Amphibian Annual Report
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Notophthalmus Perstriatus) Version 1.0
Species Status Assessment for the Striped Newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) Version 1.0 Striped newt eft. Photo credit Ryan Means (used with permission). May 2018 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 Jacksonville, Florida 1 Acknowledgements This document was prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North Florida Field Office with assistance from the Georgia Field Office, and the striped newt Species Status Assessment Team (Sabrina West (USFWS-Region 8), Kaye London (USFWS-Region 4) Christopher Coppola (USFWS-Region 4), and Lourdes Mena (USFWS-Region 4)). Additionally, valuable peer reviews of a draft of this document were provided by Lora Smith (Jones Ecological Research Center) , Dirk Stevenson (Altamaha Consulting), Dr. Eric Hoffman (University of Central Florida), Dr. Susan Walls (USGS), and other partners, including members of the Striped Newt Working Group. We appreciate their comments, which resulted in a more robust status assessment and final report. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Species Status Assessment (SSA) is an in-depth review of the striped newt's (Notophthalmus perstriatus) biology and threats, an evaluation of its biological status, and an assessment of the resources and conditions needed to maintain species viability. We begin the SSA with an understanding of the species’ unique life history, and from that we evaluate the biological requirements of individuals, populations, and species using the principles of population resiliency, species redundancy, and species representation. All three concepts (or analogous ones) apply at both the population and species levels, and are explained that way below for simplicity and clarity as we introduce them. The striped newt is a small salamander that uses ephemeral wetlands and the upland habitat (scrub, mesic flatwoods, and sandhills) that surrounds those wetlands. -
AMPHIBIANS of OHIO F I E L D G U I D E DIVISION of WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION
AMPHIBIANS OF OHIO f i e l d g u i d e DIVISION OF WILDLIFE INTRODUCTION Amphibians are typically shy, secre- Unlike reptiles, their skin is not scaly. Amphibian eggs must remain moist if tive animals. While a few amphibians Nor do they have claws on their toes. they are to hatch. The eggs do not have are relatively large, most are small, deli- Most amphibians prefer to come out at shells but rather are covered with a jelly- cately attractive, and brightly colored. night. like substance. Amphibians lay eggs sin- That some of these more vulnerable spe- gly, in masses, or in strings in the water The young undergo what is known cies survive at all is cause for wonder. or in some other moist place. as metamorphosis. They pass through Nearly 200 million years ago, amphib- a larval, usually aquatic, stage before As with all Ohio wildlife, the only ians were the first creatures to emerge drastically changing form and becoming real threat to their continued existence from the seas to begin life on land. The adults. is habitat degradation and destruction. term amphibian comes from the Greek Only by conserving suitable habitat to- Ohio is fortunate in having many spe- amphi, which means dual, and bios, day will we enable future generations to cies of amphibians. Although generally meaning life. While it is true that many study and enjoy Ohio’s amphibians. inconspicuous most of the year, during amphibians live a double life — spend- the breeding season, especially follow- ing part of their lives in water and the ing a warm, early spring rain, amphib- rest on land — some never go into the ians appear in great numbers seemingly water and others never leave it. -
Proceedings of the 43Rd Annual National Conference of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc
Proceedings of the 43rd Annual National Conference of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc. September 19th – 23rd Papers Table of Contents Papers Click on the Title to View the Paper Tuesday, September 20th Making a Difference with AAZK’s Bowling for Rhinos Patty Pearthree, AAZK, Inc Bowling for Rhino: The Evolution of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Conservation and Development Impact Ruwaydah Abdul-Rahman, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Indonesian Rhinos: Bowling for Rhinos is Conserving the Most Critically Endangered Mammals on Earth CeCe Sieffert, International Rhino Foundation Action for Cheetas in Kenya: Technology for a National Cheeta Survey Mary Wykstra, Action for Cheetas in Kenya Thursday, September 22nd Reintroduction of orphaned white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) calves Matthew Lamoreaux &Clarice Brewer, White Oak Conservation Holdings, LLC Use of fission-fusion to decrease aggression in a family group of western lowland gorillas David Minich and Grace Maloy, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Case Study: Medical Management of an Infant Mandrill at the Houston Zoo Ashley Kramer, Houston Zoo, Inc. Coolio, the Elephant Seal in the ‘burgh Amanda Westerlund, Pittsburgh Zoo &PPG Aquarium Goose’s Tale: The Story of how a One-Legged Lemur Gained a Foothold on Life Catlin Kenney, Lemur Conservation Foundation A Syringe Full of Banana Helps the Medicine Go Down: Syringe Training of Captive Giraffe David Bachus, Lion Country Safari Sticking my Neck out for Giraffe, a Keepers journey to Africa to help conserve giraffe Melaina Wallace, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Eavesdropping on Tigers: How Zoos are Building the World’s First Acoustic Monitoring Network for Wild Tiger Populations Courtney Dunn & Emily Ferlemann, The Prusten Project Sending out a Tapir SOS: Connecting guests with conservation John Scaramucci & Mary Fields, Houston Zoo, Inc. -
Postbreeding Movements of the Dark Gopher Frog, Rana Sevosa Goin and Netting: Implications for Conservation and Management
Journal o fieryefology, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 336-321, 2001 CopyriJt 2001 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Postbreeding Movements of the Dark Gopher Frog, Rana sevosa Goin and Netting: Implications for Conservation and Management 'Departmmzt of Biological Sciences, Southeastern Louisiana Uniwsity, SLU 10736, Hammod, Louisiamla 70403-0736, USA 4USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Southern Institute of Forest Genetics, 23332 Highmy 67, Saucier, Mississippi 39574, USA ABSTRACT.-Conservation plans for amphibians often focus on activities at the breeding site, but for species that use temstrial habitats for much of the year, an understanding of nonbreeding habitat use is also essential. We used radio telemetry to study the postbreeding movements of individuals of the only known population of dark gopher frogs, Rana sevosa, during two breeding seasons (1994 and 1996). Move- ments away from the pond were relatively short (< 300 m) and usually occurred within a two-day period after frogs initially exited the breeding pond. However, dispersal distances for some individuals may have been constrained by a recent clearcut on adjacent private property. Final recorded locations for all individ- uals were underground retreats associated with stump holes, root mounds of fallen trees, or mammal bur- rows in surrounding upland areas. When implementing a conservation plan for Rana sevosa and other amphibians with similar habitat utilization patterns, we recommend that a temstrial buffer zone of pro- tection include the aquatic breeding site and adjacent nonbreeding season habitat. When the habitat is fragmented, the buffer zone should include additional habitat to lessen edge effects and provide connec- tivity between critical habitats. -
The Salamanders of Tennessee
Salamanders of Tennessee: modified from Lisa Powers tnwildlife.org Follow links to Nongame The Salamanders of Tennessee Photo by John White Salamanders are the group of tailed, vertebrate animals that along with frogs and caecilians make up the class Amphibia. Salamanders are ectothermic (cold-blooded), have smooth glandular skin, lack claws and must have a moist environment in which to live. 1 Amphibian Declines Worldwide, over 200 amphibian species have experienced recent population declines. Scientists have reports of 32 species First discovered in 1967, the golden extinctions, toad, Bufo periglenes, was last seen mainly species of in 1987. frogs. Much attention has been given to the Anurans (frogs) in recent years, however salamander populations have been poorly monitored. Photo by Henk Wallays Fire Salamander - Salamandra salamandra terrestris 2 Why The Concern For Salamanders in Tennessee? Their key role and high densities in many forests The stability in their counts and populations Their vulnerability to air and water pollution Their sensitivity as a measure of change The threatened and endangered status of several species Their inherent beauty and appeal as a creature to study and conserve. *Possible Factors Influencing Declines Around the World Climate Change Habitat Modification Habitat Fragmentation Introduced Species UV-B Radiation Chemical Contaminants Disease Trade in Amphibians as Pets *Often declines are caused by a combination of factors and do not have a single cause. Major Causes for Declines in Tennessee Habitat Modification -The destruction of natural habitats is undoubtedly the biggest threat facing amphibians in Tennessee. Housing, shopping center, industrial and highway construction are all increasing throughout the state and consequently decreasing the amount of available habitat for amphibians. -
Status Assessment of Known Gopher Frog (Lithobates Capito) Breeding Wetlands and Upland Habitats in Georgia
Status Assessment of Known Gopher Frog (Lithobates capito) Breeding Wetlands and Upland Habitats in Georgia A Final Report to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Mrs. Vanessa Kinney Terrell Dr. John C. Maerz Final Performance Report State: Georgia Grant No.: Grant Title: Statewide Imperiled Species Grant Duration: 2 years Start Date: July 15, 2013 End Date: July 31, 2015 Period Covering Report: Final Report Project Costs: Federal: State: Total: $4,500 Study/Project Title: Status assessment of known Gopher Frog (Lithobates capito) breeding wetlands and upland habitats in Georgia. GPRA Goals: N/A ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- *Deviations: Several of the Gopher frog sites that are not located in the site clusters of Ft. Stewart, Ft. Benning, and Ichauway are located on private property. We have visited a subset of these private sites from public roads to obtain GPS coordinates and to visually see the condition of the pond and upland. However, we have not obtained access to dip net these historic sites. Acknowledgements This status assessment relied heavily on the generous collaboration of John Jensen (GA DNR), Lora Smith (Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center), Anna McKee (USGS), Beth Schlimm (Orianne Society), Dirk Stevenson (Orianne Society), and Roy King (Ft. Stewart). William Booker and Emily Jolly assisted with ground-truthing of field sites. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepared By: John C Maerz and Vanessa C. K. Terrell Date: 3/1/2016 Study/Project Objective: The objective of this project was to update the known status of Gopher frogs (Lithobates capito) in Georgia by coalescing data on known extant populations from state experts and evaluating wetland and upland habitat conditions at historic and extant localities to determine whether the sites are suitable for sustaining Gopher frog populations. -
2017 Hellbender Symposium Agenda
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, Mississippi June 19-21, 2017 Page 1 Artwork for the symposium logo was kindly provided by the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science’s in-house artist, Sam Beibers. You are welcome to use this illustration as long as it is not used for resale in any capacity. Please credit its use with the following: "Illustration: Sam Beibers". IF you need illustrations for any of your own projects, you may contact Sam at 601-826-9256 or [email protected]. In this illustration, Sam Beibers wanted to take a "color challenged" animal in situ and push those colors brighter than they normally would be. "I wanted the hellbender to have something of a regal look. Afterall, they are 'superstars' to many of us in the scientific community." The final illustration was painted in watercolor on thin, clay-coated bristol board. As the paint dries on a smooth surface that is not very porous, the paint tends to "sit" on the surface instead of soaking in. Therefore it often dries in visible puddles. Pencil was used to add some detail and emphasize some areas of shade. Beibers grew up in rural northwest Mississippi. Like most boys, he enjoyed catching tadpoles, building huts, and swinging on grapevines. After one miserable year of wildlife biology studies at junior college, he changed his major to art and has since gone on to paint and draw hundreds of flora and fauna illustrations, as well as landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits. He received his MA at Mississippi College. Page 2 The following sponsors (and/or representatives from these institutions) helped make this symposium a success. -
Got a Question?
News for the kids to learn about the bay? ou ready Are y of Tampa Bay! Got a Question? Winter 2017/18 Ask a Scientist! I saw a turtle in my backyard near a hole in the ground; In This Issue: • Learn about the Gopher do I need to bring him to the water? Tortoise • Meet and Greet: Friends of the Gopher Tortoise Not necessarily, it sounds like • Conservation Corner it may have been a gopher • Fun Facts tortoise! Not all turtles belong • Fun Activity: Key“stone” in the water. They should be Species Painted Rocks left in the environment in which they were originally found. Though they are all considered “turtles,” there are actually Mark your Calendars! three general types: turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. Most turtles spend most of their time in the water. They have modified feet with webbing or flippers and a flat shell to move easily through the water. There are both freshwater turtles, like your common yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta), and 7 feet deep. They not only provide and sea turtles, like your leatherback protection for the tortoise, but also provide (Dermochelys coriacea). Terrapins are given a home for over 350 types of animals their name because of where they can be and insects. A few of these animals are found. The term terrapin is given to types the burrowing owl, indigo snake, gopher of turtles that usually spend their time in frog, pine snake, rabbits, Florida mouse, GREAT AMERICAN brackish water, the mixture of fresh and gopher cricket and many more. Gopher CLEANUP saltwater, like the ornate diamondback tortoises are labeled a keystone species Saturday, March 17 terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota). -
Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles & Crocodilians
STANDARD COMMON AND CURRENT SCIENTIFIC NAMES FOR NORTH AMERICAN AMPHIBIANS, TURTLES, REPTILES & CROCODILIANS Sixth Edition Joseph T. Collins TraVis W. TAGGart The Center for North American Herpetology THE CEN T ER FOR NOR T H AMERI ca N HERPE T OLOGY www.cnah.org Joseph T. Collins, Director The Center for North American Herpetology 1502 Medinah Circle Lawrence, Kansas 66047 (785) 393-4757 Single copies of this publication are available gratis from The Center for North American Herpetology, 1502 Medinah Circle, Lawrence, Kansas 66047 USA; within the United States and Canada, please send a self-addressed 7x10-inch manila envelope with sufficient U.S. first class postage affixed for four ounces. Individuals outside the United States and Canada should contact CNAH via email before requesting a copy. A list of previous editions of this title is printed on the inside back cover. THE CEN T ER FOR NOR T H AMERI ca N HERPE T OLOGY BO A RD OF DIRE ct ORS Joseph T. Collins Suzanne L. Collins Kansas Biological Survey The Center for The University of Kansas North American Herpetology 2021 Constant Avenue 1502 Medinah Circle Lawrence, Kansas 66047 Lawrence, Kansas 66047 Kelly J. Irwin James L. Knight Arkansas Game & Fish South Carolina Commission State Museum 915 East Sevier Street P. O. Box 100107 Benton, Arkansas 72015 Columbia, South Carolina 29202 Walter E. Meshaka, Jr. Robert Powell Section of Zoology Department of Biology State Museum of Pennsylvania Avila University 300 North Street 11901 Wornall Road Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120 Kansas City, Missouri 64145 Travis W. Taggart Sternberg Museum of Natural History Fort Hays State University 3000 Sternberg Drive Hays, Kansas 67601 Front cover images of an Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) and Cajun Chorus Frog (Pseudacris fouquettei) by Suzanne L. -
Amphibian Taxon Advisory Group Regional Collection Plan
1 Table of Contents ATAG Definition and Scope ......................................................................................................... 4 Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................... 4 Addressing the Amphibian Crisis at a Global Level ....................................................................... 5 Metamorphosis of the ATAG Regional Collection Plan ................................................................. 6 Taxa Within ATAG Purview ........................................................................................................ 6 Priority Species and Regions ........................................................................................................... 7 Priority Conservations Activities..................................................................................................... 8 Institutional Capacity of AZA Communities .............................................................................. 8 Space Needed for Amphibians ........................................................................................................ 9 Species Selection Criteria ............................................................................................................ 13 The Global Prioritization Process .................................................................................................. 13 Selection Tool: Amphibian Ark’s Prioritization Tool for Ex situ Conservation .......................... -
Saratoga National Historical Park Amphibian and Reptile Inventory March-September 2001
National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Saratoga National Historical Park Amphibian and Reptile Inventory March-September 2001 Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NETN/NRTR—2012/562 Saratoga National Historical Park Amphibian and Reptile Inventory March-September 2001 Natural Resource Technical Report NPS/NETN/NRTR—2012/562 Robert P. Cook1, David K. Brotherton2, Brad C. Timm3, and John L. Behler2 1 National Park Service Cape Cod National Seashore Wellfleet, MA 02667 2 Department of Herpetology Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx Zoo Bronx, NY 10460-1099 3 Department of Environmental Conservation University of Massachusetts, Amherst Amherst, MA 01003 March 2012 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Stewardship and Science Fort Collins, Colorado The National Park Service, Natural Resource Stewardship and Science office in Fort Collins, Colorado publishes a range of reports that address natural resource topics of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and environmental constituencies, and the public. The Natural Resource Technical Report Series is used to disseminate results of scientific studies in the physical, biological, and social sciences for both the advancement of science and the achievement of the National Park Service mission. The series provides contributors with a forum for displaying comprehensive data that are often deleted from journals because of page limitations. All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and designed and published in a professional manner. -
Necturus Maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA
Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA A thesis presented to the faculty of the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science Merri K. Collins August 2017 © 2017 Merri K. Collins. All Rights Reserved. 2 This thesis titled Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA by MERRI K. COLLINS has been approved for the Program of Environmental Studies and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs by Shawn R. Kuchta Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Mark Weinberg Dean, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs 3 ABSTRACT COLLINS MERRI K., M.S., August 2017, Environmental Studies Searching for a Salamander: Distribution and Habitat of the Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) in Southeast Ohio Using Environmental DNA Director of Thesis: Shawn R. Kuchta Habitat destruction and anthropogenic drivers have led to a decline of amphibian populations worldwide, but the conservation status of many species remains in question. Environmental DNA is a new monitoring methodology that non-invasively detects the presence of imperiled, rare, and secretive species. Although the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect species presence is increasing, it is not often paired with habitat data. This study focuses on the declining Common Mudpuppy salamander, Necturus maculosus. I conducted both traditional and eDNA field surveys at 10 stream sites located in Southeastern Ohio. I detected the presence of Mudpuppies at 6 of 10 streams using eDNA.