2022 ARCHIVES | Poster Presentation Abstracts
P-01. Adaptive Silviculture for Wildlife in a Changing Climate
AUTHORS: Jahiya Clark, Alexej Siren, Toni Lyn Morelli
ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic climate change has altered the species richness and diversity of many ecological communities. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation have altered species’ climate niches, forcing populations to shift poleward, upslope, or adapt and stay in place. The northeastern region of the United States is particularly at risk for losing unique habitats, including the boreal forest that is at its southern limit in this region. To protect forest health, silvicultural approaches are being considered to address recent and future climate change impacts. However, little research has investigated how to manage forest for wildlife in the face of climate change. We analyzed camera trap data taken in three types of adaptive management plots and in the surrounding Northern New England landscape. The camera traps have been active for the last five years, capturing changes in biodiversity and species behavior. Over 100,000 images have been recorded since 2016, including species of greatest conservation need (American marten, snowshoe hare, and moose) and those common to the region (white-tailed deer). We have found that browsing pressure by moose and white-tailed deer can potentially influence community-level responses in silvicultural treatments. This translational ecological research works with state and federal resource managers, as well as regional researchers, to inform them of the impacts of the different types of forest manipulation and coproduce research questions related to impacts of wildlife on forest and vice versa. Ultimately, the results from this research will inform forest management techniques to support the persistence of wildlife in the face of climate change.
AUTHORS: Jahiya Clark, Alexej Siren, Toni Lyn Morelli
ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic climate change has altered the species richness and diversity of many ecological communities. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation have altered species’ climate niches, forcing populations to shift poleward, upslope, or adapt and stay in place. The northeastern region of the United States is particularly at risk for losing unique habitats, including the boreal forest that is at its southern limit in this region. To protect forest health, silvicultural approaches are being considered to address recent and future climate change impacts. However, little research has investigated how to manage forest for wildlife in the face of climate change. We analyzed camera trap data taken in three types of adaptive management plots and in the surrounding Northern New England landscape. The camera traps have been active for the last five years, capturing changes in biodiversity and species behavior. Over 100,000 images have been recorded since 2016, including species of greatest conservation need (American marten, snowshoe hare, and moose) and those common to the region (white-tailed deer). We have found that browsing pressure by moose and white-tailed deer can potentially influence community-level responses in silvicultural treatments. This translational ecological research works with state and federal resource managers, as well as regional researchers, to inform them of the impacts of the different types of forest manipulation and coproduce research questions related to impacts of wildlife on forest and vice versa. Ultimately, the results from this research will inform forest management techniques to support the persistence of wildlife in the face of climate change.
P-02. Avian and Small Mammal Response During Wetland Restoration
AUTHORS: Andrew Mackenzie, West Virginia University; Darien N. Becker, Welty Environmental Center; Dr. James T. Anderson, Clemson University, James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair of Waterfowl and Wetland Ecology
ABSTRACT: Wetland mitigation is used to reduce the loss of wetlands due to anthropogenic land use change. We are evaluating community composition and abundance of birds and small mammals prior to and during riparian wetland restoration in Preston County, West Virginia, USA. Three years of baseline data prior to restoration indicate that there are high abundances of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and short-tail shrews (Blarina brevicauda). Restoration which consisted of reconnecting the stream to the floodplain, adding stream structures, and seeding native vegetation began in June 2021. Early indications during the restoration suggest consistently high abundances of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). A decrease in abundance of short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) and an increase in abundance of meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) has been observed. These responses are likely from the removal of vegetation during the restoration process. Our continued monitoring of wildlife before, during, and after restoration will provide us with the data necessary to implement adaptive management of the restoration site, if necessary.
AUTHORS: Andrew Mackenzie, West Virginia University; Darien N. Becker, Welty Environmental Center; Dr. James T. Anderson, Clemson University, James C. Kennedy Endowed Chair of Waterfowl and Wetland Ecology
ABSTRACT: Wetland mitigation is used to reduce the loss of wetlands due to anthropogenic land use change. We are evaluating community composition and abundance of birds and small mammals prior to and during riparian wetland restoration in Preston County, West Virginia, USA. Three years of baseline data prior to restoration indicate that there are high abundances of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), and short-tail shrews (Blarina brevicauda). Restoration which consisted of reconnecting the stream to the floodplain, adding stream structures, and seeding native vegetation began in June 2021. Early indications during the restoration suggest consistently high abundances of red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), and meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). A decrease in abundance of short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) and an increase in abundance of meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) has been observed. These responses are likely from the removal of vegetation during the restoration process. Our continued monitoring of wildlife before, during, and after restoration will provide us with the data necessary to implement adaptive management of the restoration site, if necessary.
P-03. Bees of Northeast Barrens Habitats
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Crisfield, PhD, Strategic Stewardship Initiative; John Heilferty, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee
ABSTRACT: In 2018, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, through the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee and the Regional Conservation Needs Grant Program, initiated a 5-year project with the objective of improving habitat management of Barrens in the Northeastern U.S. The northeastern states funded the “Xeric Habitat for Pollinators” project due to the known concentration of Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need at barrens sites, including rare solitary ground nesting bees associated with sandy soils. To characterize the bee community as completely as possible and maximize data consistency across sites, 120-m transects of bee bowls were set in 5 visits from May to October. Survey effort varies across the sites and many specimens still require identification. However, to date, 255 unique species have been identified region-wide (of roughly 700 species that occur in the Northeast.) With the assistance of Sam Droege (USGS) and Clare Maffei (USFWS), we have classified species by rarity, nesting traits, and barrens associations. Here we present preliminary results showing how the bee community varies at sites across the region and which rare or barrens-obligate bees have been found.
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Crisfield, PhD, Strategic Stewardship Initiative; John Heilferty, NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee
ABSTRACT: In 2018, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, through the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee and the Regional Conservation Needs Grant Program, initiated a 5-year project with the objective of improving habitat management of Barrens in the Northeastern U.S. The northeastern states funded the “Xeric Habitat for Pollinators” project due to the known concentration of Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need at barrens sites, including rare solitary ground nesting bees associated with sandy soils. To characterize the bee community as completely as possible and maximize data consistency across sites, 120-m transects of bee bowls were set in 5 visits from May to October. Survey effort varies across the sites and many specimens still require identification. However, to date, 255 unique species have been identified region-wide (of roughly 700 species that occur in the Northeast.) With the assistance of Sam Droege (USGS) and Clare Maffei (USFWS), we have classified species by rarity, nesting traits, and barrens associations. Here we present preliminary results showing how the bee community varies at sites across the region and which rare or barrens-obligate bees have been found.
P-04. Comparing the Use of Camera Traps and Track Stations for Monitoring Furbearers in New Hampshire
AUTHORS: Andrew Butler, University of New Hampshire; Daniel Bergeron, New Hampshire Fish and Game; Patrick Tate, New Hampshire Fish and Game; Remington Moll, University of New Hampshire
ABSTRACT: Furbearers play important ecological roles as well as being valuable social and cultural species. Trapping and hunting are critical wildlife management tools for maintaining furbearer populations at socially and biologically desirable levels. Historically, trapping data has been used to monitor furbearer population size and distribution. However, the utility of trapping data can be limited due to diverse factors, such as the size of trapper populations, the spatial coverage of trapping, and variation in trapper effort. Therefore, wildlife managers might benefit from alternative methods to monitor furbearer distribution and abundance across space and time. The objective of this study was to compare detection and occurrence estimates from camera traps with those from track station surveys for five furbearer species. During the summer and fall of 2021, we deployed 75 camera traps and 542 track stations in in southeastern New Hampshire. Coyote (Canis latrans) was the most detected focal species (detected at 45 cameras), followed by bobcat (Lynx rufus; detected at 24 cameras), red fox (Vulpes vulpes; detected at 22 cameras), fisher (Pekania pennanti; detected at 15 cameras), and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus; detected at 7 cameras). Coyote was the most detected focal species at track stations (detected at 18 track stations), followed by gray fox (detected at 11 track stations), red fox (detected at 5 track stations), and bobcat (detected at 4 track stations). We did not detect fisher at the track stations. Overall, our results indicate that camera traps are effective tools for monitoring all five focal species, while track stations are particularly effective for coyote and perhaps gray fox but not for other species. This information can help wildlife managers develop efficient methods for gathering independent information on the distribution of target furbearers over space and time.
AUTHORS: Andrew Butler, University of New Hampshire; Daniel Bergeron, New Hampshire Fish and Game; Patrick Tate, New Hampshire Fish and Game; Remington Moll, University of New Hampshire
ABSTRACT: Furbearers play important ecological roles as well as being valuable social and cultural species. Trapping and hunting are critical wildlife management tools for maintaining furbearer populations at socially and biologically desirable levels. Historically, trapping data has been used to monitor furbearer population size and distribution. However, the utility of trapping data can be limited due to diverse factors, such as the size of trapper populations, the spatial coverage of trapping, and variation in trapper effort. Therefore, wildlife managers might benefit from alternative methods to monitor furbearer distribution and abundance across space and time. The objective of this study was to compare detection and occurrence estimates from camera traps with those from track station surveys for five furbearer species. During the summer and fall of 2021, we deployed 75 camera traps and 542 track stations in in southeastern New Hampshire. Coyote (Canis latrans) was the most detected focal species (detected at 45 cameras), followed by bobcat (Lynx rufus; detected at 24 cameras), red fox (Vulpes vulpes; detected at 22 cameras), fisher (Pekania pennanti; detected at 15 cameras), and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus; detected at 7 cameras). Coyote was the most detected focal species at track stations (detected at 18 track stations), followed by gray fox (detected at 11 track stations), red fox (detected at 5 track stations), and bobcat (detected at 4 track stations). We did not detect fisher at the track stations. Overall, our results indicate that camera traps are effective tools for monitoring all five focal species, while track stations are particularly effective for coyote and perhaps gray fox but not for other species. This information can help wildlife managers develop efficient methods for gathering independent information on the distribution of target furbearers over space and time.
P-05. Distribution of the Eastern Grey Squirrel Along an Urban-Rural Gradient in Southeastern Massachusetts
AUTHORS: Bobbi Scully, Department of Biological Sciences1, Bridgewater State University; Thilina D. Surasinghe, Department of Biological Sciences1, Bridgewater State University; Jahaziel Garrido-Daly, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lesley University; Amy Mertl, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lesley University; Christopher Richardson, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lesley University; Brendan P. Keegan, Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University; Jeffrey Taylor, Zoo New England
ABSTRACT: Documenting wildlife distribution along urban to rural gradients (URGs) creates opportunities to comparatively analyze wildlife habitat associations. In urban environments, the wildlife diversity is expected to be impoverished and limited to invasive and generalist species while a much diverse wildlife assemblages are expected in rural environments. Using motion-triggered game cameras, we documented presence of the Eastern Grey Squirrel (EGS) along an URG in Southeastern Massachusetts, to determine the effects of urbanization on the EGS. We hypothesized that EGS abundance to increase within increasing built-up land-cover where competition and predation can plummet in species-depauperated urban landscapes. Their generalist life-history strategies help them capitalize human-subsidized resources plentiful in urban settings. Our study covered 27 sites, that radiate southward from Greater Boston area with decreasing urban land cover. Our survey period spanned across a year (January 2021 to January 2022) where a single sampling month represented a different season: January months for Winter, April for Spring, July for Summer, and October for Fall. Each photograph was annotated with species identification. The EGS aside, we identified 10 mammalian species collectively from all sites. Our preliminary analyses (data from spring and summer) indicated significant variations in the EGS sightings along an URG. A negative-binomial generalized linear model suggested that both predominant land-cover type at the survey site (χ2 = 7.45, p = 0.02) the survey month (χ2 = 29.84, p = 3.31×10-7) as significant predictors of the EGS sightings while the influence of the percent impervious surfaces per survey site was insignificant. In the future, we will continue our analyses with the inclusion of occupancy modeling to test hypotheses on ESG distribution as well as distribution of other predators (i.e., coyote) and prey (i.e., eastern cottontail) to understand how predator-prey dynamics changes along the URG.
AUTHORS: Bobbi Scully, Department of Biological Sciences1, Bridgewater State University; Thilina D. Surasinghe, Department of Biological Sciences1, Bridgewater State University; Jahaziel Garrido-Daly, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lesley University; Amy Mertl, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lesley University; Christopher Richardson, Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Lesley University; Brendan P. Keegan, Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University; Jeffrey Taylor, Zoo New England
ABSTRACT: Documenting wildlife distribution along urban to rural gradients (URGs) creates opportunities to comparatively analyze wildlife habitat associations. In urban environments, the wildlife diversity is expected to be impoverished and limited to invasive and generalist species while a much diverse wildlife assemblages are expected in rural environments. Using motion-triggered game cameras, we documented presence of the Eastern Grey Squirrel (EGS) along an URG in Southeastern Massachusetts, to determine the effects of urbanization on the EGS. We hypothesized that EGS abundance to increase within increasing built-up land-cover where competition and predation can plummet in species-depauperated urban landscapes. Their generalist life-history strategies help them capitalize human-subsidized resources plentiful in urban settings. Our study covered 27 sites, that radiate southward from Greater Boston area with decreasing urban land cover. Our survey period spanned across a year (January 2021 to January 2022) where a single sampling month represented a different season: January months for Winter, April for Spring, July for Summer, and October for Fall. Each photograph was annotated with species identification. The EGS aside, we identified 10 mammalian species collectively from all sites. Our preliminary analyses (data from spring and summer) indicated significant variations in the EGS sightings along an URG. A negative-binomial generalized linear model suggested that both predominant land-cover type at the survey site (χ2 = 7.45, p = 0.02) the survey month (χ2 = 29.84, p = 3.31×10-7) as significant predictors of the EGS sightings while the influence of the percent impervious surfaces per survey site was insignificant. In the future, we will continue our analyses with the inclusion of occupancy modeling to test hypotheses on ESG distribution as well as distribution of other predators (i.e., coyote) and prey (i.e., eastern cottontail) to understand how predator-prey dynamics changes along the URG.
P-06. Does Abundance Contribute to Regional Differences in Occupancy and Detectability of Fisher (Pekania pennanti)?
AUTHORS: Dr. Paul Hapeman, Central Connecticut State University; Katerina Gillis, Central Connecticut State University
ABSTRACT: Fisher (Pekania pennanti) were once limited to three remnant populations in the northeastern United States by the 1930’s but eventually recovered through closed trapping seasons, natural recolonizations, and several reintroductions. Recent declines in the annual harvest of fisher in Connecticut (n = 276 in 2006 to n = 21 in 2018) along with fewer sighting reports and roadkills challenges the assumption that fisher are common and widespread throughout the Northeast. We used camera detection data from two different studies in southern Vermont and Connecticut to describe occupancy and detectability of fisher at different spatial scales and relate our findings to potential differences in abundance. Models of occupancy and detectability that accounted for abundance induced heterogeneity outperformed single season, single species models for all analyses. All models of occupancy and detectability that included ‘Region’ as a covariate produced better models than base models without covariates and the estimate of lambda for fisher in Vermont (λ = 3.13) was significantly higher than Connecticut (λ = 0.814). Regional differences in occupancy and detectability are evident within CT and between Vermont and Connecticut. Further, differences in abundance appear to explain at least some of the heterogeneity in our parameter estimates from the different models. Our results combined with other reported information suggest that fisher are not as common and widespread as previously thought. Additional data is needed to address the extent to which recent population declines and environmental factors influence the abundance and distribution of fisher in western Connecticut.
AUTHORS: Dr. Paul Hapeman, Central Connecticut State University; Katerina Gillis, Central Connecticut State University
ABSTRACT: Fisher (Pekania pennanti) were once limited to three remnant populations in the northeastern United States by the 1930’s but eventually recovered through closed trapping seasons, natural recolonizations, and several reintroductions. Recent declines in the annual harvest of fisher in Connecticut (n = 276 in 2006 to n = 21 in 2018) along with fewer sighting reports and roadkills challenges the assumption that fisher are common and widespread throughout the Northeast. We used camera detection data from two different studies in southern Vermont and Connecticut to describe occupancy and detectability of fisher at different spatial scales and relate our findings to potential differences in abundance. Models of occupancy and detectability that accounted for abundance induced heterogeneity outperformed single season, single species models for all analyses. All models of occupancy and detectability that included ‘Region’ as a covariate produced better models than base models without covariates and the estimate of lambda for fisher in Vermont (λ = 3.13) was significantly higher than Connecticut (λ = 0.814). Regional differences in occupancy and detectability are evident within CT and between Vermont and Connecticut. Further, differences in abundance appear to explain at least some of the heterogeneity in our parameter estimates from the different models. Our results combined with other reported information suggest that fisher are not as common and widespread as previously thought. Additional data is needed to address the extent to which recent population declines and environmental factors influence the abundance and distribution of fisher in western Connecticut.
P-07. Evaluating the Detection of Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) from an Unmanned Aerial System Using 3D Printed Models
AUTHORS: Rebecca J. Berzins, Department of Biology, Monmouth University; Rachel A. Katz, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Sean C. Sterrett, Department of Biology, Monmouth University
ABSTRACT: Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin; DT) is the only brackish-adapted turtle species in North America and a species of greatest conservation need throughout most of its range. The biology of DT, including seasonal breeding aggregations, presents an exciting opportunity for revolutionizing the way wildlife populations are monitored. Unlike traditional approaches, drones offer a non-invasive and potentially unbiased sampling method with the added advantage of committing data to virtual memory. However, we know little about how drones detect DT or influence behavior; therefore, a sampling approach should determine a height detectability threshold while also maximizing distance from DT to decrease disturbance. In this study, we experimentally evaluate DT detection by drones according to drone height, DT size, independent observers, and habitat complexity. We used 3D printed DT shells in three biologically realistic sizes; small (e.g., juvenile), medium (e.g., male), and large (e.g., female). We randomly selected numbers of different DT sizes into trial sets. For each experimental trial, we set 3D printed DT in a standardized sampling arena and flew the drone from 18 to 60m above the arena, taking standardized images at 5m intervals. Then, the images were presented randomly to independent observers, which were asked to identify and mark DT of various sizes from randomly drawn images using the program iTag. Unsurprisingly, we found that drone height and DT size were important factors for accurately counting DT in trials sets. We also expected that habitat complexity (i.e., open water vs. presence of surficial debris) would influence the ability of observers to accurately count DT but, surprisingly, the presence of glare appeared to be a confounding variable, which can influence the ability of observers to count DT models accurately.
AUTHORS: Rebecca J. Berzins, Department of Biology, Monmouth University; Rachel A. Katz, National Wildlife Refuge System, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Sean C. Sterrett, Department of Biology, Monmouth University
ABSTRACT: Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin; DT) is the only brackish-adapted turtle species in North America and a species of greatest conservation need throughout most of its range. The biology of DT, including seasonal breeding aggregations, presents an exciting opportunity for revolutionizing the way wildlife populations are monitored. Unlike traditional approaches, drones offer a non-invasive and potentially unbiased sampling method with the added advantage of committing data to virtual memory. However, we know little about how drones detect DT or influence behavior; therefore, a sampling approach should determine a height detectability threshold while also maximizing distance from DT to decrease disturbance. In this study, we experimentally evaluate DT detection by drones according to drone height, DT size, independent observers, and habitat complexity. We used 3D printed DT shells in three biologically realistic sizes; small (e.g., juvenile), medium (e.g., male), and large (e.g., female). We randomly selected numbers of different DT sizes into trial sets. For each experimental trial, we set 3D printed DT in a standardized sampling arena and flew the drone from 18 to 60m above the arena, taking standardized images at 5m intervals. Then, the images were presented randomly to independent observers, which were asked to identify and mark DT of various sizes from randomly drawn images using the program iTag. Unsurprisingly, we found that drone height and DT size were important factors for accurately counting DT in trials sets. We also expected that habitat complexity (i.e., open water vs. presence of surficial debris) would influence the ability of observers to accurately count DT but, surprisingly, the presence of glare appeared to be a confounding variable, which can influence the ability of observers to count DT models accurately.
P-08. Human Dimensions of Sika Deer Management in Maryland and Lower Eastern Shore
AUTHORS: Abubakar S. Ringim; Scott Knoche; Kaitlynn Ritchie - Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory, Morgan State University
ABSTRACT: The Sika deer (Cervus nippon) - native to East Asia - was introduced to Maryland's lower Eastern Shore in the early 20th century. The population has since expanded to a current estimated population of 10, 000 to 15, 000 animals. About 5, 000 hunters annually pursue Sika deer, harvesting 2, 000 - 3, 000 animals each year. Despite the interest in hunting this non-native species - with many hunters coming from out of state - little is known about hunter preferences and satisfaction, particularly as it relates to regulations such as bag limits, antler point restrictions, and success rates. To explore these and other issues we developed and implemented a web-based survey of Sika deer hunters. The survey includes a stated preference choice experiment to explore hunter preferences and tradeoffs related to hunting regulations, success rates, and annual license/permit fees. Hunting trip expenditure questions will enable the estimation of regional economic impacts. Survey findings should contribute to the improved understanding and management of Sika deer in Maryland.
AUTHORS: Abubakar S. Ringim; Scott Knoche; Kaitlynn Ritchie - Patuxent Environmental and Aquatic Research Laboratory, Morgan State University
ABSTRACT: The Sika deer (Cervus nippon) - native to East Asia - was introduced to Maryland's lower Eastern Shore in the early 20th century. The population has since expanded to a current estimated population of 10, 000 to 15, 000 animals. About 5, 000 hunters annually pursue Sika deer, harvesting 2, 000 - 3, 000 animals each year. Despite the interest in hunting this non-native species - with many hunters coming from out of state - little is known about hunter preferences and satisfaction, particularly as it relates to regulations such as bag limits, antler point restrictions, and success rates. To explore these and other issues we developed and implemented a web-based survey of Sika deer hunters. The survey includes a stated preference choice experiment to explore hunter preferences and tradeoffs related to hunting regulations, success rates, and annual license/permit fees. Hunting trip expenditure questions will enable the estimation of regional economic impacts. Survey findings should contribute to the improved understanding and management of Sika deer in Maryland.
P-09. Human Dimensions of Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) Management to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict
AUTHORS: Abigail R. Dunn – University of Connecticut; Anita T. Morzillo – University of Connecticut; Lindsay S. (Keener-Eck) Larson – Housatonic Valley Association; Rebecca A. Christoffel – Snake Conservation Society
ABSTRACT: Human-wildlife interactions are common across fragmented exurban landscapes. To date, much of the human dimensions focus on human-wildlife conflicts has been on managing large mammalian carnivores, with less attention to small less-charismatic species, including herptiles. In Connecticut, US, there are two populations of state endangered timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) remaining, one of which is located in an increasingly developed area in the central part of the state. Our objective was to understand current management, outreach, and collaboration needs among stakeholders involved in the management of this timber rattlesnake populations, as well as their perceptions on the role of that human dimensions data could play in management and outreach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with sixteen stakeholders. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to code transcribed data and identify emerging themes. Results suggested that most participants felt that the integration of human attitudes, encounters, and landscape variables would be more helpful than ecological management in directing public outreach because of the limited ability to direct snake movement. However, managers also encouraged opening forest canopy in hopes of creating basking sites to reduce timber rattlesnake need to enter residential areas. Participants highlighted the potential to use different outreach messages based on prominent favorable or unfavorable attitudes in specific locations, as well as to identify where to deliver more frequent outreach to residents. Another suggestion was to recruit members of the public with relatively more favorable attitudes as volunteers and timber rattlesnake advocates in their community. Participants also mentioned the need for landscape-level leadership to assist in coordination of outreach and conservation efforts, which have been limited because of capacity restraints (e.g., staffing, time). Interviews highlighted managers’ needs and importance of facilitating connections with people who live near species of particular management concern.
AUTHORS: Abigail R. Dunn – University of Connecticut; Anita T. Morzillo – University of Connecticut; Lindsay S. (Keener-Eck) Larson – Housatonic Valley Association; Rebecca A. Christoffel – Snake Conservation Society
ABSTRACT: Human-wildlife interactions are common across fragmented exurban landscapes. To date, much of the human dimensions focus on human-wildlife conflicts has been on managing large mammalian carnivores, with less attention to small less-charismatic species, including herptiles. In Connecticut, US, there are two populations of state endangered timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) remaining, one of which is located in an increasingly developed area in the central part of the state. Our objective was to understand current management, outreach, and collaboration needs among stakeholders involved in the management of this timber rattlesnake populations, as well as their perceptions on the role of that human dimensions data could play in management and outreach. We conducted semi-structured interviews with sixteen stakeholders. Qualitative inductive analysis was used to code transcribed data and identify emerging themes. Results suggested that most participants felt that the integration of human attitudes, encounters, and landscape variables would be more helpful than ecological management in directing public outreach because of the limited ability to direct snake movement. However, managers also encouraged opening forest canopy in hopes of creating basking sites to reduce timber rattlesnake need to enter residential areas. Participants highlighted the potential to use different outreach messages based on prominent favorable or unfavorable attitudes in specific locations, as well as to identify where to deliver more frequent outreach to residents. Another suggestion was to recruit members of the public with relatively more favorable attitudes as volunteers and timber rattlesnake advocates in their community. Participants also mentioned the need for landscape-level leadership to assist in coordination of outreach and conservation efforts, which have been limited because of capacity restraints (e.g., staffing, time). Interviews highlighted managers’ needs and importance of facilitating connections with people who live near species of particular management concern.
P-10. Mallard Nest Survival and Brood Rearing in Connecticut
AUTHORS: Laura R. Dykstra, University of Connecticut; Min Huang, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; Tracy A. G. Rittenhouse, University of Connecticut
ABSTRACT: Mallard populations in the Northeast have declined ~30% in the past two decades, but reasons for this decline remain unknown: banding data have not shown a decline in survival rates, harvest rates have not increased, and estimates of breeding productivity have not changed. However, declining population numbers indicate that some demographic rate is insufficient to maintain population size. Potential causes for this population decline include changes in habitat availability and quality, hybridization with captive-reared mallards, overharvest, and natural range contraction. Mallards are habitat generalists and adaptable to life in urban areas. However, mallard breeding ecology in urban and exurban landscapes of the Northeast US is poorly understood. We began a study of mallard breeding ecology in Connecticut to understand factors that may contribute to mallard population declines. In April–July 2021, we located and monitored 24 mallard nests at 15 sites within an urban–rural interface. 12 of these nests hatched at least one egg. Using the Mayfield method, we estimated daily survival rate as 0.956 and nest survival to hatch as 0.206 (95% CI: 0.06–0.651) using a 35-day nesting period. This survival rate is within the typical range of reported values for mallard nest survival (0.15–0.33). Additionally, we trapped and deployed satellite transmitters on mallard hens during incubation. We monitored seven hens with broods; five of these hens raised at least one duckling to two weeks old. The average brood size was 4.8 ducklings. The hens demonstrated different brood rearing strategies. Three hens raised their brood on the same pond where their nest was located, while two hens made long overland moves with their broods to ponds located 2.5–3 km away from their nest site. Future research will examine the relationships between nest habitat characteristics, brood habitat use, and brood movement patterns and mallard nest and brood survival.
AUTHORS: Laura R. Dykstra, University of Connecticut; Min Huang, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; Tracy A. G. Rittenhouse, University of Connecticut
ABSTRACT: Mallard populations in the Northeast have declined ~30% in the past two decades, but reasons for this decline remain unknown: banding data have not shown a decline in survival rates, harvest rates have not increased, and estimates of breeding productivity have not changed. However, declining population numbers indicate that some demographic rate is insufficient to maintain population size. Potential causes for this population decline include changes in habitat availability and quality, hybridization with captive-reared mallards, overharvest, and natural range contraction. Mallards are habitat generalists and adaptable to life in urban areas. However, mallard breeding ecology in urban and exurban landscapes of the Northeast US is poorly understood. We began a study of mallard breeding ecology in Connecticut to understand factors that may contribute to mallard population declines. In April–July 2021, we located and monitored 24 mallard nests at 15 sites within an urban–rural interface. 12 of these nests hatched at least one egg. Using the Mayfield method, we estimated daily survival rate as 0.956 and nest survival to hatch as 0.206 (95% CI: 0.06–0.651) using a 35-day nesting period. This survival rate is within the typical range of reported values for mallard nest survival (0.15–0.33). Additionally, we trapped and deployed satellite transmitters on mallard hens during incubation. We monitored seven hens with broods; five of these hens raised at least one duckling to two weeks old. The average brood size was 4.8 ducklings. The hens demonstrated different brood rearing strategies. Three hens raised their brood on the same pond where their nest was located, while two hens made long overland moves with their broods to ponds located 2.5–3 km away from their nest site. Future research will examine the relationships between nest habitat characteristics, brood habitat use, and brood movement patterns and mallard nest and brood survival.
P-11. Microplastic Contamination in Coastal Sediments from the Gulf of Maine and its Implications for Endangered Species
AUTHORS: Troy Langknecht; Kay Ho; Robert Burgess
ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MP) (< 5 mm) are ubiquitous in the environment, contributing to marine debris and adversely impacting numerous organisms as they transfer between trophic levels. The United Nations recently found that over 800 species are impacted by marine debris globally, whether through entanglement, ingestion, bioaccumulation, chemical transport, or changes to habitat function. MP often settle and accumulate in marine sediments; therefore, MP abundance in marine sediments may have serious implications for many organisms and may present an additional stressor for endangered species in marine ecosystems. The objective of this study is to quantify and identify MP particles in coastal sediments and assess the potential implications for endangered species using GIS data. Marine sediment samples (n=50) were collected off the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire by the U.S. EPA’s National Coastal Conditioning Assessment (NCCA) program during the 2020 field season and a subset (n=10) were selected for MP analysis. A novel hybrid method was used to extract MPs from the sediments, followed by polymer identification and quantification using Raman spectroscopy. We then overlaid MP abundance with critical habitat data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify areas of overlap with endangered species. We found MP at all 10 sites, with an average of 210 MP particles per 100 g wet sediment and 15 polymer types across all 10 sites. All six threatened and endangered species’ critical habitat overlapped with areas of MP contamination; therefore, all species are potentially exposed and negative impacts from MP may present an additional stressor. This work can be used to identify priority areas for future MP research and remediation actions and attempts to broaden our understanding of MP contamination and polymer composition in marine sediments to better understand potential impacts on endangered species.
AUTHORS: Troy Langknecht; Kay Ho; Robert Burgess
ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MP) (< 5 mm) are ubiquitous in the environment, contributing to marine debris and adversely impacting numerous organisms as they transfer between trophic levels. The United Nations recently found that over 800 species are impacted by marine debris globally, whether through entanglement, ingestion, bioaccumulation, chemical transport, or changes to habitat function. MP often settle and accumulate in marine sediments; therefore, MP abundance in marine sediments may have serious implications for many organisms and may present an additional stressor for endangered species in marine ecosystems. The objective of this study is to quantify and identify MP particles in coastal sediments and assess the potential implications for endangered species using GIS data. Marine sediment samples (n=50) were collected off the coasts of Maine and New Hampshire by the U.S. EPA’s National Coastal Conditioning Assessment (NCCA) program during the 2020 field season and a subset (n=10) were selected for MP analysis. A novel hybrid method was used to extract MPs from the sediments, followed by polymer identification and quantification using Raman spectroscopy. We then overlaid MP abundance with critical habitat data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify areas of overlap with endangered species. We found MP at all 10 sites, with an average of 210 MP particles per 100 g wet sediment and 15 polymer types across all 10 sites. All six threatened and endangered species’ critical habitat overlapped with areas of MP contamination; therefore, all species are potentially exposed and negative impacts from MP may present an additional stressor. This work can be used to identify priority areas for future MP research and remediation actions and attempts to broaden our understanding of MP contamination and polymer composition in marine sediments to better understand potential impacts on endangered species.
P-12. Microsatellite Analysis in American black bear (Ursus americanus)
AUTHORS: James Neugebauer, Center for Environmental Research and Education, Duquesne University; Jan E. Janecka, Janecka Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University
ABSTRACT: Pennsylvania is home to many different species of wildlife, but none so charismatic as the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Black bears are both one of the largest and most widely distributed species in Pennsylvania with a range that covers 50 of the state’s 67 counties, with sightings in every county. Across this diverse range there is natural and anthropogenic heterogeneity in landscape and habitat that may facilitate or inhibit the dispersal of black bears, and thus reduce population connectivity and gene flow. Due to the low density and large range of black bears, along with the potential for human-wildlife conflict, this species is notably more susceptible to the effects of habitat fragmentation, shifting populations from changing climate, and other risks to biodiversity. A commonly used way to monitor for changes and discover existing patterns in populations is the use of microsatellite analysis and DNA panels. Microsatellite analysis provides insights towards genetic structure between populations, genetic distance, and effective population size, while also allowing population assignment and identifying any existing geographic barriers to gene flow. Thus, microsatellites are an important tool that provide unique insight into a population that can be used for monitoring populations and making management decisions.
AUTHORS: James Neugebauer, Center for Environmental Research and Education, Duquesne University; Jan E. Janecka, Janecka Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University
ABSTRACT: Pennsylvania is home to many different species of wildlife, but none so charismatic as the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Black bears are both one of the largest and most widely distributed species in Pennsylvania with a range that covers 50 of the state’s 67 counties, with sightings in every county. Across this diverse range there is natural and anthropogenic heterogeneity in landscape and habitat that may facilitate or inhibit the dispersal of black bears, and thus reduce population connectivity and gene flow. Due to the low density and large range of black bears, along with the potential for human-wildlife conflict, this species is notably more susceptible to the effects of habitat fragmentation, shifting populations from changing climate, and other risks to biodiversity. A commonly used way to monitor for changes and discover existing patterns in populations is the use of microsatellite analysis and DNA panels. Microsatellite analysis provides insights towards genetic structure between populations, genetic distance, and effective population size, while also allowing population assignment and identifying any existing geographic barriers to gene flow. Thus, microsatellites are an important tool that provide unique insight into a population that can be used for monitoring populations and making management decisions.
P-13. Moths of Northeast Barrens Habitats
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Crisfield, PhD, The Strategic Stewardship Initiative; Rick Van de Poll, PhD, Ecological Management Consultants of New England, Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee
ABSTRACT: In 2018, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, through the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee and the Regional Conservation Needs Grant Program, initiated a 5-year project with the objective of improving habitat management of Barrens in the Northeastern U.S. The 13 Northeastern states funded the “Xeric Habitat for Pollinators” project due to the known concentration of Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need at barrens sites, including rare lepidoptera. While a number of sites actively survey populations of butterflies such as the endangered Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and frosted elfin (Callophrys irus irus), the nocturnal moth communities have been surveyed less often and at very few project sites. On average, there are roughly four times as many rare or declining moth species as butterfly species and these tend to get overlooked during typical surveys. To address this data gap, four contractors visited 20 sites on 5 dates in 2021 to place 3 UV blacklight traps overnight. The resulting dataset provides insight into nocturnal moth community diversity and abundance at Barrens sites throughout the Northeast. The dataset contains nearly 1000 different species (out of approximately 2400 occurring in the Northeast), 25 of which are recognized as rare or declining in Northeastern states.
AUTHORS: Elizabeth Crisfield, PhD, The Strategic Stewardship Initiative; Rick Van de Poll, PhD, Ecological Management Consultants of New England, Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee
ABSTRACT: In 2018, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, through the Northeast Fish and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee and the Regional Conservation Needs Grant Program, initiated a 5-year project with the objective of improving habitat management of Barrens in the Northeastern U.S. The 13 Northeastern states funded the “Xeric Habitat for Pollinators” project due to the known concentration of Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need at barrens sites, including rare lepidoptera. While a number of sites actively survey populations of butterflies such as the endangered Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and frosted elfin (Callophrys irus irus), the nocturnal moth communities have been surveyed less often and at very few project sites. On average, there are roughly four times as many rare or declining moth species as butterfly species and these tend to get overlooked during typical surveys. To address this data gap, four contractors visited 20 sites on 5 dates in 2021 to place 3 UV blacklight traps overnight. The resulting dataset provides insight into nocturnal moth community diversity and abundance at Barrens sites throughout the Northeast. The dataset contains nearly 1000 different species (out of approximately 2400 occurring in the Northeast), 25 of which are recognized as rare or declining in Northeastern states.
P-14. Movement and Space-use of Waterfowl in Response to Hunting Pressure
AUTHORS: Karen E. Beatty, Pennsylvania State University; Nathaniel R. Huck, Pennsylvania Game Commission; Frances E. Buderman, Pennsylvania State University
ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic activities can modify how individuals perceive the risks and rewards of available habitat, which in turn can affect animal movement and space-use. Although there are many types of anthropogenic activities, hunting pressure has direct impacts on individuals through harvest and may have indirect impacts on behavior. In the Atlantic Flyway, nearly half of all waterfowl hunters target geese, and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) comprise nearly a quarter of the harvested waterfowl. Understanding how Canada geese use the landscape and how they respond to hunting pressure can inform management decisions that maximize the competing objectives of goose abundance and hunting opportunities. In 2020 and 2021, the Pennsylvania Game Commission equipped 65 resident Canada geese with GPS collars and monitored individual locations at 10-minute intervals. The geese were marked on two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), which the state manages specifically for waterfowl hunting opportunities. We compared movement and space-use metrics for the hunting and non-hunting seasons to detect behavioral differences that arose from increased hunting pressure. We present results from the first two seasons of data collection, including a comparison of the proportion of time spent on the WMAs during the hunting season and non-hunting season, changes in home range size and location between the hunting and non-hunting seasons, and proportion of time spent using various land cover types throughout the year. We found that geese contracted their home ranges and spent more time on each WMA as the hunting season progressed.
AUTHORS: Karen E. Beatty, Pennsylvania State University; Nathaniel R. Huck, Pennsylvania Game Commission; Frances E. Buderman, Pennsylvania State University
ABSTRACT: Anthropogenic activities can modify how individuals perceive the risks and rewards of available habitat, which in turn can affect animal movement and space-use. Although there are many types of anthropogenic activities, hunting pressure has direct impacts on individuals through harvest and may have indirect impacts on behavior. In the Atlantic Flyway, nearly half of all waterfowl hunters target geese, and Canada geese (Branta canadensis) comprise nearly a quarter of the harvested waterfowl. Understanding how Canada geese use the landscape and how they respond to hunting pressure can inform management decisions that maximize the competing objectives of goose abundance and hunting opportunities. In 2020 and 2021, the Pennsylvania Game Commission equipped 65 resident Canada geese with GPS collars and monitored individual locations at 10-minute intervals. The geese were marked on two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), which the state manages specifically for waterfowl hunting opportunities. We compared movement and space-use metrics for the hunting and non-hunting seasons to detect behavioral differences that arose from increased hunting pressure. We present results from the first two seasons of data collection, including a comparison of the proportion of time spent on the WMAs during the hunting season and non-hunting season, changes in home range size and location between the hunting and non-hunting seasons, and proportion of time spent using various land cover types throughout the year. We found that geese contracted their home ranges and spent more time on each WMA as the hunting season progressed.
P-15. Survey of Wild Brook Trout Populations in the Saco River from Crawford Notch to the Maine border
AUTHORS: Andrew Doherty, Research Project Advisor: Professor Cynthia Moulton
ABSTRACT: In the summer of 2021, 58 locations in the Saco River watershed and its tributaries from the headwaters in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire down to the Maine border were surveyed for wild brook trout (Salvenlinus fontanalis). Through visual surveys and fishing with a fly rod in each location for approximately 90 minutes I recorded the presence or absence of S. fontanalis. The precise GPS location of each individual found was recorded. Water temperature readings at each location and notes on other aspects of the river such as erosion, additional feeder streams and aquatic insects were noted. I also documented areas impacted by erosion and manmade obstructions with photographs. These notes and photographs are especially important since a major goal of the project was to find areas that are in need of habitat restoration. The results from the 45 locations surveyed showed that 78 percent of the tributaries surveyed had wild brook trout present in this section of the Saco River watershed.
AUTHORS: Andrew Doherty, Research Project Advisor: Professor Cynthia Moulton
ABSTRACT: In the summer of 2021, 58 locations in the Saco River watershed and its tributaries from the headwaters in Crawford Notch, New Hampshire down to the Maine border were surveyed for wild brook trout (Salvenlinus fontanalis). Through visual surveys and fishing with a fly rod in each location for approximately 90 minutes I recorded the presence or absence of S. fontanalis. The precise GPS location of each individual found was recorded. Water temperature readings at each location and notes on other aspects of the river such as erosion, additional feeder streams and aquatic insects were noted. I also documented areas impacted by erosion and manmade obstructions with photographs. These notes and photographs are especially important since a major goal of the project was to find areas that are in need of habitat restoration. The results from the 45 locations surveyed showed that 78 percent of the tributaries surveyed had wild brook trout present in this section of the Saco River watershed.
P-16. Where Should we be Prioritizing the Conservation of Vernal Pools for Pond-Breeding Amphibians in New Jersey?
AUTHORS: Hannah Craft, Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy Program, Monmouth University; Sean C. Sterrett, Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy Program, Monmouth University; Geoffrey Fouad, Geographic Information Systems Program, Monmouth University
ABSTRACT: Endangered amphibians require vernal pools (small, temporary ponds) for breeding, yet the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act of New Jersey may not extend to many vernal pools that are less than one acre. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has mapped a total of 13,594 vernal pools, a number that precludes equal protection of each vernal pool and the distribution of resources to foster amphibian use of vernal pools. This prompts the question: What vernal pools should we prioritize for conservation? This study applies a conservation framework based on the principles that (1) roads impede amphibian migration, (2) upland forest surrounding vernal pools are a preferred habitat of amphibians, and (3) assemblages (geographic clusters) of vernal pools are favorable for amphibian migration between vernal pools. These principles are applied in a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis of vernal pools in New Jersey, quantifying their varying degrees of roadway fragmentation, upland forest coverage, and proximity to other vernal pools at a range of amphibian migration distances. The findings indicate that the geographic distribution of preferred vernal pools at the scale of the state is similar regardless of short (i.e. 117 meters) or long (i.e. 368 meters) migration distances. Vernal pool migration scores are cross-correlated at a range of distances, with preferred vernal pool migration areas in (1) northwestern New Jersey centered between the Valley and Ridge and Highlands physiographic provinces of the state, (2) southwestern New Jersey near the geographic center of Salem County, offset from the shores of the Delaware River, and (3) at the interface of suburban northern New Jersey near Morristown. These areas are generally a reflection of major assemblages of vernal pools in the state and statewide patterns of roadway fragmentation. Within these areas, individual vernal pool scores can be used to direct monitoring and conservation measures.
AUTHORS: Hannah Craft, Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy Program, Monmouth University; Sean C. Sterrett, Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy Program, Monmouth University; Geoffrey Fouad, Geographic Information Systems Program, Monmouth University
ABSTRACT: Endangered amphibians require vernal pools (small, temporary ponds) for breeding, yet the Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act of New Jersey may not extend to many vernal pools that are less than one acre. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has mapped a total of 13,594 vernal pools, a number that precludes equal protection of each vernal pool and the distribution of resources to foster amphibian use of vernal pools. This prompts the question: What vernal pools should we prioritize for conservation? This study applies a conservation framework based on the principles that (1) roads impede amphibian migration, (2) upland forest surrounding vernal pools are a preferred habitat of amphibians, and (3) assemblages (geographic clusters) of vernal pools are favorable for amphibian migration between vernal pools. These principles are applied in a geographic information systems (GIS) analysis of vernal pools in New Jersey, quantifying their varying degrees of roadway fragmentation, upland forest coverage, and proximity to other vernal pools at a range of amphibian migration distances. The findings indicate that the geographic distribution of preferred vernal pools at the scale of the state is similar regardless of short (i.e. 117 meters) or long (i.e. 368 meters) migration distances. Vernal pool migration scores are cross-correlated at a range of distances, with preferred vernal pool migration areas in (1) northwestern New Jersey centered between the Valley and Ridge and Highlands physiographic provinces of the state, (2) southwestern New Jersey near the geographic center of Salem County, offset from the shores of the Delaware River, and (3) at the interface of suburban northern New Jersey near Morristown. These areas are generally a reflection of major assemblages of vernal pools in the state and statewide patterns of roadway fragmentation. Within these areas, individual vernal pool scores can be used to direct monitoring and conservation measures.