CONTRIBUTED PAPERS

FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY AS AN INDICATOR OF HABITAT QUALITY AND FORAGING ABILITY IN THE TIGER SALAMANDER,
AMBYSTOMA TIGRINUM

Amy R. Benson

Murray State University and Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

ABSTRACT. Developmental stability, as measured by fluctuating asymmetry (FA), has recently received attention as a potential indicator of stress in a variety of organisms. FA was measured in larvae of the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum, in central Colorado to test the hypothesis that FA is negatively correlated with habitat quality and foraging ability. Twenty-five larvae were collected from each of 13 ponds and each side of each larva was digitally photographed within 24 hours. A water sample was obtained from each pond and analyzed for pH, alkalinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate/nitrite and orthophosphates. An FA index for each population was calculated for each of five traits. A stepwise multiple regression was performed for each trait versus all water quality variables. One trait (foreleg-to-hindleg) showed a significant negative relationship to alkalinity (p=.012) indicating that FA is higher in ponds that are less buffered from acidification. The four traits that were not related to water quality were associated with the head, and there is some evidence from other studies that these traits may be highly canalized and therefore not ideal for studies of FA. During the summer of 2001, this study will be replicated and several new traits not associated with the head will be measured. Larvae from five of the ponds were used in foraging experiments in which they were housed individually and presented with larvae of a pond mayfly, Callibaetus ferrugineus, after several days of acclimation. Each salamander larva was observed for 10 minutes, and a ratio of attempted to successful captures was calculated as an estimate of foraging efficiency. FA was related to average foraging efficiency using a simple regression. There was a negative trend between FA of foreleg-to-hindleg and both foraging efficiency (p=.118) and overall number of captures (p=.087), but this relationship was not significant. Ten new populations will be used for the foraging experiment during 2001 and this increased sample size will help determine whether the observed trends are statistically significant. FA may have potential as an indicator of habitat quality and foraging ability, but further study is needed.

POPULATION VIABILITY ANALYSIS OF THE HELLBENDER (CRYPTOBRANCHUS SP.)

Monica Pope and Howard Whiteman

Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071

ABSTRACT. The population status of Cryptobranchus alleganiensis is largely unknown across most of its range. Demographic data suggest the species to be threatened if not endangered. Population viability analysis using extinction prediction software can be a useful means of modeling future demographic scenarios which a species may experience. Using available demographic data and the extinction modeling software, VORTEX, a population extinction prediction was developed for C. alleganiensis. The inability of offspring to survive to sexual maturity within populations was determined to be the predominant factor leading to population decline. Concomitantly, populations were not viable unless the existed as an extensive metapopulation. Unfortunately, the degree to which C. alleganiensis actually exists as a metapopulation is yet unknown, suggesting an urgent area of research for management of this species.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES ON A RECENTLY DISCOVERED POPULATION OF STERNOTHERUS MINOR PELTIFER
(STRIPENECK MUSK TURTLE) IN WHITEOAK CREEK,
HOUSTON AND HUMPHREYS COUNTIES, TENNESSEE

Scott Williamson and A. Floyd Scott

Department of Biology and Center for Field Biology
Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044

ABSTRACT. Whiteoak Creek is a tributary of the Tennessee River that flows westward through Middle Tennessee in parts of Houston and Humphreys counties. In the summer of 1999, three specimens of Sternotherus minor peltifer (Stripeneck Musk Turtle) were discovered in the creek’s lower reaches. These records were well to the west and north of any previous reports for the species. Following this discovery, we initiated a study of S. m. peltifer in Whiteoak Creek to obtain information on its distribution, population attributes, and movements. Turtles were captured by hand while wading, canoeing, and snorkeling the creek. All captured specimens were weighted, measured, given an individual mark (notches in marginal scutes), and, when possible, sexed. Seven adults were fitted with radio transmitters. Six sites distributed along a 20-km reach of the creek produced 44 individuals. Females outnumbered males approximately 2 to1 (25:14); juveniles numbered five. Twenty-eight individuals were found among ledges, crevices, and boulders of deeper pools along limestone bluffs. Eight were taken among submerged root masses, logs, limbs, and other organic debris not associated with bluffs. At the time of this writing, movement data were too limited to allow any generalizations. Funding for this project was provided by The Center for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044.

DISTRIBUTION AND MOVEMENTS OF ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES
(MACROCHELYS TEMMINCKII) IN THE TENNESSEE PORTION OF KENTUCKY RESERVOIR

A. Floyd Scott and Scott Sutton

Department of Biology and Center for Field Biology
Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044

ABSTRACT. Although not reported until 1954, the first Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) from what is now Kentucky Reservoir (impounded Tennessee River) was found in 1938 near the community of Big Sandy in Benton County, Tennessee. Since then, 23 specimens from 10 additional localities in five counties have been documented. This report includes a detailed summary of the distribution data for the species in Kentucky Reservoir and presents the results of radio-tracking studies carried out over the past 5 years on four adults (2 males and 2 females) in lower Whiteoak Creek, which enters the reservoir in Houston County, Tennessee. Funding for this project was provided by The Center for Field Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044.

TRAPPING THE FIVE-LINED SKINK, EUMECES FASCIATUS,
TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF TAIL AUTOTOMY
ON MALE DOMINANCE RELATIONSHIPS

Department of Biology and Center for Field Biology
Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044

ABSTRACT. Capture efficiency and mortality of Five-Lined skinks, Eumeces fasciatus, were compared for pitfall, funnel, and modified glue traps. Sixteen E. fasciatus were captured over 22 days. Lizards captured on glue traps (N = 9) experienced 22.2% mortality (2 deaths) and those captured in pitfall traps (N = 7) experienced 0% mortality. No lizards were captured in funnel traps. The glue trap mortalities occurred early in the study, but were eliminated by trap and procedural modifications. Glue traps were most efficient on a time of effort basis, but pitfall traps were a safer capture technique that required less researcher time for monitoring. We also studied dominance relationships between male E. fasciatus and the effect of tail autotomy on these relationships. We placed a female E. fasciatus between two reproductive males to elicit competitive interactions from them that could be classified as dominant or subordinate responses. The duration of the contest, i.e., time at which a male retreats, as well as other behaviors including orientation, tongue flicks, tail undulations, grappling, and bites were recorded. We used an ANOVA to determine the amount of variation in these behaviors between the dominant and subordinate males. Additionally, we used the McNemar test to assess if tail autotomy affects previously established dominant-subordinate relationships among male E. fasciatus. We also used ANOVA to test the ability of E. fasciatus to recognize dominant/subordinate conspecifics via phermones by presenting each male with a cloacal swab from itself and from its dominant/subordinate conspecifics as determined in the dominance trials. All dominate versus subordinate behaviors (i.e., number of tongue flicks [both], retreat [subordinate], bite [dominant], and stands ground [dominant]) were recorded.

THE UTILITY OF GIS-BASED HABITAT MODELS FOR ASSESSING THE CURRENT AND FUTURE STATUS OF THE SWAMP RABBIT (SYLVILAGUS AQUATICUS) IN KENTUCKY

ABSTRACT. Geographic information systems may provide a cost-effective and accurate means of evaluating the current and predicted availability of critical habitat for species. We tested the utility of GIS-based models to predict the distribution of suitable habitat for the swamp rabbit, which is a species of special concern in Kentucky. Using a geographic information system and logistic regression analysis, we developed three models that predicted the probability of occurrence of swamp rabbits in western Kentucky. The models were compared to the existing Kentucky Gap Analysis model. All models were successful in the prediction of confirmed swamp rabbit observations, both of presence (> 80%) and absence (> 90%), with only slight variation among models. After selection of the best model based on statistical performance and model construction criteria, the best model was applied to geographic areas of Kentucky contiguous to the species’ current Kentucky range to investigate the feasibility of swamp rabbit reintroductions. Only five areas for potential reintroduction were identified, with two of marginal quality and the remaining unsuitable for swamp rabbit reintroduction. Land ownership and protection status of all habitat determined to be suitable by our best model was assessed; the vast majority of all land was in unprotected, private ownership. Wildlife Management Areas protected the most swamp rabbit habitat (. 8%), but most suitable habitat remains at risk. These models can serve as a solid basis for future swamp rabbit conservation considerations. Field validation and frequent assessments and modifications of the models associated with increased data availability and improved GIS technology are recommended.

DYNAMICS OF A WHITE-TAILED DEER POPULATION
IN SOUTHERN HUMPHREYS COUNTY, TENNESSEE

ABSTRACT. The dynamics and composition of a population of White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) inhabiting 425 hectares (1050 ac) in southern Humphreys County, Tennessee were assessed during August and September 2000 using infrared photography. The study site was divided into seven contiguous plots each measuring 61 ha (150 ac). Each plot was baited with corn and photographed for ten consecutive days with a 35-mm camera. Resulting photographs were examined and the sex and age class of deer seen recorded. Results suggest a population of 32.9 animals with a density of 7.74 deer/km² (20.0 mi²) and a sex ratio of 67 bucks per 100 does. Age structure among the male segment of the population was relatively balanced with mature ($2.5 yrs old) animals constituting 45% of the total. When results of the 2000 census are compared to data obtained in 1999, the sex and age structures remained essentially unchanged, but the population increased 15% and the doe/fawn ratio improved from 6:1 to 3:1. This indicates an increase in fitness among the reproductive segment of the population over a 2-year period.

STATUS OF ORGANOCHLORINE POLLUTANTS IN
TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS OF
WESTERNMOST KENTUCKY: BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS

Bommanna G. Loganathan¹, David A. Owen¹, James Sickel² and Stephen White²

Center for Reservoir Research, ¹Department of Chemistry and ²Department of Biology
Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071

ABSTRACT. The westernmost Kentucky (Purchase Area) is endowed with variety of industries and state-of-the-art agricultural operations. Industrial and agricultural chemical pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides and organotin compounds are known to contaminate terrestrial and aquatic environments of this region. The organachlorine (PCBs, DDTs, hexachlorobenzene, chlordane compounds etc) and organometallic (mono-, di-, and tributyltins) pollutants are of particular concern because these compounds are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic and linked to cancer and/or other health effects in wildlife and humans. Biomonitoring of pollutants is a useful tool to evaluate the status or health of an ecosystem. Pine needles and bivalve mollusks have been demonstrated as excellent biomonitoring matrices for the evaluation of the tropospheric and aquatic contamination by these organochlorine and organometallic compounds. A consortium of MSU researchers has amassed bioindicator data to evaluate the extent of contamination by these toxic chemicals during the past several years. The authors have compiled and compared levels of pollutants in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the region. The results revealed that, in general, contamination levels of PCBs, and chlorinated pesticides were lower than in other severely contaminated sites. The pine needles data revealed that samples from the vicinity of Calvert City Industrial Complex (CCIC) and “downwind” from CCIC showed elevated concentrations of organochlorine compounds when compared to residential, undeveloped sites. Detectable levels of 4,4’-DDT and 4,4’-DDD in mussel tissues and sediment samples from Kentucky Lake and Kentucky Dam tailgate indicate the recent input of these chemicals. A wide range of concentrations of butylating in lowermost Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake sediments and mussel tissues suggest the presence of localized areas of contamination by these compounds.