Urbanization and other anthropogenic factors are often implicated in turtle population declines, yet limited research on the natural history of turtles in urban areas has been conducted. To assess the effects of urbanization and to help develop proper conservation strategies for Terrapene c. carolina (Eastern Box Turtles), we conducted a mark-recapture study in the vicinity of Davidson, NC, from 1999 to 2004. We made 354 turtle captures, 42 of which were recapture events. We evaluated meristic characters, body condition, activity patterns, population structure, and growth rates, and then examined relationships among these variables and the amount of anthropogenically-modified habitat within 100 m of each turtle's collection location. Males and females had different patterns of seasonal activity and body condition indices. Growth rates decreased with turtle age and varied between developed and forested habitats. More turtles over the age of 20 were found in areas with extensive forest cover than in areas that were developed. Although box turtles may persist in urbanized landscapes and may grow more quickly there, they suffer higher mortality in these habitats compared to forested landscapes.

This study qualitatively surveyed freshwater mussel assemblages at 24 sites in the Choctawhatchee, Yellow, and Conecuh-Escambia river drainages of southeastern Alabama and northwest Florida in 2004. A specific focus of the study was to determine the current status of seven narrowly endemic candidate species: Margaritifera marrianae, Fusconaia escambia, Hamiota australis, Pleurobema strodeanum, Ptychobranchus jonesi, Quincuncina burkei, and Villosa choctawensis. Presence-absence analysis was used to compare 2004 data to recent historical records from the 1990s. There was no significant difference between the number of taxa found in the 1990s and in 2004. There was, however, a significant decrease from the 1990s to 2004 in the number of candidate species found at a site and the number of sites at which candidate species were found.

A common assumption is that titillation by adult female Trachemys scripta (Slider Turtles) always represents female participation in courtship, but there is only limited empirical support for this assertion and some data may contradict this supposition. Behavioral interactions were staged among wild-caught T. scripta throughout the local season of activity for this species (April–October). Each of 47 trials involved 6 turtles (total = 282 turtles: 94 melanistic males, 94 nonmelanistic males, 94 females) videotaped for 3 h (total = 141 h). During our study, titillation behaviors initiated by females were largely intrasexual, exhibited no peak during the local mating period, and did not stimulate males to attempt copulation. We concluded that such characteristics were inconsistent with the traditional assumption of a courtship function and were more consistent with the characteristics of agonistic signals, signals that communicate sender identity, or compound signals with multiple communicative functions that may change ontogenetically or in different social contexts. Because the communicative value(s) of these displays is not yet fully understood, we argue that the traditional term “titillation” that has been used to refer to these displays is inappropriate and should be replaced with “foreclaw display” which is neutral with respect to the potential communicative function(s).

In the past century, habitat alteration and fragmentation have increased dramatically, which increases the need for improving our understanding of how species and biological communities react to these modifications. A national strategy on biological diversity has focused attention on how these habitat modifications affect species, especially herpetofauna (i.e., changes in species richness, community evenness and similarity, and dominant/rare species). As part of this strategy, we surveyed Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, a coastal, mixed second-growth forested swamp (MFS) and pocosin wetland (PW), in North Carolina for amphibians and reptiles from September 2000 to August 2001. We randomly selected three sites (3 × 3 km) in two major habitat types (MFS, PW) and completed random surveys and trapping using transects, quadrats, nighttime aural road surveys, drift fences, canal transects, coverboards, incidental captures, and evening road surveys. We also collected herpetofauna opportunistically throughout the refuge to establish an updated species list. For analysis, we used Shannon-Weiner species diversity (H′), evenness (J′), species richness and species detectability (COMDYN4), and community percent similarity index to determine herpetofaunal community differences. We estimated 39 species in MFS and 32 species in PW (P < 0.10). Species detectability was similar between habitats (0.84 to 0.86). More reptilian species ( 31%) inhabited MFS than PW, but estimated amphibian species richness was identical (17 spp.). H′ was higher (P < 0.0001) for PW (2.6680) than for MFS (2.1535) because of lower J′ in the latter (0.6214 vs. 0.8010). Dominance of three Rana species caused lower J′ and H′ in MFS. Similarity between the communities was 56.6%; we estimated 22–24 species in common for each habitat (95% CI = 18 to 31 spp.). We verified 49 of the 52 herpetofaunal species on the refuge that were known to exist in the area. Restoration of natural water flows may affect herpetofaunal diversity, which may be monitored during a restoration project. Currently, the refuge retains historical levels of herpetofaunal diversity for the region.

Radio-transmitters were implanted in six male and three female adult Northern Pinesnakes at Arnold Air Force Base in Middle Tennessee. Snakes were radio-tracked during the spring, summer, and autumn of 2001 and 2002 to ascertain possible sexual variation and seasonal patterns of habitat use. Radio-tracked Pinesnakes spent most of their time within pre-existing stump holes or under old concrete foundations found scattered throughout the study area. They primarily used disturbed habitats with little or no canopy cover. Selected habitats were characterized by vegetative ground cover and woody debris during both years. Monitored pinesnakes avoided upland deciduous forest and closed-canopy pine forests. The affinity for open-canopy areas increased throughout the year, with males and females inhabiting these areas most often during autumn. Females used more underground retreats than males during summer. Moreover, both sexes used underground retreats most often during autumn. Considering past and ongoing land use patterns of the area, disturbance (e.g., fire and timber harvest) may be important to the maintenance of habitat diversity needed by Northern Pinesnakes.

In recent years, researchers have begun to focus on the upland habitat requirements of pond-breeding amphibians. The increased attention is due to a general lack of knowledge about the terrestrial phase of the life history of most pond-breeding species and a concern over loss of upland habitats. In this study, radio telemetry was used to determine the terrestrial behavior of Rana capito (Gopher Frogs) in central Florida. Frogs were captured at Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) and Geomys pinetis (pocket gopher) burrows. Surgically implanted radio transmitters were used to follow nine Gopher Frogs at various times between September 1999 and May 2000. Radio-located frogs used from one to four terrestrial shelters (Mean ± S.D. = 2.28 ± 1.11). Terrestrial movements ranged in total distance from zero to 35 m (Mean ± S.D. = 15.28 ± 15.29). Mean minimum convex polygons (m²) were calculated for each frog (Mean ± S.D. = 45.29 ± 79.73). Gopher Frogs showed strong site fidelity to both pocket gopher and Gopher Tortoise burrows. Drought conditions could have resulted in an underestimate of movement distance and an overestimate of site fidelity to upland shelters. Upland habitat should be managed to protect all species of terrestrial burrowers; in doing so, Gopher Frogs will be managed.

The southernmost population of Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoises) occurs at Cape Sable, FL. The burrows of this population were surveyed in 1979 using strip transects to estimate Gopher Tortoise burrow density. We present data from a 1990 strip-transect survey and a 2001 line-transect survey of burrows for comparison. We found a significantly lower density of active burrows and a significantly higher density of abandoned burrows in 2001 compared to 1979 and 1990, but the overall density of burrows did not differ significantly over time. The distribution of burrow widths in 2001 was not significantly different from the 1982 distribution, and the bimodal pattern suggests that reproduction has occurred at the site. The 76% decline of active burrows at the site suggests that Gopher Tortoises have been subject to mortality. Reduction of habitat quality and tropical storms are possible explanations for the apparent decline in the Gopher Tortoise population at Cape Sable, but more monitoring is required to understand the long-term trends in this coastal population.

To assess use of terrestrial habitat by ambystomatid salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum (Tiger Salamanders) were monitored with radiotelemetry. Four individuals were tracked as they exited a wetland and made wide use of the surrounding landscape. Salamanders moved up to 255 m from the wetland of origin and found refugia both within forested land and wildlife food plots. Based on the extent of terrestrial movements by Tiger Salamanders, our findings support previous work demonstrating that upland habitat surrounding wetlands are critical areas in amphibian life cycles. Salamander movements did not appear to be influenced by agricultural development, as two individuals traveled through this habitat type.

Surveys for nesting Limnothlypis swainsonii (Swainson's Warblers) were conducted in the Appalachian mountains of northwestern South Carolina (Pickens County) during the breeding seasons from 1999 to 2003. A total of 74 nests were located, of which 60 (81%) were found in young (small) Tsuga canadensis (eastern hemlock). This nest-site selection tendency in montane populations has not been described. Habitat data collected in 1999 revealed trends of nests placed low, supported by multiple stems, close to the main tree stem, well concealed from above with leaf litter, poorly concealed from below and relatively close to streams. We suggest that conservation of areas in the Southern Appalachians where eastern hemlock is a component of the forest may play an important role in Swainson's Warbler conservation.

Habitat suitability index (HSI) models, which are meant to analyze the habitat value of an area for a particular species of interest, are commonly used to evaluate species, communities, and habitats for management or impact assessment. However, many assessments are conducted under strict time and money limitations, and this use of HSI may lead to inappropriate interpretations. The purpose of our work was to evaluate the relationships between three HSI models, the presence of their attendant species, and related avian communities at common assessment time scales. We compared the habitat values of a north Texas bottomland forest measured by HSI models for three species commonly used as indicators of this habitat type, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Barred Owl, with (1) the actual presence of each species, and (2) the presence of a larger forest-dependent avian community. HSI values did not correlate well with either occurrences of the indicator species or communities for any of the three models. Our results suggest that these models are not necessarily effective indicators of actual habitat use by indicator species, and may not be useful in helping managers make decisions that may affect an entire community related by habitat type. Positive assessments of habitat value through HSI values should be appraised carefully before management decisions are initiated, perhaps through outside review and/or a clear discussion of the context. The primary value of HSI use may be the ability to measure changes in the habitats themselves over time, and not exclusively as representations of species or community presence.

Breeding biology of Anas fulvigula maculosa (Mottled Ducks) has been described in coastal marsh and associated habitats, but little information is available for agricultural habitats in Louisiana. We located nests to determine nest-initiation dates and clutch sizes during the primary breeding season (February–May) in 1999 (n = 29) and 2000 (n = 37) on agricultural lands in southwestern Louisiana. In 1999, 60% of located nests were initiated between 22 March and 10 April, whereas in 2000, only 22% of nests were initiated during the same time period. Average clutch size was 0.9 eggs smaller in 2000 than in 1999. Annual differences in reproductive parameters corresponded with extremely dry conditions caused by low rainfall before the laying period in 2000. Flooded rice fields appear to be important loafing and feeding habitat of Mottled Ducks nesting in agricultural lands, especially during drought periods when other wetland types are not available or where natural wetlands have been eliminated.

Relatively little is known about Ixobrychus exilis (Least Bittern) nesting sites. We searched for Least Bittern nests on Reelfoot Lake and nearby Black Bayou Waterfowl Refuge, TN, May–July 2003. We located 8 nests at Reelfoot Lake, where Decodon verticillatus (swamp loosestrife) dominated emergent communities. We also discovered 2 nests at Black Bayou, where Zizaniopsis miliacea (giant cutgrass) dominated emergent communities. D. verticillatus was the dominant plant species within 60 m of most nests. Z. miliacea dominated within 5 m of most nests, and most nests were made of Z. miliacea. We found a nest with 2 white-colored chicks and 2 ochre-colored chicks, which may be the first such instance reported.

Four species of stoneflies (Plecoptera) from an intermittent stream–perennial spring continuum were the subject of comparative life-cycle analyses. Allocapnia recta was common in each reach and exhibited univoltine-fast life cycles and determinate voltinism. Leuctra alta from the intermittent reach and a L. alta–L. sibleyi mix from the perennial reach each displayed an univoltine-fast cycle, implying that L. alta demonstrated determinate voltinism. Leuctra cf. tenuis was absent from the intermittent reach, and its growth followed a univoltine-slow cycle in the perennial reach.

Cyperus entrerianus, a native of temperate South America, has become a tenacious weed in the southeastern United States. Herbarium and field studies revealed records of C. entrerianus from an additional 39 counties in the southeastern United States, increasing the number of counties where it is known by 118%. Vegetation sampling at two southeast Texas bottomland hardwood stands showed that C. entrerianus is capable of invading the understory of a mature forest with old-growth characteristics and that native herbaceous species richness and aerial cover are negatively correlated with increasing aerial cover of C. entrerianus. Life-history characteristics of C. entrerianus suggest it will continue to spread and could alter both herbaceous and woody plant dynamics in bottomland forests of the southeastern United States.

Rotifer hatching was examined for moist sediments collected from three benthic environments in a mainstem reservoir embayment, Kentucky Lake, KY: a drawdown zone with an established annual drying and wetting cycle, a floodplain that is only rarely inundated, and the permanently inundated embayment. Hatching data were compared with previous published data for laboratory-dried sediments from the same sites and with bi-weekly water-column samples over a one-year period. Of the total 44 taxa now recorded from Kentucky Lake, 18 species hatched from moist sediments and six from completely dried sediments. Taxa that emerged from moist and dried sediments were common to temporary and littoral habitats indicating that they may be better adapted for surviving diapause in a fluctuating reservoir environment. Evidence further suggests that the degree of sediment drying in drawdown and floodplain zones may affect egg hatching and that human-induced reservoir water level fluctuations may play a role in rotifer community dynamics by increasing or reducing rotifer community diversity in a single year.

We examined 53 nests of southern flying squirrels constructed within nest boxes in Mobile County, AL. Of those containing a bedding layer (n = 35), 80% contained fungal rhizomorphs of Marasmius brevipes. Rhizomorphs of this genus have been reported in bird-nest descriptions, but have not been documented in flying squirrel nests. M. brevipes was common on our study site, and its use by flying squirrels may be unique to the area. Nevertheless, this and similar species of rhizomorph-producing fungi occur in other portions of the flying squirrel's range, and the nondescript nature of rhizomorphs may lead to their misidentification. Our observations appear to constitute the first description of an ecological relationship between this fungus and a mammalian species.

The main foods of 73 Blarina carolinensis (southern short-tailed shrews) taken during 2003 and 2004 on Cumberland Island, GA, were the introduced terrestrial amphipod, Talitroides topitotum (Amphipoda, 21.8% volume), larval beetles (Coleoptera, 12.4%), centipedes (Chilopoda, 11.8%), earthworms (Annelida, 9.1%), moth larvae (Lepidoptera, 8.6%), and spiders (Araneae, 7.4%). The primary foods identified in this study were similar to results from a study in South Carolina, except that amphipods, T. topitotum, comprised 21.8% of the Georgia food, but did not occur in the South Carolina sample, and subterranean fungi Endogonaceae made up 16.8% of the South Carolina food, but only 3.8% in Georgia. The importance of amphipods in the diet in coastal Georgia was probably due to the great abundance of these amphipods in the study area. Talitroides topitotum is a terrestrial amphipod of Indo-Pacific origin and this is apparently the first report of this species from Georgia. There was little seasonal variation among the primary foods, but centipedes and ants were eaten most heavily in spring, annelids and spiders in summer, and fungi in winter.

The ant-decapitating fly Apocephalus tenuipes (Diptera: Phoridae) was known previously only from two Florida specimens. Here we report two additional Florida records and a Mississippi record that represents a significant range extension. Field observations of A. tenuipes are presented as well.

Two shortnose sturgeon were artificially passed above the Pinopolis Lock and Dam into the Santee-Cooper Lakes in order to simulate the use of a fish-passage mechanism. Movement patterns and spawning behavior were studied to determine the potential success of future shortnose sturgeon migrations if and when a fish-migration bypass structure is installed. In addition to movement patterns, water temperature was monitored in areas that shortnose sturgeons utilized. Shortnose sturgeon migrated through a large static system to a known shortnose sturgeon spawning area more than 160 km upstream where water temperatures were consistent with known shortnose sturgeon spawning temperatures. No specific movement patterns in the reservoir system were recorded during downstream migrations.