encounters), while sub-adults seemed to prefer groups of hosts (78% of recorded encounters). These age-related differences in feeding behaviors may represent a period of learning in young birds that will make them more effective kleptoparasites as adults. In general, these age-related differences in behavior may lead to a better understanding of the pressures that have led to the development and maintenance of kleptoparasitic feeding strategies in frigatebirds.

Comparisons of current and historical tree species composition and size structure along natural productivity gradients are useful for inferring effects of disturbance regimes and productivity on patterns of succession. We tabulated occurrences and estimated diameters of 3483 General Land Office bearing trees across 19 survey townships along an upland soil texture and organic matter gradient in north Mississippi. We then contrasted this presettlement composition and structure with that of 2998 trees in sampling plots within present-day mature (>100 years old) upland forests contained within the survey townships. Presettlement upland communities appeared to consist of non-successional communities, in which the most abundant trees were shade-intolerant, fire-tolerant trees (e.g., Quercus marilandica [blackjack oak]) in both large and small size classes across the entire soil gradient. These fire-prone pre-settlement assemblages differed greatly from present-day mature uplands, which were transitional assemblages of upland and floodplain trees, with mesophytic floodplain species (both early and late-successional) dominating the smaller size classes.

A total of 53 fire-scarred Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) trees were examined to reconstruct a ridgetop fire chronology of an oak-pine forest in the Ozark Mountains of north-central Arkansas. This process yielded 104 fire scars dating to 61 separate fire years. Fire frequency was greatest during the Euro-American Settlement Period (1820–1900), when the median fire interval (MFI) was 1.9 years. Most of the sample trees established during this period. Fire remained prevalent through the Regional Development (1901–1930) and Modern (1931–2003) Periods, when the MFI was 2.1 and 2.6 years, respectively. Palmer Drought Severity Index mean values from 1823–2003 did not differ (p = 0.76) between fire years and non-fire years, suggesting that fires in the study area were predominantly anthropogenic in origin.

Rhus michauxii (Michaux's sumac) is a federally endangered species native to the lower piedmont and upper coastal plain of the Southeastern United States. Fort Pickett, VA, has the largest known population and is unusual because the majority of the colonies are located in habitats maintained by frequent fire caused by military training. Our objectives were to investigate the relationship between woody competition and Michaux's sumac density. The strongest correlations were between woody competition and pistillate density. In the 2–5 m strata, the influence of woody density, total density, and DBH on pistillate Michaux's sumac density were significant (P < 0.05) and strongly correlated with r² of 0.558, 0.488, and 0.511, respectively. Based upon the results of our study, reducing woody competition in the 2–5 m strata would improve habitat conditions for sexual reproduction, which could increase the potential for recovery of Michaux's sumac.

Relatively little is known about the life history of Cyprinella trichroistia (Tricolor Shiner), a species endemic to the Coosa and Cahaba rivers in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee above the Fall Line. The life history of this species was investigated using a series of collections obtained through the University of Alabama Ichthyological Collection spanning 27 months and collected from Hubbard Creek in the Coosa River System. A total of 6366 specimens were examined for age and growth, reproductive cycle, food habits, parasites, habitat, and associated species. Males and females have similar length-weight relationships, but males attain a larger size. Data analysis and field observations indicate that the species has a single reproductive season beginning in April and ending in August with peak activity in June. Numbers of mature ova of females ranged from 32 to 148, and was highly correlated to female size and weight. At any given time in the population, there were three (possibly four) age classes noted. The habitat for the Tricolor Shiner was primarily clear, flowing streams with a rocky substrate suitable for crevice spawning to occur. The diet consisted mainly of aquatic insects; the only parasites observed were internal nematodes and external trematodes.

The purpose of this study was to test for interference competition for shelter between adult Cottus carolinae (Banded Sculpin) and adult Orconectes placidus (bigclaw crayfish) in stream-pool habitats. Both species co-occur naturally in high densities in Brawley's Fork (Cumberland River Basin, TN), creating a potential for strong interactions over shared resources. In-stream enclosures containing one rock shelter were used to test for depth preference by adult crayfish (preference for pool habitats has already been demonstrated for the sculpin), test for shelter preference by both species and, determine if presence of one species affects shelter use of the other species. Adult bigclaw crayfish displayed a strong preference for deep water over shallow water in the enclosures, and both species used the shelter at a significantly higher rate than expected from the null hypothesis of random habitat use. Neither species, however, affected the shelter use of the other in sympatric trials, (in fact, both species shared the shelter in about one third of the trials), indicating that these species may not compete for shelter in this system. Although both species use rock shelters in the pool habitat, the lack of predators in the pool habitats of this stream may reduce the importance of shelter to the sculpin and crayfish, thereby reducing the likelihood of strong interactions over shelter.

The distribution of terrestrial tardigrades in the Gulf Coast states of the United States is poorly known. Only one species has been reported in Florida. In this study, bryophyte samples (47 identified species) from trees and shrubs were collected from all 67 Florida counties. Twenty tardigrade species were found: Echiniscus cavagnaroi, E. kofordi, E. virginicus, Pseudechiniscus suillus, Ramazzottius baumanni, Diphascon (Diphascon) pingue, Macrobiotus echinogenitus, two species of Macrobiotus cf. harmsworthi, Macrobiotus cf. hibiscus, Macrobiotus hufelandi, two species of Macrobiotus cf. hufelandi, Macrobiotus islandicus, Macrobiotus occidentalis, Macrobiotus richtersi, Macrobiotus tonollii, Minibiotus fallax, Minibiotus intermedius, and Milnesium tardigradum. The distribution of tardigrade species was not correlated with Florida's ecological regions. Tardigrade species richness declined from north to south in peninsular Florida.

We examined the dynamics of a dung beetle community over the course of a year in a forested urban park in Baton Rouge, LA. Dung beetle volume per trap-day and abundance peaked during March and the months of August through November, with species richness highest during March. The subfamily Aphodiinae dominated the community during the cold months, and Scarabaeinae dominated it during the warm months. The relationship of these patterns to local temperature and precipitation is discussed.

Habitat selection influences many aspects of a species' ecology, and can have substantial management implications. We studied habitat selection by female Ursus americanus floridanus (Florida black bears), a threatened species in Florida, at two different scales: selection of home ranges within the population range and selection of habitat types within home ranges. At the scale of home range selection within the population range, bears showed preference for xeric habitats (xeric oak scrub and Pinus clausa [sand pine] forest) during summer; there was no evidence of habitat selection during fall. At the scale of habitat selection within the home range, bears showed preference for mesic (pine flatwood and swamp forest) and preference against xeric (xeric oak scrub and sand pine forests) habitats; again, there was no evidence of habitat selection during fall. Contrary to expectations, bears did not show preference for habitats that contained hard mast-producing plants. This was at least in part because habitats rich in mast producing plants composed 68% of the total habitat area. Strategies for management of Florida black bears should encourage management practices that enhance quality and diversity of mast- and berry-producing plants.

We analyzed intraspecific and sexually dimorphic osteological variation within the Baldwin County, GA, population of Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum). Where possible, 20 measurements (11 cranial/mandibular and 9 post-cranial) were obtained from each of 59 road-killed adult opossums (47 males, 12 females). Although range overlaps exist between the sexes for all measurements, males are significantly larger (P ≤ 0.05) for the following characteristics: greatest length of skull, condylobasal length, basal length, postpalatal length, nasal length, bicanine width, zygomatic breadth, length of mandible, scapula length, humerus length, radius length, femur length, and fibula length. Males exhibit significantly less (P ≤ 0.05) variation in mandibular tooth row length and significantly greater (P ≤ 0.05) variation in scapula length and fibula length. Intraspecific variation ranges from 14–54% for cranial/mandibular and 29–73% for postcranial measurements. Sexual dimorphism is most pronounced in cranial/mandibular dimensions. Comparisons with multi-state samples indicate that the continent-wide population of the Virginia opossum is very similar in terms of osteological dimension. The combination of low variation index and nonsignificant difference between the sexes in mandibular tooth row length suggests that this measure may be useful for distinguishing fossil opossum species.

Spatial and temporal plasticity in Canis latrans (coyote) diets require regional studies to understand the ecological role of this omnivorous canid. Because coyotes have recently become established in South Carolina, we investigated their food habits by collecting 415 coyote scats on the Savannah River Site in western South Carolina from May 2005–July 2006. Seasonally available soft mast was the most common food item in 12 of the 15 months we sampled. Odocoileus virginianus (white-tailed deer) was the most common food item during December (40%) and March (37%). During May–June, fruits of Prunus spp. and Rubus spp. were the most commonly occurring food items. Fawns were the most common mammalian food item during May and June of both years despite low deer density.

Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) is a threatened species in Florida and is heralded as a keystone species throughout its range in the southeastern United States. However, this species has faced drastic population declines due mainly to habitat loss, and now disease is threatening the species. Upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is a highly contagious disease first observed in Gopher Tortoise populations in Florida as early as 1989. URTD may be caused by multiple pathogens, such as Mycoplasma agassizii, which has been documented in Gopher Tortoise populations (Berish et al 2000). The long-term effects of URTD are unknown, as are the effects of the disease on the demographics of the species. In this study, 40 plasma samples were collected from a Gopher Tortoise population to determine the exposure of Mycoplasma agassizii among different age classes and genders. There was not a significant difference in number infected when comparing adult males and adult females. The results suggest adults are exposed to the pathogen at a greater rate than subadults, and exposure may be dependent on age. All subadults tested in this population tested seronegative, indicating they had no previous exposure to Mycoplasma agassizii. Knowledge of the effects of this pathogen is necessary for wildlife management agencies to assess the options available for managing Gopher Tortoise populations. The results of this study suggest a zero known mortality rate due to the pathogen over a 4-year period; however, additional pathological research is required to determine if Mycoplasma agassizii is causing URTD in this population. These results may have implications for the “take” policy in Florida: if Mycoplasma agassizii is not causing URTD in this population, and if the pathogen is not leading to a high mortality rate, then “take” permits based solely on seropositive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results may not be justified.

Mark-recapture studies for investigating migration patterns and population dynamics of large numbers of individuals require an effective, non-lethal marking technique. Our goal in the present study was to determine the suitability of visible implant elastomer (VIE) for a species in nominal decline, Etheostoma moorei (Yellowcheek Darter). Mortality and mark retention were initially studied in a laboratory setting using a surrogate species, Etheostoma caeruleum (Rainbow Darter) due to Yellowcheek Darter's conservation status (candidate species for listing as endangered). There was 100% survival and mark retention over the 58-day period for the fourteen Rainbow Darters injected with VIE marks, and there were no observable lesions or scars resulting from marking. Adult Yellowcheek Darters ≥30 mm (n = 385) were individually marked with VIE, and their soft dorsal fins were clipped. They were then returned to their original riffle sites on the Middle and South forks of the Little Red River, AR. There were a total of 26 recapture events, with a mark retention rate of 88% (12% of recaptures had evidence of fin clips, yet no VIE marks). The interval between initial capture and last recapture ranged from 13–401 days. We identified no relationship between position of injection, color marked, or darter size at injection and mark retention. The duration of the present study (13 months) appears suitable for VIE mark retention in Yellowcheek Darter. Adults are both slow-growing and short-lived, characteristics which enhance the suitability of VIE for mark-recapture use.

Much of what is known about sea turtle biology is attributed to research conducted on nesting females, due to the accessibility of these animals when on the beach. Long-range tag-return data obtained from individual loggerheads are helpful when determining population estimates, nesting ranges, seasonal dispersal patterns, and possible foraging areas. The Caretta Research Project has run a saturation-tagging project on Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge, GA since 1973. Tag returns received from the east coast of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico provide evidence that while some female turtles demonstrate site fidelity, others utilize multiple beaches during a nesting season as well as throughout their reproductive lifetimes and travel extensively between nesting seasons.

In response to their strikingly similar coloration, we tested for a mimetic relationship between Notophthalmus viridescens louisianensis (Central Newt) and Macrobdella diplotertia (Ozark Highlands leech). Early observations took place in a south-central Missouri woodland pond. Later, feeding experiments involving ducks, geese, and native fishes were conducted. Our results support a mimetic relationship between these 2 species that is not a simple classification. More in-depth study may be needed to elucidate the true nature of this relationship.

Long known only from three populations along a 32-kilometer stretch of SR 65 in Franklin and Liberty counties, FL, a new population of Harperocallis flava (Harper's beauty) has been discovered in Bay County, FL. Observations on some aspects of its natural history are included.