Vertebrate Natural History Notes from Arkansas, 2018

Abstract

Because meaningful observations of natural history are not always part of larger studies, important pieces of information often are unreported. Small details, however, can fill gaps in understanding and lead to interesting questions about ecological relationships or environmental change. We have compiled recent important observations of distribution, deformities, and foods of various vertebrates, observations of winter activity of a Groundhog ( Marmota monax ) and winter torpor of a Hoary Bat ( Lasiurus cinereus ), and also report a very unusual case of bilateral gynandromorphism in a Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis ). These unique observations continue to add to the growth of knowledge of the biology of vertebrates in Arkansas.