Pub Date : 2009-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075309X12470350858433
Anna L. Farmer, L. Smith, S. Castleberry, J. Gibbons
We compared the effectiveness of five amphibian sampling methods in nine isolated wetlands in Baker County, Georgia, USA. Overall, aquatic funnel traps yielded the most species, although the number detected using frogloggers (automated frog call recording devices), funnel traps, dipnetting, and PVC pipe refugia was not significantly different among sampling techniques. We detected the same median number of species with funnel traps and frogloggers as with all five methods combined. Methods varied widely in their detection probabilities for individual species and life stages. Species occupancy estimates were strongly affected by method choice. Our results suggest that a combination of methods and prolonged sampling periods are necessary to detect the large number of species present in southeastern isolated wetlands. We recommend that future amphibian surveys in these habitats use a combination of floating funnel traps, frogloggers, and crayfish traps as sampling methods when an assessment of species richness is the objective of a study.
{"title":"A comparison of techniques for sampling amphibians in isolated wetlands in Georgia, USA","authors":"Anna L. Farmer, L. Smith, S. Castleberry, J. Gibbons","doi":"10.1163/157075309X12470350858433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075309X12470350858433","url":null,"abstract":"We compared the effectiveness of five amphibian sampling methods in nine isolated wetlands in Baker County, Georgia, USA. Overall, aquatic funnel traps yielded the most species, although the number detected using frogloggers (automated frog call recording devices), funnel traps, dipnetting, and PVC pipe refugia was not significantly different among sampling techniques. We detected the same median number of species with funnel traps and frogloggers as with all five methods combined. Methods varied widely in their detection probabilities for individual species and life stages. Species occupancy estimates were strongly affected by method choice. Our results suggest that a combination of methods and prolonged sampling periods are necessary to detect the large number of species present in southeastern isolated wetlands. We recommend that future amphibian surveys in these habitats use a combination of floating funnel traps, frogloggers, and crayfish traps as sampling methods when an assessment of species richness is the objective of a study.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"6 1","pages":"327-341"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075309X12470350858433","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64912654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075309X12531848432985
J. M. Hoare, Dorothee Hodapp, I. Westbrooke, M. Lettink, C. O'donnell
Artificial retreats are a low-cost, low-impact and effective technique for detecting cryptic taxa, such as herpetofauna, and have potential as a monitoring tool. The success of using artificial retreats for monitoring is dependent on our ability to maximise detection and minimise variability in sightings within a sampling period. Because ectotherms use retreats for their thermal properties, it may be possible to identify weather conditions during which animals consistently use retreats and design a monitoring protocol based on optimal conditions. We investigated the use of artificial retreats by common skinks, Oligosoma polychroma, in mixed grassland habitat in southern New Zealand under various weather conditions and at a range of times of day. We recorded 1175 sightings of skinks during 1800 artificial retreat checks over a nine day period in early summer 2008. Ambient temperature, rainfall, humidity and time of day were the strongest predictors of skink sightings beneath retreats. Skink sightings were highest and least variable: (1) in an ambient temperature range of 12-18°C, (2) during light or no rain, and (3) at low levels of relative humidity. Under optimal weather conditions, skink counts were similar during the day (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. inclusive) but lower during the evening (8 p.m.). Observer variability, type of substrate beneath the retreat and retreat colour did not significantly influence the number of skinks sighted. We highlight the need to optimise protocols for checking artificial retreats on a species- and site-specific basis before attempting to evaluate their use as a monitoring tool for herpetofauna.
{"title":"Optimising the sampling of skinks using artificial retreats based on weather conditions and time of day","authors":"J. M. Hoare, Dorothee Hodapp, I. Westbrooke, M. Lettink, C. O'donnell","doi":"10.1163/157075309X12531848432985","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075309X12531848432985","url":null,"abstract":"Artificial retreats are a low-cost, low-impact and effective technique for detecting cryptic taxa, such as herpetofauna, and have potential as a monitoring tool. The success of using artificial retreats for monitoring is dependent on our ability to maximise detection and minimise variability in sightings within a sampling period. Because ectotherms use retreats for their thermal properties, it may be possible to identify weather conditions during which animals consistently use retreats and design a monitoring protocol based on optimal conditions. We investigated the use of artificial retreats by common skinks, Oligosoma polychroma, in mixed grassland habitat in southern New Zealand under various weather conditions and at a range of times of day. We recorded 1175 sightings of skinks during 1800 artificial retreat checks over a nine day period in early summer 2008. Ambient temperature, rainfall, humidity and time of day were the strongest predictors of skink sightings beneath retreats. Skink sightings were highest and least variable: (1) in an ambient temperature range of 12-18°C, (2) during light or no rain, and (3) at low levels of relative humidity. Under optimal weather conditions, skink counts were similar during the day (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. inclusive) but lower during the evening (8 p.m.). Observer variability, type of substrate beneath the retreat and retreat colour did not significantly influence the number of skinks sighted. We highlight the need to optimise protocols for checking artificial retreats on a species- and site-specific basis before attempting to evaluate their use as a monitoring tool for herpetofauna.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"48 1","pages":"379-390"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075309X12531848432985","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64912687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2009-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408X386141
Mark A. Mitchell, S. Hernandez-Divers
Biologists, law enforcement officials and veterinarians are routinely called upon to investigate reptile cases for abuse, neglect, illegal importation, and abandonment. While pursuing these situations, it is important that evidence is collected in an organized and systematic way to ensure successful prosecution or to mount a defense. There are different types of evidence that can be amassed to diagnose a disease/condition in a reptile case. Antemortem clinical investigations can be conducted for those cases where the animals are alive, while postmortem examinations should be pursued for animals that have expired. The purpose of this article is to review the common antemortem clinical techniques that can be used for forensic cases. There are a number of clinical diagnostics available for the forensic case, including the physical examination, clinical pathology, parasite diagnostics, infectious disease diagnostics, clinical toxicology, and diagnostic imaging. In addition to the clinical techniques, it is important to review and document the methods used to house and care for the animals. For this, a thorough review of the husbandry practices provided for the animal is needed.
{"title":"Methods in herpetological forensic work — clinical techniques","authors":"Mark A. Mitchell, S. Hernandez-Divers","doi":"10.1163/157075408X386141","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408X386141","url":null,"abstract":"Biologists, law enforcement officials and veterinarians are routinely called upon to investigate reptile cases for abuse, neglect, illegal importation, and abandonment. While pursuing these situations, it is important that evidence is collected in an organized and systematic way to ensure successful prosecution or to mount a defense. There are different types of evidence that can be amassed to diagnose a disease/condition in a reptile case. Antemortem clinical investigations can be conducted for those cases where the animals are alive, while postmortem examinations should be pursued for animals that have expired. The purpose of this article is to review the common antemortem clinical techniques that can be used for forensic cases. There are a number of clinical diagnostics available for the forensic case, including the physical examination, clinical pathology, parasite diagnostics, infectious disease diagnostics, clinical toxicology, and diagnostic imaging. In addition to the clinical techniques, it is important to review and document the methods used to house and care for the animals. For this, a thorough review of the husbandry practices provided for the animal is needed.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"24 1","pages":"3-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2009-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408X386141","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64921967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-11-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408786532084
J. Cooper, B. W. Baker, M. Cooper
{"title":"Forensic Science and Herpetology","authors":"J. Cooper, B. W. Baker, M. Cooper","doi":"10.1163/157075408786532084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408786532084","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"5 1","pages":"305-306"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408786532084","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64922132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408783489202
R. Elinson, Seung Yun Lee
The direct developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, serves as a model for a divergent, derived pattern of anuran development. Reproduction and development occur normally in captivity, although individual embryos and sometimes entire clutches exhibit edema. Edematous embryos have abnormal pronephroi, as judged by histology and by alkaline phosphatase staining. The pronephric defects would be sufficient to account for the edema. The first indicator of later edema is loss or reduced development of the forelimbs. The coupling of forelimb and pronephric abnormalities is likely due to insufficient retinoic acid. The same syndrome can be produced experimentally by treatment with citral, an inhibitor of retinoic acid synthesis. The involvement of retinoic acid in forelimb development, found previously in other vertebrates, can now be extended to anuran amphibians. Reduced forelimb development in embryos may be a useful way to detect insufficient dietary vitamin A in reproductive colonies of direct developing frogs and of other vertebrates.
{"title":"Abnormalities of forelimb and pronephros in a direct developing frog suggest a retinoic acid deficiency","authors":"R. Elinson, Seung Yun Lee","doi":"10.1163/157075408783489202","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408783489202","url":null,"abstract":"The direct developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, serves as a model for a divergent, derived pattern of anuran development. Reproduction and development occur normally in captivity, although individual embryos and sometimes entire clutches exhibit edema. Edematous embryos have abnormal pronephroi, as judged by histology and by alkaline phosphatase staining. The pronephric defects would be sufficient to account for the edema. The first indicator of later edema is loss or reduced development of the forelimbs. The coupling of forelimb and pronephric abnormalities is likely due to insufficient retinoic acid. The same syndrome can be produced experimentally by treatment with citral, an inhibitor of retinoic acid synthesis. The involvement of retinoic acid in forelimb development, found previously in other vertebrates, can now be extended to anuran amphibians. Reduced forelimb development in embryos may be a useful way to detect insufficient dietary vitamin A in reproductive colonies of direct developing frogs and of other vertebrates.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"5 1","pages":"33-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408783489202","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64919622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408783489211
R. Bury
Temperature has a profound effect on survival and ecology of amphibians. In the Pacific Northwest, timber harvest is known to increase peak stream temperatures to 24 ◦ C or higher, which has potential to negatively impact cold-water stream amphibians. I determined the Critical Thermal Maxima (CTmax) for two salamanders that are endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Rhyacotriton variegatus larvae acclimated at 10 ◦ C had mean CTmax of 26.7 ± 0. 7S D ◦ C and adults acclimated at 11 ◦ C had mean CTmax of 27.9 ± 1.1 ◦ C. These were among the lowest known values for any amphibian. Values were significantly higher for larval Dicamptodon tenebrosus acclimated at 14 ◦ C ( ¯ x = 29.1 ± 0.2 ◦ C). Although the smallest R. variegatus had some of the lowest values, size of larvae and adults did not influence CTmax in this species. Current forest practices retain riparian buffers along larger fish-bearing streams; however, such buffers along smaller headwaters and non-fish bearing streams may provide favorable habitat conditions for coldwater-associated species in the Pacific Northwest. The current study lends further evidence to the need for protection of Northwest stream amphibians from environmental perturbations. Forest guidelines that include riparian buffer zones and configurations of upland stands should be developed, while monitoring amphibian responses to determine their success.
{"title":"Low thermal tolerances of stream amphibians in the Pacific Northwest: Implications for riparian and forest management","authors":"R. Bury","doi":"10.1163/157075408783489211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408783489211","url":null,"abstract":"Temperature has a profound effect on survival and ecology of amphibians. In the Pacific Northwest, timber harvest is known to increase peak stream temperatures to 24 ◦ C or higher, which has potential to negatively impact cold-water stream amphibians. I determined the Critical Thermal Maxima (CTmax) for two salamanders that are endemic to the Pacific Northwest. Rhyacotriton variegatus larvae acclimated at 10 ◦ C had mean CTmax of 26.7 ± 0. 7S D ◦ C and adults acclimated at 11 ◦ C had mean CTmax of 27.9 ± 1.1 ◦ C. These were among the lowest known values for any amphibian. Values were significantly higher for larval Dicamptodon tenebrosus acclimated at 14 ◦ C ( ¯ x = 29.1 ± 0.2 ◦ C). Although the smallest R. variegatus had some of the lowest values, size of larvae and adults did not influence CTmax in this species. Current forest practices retain riparian buffers along larger fish-bearing streams; however, such buffers along smaller headwaters and non-fish bearing streams may provide favorable habitat conditions for coldwater-associated species in the Pacific Northwest. The current study lends further evidence to the need for protection of Northwest stream amphibians from environmental perturbations. Forest guidelines that include riparian buffer zones and configurations of upland stands should be developed, while monitoring amphibian responses to determine their success.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"5 1","pages":"63-74"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408783489211","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64919954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408785911002
Kristine Hoffmann, Monica E. McGarrity, Steve A. Johnson
We report on the use of a hybrid marking technique (VIE-C) combining Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) marks with toe-clipping (C) to mark individuals of several species of treefrogs (Hylidae). Our marking strategy entailed injecting elastomer into the plantar surface of the digits and clipping only one toe. This method allows large numbers of frogs to be individually marked, reduces the potential for negative effects due to clipping multiple toes, and minimizes the frequency of elastomer migration from the injection site, a common problem with VIE marks on the body or limbs. We found retention rate of VIE marks in the digits to be similar to that of toe-clips, indicating that VIE provides a satisfactory alternative to multiple toe-clips. In addition, cost of materials, frog handling time, and ill effects were minimal. This VIE-C marking scheme is highly recommended when considering techniques for marking anurans, as it reduces potential negative effects of clipping multiple toes, and provides a large number of inexpensive and long-lasting individual marks that can be easily applied and quickly read in the field by trained observers.
{"title":"Technology meets tradition: A combined VIE-C technique for individually marking anurans","authors":"Kristine Hoffmann, Monica E. McGarrity, Steve A. Johnson","doi":"10.1163/157075408785911002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408785911002","url":null,"abstract":"We report on the use of a hybrid marking technique (VIE-C) combining Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE) marks with toe-clipping (C) to mark individuals of several species of treefrogs (Hylidae). Our marking strategy entailed injecting elastomer into the plantar surface of the digits and clipping only one toe. This method allows large numbers of frogs to be individually marked, reduces the potential for negative effects due to clipping multiple toes, and minimizes the frequency of elastomer migration from the injection site, a common problem with VIE marks on the body or limbs. We found retention rate of VIE marks in the digits to be similar to that of toe-clips, indicating that VIE provides a satisfactory alternative to multiple toe-clips. In addition, cost of materials, frog handling time, and ill effects were minimal. This VIE-C marking scheme is highly recommended when considering techniques for marking anurans, as it reduces potential negative effects of clipping multiple toes, and provides a large number of inexpensive and long-lasting individual marks that can be easily applied and quickly read in the field by trained observers.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"55 1","pages":"265-280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408785911002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64920914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408784648835
Hong Meiling, Shi Haitao, Fu Lirong, Gong Shi-ping, J. Fong, J. F. Parham
The Chinese turtle trade is the primary threat to endangered turtle populations throughout Asia, primarily because of the long tradition of consuming turtles in China. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) promote nutritional and medicinal benefits from eating turtles, especially those made from hardshell species. We tested these claims by determining the nutritional value of turtle products (meat, fat and shell) in five species of geoemydid turtle, Cuora trifasciata, C. mouhotii, Mauremys mutica, M. sinensis and Geoemyda spengleri. Nutritional variables such as the composition of amino acids, fatty acids and mineral elements were analyzed to determine the relative nutritional quality of turtle products. Our study refutes TCM claims about products made from hardshell turtles. Alternative animal products should be substituted to obtain similar minerals, amino acids and fatty acids. Balancing the cultural use of turtles with their conservation status remains a major challenge.
中国海龟贸易是整个亚洲濒危海龟种群的主要威胁，主要是因为中国有悠久的食用海龟的传统。中医医生提倡食用海龟，尤其是那些由硬壳物种制成的海龟，具有营养和药用价值。我们通过测定五种地鳖(Cuora trifasciata, C. mouhotii, Mauremys mutica, M. sinensis和geemyda spengleri)龟产品(肉、脂肪和壳)的营养价值来验证这些说法。通过对氨基酸、脂肪酸和矿质元素组成等营养变量的分析，确定了龟产品的相对营养品质。我们的研究驳斥了中医对由硬壳龟制成的产品的说法。应该用替代动物产品来获得类似的矿物质、氨基酸和脂肪酸。平衡海龟的文化用途和它们的保护状况仍然是一项重大挑战。
{"title":"Scientific refutation of traditional Chinese medicine claims about turtles","authors":"Hong Meiling, Shi Haitao, Fu Lirong, Gong Shi-ping, J. Fong, J. F. Parham","doi":"10.1163/157075408784648835","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408784648835","url":null,"abstract":"The Chinese turtle trade is the primary threat to endangered turtle populations throughout Asia, primarily because of the long tradition of consuming turtles in China. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) promote nutritional and medicinal benefits from eating turtles, especially those made from hardshell species. We tested these claims by determining the nutritional value of turtle products (meat, fat and shell) in five species of geoemydid turtle, Cuora trifasciata, C. mouhotii, Mauremys mutica, M. sinensis and Geoemyda spengleri. Nutritional variables such as the composition of amino acids, fatty acids and mineral elements were analyzed to determine the relative nutritional quality of turtle products. Our study refutes TCM claims about products made from hardshell turtles. Alternative animal products should be substituted to obtain similar minerals, amino acids and fatty acids. Balancing the cultural use of turtles with their conservation status remains a major challenge.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"1 1","pages":"173-187"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408784648835","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64920962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2008-01-01DOI: 10.1163/157075408784648844
S. Riedl, H. Mushinsky, E. McCoy
Gopher tortoises on lands to be developed may be translocated as a conservation measure, sometimes to areas already occupied by the species. We assessed the success of this type of translocation by monitoring the movements, spatial positioning, health, and reproductive activity of translocated and resident individuals at a site in central Florida from 2001 to 2004. By several criteria, the translocation was a success. Most translocated individuals remained on-site for at least one year, home ranges of resident individuals were not significantly different before and after translocation, home ranges of translocated individuals fit within the range of estimates reported in the literature, and neither body condition nor reproduction of either group of individuals could be shown to be affected by the translocation. On the other hand, several resident individuals altered their habitat use after translocation and the spatial positioning of resident individuals was different than that of individuals throughout; so, some potential exists for future off-site movements. The study illustrates two practical problems in assessing translocation success: lack of adequate pre-translocation data for both resident and translocated individuals, which interferes with documentation of translocation effects, and the necessarily small sample sizes, which reduces statistical power.
{"title":"Translocation of the Gopher Tortoise: Difficulties Associated with Assessing Success","authors":"S. Riedl, H. Mushinsky, E. McCoy","doi":"10.1163/157075408784648844","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1163/157075408784648844","url":null,"abstract":"Gopher tortoises on lands to be developed may be translocated as a conservation measure, sometimes to areas already occupied by the species. We assessed the success of this type of translocation by monitoring the movements, spatial positioning, health, and reproductive activity of translocated and resident individuals at a site in central Florida from 2001 to 2004. By several criteria, the translocation was a success. Most translocated individuals remained on-site for at least one year, home ranges of resident individuals were not significantly different before and after translocation, home ranges of translocated individuals fit within the range of estimates reported in the literature, and neither body condition nor reproduction of either group of individuals could be shown to be affected by the translocation. On the other hand, several resident individuals altered their habitat use after translocation and the spatial positioning of resident individuals was different than that of individuals throughout; so, some potential exists for future off-site movements. The study illustrates two practical problems in assessing translocation success: lack of adequate pre-translocation data for both resident and translocated individuals, which interferes with documentation of translocation effects, and the necessarily small sample sizes, which reduces statistical power.","PeriodicalId":55499,"journal":{"name":"Applied Herpetology","volume":"20 1","pages":"145-160"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2008-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1163/157075408784648844","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"64921088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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