Wildlife Research Institute Research Articles

Spatial distribution of invasive large fever berry trees (Croton megalobotrys) in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area: Gokwe, Zimbabwe

BackgroundThe invasion of rangelands by invasive plant species is a major threat to biodiversity in most parts of Zimbabwe posing not only an ecological challenge but a growing management and eradication challenge as well. However, there is sparse information relating to the spatial distribution of these species and the conditions promoting their growth and development particularly in Sothern Africa. The study assessed the spatial distribution of the invasive large fever berry tree and associated soil type in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. A mixed methods research design triangulating qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized. All known sites occupied by large fever berry trees were obtained from the Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute’s records on invasive plant species. Ground truthing was done for all sites and global positioning system coordinates of occupied areas were collected. Mapping of invaded areas by the large fever berry tree was done using Quantum GIS software. Coordinates were imported to show points with the large fever berry tree. Altitude of invaded areas and soil samples were also collected for soil analysis and a soil texture triangle was used to come up with the soil type associated with the growth and spread of the large fever berry trees.ResultsThe results show that the large fever berry tree occupied areas along major rivers and streams on loam soils. An area of 16.5km2 which is 4.4% of the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area is invaded by the large fever berry tree. Results further indicated that sandy- loam soils were associated with the growth and development of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. Veld fires were also identified as a factor influencing the spread of the large fever berry tree species in the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area.ConclusionIn conclusion, a holistic framework was developed to curb the invasion of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. It is recommended that further studies be conducted outside the protected area to establish soil characteristics and invasion rates in order to fully understand drivers of its invasion.

A novel habitat-based approach for combining indices of abundance from multiple fishery-independent video surveys

Three surveys in the eastern Gulf of Mexico use baited remote underwater video systems to assess changes in abundance of reef fishes: the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Area and Monitoring and Assessment Program Reef Fish Video Survey, the NMFS Panama City (Florida) survey, and the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission survey. These surveys use similar sampling gear and video-processing protocols, but they vary in spatial extent and habitats sampled. Each survey has been used individually to produce indices of relative abundance to assess various reef fish, but species trends may vary across surveys, possibly making subsequent assessment models more complex. A combined index could yield a more representative and statistically powerful characterization of the relative abundances of commercially important species. We developed a method for combining video count data from these surveys for managed reef-fish species into a combined index for the eastern Gulf using habitat data in classification and regression trees (CART) and general linear models (GLMs). CART results indicated that several site-specific and landscape-level habitat variables could be used to predict site occupancy of target species. We then used the CART-derived habitat groups as a variable shared among surveys in fitting a GLM to catch data to derive estimated annual abundances. We evaluated models’ potential and utility for a single estimated relative-abundance index for key managed reef species in the region compared to a suite of alternative GLMs of less complexity. Models that incorporated habitat covariates across the surveys showed better fits than models that did not incorporate habitat information. We also developed model-weighting methods that allowed us to account for the variation in spatial footprint in the surveys when combining data, allowing for what is likely a more representative index of regional relative abundance trends. Our results indicated that the data can be reliably combined into a single index. These methods should be evaluated for similar instances of combining survey data in other species, ecosystems, and management frameworks.

Conservation Of Urban Forest In Tanzania: Community Attitudes Towards Njiro Forest, Arusha

Understanding community attitudes towards urban forests is of great importance since these attitudes are inherently linked to the long-term sustainability of urban forests management and conservation. We analysed the attitudes of the local community towards the Njiro forest (Arusha, Tanzania) which is managed and used as an experimental beekeeping area by TAWIRI (Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute). Data collection was done between September-October 2018 involving a sample of 163 randomly selected respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Quantitative data were analysed through Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi-square tests and contingency tables were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories. Possible influences coming from sociological and demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, occupation were assessed. The majority of the respondents declared to gain ecological benefits from the forest. A significantly larger group of older respondents in comparison with the younger ones (p<0.05) declared to face problems coming from the forest (stray dogs, robbers, illegal waste disposal). Males showed to be more interested in practising beekeeping than females (p<0.05). Respondents with a primary education level were more prone to express agreement with the adopted management strategies in comparison with respondents with higher education (p<0.001). In conclusion, the great majority of respondents declared to support the conservation of Njiro forest, however, employed respondents and females were more positive regarding the hypothesis of abolishing the forest (p<0.05). In order to improve management strategies and support the long-term conservation of the forest, respondents recommended strengthening the protection of the forest by fencing it, providing environmental education to the surrounding community, reinforcing the cooperation with the local community and planting new trees to improve the health of the forest ecosystem.

Morphometric relationships and non-parametric, length–frequency-based growth parameters and natural mortality for common marine forage fish in Florida waters (USA)

Life-history parameters are necessary in population and ecosystem analyses. But they are not always available, especially for species that, justifiably or not, are of low priority, such as the forage fish of Florida, USA. When these parameters are unavailable for analyses, they are often borrowed from species of other areas. To keep the borrowing of life-history parameters to a minimum for Florida forage fish, this study is devoted to developing the morphometric relationships, growth parameters, and natural mortality rates for forage fish species for which size data had been collected in inshore surveys that have been conducted during 1996–2017 by the Fishery Independent Monitoring program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The parameters developed can be used in single-species stock assessments and in marine ecosystem modeling.

Catalogue of herpetological specimens from peninsular India at the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), India

We list the herpetological voucher specimens in the holdings of the Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON), a wildlife research institute in India. Most of the collections are the fruition of fieldwork by SACON’s herpetologist and a coauthor of this work—late Dr. Subramanian Bhupathy (1963–2014). Taxonomically, the collection represents 125 species, comprising 29 amphibian species belonging to eight families and 96 reptilian species belonging to 17 families. Geographically, the material in this collection originates from the Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats, the Deccan Plateau, and the Coromandel Coast, comprehensively covering all ecoregions of peninsular India. A total of 15 taxa (three amphibians, 12 reptiles) remain to be fully identified and are provisionally referred to most-resembling taxa, with cf. prefix. All the specimens in this collection are non-types as on date.

Sea turtle populations are overestimated worldwide from remigration intervals: correction for bias

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 41:141-151 (2020) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01019 Sea turtle populations are overestimated worldwide from remigration intervals: correction for bias Paolo Casale1,*, Simona A. Ceriani2,3 1Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via A. Volta 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy 2Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA 3Department of Biology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA *Corresponding author: paolo.casale1@gmail.com ABSTRACT: Estimating population abundance is key for species of conservation concern. This is particularly challenging for marine animals, like sea turtles, with ocean-scale distribution and migratory nature. However, sea turtles lay clutches on land where they can be easily counted; thus, clutch number has always been the most common index of population abundance. A female typically lays >1 clutch per year and does not reproduce every year. Therefore, 2 conversion factors are needed to convert the number of egg clutches to the number of adult females: the number of clutches laid by a female in a nesting season and the fraction of adult females reproducing in a season, which is linked to the breeding periodicity. The effects of breeding periodicity, probability of detection and annual survival probability on the derived adult female abundance were investigated by simulating a virtual population of adult females over a 15 yr beach monitoring period. The results indicate that current methods may greatly overestimate the abundance of sea turtle populations, especially in situations with a low detection probability, including temporary emigration. The factors involved and ways to minimize biases and errors are discussed, including a method which is easy to implement using existing datasets. A careful reassessment of current estimates of sea turtle abundance derived from nest counts and capture-mark-recapture data would be appropriate, and the potential error associated with such estimates should be considered when they are used in conservation status assessments. KEY WORDS: Sea turtle · Remigration interval · Abundance · Breeding proportion · Mortality · Detection · Simulation Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Casale P, Ceriani SA (2020) Sea turtle populations are overestimated worldwide from remigration intervals: correction for bias. Endang Species Res 41:141-151. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr01019 Export citation Mail this link - Contents Mailing Lists - RSS Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 41. Online publication date: January 30, 2020 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2020 Inter-Research.

Interactions of dimorphic growth, reproductive behavior, and a size-regulated fishery: a case study using spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 608:233-245 (2019) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12795 Interactions of dimorphic growth, reproductive behavior, and a size-regulated fishery: a case study using spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus Jessica Carroll1,*, Susan K. Lowerre-Barbieri1,2 1Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA 2University of Florida, School of Forest Resources & Conservation, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA *Corresponding author: jessica.carroll@myfwc.com ABSTRACT: Sexual dimorphism occurs in many fishes and is expressed in a range of traits, including growth and reproductive effort. These traits can result in sex-specific fishing mortality in a size-selective fishery. Our goal was to understand the trade-offs between growth, mortality, and reproduction, for a species with sexually dimorphic growth, within a fishery context. We used gill nets and hook-and-line fishing to capture 1957 spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus from Tampa Bay, Florida (USA), between 2001 and 2002. Females were significantly larger-at-age than males. This larger female size corresponded to a greater prevalence of females in the fishery, evidenced by an 8:1 ratio of females to males at harvestable size. Despite this female-biased sex ratio in the fishery, the total instantaneous mortalities (Z) between the sexes were not statistically different (female Z = 0.77 yr–1; male Z = 0.82 yr-1). We developed a conceptual model to explain the trade-offs between reproduction and growth as seen in spotted seatrout. Male reproductive effort, including greater spawning frequency and the production of courtship sounds, is hypothesized to result in lower somatic growth, as well as higher natural mortality from increased predation risk. The contrasting roles of fishing pressure on females and natural mortality in males may have important implications for population productivity and fishery management of this species. KEY WORDS: Sex-specific growth · Life history · Trade-offs · Selective harvesting · Mortality · Reproductive strategy · Sexual size dimorphism · Cynoscion nebulosus Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Carroll J, Lowerre-Barbieri SK (2019) Interactions of dimorphic growth, reproductive behavior, and a size-regulated fishery: a case study using spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 608:233-245. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12795 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 608. Online publication date: January 03, 2019 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2019 Inter-Research.

Using otolith microchemistry to assess nursery habitat contribution and function at a fine spatial scale

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 606:151-173 (2018) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12765 Using otolith microchemistry to assess nursery habitat contribution and function at a fine spatial scale Janet A. Ley*, Holly J. Rolls Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 100 Eighth Avenue Southeast, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA *Corresponding author: danceswithfish.jal@gmail.com ABSTRACT: Estuarine tributaries are vital links in connectivity for transient coastal fish undergoing ontogenetic habitat shifts, yet these resources are on the frontlines of anthropogenic change. Prioritizing actions to protect valuable fisheries may require fine-scale analyses of the relative value and function of tributaries as nurseries for regional populations. For sectioned otoliths from young-of-the-year (YOY) common snook Centropomus undecimalis; snook), we used laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and stable isotope analysis to obtain microchemical signatures distinguishing 9 tributaries (each <1.0 km2, <5 km apart) along a mangrove-to-saltmarsh gradient in the Little Manatee River (LMR), Florida, USA. Using canonical analysis of principal coordinates and jackknifed leave-one-out classification for 123 fish, 70 (56.9%) were classified correctly based on microchemical signatures, compared with 11.1% that would have been correctly classified by chance alone (χ2, p < 0.0001). Months later, 39 of 40 (98%) yr-1 snook collected from throughout the LMR were assigned to a YOY nursery tributary based on otolith core signatures. The 3 tributaries making the greatest contribution of YOY snook to the yr-1 population were in pristine, low salinity (0.5-1.5 psu) saltmarshes farthest from the estuary mouth. Since other studies have identified completely different spatial patterns in fish nursery use from year to year, this study should be replicated to assess temporal variation in snook contribution from these nurseries. Nevertheless, this fine-scale application of otolith microchemistry is encouraging for future efforts seeking to protect locations having the greatest likelihood of contributing to survival of fishes that make ontogenetic habitat shifts within coastal ecosystems. KEY WORDS: Otolith microchemistry · Mangrove · Salt marsh · Ecology · Estuary · Centropomus undecimalis · Nursery · Tampa Bay · Connectivity · Contribution analysis Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Ley JA, Rolls HJ (2018) Using otolith microchemistry to assess nursery habitat contribution and function at a fine spatial scale. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 606:151-173. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12765 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 606. Online publication date: November 15, 2018 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2018 Inter-Research.

Evaluation of Florida stone crab life history and management scenarios using spawning potential ratios

The stone crab, Menippe mercenaria, supported the third most valuable fishery in Florida in 2016. Declining catch per unit effort (CPUE) and a negative trend in landings since 2000 have raised concerns among fishermen, researchers, and fishery managers as to the fishery’s sustainability. The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that the state’s stone crab fishery has been overexploited since 1997. This stock status determination, however, is based largely on trends in total landings and CPUE and does not account for the life-history parameters that describe stock productivity, such as size at maturity, fecundity, and survivorship. In this study, an age-structured per-recruit model was developed to evaluate how alternative biological parameters and management scenarios might affect reproductive output, calculated as the spawning potential ratio (SPR), of a theoretical stone crab population. The model incorporated new estimates of size at maturity, fecundity, and temperature-dependent release mortalities. Spawning potential ratios increased with decreasing size at sexual maturity and were sensitive to increasing natural mortality. The largest contributor to changes in SPR was mortality associated with the declawing and release of stone crabs. We also assessed various management scenarios including regulations governing minimum claw length, requiring the use of juvenile trap excluder devices, and institution of temperature-dependent season openings. Increasing the minimum claw length and excluding small juveniles from traps provided moderate protection to the spawning stock. The model suggests that adaptive management strategies that allow fishing only when water temperatures are below 24 °C (the temperature at which modeled survival is improved) could greatly reduce mortality and increase SPR. We examined a suite of management scenarios on the effect of SPR, but additional research should be conducted to determine the socioeconomic impact of changes in regulations in this valuable fishery.

Characterizing residence patterns of North Atlantic right whales in the southeastern USA with a multistate open robust design model

ESR Endangered Species Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials ESR 36:279-295 (2018) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00902 Characterizing residence patterns of North Atlantic right whales in the southeastern USA with a multistate open robust design model A. M. Krzystan1,*, T. A. Gowan1, W. L. Kendall2, J. Martin3, J. G. Ortega-Ortiz4, K. Jackson1, A. R. Knowlton5, P. Naessig6, M. Zani5, D. W. Schulte6, C. R. Taylor6 1Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA 2U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA 3U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA 4University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA 5New England Aquarium, Boston, MA 02110, USA 6Sea to Shore Alliance, Sarasota, FL 34233, USA *Corresponding author: andrea.krzystan@myfwc.com ABSTRACT: Effective conservation of endangered North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis requires information about their spatio-temporal distribution. Understanding temporal distribution is particularly important, because a portion of the population migrates between high-latitude summer feeding grounds off the northeastern USA and Canadian Maritimes coasts and lower-latitude calving and wintering grounds off the southeastern US coast (SEUS). Here, we modeled SEUS residence patterns using photo-identification data from coastal South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida from 7 winter seasons (2004/2005-2010/2011). We used multistate open robust design models to evaluate effects of reproductive status, demographic group, and environmental conditions on SEUS residence. Model estimates accounted for temporal variation and imperfect detection and provided probabilities of entering the SEUS, staying in the SEUS, and being sighted in the SEUS. We also derived estimates for residence time and seasonal abundance. We observed staggered arrival and departure patterns and demographic differences in residence patterns that are characteristic of a differential migration strategy. Calving females arrived earliest and, in most seasons, had mean residence periods more than twice as long as other demographic groups. Conversely, adult males arrived the latest and had the shortest residence times. Within-season detection was positively influenced by survey effort, and overall seasonal mean (±SE) detection rate estimates ranged from 0.83 ± 0.08 for non-calving adult females to 0.98 ± 0.02 for calving females. Results provide insights into right whale behavior, biology, and temporal distribution in the SEUS and can be used to evaluate spatially and temporally dynamic management measures. KEY WORDS: Mark-recapture · Open robust design · Phenology · Residence · Eubalaena glacialis · North Atlantic right whale Full text in pdf format Supplementary material PreviousNextCite this article as: Krzystan AM, Gowan TA, Kendall WL, Martin J and others (2018) Characterizing residence patterns of North Atlantic right whales in the southeastern USA with a multistate open robust design model. Endang Species Res 36:279-295. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00902 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in ESR Vol. 36. Online publication date: August 29, 2018 Print ISSN: 1863-5407; Online ISSN: 1613-4796 Copyright © 2018 Inter-Research.

Caesar Kleberg and the King Ranch by Duane M. Leach

Reviewed by: Caesar Kleberg and the King Ranch by Duane M. Leach Andrew C. Baker Caesar Kleberg and the King Ranch. By Duane M. Leach. ( College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2017. Pp. 376. Photographs, maps, notes, bibliography, index.) In this beautifully produced book, Duane M. Leach, former president of Texas A&I University (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville), provides a thorough account of one of the most influential but frequently overshadowed figures in Texas's most famous ranching enterprise. Caesar Kleberg became acquainted with the art of insider politics early in his career. As the personal assistant to his father, U.S. Representative Rudolph Kleberg, from 1896 to 1900, he traveled the halls and backrooms of Congress. His love of cattle, ranching, and the outdoors, however, drew him back to Texas. When his uncle and aunt, Robert J. Kleberg and Alice Gertrudis King, invited him to join them in the management of the King [End Page 351] Ranch in 1900, he eagerly accepted. Over the next half century, Caesar would become the right hand of the Kleberg family operation, acting as business manager, advisor, confidant, and lobbyist for the King Ranch. His unswerving loyalty, his talent for breeding horses and cattle, and his extensive political connections made him a central pillar of its success. Written and published in cooperation with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Caesar Kleberg and the King Ranch places a particular emphasis on Kleberg's pioneering conservation efforts. He was a state leader in managing ranchland for both cattle and wildlife, ensuring that the lands in the ranch's Norias division would provide ample native and exotic game for visiting gentlemen to hunt. These efforts secured him a position on the Texas Game, Fish, and Oyster Commission and have led many to label him "the father of wildlife conservation in Texas" (279). While this conservation legacy is important, the greater significance of the book lies in its account of the political maneuvering and business savvy required to keep the ranch afloat. The majority of the topically organized chapters focus on Caesar's part in this herculean endeavor. Here Leach's extensive access to the King Ranch archives and his oral interviews with prominent family members provide a wealth of material. The author brings readers into smoky midnight poker games, railroad boardrooms, and the South Texas brushlands. He deftly traces the way the King Ranch leadership connected their ranching operation to markets and protected it from tax assessors, shifting political factions, and Mexican border raids. The result is a hybrid biography and business history that uses Caesar's life to flesh out the political world of South Texas, a world that included figures like James B. Wells Jr., John Nance Garner, and Archie and George Parr. The Kleberg's success in this high-stakes game allowed them to bring railroad access to South Texas, establish Kingsville and its university, and sustain a ranching empire. Leach's portrayal of the Klebergs does not ignore their faults. These were hard-drinking, masterful men who gambled in business and for pleasure, and tough, uncompromising women who believed "God helps those who help themselves" (7). In their politics, the Klebergs were states' rights Democrats who embraced the role of patron, demanded personal loyalty, and had few qualms about leveraging political power for personal economic gain. That being said, there is no air of the iconoclast about Leach's writing. He approaches his subjects with discretion. The result is an excellent, if sympathetic biography of one of South Texas's most powerful men. Caesar Kleberg and the King Ranch is an excellent introduction to the King Ranch and its place in the larger political economy of the state and nation. [End Page 352] Andrew C. Baker Texas A&M University-Commerce Copyright © 2017 The Texas State Historical Association

Tanzania needs up‐to‐date poaching data to help manage its wildlife populations

Across the tropical world, there is a dearth of data on poaching activity and its impact on different ecosystems; as a result, poaching receives little attention from conservation stakeholders (Lindsey et al., 2013). In Tanzania, for example, although data on elephants and rhinos have been released by researchers and NGOs, the majority of Tanzanians still know nothing about how poaching is threatening elephant and rhino populations (Wild Aid 2015). There is the slogan that ‘in every 15 min one elephant is killed’; this slogan has been used for some years, and it is time to bring it up-to-date data – what if now one elephant is poached every 5 min, or 1 h, or day or weeks? At the 10th Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Conference in 2015, several presenters pointed out that poaching in Tanzania is increasingly focusing on elephants and rhinos. The Director of the African Wildlife Foundation Arusha posed the question to all participants ‘to what extent has poaching increased in Tanzania?’ At the end of the conference none of the participants had responded to that question. I asked several participants why we have no poaching data from Tanzania, and most replied that the organizations that hold poaching data do not release them, even if asked. I have been looking for current poaching data in Tanzania and have found that most scientists focus on elephant or rhino poaching or poaching in specific areas, especially areas adjacent to protected areas. Other scientists have focused on illegal bushmeat hunting, also generally in areas adjacent to protected areas. Most scientists did not provide data, for example, on how many poachers were arrested and/or sentenced. Data related to poaching in Tanzania was only readily available on the Wildlife Division (WD) website (www.wildlife.go.tz), which includes data on poachers arrested, patrols conducted, ivory and rhino horns seized and wildlife cases prosecuted, including resolved and unresolved cases. Unfortunately, the data published on the WD website are from 2000 to 2010, and recent data on poaching in Tanzania are lacking. Current data on poaching are essential in order to understand what is happening in Tanzania and to help inform what can be done about it. For example, the Tanzanian government has invested a significant amount of resources to combat poaching, including employing law enforcement staff, buying patrol vehicles and allocating money for different anti-poaching activities (Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) 2014; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2017). Poaching data would play a significant role in evaluating what has been achieved through these investments. Also, to increase motivation for those of us who work on the anti-poaching frontline, data on poaching are also essential. The data would tell us how well we are performing. Non-governmental organizations have been helping the country to combat poaching. For example, since December 2014, The Frankfurt Zoological Society has helped the Selous Game Reserve and the Serengeti National Park anti-poaching operations with resources such as aerial and ground patrols (MNRT, 2014; UNESCO, 2017). Providing current poaching data can help inform these stakeholders as to what has been achieved in combatting poaching. Also, current data, especially related to how many poachers have been arrested, the sentences given to poachers, the area in which the poachers were arrested, and which animals are highly poached would play a significant role in changing public attitudes toward poaching. The Tanzanian government, through its institutions such as the WD, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and TAWIRI should compile and release current data on poaching. To organize and release this data in an efficient and transparent manner might be challenging, and therefore local, regional and international scientists, as well as conservation stakeholders, should give their assistance. Slobodian et al. (2016) analyzed wildlife-related court cases in the Tanzania mainland and the data are now openly available online at www.wildlex.org. Conservation practitioners in Tanzania would be very grateful if somebody can replicate the Slobodian et al. (2016) study and provide a database of poaching data for the whole of Tanzania. I am not discouraging area-specific data, but countrywide data are vital. The majority of Tanzanians are not aware that elephant and rhino populations are in decline (Wild Aid 2015), hence the data on poaching should be widely published both locally and internationally. I thank Thomas Hesselberg for reviewing this article before submission. I also appreciate the support from Elina Rantanen and the Editor Iain Gordon.

South Florida Coastal Sediment Ecological Risk Assessment.

This study evaluated the degree of sediment contamination in several South Florida estuaries. During the 2010 National Condition Assessment, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute collected water column, sediment and biotic data from estuaries across the entire state of Florida. Sediments were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, zinc and total polychlorinated biphenyls and were compared relative to empirically derived sediment quality guidelines. As a result of this data collection and assessment effort, it was determined that the degree of contamination with respect to sediment was low for all southern Florida estuaries assessed, except the Miami River which was determined to be considerably contaminated. However only one monitoring location was used to assess the Miami River, and as such should be viewed with caution. A low degree of contamination was determined for Biscayne Bay sediments, possibly indicating a recovery from its previously reported higher contaminant level.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of spawning aggregations of common snook on the east coast of Florida

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 505:227-240 (2014) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10774 Spatiotemporal dynamics of spawning aggregations of common snook on the east coast of Florida Joy M. Young*, Beau G. Yeiser, James A. Whittington Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Tequesta Field Laboratory, 19100 Southeast Federal Highway, Tequesta, Florida 33469, USA *Corresponding author: joy.young@myfwc.com ABSTRACT: Data collected to determine specific reproductive traits, including spatial and temporal patterns, are an area of need for improved understanding of factors that contribute to productivity in fish populations. We used passive acoustic telemetry to study the movements of 271 common snook Centropomus undecimalis on the east coast of Florida from 2008 to 2011 to assess spatial dynamics during the spawning seasons. Common snook were detected in 6 inlets from Port Canaveral to Palm Beach Inlet during the summer months when water temperature exceeded 23°C, with peak densities between July and August. Individual residency times in an aggregation were over 7.5 times shorter than the spawning season which, together with asynchronous arrival dates and frequent migrations away from the aggregation, indicates high rates of turnover. Nearly half of the tagged common snook were observed at multiple (2 to 5) spawning sites during a single season and showed varying degrees of fidelity to a spawning site. Area of residence, sex and size are influential factors in spawning traits of common snook. Females migrated earlier, made more trips, and spent longer periods in aggregations compared to males. Larger fish showed greater site fidelity to a single aggregation site. Each year a portion of the population was not detected in an inlet, implying that some common snook skip spawning or that spawning may occur outside of inlets. Findings highlight the need for a combined approach to management that includes updating the stock assessment, using more accurate measures of spawning effort and the protection of spawning areas from physical disturbance. KEY WORDS: Acoustic monitoring · Fish spawning · Fisheries management · Reproductive patterns · Centropomus undecimalis Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Young JM, Yeiser BG, Whittington JA (2014) Spatiotemporal dynamics of spawning aggregations of common snook on the east coast of Florida. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 505:227-240. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10774 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 505. Online publication date: May 28, 2014 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2014 Inter-Research.

The impacts of invasive grasses on wildlife: An international perspective

Wildlife Society BulletinVolume 37, Issue 3 p. 467-468 Invasive Plants and Wildlife Habitat The impacts of invasive grasses on wildlife: An international perspective William P. Kuvlesky Jr., Corresponding Author William P. Kuvlesky Jr. Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, MSC 218, 700 University Boulevard, Kingsville, TX, 78363 USAE-mail: william.kuvlesky@tamuk.eduSearch for more papers by this author William P. Kuvlesky Jr., Corresponding Author William P. Kuvlesky Jr. Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, MSC 218, 700 University Boulevard, Kingsville, TX, 78363 USAE-mail: william.kuvlesky@tamuk.eduSearch for more papers by this author First published: 26 August 2013 https://doi.org/10.1002/wsb.326 Associate Editor/Editor-in-Chief: Ribic. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume37, Issue3September 2013Pages 467-468 RelatedInformation

Diel behaviour and habitat utilisation by the pearly razorfish during the spawning season

MEPS Marine Ecology Progress Series Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsTheme Sections MEPS 460:207-220 (2012) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09755 Diel behaviour and habitat utilisation by the pearly razorfish during the spawning season J. Alós1,*, M. Cabanellas-Reboredo1, S. Lowerre-Barbieri2 1Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA; CSIC-UIB), Miquel Marqués, 21, Esporles, Illes Balears 07008, Spain 2Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA *Email: pep.alos@uib.es ABSTRACT: Despite its small size, the pearly razorfish Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus, 1758) supports important targeted recreational and commercial fisheries. Here, we present the first data on the movements of this species obtained using acoustic telemetry in a temperate marine protected area (MPA). The results demonstrate that acoustic telemetry is well suited for behavioural studies, even in species of small size. The results confirmed previous speculations regarding the behaviour of this species, demonstrating a clear diel pattern with maximum rates of activity during the day and fewer detections at night, when the fish bury themselves in the soft bottom. X. novacula exhibited a sedentary lifestyle with limited movement. The fish occurred in an accumulated averaged area of 0.32 ± 0.13 km2 95% of the time (95% kernel utilisation distribution [KUD]) and in a core area (50% KUD) of 0.07 ± 0.02 km2. These small areas of habitat utilisation existed independent of sex and diel behaviour. No daily migration pattern or specific resting locations were detected. The linearity index (as a proxy of site fidelity) demonstrated that the movement of X. novacula was random within a specific home range area (sedentary behaviour) rather than directional (nomadic behaviour). The observed diel pattern of behaviour confirms that this species is not vulnerable to nighttime fishing, and the small spatial scale of habitat utilisation suggests that small MPAs can be an effective management tool. KEY WORDS: Acoustic telemetry · Continuous wavelet transform · Control tag · Home range · MPA · Protogynous hermaphrodite · Xyrichtys novacula Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Alós J, Cabanellas-Reboredo M, Lowerre-Barbieri S (2012) Diel behaviour and habitat utilisation by the pearly razorfish during the spawning season. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 460:207-220. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps09755 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in MEPS Vol. 460. Online publication date: July 24, 2012 Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599 Copyright © 2012 Inter-Research.

Effects of mating sex ratios in Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) on production performance at Wildlife Research Institute, Faisalabad (Pakistan).

Summary Effects of mating sex ratios on production performance in Indian peafowl were investigated at Punjab Wildlife Research Institute, Gatwala Faisalabad. Research was conducted from May through August 2007 to explore the most productive mating sex ratio. The sex ratios have a significant effect on egg production. Maximum mean eggs (1.63) were produced by the sex ratio 1:2 while maximum egg fertility (79.63%) and hatchability (61.59%) was noted in the sex ratio 1:3. Sex ratios had a significant effect on egg weight. Sex ratios have shown no effect (except number of mountings) on courtship behavior of peafowl. Statistically less feed was consumed by sex ratio 1:3 and better feed conversion was shown by sex ratio 1:1.

Reptiles of Katavi National Park, western Tanzania, are from different biomes

African Journal of EcologyVolume 49, Issue 3 p. 377-382 Notes and records Reptiles of Katavi National Park, western Tanzania, are from different biomes Tim Caro, Corresponding Author Tim Caro Center for Population Biology and Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A. Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania E-mail: tmcaro@ucdavis.eduSearch for more papers by this authorOwen ‘Squack’ Evans, Owen ‘Squack’ Evans PO Box 345, Usa River, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this authorEmily Fitzherbert, Emily Fitzherbert Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this authorToby A. Gardner, Toby A. Gardner Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, U.K.Search for more papers by this authorKim Howell, Kim Howell Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, PO Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this authorRobert Drewes, Robert Drewes California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorH. Bradley Shaffer, H. Bradley Shaffer Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania Center for Population Biology and Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this author Tim Caro, Corresponding Author Tim Caro Center for Population Biology and Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A. Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania E-mail: tmcaro@ucdavis.eduSearch for more papers by this authorOwen ‘Squack’ Evans, Owen ‘Squack’ Evans PO Box 345, Usa River, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this authorEmily Fitzherbert, Emily Fitzherbert Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this authorToby A. Gardner, Toby A. Gardner Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, U.K.Search for more papers by this authorKim Howell, Kim Howell Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, PO Box 35064, Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaSearch for more papers by this authorRobert Drewes, Robert Drewes California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorH. Bradley Shaffer, H. Bradley Shaffer Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, PO Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania Center for Population Biology and Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this author First published: 08 March 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2011.01261.xCitations: 2Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume49, Issue3September 2011Pages 377-382 RelatedInformation

Observations of a western North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) birth offshore of the protected southeast U.S. critical habitat

Marine Mammal ScienceVolume 27, Issue 3 p. E234-E240 Observations of a western North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) birth offshore of the protected southeast U.S. critical habitat H. J. Foley, H. J. Foley Duke University Marine Laboratory,135 Duke Marine Lab Road,Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorR. C. Holt, R. C. Holt Duke University Marine Laboratory,135 Duke Marine Lab Road,Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorR. E. Hardee, R. E. Hardee Department of Biology and Marine Biology,University of North Carolina Wilmington,601 S. College Road,Wilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.ASearch for more papers by this authorP. B. Nilsson, P. B. Nilsson Department of Biology and Marine Biology,University of North Carolina Wilmington,601 S. College Road,Wilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.ASearch for more papers by this authorK. A. Jackson, K. A. Jackson Fish and Wildlife Research Institute,Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,100 Eight Avenue S.E.,St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorA. J. Read, A. J. Read Duke University Marine Laboratory,135 Duke Marine Lab Road,Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorD. A. Pabst, D. A. Pabst Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington601 S. College RoadWilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.A.E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorW. A. McLellan, W. A. McLellan Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington601 S. College RoadWilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.A.E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author H. J. Foley, H. J. Foley Duke University Marine Laboratory,135 Duke Marine Lab Road,Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorR. C. Holt, R. C. Holt Duke University Marine Laboratory,135 Duke Marine Lab Road,Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorR. E. Hardee, R. E. Hardee Department of Biology and Marine Biology,University of North Carolina Wilmington,601 S. College Road,Wilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.ASearch for more papers by this authorP. B. Nilsson, P. B. Nilsson Department of Biology and Marine Biology,University of North Carolina Wilmington,601 S. College Road,Wilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.ASearch for more papers by this authorK. A. Jackson, K. A. Jackson Fish and Wildlife Research Institute,Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,100 Eight Avenue S.E.,St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorA. J. Read, A. J. Read Duke University Marine Laboratory,135 Duke Marine Lab Road,Beaufort, North Carolina 28516, U.S.A.Search for more papers by this authorD. A. Pabst, D. A. Pabst Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington601 S. College RoadWilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.A.E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorW. A. McLellan, W. A. McLellan Department of Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina Wilmington601 S. College RoadWilmington, North Carolina 28402, U.S.A.E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 2011 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2010.00452.xCitations: 11Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume27, Issue3July 2011Pages E234-E240 RelatedInformation

South Texas Natives: a collaborative regional effort to meet restoration needs in south Texas

Forrest S Smith, John Lloyd-Reilley and William R Ocumpaugh