Recent and comprehensive surveys of Ochlockonee River basin mussel fauna are lacking, particularly in the lower portion of the basin which historically has been undersampled. We present the results of surveys conducted between 2006 and 2017 to assess the status of freshwater mussels in the Ochlockonee River basin, and examine historical survey records to assess changes in mussel distribution and population status in recent decades. We gave particular attention to the current status and distribution of 3 federally endangered mussels, Hamiota subangulata (Shinyrayed Pocketbook), Medionidus simpsonianus (Ochlockonee Moccasinshell), and Pleurobema pyriforme (Oval Pigtoe), and 1 threatened mussel, Elliptoideus sloatianus (Purple Bankclimber). During the 12-year period, 3 agencies made 257 collections throughout the basin, encountering 19 of the basin's 22 native mussel species. Shinyrayed Pocketbook and Oval Pigtoe were not detected and are possibly extirpated from the basin. Alasmidonta wrightiana (Ochlockonee Arcmussel), a basin endemic, was not found during the surveys. It has not been collected in more than 85 years, suggesting that the species is likely extinct. A remnant population of Ochlockonee Moccasinshell, also a basin endemic, was detected in a 23-km reach of the lower Ochlockonee River. Although encountered in most of their respective historical ranges, Cyclonaias infucata (Sculptured Pigtoe) and Purple Bankclimber appear to have declined in some areas of the upper basin. Watershed alterations in the basin that may have adversely impacted the mussel fauna include the conversion of forests to agricultural and urban lands, impoundment of the mainstem by Jackson Bluff Dam, introduction of Corbicula fluminea (Asian Clam), and the effects of droughts and water use by humans. Although we detected a relatively intact fauna in the lower Ochlockonee River, our findings suggest declines in 5 mussel species in the basin since 2000, including the 4 federally listed mussels.

The susceptibility of Myotis austroriparius (Southeastern Myotis) to infection with Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS), is unresolved. Our goal was to provide an initial insight on WNS susceptibility of Southeastern Myotis through a combination of fungal swabbing, ultraviolet light (UV) photography, and seasonal counts of hibernating bats in 2 caves known to harbor P. destructans. We swabbed and photographed 61 Southeastern Myotis in 2 Alabama caves during the winter of 2017–2018 and photographed an additional 38 bats at 1 of these sites the subsequent winter. Of the bats swabbed during the first field season, 77% (n = 41) tested positive for P. destructans. None of the 99 bats examined and transilluminated with UV light exhibited any yellow-orange fluorescence characteristic of P. destructans infection. However, other bat species present at both sites had visible white fungal growth. Winter counts of Southeastern Myotis did not decline following the discovery of P. destructans at the hibernaculum where we had winter survey data predating WNS. Although our observations were limited in scope, these data suggest low susceptibility of Southeastern Myotis to WNS compared to other cave-hibernating species.

We document blockage of artificial Dryobates borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) cavities by family Sphecidae (mud daubers) and large mixed-species aggregations of wintering Polistes (paper wasps) in cavity inserts at Great Dismal Swamp NWR in southeast Virginia. The large aggregations that we encountered are the only known cases of more than 2 paper wasp species cohabitating. Activity of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers within a cluster lessened the likelihood that paper wasps will aggregate in cavities, but not the likelihood that mud daubers will nest in cavities. The moist and saturated soils that predominate our field site may explain why these insects are more abundant compared to drier, upland habitats. Additionally, removal of hardwood trees may increase the breeding season habitat quality for paper wasps that hunt and nest in areas that are more open, while simultaneously limiting potential winter hibernacula habitat, typically found in mature hardwood tree cavities for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. Common cavity management and translocation techniques may need to be altered to mitigate greater paper wasp and mud dauber activity at Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity inserts in Pinus serotina (Pond Pine) pocosin habitat. We suggest using graduated rubber stoppers rather than screens that fail to exclude insect taxa or conducting translocations prior to the formation of winter aggregations of paper wasps.

Cryptic species are often lacking in basic natural history data, which makes it difficult to effectively manage and conserve populations of these taxa. Eurycea paludicola (Western Dwarf Salamander) is a newly designated cryptic species that is endemic to the southeastern US Coastal Plain. Despite the ubiquity of this salamander in many mesic habitats, descriptions of the natural history of this species are lacking compared to other taxa within the Dwarf Salamander complex. Here we describe the reproductive phenology, habitat, and developmental period of a population of Western Dwarf Salamanders in southeastern Louisiana. We include descriptions of the color and pattern of larvae and metamorphs based on our observations of 192 individuals and provide comments on sampling strategies for plethodontid larvae in microhabitats that can be difficult to survey. Reproductively active adults of the Western Dwarf Salamander were found from mid-November through late December and larvae were present at least from mid-March to mid-May. Individuals complete metamorphosis in the summer, and recent metamorphs can be found along wetland margins from late April through early June. This is the first study to highlight the reproductive and developmental timing of the Western Dwarf Salamander, and our results indicate that these salamanders exhibit similar life-history traits to other members of the Dwarf Salamander complex.

Recent state crayfish records, species descriptions, taxonomic revisions, and extensive additional collecting have rendered the previous Mississippi crayfish list, published in 2002, outdated. We compiled 9597 crayfish collection records from multiple sources, georeferencing localities that lacked coordinates. The new state list includes 65 species and possibly 5 subspecies. Thirteen species and 1 subspecies are endemic to the state, and another 21 species occur in only 1 other state. We created species lists by county and 4- and 8-digit hydrologic unit codes (HUCs) and discussed taxa whose presence in the state was recorded but questionable or not recorded but plausible. We coarsely estimated that 175–200 records were necessary to consider a county well-sampled; 18% of counties met that threshold. Finally, we summarized numerous, unresolved taxonomic issues.

Microhexura montivaga (Spruce-fir Moss Spider) is a federally endangered arachnid endemic to high-elevation montane conifer forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. The spider is cryptic and difficult to monitor because this species lives in the interface between the bryophyte mat and the rock surface. Since temporary removal of the bryophyte mat is necessary to monitor the spider, surveyors may negatively impact the spider's habitat during monitoring. To help inform survey protocol for this endangered species, we studied reattachment rates of bryophyte mats to rock surfaces after their removal. In 2017, we surveyed sixty 10 cm × 10 cm plots, assigning a plot to either control or treatment (i.e., application of water post-reattachment). We monitored plots for 1 year post-survey to determine reattachment rates. The majority of plots (70%) reestablished after 1 year, whereas 15% did not reattach or showed substantial prolonged (e.g., ∼1 year) desiccation and 15% completely fell off or had 100% prolonged desiccation and were chlorotic. We found that mat depth and overstory canopy cover had no effect on mat reestablishment, although bryophyte type did. We found no difference between treatment and control plots, suggesting that no treatment is needed for mats to reestablish under the conditions described. Rock slope significantly influenced reestablishment rates, highlighting that surveying bryophyte mats on slopes >80% may diminish or destroy habitat. Further research is needed to determine long-term monitoring effects on the spider and its habitat, especially in relation to disturbance regimes and ecological restoration of Picea rubens (Red Spruce).

Stable isotope analysis is an increasingly utilized method for understanding resource usage and partitioning in marine species, including elasmobranch fishes. While the diet of elasmobranchs in Winyah Bay, SC, has been the subject of some preliminary research, diet and trophic relationships in this ecosystem are not yet well understood. This study addresses these knowledge gaps using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N stable isotope analysis to increase understanding of isotopic niche breadth and overlap among 128 individuals representing 11 sympatric elasmobranch species present in Winyah Bay during the summer months. Overall, our findings support an understanding of Winyah Bay's elasmobranch community as trophically diverse, with some significant isotopic niche overlap among considered species, suggesting the possibility of competition for resources between co-occurring small elasmobranchs. These results suggest elasmobranch predators in the Winyah Bay ecosystem have complex and varied predator–prey relationships.

Peucaea aestivalis (Bachman's Sparrow) is a declining songbird endemic to the southeastern US, but lack of basic life-history information for females, including a description of habitat selection, limits effective management. We investigated survival, home-range size, and habitat selection of female Bachman's Sparrows during the breeding season at Fort Bragg Military Installation, NC. We attached radio-transmitters to female sparrows between April and June in 2014–2016 and recorded locations of females every 2–4 days. We estimated seasonal survival and home-range size and, in 2016, we modeled habitat selection of female sparrows within their home range. Estimated breeding-season (90 days) survival (0.941) was greater than a published estimate from South Carolina (0.794), and home-range size (1.48 ha, SE = 0.16) was similar to a published estimate for females and multiple published estimates for male sparrows (min–max = 1–5 ha). Females selected habitat patches with greater woody vegetation and intermediate grass densities than at random locations, suggesting that woody vegetation provides escape and nesting cover for female sparrows. Survival, home-range size, and habitat selection of female Bachman's Sparrows did not differ substantially from males in other studies. Therefore, management focused on male sparrows may concurrently conserve habitat requirements for females.

The largest unusual mortality event of cetaceans recorded in the Gulf of Mexico occurred from 2010 to 2014. The majority of mortalities were Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) that stranded near Barataria Bay, LA, an area heavily oiled by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The purpose of this study was to identify the diet of dolphins that stranded in and near Barataria Bay from 2010 to 2012. Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic Croaker) was the most frequently occurring (86.5%) and numerically abundant (34.2 ± 33.4%) prey in stomachs examined. Abundance of Engraulidae, Mugilidae, and Sciaenidae varied by season. Benthic prey and presence of sediment indicate that dolphins in Barataria Bay forage along the bottom of the bay, which could lead to long-term exposure to oil.

This study was conducted to compare the sediment parameters of 2 project sites located near Dauphin Island, AL, which each contained a natural shoreline (NS), a living shoreline (LS), and a hardened shoreline (HS) treatment. We collected sediment core samples from the shallow intertidal zone along 3 replicate transects and sectioned them into shallow (0–15 cm) and deep (16–30 cm) fractions. We analyzed sediment subsamples for bulk density, sediment grain size, total carbon, total nitrogen, and extractable phosphorus. At both project sites, HS sediments contained significantly more sand (>90% percent) and higher bulk density than NS and LS sediments. The HS sediments also contained significantly less C and N than the LS and NS. These data suggest that LS treatments over time facilitate conditions that favor organic-matter rich and fine-grained sediments and approach the conditions found in the NS, in contrast to HS sediments that become less suitable for marsh development. These sediment changes in LS treatmnts promote habitat conditions that help facilitate marsh expansion and thereby provide important habitat for estuarine dependent wildlife.

We assessed features characterizing the most attractive nest sites for Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) in an urban setting, hypothesizing that noise and availability of open grass would significantly influence nest-box occupancy. In 2019, we monitored 72 nest boxes on the University of Florida campus and compared features of occupied and unoccupied boxes. Predictor variables included ambient noise, box orientation, percent grass (within 150 m), human activity, visibility from box, and distances to nearest high perch, road, occupied building, and grassy area (larger than 1 ha). The occupancy was significantly higher for boxes located where percent grass within 150 m was greatest and also where noise was lower. We conclude that conservation of viable populations of Eastern Bluebirds is compatible with integrated urban-greenspace planning. Further work is needed, however, to mitigate negative effects of noise on reproductive output.

Noturus munitus (Frecklebelly Madtom) is a gravel-shoal habitat specialist found in the Pearl and Mobile river drainages. Recently, the species was petitioned for federal listing, which required an evaluation of the range of the species. Therefore, we assessed the status of Frecklebelly Madtom in tributaries of the Tombigbee River in Mississippi as recent surveys are lacking. We collected Frecklebelly Madtom at 41 out of 51 sites among 3 major tributaries using a backpack electrofisher and kick-setting into a seine with an additional chain on the lead line during low flow. However, none were collected in Bull Mountain Creek. A better understanding of the connectivity among remaining populations is needed to inform future conservation efforts.

Estimating population parameters such as survival and population growth is critical for the monitoring of at-risk populations of marine mammals. We conducted monthly boat-based photo-identification surveys in the Mississippi Sound and eastern Louisiana waters during January 2011–June 2015 to assess the status of the Mississippi Sound, Lake Borgne, and Bay Boudreau Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) stock. Using the resulting mark–recapture data, we estimated the survival and population growth rates using a reverse capture–recapture method. The estimated monthly survival probability over this period of time was 0.969 (95% CI: 0.964–0.974). The final monthly population growth rate was then estimated to be 1.005 (95% CI: 0.998–1.013), which suggests a relatively stable population.

Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) are social animals that thrive in rural and urban settings. Scraping behavior is an olfactory reproductive communication used by White-tailed Deer to establish breeding networks. Male scraping is a complex scent-marking behavior which advertises sociosexual status and location to potential females as well as to competing males. Female scraping behavior is thought to be an estrus signal alerting males during times of optimal fertility. This study describes a new method to examine White-tailed Deer mating systems using social network analyses of scraping behavior using an urban population of White-tailed Deer as a model. First, we validated the scraping behavior at our study site in Tougaloo, MS, during the 2019–2020 breeding season. Using remote monitoring, we continuously documented scraping behaviors over 8 different scrape-site locations and found similar behavioral, temporal, and spatial patterns in our urban breeding network as reported in rural and captive deer studies. Next, we describe methods detailing how social network analyses can reveal sociality, dominance, importance, and social structure within male scraping networks. Using centrality measures, we were able to rank dominant male influencers, anticipate social conflict among rivals, and made predictions regarding the spread of communicable diseases through a male scraping network. We also detail network analyses combining both male and female scraping behavior to reveal a glimpse into the complexity of breeding networks. Using network measures, we were able to rank males based on competitiveness and female preference. Lastly, we generated a theoretical breeding network to explore female sociability, competitiveness, preference, and mate choice. Taken together, this work describes a new method using scraping network analysis to investigate the complexity of White-tailed Deer breeding networks. This work also demonstrates the future applications of this method for predicting the spread of communicable diseases and for predicting mate selection within White-tailed Deer mating systems.

Insects play a fundamental role in ecosystem stability by providing important ecological services such as pollination, biological pest control, and nutrition for other organisms. Recent human-caused declines in insect populations mandate that we better understand how to improve and sustain insect diversity and abundance. The goal of our study was to identify the insects associated with 6 prairie plant species. We spent 248 hours over 3 months during 1 year monitoring insect visits to 10 replicates of ∼1-m² patches each of Verbena brasiliensis (Brazilian Vervain, Verbenaceae), Pycnanthemum muticum (Blunt Mountainmint, Lamiaceae), Monarda fistulosa (Wild Bergamot, Lamiaceae), Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master, Apiaceae), Silphium gracile (Slender Rosinweed, Asteraceae), and Rudbeckia texana (Texas Coneflower, Asteraceae). We identified 11 bee species and 100 non-bee species representing 9 orders and 57 families. Insect richness varied widely among plant species: More taxa (n = 75) visited Blunt Mountainmint than any other plant species. Wild Bergamot had the fewest visiting taxa (n = 23). The majority of insects visited multiple plants, although we observed 2 bee species and 44 non-bee species on only 1 plant species. The number of unique insect visitors of each plant species varied from 1 to 19 taxa. Total insect richness was significantly greater in the morning than afternoon (χ² = 3.7, P = 0.054). That plant diversity begets insect diversity is widely accepted, and our work suggests that inclusion of plants that are strong insect attractors could be integral to insect conservation and restoration initiatives.

Nothonotus moorei (Yellowcheek Darter [YCD]) is an endangered species endemic to the headwaters of the Little Red River in north-central Arkansas. Population decline, habitat loss and fragmentation, and threats from land use and seasonal drought necessitate monitoring of population density and distribution to determine ecological and habitat associations. We evaluated YCD density and associated stream-habitat variables from 9 sites in the South Fork, Archey Fork, Middle Fork, and Beech Fork of the Little Red River from March to April 2018. Yellowcheek Darters were present at all 9 sites and 19 of 23 riffles sampled. Densities were generally comparable or higher than reported in previous studies, and we collected YCD at some sites at which they were considered previously extirpated, suggesting a rather stable population and evidence of recolonization of some sites since they were last surveyed. Yellowcheek Darter density was significantly negatively related to substrate embeddedness, and the consistent relation to embeddedness in this study and other studies suggest that this species is vulnerable to sedimentation.

During the course of surveys for freshwater amphibians/reptiles in the Coastal Plain of southeastern Georgia and northern Florida, we documented parasitism of the Amphiuma means (Two-toed Amphiuma) by the leech Macrobdella ditetra (Family Macrobdellidae). We observed this leech on Two-toed Amphiumas at 4 different wetland sites, with 1–3 individual M. ditetra present on 6 of 16 (37.5%) Two-toed Amphiumas captured via aquatic trapping. Leeches were not found on Siren lacertina (Greater Siren; n = 10), a second large, eel-like salamander inhabiting some of the same wetlands. We did not document Philobdella floridana, a second macrobdellid leech species often found syntopically with M. ditetra, feeding on the Two-toed Amphiuma.

We reviewed past accounts of large female Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) from throughout their range and report on 2 exceptionally large female alligators (≥320 cm total length) harvested in Florida. Both individuals exceeded the previous record total length for a female American Alligator (309.9 cm [10 ft, 2.00 in]), and the larger of the 2 now holds the Florida state record for total length and weight at 322.0 cm (10 ft, 6.75 in) and 170 kg (375 lbs), which also makes it the largest officially measured free-ranging female American Alligator. Standardized morphometric measurements were taken by trained biologists, and we examined the reproductive tracts to verify the sex of the individuals. In one alligator, the reproductive tract was found to be abnormal and immature. A partial reproductive tract of the other alligator appeared normal.

Herein we provide direct evidence for the consumption of Pomacea maculata (Giant Applesnail) eggs by ants in the genus Crematogaster. The observations were made during removal of snail egg masses at the Hudson Woods Unit of the Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge, TX. We observed acrobat ants (Crematogaster sp.) removing snail eggs from an egg mass and carrying eggs back to their nest. While predation on Pomacea applesnail eggs has been reported elsewhere, to our knowledge this is the first time that it has been observed in North America.

Panoquina panoquin (Salt Marsh Skipper) is an understudied butterfly that resides primarily in coastal salt marshes throughout the southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Based on our review of online databases and published literature, this species may use several different host plants, though Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass) is most commonly cited. While surveying salt marsh butterfly communities in southeastern Virginia in 2019, we observed 25 oviposition events from female Salt Marsh Skippers, all of which laid their eggs exclusively on Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass). This is the first conclusive record of the Salt Marsh Skipper using this species of grass for egg laying. Our observations broaden the understanding of Salt Marsh Skipper habitat requirements and therefore inform conservation efforts for this species in the face of degradation of salt marshes throughout its range.

Castor canadensis (American Beaver) typically construct lodges out of tree trunks, branches, and mud, or dig dens into banks at the edges of water bodies. We observed Beavers in a Mississippi swamp using a hollow Taxodium distichum (Baldcypress) snag as a lodge. In 2016, they had constructed a mound inside of the snag and were observed sitting out of the water inside of the snag. In subsequent years, they continued to use the snag and, in autumn of 2020, constructed a more traditional lodge against it. After being disturbed, Beavers took refuge in another nearby hollow snag on 2 occasions. Beavers are adaptable, occasionally using unusual materials to construct lodges or dams or occupying non-traditional structures, but we found no previous account of them residing inside of a standing hollow tree.

Novel records of stream fishes continue to shape our understanding of species distributions and are often representative of geological and evolutionary histories. We report the discovery of Chrosomus tennesseensis (Tennessee Dace) and confirm previous collections of Etheostoma nigripinne (Blackfin Darter) in the Mobile River Basin. Additionally, we report the rediscovery of Rhinichthys obtusus (Western Blacknose Dace) from the Locust Fork watershed of the Black Warrior River system. The latter species was last collected from the Locust Fork watershed in 1939 and considered extirpated. The discovery of the Tennessee Dace represents the first collection in the Mobile River Basin. These recent collections from the Locust Fork watershed may indicate that a stream-capture event is responsible for the isolation of these populations from the Tennessee River Basin. Subsequent studies should incorporate population-level genetic analyses coupled with historical geological information to understand how these populations became isolated and how recent stream-capture events could inform our understanding of allopatric speciation in aquatic populations.

Aphelocoma coerulescens (Florida Scrub-Jay) is a sedentary, non-migratory species thought to have poor dispersal ability. Few dispersal data are available for the species in atypical habitats or patchy landscapes, and no dispersal data exist from northern Florida. We opportunistically documented 14 dispersal records ≥11.9 km within and among populations in a 5-county area in north-central and northeast Florida. Maximum distance observed for males was 30.7 km, which is several-fold larger than the previous record for males. Maximum distance observed for females was 34.5 km. Our observations of infrequent but repeated movements across presumed metapopulation and genetic boundaries in northern Florida are intriguing and suggest these populations may be more connected than predicted.

Invasive plant species commonly have negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions but may also provide suitable nesting habitat for wildlife. Imperata cylindrica (Cogongrass) is a widespread invasive plant in the southeastern US that creates dense stands with heights that can exceed 1.5 m. During a long-term project monitoring tick hosts in native and Cogongrass-invaded mixed pine–hardwood forests in Florida, we incidentally observed nests of Meleagris gallopavo (Wild Turkey) in Cogongrass-invaded but not uninvaded areas. Invaded areas exhibited significantly taller understory vegetation, greater herbaceous plant cover and biomass, and lower daily maximum temperatures (∼3 °C cooler) at ground level. Research on nest success and the commonness of this phenomenon is needed, but our observations suggest that the structure of Cogongrass-invaded plant communities may provide an alternative nesting substrate for Wild Turkeys.