Declining Populations

Survey of the Tulotoma magnifica population in the reach below Jordan Dam on the Coosa River (completed)

Funding Source (s): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator (s): Dennis DeVries (Auburn University)

Research Technician (s): Deborah Smith

Student (s): Steven Herrington, Adam Peer, Alicia Norris, Karen Popp

Duration: August 2002 – December 2003

The Tulotoma snail (Tulotoma magnifica) is an operculate species endemic to the Coosa and Alabama River systems in Alabama. Its numbers have declined dramatically relative to historical records, presumably due to impoundments submerging much of the shoals on which they had previously existed. Thus, it was listed as endangered in 1990. One of the remaining populations inhabits the mainstream of the Coosa River, between Jordan Dam and Wetumpka, Alabama. A minimum flow order was put in place for Jordan Dam in December 1990. After the minimum flow was initiated, a deep-water survey of this area was conducted, and although habitat appeared suitable, Tulotoma was found only at two sites. Additional surveys suggested that suitable habitat existed in the area upstream of Moccasin Gap, although they too found Tulotoma to be extremely rare in this reach (their Stratum N). Our survey work during 1998-1999 identified numerous sites with suitable habitat, and resulted in the location of four known colonies as well as two new colonies. The goal of this project is to update information on the current distribution and relative abundance of Tulotoma in the Coosa River between Moccasin Gap and Jordan Dam (with sampling focused on the island area upstream to the dam), as well as to improve descriptions of the availability of suitable habitat in this reach. More specifically, our objective is to determine the distribution of T. magnifica in relation to habitat variables, and to assess changes in the status of the T. magnifica population in this reach during the 4-year period from 1998-1999 through 2002-2003.

Status – During 2003 we surveyed the main stem of the Coosa River north of Wetumpka, Alabama, and more specifically the island reach between Jordan Dam and Moccasin Gap to assess the population status of the endangered snail Tulotoma magnifica in this area. All indicators (percentage of rocks containing Tulotoma, mean number of Tulotoma per rock, total numbers of Tulotoma) were clearly higher at these two sites than at all of the other sites at which we have found this species in this reach. We suggest that our combined sampling of this area has produced a relatively clear picture of the distribution of Tulotoma in the reach with an abundant population upstream at the large island and another abundant population at Moccasin Gap, with sparse populations between these points. The sparse nature of Tulotoma in this area makes it difficult to determine if changes in population status have occurred, but it appears that the populations there, while being sparse, are not declining, and likely are at least remaining stable. The role of the two abundant populations, perhaps as sources for other areas in the reach, remains unclear.

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Evaluating changes in the Tulotoma magnifica population in the Coosa River and its tributaries during 1992 through 2004 (completed)

Funding Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator: Dennis DeVries (Auburn University)

Duration: June 2004 – December 2004

The ornate viviparid snail (Tulotoma magnifica) was listed as endangered in January 1991, given the dramatic reduction in its distribution and range. At the time of its listing, T. magnifica was known to occur in four tributaries (Ohatchee Creek [Calhoun County], Kelly Creek [Shelby and St. Clair counties], Weogufka Creek [Coosa County], Hatchet Creek [Coosa County], as well as in the main stem of the Coosa River between Jordan Dam and Wetumpka (Elmore County). During the past decade, biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alabama Power Company, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Auburn University have identified small populations in Choccolocco Creek (Talladega County), Yellowleaf Creek (Shelby County), Weoka Creek (Elmore County), and in the main stem Coosa River below Logan Martin Dam. Our objective is to quantify the changes in population status of T. magnifica in the main stem of the Coosa River and six of its tributaries during the 12-year period between 1992 and 2004. In addition, we will evaluate whether changes may be due to changes in flow conditions during this period.

Status – During summer and fall 2004 we sampled throughout the six sites where T. magnifica has the largest known populations—Ohatchee Creek, Kelly Creek, Choccolocco Creek, Weogufka Creek, Hatchet Creek, Weoka Creek, and the Coosa River between the Moccasin shoal and Corn Creek shoal. The final report was completed and submitted to USFWS in 2005. These results represent the most complete description of T. magnifica distribution and abundance since the work conducted in the late 1980s by Hershler et al. (1989).

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Evaluation of the effects of post hurricane dune restoration and revegetation on the Alabama beach mouse (completed)

Funding Source (s): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator (s): Michael C. Wooten (Auburn University), Robert Boyd (Auburn University), and Nicholas R. Holler (ALCFWRU-Retired)

Research Assistant (s): Trent Farris, Claudia Frosch

Student (s): J. Mincy Moffett (PhD)

Duration: July 1997 – March 2003

Beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus) are dependent upon coastal dune habitats for the maintenance of their populations. During Hurricane Opal, winds and storm over wash destroyed primary dunes and damaged secondary dune habitat throughout Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. These impacts were detrimental to the endangered Alabama beach mouse, and habitat restoration will emphasize the primary dunes and their associated vegetation. However, recovery of the associated secondary and scrub dunes must also be monitored, because the entire dune complex is important for maintenance of beach mouse populations.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is the most important and largest remaining block of habitat for the Alabama beach mouse. Restoration activities will take place entirely within an area, which has been designated as habitat critical to the survival of the mouse. It is important that the recovery efforts be monitored to ensure that effects are beneficial to the beach mouse population. Physical recovery of the dune habitat may appear beneficial, but could be detrimental if the species comprising the plant community is altered. Therefore, the recovery effort is being undertaken in a manner that will allow for specific effects on the plant community and the beach mouse population to be determined. The information gained in this study will be valuable for guiding future dune restoration activities at Bon Secour NWR and at other beach mouse sites along the Gulf Coast. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the response of beach mice to dune restoration in terms of basic life-history parameters and relative abundances; evaluate the response of vegetation to standard dune restoration procedures with emphasis on changes in species diversity and abundance; and to integrate the live-trapping and vegetative data to determine if factors responsible for post-storm beach mouse population recovery can be identified.

Status – Final data collection for this long-term project was completed during Summer 2002. Data analyses were conducted during Fall 2002 and an extensive final report was submitted following the close of the project period. Data collected during this project yielded important new insights into the correlated response of beach mice and vegetation. The data indicated that the application of fertilizer to frontal dune habitat resulted in a variety of positive outcomes both in terms of maintaining habitat stability and enhancing beach mouse population survival following storm events. No negative impacts from the treatment regime were identified. A series of management recommendations were generated and are currently being reviewed for application.

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Artificial burrow development study (completed)

Funding Source (s): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator (s): Michael C. Wooten (Auburn University)

Student (s): Celeste McKnight (MS)

Duration: December 2001 – December 2003

As part of the comprehensive effort to manage the remaining populations of beach mice, a variety of conservation and research questions have been addressed. Long-term population censuses, radio-telemetry, genetic analyses, and habitat studies have greatly increased our understanding of the ecological requirements of this species. Data on one crucial element has, however, proven to be extremely elusive. Because of technical difficulties, little is known about the life of beach mice within burrows. This paucity of data means that we have little practical knowledge about the biology of beach mice during a majority of any 24-hr period. The lack of access to burrows greatly limits our understanding of juvenile survival, a key parameter in all forms of population models. In addition, we have no field data on mating, the cost of lactation, parental care, and numerous other essential life-history questions. Precise design of management protocols requires such information. In this study, we are attempting to develop artificial burrows for use in the study of beach mice ecology. Our goals are to design and test burrow devices, to obtain unique life-history data, and to improve secondary translocation success rates. Successful design of artificial burrows would open windows to an array of critical biological questions. As examples: Do females or males abandon litters if their mate is lost? What proportion of pairings is actually monogamous? Are the second adult females often observed coming from burrows relatives of the pair (sisters or un-paired offspring) and do these females provide any form of help? Precise data on any of these topics could be of immediate assistance to the existing management program. The specific objectives are to: (1) design and test artificial burrow devices using non-endangered Santa Rosa Island beach mice, (2) develop and test new translocation protocols for beach mice, (3) determine the fate of relocated individuals using live trapping, PIT tag and radio telemetry techniques, and (4) obtain in-burrow behavior data using artificial burrows and micro cameras.

Status – Given the positive response of the mice to the artificial burrow devices, it is our conclusion that this approach could be utilized in translocation protocols. In particular, access to artificial burrows might help increase the survival probabilities of individuals that were being introduced into established populations. From the previous study conducted at Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, we know that successful integration of translocated individuals is an unlikely event and indeed often results in mortality. The availability of a “starter” burrow might be a critical advantage to help overcome this situation. We suggest that a soft release approach where the translocated individuals are held in enclosures for some time prior to release might represent a significant improvement over previous methods. From our experiences and observations with the artificial burrows on Santa Rosa Island, we proposed the use of 2 new translocation protocols.

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Conservation and habitat manipulation for the Alabama and Perdido Key Beach Mouse

Funding Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator (s): Michael C. Wooten, Auburn University

Student (s): Susan Garlow

Research Assistant (s): Claudia Frosch

Duration: September 2002 – September 2007

Due to sustained economic growth and other factors, construction of single family and large-scale developments has intensified throughout Alabama’s Gulf Coast. This trend has been of such magnitude that dune habitat now exists only in public ownership with little opportunity for expansion or in private ownership with existing or planned development. These factors have led to an increased focus on interior areas within both public and private lands as potential long-term beach mouse habitats and to reintroduction of mice onto public lands. While beach mouse densities in scrub habitats are lower than those on frontal dunes, scrub is known to play a crucial role in beach mouse ecology. Recent projects supported by the USFWS, indicate that interior habitats are crucial for long-term survival of beach mice. These habitats appear to function as important refugia, allowing time for frontal dune habitats and the associated populations to recover from storm events. Because the amount of frontal habitat is currently limited, it is essential that future management plans make use of interior areas. In this study, we propose to develop an experimental research facility for the purpose of providing information on the relationship between interior habitat design and Alabama Beach Mouse population success. Our ultimate goal is to develop a habitat management protocol that will allow development of interior habitat blocks sufficient for long-term maintenance of ABM populations. As part of this goal, we recognize the need to identify management techniques that would be broadly applicable. Since it is known that ABM utilizes interior habitats, our questions will focus on what specific habitat modifications are required to insure long-term survival. The first habitat element to be considered is vegetation cover and pattern. We know from studies of inland forms that as the extent of vegetative cover increases P. polionotus disappear. Removal of shrub cover has been recommended as a management practice for dune ecosystems, the amount and type of cover needed is not understood.

Status – Claudia was on-site at Bon Secour throughout spring and summer 2003. During this time, we identified areas that will serve as experimental plots. An extensive series of pre-treatment trapping sessions were completed. Radio-telemetry is currently underway on resident mice to establish pre-treatment activity patterns. An Environmental Assessment document has been submitted and we await formal notification so that we can proceed with modification of vegetation on the study plots. Clearing of the plots is scheduled to being in October. A Ph.D. student has been recruited and should arrive to begin work at the start of spring semester 2004. Due to lack of funding his project has been discontinued.

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Mating opportunities of female gopher tortoises on the Solon Dixon Forest Education Center (completed)

Funding Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator: C. Guyer (Auburn University)

Research Assistant: Jimmy Stiles, Sierra Stiles

Student: Valerie Johnson

Duration: September 1998 –December 2004

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is federally protected in the western portion of its range and protected by state legislation throughout the remainder of its distribution. Long-term conservation of the gopher tortoise depends upon distinguishing areas where management efforts can maintain or increase population density from those where populations are likely to decline. Many areas of conservation concern contain tortoises at low population densities (< 1/acre). Populations on these sites may not be viable because animals are so widely spaced that reproduction fails. Because tortoises are so long-lived, such populations could persist in the landscape for decades. Only a study conducted on the Jones Ecological Research Center near Newton Georgia, a site characterized by low-impact management and high tortoise population density (3.0/acre) is available to document potential rates of tortoise interactions. Photographic evidence documenting activity patterns and social interactions were used to determine opportunities for mating at a relatively pristine site. This research is designed to determine mating opportunities for female tortoises on the Dixon Forestry Education Center in south-central Alabama. Relatively low-impact forest management characterizes this site and an apparently viable population (as evidenced by a size structure indicative of high recruitment) of intermediate density. We will examine density dependence of tortoise interaction rates by comparing data collected on the Dixon Center with those already collected on the Jones Center in SW Georgia, the Wade Tract in S Central Georgia, the Conecuh National Forest (S AL), Camp Shelby (SE MS) and International Paper Company lands in Mobile County AL.

Status – Project covered five years of research designed to examine the effect of tortoise density on patterns of movement and socialization. This information is vital to allow land managers to determine the tortoise density at which conservation strategies should switch from management of tortoises in situ, presumably because a viable population is present, to a strategy of moving animals to reserve areas, presumably because this will allow animals from non-viable areas to participate in a viable population. This represents a key need of conservation officers in that portion of the geographic range where the gopher tortoise receives protection under the Endangered Species Act. Because tortoises affect so many other taxa within the longleaf pine ecosystem, conservation of these turtles should provide an umbrella for the preservation of other sensitive indicator taxa (Guyer and Bailey 1993). Additionally, implementation of conservation measures throughout the rest of the geographic range of tortoises should allow recovery of this taxon throughout its range without requiring federal protection range-wide.

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Patterns of movement of male gopher tortoises on the Solon Dixon Forest Education Center

Funding Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator: Craig Guyer (Auburn University)

Research Assistant: Jimmy Stiles, Sierra Stiles

Duration: August 2004 – December 2005

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is federally protected in the western portion of its range and protected by state legislation throughout the remainder of its distribution. Long-term conservation of the gopher tortoise depends upon distinguishing areas where management efforts can maintain or increase population density from those where populations are likely to decline. Data regarding the distances that male gopher tortoises travel in order to find mates are important for documenting the potential for populating persistence and for designing reserve areas for tortoises. Because data regarding movements of animals are affected by local population density, studies from a variety of tortoise populations spanning the range of known populating densities are needed. The data gathered from this study will be vital to development of strategies for creating conservation reserves for tortoises. Such reserves require sufficient space for resident animals to grow and reproduce. Comparison of movement data for tortoises at the Dixon Forestry Education Center with those from other sites will indicate whether such reserves can be of consistent size throughout the range of the tortoise or whether reserves must be designed to fit the unique history of local population density.

Status – This project is completed. Examined patterns of gopher tortoises to determine the rate of visitation by males to burrows used by females in an areas of extremely low density. This information and data from five other sites will be used by USFWS to estimate the minimum density of viable tortoise populations.Presentation from this work – “Johnson, V.M. and C. Guyer. Seasonal and diel peaks of Gopher Tortoise mating behavior. 2005. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Tampa, Florida.

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Yellow-blotched and Pascagoula map turtles in the Pascagoula Drainage: evaluating biomarkers of pollutant exposure. Part 2 (completed)

Funding Source (s): U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator (s): Mary Mendonca (Auburn University)

Student(s): Geoff Sorrell (MS)

Duration: September 2001 – January 2003

In the last four years, we have been studying the effects of paper mill effluent on the reproductive cycle of the yellow-blotched map turtle, Graptemys flavimaculata, in the Pascagoula drainage (Leaf, Chickasawhay, and Pascagoula Rivers), Mississippi. In the last year, we also began to characterize the reproductive cycle of the Pascagoula map turtle, Graptemys gibbonsi, in the Chickasawhay.

Although we have gathered a good deal of data on yellow-blotched map turtles, there are still aspects to explore that are relevant to environmental impact of xenobiological pollutants. There are other, more sensitive bioindicators of exposure to organochlorines (e.g. presence of EROD activity, an enzyme system which is only activated after exposure to this class of contaminants) that we need to characterize. Another useful measure of pollutant exposure is the alteration in stress response of the turtles. We have some preliminary data using this non-destructive assay indicating animals from the Vancleave site differ from those in the Chickasawhay. However, again, we need to increase our sample size for publishable results. More data is necessary to assess stress responsiveness and determine if this has an adverse effect on reproduction. We attempted these experiments in 2000 but encountered difficulties with the experimental protocol. We have now worked out these problems and are confident our techniques will work in the experiment we propose. We proposed to characterize and compare the stress response of the yellow-blotched map turtle from the two sites. Additionally, since we would be collecting in the Leaf, it would afford us the opportunity of gathering more reproductive data on the Pascagoula map turtle, a little studied species.

Status – We captured 23 turtles at the relatively unimpacted site (Leaksville on the Chickasawwhay River) and 22 at the impacted site (Vancleave on the Pascagoula River). We analyzed plasma samples for corticosterone, a hormone turtles secrete in response to stress. We found that turtles from the Leaksville reference site exhibited a robust corticosterone response to ACTH injection. Turtles from the Vancleave impacted site responded weakly to ACTH stimulation. This result suggests that adrenal gland function may be compromised in animals from this population. Adrenal gland dysfunction is a common symptom of pollution exposure and leaves animals less competent to respond to additional stressors in the system. What ultimate effect this may have on population dynamics is not yet clear. However, a pollution biomarker is present in the population and further studies need to be done on performance parameters to see what consequences this may have on turtle health and reproduction.

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Gopher tortoise relocation at Ft. Benning: Effects on stress, immunocompetence, and reproduction

Funding Source: Department of Defense

Principal Investigator: Mary Mendonca (Auburn University)

Student: Paula Kahn

Duration: May 2003 – September 2006

The relocation of endangered and threatened animals has become a common practice in the United States due to increased human populations and subsequent developmental progress. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is one of the species that is affected by relocation policies. This tortoise is a threatened species indigenous only to the southeastern United States. G. polyphemus is considered a keystone species in its environment, with other animals depending on the use of the tortoise burrows for their protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, and therefore for their survival. However, while tortoises are being moved out of physical harm’s way, they may be suffering physiological consequences that have yet to be determined. Ideally, to ensure that relocation of tortoises is successful, long-term monitoring of movement and physiological condition needs to take place. Since this is not a viable option in many cases, we have established some proven biomarkers that will indicate the success of relocation in terms of stress, immunocompetence, and reproductive capacity. These biomarkers can be assessed during and after relocation to monitor tortoises’ progress in adapting to their new environment. In the absence of data on long-term mortality and/or ultimate reproductive success of relocated animals, these biomarkers are proposed as a short-term measure of those stresses which could ultimately result in such consequences.

Status – Our analyses have indicated that relocation does not increase stress in tortoises, as evidenced by changes in corticosterone levels (a hormone used as a biomarker of stress). However, we did find that tortoises living in impacted habitats do have significantly higher corticosterone levels at baseline than those living in non-impacted habitats. We also found that relocation does not affect at least one immune response in tortoises, as indicated by their swelling response to PHA (phytohemagglutinin), a biomarker of T cell function. In terms of disease status, we found that URTD status (positive vs. negative and symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) does not correlate with any of the measures of stress or immunocompetence. This may be related to the fact that tortoises demonstrated remarkable changes in their URTD titers throughout the study seasons, as determined by an ELISA. As a result, we believe that testing these tortoises for URTD by simply using an ELISA is not an effective method for characterizing disease status. Overall, in the 30 day period that we measured tortoises’ stress and immunocompetence, we did not find significant effects of relocation on physiological parameters. However, it is important to note that possible effects may have been present prior to the 30 day testing, and long term effects may arise in the future. Therefore, long term monitoring of this threatened species is critical to determine if such long term effects may exist. In the Fall, 2006, Paula Kahn successfully defended her PhD dissertation based on this research. One manuscript is in press in Copeia.

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Assessment of habitats in areas historically used by Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in southern and western Alabama and the Florida panhandle

Funding Source: US Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigator: James B. Grand

Co-principal investigators: Geoffrey Hill

Duration: August 2006 – July 2008

The recent re-discovery of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers (IBWO) in Arkansas has spawned interest in surveys of suitable habitat within the former range of the species. In the mid-to late-1860s IBWO were shot along the Tombigbee River in Marengo County and the Warrior River west of Greensboro in Alabama. In 1907, one was reported killed in the Conecuh swamps north of Troy. Numerous birds were collected in river-swamps of the Florida panhandle during that time period. Large tracts of bottomland hardwoods and river-swamps still exist in the Tombigbee, Mobile, Tensaw, Black Warrior, Conecuh/ Escambia, Pea/Choctawhatchee, Appalachicola/Chipola, Rivers in Alabama and panhandle Florida.

IBWO are reclusive, wary, and easily confused with related Pileated Woodpeckers, which frequent habitats similar to those once occupied by IBWO. Due to presumably low numbers, reclusive behavior and similarity to Pileated Woodpeckers intensive monitoring techniques capable of recording evidence for later review are required. The objectives of this project are to: research and document historical and recent reports of IBWO along the rivers in Alabama and in panhandle Florida, estimate the extent or remaining mature, bottomland hardwood forest in suitable areas of Alabama and panhandle Florida with the historic range of IBWO using remotely-sensed data, conduct field searches for IBWO in areas of suitable habitat, and characterize the habitats associated with all potential IBWO observations and sign.

Status – We have gathered substantial evidence that Ivory-billed Woodpeckers persist in the forests along the Choctawhatchee River south of Interstate 10. At this point we know far too little about the foraging behavior of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in this part of Florida to recommend any sort of detailed forest management such as girdling trees as has been done in Arkansas. We do feel confident in stating that these are shy birds that require large tracts of forest for survival. Our recommendations for management of the forested areas where we have found evidence for the existence of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers are: 1) Minimize disturbance on lands owned by the Northwest Florida Water Management District. 2) Exclude use of off-road vehicles from NWFWMD lands except on designated roadways. Hunting and fishing should be permitted because there is no evidence that these activities disturb Ivory-billed Woodpeckers and restricting such activities would alienate the many local people who enjoy such recreation. 3) Acquire areas of forest wetland not already owned by NWFWMD and land adjacent to forested wetlands. 4) Allow pine plantation on NWFWMD lands to mature, die, and be replaced by native vegetation through natural succession. As pine stands mature and die, foraging habitat for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers will likely be created.

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Conservation genetics of the federally endangered Alabama leather flower, Clematis socialis

Funding Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Principal Investigators: Robert Boyd and Leslie Goertzen ( Auburn University)

Graduate Students: Irene (Rena) Miller

Research Technicians: Jennifer Trusty (Post-doctoral Associate)

Duration: April 2006 - December 2007

The endangered Alabama Leather Flower, Clematis socialis (USFWS1989) is found in five populations in three Alabama counties, Cherokee, Etowah and St. Clair, as well as in Floyd County, Georgia (Garrett 1004). In order to ensure the long-term preservation of this rare plant species, conservation programs based on informed management decisions are necessary. The success of these programs is dependent on knowledge of the genetic diversity within and among natural populations of these species. Expanding human populations in Alabama have directly impacted Clematis socialis through the loss of habitat to urbanization and by road building activities. What is unknown is how to best ensure the long-term survival of this species in the remaining populations. An analysis of the genetic diversity within and among populations of rare species is an important tool that can help direct conservation efforts. Maximizing the genetic diversity in ex-situ populations of this Clematis species is the best protection we can provide against future environmental challenges. In addition, reintroduction to extirpated sites will benefit from data on which genotypes were most likely found (and adapted) to that site and the amount of genetic diversity necessary to maintain the re-introduced populations into the future.

Status – To date, ten populations of Clematis socialis (nine in Alabama and one in Rome, Georgia) have been sampled, for a total of 145 individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from all individuals and stored at -20°C at Auburn University. Genetic diversity within the nine AL populations has been estimated by two methods: examing ISSR marker (microsatellite flanking regions) length variation; and nucleotide diversity of SCAR markers (sequence-characterized amplified regions). Overall, Clematis socialis populations are highly variable with relatively little differentiation of individuals by population location. This could suggest gene flow (pollen or seed movement) among populations in the recent past, despite their apparent geographical distinctness. It may also indicate the recent fragmentation of a once more widespread species.

Irene Miller, graduate student, has now characterized genetic diversity within the ex situ C. socialis collections maintained at the Cincinnati Zoo. We are preparing a manuscript on the success of that ex situ conservation effort by examining its diversity within the context of C. socialis genetic diversity overall.

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Endangered bats (Mammalia Chiroptera) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

Funding Source: Department of Defense

Principal Investigator: Troy Best (Auburn University)

Graduate Students: Sara Gardner, Charles Kilgore, Lisa McWilliams

Undergraduate Student: Amber C. Dunn

Duration: June 2005 –December 2007

Relatively little is known about the 15 species of bats in Alabama, but considerable research has been conducted within the past decade (e.g., Best et al., 1993, 1997; Best and Hudson, 1996; Durden et al., 1992; Gobel, 1996; Henry, 1998; Henry et al., 2000; Hilton, 1994; Hilton and Best, 2000; Kiser, 1996, 2000; Milam, 1996; Thomas, 1994; Thomas and Best, 2000). Bats occurring on Redstone Arsenal are of special interest because two endangered species are known from the area, the gray bat and the Indiana bat. In preparing management plans, it would be useful to know if both of these species are present and what habitats they may occupy.

Considering the need for information on bats in the region, a field survey of species present, distribution, habitats occupied, etc., would be highly desirable. These data would be useful in developing management plans for the Redstone Arsenal, and they would provide baseline data for comparisons and future research. This study would be a significant contribution to overall assessment of presence, distribution, and habitat associations of endangered bats in Alabama.

Status – The final year of data collection was completed in late summer 2007 and the annual report was submitted to Redstone Arsenal in September 2007. More than 200 sites were sampled and five species of bats were captured, including several endangered gray bats. A M.S. student in the Department of Biological Sciences currently is assessing relationships between distributions of bats and habitats where bats were captured and not captured. Completion of this thesis is expected in summer 2008.

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Immune, stress and reproductive measures in gopher tortoises at Camp Shelby, Mississippi (completed)

Funding Source: Department of Energy

Principal Investigator: Mary Mendonca ( Auburn University)

Graduate Student: Paula Kahn

Duration: April 2006 –July 2007

This study will focus on characterizing the immune response as well as sex steroid and adrenal steroid hormone profiles in gopher tortoises from a variety of anthropogenically impacted and non-impacted habitats at Camp Shelby, MS. It is part of a larger project conducted by Dr. Marshall Adams from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and supported by the Strategic Environmental Research Program (SERDP) of the Dept. of Defense. The primary objective of this SERDP project is to develop and apply a suite of sensitive and quick-responding biomarkers and bio-indicators for Threatened and Endangered Species (TES) which are subjected to a variety of environmental stressors on military installations. To assess the health and fitness of gopher tortoises residing in areas subjected to different types and levels of stressors, bio-molecular, biochemical, physiological, immunological, histopathological, reproductive, and population-level responses are being measured from non-impacted reference areas and at areas experiencing different levels of military activities. The primary product of this study will be a bioassessment tool that can be used by environmental managers at military facilities to rapidly assess the possible effects of various military training and testing activities on the health of keystone TES such as the gopher tortoise.

Status – Project completed and final report submitted to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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Delineation of important habitat features for adult and juvenile Alabama sturgeon (completed)

Conservation status of fish and other aquatic resources in Upper Tallapoosa River System, Georgia and Alabama (completed)

Survey of the Tulotoma magnifica population in the reach below Jordan Dam on the Coosa River (completed)

Evaluation of the effects of post hurricane dune restoration and revegetation on the Alabama beach mouse (completed)

Artificial burrow development study (completed)

Conservation and habitat manipulation for the Alabama and Perdido Key Beach Mouse

Yellow-blotched and Pascagoula map turtles in the Pascagoula Drainage: evaluating biomarkers of pollutant exposure. Part 2 (completed)

Assessment of habitats in areas historically used by Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in southern and western Alabama and the Florida panhandle

Conservation genetics of the federally endangered Alabama leather flower, Clematis socialis

Endangered bats (Mammalia Chiroptera) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

Immune, stress and reproductive measures in gopher tortoises at Camp Shelby, Mississippi (completed)