An infestation of Cochliomyia hominivorax (New World Screwworm, hereafter Screwworm) was detected in the endangered Odocoileus virginianus clavium (Florida Key Deer) population in July 2016. We assessed the impact of this infestation on Florida Key Deer population abundance and recovery potential. We synthesized historical mortality and population data with new analyses including monitoring of Florida Key Deer mortalities and estimation of abundance on Big Pine Key and No Name Key (islands that support 75% of the Florida Key Deer population). We documented 135 Screwworm-related Florida Key Deer mortalities (∼9–20% of the total population) during the Screwworm outbreak (July 2016–January 2017). Most mortalities occurred in the adult male population, as Screwworm flies laid eggs on open wounds sustained from sparring during mating season. The Screwworm incident was contained prior to the 2017 fawning season, which prevented substantial negative impacts on females or fawns. Historical growth rates at similar population levels and sex ratios indicated that, absent other external variables (e.g., Hurricane Irma in September 2017), the population was likely to recover.

Nocomis leptocephalus (Bluehead Chub) is a minnow native to the southeastern United States that constructs nests used by many freshwater fishes. No microsatellite markers have been published for Bluehead Chub, and information on genetic structure and diversity is sparse. We evaluated microsatellites from other leuciscid species for use with Bluehead Chub and created a panel of markers that has sufficient power for investigations of population structure and can differentiate between Bluehead Chub and Notropis lutipinnis (Yellowfin Shiner) eggs. We applied the panel to Bluehead Chub samples from 2 locations in South Carolina, finding these populations are genetically differentiated with high levels of genetic diversity. Our marker panel can improve our understanding of population dynamics of Bluehead Chub and allow for informed conservation recommendations.

Ephemeral ponds in the Munson Sand Hills region (MSH) of Apalachicola National Forest (ANF) are an essential resource in the life cycles of a variety of amphibian species, a number of which are threatened or endangered. Various types of human activities have disturbed some of these ponds threatening their survival. Although extensive research has been done on the biology of amphibians in the ponds, little is known of the invertebrates and to what extent the water quality may be affected by human impacts. We monitored 4 ponds, representing a spectrum of sizes, natural settings, and anthropogenic disturbance, in terms of water chemistry and aquatic insect assemblages seasonally for 2 years. Pond waters were characterized by acidic pH, low ionic strength, low buffering capacity, low nutrient concentrations, and phosphorus-limiting conditions. The water quality of studied ponds was similar to those reported for natural wetlands in west-central Florida. The chemistry, as compared to a nearby sinkhole, indicated that these ponds were mainly recharged with rain and had no connectivity to groundwater. Aquatic beetles (Coleoptera), dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata), and aquatic bugs (Heteroptera) were the most diverse groups of aquatic insects recorded. Species collected included many common, predatory species adapted to exploit resources in fishless, temporary ponds. Water chemistry and aquatic insect composition showed minor spatial–temporal variations among ponds. The results of this study indicate that human disturbances have not had a significant effect on pond water quality, posing no threat to amphibian and other wildlife species, and the sampled ponds had abundant and diverse aquatic insect fauna. The aquatic insect assemblages documented in this study provide evidence that pond type and the top-down effects of aquatic insects as predators are important determinants of community structure, which is a common theme observed in temporary ponds found in other regions within temperate biomes.

Stomolophus meleagris (Cannonball Jellyfish) is a common Cnidarian species in the coastal waters of Georgia. Libinia spp. (spider crab) juveniles commonly inhabit the bell of the Cannonball Jellyfish, but there is uncertainty as to whether the crabs are parasitic on the Cannonball Jellyfish or are commensals. To assess the nature of this symbiosis, Cannonball Jellyfish were randomly sampled at multiple sites along the Georgia coast. For each Cannonball Jellyfish, the number of juvenile spider crabs inhabiting the bell was recorded along with multiple measurements of Cannonball Jellyfish and spider crabs. Our results suggest that the symbiosis between the Cannonball Jellyfish and juvenile spider crabs is an example of commensalism and not parasitism.

Setophaga striata (Blackpoll Warbler) has previously been reported as scarce to rare in autumn along the southeastern coast of the United States. We compiled recent data from banding stations (1978–2018) and sight reports since 1992 that confirm the species is generally rare in this area, except for occasional “falls” in adverse weather. Three-quarters of sight reports have occurred as single individuals, and the highest counts have never exceeded 30 Blackpolls. Aside from a higher proportion of adult birds at Cape Florida compared to other banding stations, most records have been of immature birds with low body masses, inconsistent with departures on long nonstop flights. A recent report that adult Blackpoll Warblers tracked with geolocators stopped over and departed on transoceanic migration from locations along this coast was probably erroneous.

Procyon lotor (Raccoon) is a widespread and abundant omnivore that uses a diversity of habitats. Therefore, this species can be useful for biomonitoring the exposure and availability of metals to wildlife. We measured the concentrations of 5 metals (cadmium [Cd], copper [Cu], nickel [Ni], lead [Pb] and zinc [Zn]) in the liver tissue of 446 wild Raccoons that were collected at 2 sites in 2005 and 2006. We found that concentrations of Zn were positively correlated with those of Cu but negatively correlated with those of Ni. Liver concentrations of Cu and Zn exhibited strong negative relationships with body weight, whereas Cd had a positive relationship. Zn liver concentrations differed by sex, site captured, and year of sampling. Significant differences in Cd and Pb concentrations in liver tissue were observed due to sex and year, but no significant differences were found for the other 2 metals. Our results provide a large sample size of reference values for metal concentrations in livers of Raccoons collected from rural areas in the southeastern United States.

We conducted a survey of freshwater turtle populations in the spring-fed Ichetucknee River in northern Florida to assess temporal variation in assemblage structure. Following the same protocols as an initial 2007 survey, we hand-captured turtles while snorkeling in 2014 and found changes in species composition, abundance of 3 species, and demographic composition of 2 species. We observed a shift in the most frequently captured species from Sternotherus minor (Loggerhead Musk Turtle) in 2007 to Pseudemys concinna (River Cooter) in 2014. We attribute this shift to an increase in the abundance of adult River Cooters. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate whether the changes we observed represent trends and which environmental factors may be driving them.

Dispersal and establishment of new breeding populations of Sitta pusilla (Brown-headed Nuthatch) outside of its historic range in Virginia have been recorded since the 1960s. We systematically gathered published and unpublished occurrences of Brown-headed Nuthatches beyond their historic range in Virginia from 1966 to 2019 and evaluated local and landscape characteristics of sites in these areas. Brown-headed Nuthatches have expanded their distribution in Virginia into 29 counties, with breeding confirmed and/or sustained observations over more than 1 year recorded at 38 sites in 16 counties (26 sites in the Piedmont in 10 counties; 12 sites in the Ridge and Valley in 6 counties). The majority (25 of 38; 66%) of these new sites occupied by Brown-headed Nuthatches occur in semi-open recreational and residential areas, and the remaining 13 sites occur in areas broadly classified as forest. Pinus spp. (pines) are present at 37 of 38 occupied sites, most frequently P. virginiana (Virginia Pine) and P. strobus (Eastern White Pine), with an average canopy cover (all tree species) of 57% within a 250-m radius of each site. Pine-dominated forest represented a small percentage (1–24%) of land-cover types at a landscape scale (areas within a 5-km radius of occupied sites), not exceeding 4% in the Ridge and Valley region. Most colonization of these sites by Brown-headed Nuthatches in Virginia was not associated with the expansion of pine plantations, except for an apparent recent (2015–2018) association with P. taeda (Loblolly Pine) in the northern Piedmont. In the context of the current range expansion, we identify 3 management interventions (provision of nest boxes, management of Loblolly Pine plantations, restoration of P. echinata [Shortleaf Pine]) that could serve to provide suitable nesting habitat conditions for Brown-headed Nuthatches in Virginia.

Lepomis megalotis (Longear Sunfish) was first reported from North Carolina by Edward Drinker Cope in 1870, but its whereabouts in the state have been a mystery for almost 150 years. Published literature perpetuated the occurrence of Longear Sunfish and, eventually in 1986, its extirpation. Vouchered specimens from Cope's 1870 publication are not available, but specimens collected later (1930s to 1990s) and purported to be Longear Sunfish, are available at various museums. Here we reidentified all known vouchered specimens of Longear Sunfish from North Carolina as either L. auritus (Redbreast Sunfish), L. cyanellus (Green Sunfish), L. gibbosus (Pumpkinseed), L. marginatus (Dollar Sunfish), Lepomis hybrids, or Enneacanthus gloriosus (Bluespotted Sunfish). Our findings indicate that there is no supportive evidence that Longear Sunfish, historically or more recently, ever occurred in North Carolina. This investigation of the true status and distribution of the Longear Sunfish in North Carolina underscores the importance of vouchered material in museum collections and globally accessible specimen data. Without these resources, we cannot discover the true distribution of species and therefore effectively list and allocate funds for their restoration and conservation.

Groundwater influences stream environments in numerous ways including structuring biotic assemblages. However, associations between groundwater influence and warmwater fish assemblages are under-studied. We examined relationships between groundwater contribution, population size, and total length (TL) for 5 warmwater fishes at 32 stream reaches in the Ozark Highlands ecoregion. When we controlled for distance from an impoundment, population size and TL were significantly related to groundwater influence for all 5 species. Sunfishes were significantly less abundant in reaches with high levels of groundwater contribution (HGC reaches), whereas Ambloplites rupestris (Rock Bass) and Nocomis asper (Redspot Chub) TLs were significantly greater at HGC reaches. Reach-scale groundwater contribution explained nearly 4 times more unexplained variation among fish densities than did TL. Our study provides insight into the structuring role of groundwater on warmwater fish populations.

From 14 October 2014 through 31 November 2018, we used trail cameras to investigate the relationship between nighttime activity of Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) and 2 extraneous variables (lunar cycle and cloud cover). We hypothesized that greater amounts of illumination would positively affect the nighttime activity of White-tailed Deer. Our findings supported our hypothesis indicating that both lunar cycle and cloud cover affect the activity of the species. Nighttime activity decreases as illuminance of the moon decreases through the lunar cycle (number of detections: full moon = 578, new moon = 232, first quarter = 386, third quarter = 329). Lowest activity occurred on nights when illuminance was the lowest (e.g., new moon with overcast skies) and highest activity on nights when illuminance was the greatest. The amount of illumination may be important regarding White-tailed Deer avoidance of predators.

Novel items can represent either danger or exploitable new resources, so one might expect to find less neophobia in bird species that are acclimated to human-altered environments. We used 2 different experimental protocols at bird feeders on a college campus in North Carolina during winter to measure the aversion of common feeder birds to a novel object. In our simultaneous treatment, we compared the visitation rate of birds to adjacent feeders in which 1 of the feeders displayed an orange life jacket. In our sequential treatment, we recorded the visitation rate of birds at single feeders that either did or did not display an orange life jacket. Melanerpes carolinus (Red-bellied Woodpecker), Poecile carolinensis (Carolina Chickadee), Sitta carolinensis (White-breasted Nuthatch), Zonotrichia albicollis (White-throated Sparrow), Junco hyemalis (Dark-eyed Junco), Cardinalis cardinalis (Northern Cardinal), and Haemorhous mexicanus (House Finch) all showed significant aversion to the life jacket in both experiments. Baelophus bicolor (Tufted Titmouse) exhibited a significant neophobia response in the simultaneous treatment, but not in the sequential treatment. Thryothorus ludovicianus (Carolina Wren) exhibited no neophobic (or neophilic) response in either experiment. This lack of fear of human objects may help explain the success of this species in suburbia.

I took samples of Etheostoma colorosum (Coastal Darter) from Canoe Creek, a tributary to the Escambia River in northwest Florida. Examination of ovaries from female darters showed reproduction (presence of clutch-bearing females) occurred from January into June 1989, with the greatest activity (percentage of clutch-bearing females) occurring mid-February to early May. Females begin reproducing at age 1 and can live 2 years. During the height of the reproductive season, females measuring 27–42 mm standard length produced clutches of 5–69 eggs. Clutch size, adjusted for female length, was greater mid-season in March than in February or April and May. Mature oocytes averaged 1.06 mm diameter, mean ripening oocyte diameter was 1.12 mm, and mean ripe egg diameter was 1.22 mm.

We collected 14 Acantharchus pomotis (Mud Sunfish) from the first recently discovered population in Beaver Dam Creek, Tombigbee River drainage, Washington County, AL, in 2011. This effort brings the total number of Mud Sunfish collected in Alabama to 17 specimens since 2000. We captured the specimens using trash-can traps, and Mud Sunfish was the most abundant fish species collected; however, catch-per-unit-effort was low (0.02 fish/trap-night). Male and female Mud Sunfish varied in size from 86 to 125 mm and 90 to 124 mm total length, respectively. Squamation indicated the Alabama population is more closely aligned with Florida and Gulf Slope populations. Currently, Beaver Dam Creek is home to the only known population of Mud Sunfish in Alabama.

Conventional DNA sampling techniques for reptiles and amphibians are often invasive and difficult to perform in the field. Other, less invasive methods often pose issues with DNA contamination and low DNA yields. Few, if any, studies explicitly quantify handling time, despite being an important source of stress to the study species. Here, we compare handling time and DNA yield for 3 sampling methods (choanal, a general buccal sample excluding the choana, and blood) for Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-eared Slider) and Sternotherus odoratus (Eastern Musk Turtle). Buccal and blood samples had significantly higher DNA yields than choanal samples, but blood draws took substantially less time and personnel to collect than either mouth-sampling technique. Where possible, we recommend blood collection for DNA analyses in turtles.

Forested wetlands act as buffers between human civilization and aquatic ecosystems, providing numerous services. Due to widespread human influence, most existing forested wetlands are secondary forests. This study investigated 3 forested wetlands in the Oconee basin in middle Georgia to assess the influence of physical factors and anthropogenic disturbances on the tree composition. Our analyses revealed that the northernmost wetland had experienced the most recent major anthropogenic disturbance based on the dominance of an early successional species. The southernmost site, a floodplain forest, was the most diverse due to the short flooding durations that support a larger suite of species. The middle site was the least diverse but had the largest trees and total basal area.

We conducted roadside call surveys at 111 historical Hyla andersonii (Pine Barrens Treefrog) sites in 2013–2016. We detected the species at 49 sites (44%), which is consistent with surveys conducted in the early 1980s. We detected the species throughout its historical range except Holmes County, which only has 4 historical sites. We also identified 33 new sites on public lands and 4 new sites on private lands. We used multi-season occupancy models to determine the influence of site and survey covariates on species occupancy and detection rates in Blackwater River State Forest. Species detection was positively associated with air temperature and partial cloud-cover and negatively associated with clear skies. Pine Barrens Treefrog occupancy rates were lower at survey sites surrounded by hardwood-dominated wetlands, suggesting that hardwood encroachment has negatively impacted this species on some areas of Blackwater River State Forest. The best model had an estimated detection probability of 0.43 (95% CI = 0.29–0.47) and an estimated occupancy of 0.63 (95% CI = 0.43–0.79). We recommend that future call surveys include a minimum of 5 visits to each survey site before inferring species absence. Our surveys suggest that the status and distribution of the species remain stable despite some habitat degradation.

In 1986, the only known population of Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) in Louisiana was described. The population is located in the Tunica Hills of West Feliciana Parish, LA. On 26 June 2015, we returned to the location and found a single rhizome with 3 ramets. In an effort to rescue the Louisiana population from extirpation, we collected these ramets and artificially propagated them. Between 19 July 2017 and July 2019, we reintroduced a total of 61 ramets to the site. In addition, we found 13 ramets that had volunteered at the original population location, from which we collected 2 ramets. All of our planted clumps have survived, and these reintroduced plants have exhibited an increase in visible ramets of ∼30%. One hundred twenty-two ramets remain in propagation in Kentucky, with additional propagules in the possession of the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program. Herbivory by gastropods appears to be a major threat to the population. A pilot effort to combat this is in progress. We suggest that this small and peripheral population has conservation value for the species as a whole and should receive management effort in order to favor increased population growth rates, create additional populations, and act as a potential source of climatic adaptability for the global population.

Sciurus niger L. (Eastern Fox Squirrel) is associated with montane Pinus palustris Mill. (Longleaf Pine) forests in the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley, but little is known about the species' distribution and abundance within this region. We conducted an occupancy study of Eastern Fox Squirrels in montane Longleaf Pine forests of the Talladega National Forest, AL. We surveyed 73 camera trap sites for Eastern Fox Squirrels and measured surrounding vegetation and landscape features. Eastern Fox Squirrels were patchily distributed across the study area and only observed at 11% of sites. Occupancy modeling indicated Eastern Fox Squirrels had a relatively high probability of detection (0.680) but a low probability of occupancy (0.111). Eastern Fox Squirrel occupancy was negatively associated with slope steepness. This result is possibly because prescribed fire and other restoration efforts of open-pine conditions associated with Eastern Fox Squirrel habitat in Talladega National Forest are focused on logistically accessible ridges and more moderately sloped areas. Steep slopes also likely decrease accessibility and dispersion ability for Eastern Fox Squirrels. The overall low occupancy of Eastern Fox Squirrels in the Shoal Creek Ranger District of Talladega National Forest may be linked to the highly fragmented montane Longleaf Pine habitat caused by topography and past fire suppression.

Over a period of 18 months, we studied the life history of Etheostoma fusiforme barratti, the southern subspecies of the Swamp Darter, in Hatchet Creek in the Suwannee River drainage of Florida. We found E. f. barratti on sandy and muddy substrates with dense vegetation and woody debris. Field data suggested a lifespan of up to 14 months, although individuals survived 18 months in an aquarium. There was no significant difference between the mean standard lengths of males and females, and the sex ratio was 1:1. The largest specimen collected was a 50-mm SL (59-mm TL) reproductively mature male. Midge larvae (Chironomidae) and water fleas (Cladocera) were the most common food items. Individuals in the smallest size class, 10–19 mm SL, consumed a larger proportion of small food items such as cladocerans and midge larvae, and larger Swamp Darters ate larger food items such as caddisflies, and consumed a larger variety of food items. Approximately one-third of all E. f. barratti dissected were parasitized by a digenean trematode. A large increase in the female gonadosomatic index occurred in January in each of the 2 study years as the darters approached 1 year of age and were at least 25 mm SL. Spawning occurred in January–May 2016 and January–April 2017. In an aquarium, adhesive eggs were attached to aquatic plants by females and fertilized by males. Numbers of mature and maturing ova were extremely variable (4–226), suggesting that E. f. barratti is a batch spawner and lays eggs over several mating bouts rather than during a single spawn. Compared to the northern subspecies, E. f. fusiforme, E. f. barratti reaches a larger size, 59 vs. 55 mm TL, and spawns earlier and longer, from January to April vs. April to May. Males of E. f. barratti, but not of E. f. fusiforme, were aggressive and possibly territorial during spawning. Etheostoma f. barratti may have a shorter life span, 14–18 months, compared to 2 years in E. f. fusiforme. This study provides baseline life-history data for a widespread and common species that has the potential to affect the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems.

Montane Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) forests of the southeastern United States are understudied compared to Longleaf Pine forests of the Coastal Plain. In this study, we quantified composition and structure of a montane Longleaf Pine stand in Weogufka State Forest in Coosa County, AL. We compared contemporary stand conditions to historical records to describe stand dynamics over time. Results indicated that the stand was dominated by Longleaf Pine, followed by Blackjack Oak, Chestnut Oak, and Mockernut Hickory. Longleaf Pine establishment began in the 1750s with continuous, minimal recruitment until a large establishment pulse, along with that of oak and hickory species, in the 1930s. Establishment trends over time corresponded to changes in land use and altered disturbance regimes, which included fire exclusion in the 1920s, intensive harvesting in the early 1930s, and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) occupation during 1933–1942. Compared to other published data on montane Longleaf Pine, the stand studied here had a higher density and basal area, as well as fewer Longleaf Pine stems in small size classes. It is important to understand how changes in land use and disturbance regimes alter montane Longleaf Pine successional and developmental pathways to inform restoration efforts in these understudied systems.

Dryobates borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) is considered a keystone cavity excavator, endemic to the fire-maintained Pinus (pine) forests of the southeastern US. This species excavates its roost and nest cavities in living pines. Larger woodpecker species sometimes enlarge these cavities, rendering the holes unsuitable for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker but suitable for larger cavity-nesting species. Here I report the first record of a Lophodytes cucullatus (Hooded Merganser) nesting in such a cavity at the Brosnan Forest on the Coastal Plain of South Carolina. In previous annual spring censuses, this enlarged Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity was occupied by Aix sponsa L. (Wood Duck) (3 censuses), Sciurus niger (Fox Squirrel) (2 censuses), and a Pantherophis alleghaniensis (Eastern Rat Snake) (1 census).

The charismatic bee-mimic robber fly Mallophora fautrix (Bee Killer) is distributed throughout the southwestern US and Mexico. Recent sightings of M. fautrix in Louisiana represent the easternmost reports of the species. We photographed and identified M. fautrix in north Lafayette Parish, LA, on 5 August 2015. This 2015 discovery and a second sighting in Bossier City, LA, on 28 July 2019, extend the eastern range of this charismatic bee-mimic robber fly.