Observations of Mustela frenata (Long-tailed Weasel) are rare within the southern Appalachians, while observations of Tamias striatus (Eastern Chipmunk) are uncommon in high-elevation spruce-fir forests. We conducted camera-trap surveys at Roan Mountain Highlands, Mitchell County, NC, during summer 2016 in a Picea rubens (Red Spruce)—Abies fraseri (Fraser Fir) forest. During the survey, we observed a Long-tailed Weasel at 1893 m in elevation and an Eastern Chipmunk at 1703 m in elevation. These are the highest-elevation records for both species in the eastern United States outside of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the highest elevation record for Longtailed Weasel in North Carolina.

We used camera traps to determine which predators were responsible for depredated Pomacea maculata (Maculata Apple Snail) shells at 2 different study sites. Evidence of predation at these sites included operculums near the shells with a small amount of flesh attached and shells accumulating a meter or more from the water's edge with no evidence of recent flooding. In both locations, the most frequently observed potential predators were Procyon lotor (Raccoon), which was the only species directly observed capturing and eating Apple Snails.

In August 2016, a park of roughly 200 ha of bottomland hardwood forest in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, was inundated by up to 5.28 m of water for 5 days in one of southeast Louisiana's most severe floods in recorded history. Here, I document post-flood observations of a terrestrial salamander species at the park, Ambystoma opacum (Marbled Salamander). To my knowledge, this is the first documentation of survival of terrestrial salamanders after a freshwater flood event. As such floods are predicted to increase in frequency in the future, it is encouraging that salamanders may be able to tolerate such changes to some extent.

Recent comparative analyses of sexual size dimorphism in web-building spiders have not included data from the Hypochilidae, an ancient group of spiders in which half of the species have geographic distributions that are restricted to the Appalachian Mountains. Females are slightly larger than males as measured by cephalothorax width, but male leg 1 is much longer than that of females. We document the development of this dimorphism in the field and discuss the possible adaptive significance of this trait.

Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) populations have experienced range-wide declines over the past century, and records of this species have become increasingly rare in the northern portion of its range. We report the first record of an Alligator Snapping Turtle in Illinois since 1984, only the second in the past 50 years. This individual was captured in a tributary of the undammed portion of the Mississippi River in close proximity to the last 3 published records in Illinois. It is possible that this region provides the last accessible, suitable habitat for this species in Illinois.

Aplectrum hyemale (Puttyroot) and Tipularia discolor (Cranefly Orchid) are wintergreen orchids native to the eastern and central United States. Plants of both species produce leaves in the fall, photosynthesize during the winter, and persist as underground corms during the summer. Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) are implicated as the main predator of both orchids, although little information is available regarding herbivory of these or other wintergreen species. We observed early emerging overwintering nymphs of the spur-throated grasshopper Melanoplus acrophilus on leaves of Puttyroot and Cranefly Orchids in a forested site in western North Carolina. This is the first account of potential insect herbivory on these winter green orchids.

Rynchops niger (Black Skimmer) is a colonial seabird that forages on small planktivorous fish that are caught while gliding just above the surface. Previous studies have found that baitfish abundance can affect skimmer productivity, so the purpose of this research was to determine the species and size of fish fed to chicks in Southwest Florida. During the 2015 and 2016 nesting seasons, we posted requests for photographs of Black Skimmer adults feeding chicks to several Facebook sites where photographers were posting images taken in Southwest Florida. We invited volunteers who were knowledgeable about fish to identify prey species. We received 256 photographs of which 211 could be included in our study. Black Skimmers fed chicks 22 different species of fish, including 9 that had not been previously recorded. The fish species did not differ by year, age of chick, or location; however, smaller chicks were fed significantly more small fish. Our research demonstrated that citizen science conducted through using photographs and social media is an accurate and efficient method of obtaining data about seabird diets.

The cosmopolitan lizard genus Eumeces was first revised in 1936 and consisted of 15 species-groups comprising a total of 50 species. Nine species in North America were later recognized as belonging to the genus Plestiodon and all contained the diploid chromosome number of 26. Modern cladistic techniques indicated that Plestiodon anthracinus (Coal Skink) was near the ancestral form for the fasciatus group. We employed the hypotonic citrate method to study chromosomes of 5 Coal Skink specimens from Louisiana and Arkansas and found them to have a diploid number of 24 (12 macrochromosomes, 12 distinctly smaller chromosomes, all biarmed) and a fundamental number of 48. The diploid number of 24 is probably derived by some chromosome rearrangements in the evolution of Plestiodon and of the Plestiodon anthracinus group.

Declines in Ameiurus catus (White Catfish) abundance throughout much of their native range have been attributed to the rapid colonization of invasive Ictalurus furcatus (Blue Catfish) and Pylodictis olivaris (Flathead Catfish). Because of the potential for imperilment throughout a majority of its native range, we examined the White Catfish population in the St. Marys River, GA, one of the few locations where the catfish assemblage is still native. White Catfish (n = 1244) dominated the ictalurid assemblage, making up 79% of the catfish caught in the St. Marys River. Overall, length of White Catfish varied from 89 to 486 mm TL, with the majority of fish between 220 and 260 mm. Ages of White Catfish varied from 1 to 11 years but was dominated by the 2012 year class (age 3). We estimated a von Bertalannfy growth model for the population (L∞ = 486 mm TL, K = 0.246, t0 = -0.290). Catch-curve analysis indicated that White Catfish had a 45% annual survival rate in 2015. This White Catfish population assessment will provide biologists with baseline parameters to aid in future management and conservation of this declining native species.

Mating pairs of Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Bald Eagle) nest during winter in Louisiana, and numbers of nests have increased exponentially since the mid-1970s. Active nests have remained relatively concentrated within the south-central and southeastern part of the state, in an area primarily consisting of inland swamps, coastal marshes, and barrier islands, which is referred to as the Basin. However, as the number of nests continues to grow, it is expected that nesting will continue to expand geographically into new habitats. In order to manage an expanding population, it is imperative to first determine parameters that influence nest-site selection. To evaluate site selection and success, we conducted GIS-based analyses to evaluate geographic variables such as proximity to water, landcover, human activity, and other nests. We compared 387 active nests from the 2007–2008 winter nesting season and 1935 random sites, which represented available habitat for site selection. Our results suggest that success of a nest within the Basin was not greatly influenced by the physical characteristics around a site, but sites with the highest probability of being selected for nesting generally had a higher probability of success. Initial selection of a nest site was most influenced by distance to road, number of houses per km², and landcover within 3 km, but the influence of these variables varied between sites within and outside the Basin. Our results should assist managers in making informed decisions about effects of future developments, conservation activities, and human use on current and future suitable nesting habitat.

The non-native oligochaete Ripistes parasita (Schmidt) (Annelida: Clitellata: Naididae) has previously been reported from the northeastern United States and Mississippi. The objective of this study was to provide information regarding the spread of the invasive oligochaete within the past 32 years. We examined benthic invertebrate data from various biomonitoring projects conducted in several eastern states. Results show a significant range extension for this species.

Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) is a prominent species found in pine flatwoods, upland scrub, and coastal dunes of the southeast United States. Geoclimatic and anthropogenic sources of habitat changes have fragmented Gopher Tortoises into isolated populations that may reduce gene flow, promote inbreeding, and ultimately impact population viability. Rapid urbanization along the southwest Gulf Coast of Florida has degraded habitat, and fragmented insular and coastal populations. To assess the diversity in these vestige populations, we assessed the genetic structure of Gopher Tortoises on heavily developed Marco Island (n = 61) and the adjacent mainland within Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR) (n = 23) in Collier County, FL. Using microsatellite markers, we determined that the Marco Island tortoises are genetically distinct from the RBNERR tortoises. We identified unique alleles and reduced allelic richness in both populations, suggesting isolation has reduced gene flow. We therefore encourage careful management of the Marco Island Gopher Tortoises to maintain the uniqueness of the population while preventing further loss of diversity.

The food habits and predatory interactions of Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator) have been thoroughly studied within populations inhabiting inland freshwater ecosystems; however, it is increasingly evident that coastal populations habitually forage in estuarine and nearshore marine ecosystems inhabited by other top predators. While few studies have been performed, data reported thus far from marine-foraging populations indicate individuals chiefly consume small-bodied prey such as crustaceans, fish, and wading birds. Nonetheless, capture and consumption of large-bodied marine prey such as multiple species of sea turtles and a single species of Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) have been documented. Here, we examine evidence regarding reciprocal intraguild predation between American Alligators and elasmobranchs. We provide the first evidence of American Alligator depredation of 4 Elasmobranchii species and review putative evidence for Elasmobranchii depredation of American Alligators. We discuss the ecological significance of these interactions, draw comparisons to similar interactions experienced by other crocodilians, and recommend further avenues for research on the subject.

Our objectives were to describe movement patterns and resource selection of Geomys breviceps (Baird's Pocket Gopher) within a Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) savannah ecosystem in west-central Louisiana. Radio-tagged Baird's Pocket Gophers exhibited high fidelity to burrow systems with a median interlocation distance of 0 m and median minimumconvex-polygon home range of 353 m². The resource selection function (RSF) predicted increasing relative likelihood of Baird's Pocket Gopher use with increasing forb cover and decreasing use with increasing cover by pine stems <25 cm in diameter and increasing midstory pine basal area. The RSF supports continued application of Picoides borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) recovery guidelines to benefit Baird's Pocket Gophers.

Sander canadensis (Sauger) once supported a viable fishery in many of the reservoirs throughout Tennessee; however, these populations have experienced widespread declines. To improve population numbers, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency began stocking Sauger in 1992 in Tennessee and Cumberland river impoundments. Here we examine the percent contribution of hatchery-stocked Sauger to the wild population in Old Hickory Lake, a mainstem impoundment on the Cumberland River. We determined the contribution of hatchery-stocked Sauger using microsatellite markers and a categorical allocation-based parentage analysis. We also evaluated measures of genetic diversity, including estimates of heterozygosity and effective population size. Genetic variation was comparable to other stocked populations of percids. However, estimates of effective population size were low and the contribution of hatchery-reared Sauger to natural populations was moderate, averaging 25.8% across sampled year classes. Despite high genetic diversity, the Sauger population in Old Hickory Lake may be declining, and hatchery efforts to supplement Sauger numbers are contributing little to recovery of the population.

Invasive Asian carps Hypophthalmichthys nobilis (Bighead Carp) and H. molitrix (Silver Carp), collectively referred to as bigheaded carps, were introduced to the US in the 1970s to control noxious algae blooms in aquaculture ponds. Fish subsequently escaped, and by the 1980s bigheaded carps were widespread and established in the upper Mississippi River, lower Missouri River, and the Ohio River and some of its tributaries. We sampled bigheaded carps in the lowermost reservoirs on the Tennessee River (Kentucky Lake) and Cumberland River (Lake Barkley) in 2015 and 2016 using multiple gears, including gill nets, hoop nets, electrofishing, and cast nets, to describe their distribution and estimate several population attributes. Additional electrofishing samples on the Duck River, a system renowned for its diverse ichthyofauna and mussel communities, revealed that Silver Carp range extends 220 river kilometers (rkm) upstream below the Columbia Dam. We collected a total of 737 Silver Carp and 10 Bighead Carp through the course of this study. The maximum total lengths and ages were 1385 mm and 22 years for Bighead Carp and 1005 mm and 13 years for Silver Carp. The Silver Carp populations in both reservoirs had the same pattern of strong year classes (2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015) and similar growth rates, which were faster than what has been reported for other populations around the globe. Some young-of-year Silver Carp were collected 180 and 110 rkm upstream in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, respectively, and they may represent the first evidence of natural reproduction in those reservoirs or their tributaries.

In several regions of the world, the species richness of lianas (woody vines) has been shown to decrease as elevation increases. Little is known about the relationship between elevation and lianas in temperate forests of eastern North America. We documented the elevational distribution of 4 high-climbing, native lianas in Pisgah National Forest (western North Carolina) by recording the elevations of 427 vine occurrences along 53 km of trails. All 4 taxa occurred at the lowest elevations. Mean elevations of Toxicodendron radicans (Poison Ivy; 873 ± 71 m) Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper; 895 ± 103 m) and Vitis spp. (wild grape; 962 ±103 m) were similar. Isotrema macrophyllum (Pipevine) had a mean elevation of 1193 ± 194 m and was the only liana occurring >1300 m. Further study is needed in the forest interior and to determine how factors such as soil moisture, forest structure, stem anatomy, spatial relationships with pollinators and seed dispersers, or other factors may influence the elevational distribution of lianas in the mountains.

Little is known about the life history of Labidesthes vanhyningi (Stout Silverside) in the Mobile Basin. We made monthly collections of Stout Silverside from Lake Tuscaloosa in Northport, AL, from September 2011 to September 2012. Emergence of young-of-the-year occurred in the months of September, October, January, and May. Reproductive investment, calculated using a gonadosomatic index (GSI), was observed from March to December. We also documented evidence for internal fertilization by Stout Silverside in the Mobile Basin. Dietary analysis showed cladocerans were the numerically dominant prey item. These life-history data provide information to natural resource-management agencies about Stout Silverside in the Mobile Basin, where the species is currently under threat from invading Menidia audens (Mississippi Silverside).

We report the first records of Sorex hoyi (American Pygmy Shrew) for Lawrence County, AL. We discovered 5 specimens in a specimen lot stored at Alabama A&M University. The shrews were incidental captures collected from pitfall traps used to study amphibian and reptile communities in the William B. Bankhead National Forest. A follow-up survey at the same sites during December 2015 resulted in the capture of 1 adult American Pygmy Shrew. Surveys at additional sites in Madison, Lawrence, and Winston counties, AL, during 2015–2016 yielded no further specimens. These records are 120 km southwest of the nearest records in Jackson County, AL, and expand the known southernmost edge of the geographic range by 35 km.

Canals in southern Florida are populated by a variety of invasive fish species, but interactions between these invasive fishes and native species are poorly understood. Watersnakes are documented predators of fishes and are well studied in many portions of their range; however, few studies have addressed their ecology and life history in the expansive southern Florida canal system. I captured individuals of 2 watersnake species in a canal in a residential southern Florida neighborhood to determine which fish species were preyed upon. I recovered 4 prey items, all of which were invasive fishes.

Marsh habitats have declined in quantity and quality in Florida, but little quantitative information exists on the population status of avian species residing in these habitats. We estimated the occurrence and density of secretive marsh birds in fresh- and saltwater marshes across Florida during 2011–2012. We detected 11 species; Rallus longirostris (Clapper Rail) and Gallinule chloropus (Common Moorhen) were the most frequently detected species. Occupancy rates at freshwater sites ranged from 19 to 64%, with Common Moorhen the most frequently detected species. Rates at estuarine sites ranged from 2 to 92%, with Clapper Rail the most frequently detected species. Only the Clapper Rail and Common Moorhen had density estimates ≥1.50 birds/ha; densities varied from 0.06 to 2.20 birds/ha in freshwater marshes and from 0.05 to 2.10 birds/ha in salt marshes. These data improve knowledge of secretive marsh-bird distributions in Florida.