Louisiana Association of
Professional Biologists
2008 Fall Symposium
Recent Natural Resources
Research in Louisiana
With a Focus Session on
Economic Impacts and
Implications of Natural Resource
Management
August 14th and 15th
The NOAA Estuarine Habitats and Coastal
Fisheries Center
646 Cajundome Blvd
Lafayette, Louisiana 70506
Thursday, August 14th (Large Conf. Room #119)
8:30 - 8:40
Welcome and Introduction: Mike Carloss,
LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Session I
Moderator: Dr. Sammy L. King (LSU)
8:40 – 9:00
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
OF WHITE-TAILED DEER IN A
BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD
FOREST OF SOUTH-CENTRAL
LOUISIANA. Justin Thayer and Dr.
Michael J. Chamberlain, School of
Renewable Natural Resources, LSU
Agricultural Center.
9:00 – 9:20
HABITAT CHARACTERISITCS
ASSOCIATED WITH BREEDING
SECRETIVE MARSH BIRDS IN THE
MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY OF
LOUISIANA. Jonathon Valente1 and Dr.
Sammy King2,School of Renewable Natural
Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, USGS
Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit, LSU Agricultural Center.
9:20 - 9:40
TREE ESTABLISHMENT AND
GROWTH PATTERNS IN A
HYDROLOGICALLY
DISCONNECTED FLOODPLAIN.
Hugo K. W. Gee1 and Dr. Sammy King2, 1
School of Renewable Natural Resources,
LSU Agricultural Center, 2USGS Louisiana
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research
Unit, LSU Agricultural Center.
9:40 - 10:00
BREAK
Session II
Moderator: Dr. Sammy L. King
10:00 - 10:20
INTEGRATED WATERBIRD USE OF
MOIST SOIL UNITS. Rachel Villani1 and
Dr. Sammy King2, 1School of Renewable
Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural
Center, 2USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish
and Wildlife Research Unit, LSU
Agricultural Center.
10:20 - 10:40
EXAMINING δ13C AND δ15N STABLE
ISOTOPES IN BLUE CRABS (C.
SAPIDUS) AS INDICATORS OF
MARSH EQUIVALENCE IN
CREATED AND REFERENCE
MARSHES. Chris Llewellyn1 and Dr.
Megan La Peyre2, 1School of Renewable
Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural
Center, 2USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish
and Wildlife Research Unit, LSU
Agricultural Center.
10:40 – 11:00 NESTING, ROOSTING AND
FORAGING OF PILEATED
WOODPECKERS IN MANAGED
BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD
FORESTS. Patti Newell1, and Dr. Sammy
King2, 1School of Renewable Natural
Resources, LSU Agricultural Center,
2
USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish and
Wildlife Research Unit, LSU Agricultural
Center.
11:00 - 1:00
LUNCH
Session III
Moderator: Dr. Raymond Bauer (ULL)
1:00 – 1:20
JUVENILE SWIMMING ABILITIES IN
THE AMPHIDROMOUS RIVER
SHRIMP MACROBRACHIUM
OHIONE: IMPLICATIONS FOR
POSTLARVAL MIGRATION TO THE
UPPER MISSISSIPPI-OHIO RIVER
SYSTEM. Tyler Olivier, Dr. Brad Moon,
Dr. Raymond Bauer, Department of
Biology, University of Louisiana Lafayette.
1:20 – 1:40
THE EFFECTS OF HERBICIDE
EXPOSURE ON SPOTTED
SALAMANDER EGG MASSES. Heather
Olivier and Dr. Brad Moon, Department of
Biology, University of Louisiana Lafayette.
1:40 – 2:00
TEMPORAL CHANGES IN THE
DEMOGRAPHY AND MASSES OF
SOUTHEASTERN MYOTIS (MYOTIS
AUSTRORIPARIUS) IN A CENTRAL
LA SUMMER COLONY. Kyle Patton
and Dr. Paul L. Leberg, Department of
Biology, University of Louisiana Lafayette.
2:00 – 2:20
BREAK
Session IV
Moderator: Dr. Kim Marie Tolson
(ULM)
2:20 – 2:40
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AS A
POSSIBLE EFFECT ON ROOST SITE
SELECTION BY CORYNORHINUS
RAFINESQUII (RAFINESQUE’S BIGEARED BAT) IN A BOTTOMLAND
HARDWOOD FOREST STREAMBED.
Chris L. Rice and Dr. Kim Marie Tolson.
University of Louisiana at Monroe.
2:40 – 3:00
HABITAT USE BY FEMALE
MOTTLED DUCKS ON THE
WESTERN GULF COAST. Bruce Davis
and Dr. Frank Rohwer, School of
Renewable Natural Resources, LSU
Agricultural Center.
3:15 – 4:00
LAPB Fall Business Meeting (Room
#119)
4:30 – 7:30
Evening Social (Student Presentation
and Publication Awards) and Dinner at
Abdalla Hall (Kitchen Area)
Friday, August 15th
8:00 – 9:50
POSTER SESSION (CONF. RM #116)
9:50 – 10:00
Opening Remarks: Mike Carloss, LA
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
10:00 – 10:30 THE ROLE OF PARTNERSHIPS IN
NATURAL RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY:
CREOLE NATURE TRAIL ALLAMERICAN ROAD. Anne Taber Klenke,
Account Supervisor, Graham Group,2014
W. Pinhook Road, Ste. 210, Lafayette, LA
70508.
10:30 – 11:00 MITIGATION 101; HISTORY AND
ECONOMICS. James A. Barlow, Jr.,
Environmental Resource Specialist, US
Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans
District.
11:00 – 11:30 ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES.
Kenneth Litzenberger, Project Leader for
Southeast Louisiana Refuges, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 16389 Hwy. 434,
Lacombe, LA 70445
11:30 – 12:00 THE ECONOMICS OF WILDLIFE
AND FISHERIES RESOURCES IN
LOUISIANA: SOURCES AND
CONCLUSIONS. Jack Coburn Isaacs,
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries, Socioeconomic Research and
Development Section, 2000 Quail Drive,
Post Office Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA
70898-9000
12:00 – 12:10 Presentation of Poster Award – Closing
Comments
ABSTRACTS FOR STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
Thursday, August 14th
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF WHITETAILED DEER IN A BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD
FOREST OF SOUTH CENTRAL LOUISIANA. Justin
Thayer and Dr. Michael J. Chamberlain, School of
Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center.
White-tailed deer are an important economical and
recreational resource in Louisiana. A basic understanding
of white-tailed deer population dynamics within the state is
essential to ensure sound management. Baseline
information on population parameters in Louisiana is
lacking. Likewise, the notion of Quality Deer Management
(QDM) continues to gain momentum in Louisiana, with
increasing interest from private landowners throughout the
state. Our objectives were to evaluate space use, dispersal,
harvest rates, and survival for a white-tailed deer herd
managed under a QDM regime in south Louisiana. We
used drop nets and dart projectors in West Baton Rouge
Parish to capture 70 white-tailed deer during 2007 and
2008. We captured and radio-marked 37 males and 11
females and ear-marked an additional 10 males and 7
females. We have monitored radio-marked deer since
February 2007 and will continue to do so until December
2008. All deer are monitored using ground and aerial
telemetry 3-5 times weekly. During the 2007-2008 hunting
season, 9 of 21 collared deer were harvested indicating a
harvest rate of 43% during sport hunting seasons.
Preliminary analyses indicate mean 95% annual home
ranges for males and females at 347 acres (n=6) and 65
acres (n=2), respectively. Mean 50% core areas for the
same sample are 34 acres and 12 acres, respectively.
Additionally, dispersal has been documented in 5 of 12
(42%) 1.5 year old males fitted with expandable radiocollars. Dispersal has occurred during February-April with
distances ranging from 2.5-8.5miles. Preliminary results
indicate much smaller home ranges than anticipated or seen
in similar studies in the southeast. Our findings to date
suggest that private landowners managing small (50-300
acres) amounts of property may be able to practice quality
deer management at scales previously thought to be
ineffective at improving herd dynamics at broader scales.
HABITAT CHARACTERISITCS ASSOCIATED
WITH BREEDING SECRETIVE MARSH BIRDS IN
THE MISSISSIPPI ALLUVIAL VALLEY OF
LOUISIANA. Jonathon Valente1 and Dr. Sammy King2,
1
School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural
Center, 2USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit, LSU Agricultural Center.
Populations of many secretive marsh bird species have
declined over the past 30 years, primarily as a function of
wetland loss. Louisiana is an important breeding region for
many of these species, but has lost 46% of its wetlands in
the past 200 years. We need to understand what wetland
attributes attract secretive marsh birds to facilitate
protection and restoration of waterbird habitat. In the
summers of 2007 and 2008 we surveyed 112 wetland sites
in northeast Louisiana for six species of secretive marsh
birds. We did not encounter enough individuals of three
species (Botaurus lentiginosus, Fulica americana, and
Rallus elegans) to allow data analysis. For the other three
species (Gallinula chloropus, Porphyrula martinica, and
Ixobrychus exilis) we modeled the probability of wetland
sites being occupied as a function of vegetation
characteristics at those sites, while accounting for imperfect
detection probabilities. Presence of each species was
positively correlated with cattail cover, while presence of
Gallinula chloropus and Porphyrula martinica was
positively correlated with cover by some floating plants.
TREE ESTABLISHMENT AND GROWTH
PATTERNS IN A HYDROLOGICALLY
DISCONNECTED FLOODPLAIN. Hugo K. W. Gee1 and
Dr. Sammy King2, 1 School of Renewable Natural
Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, 2USGS Louisiana
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, LSU
Agricultural Center.
Hydrologic and geomorphic processes that structure
floodplain forests in the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial
Valley have been altered at the regional, landscape, and
local level. Levees, dams, and channelization have
eliminated or altered overbank and backwater flooding in
much of the historic floodplain, thus altering the delivery of
nutrient-rich sediments. We hypothesized that flood control
activities have decreased surface flooding and water table
levels at Red River Wildlife Management Area (Concordia
Parish, Louisiana) which led to the establishment of less
flood tolerant species and decreased tree growth of flood
tolerant species. Dendroecological techniques were used to
determine growth patterns for overcup oak (Quercus lyrata;
n = 13), honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos; n = 12), and
sugarberry (Celtis laevigata; n = 10). Diameter-growth
relationships (R = 0.50-0.69) from > 24 trees/species were
used to determine the age distribution of trees not cored.
Establishment of flood tolerant species such as overcup oak
(n = 139 trees) has ceased after a ring levee around the
parish was completed in the 1950s while establishment of
less flood tolerant species such as honeylocust (n = 53 trees)
and sugarberry (n = 84 trees) have increased after the 1950s.
Overcup oak annual growth showed a horizontal linear
trend prior to the 1960s followed by a dramatic increase
likely due to a timber harvest by the previous owners. The
timber harvest may have masked any negative impacts on
overcup oak growth from reduced overbank and backwater
flooding after construction of the ring levee. Overcup oak
growth has been declining since the 1970s until the present.
The continued decline in overcup oak growth coincides with
completion of the Tensas-Cocodrie Pumping Station (1988),
a series of locks and dams on Red River (1987-1995), and a
recent drought that began in 1998. Growth decline of
overcup oak may lead to mortality and replacement in the
overstory by less flood tolerant honeylocust and sugarberry.
Future research activities will include developing growth
chronologies for overcup oak over a larger area of Red
River Wildlife Management Area.
INTEGRATED WATERBIRD USE OF MOIST SOIL
UNITS. Rachel Villani1 and Dr. Sammy King2, 1School of
Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center,
2
USGS Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research
Unit, LSU Agricultural Center.
The Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) provides important
stopover habitat for waterbirds during fall migration,
however, unmanaged habitat is usually limited. Moist soil
units in the MAV can potentially provide more predictable
habitat resources for shorebirds, wading birds, marsh birds,
and waterfowl during fall migration. In this study, we
evaluate waterbird species presence, abundance, and density
on moist soil units on six wildlife management areas
(WMAs) in the MAV of Louisiana to determine habitat use
in relation to management activities and habitat conditions.
We conducted 15 weekly surveys of 22 moist soil units
from 16 July to 25 October 2007. We visually identified all
waterbirds present at survey points on each moist soil unit.
In addition, we recorded distance, behavior, habitat, and
water depth for all birds observed, and completed 13
vegetation surveys during the season at each survey point.
We recorded habitat coverage within 150m of each point.
We observed 21,135 waterbirds of 47 species, including
7,894 shorebirds of 18 species. Waterbird abundance
peaked from 12-18 August 2007, and again from 21-27
October when waterfowl were present. Shorebirds were
most abundant during 12-18 August 2007, and density was
highest during 5-11 August 2007. Most moist soil units
consistently provided wading bird, marsh bird, and
waterfowl habitat, but only sporadically provided shorebird
habitat. The amount of herbaceous vegetation and water
depth were factors limiting shorebird use of moist soil units.
EXAMINING δ13C AND δ15N STABLE ISOTOPES IN
BLUE CRABS (C. SAPIDUS) AS INDICATORS OF
MARSH EQUIVALENCE IN CREATED AND
REFERENCE MARSHES. Chris Llewellyn1 and Dr.
Megan La Peyre2, 1School of Renewable Natural Resources,
LSU Agricultural Center, 2USGS Louisiana Cooperative
Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, LSU Agricultural Center.
Determining functional equivalency of restored marshes
remains a major challenge in restoration ecology. Recently,
stable isotopes have been suggested as a potential tool to
trace food web support to consumers and track species
movement patterns, both of which can lead to a better
understanding of marsh functional value. Because
organisms acquire isotopic signals from their diet, stables
isotopes can be used to determine differences in diet, which
is typically habitat specific, thus differences in habitat use
will be reflected in isotopic signals. This project examined
the use of stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in blue crabs as a
means to assess marsh functional equivalency. In 2007, we
collected blue crabs from different-aged restored (2002,
1999, 1993, 1983) and reference marshes in southwest
Louisiana. Using a priori contrasts between paired sites, we
compared δ13C and δ15N isotopes of both hepatopancreas
and muscle tissue in blue crabs. Significant differences in
isotope signatures were found only between the paired
reference and 2002 created marsh site. Differences in
isotope signals at the youngest created site may indicate (1)
the young created marsh is still developing and has not
reached functional equivalence with adjacent marsh in
terms of food web support, or (2) site specific effects, such
as low site fidelity. While further studies involving tracking
of blue crabs and determining the half-life of the isotopes in
blue crabs are planned, these initial data support the idea
that stable isotopes can be developed as a tool for
examining functional equivalency between sites.
NESTING, ROOSTING AND FORAGING OF
PILEATED WOODPECKERS IN MANAGED
BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FORESTS. Patti
Newell1, and Dr. Sammy King2, 1School of Renewable
Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, 2USGS
Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit,
LSU Agricultural Center.
Partial cutting techniques are increasingly advocated and
used to create habitat for priority wildlife in bottomland
hardwood forests. However, partial cutting may or may not
be beneficial to keystone species that depend on dead wood
such as the pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus). To
determine the effect of partial cutting on pileated
woodpeckers, we studied their nesting, roosting, and
foraging ecology in recent partial cut and uncut forest
during winter, spring, and summer of 2006 and 2007 in
Louisiana. Boles of live trees hosted most nest and roost
cavities (34/37), however, trees in early stages of decay
were preferred as was baldcypress (Taxodium distichum).
Preferred substrates were extremely rare in both partial cut
and uncut forest. Woodpeckers preferred sites for nesting
and roosting that contained higher densities of large trees;
these sites were equally available in partial cut and uncut
forest. Nest success was also the same in partial cut and
uncut forest.
For foraging, woodpeckers used mostly live, standing
structures, and rarely used coarse woody debris and stumps.
Only 37% of foraging was on dead substrates although
recently dead trees were preferred. Woodpeckers also
preferred bitter pecan (Carya aquatica) and large (70+) dbh
classes for foraging. Density of preferred foraging
substrates was the same in partial cut and uncut forest. In
addition to ants (Pheidole, Camponotus, and Crematogaster
spp.) and beetles (Coleoptera), poison ivy berries (Rhus
radicans) constituted a large proportion of woodpecker diet.
The effects of partial cutting appear to be negligible on
pileated woodpeckers.
Key Words: Dryocopus pileatus, foraging, Louisiana,
nesting, partial cutting, pileated woodpecker, roosting.
JUVENILE SWIMMING ABILITIES IN THE
AMPHIDROMOUS RIVER SHRIMP
MACROBRACHIUM OHIONE: IMPLICATIONS FOR
POSTLARVAL MIGRATION TO THE UPPER
MISSISSIPPI-OHIO RIVER SYSTEM. Tyler Olivier,
Dr. Brad Moon, Dr. Raymond Bauer, Department of
Biology University of Louisiana Lafayette.
The river shrimp Macrobrachium ohione is amphidromous,
i.e., larval development takes place in coastal estuaries after
which postlarvae (juveniles) make a mass migration upriver
into the adult freshwater habitat. Swimming parameters
(speed, duration) are being studied in migrating juveniles in
the Atchafalaya River, a distributary of the Mississippi
River in Louisiana. Such measures will help address
questions about the timing and range of juvenile migrations.
Methods and preliminary results are reported here. Juveniles
swimming near the surface along the shore were recorded at
night using camcorders and infrared (IR) illumination from
battery-powered IR lamps. The period during the night
when juveniles leave the bottom and swim upstream was
measured with still images taken every 5 min throughout
the night and by 2 sec video clips (interval video recording)
recorded on separate camcorders at 5 min (09/04/07) or 10
min (08/18/08) intervals. For the two nights of observation,
numbers of shrimps in the stills or clips were recorded and
summed for every 30 min period. The interval video
recording was the best method for quantifying the number
of swimming juveniles because juveniles moving upstream
can be distinguished from surface debris floating
downstream. For both nights, the peak period of swimming
(greatest number of individuals) was during the first few
hours of darkness, with another minor peak near sunrise. On
average, the shrimps spent approximately 2.5 h swimming
per night. However, we have observed abundant swimming
juveniles on other occasions in the early morning hours so
these results are considered preliminary, with extended
observations planned for this summer. Using Peak Motus
motion analysis software, swimming speeds were measured
over 1-2 sec periods sampled every 30 min during two
nights in the summer of 2007 as well as from videos
recorded in two previous years. Ground speeds of the
swimming shrimp varied from 0.6-1.4 km h-1 measured at
river velocities of 0.5-1.3 km h-1. A preliminary model
based on hatching period, larval development, and juvenile
swimming parameters was proposed to predict arrival times
of migrating juveniles at a riverine location 150 km from
the Atchafalaya Delta, the source of the juvenile migraters,
and compared with observed arrival times in 2005-07.
These data can also be used to estimate the time required for
long distance migrations up the Mississippi River System
(MRS). M. ohione populations were once abundant as far
north as St. Louis, Missouri and into the lower Ohio River,
but now are abundant only in the lower Mississippi and
Atchafalaya Rivers in Louisiana. Various hypotheses are
compared to explain the previously large populations of
this amphidromous shrimp far upstream: (a) a long distance
amphidromous migration to and from the Gulf of Mexico;
(b) adaptation of northern populations to freshwater
(abbreviated development); and (c) inland “larval” nurseries
created by the formerly numerous saline springs in the
upper Mississippi and lower Ohio Rivers. Support from
NOAA LA Sea Grant R/SA-04 is acknowledged.
THE EFFECTS OF HERBICIDE EXPOSURE ON
SPOTTED SALAMANDER EGG MASSES. Heather
Olivier and Dr. Brad Moon, Department of Biology,
University of Louisiana Lafayette.
Worldwide amphibian declines have been a cause of
concern for herpetologists for the past half century. In the
search for the causes of such declines, scientists have
studied the effects of habitat loss, invasive species,
pathogens, and man-made chemicals. In this study I wished
to look at the effects of the agricultural herbicide (atrazine)
on Spotted Salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum). These
salamanders are a good model species because they exist in
areas near agriculture, are common and easy to obtain, and
share a unique symbiotic relationship with the green alga
Oophilum amblystomatis. I exposed Spotted Salamander
egg masses to treatments of 400 g/L, 200 g/L, 100 g/L,
and 50 g/L of atrazine, and a control. Algae were
eliminated in all atrazine treatments, and hatching success
was significantly lower for atrazine treated egg masses than
for the controls. Total length and final developmental stage
reached by hatchlings was significantly lower in atrazine
treatments than in the controls.
TEMPORAL CHANGES IN THE DEMOGRAPHY
AND MASSES OF SOUTHEASTERN MYOTIS
(MYOTIS AUSTRORIPARIUS) IN A CENTRAL LA
SUMMER COLONY. Kyle Patton and Dr. Paul L.
Leberg, Department of Biology, University of Louisiana
Lafayette.
Little is known about the roosting ecology of the
southeastern Myotis, Myotis austroriparius, a colonial bat
recently designated as a species of special concern in
Louisiana. In Camp Claiborne, an abandoned World War II
training facility near the LA town of Forest Hill, three water
storage buildings house Southeastern Myotis during the
summer months of each year. In 2008, we assessed sex
ratios, age ratios, reproductive condition, and sex-specific
variation in the masses of the bats from the months of
March to July to understand how demography and body
condition varies throughout reproduction and lactation.
With a dramatic increase in females’ weights in the month
of April, parturition peaked in the beginning of May.
Lactation occurred from May to early June, when the
juveniles were weaned and able to fly on their own. No
change in body condition was found among the males from
the months of March until July.
AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AS A POSSIBLE
EFFECT ON ROOST SITE SELECTION BY
CORYNORHINUS RAFINESQUII (RAFINESQUE’S
BIG-EARED BAT) IN A BOTTOMLAND
HARDWOOD FOREST STREAMBED. Chris L. Rice
and Dr. Kim Marie Tolson, University of Louisiana at
Monroe.
Corynorhinus rafinesquii (Rafinesque’s big-eared bat) is
found in scattered localities throughout the southeastern
United States and is listed federally as a “species of
concern”. Research efforts were initiated in an attempt to
determine roost site preference during periods of fluctuating
ambient temperatures. Twelve individuals were outfitted
with 0.42g radio transmitters attached to the interscapular
region with surgical cement. Telemetry was conducted over
the course of 52 days from 15 September to 26 December
2007 on the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge in
northeastern Louisiana. Tree cavities of 59 potential roost
sites (water tupelo, Nyssa aquatica; bald cypress, Taxodium
distichum; willow oak, Quercus phellos; persimmon,
Diospyros virginiana; and water oak, Quercus nigra) were
also searched for 22 days during the last quarter of 2007.
All trees were classified according to the location of tree
cavity openings: Type 1 (basal opening only), Type 2
(basal opening and chimney opening), and Type 3 (chimney
opening only). When ambient temperature fell below 6° C,
14 of 17 (82%) transmitter “fixes” were located in Type 3
trees, while the other three “fixes” were in Type 1 trees.
Cavity searches of all 59 trees revealed C. rafinesquii were
found in only water tupelo and bald cypress trees (Types 1
and 2), and that presence of these bats increased as ambient
temperature increased (R2 = 0.7014). Data will be analyzed
on distance of movements, frequency of tree use, and site
characteristics for all trees.
HABITAT USE BY FEMALE MOTTLED DUCKS ON
THE WESTERN GULF COAST. Bruce Davis and Dr.
Frank Rohwer, School of Renewable Natural Resources,
LSU Agricultural Center.
Mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) are the primary breeding
waterfowl species for western Gulf of Mexico coastal
marshes. Although no definitive population survey exists
for accurate population estimates, several regional and local
indices to mottled duck abundance are available. These
indices show a generally declining trend across the western
gulf coast. Mottled ducks are nonmigratory and
consequently satisfy the entirety of their annual resource
needs from habitats existing within a small geographic
range. Unfortunately, several key facts about the ecology of
mottled ducks remain unclear. Wetland managers lack
unbiased estimates of mottled duck habitat use and survival
during different time periods of the annual cycle. These
data are crucial for effectively targeting conservation efforts
to address events and time periods of the annual cycle
where greatest population responses may be achieved. A
collaborative 3-year study of mottled duck seasonal habitat
use and survival across a large portion of their range was
initiated during summer 2007. In July and August 2007,
174 female Mottled Ducks were marked with abdominally
implanted radio-transmitters in the coastal marshes of Texas
and Louisiana. We tracked radio-marked females weekly
via truck or aircraft to assess survival throughout the fall
and winter. Intensive radio-tracking was initiated in March
2008 to assess use of habitats throughout the spring and
summer (nesting and molting periods). Females generally
had small home ranges and used intermediate marsh
extensively throughout the spring and summer, with greater
use of fresh marsh and agricultural lands in the early spring.
Further analysis will be conducted to investigate
relationships between use of habitats, time of year, female
age, and nesting status of marked females. Data collected in
this study should enable resource managers to effectively
prioritize management objectives and further assess
research needs for mottled ducks.
ABSTRACTS FOR PROFESSIONAL
PRESENTATIONS
Friday August 15th
THE ROLE OF PARTNERSHIPS IN NATURAL
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CASE STUDY:
CREOLE NATURE TRAIL ALL-AMERICAN ROAD.
Anne Taber Klenke, Account Supervisor, Graham
Group,2014 W. Pinhook Road, Ste. 210, Lafayette, LA
70508.
The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, one of only 27
roads to have received this designation, truly has one goal—
to preserve the natural, cultural, scenic, recreational,
historical and archaeological qualities of the trail, its people
and ecology while still attracting more people to the trail to
enjoy these qualities. But the objectives go far beyond mere
entertainment. They require the education of visitors on
why the unique and fragile eco-system that is the Creole
Nature Trail is vital to the entire nation. Calcasieu and
Cameron parishes, together, account for 159,079,0661
pounds of the fish, crabs and shrimp supplied to the nation
and the world. These species rely upon the fresh and
saltwater marshes in order to reproduce.
Similarly, 2003 total Louisiana sales attributable to wildlife
viewing (non-consumptive) were estimated to be just over
$78 million. Total US sales attributable to Louisiana
recreational saltwater fishing were estimated to be over
$339 million and those attributable to Louisiana migratory
birding hunting were estimated to be $25 million in 2003.2
For many years, the Southwest Louisiana Convention &
Visitors Bureau has served as the marketing and promotions
arm of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, working
hand-in-hand with the trail’s board of commissioners to
build local, national and international partnerships to
encourage visitation while sustaining the unique culture and
eco-systems that exist along the trail. Especially critical to
the development of visitor facilities along the Creole Nature
Trail have been the partnerships established with the
National Wildlife Refuges (3) and the state wildlife refuge
along the route.
The Creole Nature Trail is second only to gaming in
bringing visitors to Southwest Louisiana. In 2004 tourism in
Calcasieu and Cameron parishes saw nearly $3,084,800 in
visitor expenditures.
After Hurricane Rita, there were no visitor facilities along
the trail and very few accommodation options for visitors as
recovery workers were utilizing 99%+ of the hotel space
available in the parishes. Relationships built over many
years came to the aid of the Creole Nature Trail, including
the refuges, the Louisiana Department of Transportation &
Development and the Federal Highway Administration
Scenic Byways program.
Due to the development of these partnerships and the longterm commitment of the Creole Nature Trail Board of
Commissioners (all volunteer), the majority of visitor
amenities along the trail have been re-opened to the public.
Based on 2006 Travel Industry Association of America
data, the economic impact of tourism in the two parishes is
now $328 million and growing. And additional
opportunities for visitor education are also in process,
including a boardwalk at Pintail Wildlife Drive on Cameron
Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and hopefully, visitor
restroom and shower facilities at Holly Beach.
Another project, started some time ago, epitomizes the
educational objective of the Creole Nature Trail. Originally
conceived as a memorial to the lives lost in Hurricane
Audrey in 1957, with CNT and SWCVB support, the
venture has morphed into a scientific, educational and
entertaining facility of national and international scope. The
new project, the National Hurricane Museum & Science
Center (NHMSC) will highlight the forces of nature as they
act and interact with each other to affect lands and people.
While entertaining, the center will be designed to educate
all levels of visitors, from school children to their
grandparents, on what severe topical storms are, how they
form, what parts of them cause the most damage, where
they occur, etc.
Designed as a string of pearls, it is the ultimate goal that the
NHMSC will consist of multiple facilities, each playing a
part in the education and entertainment process, and each
drawing you out and along the Creole Nature Trail to
experience the eco-system firsthand. This project will
accomplished by utilizing partnerships with such entities as
the National Weather Service, NOAA, and many others.
1
Louisiana State University, Agricultural Extension Service
“The Economic Impact of Coastal Erosion in Louisiana on
State, Regional, and National Economies”, Department of
Natural Resources, State of Louisiana; Dr. James A.
Richardson, Louisiana State University and Dr. Loren C.
Scott; April 2004
2
MITIGATION 101; HISTORY AND ECONOMICS.
James A. Barlow, Jr., Environmental Resource Specialist,
US Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District.
The national goal of “no-net loss” of wetlands is supported
by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Permittees seeking
Department of the Army authorization for projects under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 are required to replace any
wetland functional losses through a compensation plan that
restores, enhances, creates or in some cases preserves
wetland functions. Mitigation banks have been established
by the New Orleans District as one option that permittees
have to fulfill their compensatory obligations. Mitigation
banks are convenient in that the permittee, for a one time
fee, can generally walk away without the responsibility of
performing, monitoring, assuring success of the mitigation
project and/or providing perpetual protection of a portion of
his property. The fees charged are not regulated by the
Corps but are set by the bank sponsor and generally
consider costs of performing the work, monitoring the
success, possibly property acquisition, legal fees, etc. The
fees associated with mitigation banks have steadily
increased not only as a result of inflation but from changes
in banker goals and objectives, land values, and regulatory
requirements. Increased fees are followed through the
evolution of the mitigation banking regulations.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF NATIONAL WILDLIFE
REFUGES. KennethLitzenberger, Project Leader for
Southeast Louisiana Refuges, 16389 Hwy. 434, Lacombe,
LA 70445
National Wildlife Refuges enrich people in a great variety
of ways. Some benefits are relatively easy to quantify – to
attach a value to- and some are not. How much do visitors
put on a beautiful vista, or duck hunters put on their
excitement? Can a dollar figure – price tag- be attached to
people’s dawning understanding of the marvelous working
of the natural world? What’s it worth to maintain and
preserve the habitat vital to the survival of endangered
species.
One way to understand the economics of national wildlife
refuges is to ask the question: If a given refuge did not exist,
what would the region’s economy be like? Many refuges
were established to protect waterfowl hunting opportunities
but as public interests have expanded to emphasize
watching and photographing wildlife the role of refuges has
also evolved. Ecotourism is one method to derive economic
benefits from the conservation of wildlife and habitat.
Refuge visitors pay for recreation through entrance fees,
lodging, food and other purchases from local businesses.
Recreational use on national wildlife refuges generated
almost $1.7 billion in total economic activity during fiscal
year 2006, according to a new report. The report “Banking
On Nature” sampled 80 National Wildlife Refuges to
determine how important is wildlife refuge-based recreation
in the mix of federal outdoor opportunities. It reveals that
the Refuge System, while admirably fulfilling its
conservation mission, also repays us in dollars and cents.
Those economic benefits go far beyond the system’s
mandated mission to ensure wild creature will always have
a place on the American landscape.
THE ECONOMICS OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
RESOURCES IN LOUISIANA: SOURCES AND
CONCLUSIONS. Jack Coburn Isaacs, Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Socioeconomic
Research and Development Section, 2000 Quail Drive, Post
Office Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000
It is widely known that Louisiana’s bounteous wildlife and
fisheries resources support billions of dollars worth of
commercial and recreational activity every year. There are
various published sources that quantify how much of a
contribution of the state’s natural resources contribute to
Louisiana’s economy. The National Marine Fisheries
Services, for example, regularly posts the quantity and value
of commercial seafood landings. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service estimates expenditures related to
participation in hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching,
based on surveys developed and implemented by the U.S.
Census Bureau every five years. The National Marine
Fisheries Services also periodically estimates recreational
fishing activities and expenditures within the state.
This presentation will discuss these and other sources of
economic information, including Southwick and Associates
recently published assessment of the economic impact of
wildlife and fisheries activities in Louisiana in 2006. The
presentation will also discuss other sources of information
that might be used to complement or extend these analyses.
POSTER ABSTRACTS - Friday August 15th
PRAIRIE RESTORATION EFFORTS ON
OUACHITA WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA.
Justin Martin, Matt Pardue, and Dr. Kim Marie Tolson,
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 712090520.
Only about 600 acres of native prairie remain in Louisiana
(Allen and Vidrine 1989), with most of the remnants located
in the southern portion of the state. It is known that coastal
prairie once comprised between two and three million acres
(MacRoberts and MacRoberts, 1997). However, prairies
could also once be found throughout scattered localities in
north Louisiana. These prairies were known as “pocket
prairies” (Rostlund, 1957) due to there small size and
general isolation from similar biomes. Dominant grasses
within these communities include big bluestem
(Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizacharium
scoparius), indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), and eastern
gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides). Many birds rely on
these prairie ecosystems during there life cycle for feeding,
cover, nesting, and brood-rearing habitat. Grassland birds
have seen some of the sharpest declines of bird species
throughout North America (Rich, et al. 2004). Partners in
Flight (PIF), along with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
have listed several species of grassland birds as species of
concern, and have placed them on their Continental
Watchlist. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries (LDWF) recognized a site of ~ 110 acres within
Ouachita Wildlife Management Area (OWMA) that is
thought to be of the Mississippi Terrace Prairie type which
holds an S1 ranking by the Louisiana Natural Heritage
Program. Restoration efforts were initiated in the fall of
2007 in a cooperative agreement between ULM and LDWF.
Status of the restoration efforts will be presented during the
meeting. This site is reclaimed agricultural land that was
previously used for rice and corn production, and has seen
multiple reforestation efforts fail. Preliminary results have
identified over 99 species of plants on the site, as well as 82
species of avifauna.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF DICKCISSEL (SPIZA
AMERICANA) NESTING SUCCESS IN NORTHEAST
LOUISIANA. Matt Pardue and Dr. Kim Marie Tolson,
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 712090520.
Grassland birds have experienced some of the sharpest
declines of any birds in North America. One grassland
species, the dickcissel, (Spiza americana) is listed as a
species of concern by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and
Partners in Flight (Rich et al., 2004), and has been placed on
the Audobon Watch List. The dickcissel is a neotropical
migratory bird that once utilized vast grassland and prairie
habitat for foraging and nesting purposes (Weidenfeld and
Swan, 2000). The Cornell Lab of Ornithology lists several
conservation concerns for the dickcissel. The dearth of
knowledge on nesting ecology and nest predation is one
such concern. With the loss of prairie habitat, dickcissels
are now found in a wide range of habitats, particularly in
lands enrolled in federal programs, such as WRP, CRP, and
CREP. These programs provide early successional habitat
for the first few years of enrollment. However, after several
years, succession takes place, allowing for larger trees to
take over, shading out low growing forbs and grasses. Thick
ground cover is preferred by nesting dickcissels for a
variety of reasons, to include visual isolation from predators
and brown-headed cowbirds, which parasitize many
passerine nests (Winter et al., 2006). Systematic nest
searches were performed from the beginning of May 2008
through early August 2008. Once a nest was located, it was
marked with flagging tape at least 5 m away, a GPS
coordinate taken, and data were collected on height to rim,
plant species harboring nest, vegetation data surrounding
nest, overhead obstruction(s), clutch size, and presence of
female/male dickcissels. Once the fate of the nest was
determined, visual obstruction measurements were taken in
each of the cardinal directions from a distance of 4 m, using
a Robel pole. A total of 125 dickcissels nests were located
on two WRP fields in Ouachita Parish, as well as one
CREP, and one WRP field in Richland Parish. Nests were
monitored every 4-5 days to observe nesting success.
Preliminary results show that low nesting success (~25%),
as defined by the fledging of at least one young, was
observed at all four locations.
BREEDING WATERBIRD USE AND NEST SUCCESS
AT THE ISLE DERNIERES BARRIER ISLAND
REFUGE, LOUISIANA. Edward J. Raynor and Dr.
Aaron R. Pierce, Department of Biology, Nicholls State
University, Thibodaux, LA 70310
Louisiana’s barrier islands rival all other breeding habitat
types in colonial waterbird density. However, this habitat is
subject to erosion from wave energy, storms, and reduced
accretion from the human-altered Mississippi River system.
In response to these effects, there has been considerable
restoration efforts focused on barrier islands, but little
evaluation in their use by avian species has been
undertaken. Louisiana’s Isle Dernieres Barrier Island
Refuge has been augmented via restoration projects dating
back to 1994 and includes breakwater structures and
supplemental dredge fill material. To determine the
breeding waterbird use of the Isle Dernieres Barrier Island
Refuge we conducted boat/ground surveys during May and
June 2008, recording species and estimating breeding
population size. Overall, we observed 20 species and
approximately 45,000 breeding pairs on the barrier island
chain. We also monitored the nest success of three
waterbird species of conservation concern, Sandwich Tern
(Thalasseus sandvicensis), Royal Tern (Thalasseus
maxima), and Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger). In total we
monitored 7 colonies of Sandwich Tern (320 nests) and
Royal Tern (538 nests) and 8 colonies of Black Skimmer
(265 nests) to assess their nest success. Future work will
include continuing to monitor the Isle Dernieres Barrier
Island Refuge for waterbird use and nest success, modeling
nest success to determine important habitat characteristics,
and comparison of habitat characteristics and predator
abundance at the colony site-level with respect to the
islands temporal history of restoration projects.
E-mail: aaron.pierce@nicholls.edu
WHOOPING CRANE FOOD AVAILABILITY IN
DIFFERENT MARSH TYPES. Sung-Ryong Kang1 and
Sammy King2, 1School of Renewable Natural Resources,
LSU AgCenter, skang1@lsu.edu. 2USGS Louisiana
Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of
Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter,
sking16@lsu.edu
Louisiana historically supported both resident and wintering
populations of Whooping Cranes (Grus Americana).
Migratory and resident Whooping Cranes favored different
habitats. Migratory cranes wintered on the tallgrass prairies,
brackish marshes, and salt marshes of the Chenier Plain,
whereas a resident flock nested in the isolated freshwater
marsh north of White Lake in Vermilion Parish. The current
suitability of the White Lake marshes to support Whooping
Cranes is unknown and necessitates an understanding of
marsh characteristics and life history needs of Whooping
Cranes. Whooping Crane chicks are flightless for several
months and must be able to access ponds by walking.
Similarly, Whooping Cranes undergo molt from April to
June and are flightless during this period. Thus, food must
be available in walking distance and across suitable terrain.
An improved understanding of temporal and spatial food
availability is needed to assess the suitability of these
marshes for a potential Whooping Crane reintroduction. The
goal of this study is to determine how aquatic invertebrate
and nekton community structure and biomass are affected
by season and microhabitat. Thus, we will investigate
seasonal variation in aquatic invertebrate and nekton
community assemblage structure in the field. We will also
experimentally determine threshold levels of salinity and
dissolved oxygen for aquatic invertebrate and nekton
survival. A clear understanding of food availability in
different marsh types will aid an evaluation of habitat
suitability for the potential reintroduction of Whooping
Cranes.
ROOST SITE SELECTION BY TWO
VESPERTILIONID BATS (MYOTIS
AUSTRORIPARIUS AND CORYNORHINUS
RAFINESQUII) IN A NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FOREST. Chris L. Rice
and Dr. Kim Marie Tolson. University of Louisiana at
Monroe.
Myotis austroriparius (southeastern myotis) and
Corynorhinus rafinesquii (Rafinesque’s big-eared bat) are
listed federally as “species of concern” throughout their
range of the southeastern United States. A paucity of
information exists on either species, but both are known to
roost in water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) and bald cypress
(Taxodium distichum) cavities. Fifty-nine potential roost
sites located in cavities of water tupelo, cypress, persimmon
(Diospyros virginiana), water oak (Quercus nigra) and
willow oak (Quercus phellos) were identified within a 1700
m stream bed in the Upper Ouachita NWR. Cavities were
monitored from 24 May to 26 December 2007. Forty-one
cavity searches revealed that thirty-four cavities (water
tupelo and cypress)(58%) have been utilized as roosts for
one or both species. C. rafinesquii inhabited thirty-three
cavities (water tupelo and cypress)(56%) and switched
roosts frequently. Fourteen trees were occupied >50% of
the time by this species. M. austroriparius established more
permanent roosts in only six cavities (water tupelo)(10%).
On occasion, M. austroriparius and C. rafinesquii were
found sharing roost sites in five cavities. Site characteristics
have been obtained for all trees in an attempt to determine
roost site preferences for both species. Additionally, mist
nets are being used to survey bat species within the study
site. Since 2 March 2007, 112 individuals consisting of
four species (M. austroriparius, C. rafinesquii, Eptesicus
fuscus, and Lasiurus borealis) have been captured. Data
were collected on gender, weight, forearm length,
reproductive status, and age of all bats. Ambient
temperature and time of capture for each individual were
recorded.
COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF VERNAL POOLS
IN OUACHITA PARISH, LOUISIANA FOR
POSSIBLE REINTRODUCTION OF THE
SOUTHERN CRAWFISH FROG (RANA AREOLATA).
B. Chase McPherson and Dr. Kim Marie Tolson,
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences,
University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 712090520.
The Southern Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata) is listed as a
Species of Conservation Concern by the Louisiana Natural
Heritage Program with a conservation ranking of S3?; a
ranking that is questioned due to the paucity of information
that exists on this species in Louisiana. One specific habitat
requirement that is known for the Crawfish Frog is its
inability to co-exist with predatory fishes. The objectives of
this research are to identify potential limiting factors and
assess habitat suitability of five vernal pools in south
Ouachita Parish for the possible reintroduction of this
species. Specimens were last collected in that area of the
parish in 1977. GIS mapping was conducted on a monthly
basis to determine temporal changes in surface area.
Additional data on water depth and temperature were
recorded along with the predominant forms of vegetation in
and around the vernal pools. Data on rainfall at the site were
recorded whenever a rainfall event occurred. Aquatic
sampling with mesh seines and dip nets revealed only 3
species of fish present--none of which are predators of the
Crawfish Frog. The aquatic sampling also produced
crawfish, beetles, and dragonfly larvae, which are all known
food for the Crawfish Frog. Herpetofauna found in the
immediate vicinity of the pools included 1 species of turtle,
5 species of frogs, and 3 species of snakes. The preliminary
data collected to date indicate that this site may provide
suitable habitat for the Crawfish Frog due to the presence of
adequate cover and food, and is void of predatory fishes.
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR WOOD DUCK NESTBOX MANAGEMENT. Justin Martin and Dr. Kim M.
Tolson. Department of Biology, College of Arts and
Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA.
71209-0520
Artificial nest-boxes were first used in 1937 to provide
alternative nesting sites for wood ducks (Aix sponsa)
(Bellrose and Holm 1994). The Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) began its nest box
monitoring program in 1990. The LDWF monitors 2,750
nest-boxes statewide. Currently, there are 250 nest boxes
monitored by LDWF in District 2. During this study, 141
of those boxes were surveyed. Out of the 141 boxes, 67
were located in and around Wetlands Reserve Program
(WRP) land, 36 were located in and around bottomland
hardwood forests (BLH), and 38 were located in and around
a mature mixed bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and
water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) brake (CWT). Nesting
season was broken down in three periods; early, middle, and
late. Nest-boxes were checked bi-weekly beginning on 19
Feb 2008 and continued until 6 July 2008. Data on clutch
size, nest initiation, nest success, and nest-box utilization
were recorded. The average clutch size of WRP was 13.81
± 3.67. The average clutch size for BLH was 13.8 ± 2.95.
CWT had an average clutch size of 14.1 ± 3.18 eggs. The
first nest initiation in this study was 11 Feb 2008 while the
last nest was initiated on 28 June 2008. WRP land
exhibited the greatest amount of nest success. Average nest
box utilization for WRP was 42.2%, BLH 30.2%, and CWT
23.1% over the three time periods. Nest predators were also
documented. The most common predator was the black rat
snake (Pantherophis obsoleta) followed by the raccoon
(Procyon lotor). Other animals that utilized the boxes were
the black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis),
carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), eastern screech
owl (Megascops asio), and hooded merganser (Lophodytes
cucullatus). A base map of the study areas was constructed
using ARCMAP GIS. Additionally, a land use/land cover
map of the study areas was created to diagram the current
nest-box placement of the study areas. Nest-box data along
with the mapping data will be combined to develop a
strategic plan for wood duck nest-box management in
Louisiana.
CWPPRA- RESTORED BARRIER ISLAND
ATTRACTS NESTING LEAST TERNS. Cecilia
Leumas1, Frank Rohwer1, E.J. Raynor2, and Aaron Pierce2,
1 School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU AgCenter,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803, cleuma1@lsu.edu,
frohwer@lsu.edu 2 Dept. of Biological Sciences, Nicholls
State University, Thibodaux, LA 70310,
rayne068@its.nicholls.edu, aaron.pierce@nicholls.edu
In Louisiana, the Department of Natural Resources works to
restore barrier islands for coastal protection. Restoration
has the potential to benefit beach-nesting Least Terns, a
species threatened by habitat loss. We monitored nests of
Least Terns on a restored section of Trinity Island in the
Isles Dernieres chain. Nests inside fenced predator
exclosures had a 75% hatch rate; nests outside exclosures
had a 0% hatch rate. Raccoon predation was the most
common known cause of nest failure, and we found no
evidence that raccoons ever gained access to the exclosures.
These results support the hypothesis that predation limits
nest success of Least Terns on Trinity Island.
SHOREBIRD USE OF RICE FIELDS AT MULTIPLE
SCALES. Rachel Villani1, Bradley A.Pickens1, Sammy L.
King2, 1School of Renewable Natural Resources,LSU
AgCenter, 2Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit, USGS,124 School of Renewable Natural
Resources LSU AgCenter.
Shorebirds are a group of migratory birds that include
sandpipers, plovers, avocets, and stilts. They are highly
diverse, exhibiting differences in body shape and size,
foraging methods, and prey. Shorebirds primarily winter in
the southern North America and in Central and South
America, and then migrate in the spring to their breeding
grounds in the Arctic. During migration, shorebirds utilize
stopover sites, or areas to rest and feed, before continuing
migration to their destination, using open, sparsely
vegetated sites with open mudflat or shallow water. In
southwestern Louisiana, rice fields provide this vital
stopover habitat during spring migration, which makes rice
conservation important. We know that shorebirds use rice
fields during migration, but very little information is
available on the local and landscape factors that influence
shorebirds using a given field. In this project, we evaluate
those local and landscape factors influencing shorebird use
of rice fields during spring migration in southwestern
Louisiana.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL
DISTURBANCE ON STREAM BENTHIC
MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES IN
SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA. Peter Markos and
William E. Kelso. Louisiana State University, College of
Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana 70803.
Physical disturbances are common in streams and have been
found to be important in structuring lotic communities.
Prior studies in Louisiana found disturbances typically
associated with stream degradation do not correlate well
with macroinvertebrate community structure. However, it
is still believed that disturbance structures
macroinvertebrate communities. This study evaluates the
response of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to
streams that differ in physical disturbance. We hypothesize
that physical disturbance will structure benthic
macroinvertebrate communities in the southeastern
Louisiana. The project objectives are to evaluate physical
disturbance at our study sites, describe benthic
macroinvertebrate communities and associate these two.
A physical disturbance gradient has been established
between stream sites. Parameters used to establish this
gradient include a Pfankuch stability index, discharge and
flow, temperature woody debris, substrate size and primary
productivity. Macroinvertebrates have been collected and
will be associated to our physical disturbance findings. Our
results will help determine to what extent physical
disturbance structures macroinvertebrate communities in
Southeastern Louisiana, the results will also be used to
determine reference conditions for Lawrence creek, Bogue
Lusa creek, and Pushepatapa creek in southeastern plains
ecoregion, Louisiana.