South Carolina Research: Projects, Research Publications, Presentations, Thesis and Dissertations, Technical Publications

South Carolina Research Activities

The SC Unit conducts research on Brown Pelicans and other nearshore seabirds in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean

The Cooperative Research Units Program conducts research related to fish, wildlife, and natural resource management. The programs offer Federal and State agencies access not only to unit scientists, but also to university expertise and facilities available at each of the 40 cooperating universities. Most research projects are carried out by graduate students participating with and/or under the direction of unit or other university scientists.

Research expertise at the SC Unit includes include ecology and conservation of aquatic, terrestrial, and marine wildlife, aquatic ecology, foraging ecology, functional ecology, conservation physiology, movement ecology, spatial ecology, and human-wildlife interactions.

Projects

Project	Completion Date
Modeling Bat Habitat Use Across Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO): Potential Effects of Prescribed Fire	May 2016	We will study year-round bat activity on BISO and relate species presence and activity to environmental conditions such as temperature and rainfall, forest type, forest structure, and management history. Seven prescribed fires have been conducted since 2005 and these sites will be sampled as will a number of unburned sites. We will use these data to model the potential effects of BISO’s fire management plan on habitat suitability for various bat species inhabiting the park.	While prescribed fire is known to maintain forest health and minimize disease, little is known about its impact on bat activity. Past studies suggest the reduction in vegetation density as a result of burning may increase access and foraging efficiency. As the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO) Fire Management Plan is revised, this project aims to provide data on seasonal bat use and habitat associations that will enhance the plans’ ability to safely and productively manage forests with prescribed fire for rare and endangered bats occupying the area. Currently, acoustic detectors are being used to assess bat presence and activity throughout the annual cycle on BISO by simultaneously monitoring activity levels in forest sites with varying burn histories and adjacent unburned sites.<br>To date two seasons of summer sampling have been completed, with a second season of winter sampling in progress. Habitat structure and composition were assessed and temperature recorded at each site, with metrological data obtained from a regional weather station. A total of 4079 bat passes at 66 sites were recorded during the 2014 summer season and identified to species when possible.<br>General linear model procedures were then used to examine the effects of varying burn histories, and forest composition and structure on summer bat presence and activity. Preliminary analyses indicate that bat presence and total activity are significantly greater in burned sites compared to unburned sites, and show a correlation between increased activity and lower stem densities. Additional analyses among burned sites suggest that interactions between forest composition and burn history affect forest structure and activity levels.
Modeling Winter Habitat Use of Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population	December 2016	We have identified a need to assess wintering ecology of cranes so as to better predict the types of habitats they may use and the quantity and quality of habitats that may be available throughout the EMP. This is pertinent not only to understanding winter ecology but also to elucidate the linkages that exist between winter habitat quality and subsequent reproductive success. If time and funding permit (or as subsequent research efforts) we also would seek to better understand food quality and availability at wintering sites, wintering movement patterns, and territoriality for breeding pairs or family groups during the nonbreeding season. <br><br>The goal of the research is to enhance our understanding of wintering habitat use of whooping cranes so as to better inform decision-making as it relates to wintering habitat assessment as well as the development and protection of current or alternative wintering sites. Our objectives are to (1) quantify wintering habitat use of adult whooping cranes at the patch and landscape scales from monitoring data collected for the EMP between 2001-2013, (2) using habitat models created in objective 1, predict suitability of potential wintering areas east of the Mississippi River, (3) solicit expert opinion to further inform the development of predictive habitat models for novel wintering sites east of the Mississippi River, and (4) use a structured decision making framework to evaluate possible wintering habitat locations as identified in objectives 2 and 3.	The reintroduced Eastern Migratory Population (EMP) of Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) has reached recovery goals of 25 breeding pairs and 100 individuals in the population, but is not yet reproducing successfully to be self-sustaining. Unlike the growing population of Whooping Cranes in the central flyway that winter in coastal marshes of the Gulf of Mexico, the EMP has an expansive winter range that includes many agricultural areas in the eastern United States. It is unclear if quality of winter habitat is contributing to the population’s lack of reproductive success. The general winter and migratory range of this population is known, but the specific habitats, behaviors, and patterns of movement are not well-understood. The goals of this study are to assess (1) daily movements and habitat characteristics of wintering areas, and (2) migration routes and habitat characteristics of stopover sites. <br><br>Field data were collected during winters 2014-15 and 2015-16, and were analyzed during 2016-17. On average, Whooping Cranes used a daily home range of 3.4 km2 during winter 2014-15, and 4.1 km2 during 2015-16. Whooping Cranes were most often observed using open landscapes including cultivated crops for foraging, and open water habitats for foraging and loafing. Protected areas and areas with hydric soil were favored by wintering Whooping Cranes, while forested areas were avoided. <br>Preliminary analyses of satellite telemetry data collected during migration show similar habitat preferences on stopover sites. Additionally, Whooping Cranes do not seem to use the exact migration routes from year to year, but may show fidelity to stopover sites. Ongoing analyses will investigate differences in migration timing, distance, and use of stopover sites. A better understanding of the winter and migration habitat used by Whooping Cranes in the EMP will aid in management of current wintering areas, direct conservation efforts of unprotected lands, and will inform future research on the overall success of this population.
Economic Impacts of Feral Hogs on South Carolina’s Agriculture Submitted to the South Carolina Farm Bureau	May 2016	A quantitative and qualitative assessment of feral hog damage to South Carolina farms.	Wild Hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species presently found in the United States in at least 36 states, including South Carolina, and can negatively impact native species, agricultural systems, domestic livestock, and human health. This project aimed to assess the feasibility of a technical assistance program using trap materials through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for landowners in South Carolina. We identified five NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) eligible landowners with significant wild hog damage on their property and provided technical assistance and materials for camera-activated corral traps from June 2014 to May 2015. During the project, landowners trapped 30 wild hogs, and the camera-activated corral traps took a total of 5,080 pictures with non-target species encountered in 85.8% of pictures. Non-target species encountered in the traps included White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Raccoons (Procyon lotor), Eastern Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), and Opossums (Didelphis virginiana). The results of this project were communicated to NRCS field personnel and other professionals through two wild hog management workshops. Additionally, this project aimed to examine the prevalence of six wild hog diseases in South Carolina as well as the relationship between disease prevalence and age class, sex, and geographic location. From 2007-2014, wildlife biologists from USDA Wildlife Services collected blood and nasal swab samples from wild hogs in South Carolina to test for classical swine fever, swine brucellosis, pseudorabies virus, porcine circovirus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, and swine influenza virus. Wild hogs tested positive for every disease except classical swine fever in at least one county of South Carolina from 2007-2014. The presence of these pathogens in the state’s wild hog population indicates that wild hogs may be disease reservoirs with the potential to transmit diseases to domestic livestock or native wildlife.
Innovative Approaches to Manage and Reduce Feral Hog Damage to Agronomic Systems, Woodlands, and Ecosystem Services	September 2015	In response to growing concerns about the economic and ecological impact of feral hog populations among federal, state, and local leadership within the state of South Carolina, Clemson University seeks to develop novel management approaches to reduce invasive feral hog damage. This project will utilize public surveys to identify lands/stakeholders with severe feral hog damage within the state. These sites will serve as pilot areas to further develop innovative camera trap tools (in addition to traditional methods) to manage and reduce feral hog damage. This project will allow us to assess the effectiveness of a technical assistance and cost-sharing program (materials and equipment) to reduce feral hog damage on EQIP eligible producers’ property. The results of this project will be used to develop a set of “best practices” management recommendations that will be communicated to natural resource managers, community members and the NRCS. Based on the results of this project, we will also implement meetings and training events to allow landowners to be trained in the most effective feral hog management techniques.	Wild Hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive species presently found in the United States in at least 36 states, including South Carolina, and can negatively impact native species, agricultural systems, domestic livestock, and human health. This project aimed to assess the feasibility of a technical assistance program using trap materials through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for landowners in South Carolina. We identified five NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) eligible landowners with significant wild hog damage on their property and provided technical assistance and materials for camera-activated corral traps from June 2014 to May 2015. During the project, landowners trapped 30 wild hogs, and the camera-activated corral traps took a total of 5,080 pictures with non-target species encountered in 85.8% of pictures. Non-target species encountered in the traps included White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Raccoons (Procyon lotor), Eastern Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus), and Opossums (Didelphis virginiana). The results of this project were communicated to NRCS field personnel and other professionals through two wild hog management workshops. Additionally, this project aimed to examine the prevalence of six wild hog diseases in South Carolina as well as the relationship between disease prevalence and age class, sex, and geographic location. From 2007-2014, wildlife biologists from USDA Wildlife Services collected blood and nasal swab samples from wild hogs in South Carolina to test for classical swine fever, swine brucellosis, pseudorabies virus, porcine circovirus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, and swine influenza virus. Wild hogs tested positive for every disease except classical swine fever in at least one county of South Carolina from 2007-2014. The presence of these pathogens in the state’s wild hog population indicates that wild hogs may be disease reservoirs with the potential to transmit diseases to domestic livestock or native wildlife.
Development of a seabird colony atlas for the southeastern US	December 2013	There is no current atlas or database of seabird nesting sites for the entire southeastern U.S. (NC, SC, GA, Atlantic Florida). The Deepwater Horizon oil spill highlighted the critical need for such a product in each coastal region of the U.S. An atlas also would be valuable for marine spatial planning issues including but not limited to sighting wind turbines, scheduling and sighting sand-dredging and beach nourishment operations, managing recreation and access, and land/marine conservation planning. Therefore, our objective is to develop a register (data, meta-data) and atlas (spatial inventory) of colony sites used by breeding seabirds throughout the study area. The register and atlas will be available on-line and would also serve as the foundation for future development of a dynamic and continuing database that would support the R4 Inventory & Monitoring Network.	We are developing a register (data, meta-data) and atlas (spatial inventory) of colony sites used by breeding seabirds in SC, GA, and Atlantic FL. The register and atlas will be available on-line and would also serve as the foundation for future development of a dynamic and continuing database that would support the R4 Inventory & Monitoring Network.
Small mammal species diversity and isolated wetlands	December 2014	Assess abundance, distribution and population dynamics of small mammals communities relative to isolated wetlands in the Clemson Experimental Forest, South Carolina	None
South Carolina Alligator Adaptive Management Strategies: Population Dynamics, Habitat Utilization and Conservation Threats	March 2019	The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is an iconic species in South Carolina, of ecological and economic importance. This study is investigating alligator population ecology using multiple analytical methods to establish an adaptive management framework for harvest decision-making. The primary study objectives are to (1) improve the study design of alligator monitoring programs to best reflect annual variation in alligator specific size-class abundance, (2) identify factors that influence said variation, and (3) evaluate the influence of alligator habitat-use patterns on management decisions.	The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is an iconic species in South Carolina, of ecological and economic importance. This study is investigating alligator population ecology using multiple analytical methods to establish an adaptive management framework for harvest decision-making. We are collaborating with SC DNR and the GA Cooperative Research Unit to provide stakeholders with tools to enhance decision making. Our models will serve as the basis to evaluate population-level responses to management or harvest decisions and to determine the intensity of monitoring required to produce reliable population estimates.
Eastern Brown Pelicans: Dispersal, Seasonal Movements and Monitoring of PAHs and Contaminants in the Northern Gulf of Mexico	November 2019	The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) contains a high density of oil and gas infrastructure and coastal development. It also has a rich assemblage of nearshore and pelagic seabirds. The region is of year-round importance to seabirds, including local breeding populations and breeders from distant locations that occur within the Gulf throughout the year. Because of its distribution patterns, behavior, and known sensitivity to chemical and oil contaminants exposure, the Brown Pelican (<i>Pelecanus occidentalis</i>) is a good indicator of species-level impacts from interactions with coastal and marine development. The species is widespread throughout the northern GOM and common during all phases of the annual cycle. Despite the species’ long history as a focus for conservation and restoration efforts, much of the information required to understand pelican population dynamics and habitat requirements (i.e<i>.,</i> adult and fledgling mortality, dispersal, site fidelity, diet composition, foraging behavior, migration patterns, and nonbreeding habitat use) remains unknown or is poorly understood.<br><br>In this study, we used several unique research avenues to address questions regarding movement, habitat use, physiology, and reproductive ecology of brown pelicans. Our research encompassed six principal objectives: (1) assessing reproductive ecology; (2) assessing baseline habitat use by the species in this region, particularly individual and regional variability; (3) assessing baseline health and exposure to contaminants in this region, particularly individual and regional variability; (4) predicting overlap of pelicans with anthropogenic risk factors; (5) understanding pathways by which changes to adult movement patterns might influence reproductive ecology and how to best measure such effects in wild populations; and (6) assessing movement ecology in the context of interactions with key prey resources.	The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) contains a high density of oil and gas infrastructure and coastal development. The region is also of year-round importance to seabirds, including local breeding populations and breeders from distant locations that occur within the Gulf throughout the year. A species of high conservation concern in the region is the Brown Pelican. Despite the species’ long history as a focus for conservation and restoration efforts, much of the information required to understand pelican population dynamics, habitat requirements, or responses to environmental stress remains unknown or is poorly understood. This project relied on collaboration with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the USGS Outer Continental Shelf Program, state agencies (TX, LA, AL, and FL), and NGO partners to conduct the most spatially extensive research on Brown Pelicans nesting and movement ecology. Results from the research are informing restoration activities in the Gulf (e.g., <a href="https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/2020/02/queen-bess-island-restored-time-nesting-season">https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/2020/02/queen-bess-island-restored-time-nesting-season</a>) and have played a major role in the development of guidelines for the development of long-term monitoring plans for seabirds in the region (https://gomamn.org/strategic-bird-monitoring-guidelines). Results are also used by agency partners for the development of spill response plans, assessment activities, and marine spatial planning.
Reproductive Ecology of Wilson's Plover	December 2013	Wilson’s Plover is a medium-sized plover associated strictly with coastal areas. The US Shorebird Conservation Plan list Wilson’s Plover as a “species of high concern” in their prioritization of shorebird species according to relative conservation status and risk. Wilson’s Plovers are listed as state threatened in South Carolina. SCDNR surveys from 2009 -2011 suggest approximately 300 pairs nest in SC and they are rare on beaches with development. The major threat to the species in US is destruction of breeding habitat by development of beachfront areas. On undeveloped barrier islands, human disturbance can cause nest loss and abandonment of sites. Because nests and chicks are camouflaged and cryptic, crushing by humans and vehicles on beaches can also cause lower reproductive success. Studies of feeding, activity budget, and habitat use have been conducted in Venezuela on their wintering grounds. Otherwise, little is known about most aspects of the life history of this species. Our objectives are to: (1) Determine nest success and factors affecting reproductive loss of Wilson’s Plovers at South and Sand Islands, Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC, (2) Determine nesting chronology of Wilson’s Plovers, and (3) Determine habitat used by Wilson’s Plover broods Determine brood behavior in response to presence of humans	None
Decision Support for Public Alligator Harvesting in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina	June 2017	Regulations for public alligator harvesting in the states of Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina are based on an assessment of current-year alligator population size against statistically-estimated historical trends in abundance. However, mechanistic models offer certain advantages over statistical models in that (1) they may be able to better predict harvest outcomes that are outside of historical experience, (2) they facilitate the making of optimal harvest decisions based on threshold conditions tied to the biology of the species, not the population's past performance, and (3) they provide a straightforward way to account for biological uncertainty about the response of populations to harvest management. In this project, we will employ a structured decision making approach to consider the problem of public alligator harvesting in the three participating state agencies. The approach will explicitly recognize the policy differences (management objectives and regulatory options) among the agencies, but it will take advantage of regional commonalities in population biology, habitat relationships, and sampling characteristics in the development of a set of decision models. Under this design, we expect that efficiencies can be created because the model set can be informed and improved by data contributed by any agency, and the models may indicate uncertainties toward which agencies can coordinate focused research efforts.
Determining the Movement Patterns and Habitat Use of Seabirds to Support Marine Spatial Planning Along the Atlantic Coast	December 2012	We will use remote tracking technologies such as satellite transmitters and global location sensors to track movements and map use areas of individual seabirds along the Atlantic coast. We will target seabirds that are likely to use areas off of the mid-Atlantic coast. Data will allow us to better understand the link between multiple and widespread geographic regions such as the nearshore and pelagic zones of the mid- and south Atlantic US coasts and the islands and waters of The Bahamas and Caribbean. The proposed effort will build upon ongoing work by the PI.	Many species of seabirds breeding in the Caribbean occupy waters off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the US during some portion of the annual cycle. As marine spatial planning becomes a pressing issue in the region, data are needed to enhance our understanding of the seabird community in the South Atlantic Bight and the Gulf of Mexico. Although current ship-based and aerial surveys are the standard methods used to measure abundance and distribution of birds at sea, each is a population-based survey that provides information without regard to individual variability or colony of origin. We are deploying tracking devices to measure movement patterns of seabirds in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Northwest Atlantic. Data from individual tracking efforts will allow us to assess variability in movements and use patterns, fidelity to specific marine locations, and the relationship between marine use areas and breeding locations and population trends at the breeding grounds. To date, we have collected tracking data from six species of pelagic seabirds in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, St Eustatius and Tobago in collaboration with federal agencies, and local Universities and NGOs. Our research builds upon tracking work we initiated in the Bahamas in 2008-2010 and also takes advantage of the Capacity Building project we initiated in the Caribbean. As such, we are closely collaborating with the University of the West Indies in advising M.S. student Hannah Madden in St Eustatius for the study of the breeding biology and spatial ecology of the local population of vulnerable Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus). In April of 2016, we conducted a pilot study to deploy GPS loggers on breeding adults; based on this effort we will be able to improve our tracking effort during the winter of 2017. These data will complement our earlier studies on the connectivity of Caribbean seabird species. Details on each project, including a complete list of sponsors and collaborators, can be found at www.atlanticseabirds.org
Building International Capacity for Seabird Conservation	December 2012	The coastal wetlands and islands of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding marine areas provide essential habitats for migratory and resident waterbirds (seabirds, shorebirds and waterfowl) and many other birds. They are increasingly threatened by coastal development, sea-level rise and invasive species, amongst other threats. The impacts of these threats were compounded by the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, which affected aquatic birds directly through oiling and indirectly through damage to breeding habitats and feeding grounds. The goal of this project is to compensate for lethal and sublethal damages to Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico seabird/waterbird meta-populations and their habitats caused by the DWH oil spill by building long-term, in-country capacity to address threats and effectively manage and conserve species and habitats. We will (1) implement immediate conservation projects at high-priority sites that also will serve as demonstration projects for a later capacity-building training workshop, (2) train key individuals (including protected area managers, scientists, and their partners who will themselves implement projects and act as trainers) during a multi-day capacity-building workshop, (3) support trained individuals by developing and implementing projects (to be supported by a small grants program) as well as long-term funding proposals. These activities will mitigate the effects of the DWH and permanently increase the capacity to address other short and long-term threats. The main activities will focus on assisting local practitioners to implement practical conservation activities addressing regional priority needs.	None
Response of nearshore seabirds to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill	December 2011	This research will be a component of the NRDA avian injury assessment at the Gulf of Mexico – Mississippi Canyon oil spill. We will oversee the capture, sampling, and placement of transmitters on targeted shorebirds, seabirds, and beach nesting birds. Telemetry will allow monitoring to determine the rate of mortality in sublethally oiled birds. The primary species of interest are brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), royal tern (Sterna maxima), and black skimmer (Rynchops niger). Satellite tags with activity sensors, VHF tags with mortality switches, microGPS tags, or geolocators will be deployed to evaluate survival and movement. The type of device deployed will be chosen based on the body mass of the individual. The mass of the device will not exceed 3% of the individual’s body mass. Whenever possible, carcasses of deceased birds also will be retrieved. Health assessments of individuals that are “sub-lethally” oiled also will be conducted. Parameters to be measured will include but not be limited to total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), glucose concentrations, and inorganic phosphorus. Data collected will be used to estimate mortality rates of adult birds, determine movement patterns, and determine habitat use patterns.	None
Developing a proactive conservation planning tool for stream fishes of greatest conservation need in the Carolinas	June 2026	The Carolinas (South and North Carolina, respectively) are home to one of the richest freshwater fish faunas in the US, with many species of greatest conservation need. These species are increasingly threatened by factors associated with human encroachment as natural land is converted to developed land. We are building a web-based Aquatic Planning Tool that will allow conservation practitioners to assess the impact of future development and restoration on SGCNs, allowing us to better identify areas of greatest concern in this rapidly growing region.	None
Quantifying the socio-environmental landscape for red wolf translocation, movement, and connectivity	May 2028	The red wolf, a critically endangered species, faces numerous challenges to its survival, including habitat loss and human-related mortality. Red wolves must navigate a complex environment. To support their recovery, it is essential to identify suitable areas for translocating red wolves while considering both habitat quality and the risks associated with human activities. This research project aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding spatial socio-environmental risks through a combination of geographic analysis, surveys, and movement modeling. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the USGS South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as other collaborators. The outcomes of this project will provide valuable information for identifying potential translocation sites and informing management decisions. By understanding the spatial distribution of habitat and socio-environmental risks, conservation efforts can be optimized to increase the population abundance of red wolves and mitigate threats to their survival.	None
Alligator movement ecology in coastal South Carolina	December 2025	American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are an integral part of coastal wetland ecosystems in many parts of the southeastern United States. As human development and saltwater intrusion affect these coastal ecosystems, alligators will also be affected. Alligator movement is important to understand in the context of habitat linkages, trophic interactions, and ecosystem connectivity. They have different movement strategies to navigate salinity gradients and heterogeneous environments, including areas that are actively used and/or managed for people (e.g., developments, waterfowl hunting areas). This work builds on data collected by students and professors at Clemson University and scientists at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. This work will use movement models and habitat selection to better understand how American alligators utilize the landscape. Findings can help manage coastal areas and alligator populations, as well as inform mitigation actions related to hunting and human-alligator conflict.	None
Effects of field management on bats of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area	June 2026	Bats provide important ecosystem services but are declining due to many threats. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO) provides habitat for 12 bat species, of which seven are susceptible to white-nose syndrome and three are experiencing heavy mortality due to wind energy development. Open areas such as fields are important bat foraging areas and many of at-risk bat species utilize fields. This study will determine 1) which bat species utilize fields for foraging, 2) the effects of field size and shape on use, and 3) effects of past management and vegetative characteristics on activity of each species. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple agencies and includes the US Forest Service, Clemson University, USGS SC CFWRU, and natural resource managers at BISO. Results of this study will inform future management of these important areas and help managers design management plans that are effective for achieving management objectives while providing valuable habitat for conservation and recovery of bat species at BISO.	None
Black bear landscape use and population ecology in upstate South Carolina	December 2027	Black bears (Ursus americanus) are becoming more common in upstate South Carolina. There are established populations in neighboring regions. However, it is unclear how many live in the upstate, their distribution, and how they use the landscape. This poses a management challenge. Black bear hunting is legal in South Carolina, but it is difficult to sustainably manage the population without knowing how many bears are there. The project is a collaboration of researchers and managers, includes the USGS South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). Outcomes from this work will inform SCDNR management actions, for example, in determining the black bear hunting season and limits. It will also support our understanding of black bears and their landscape use in upstate South Carolina relative to the neighboring regions.	None
Gopher tortoises as facilitators of ecosystem connectivity	May 2028	Gopher tortoises are ecosystem engineers. We do not know how their movements and burrows could facilitate functional ecosystem connectivity, potentially serving the role of stepping stones in the landscape. Multiple species rely on gopher tortoise burrows, but their populations are at risk. This work will be done in collaboration with the USGS Virginia CRU. Findings from this work can inform decisions about gopher tortoise conservation as well as how land management could affect connectivity.	None
Herpetofauna communities within historic rice fields in South Carolina	December 2025	The southeastern United States is a biodiversity hotspot, and South Carolina has a broad diversity of species. However, many species of herpetofauna are overlooked, despite their ecological importance. This research project aims to address what we know and can learn about herpetofauna from a spatial ecology perspective. This will fill in gaps in knowledge about how land use affects herpetofaunal species, and what we can learn about their resource use and movement across the landscape in the face of changing land use. This research is a collaboration including USGS SC CFWRU, South Carolina DNR, and potentially the Nemours Foundation. Findings from this research will help support conservation actions by characterizing spatial patterns of species and their correlation with diverse land uses.	The southeastern United States is a biodiversity hotspot, and South Carolina has a broad diversity of species. However, many species of herpetofauna are overlooked, despite their ecological importance. This research project aims to address what we know and can learn about herpetofauna from a spatial ecology perspective. This will fill in gaps in knowledge about how land use affects herpetofaunal species, and what we can learn about their resource use and movement across the landscape in the face of changing land use. This research is a collaboration including USGS SC CFWRU, South Carolina DNR, and potentially the Nemours Foundation. Findings from this research will help support conservation actions by characterizing spatial patterns of species and their correlation with diverse land uses.
Foraging Ecology of Seabirds in Relation to Commercial Shrimp Trawler Activity	December 2008	Population dynamics of seabirds have been linked to availability of bycatch discarded from commercial fishery operations. South Carolina supports a substantial commercial shrimping industry that operates primarily in inshore waters where locally breeding Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), Laughing Gulls (Larus auritus), Royal Terns (Sterna maxima), and Sandwich Terns (Sterna sandvicensis) forage. We examined the relative abundance of these seabirds at shrimp trawlers during the breeding season, measured the consumption fate of fish species collected as bycatch and subsequently discarded, and measured the energy density and proximate composition of these discarded items. Trawlers were attended regularly by all four locally-breeding seabirds out to 30 km from colonies. Laughing Gulls were the most frequently observed followed by brown pelicans, royal terns, and then sandwich terns. Seabirds captured ca. 70% of experimentally discarded items from shrimp tralwers. Brown pelicans consumed more discards than predicted based on their frequency while the other species each consumed fewer discards than predicted based on their frequency. Seabirds selected smaller items compared to larger items, and selected benthic fish that typically would not be available to this suite of seabirds. Energy density of common discards ranged from 2.9 – 4.1 kJ/g wet mass and there appeared to be no difference in the energy density of the pelagic or demersal fish we measured. Our data suggest that all four locally breeding seabirds forage at trawlers frequently enough that changes in the size of the shrimp fleet would have the potential to affect their foraging ecology.	None
Foraging Ecology and Health Assessment of American Oystercatchers throughout the Annual Cycle	December 2008	The U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan identified the eastern race of the American Oystercatcher as a species of extremely high priority. The subspecies breeding population is < 3,000 and declining. South Carolina supports ca. 400 breeding pairs (ca. 60% nest in the Cape Romain Region; CRR) and ca. 35% of the wintering oystercatchers along the east coast (ca. 50% of these birds are in the CRR). Many of the oystercatchers that breed in the CRR also winter there (i.e., are residents), although nonresidents from breeding sites as distant as New England also winter there. Preliminary data also suggest that reproductive success ranges widely among habitat types within the CRR. Chronic failure occurs along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) while success is variable on estuarine islands. The former habitat type may act as an ecological trap, while the latter may be a source. This study will identify foraging areas of breeding oystercatchers and of wintering adults throughout the CRR, measure use of shellfish beds, link foraging ecology with reproductive success, and define diet of breeding adults and wintering adults via behavioral observations.	None
Protection and Management of Seabird Colonies in South Carolina	December 2010	Seabirds nest in colonies on approximately nine islands along the coast of South Carolina. These islands are characterized by sandy beaches, absence of mammalian predators, low vegetation, and an upland that provides habitat for nesting shorebirds and colonial seabirds. One of the main challenges faced by managers at these colonies is balancing the needs of breeding and migratory birds with those of island visitors. The goal of the study is to monitor seabirds and collect baseline measures of breeding parameters to better evaluate the health and condition of seabird populations at protected nesting islands. The first objective of this study was to map habitat use by seabirds during the breeding season. To meet this objective we conducted intertidal surveys during the 2007 and 2008 breeding seasons to identify areas of high bird use. We conducted 12 surveys at Crab Bank, 18 surveys at Bird Key Stono, and 17 surveys at Deveaux Bank. We also measured habitat characteristics of the intertidal zones of these three islands. Over 30 species of waterbirds were recorded during these surveys, and data suggest that use varies spatially and temporally during the breeding season. Our next objective was to measure reproductive and behavioral parameters of breeding seabirds. In 2007 and 2008 we measured Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) nest success at three nesting islands. Across all colonies and years, mean hatching success was 0.45 ± 0.26 chicks hatched per nest and mean productivity was 0.27 ± 0.21 chicks fledged per pair. Temperature loggers were placed in 108 nests to determine the effect of temperature patterns during incubation on nest success; these data are being analyzed. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) reproductive parameters were monitored during all years of the study. Across all colonies and years, mean hatching success was 2.0 ± 0.26 chicks hatched per nest and mean productivity was 1.48 ± 0.26 chicks fledged per pair. We recorded provisioning and attendance behavior of pelicans at the Deveaux Bank colony in 2008. These data are being analyzed and will be comparable to those published by Sachs and Jodice (2009) from Crab Bank. Our final objective was to determine condition and health of seabird populations. To meet this objective, we monitored health parameters of 43 nestling Brown Pelicans to establish reference values and investigate the role of ticks nestling health. The field work portion of this study was completed in October 2008. A final report was submitted in June 2010 and the dissertation is currently being prepared for defense.	None
Reproductive Success of Painted Buntings on Golf Courses in South Carolina,	December 2011	The Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) has been placed on the Audubon WatchList due to a steady decline since 1966. The reason for the decline is unknown, but habitat loss is suspected to be the predominant factor. Painted buntings have established 2 breeding populations in the US, one in the southwest and one in the coastal southeast. The southeastern distribution ranges from southern North Carolina to northern Florida. This coastal population often uses salt marshes for foraging and nests in dense shrubbery or Spanish moss. The lowcountry of South Carolina supports a large breeding population of Painted Buntings. This area has experienced substantial development in the form of golf courses and associated communities. Thus, shrub habitat typically used for nesting by Painted Buntings is being removed and altered, and wetland systems often used for foraging are being modified. This changing landscape presents management concerns for Painted Bunting populations. During the breeding season of 2008 and 2009, we searched Spring Island and Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, SC for nests. Once found, nests were monitored until they succeeded or failed. We recorded signs of success or failure, nest height, nest plant species, and GPS location. During these two seasons we located 18 nests. Of these, 13 were located in shrub habitat and the remainder in trees. Three nests occurred in clumps of Spanish moss. Most nests were located during incubation and most failed although causes of failure were difficult to document. During the 2010 breeding season, we surveyed the breeding bird community of 24 golf courses along the coast from Beaufort to Hilton Head, SC. On each golf course, point counts were conducted on a 440m grid with 200m detection radius. Points were selected for use if any portion of in-play area of the golf course fell within the 200m radius of the point. There, all birds seen and heard were tallied. Each course was surveyed twice in a morning, and twice throughout the season. Upcoming analyses will use GIS data to examine point- and golf course-scale landscape characteristics with respect to the breeding bird community. Painted buntings will receive special focus in our results. We will assess vegetation characteristics with presence/absence of painted buntings and additional species of concern, thus lending insight to possible land management techniques for southeastern coastal golf courses.	None
Seabird Productivity in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge	December 2010	CRNWR is one of the most important areas for beach-nesting birds in SC. Marsh Island and White Banks support a diverse array of seabird species and are 2 of only 5 large seabird sanctuaries in the State. Additionally, CRNWR has tern and skimmer nesting on the barrier island beaches of Lighthouse Island, Cape Island and Raccoon Key. During the past 5 years, these barrier islands are often the only barrier islands in SC that support seabird nesting. In 2007, these beaches supported 56% of SC’s black skimmers. Although least terns nest on roof tops and artificial sites, 75% of the least terns that nested on beaches in SC, nested in CRNWR. Although nest counts document the importance of CRNWR for seabird nesting, observations by SCDNR and CRNWR staff in the past 3 years suggest that reproductive success on the barrier islands in CRNWR is very low. Seabirds often abandon nest sites shortly after egg laying and fledglings are not observed. The goal of this project is to monitor seabird nesting on Cape Island, Lighthouse Island and Raccoon Key to document reproductive success and help identify causes of colony abandonment and nest loss.	None
South Atlantic Information Resources: Data Search and Literature Synthesis for Seabirds	December 2010	A recent synthesis of oceanographic data for the South Atlantic Bight is lacking and this is particularly true for avian taxa in this region. Clapp et al. (1982) composed distributions of marine birds from records dating until the early 1980s but no comprehensive synthesis has been conducted since. The need for such a synthesis is warranted given the increase in human activity within this zone (e.g. commercial and recreational fisheries) and proposed or experimental activities focused on energy development. Furthermore the region supports a wide array of breeding and migratory seabirds, many of which are declining or have population trends of unknown trajectories. In many cases research on these species has been minimal and not always made available in easy-to-access outlets. I propose to synthesize the existing knowledge on distribution and ecology of seabirds in the South Atlantic Bight. Data gaps will be identified and areas for future research highlighted. The work will build upon current efforts of the PI to increase the knowledge-base of seabird ecology along the South Atlantic US coast	None
Enhancing Productivity of American Oystercatchers	May 2012	The American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) occurs in coastal habitats from Massachusetts to Florida, although breeding populations appear to be declining in states south of Virginia. The central coast of South Carolina is a critical region for this species. South Carolina supports ca. one-third of the wintering oystercatcher population along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. South Carolina also supports ca. 400 breeding pairs of oystercatchers and ca. 25% of these are in the Cape Romain region (CRR; i.e., Cape Romain NWR and areas adjacent to it). It appears, however, that productivity in this area may be relatively low. Research conducted by the PIs in the CRR found that fledging success of 99 pairs during 2006 and 2007 was ca. 0.25 chicks/pair. Nest loss was attributed primarily to natural flooding (spring storms and spring high tides that often coincide with incubation) anthropogenic flooding (boat wakes along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway [AICW]), and predation. We also found that renesting attempts were common, with even third and fourth attempts occurring. This suggests that resources in the area were sufficient to induce pairs to remain and renest despite nest losses. We propose to increase nest success of oystercatchers in the CRR by reducing predation and by head-starting (i.e., artificial incubation of eggs). While the former will provide benefits specifically to the region, the latter will provide information on a management tool that will be applicable throughout the species breeding range. Our goal is to increase fledging success to 1.5 chicks/pair for 90 pairs. We will target 50 pairs for predator control and 40 pairs for headstarting. We also will monitor nest success and chick survival at these nests and others in the region. These efforts will build upon research conducted by the PIs.	None
Environmental and temporal patterns of larval fish communities and American Shad spawning in the lower Broad River	July 2025	Anadromous species, such as American Shad (<i>Alosa sapidissima</i>), are ecologically and economically important species in SC that migrate from the ocean to spawn in rivers. Accordingly, American Shad are particularly sensitive habitat fragmentation resulting from dam construction that block migratory pathways and are also being threatened by overfishing, flow alteration, and habitat loss. Due to these threats, the American Shad has been listed as a species of high conservation need on SCDNR’s State Wildlife Action Plan. Historically, anadromous species used much of the Broad River, but dams have since blocked upstream migration, resulting in the loss of spawning habitat for many species. In 2007, the construction of fish ladder at the Columbia Diversion Dam open access to 24 miles of potential spawning habitat for anadromous species, and species like the American Shad are passing through the fish ladder in increasing numbers. However, it is still unknown if or where spawning occurs between Columbia Diversion Dam and Parr Hydroelectric Dam (SCDNR personal communication). Therefore, this project aims to determine whether American Shad are spawning in this river section as well as identify potential spawning habitat sites. Site-specific information on spawning sites and larval fish habitat requirements are needed to better understand how larval and adult fish American Shad will respond to habitat alteration and provide manager with information needed to protect key spawning and nursery habitats. Additionally, environmental cues driving migration and spawning of shad are not well understood. Temperature and instream flow variation are thought to be the main factors driving American Shad spawning, migration, and recruitment. This project will also explore the effects of variation in temperature and river discharge on recruitment spawning and adult migration upstream.	The objectives of this project are to: 1) identify the temporal patterns of egg and larval fish abundance of the fish community to better understand when fish populations may be most sensitive to environmental disturbance such as large water releases; 2) determine if American Shad are spawning between the Columbia Canal Diversion Dam and Parr Reservoir; 3) identify potential spawning and nursery habitats for American Shad; 4) quantify the temporal pattern of the larval fish community in the lower Broad River. This project will deliver crucial information on spawning and migration activity of American Shad in the lower Broad River. Additionally, this project will provide managers with a better understand of temporal patterns of larval fish and the environmental variables driving these patterns in the lower Broad River. The results of this project will also allow managers to more effectively evaluate the potential benefits of the Columbia Fishway for American Shad and the impacts of different discharge regimes and environmental alteration on fish populations.
Wild pig spatial ecology in mixed-use landscapes of South Carolina	September 2024	Wild hogs are an invasive species found widely across North America, and the proliferation of wild hogs has increased the damage these animals cause to natural, agricultural, and developed landscapes. South Carolina has seen a recent and dramatic increase in the distribution and abundance of wild hogs. We do not know how they are using mixed-use landscapes in the upstate region. We will develop a habitat use model to investigate how wild hogs are moving through the landscape and using different areas. The model will integrate wild hog GPS tracking and demographic data with environmental and habitat data. The results will inform management actions for targeted wild hog mitigation in this region. The project is a collaboration and includes Clemson University and the Clemson University Experimental Forest, the SC USGS CFWRU, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and a team of undergraduate and graduate students with the Creative Inquiries program at Clemson.	TBD
Health and Movement Patterns of Bahamian Seabirds	January 2010	Seabirds are sampled for avian influenza at colonies in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas. Geolocators are deployed on two seabird species, Audubon's Shearwater and White-tailed Tropicbird, to map annual movement patterns. These are the first efforts to map annual movements of seabirds from this region. Data will be used in conservation planning throughout the northwest Atlantic basin.	The foraging behavior and movement patterns of Audubon's Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) and White-tailed Tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus) in the North Atlantic have not been studied directly. We attached geolocators equipped with a wet/dry sensor to 11 shearwaters and 13 tropicbirds with young chicks in June 2008 at the colonies in the Exumas, Bahamas. We retrieved two of the devices from shearwaters in July 2008 after a deployment period of ca. 5 weeks, 4 devices from shearwaters and 3 from tropicbirds in June 2009. During the breeding season both species frequented the northern Bahamas but shearwaters also were located south of Cuba. During winter shearwaters dispersed along the coast as far north as the northeastern U.S. Tropicbirds dispersed north but also were frequently located east of Bermuda and in waters towards the mid-Atlantic ridge. Additional devices will be deployed in 2010 and efforts to recover devices still at-large will continue. These locations represent the first annual movement data collected from seabirds in the Bahamas and broaden our view of their foraging range in the breeding and nonbreeding seasons.
Support of International Sea Eagle Projects	December 2010	Objectives: The objectives of this research work order are: 1. To support travel for field research related to SEA EAGLE to include but not be limited to collection of blood, tissue, egg and water samples for analysis of the effects of an array of contaminants and heavy metals on contamination in eagles from various locations. This research will build upon ongoing and previous research on the effects of contaminants on eagle health, productivity, and population dynamics and on the use of eagles as biosentinels of ecosystem health in aquatic systems. 2. To support laboratory analysis of contaminant concentrations in samples of blood, tissues, eggs and water collected in association with SEA EAGLE. These analyses will include but not be limited to comparisons of contaminants and heavy metals among species, locations, and across time (i.e., compared with historical data). 3. The data collected and developed in objectives 1 and 2 will contribute to agency-focused reports, presentations at scientific meetings (particularly by students), and briefings of appropriate agency personnel on the findings (i.e., dissemination of material directly to agencies and wildlife managers). Due to the international nature of the research outlined in 1 and 2 above, travels to regional, national, and international scientific meetings will be prioritized to increase dissemination of the results. 4. The graduate student, with assistance from the PIs, will develop and submit one or more manuscripts from this work to appropriate peer-reviewed, scientific journals.	None
Michigan Bald Eagle Database	June 2010	1. Develop and maintain a database on bald eagle productivity and nest locations; on environmental contaminants measured in eggs, blood, feathers, and carcasses of bald eagles; on banding and nestling data from both the current MDEQ Michigan Bald Eagle Biosentinel Program and other available data sets from the state of Michigan. 2. Work with GIS specialists to make the database useable for GIS systems. 3. Provide an annual update of data in January of each year to both agencies. 4. Develop a manual on use of the database to ensure that when new personnel are hired, they have a reference for the database.	None
Enhancement of suppressed bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) growth on the Roanoke River NWR, NC	December 2011	The purpose of this project is to reduce the canopy cover of water tupelo around the pockets of suppressed baldcypress trees in an effort to provide the necessary light and space to allow the trees to reach canopy height. The specific objective of this project is to assess impacts of canopy opening on growth dynamics of tagged and banded bald cypress trees to develop and improve habitat restoration techniques. It is hypothesized that increased sunlight (reduced competition) will enhance growth of the released bald cypress. Task 1 Tupelo trees that are shading young cypress trees will be identified and injected with the herbicide Habitat. Task 2 Growth of the target cypress trees will be monitored using growth bands placed around the tree at breast height designed to expand with the tree.	None
Movement Patterns and Habitat Use of Migratory Canada Geese Wintering In and Adjacent to the Santee National Wildlife Refuge Phase #2.	December 2010	The goal of the proposed research is to examine the wintering ecology and to provide conservation insight for this subpopulation that historically uses wintering habitat on several NWRs in the Savannah-Santee-Pee Dee ecosystem. The objectives of the proposed research are to: (1) Determine the wintering distribution of migratory Canada Geese. The study will conduct in the Santee NWR. The Refuge is within the upper coastal plain region, in Clarendon County, South Carolina. A primary objective of the refuge is to provide winter habitat and protection of waterfowl. Significant waterfowl concentrations winter on and around the Refuge. Prior to the arrival of migratory geese I the fall, resident goose distribution will be determined through a series of aerial surveys. Distribution, movement patterns, and home range sizes of wintering migratory Canada geese will then be measured through conventional telemetry techniques and through observations of birds with neck collars. The distribution of resident geese and the degree of mixing with migratory geese also will be determined through the use of conventional telemetry and neck collars. Lastly, local land use planning data from conventional telemetry will be analyzed using GIS mapping to determine potential habitat loss impacts.	None
PFAS Bioaccumulation in Coastal Seabirds	December 2025	Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic pollutants that are ubiquitous in human and natural environments, highly persistent, and associated with impacts at low levels of exposure in humans. PFAS are released into the environment via a number of pathways, including use and disposal of consumer products, manufacturing activities, and application of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), particularly at DoD sites. , Limited information exists relating concentrations of multiple precursors or terminal PFAS in abiotic matrices impacted by AFFF (e.g. sediment, water) and prey items (e.g. fish, invertebrates) to observed residue levels in avifauna or other predators at or near AFFF-impacted sites. The poor understanding of these pathways and relationships is problematic considering avifauna, including seabirds, have been documented to contain elevated levels of PFOS and other PFAS, with limited data suggesting potential impacts on hormone disruption, lipid expression, and reproduction at current exposure levels. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple organizatios and includes The Universitty of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, and SC DNR. We will measure the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of a wide range of PFAS in seabirds that rely on environments and food webs downstream from Joint Base Charleston within the Charleston, SC region, using a unique combination of a field sampling campaign paired with biologging efforts, coupled to analysis of targeted terminal PFAS, environmental precursors, EOF, and stable isotopes. This comprehensive field effort will leverage collaborative partnerships to sample environmental media (air, water, sediment) and prey food, and will be paired with spatial tracking efforts and biological sampling of adult seabirds, chicks, and eggs, to provide novel information about the bioaccumulation of PFAS in estuarine and marine avifauna.	Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic pollutants that are ubiquitous in human and natural environments, highly persistent, and associated with impacts at low levels of exposure in humans. PFAS are released into the environment via a number of pathways, including use and disposal of consumer products, manufacturing activities, and application of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF), particularly at DoD sites. , Limited information exists relating concentrations of multiple precursors or terminal PFAS in abiotic matrices impacted by AFFF (e.g. sediment, water) and prey items (e.g. fish, invertebrates) to observed residue levels in avifauna or other predators at or near AFFF-impacted sites. The poor understanding of these pathways and relationships is problematic considering avifauna, including seabirds, have been documented to contain elevated levels of PFOS and other PFAS, with limited data suggesting potential impacts on hormone disruption, lipid expression, and reproduction at current exposure levels. The project is a collaboration of researchers across multiple organizatios and includes The Universitty of Rhode Island, The Nature Conservancy, and SC DNR. We will measure the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of a wide range of PFAS in seabirds that rely on environments and food webs downstream from Joint Base Charleston within the Charleston, SC region, using a unique combination of a field sampling campaign paired with biologging efforts, coupled to analysis of targeted terminal PFAS, environmental precursors, EOF, and stable isotopes. This comprehensive field effort will leverage collaborative partnerships to sample environmental media (air, water, sediment) and prey food, and will be paired with spatial tracking efforts and biological sampling of adult seabirds, chicks, and eggs, to provide novel information about the bioaccumulation of PFAS in estuarine and marine avifauna.
Using flow-ecology relationships to inform the state water planning in South Carolina	July 2024	Appropriation of water resources will continually increase with the rapidly growing human population in South Carolina, increasing 11.3% from 2010 to 2019. Protecting instream flows for ecosystem services will be one of society’s great challenges this century. South Carolina is a water-rich state that will face unique challenges and opportunities as demand increases. Protecting instream flow from anthropogenic alterations and maintaining ecosystem services of water resources first requires an understanding of the relationship between aquatic organisms and instream flow. Accordingly, the goal of the proposed project is to identify key relationships between flow metrics and biotic response (flow-ecology relationships) in the State’s eight, major river basins and to use these relationships to predict the response of aquatic organisms to changes in streamflow and water withdrawals to inform river basin planning across the State.	Appropriation of water resources will continually increase with the rapidly growing human population in South Carolina, increasing 11.3% from 2010 to 2019. Protecting instream flows for ecosystem services will be one of society’s great challenges this century. South Carolina is a water-rich state that will face unique challenges and opportunities as demand increases. Protecting instream flow from anthropogenic alterations and maintaining ecosystem services of water resources first requires an understanding of the relationship between aquatic organisms and instream flow. Accordingly, the goal of the proposed project is to identify key relationships between flow metrics and biotic response (flow-ecology relationships) in the State’s eight, major river basins and to use these relationships to predict the response of aquatic organisms to changes in streamflow and water withdrawals to inform river basin planning across the State. We will provide technical assistance to, and work in cooperation with, Clemson University, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, River Basin Councils, the River Basin Council Facilitator, and the River Basin Council Surface Water Technical Support Contractor. The flow-ecology relationships identified by this work will be incorporated in the river basin planning process.
An Atlas and Registry for Seabird Colonies and Associated Habitats in the Northern Gulf of Mexico	December 2024	The coastal zone of the northern Gulf supports a diverse array of breeding nearshore seabirds most of which are colonial and nest on islands, marshes, mainland beaches, or human-made structures. Although nest-site fidelity is common among seabirds, the dynamic nature of the coastal zone in the northern Gulf can result in inter-annual shifts in the locations of colonies and in the existence, size, or stability of the islands or habitats that support them.<br><br>Overlaid on this dynamic system is a stakeholder network responsible for management of these species and their breeding habitats that includes natural resource agencies from five states, multiple federal agencies (e.g., USFWS, NPS, BLM, DOD, ACOE), and numerous private organizations (e.g., National Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy).<br><br>In an effort to coordinate and facilitate the management and conservation of avian taxa throughout this wide range of habitats and across this complex network of stakeholders in the northern Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN) recently released strategic monitoring guidelines that highlighted the need for a spatial inventory of breeding sites of seabirds in the region.<br><br>The development of this Atlas will build from efforts by the Gulf Coast Joint Venture’s Bird Nesting Island Cooperative, and it’s “Atlas” Team. Stakeholders from each Gulf state and from regional NGOs will also be participating.<br><br>The Atlas will support inventory, monitoring, management, disaster response, and research. The atlas and register also will be valuable for marine spatial planning issues, including but not limited to sighting wind turbines, scheduling and siting sand-dredging and beach nourishment operations, managing recreation and access, and land/marine conservation planning.	The coastal zone of the northern Gulf also supports a diverse array of breeding nearshore seabirds most of which are colonial and nest on islands, marshes, mainland beaches, or human-made structures. Although nest-site fidelity is common among seabirds, the dynamic nature of the coastal zone in the northern Gulf can result in inter-annual shifts in the locations of colonies and in the existence, size, or stability of the islands or habitats that support them. Overlaid on this dynamic system is a stakeholder network responsible for management of these species and their breeding habitats that includes natural resource agencies from five states, multiple federal agencies (e.g., USFWS, NPS, BLM, DOD, ACOE), and numerous private organizations (e.g., National Audubon Society, Nature Conservancy). In an effort to coordinate and facilitate the management and conservation of avian taxa throughout this wide range of habitats and across this complex network of stakeholders in the northern Gulf, the Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network (GoMAMN) recently released strategic monitoring guidelines that highlighted the need for a spatial inventory of breeding sites of seabirds in the region. The development of this Atlas will build from efforts by the Gulf Coast Joint Venture’s Bird Nesting Island Cooperative, and it’s “Atlas” Team. Stakeholders from each Gulf state and from regional NGOs will also be participating. The Atlas will support inventory, monitoring, management, disaster response, and research. The atlas and register also will be valuable for marine spatial planning issues, including but not limited to sighting wind turbines, scheduling and siting sand-dredging and beach nourishment operations, managing recreation and access, and land/marine conservation planning.
Edisto River Flow Effects on Summertime Water Temperatures: Are Thermal Tolerances of SWAP Fishes Exceeded at Low Flows?	December 2027	The Edisto River has the highest number of water withdrawal registrations and the highest maximum monthly withdrawals of any river basin in the state of South Carolina (SCDHEC 2020). Reduced flows may negatively impact SWAP listed fish species through a variety of mechanisms, but elevated water temperatures during low flow events could be especially detrimental to SWAP species such as Striped Bass <i>Morone saxatilis</i> that require coolwater habitat. The genetically unique Striped Bass population endemic to the ACE basin seeks thermal refuge in the upper portions of the basin (e.g., North and South Fork Edisto River) during summer. For such species, decreased flow during summer may cause water temperatures to exceed thermal tolerances as has been observed for other coolwater riverine species. Key knowledge gaps limit our ability to understand how increases in summertime flow-dependent temperature may negatively impact species of greatest conservation need in the Edisto River Basin. First, there is no knowledge of the relationship between flow, summer air temperature, and water temperature. Developing a statistical relationship between these variables would be a first step towards assessing the thermal impacts of low flow during summer. Second, for many SWAP species, such as Bannerfin Shiner <i>Cyprinella leedsi</i>, there is no published data on thermal tolerance meaning that even if a relationship between flow and summertime water temperature were developed, we would be unable to understand the biological implications. These knowledge gaps are especially relevant given the large, predicted increases in water demand in the Edisto Basin and projected changes in temperature and precipitation due to climate change over the next several decades.This project will provide critical information necessary for protecting SWAP listed freshwater and diadromous fish species in the Edisto River Basin. Specifically, this project will determine maximum thermal tolerances for two SWAP freshwater fish species in the Edisto River Basin (Bannerfin Shiner [high priority], Edisto River Stiped Bass [moderate priority]) and create detailed maps of available thermal habitat under a range of current and projected, future flow scenarios for the two SWAP fish species listed above as well as the Shortnose Sturgeon [listed under ESA as endangered throughout its range]).	The Edisto River has the highest number of water withdrawal registrations and the highest maximum monthly withdrawals of any river basin in the state of South Carolina. Reduced flows may negatively impact SWAP listed fish species through a variety of mechanisms, but elevated water temperatures during low flow events could be especially detrimental to SWAP species such as Striped Bass <i>Morone saxatilis</i> that require coolwater habitat. The genetically unique Striped Bass population endemic to the ACE basin seeks thermal refuge in the upper portions of the basin (e.g., North and South Fork Edisto River) during summer. For such species, decreased flow during summer may cause water temperatures to exceed thermal tolerances as has been observed for other coolwater riverine species. The project will occur with the support of SCDNR adn Clemson University. This project will provide critical information necessary for protecting SWAP listed freshwater and diadromous fish species in the Edisto River Basin. Specifically, this project will determine maximum thermal tolerances for two SWAP freshwater fish species in the Edisto River Basin (Bannerfin Shiner [high priority], Edisto River Stiped Bass [moderate priority]) and create detailed maps of available thermal habitat under a range of current and projected, future flow scenarios for the two SWAP fish species listed above as well as the Shortnose Sturgeon [listed under ESA as endangered throughout its range]).
Assessing Nesting Status of Black-capped Petrels Following Acute Disturbance Events	December 2023	The Black-capped Petrel <i>Pterodroma hasitata</i> (known regionally as Diablotin) is a medium-size gadfly petrel endemic to the Caribbean. The species has a declining population and is considered Endangered throughout its range. The species is currently proposed by FWS as Threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. Population estimates based on at-sea observations range from 2,000 to 4,000 individuals, with a fragmented breeding population estimated at 500 to 1,000 pairs. Currently, the only confirmed breeding areas are located on the island of Hispaniola. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2018) predicted that the two major breeding areas on Hispaniola are likely to face extirpation by 2070 and, if no additional nest sites are found, this would represent a potential loss of up to 85-95% of the currently known breeding population. We will assess the nesting status of Black-capped Petrels following acute predation and fire events, and evaluate the deployment of artificial burrows as a recovery technique. Such an assessment of resiliency is consistent with objectives of the 2018 SSA developed for the species.	The Black-capped Petrel <i>Pterodroma hasitata</i> is a medium-size gadfly petrel endemic to the Caribbean. The species has a declining population and is considered Endangered throughout its range. The species is currently proposed by FWS as Threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. Currently, the only confirmed breeding areas are located on the island of Hispaniola with <100 nests discovered. We will be partnering with the non-profit Grupo Jaragua (GJ), which leads the conservation efforts for the Black-capped Petrel in the Dominican Republic. GJ coordinates conservation actions for the species, including capacity building, nest searches, colony monitoring and predator control. The project will determine if breeding Black-capped Petrels are resilient to catastrophic threat events that destroy or degrade nests/nesting habitat and kill birds, and will evaluate the use and efficacy of artificial burrows as a practical and beneficial conservation intervention. Such an assessment of resiliency is consistent with objectives of the 2018 SSA developed for the species.<br><i> </i>
Research on Data Integration	December 2022	I am exploring several developments related to data integration approaches including combining multiple data sources (e.g., autonomous recording units and point count data or aerial and ground count data) and power analyses for integrated population models.	Combining multiple sources of data is a new area of research. The development of new models allows for the integration of data sources from different data streams to better inform management and conservation. I am partnering with South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and USDA NRCS on various projects related to data integration. The research will inform potential conservation efforts related to a wide variety of vertebrate species.
Effects of forest management on early-successional avian species in South Carolina	May 2021	We will assess the response of Ruffed Grouse, Golden-Winged Warblers, and other early-successional forest species to habitat management in the upstate of South Carolina.	South Carolina contains the southern-most extent for several early-successional avian species in the Appalachian Region, yet it is often not included when monitoring or surveying for these species. As several of these species are in decline, more information is needed to determine how they are using habitats in the southern portion of the range as well as a more information on their occupancy rates across suitable habitats. This project is in collaboration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Information from the study will help to inform management practices and conservation needs of species in the state as well as general ecological information about habitat use of these avian species at the edge of their range.
Response of Bachman's Sparrow to habitat management	December 2021	We are conducting research to determine how Bachman's Sparrow respond to habitat management such as fire and thinning in a wiregrass-free ecosystem.	Bachman's Sparrow is a species of conservation concern that typically inhabits open forest systems with wiregrass; however, little is known about how the species responds to wiregrass-free ecosystems like those in South Carolina. Our research will focus on quantifying abundance, nest success, and survival of Bachman's Sparrow in these special ecosystems to provide insights into management of wiregrass-free habitats for managers. This project is in collaboration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The results will help managers understand optimal burn frequencies and vegetation needs for Bachman's Sparrow and also provide additional information about the ecology of the species.
Monitoring of rock gnome lichen populations	May 2021	We are working to develop a monitoring protocol to provide a status and assessment tool for rock gnome lichen.	Rock gnome lichen is an endangered species of lichen currently occupying the Southern Appalachians. Population monitoring for the species has occurred twice previously, but a consistent survey methodology is needed to monitor populations for 5-year status updates and potential delisting of the species in the future. We are working with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a monitoring protocol to provide a status and assessment tool for rock gnome lichen. Our survey design will be implemented for future population monitoring efforts as well as inform ecology of the species related to the effects of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid on rock gnome lichen populations through vegetation changes.
Variation of Chronology of Wild Turkey Gobbling in the Upstate of South Carolina	December 2021	We are researching the chronology of wild turkey gobbling in the upstate of South Carolina using point counts and autonomous recording units. We are comparing gobbling chronology in the upstate to other locations as well as looking at variation in gobbling related to date, hunting pressure, and elevation.	Wild Turkeys are an important game species but potentially declining in the Southeast. Information about the timing of harvest relative to their breeding season is needed to better determine the effects of harvest on survival and reproduction. We are comparing gobbling chronology in the upstate to other locations as well as looking at variation in gobbling related to date, hunting pressure, and elevation to better inform management decisions about harvest seasons and ecology of Wild Turkeys in Upstate South Carolina. This project is in collaboration with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Our research will inform management decisions related to harvest of turkeys in this region relative to other regions in South Carolina.
Project Snapshot: USA	December 2029	As the country undergoes rapid development and alteration to accommodate our growing human population, it becomes ever more important to have baseline data regarding wildlife populations and distribution so we can identify how our actions affect wildlife. Snapshot USA is a coordinated, nationwide camera trapping study aimed at collecting rigorous, long-term baseline data regarding mammalian communities across the country and in different environments. Contributors from all 50 states collect and share data in a standardized fashion. This growing body of publicly-available data will form the foundation for numerous high-impact investigations on the impacts of humans on wildlife and mammal community assembly rules. CRU scientists from different Units including Brett DeGregorio, Robert Lonsinger, Erin Buchholtz, Mike Booth, and Steve Gray contribute to Snapshot USA. They join co-collaborators from state, federal, and tribal entities as well as universities and NGOs. The publicly-available data set generated by Snapshot USA has already proven extremely valuable to practitioners looking to track population declines, changes in distribution, changes in behavior, and changes in community assembly in relation to landscape or anthropogenic factors.	As the country undergoes rapid development and alteration to accommodate our growing human population, it becomes ever more important to have baseline data regarding wildlife populations and distribution so we can identify how our actions affect wildlife. Snapshot USA's goal is to facilitate the collaboration of cooperators to contribute to a national database of public wildlife data. This nationwide data is being used to examine nationwide trends in mammal community assembly rules associated with natural environmental and anthropogenic filters. Collaborators from all 50 states have and continue to contribute camera trap data from a standardized camera trap array at the same time from each site and the Smithsonian Institute compiles and makes available these data. Brett DeGregorio has been contributing data to this coordinated effort since 2019, first in Arkansas and now in Michigan. To date, Brett and his students have provided data from 6 study sites in Arkansas and will shortly be contributing from 3 in Michigan. Data provided should provide information regarding the occupancy of mesopredators, activity patterns of animals across the country and between habitats, and relatively density of several common species of mammals. This effort continues to expand each year to include more contributors and even additional countries. This database is being established as one of the largest camera trap image repositories in existence and provides the raw material for numerous large-scale ecological examinations of mammal populations.
Tracking Atlantic and Caribbean Seabirds	December 2024	The Caribbean and Bahamas support ~ 25 species of breeding seabirds. Despite the regions importance to seabird conservation and diversity, seabirds there have been very understudied particularly with respect to migratory connectivity throughout the Atlantic. Our goal has been to steadily increase baseline data on the spatial ecology of seabirds in the region by partnering with local NGOs to build local capacity.<br><br>To date, we have collected tracking data from several species of pelagic seabirds in Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, St Eustatius and Tobago in collaboration with federal agencies, and local Universities and NGOs. One particular focus of our research in the region has been to expand research and baseline data on the endangered Black-capped Petrel. The species is endemic to the region, nesting at only a few sites on Hispaniola. Considered globally endangered, the species is under review for listing by the US FWS. We are conducting research on movement ecology, diet, and reproductive ecology with local partners and to date have conducted the only tracking efforts for this species.	Many species of seabirds breeding in the Caribbean occupy waters off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the US during some portion of the annual cycle. As marine spatial planning becomes a pressing issue in the region, data are needed to enhance our understanding of the seabird community in the South Atlantic Bight and the Gulf of Mexico. Although current ship-based and aerial surveys are the standard methods used to measure abundance and distribution of birds at sea, each is a population-based survey that provides information without regard to individual variability or colony of origin. We are deploying tracking devices to measure movement patterns of seabirds in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and western north Atlantic. We are collaborating with the US FWS and also with local NGOs and Universities throughout the Caribbean. Data from individual tracking efforts will allow us to assess variability in movements and use patterns, fidelity to specific marine locations, and the relationship between marine use areas and breeding locations and population trends at the breeding grounds.
Assessment of temperate-breeding Canada goose management in Kansas	December 2020	Resident Canada geese are a wildlife management success story, but are exceeding societal thresholds of tolerance in many areas. Management strategies are needed to address this conflict. Accurate counts and determining effect of management strategies are important in resolving conflicts with resident Canada goose. Translocation is a potential management strategy for over abundant geese. This research is a collaborative effort among the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. Survey methodology is being assess to improve precision of resulting estimates. Translocation does reduce survival of resident Canada geese.	<b>Problem statement:</b><br>Resident Canada geese are a wildlife management success story, but are exceeding societal thresholds of tolerance in many areas. Management strategies are needed to address this conflict.<br><b>Why this research matters:</b><br>Accurate counts and determining effect of management strategies are important in resolving conflicts with resident Canada goose. Translocation is a potential management strategy for over abundant geese. <br><b>Partners:</b><br>This research is a collaborative effort among the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.<br><b>Research that informs decisions: </b><br>Survey methodology is being assess to improve precision of resulting estimates. Translocation does reduce survival of resident Canada geese.
A multi species approach to managing the effects of weather and land use on upland game birds	July 2019	Management for upland gamebirds is often focused on managing habitat for a single species. The goal of our project is to determine optimal ways to manage habitat across several upland gamebirds in Kansas. For this project, we are partnering with the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (through USDA NRCS) and Pheasants Forever. Our research can be used to better inform placement and type of habitat management for multiple species of gamebirds.	Management for upland gamebirds is often focused on managing habitat for a single species. The goal of our project is to determine optimal ways to manage habitat across several upland gamebirds in Kansas. For this project, we are partnering with the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Initiative (through USDA NRCS) and Pheasants Forever. Our research can be used to better inform placement and type of habitat management for multiple species of gamebirds.
Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species	December 2022	Limited information is available regarding the species composition, distribution, and abundance of seabirds using the nearshore and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. For example, to date there have been only three standardized and/or repeatable surveys for pelagic seabirds in the Gulf. The sparse data available on distribution and abundance of seabirds in the Gulf hinders both our understanding of seabird ecology and our ability to plan for or respond to data needs during oil and gas activities. Our goal is to conduct vessel-based surveys for pelagic seabirds in the northern Gulf. The research will satisfy a portion of the newly initiated Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPS). The study area includes the northern portion of the Gulf of Mexico Basin which represents the approximate location of the EEZ of the USA. This region encompasses the Western, Central, and Eastern Planning Areas of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Vessel-based surveys will occur throughout each planning area. Beginning in 2017, we conducted surveys using NOAA vessels to assess the abundance and distribution of birds utilizing the pelagic environment. We are also developing additional components that will use telemetry to document movement patterns of seabirds from both the nearshore and pelagic environments. Collectively, these data will permit spatially-explicit modeling of seabird abundance and distribution across the Gulf and provide a critical basis for understanding and addressing potential impacting factors in the region.	Seabirds are one of the most threatened groups of birds globally yet understudied in many regions of the US. For example, limited information is available regarding the species composition, distribution, and abundance of seabirds using the nearshore and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This region also supports some of the highest densities of oil and gas development in marine ecosystems in the world. The sparse data available on distribution and abundance of seabirds in the Gulf combined with the extent of oil and gas activity hinders both our understanding of seabird ecology and our ability to plan for or respond to data needs during oil and gas activities. Our goal is to conduct vessel-based surveys for pelagic seabirds in the northern Gulf. Collaborators include the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, US Fish & Wildlife Service, USGS Patuxent Science Center, USGS Wetlands and Aquatic Research Center, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Michigan State University, and private partners. We will combine seabird data with similar data collected on marine mammals and sea turtles and, collectively, these data will permit spatially-explicit modeling of abundance and distribution of marine vertebrates across the Gulf. Models will provide stakeholders with tools to predict occurrence and potential impacts with respect to marine spatial planning and future spills.
Analysis of bird population count data	December 2018	Sea ducks are understudied relative to other species of waterfowl, especially in the southern portion of the US Atlantic Coast. Climate change and human activity (e.g., wind energy development) could impact their wintering sites causing negative carry-over effects through the rest of their life cycle. Our goal was to better describe wintering sites, movement, and habitat use of black scoters along the southern US Atlantic Coast using satellite telemetry and aerial survey data. This project was a collaboration between USFWS, Environment Canada, and USGS. The output from this study could be used to better inform survey methods for black scoters or to decrease conflict with wind energy development in the area.	Sea ducks are understudied relative to other species of waterfowl, especially in the southern portion of the US Atlantic Coast. Climate change and human activity (e.g., wind energy development) could impact their wintering sites causing negative carry-over effects through the rest of their life cycle. Our goal was to better describe wintering sites, movement, and habitat use of black scoters along the southern US Atlantic Coast using satellite telemetry and aerial survey data. This project was a collaboration between USFWS, Environment Canada, and USGS. The output from this study could be used to better inform survey methods for black scoters or to decrease conflict with wind energy development in the area.
Monitoring success of Farm Bill programs in conserving avian wildlife	December 2018	The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new tool to monitor the effectiveness of, and inform Farm Bill incentive programs related to avian species of conservation concern. In this project we will first demonstrate the utility of new remote acoustic detecting technology to monitor avian community<br>responses to EQIP enrollment on private lands in SC. Findings will not only provide guidance on improved monitoring effectiveness of incentive programs, but provide unique insights into how such technology can be used to identify areas of future focus. Second, we will evaluate the transferability of this technology. To that end, we will provide several trainings and a technical manual on how managers, field personnel, and landowners can use acoustic monitoring devices to monitor for avian species. We are collaborating with USDA NRCS and SC DNR for this project.	The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new tool to monitor the effectiveness of, and inform Farm Bill incentive programs related to avian species of conservation concern. In this project we will first demonstrate the utility of new remote acoustic detecting technology to monitor avian community<br>responses to EQIP enrollment on private lands in SC. Findings will not only provide guidance on improved monitoring effectiveness of incentive programs, but provide unique insights into how such technology can be used to identify areas of future focus. Second, we will evaluate the transferability of this technology. To that end, we will provide several trainings and a technical manual on how managers, field personnel, and landowners can use acoustic monitoring devices to monitor for avian species. We are collaborating with USDA NRCS and SC DNR for this project.
Spatial Ecology of Brown Pelicans in the South Atlantic Bight	December 2023	As a nearshore marine predator and species of conservation concern, Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus oddicentalis) in the southeastern United States constitute a valuable study population for investigating coastal ecological systems. Despite occupying a highly visible and elevated trophic position in estuarine and oceanic ecosystems, movement parameters describing habitat use patterns, foraging behaviors, and migratory corridors are undeveloped at multiple spatial and temporal scales. This study aims to address these information gaps by outfitting breeding adult pelicans with high-resolution GPS satellite transmitters, which will provide accurate locational data throughout the annual life-history cycle. We will use these data to (1) examine movement and behavior of individual pelicans during the passage of hurricanes, (2) evaluate the risk exposure of pelican colonies to ship-based oil spills within Charleston Harbor, SC, using modeling products developed by NOAA, (3) assess the usage of discarded bycatch from shrimp trawlers by adult pelicans in relation to reproductive output by pairing movement data with diet samples, stable isotope analysis, and chick corticosterone concentrations, and (4) investigate the drivers of partial migration in brown pelicans and subsequently model shifts in both migration probability and non-breeding range of brown pelicans under multiple climate change scenarios.	Brown Pelicans have been understudied in the southeastern US and the sparse availability of data for pelicans (as well as other nearshore seabirds in the region such as Royal Tern, Sandwich Tern, and Black Skimmer) has resulted in a relatively incomplete picture of pelican ecology in a baseline environment. As such our understanding of habitat use at sea, population trends, and reproductive success for pelicans is very limited. Furthermore, the potential for an overlap between use areas of Brown Pelicans in the marine environment and proposed or existing offshore energy activities may be substantial in the region. We are collaborating with state agencies (SC, GA, FL), BOEM, and the USGS Outer Continental Shelf Program to study spatial and reproductive ecology of pelicans in the region. Data will be used to generate distribution maps and movement models showcasing breeding ranges, migratory pathways, wintering locations, and site fidelity. This information will greatly expand our knowledge of this charismatic species in the Atlantic, and complement prior research recently conducted on Brown Pelicans in the Gulf of Mexico.
Use of Horseshoe Crab Eggs by Migratory Shorebirds	December 2016	The goal of the research is to enhance our understanding of the relationships between migratory shorebirds, particularly Red Knots, and spawning horseshoe crabs. Our objectives are to survey horseshoe crabs at key sites in South Carolina from March – June of 2015 and 2016.	American Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) eggs provide migratory shorebirds with an abundant food source at stopover sites, allowing the birds to rapidly gain weight for their long migration to arctic breeding grounds. Shorebird utilization of Horseshoe Crab eggs has been well documented at northeastern stopover sites such as the Delaware Bay. However this relationship has not been well studied in the southeast, specifically in South Carolina. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a correlation between density of Horseshoe Crab eggs and abundance of foraging shorebirds during spring migration at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.<br>To accomplish this, we monitored 10-12 study plots between March and June 2015-2016 at predicted Horseshoe Crab spawning sites throughout the refuge. We conducted weekly shorebird surveys and sampled plots twice a month for densities of Horseshoe Crab eggs. Across both years, we collected 1,081 Horseshoe Crab egg samples and conducted 325 shorebird surveys. Additionally, we coordinated refuge-wide Horseshoe Crab spawning surveys on the evenings of 2 June 2015, and 22-24 May 2016. We used a linear regression to compare the density of eggs in each plot with the number of foraging shorebirds. Our results show a positive correlation between foraging shorebirds and Horseshoe Crab eggs for both years.<br>Additional analyses will further explore this relationship by conducting a dietary analysis of shorebird fecal samples. We will also investigate the relationship between sand grain size and the presence of shorebirds and Horseshoe Crab eggs across our study site beaches. The results of our study will help to provide a better understanding of Cape Romain NWR as a stopover site for shorebirds and enable us to compare densities of Horseshoe Crab eggs and spawning adults with other stopover sites along the Atlantic coast.

Research Publications

Research Publications	Publication Date
Zinsser, L., F. Sanders, and P. Jodice. Daily survival rate and habitat characteristics of nests of Wilson’s Plover. Southeastern Naturalist 16:149-156.	May 2017
Zaluski, S., L.M. Soanes, J.A. Bright, A. George, P.G.R. Jodice, K. Meyer, N. Woodfield-Pascoe, J.A. Green. 2019. Potential threats facing a globally important population of the magnificent frigatebird. Tropical Zoology 32: 188-201. /doi/full/10.1080/03946975.2019.1682352 \| Download	December 2019
Young, S. P., and J. J. Isely. 2007. Diel behavior of adult striped bass using tailwater habitat as summer refuge. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136:1104-1112. July 2007.	July 2007
Young, S. P., and J. J. Isely. 2006. Posttournament survival and dispersal of adult striped bass. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:1030-1033. January 2007.	January 2007
Young, S. P., and J. J. Isely. 2004. Temporal and Spatial Estimates of Adult Striped Bass Mortality from Telemetry and Transmitter Return Data. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:1112-1119.	August 2004
Young, S. P., and J. J. Isely. 2002. Striped Bass Annual Site Fidelity and Habitat Utilization in J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, South Carolina-Georgia. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 131:828-837.	August 2002
Young S.P., T.B. Grabowski, P.C. Ely, and J.J. Isely. 2010. First record of highfin carpsucker Carpiodes velifer in the Apalachicola River, Florida. Southeastern Naturalist 9:165-170. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	March 2010	We document the discovery of Highfin Carpsucker in the Apalachicola River, FL. Three specimens were captured between river kilometer 170-171 on the Apalachicola River in the vicinity of Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam during spring 2007. The specimens were captured within a reach 0.5-1.0 km downstream from the dam and just upstream from a major spawning area for several other catostomids. This is the first record of the species east of the Choctaw-hatchee River, FL-AL, and is a range extension of 185 km eastward into the Florida Panhandle region of the Northern Gulf of Mexico Coast.
Wood, J.M., A.K. Tegeler, and B.E. Ross. Vegetation management on private forestland can increase avian species richness and abundance.	August 2020
Winemiller KO, Keppeler FW, Bower LM, Cunha ER, Quintana Y, Saenz DE, Lopez‐Delgado EO, Bokhutlo T, Arantes CC, Andrade MC, Robertson CR, Mayes KB. Can spatial food web subsidies associated with river hydrology and lateral connectivity be detected using stable isotopes? Food Webs. 2023. \| Abstract	March 2023	Hydrology, lateral connectivity and stable isotope ratios of fishes and mussels in the Guadalupe River, Texas, were analyzed for evidence of spatial food web subsidies between the active channel and oxbow lakes in the floodplain. During and following lateral connections, aquatic organisms residing in the channel may assimilate material from sources imported from oxbows, and oxbow residents may consume and assimilate material imported from the channel. During surveys conducted between March 2016 and April 2017, fish, mussel, algae, and riparian plants samples were collected in and around two oxbows and adjacent channel sites for analysis of stable isotope ratios. Biplots of d<sup>13</sup>C and d<sup>15</sup>N were graphed for basal sources and specimens of Longnose Gar <i>Lepisosteus osseus, </i>Gizzard Shad <i>Dorosoma cepedianium, </i>Threadfin Shad <i>Dorosoma petenense, </i>Bullhead Minnow <i>Pimephales vigilax, </i>Smallmouth Buffalo <i>Ictiobus bubalus, </i>White Crappie <i>Pomoxis annularis</i>, sunfishes (<i>Lepomis</i> species combined), and two mussel species (combined) captured from oxbows and the channel. Within each graph, a source polygon was drawn to indicate the space occupied by animals that could have assimilated feasible combinations of source materials from the oxbows or river channel. Based on positions of animals within source polygons, riparian plants were the most important source of organic matter supporting biomass of fishes and mussels both within the channel and oxbows during every survey period, with algae contributing minor percentages. Most organisms had isotopic signatures consistent with assimilation of <i>in situ</i> sources, or else were inconclusive with regard to cross-habitat exchanges. Between-habitat food web subsidies were indicated for 7.6% of 314 organisms from oxbows and 11.2% of 231 from the channel, and these cases followed high flow pulses that connected oxbows for extended periods. Several issues that compromise inferences from stable isotope analysis were identified, and attempts to estimate spatial food web subsidies in fluvial systems could be enhanced by analyzing additional biomarkers, such as isotopic ratios of other elements and compound-specific stable isotopes, as well as additional sources, time-specific biotracers, and experimental approaches that directly track movement of sources and organisms in spatially structured food webs.
Wilkinson, B.P., and P.G.R. Jodice. Support for the fasting endurance hypothesis of partial migration in Brown Pelicans. 2023. Ecosphere 2023;14:e4365. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4365 \| Abstract \| Download	February 2023	Partial migration occurs when only a certain fraction of a population or species migrates instead of all individuals. Considered an evolutionary precursor, understanding why some individuals choose to undertake migration while others do not may serve to inform general migratory theory. While several hypotheses currently exist for explaining the maintenance of partial migration, empirical support for many is limited. To address this gap, we analyzed telemetry data acquired from individual brown pelicans (<i>Pelecanus occidentalis</i>; <i>n</i> = 74), a partially migratory seabird, nesting on six colonies in the South Atlantic Bight over the course of four autumn migrations using a Cox’s proportional hazards model. We estimated that approximately 74% of pelicans nesting within the study area may be migratory on an annual basis, with the remainder staying within the surrounding marine ecoregion year-round. Mean date of migration initiation was 9 November, although movements occurred from September – December. Modeling results indicated significant effects of rising sea-surface temperatures and decreased body condition on migration rate. We suggest that the ontogenetic migration of the primary forage species of brown pelicans from estuarine to pelagic environments causes a seasonal reduction in prey, and that individuals in poor body condition are unable to meet the energetic demands potentially associated with this decrease in prey availability (i.e., the fasting endurance hypothesis of partial migration). Although we did not find evidence for a density-dependent migratory response, the effects of intraspecific competition on migration in pelicans appears to warrant consideration.
Wilkinson, B.P., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. Interannual colony exchange among breeding Eastern Brown Pelicans. J. Field Ornithology. 93(1) 5. https://doi.org/10.5751/JFO-00074-930105 \| Download	April 2022
Wilkinson, B.P., Y.G. Satge, J.S. Lamb, P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Tropical cyclones alter short-term activity patterns of coastal seabird. Movement Ecology 7:30. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40462-019-0178-0 \| Download	November 2019
Wilkinson, B.P., A.R. Robuck, R. Lohmannm, H.M., Packard, P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. Urban proximity while breeding is not a predictor of perfluoroalkyl substance contamination in the eggs of brown pelicans. Science of the Total Environment 803 (2022) 150110 \| Download	September 2021
Wilkinson, B.P., A.M. Haynes-Sutton, L. Meggs, and P.G.R Jodice. 2020. High spatial fidelity among foraging trips of Masked Boobies from Pedro Bank, Jamaica. PLoOS ONE 15(4): e0231654. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0231654 \| Download	April 2020
Wickliffe, L.C.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2010. Abundance of nearshore seabirds at shrimp trawlers in South Carolina. Marine Ornithology 38:31-39. \| Publisher Website	October 2010
Walsh, M. G., K. A. Bjorgo, and J. J. Isely. 2000. Effects of implantation method and temperature on mortality and loss of simulated transmitters in hybrid striped bass. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 129:545-550.	March 2000
Vander Pol, S.S., D.W. Anderson, P.G.R. Jodice, and J.E. Stuckey. 2012. East versus west: organic contaminant differences in Brown Pelican eggs from South Carolina, USA and the Gulf of California, Mexico. Science and the Total Environment 438: 527-532 \| Download	September 2012
Thibault, J.*, F. Sanders, P.G.R. Jodice. 2010. Parental attendance and brood success in American Oystercatchers. Waterbirds 33:511-517.	July 2010
Takahashi, F., F. Sanders, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2021. Spatial and Temporal Overlap between Foraging Shorebirds and Spawning Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus polyphemus) in the Cape Romain - Santee Delta Region of the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Wilson Journal of Ornithology. https://doi.org/10.1676/21-00009 \| Download	October 2021
Suryan, R. M., D. B. Irons, E. D. Brown, P. G. R. Jodice, and D. D. Roby. 2006. Site-specific effects on productivity of an upper trophic-level marine predator: Bottom-up, top-down, and mismatch effects on reproduction in a colonial seabird. Progress in Oceanography 68:303-328.	June 2006
Streker, R.A., J.S. Lamb, J. Dindo, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2021. Fine-scale weather patterns drive reproductive success in the Brown Pelican. Waterbirds 44:153-166. \| Download	January 2022
Stoczynski, L., Scott, M. C., Bower, L., & Peoples, B. Effects of environment and metacommunity delineation on multiple dimensions of stream fish beta diversity. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 11, 182. \| Abstract	March 2023	In a metacommunity context, beta diversity is driven by the interplay between abiotic factors and dispersal as represented by spatial distance among communities. Most existing studies have considered only ‘natural’ abiotic factors and have ignored anthropogenic factors such as land cover change and pollution. Most studies have focused only on taxonomic beta diversity, and few have considered functional or phylogenetic beta diversity. Including anthropogenic factors and multiple dimensions of biodiversity may explain additional variation in beta diversity, providing new insight into how metacommunities are structured across the landscape. In this study, we used a 350 site stream fish abundance dataset from South Carolina, USA to quantify variation in beta diversity explainable by dispersal, as well as natural and anthropogenic abiotic variables. We investigated metacommunity drivers along three spatial delineations by breaking up the dataset into a metacommunity at the whole state level, two geomorphologically distinct metacommunities of the upstate and lowlands, and four natural watershed metacommunities. Within each of these metacommunities we calculated taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic beta diversity and used variation partitioning to determine explained variation. We explained 25-81% of beta diversity for stream fish metacommunities. We observed differing importance of spatial, natural, or anthropogenic factors based on the spatial delineation and diversity dimension. We detected distinct structuring of stream fish communities in South Carolina occurring between the upstate and the lowlands. When accounting for the geomorphic differences the fall line creates, we observed a significant anthropogenic signal in the upstate and lowland metacommunities. Spatial, environmental, and anthropogenic factors explained slightly more variation in beta diversity for the taxonomic dimension compared to the functional and phylogenetic dimensions. Our study highlights the importance of including anthropogenic factors when trying to determine mechanisms for stream fish community structure and the significance of spatial delineation in how researchers interpret their results.
Sowers, A., S. P. Young, J. J. Isely, C. L. Browdy, and J. R. Tomasso, Jr. 2004. Nitrite toxicity of Litopenaeus vannamei in water containing low concentrations of sea salt and mixed salt. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 35:445-451.	October 2005
Sowers, A. D., D. M. Gatlin, S. P. Young, J. J. Isely, C. L. Browdy, and J. R. Tomasso. 2005. Responses of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) in water containing low concentrations of total dissolved solids. Aquaculture Research 36:819-823.	October 2005
Sofaer, HR, CS Jarnevich, EK Buchholtz, BS Cade, JT Abatzoglou, CL Aldridge, PJ Comer, D Manier, LE Parker, and JA Heinrichs. 2022. Potential cheatgrass abundance within lightly invaded areas of the Great Basin. Landscape Ecology 37, 2607–2618. doi.org/10.1007/s10980-022-01487-9 \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	October 2022	<b>Context: </b>Anticipating where an invasive species could become abundant can help guide prevention and control efforts aimed at reducing invasion impacts. Information on potential abundance can be combined with information on the current status of an invasion to guide management towards currently uninvaded locations where the threat of invasion is high.<br><b>Objectives: </b>We aimed to support management by developing predictive maps of potential cover for cheatgrass (<i>Bromus tectorum</i>), a problematic invader that can transform plant communities. We integrated our predictions of potential abundance with mapped estimates of current cover to quantify invasion potential within lightly invaded areas.<br><b>Methods: </b>We used quantile regression to model cheatgrass abundance as a function of climate, weather, and disturbance, treating outputs as low to high invasion scenarios. We developed a species-specific set of covariates and validated model performance using spatially and temporally independent data.<br><b>Results: </b>Potential cheatgrass abundance was higher in areas that had burned, at low elevations, and when fall germination conditions were more favorable. Our results highlight the extensive areas across the Great Basin where cheatgrass abundance could increase to levels that can alter fire behavior and cause other ecological impacts.<br><b>Conclusions:</b> We predict potential cheatgrass abundance to quantify relative invasion risk. Our model results provide high and low scenarios of cheatgrass abundance to guide resource allocation and planning efforts across shrubland ecosystems of the Great Basin that remain relatively uninvaded. Combining information on an invasive species’ current and potential abundance can yield spatial predictions to guide resource allocation and management action.
Sciera, K. L., J. J. Isely, J. R. Tomasso, and S. J. Klaine. 2004. Influence of multiple water-quality characteristics on copper toxicity to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 23:2900-2905.	November 2005
Schindler, AR, DA Haukos, CA Hagen, and BE Ross. A multi-species approach to manage effects of land cover and weather on upland game birds. Ecology and Evolution. 10:14330-14345.	December 2020
Schindler, A.R., D.A. Haukos, C.A. Hagen, B.E. Ross. 2020. A decision-support tool to prioritize candidate landscapes for lesser prairie-chicken conservation. Landscape Ecology 35:1417-1434.	May 2020
Schaffler, J. J., and J. J. Isely. 2001. Retention of coded wire tags, maturation, and survival in meal worms (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Florida Journal of Entomology 84:454-456.	September 2001
Schaffler, J. J., J. J. Isely, and W. E. Hayes. 2002. Habitat Use byStriped Bass in Relation to Seasonal Changes in Water Quality in a Southern Reservoir. 2002. Transactions of the American FisheriesSociety 131:817-827.	September 2002
Satgé, Y.G., S. Janssen, E. Rupp, B. Patteson, C. Gaskin, P.G.R. Jodice. 2024. Mesopelagic diet as pathway of high mercury levels in body feathers of the endangered Diablotin Black-capped Petrel. Marine Ornithology 52:261-274. \| Download	October 2024
Satgé, Y.G., E. Rupp, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. A preliminary report of ongoing research of the ecology of Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic – I: GPS tracking of breeding adults. Unpublished Report, South Carolina Cooperative Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA.	June 2019
Satgé, Y.G., E. Rupp, A. Brown, and P.G.R Jodice. 2020. Habitat modelling locates nesting areas of the Endangered Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata on Hispaniola and identifies habitat loss. Bird Conservation International 1-18. doi:10.1017/S0959270920000490 \| Download	November 2020
Satgé, Y.G., B. Keitt, C. Gaskin, P.G.R. Jodice. 2023. Spatial segregation between phenotypes of the diablotin black-capped petrel Pterodroma hasitata during the non-breeding period. Endangered Species Research. 51:183-201. doi: 10.3352/esr01254 \| Download	July 2023
Sachs, E. B., and P. G. R Jodice. 2009. Behavior of parent and nestling brown pelicans during early chick rearing. Waterbirds 32:276-281	July 2009
Ross, B.E., D.A. Haukos, and P.T. Walther. 2018. Quantifying changes and drivers of mottled duck density in Texas. Journal of Wildlife Management 82:374–382.	February 2018
Ross, B.E., D.A. Haukos, C. Hagen, and J. Pitman. 2018. Combining multiple sources of data to inform conservation of Lesser Prairie-Chicken populations. Auk 135:228-239.	April 2018
Ross, B.E., D. Sullins, and D. Haukos. Using an individual-based model to assess common biases in lek-based count data to estimate population trajectories of lesser prairie-chickens.	May 2019
Ross, B. E., D. Haukos, C. Hagen, and J. Pitman. 2016. The relative contribution of climate to changes in lesser prairie- chicken abundance. Ecosphere 7(6):e01323. doi: 10.1002/ecs2.1323	June 2016
Rogan, J.E., M.R. Parker, Z.B. Hancock, A.D. Earl, E.K. Buchholtz, K. Chyn, J. Martina, & L.A. Fitzgerald (2023). Genetic and demographic consequences of range contraction patterns during biological annihilation. Scientific Reports 13, 1691. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28927-z. \| Abstract	January 2023	Species range contractions both contribute to, and result from, biological annihilation, yet do not receive the same attention as extinctions. Range contractions can lead to marked impacts on populations but are usually characterized only by reduction in extent of range. For effective conservation, it is critical to recognize that not all range contractions are the same. We propose three distinct patterns of range contraction: shrinkage, amputation, and fragmentation. We tested the impact of these patterns on populations of a generalist species using forward-time simulations. All three patterns caused 86–88% reduction in population abundance and significantly increased average relatedness, with differing patterns in declines of nucleotide diversity relative to the contraction pattern. The fragmentation pattern resulted in the strongest effects on post-contraction genetic diversity and structure. Defining and quantifying range contraction patterns and their consequences for Earth’s biodiversity would provide useful and necessary information to combat biological annihilation.
Ramos, R., V.H. Paiva, Z. Zajkova, C. Precheur, A.I. Fagundes, P.G.R. Jodice, W. Mackin, V. Neves, F. Zino, V. Bretagnolle, J. Gonzalez-Solis. 2020. Spatial ecology of closely related taxa: the case of the little shearwater complex in the North Atlantic Ocean. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society XX 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaa045 \| Download	May 2020
Ramos, R., N. Carlile, J. Madeiros, I. Ramirez, V. Paiva, H. Dinis, F. Zino, M. Biscoito, G. Leal, L. Bugoni, P.G.R. Jodice, P.G. Ryan, J. Gonzalez-Solis. 2017. The time for oceanic seabirds: tracking year-round distribution of gadfly petrels across the Atlantic Ocean. Diversity and Distributions.	May 2017
Population distribution of green turtles at Palmyra Atoll, Central Pacific: Insights from mtDNA and dispersal modeling. 2013. Naro-Maciel E, Gaughran SJ, Putman NF, Amato G, Arengo F, Dutton PH, McFadden KW, Vintinner E, Sterling EJ. Journal of the Royal Society Interface \| Abstract \| Download	April 2014	Population connectivity and spatial distribution are fundamentally related to ecology, evolution, and behavior. Here we combined powerful genetic analysis with high quality simulations of particle dispersal in an ocean circulation model to investigate the distribution of green turtles foraging at the remote Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Central Pacific. We analyzed mitochondrial sequences from turtles (n = 349) collected there over five years (2008 - 2012). Genetic analysis assigned natal origins almost exclusively (~97%) to the West Central and South Central Pacific combined Regional Management Units. Further, our modeling results indicated that turtles could potentially drift to Palmyra Atoll via surface currents along a near-Equatorial swathe traversing the Pacific. Comparing findings from genetics and modeling highlighted the complex impacts of ocean currents and behavior on natal origins. Although the Palmyra feeding ground was highly differentiated genetically from others in the Indo-Pacific, there was no significant differentiation among years, sexes, or stage-classes at the Refuge. Understanding the population distribution of this foraging population advances knowledge of green turtles and contributes to effective conservation planning for this threatened species.
Poli, C.L., A-L. Harrison, A. Vallarino, P.D. Gerard, Jodice, P.G.R. 2017. Dynamic oceanography predicts fine scale foraging behavior of Masked Boobies in the Gulf of Mexico. PLoS ONE 12(6): e0178318. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178318	April 2017
Plumpton, H.M., S.G. Gilliland, and B.E. Ross. 2020. Geographic differences in the winter movements of the Atlantic population of Black Scoters. Submitted to Avian Conservation and Ecology. https://doi.org/10.5751/ACE-01654-150206	August 2020
Peden-Adams, M. M., J. E. Stuckey, K. Gaworecki, J. Berger-Ritchie, K. Bryant?z P. G. R. Jodice, T. R. Scott, S. Boone, W. D. McGuinn, J. C. DeWitt, D. E. Keil. 2009. Developmental Toxicity of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) In White Leghorn Chickens Following In Ovo Exposure. Reproductive Toxicology 27:307-318	April 2009
Paller, M.H., D.E. Fletcher, M.M. Standora, T.B. Grabowski, T.A. Jones, S.A. Dyer and J.J. Isely. 2006. Emigration of fish from two South Carolina cooling reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:976-982. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2006	We assessed fish escapement from two South Carolina reservoirs, Par Pond and L Lake, from spring 2002 through summer 2003. Escapement was greatest in the spring and early summer, with lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta dominating the escapement catch in early spring and several sunfishes Lepomis spp. dominating in late spring and early summer. Most of the escaping centrarchids were bluegill L. macrochirus, warmouth L. gulosus, and redbreast sunfish L. auritus in L Lake and warmouths, bluegills, dollar sunfish L. marginatus, and spotted sunfish L. punctatus in Par Pond. Escapement was enhanced by high reservoir water levels and surface discharge over the spillway. Escapement declined during periods of hypolimnetic release from bottom discharge gates. Location of the Par Pond discharge structure in the littoral zone rather than the pelagic zone as in L Lake contributed to greater escapement of littoral species in Par Pond. Species composition in the escapement catches and reservoirs was not significantly correlated. Relatively low escapement from L Lake and Par Pond compared with that in other reservoirs may have been related to the configuration of the discharge structures, low water levels during 2002, fish habitat preferences, species composition and abundance in the reservoirs, and low rates of discharge.
Paller, M. H., D. E. Fletcher, T. A. Jones, S. A. Dyer, J. J. Isely, and J. W. Littrell. 2005. Potential of largemouth bass as vectors of 137Cs dispersal. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity 80:27-43.	November 2005
Paller, M. F., D. E. Fletcher, M. M. Standora, T. B. Grabowski, T. Jones, S. A. Dyer and J. J. Isely. 2006. Emigration of fish from Two South Carolina Cooling Reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:976-982. January 2007.	January 2007
Paller, M. F., D. E. Fletcher, M. M. Standora, T. B. Grabowski, T. Jones, S. A. Dyer and J. J. Isely. 2006. Emigration of fish from Two South Carolina Cooling Reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 26:976-982. January 2007.	February 2007
Ottinger, M.A., T. Maness, J.K. Grace, R. Wilson, P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Strategic Avian Monitoring Plan for the Gulf of Mexico: Avian Health Assessments. In Wilson et al. (eds.). Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines for the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Extension Research Bulletin 1228, Mississippi State University. \| Download	January 2020
Ndu, U., J.S. Lamb, S. Janssen, R. Rossi, Y. Satgé, and P.G.R Jodice. 2020. Mercury, cadmium, copper, arsenic, and selenium measurements in the feathers of adult Eastern Brown Pelicans and chicks in multiple breeding grounds in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Environmental Research Letters 192, 286. \| Download	April 2020
Michael, P.E., K.M Hixson, J.S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2024. Black tern beyond the breeding grounds: temporal occurrence, relative density, and habitat associations in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 136:220-236. \| Download	July 2024
Michael, P.E., K.M Hixson, J.S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2023. Migration, breeding area, and seascape features shape seabird communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico. . PLoS ONE 18(6): e0287316. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287316. \| Download	June 2023
Michael, P.E., K.M Hixson, J.C. Haney, Y.G. Satgé, J.S. Gleason, P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. Seabird vulnerability to oil: exposure potential, sensitivity, and uncertainty in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Frontiers in Marine Science 9:880750. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2022.880750 \| Download	September 2022
Meehan, K.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2010. Landscape scale correlates of fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) presence on golf courses in coastal South Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 9:573-586.	October 2010
Madden, H., Y.G. Satgé, B.P. Wilkinson, P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. Foraging ecology of Red-billed Tropicbirds in the Caribbean during early chick-rearing revealed by GPS tracking. Marine Ornithology 50:165-175. \| Download	November 2022
Madden, H., M. Leopold, F. Rivera-Milan, K. Verdel, E. Eggermont, P.G.R. Jodice. Reproductive success of Red-billed Tropicbirds on St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands is affected by temporal and oceanographic factors, but not by factors at the nest site. Waterbids. \| Download	December 2022
Lucas, J.S., S.C. Loeb, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2015 Roost selection by Rafinesque’s big-eared bats (Corynorhinus rafinesquii): a multi-scale approach. Acta Chiroptologica 17:131-141. https://doi.org/10.3161/15081109ACC2015.17.1.011 \| Abstract	July 2015	Although several studies have described roost use by Rafinesque’s big-eared bats, few studies have examined roost selection. We examined roost use and selection by Rafinesque’s big-eared bat at the tree, stand, and landscape scales during the maternity season in pristine old-growth habitat in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina. We located 43 roosts (14 maternity, 29 solitary) through cavity searches and radio-telemetry. Maternity colonies and solitary individuals selected roosts based on similar characteristics. The best model explaining roost selection by all bats included tree and stand characteristics; landscape factors had little influence on roost use. Bats selected large diameter trees in areas with a high density of trees with cavities in the surrounding area. Most roosts (67.4%) were in water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica) in semi-permanently flooded and saturated areas. Half of maternity roost cavities had upper bole openings whereas only 25.8% of solitary roosts had upper bole openings. Bats that roosted with maternity groups stayed in roosts for significantly shorter periods of time (1.3 ± 0.1 days) and used significantly more roost trees (5.0 ± 0.6 roosts) than adult males (3.8 ± 1.10 days, 2.3 ± 0.4 roosts, respectively). Maternity colony use of cavities with upper bole openings and shorter residency times suggest that predator avoidance may have been an important factor governing roosting behavior of maternity colonies in this area. Our results suggest that retention of large diameter, hollow trees in wetland areas will benefit Rafinesque’s big-eared bat individuals and maternity colonies in this area.
Loeb, S.C., P.G.R. Jodice. Activity of southeastern bats along sandstone cliffs used for rock climbing. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management 9:255-265; e1944-687x. https://doi.org/10.3996/032017-JFWM-020	January 2018
Lawson, A.J., P.G.R. Jodice, T.R. Rainwater, K.D. Dunham, M. Hart, J.W. Butfiloski, P.M. Wilkinson, K.W. McFadden, C.T. Moore. 2022. Hidden in plain sight: integrated population models to resolve partially observable latent population structure. Ecosphere 13(12):e4321 \| Abstract \| Download \| Publisher Website	December 2022	State uncertainty of individuals within sampled populations is a ubiquitous problem in applied conservation, particularly for stage- or size-structured species subject to consumptive use. We constructed a Bayesian integrated population model (IPM) for American alligators (<i>Alligator mississippiensis</i>) in Georgetown County, South Carolina, USA using records of mark-recapture-recovery, clutch size, harvest, and nightlight survey counts collected locally, and auxiliary information on fecundity, sex ratio, and growth from other studies. We created a multistate mark-recapture-recovery model with six size classes to estimate survival probability, and we linked it to a state-space count model to derive estimates of size class-specific detection probability and abundance. Because we worked from a count dataset in which 60% of the original observations were of unknown size, we treated size class as a latent property of detections and developed a novel observation model to make use of information where size could be partly observed. Detection probability was positively associated with alligator size and water temperature, and negatively influenced by water level. Survival probability was lowest in the smallest size class (hatchlings) but was relatively similar among the other five size classes (>0.90 for each). While the two nightlight survey count sites exhibited relatively stable population trends, we detected substantially different patterns in size class-specific abundance and trends between each site, including 30–50% declines in the largest size classes at the site with greater hunting activity. Here, we illustrate the use of IPMs to produce high resolution output of latent population structure that is partially observed during the monitoring process.
Lawson, A.J., Clinton T. Moore, Thomas R. Rainwater, Frances M. Nilsen, Philip M. Wilkinson, Russell H. Lowers, Louis J. Guillette Jr., K.W. McFadden, and Patrick G.R. Jodice. 2020. Nonlinear patterns in mercury bioaccumulation in American alligators are a function of predicted age. Science of the Total Environment 707:135103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135103 \| Download	March 2020
Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, R.A. Streker, and P.G.R. Jodice. Ecological drivers of Brown Pelican movement patterns, health, and reproductive success in the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, LA. OCS Study BOEM-2020-036. 232 pp. \| Download	July 2020
Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Seasonal variation in environmental and behavioral drivers of annual-cycle habitat selection in a nearshore seabird. Diversity and Distributions. doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13015 \| Download	December 2019
Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satge, P.G.R. Jodice. 2017. Influence of density-dependent competition on foraging and migratory behavior of a subtropical colonial seabird. Ecology and Evolution 2017;00:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3216 \| Publisher Website	July 2017
Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satge, P.G.R. Jodice. 2017. Diet composition and provisioning rates of nestlings determine reproductive success in a subtropical seabird. Marine Ecology Progress Series 581:149-164. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12301	September 2017
Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satge, C.V. Fiorello, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Behavioral and reproductive effects of bird-borne data logger attachment on Brown Pelicans on three temporal scales. Journal of Ornithology. doi:10.1007/s10336-016-1418-3	December 2016
Lamb, J.S., K.M. O’Reilly, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Physical condition and stress levels during early development reflect feeding rates and predict pre- and post-fledging survival in a nearshore seabird. Conservation Physiology 4 (1): cow060. doi: 10.1093/conphys/cow060	December 2016
Lamb, J.S., D.J. Newstead, L.M. Koczur, B.M. Ballard, C.M. Green, P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. A bridge between oceans: Overland migration of marine birds in a wind energy corridor. Journal Avian Biology e01474 doi: 10.1111/jav.01474	November 2017
Lamb, J.S., C.V. Fiorello, Y.G. Satge, K. Mills-Parker, M. Ziccardi, P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. Movement patterns of California brown pelicans following oiling and rehabilitation. Marine Pollution Bulletin 131:22-31	April 2018
Kubicek, K. M., Britz, R., Pinion, A. K., Bower, L. M., & Conway, K. W. (2022). Three scleral ossicles in the West African Denticle herring Denticeps clupeoides (Clupeiformes: Denticipitidae). Journal of Fish Biology, 100(3), 852-855. \| Abstract	February 2022	The eyes of teleostean fishes typically exhibit two ossifications, the anterior and posterior sclerotics, both associated with the scleral cartilage. The West African Denticle Herring <i>Denticeps clupeoides </i>has three scleral ossifications, including the typical two associated with the scleral cartilage (anterior and posterior sclerotic) and a third ossification (Di Dario’s ossicle), spatially separated from the scleral cartilage and located within the anteromedial wall of the sclera. The medial rectus muscle inserts on the medial surface of Di Dario’s ossicle, suggesting that this third sclerotic may play a role in forward rotation of the eye in this surface feeding fish.
K. McFadden and S. Meiri. Dwarfism in Insular Carnivores: A Case Study of the Pygmy Raccoon. Journal of Zoology	January 2013
Jodice, P.G.R., and R.M. Suryan. 2010. The transboundary nature of seabird ecology. Pages 139-165In Landscape Scale Conservation Planning (R. Baldwin and S. Trembulak, eds.). Springer Verlag. \| Abstract	December 2010	Abstract: The term ‘seabird’ is generally applied to avian species that forage in the marine environment over open water. Seabirds typically nest in colonies and are long-lived species with low annual reproductive rates. Seabird breeding sites typically occur on islands or along coasts and as such are often at the boundaries of ecological or political zones. During the breeding season, seabirds cross a very distinct terrestrial/marine ecological boundary on a regular basis to forage. Even relatively ‘local’ species cross multiple jurisdictions within a day (e.g., state lands and waters, and federal waters) while pelagic species may transit through international waters on a daily, weekly, or monthly time-frame. Seabird life-histories expose individuals and populations to environmental conditions affecting both terrestrial and marine habitats. The wide-ranging and transboundary nature of seabird ecology also exposes these species to various environmental and anthropogenic forces such as contamination, commercial fisheries and climate forcing that also are transboundary in nature. Therefore, wherever conservation of seabirds or the management of their populations is the goal, consideration must be given to ecosystem dynamics on land and at sea. Because the jurisdiction of agencies does not cross the land-sea boundary in the same manner as the seabirds they are managing, these efforts are facilitated by multi-agency communication and collaboration. By their very nature and by the nature of the systems that they must function within, seabirds embody the complexity of wildlife ecology and conservation in the 21st century.
Jodice, P.G.R., R.A. Ronconi, E. Rupp, G.E. Wallace, Y. Satge. 2015. First satellite tracks of the endangered Black-capped Petrel. Endangered Species Research 29:23-33. doi: 10.3354/esr00697 \| Abstract \| Download	November 2015	The Black-capped Petrel is an endangered seabird with fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs restricted to three confirmed breeding sites in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. To date, use areas at sea have been determined entirely from vessel-based surveys and opportunistic sightings and, as such, spatial and temporal gaps in our understanding of the species’ marine range are likely. To enhance our understanding of marine use areas we deployed satellite tags on three Black-capped Petrels breeding in the Sierra de Bahoruco National Park in the Dominican Republic along the border with Haiti, representing the first tracking study for this species and one of the first tracking studies for any breeding seabird in the Caribbean. During chick-rearing, petrels primarily used marine habitats in the southern Caribbean Sea, between the breeding site and the coasts of Venezuela and Colombia. Maximum distance from the breeding sites ranged from ca. 500 – 1500 km during the chick-rearing period. During the post-breeding period, each bird dispersed north and used waters west of the Gulf Stream offshore of the mid- and southern Atlantic coasts of the USA, as well Gulf Stream waters and deeper pelagic waters east of the Gulf Stream in the vicinity of the Blake Spur and Charleston Bump. Maximum distance from the breeding sites ranged from ca. 2000 – 2200 km among birds during the nonbreeding period. In total, petrels used waters located within 14 different exclusive economic zones suggesting that evolving management strategies for this species will be benefitted by continued international collaboration.
Jodice, P.G.R., P.E. Michael, J.S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y.G. Satgé. 2021. Revising the marine range of the endangered black-capped petrel Pterodroma hasitata: Occurrence in the northern Gulf of Mexico and exposure to conservation threats. Endangered Species Research. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr001143. \| Abstract \| Download	September 2021	The black-capped petrel (<i>Pterodroma hasitata</i>) is an endangered seabird endemic to the western north Atlantic. Although estimated at ~1,000 breeding pairs, only ~100 nests have been located at two sites in Haiti and three sites in the Dominican Republic. At sea, the species primarily occupies waters of the western Gulf Stream in the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. Due to limited data, there is currently not a consensus on the geographic marine range of the species although no current proposed ranges include the Gulf of Mexico. Here, we report on observations of black-capped petrels during two vessel-based survey efforts throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico from 2010 - 2011 and from 2017 - 2019. During 558 days and ~54,700 km of surveys we tallied 40 black-capped petrels. Most observations occurred in the eastern Gulf, although birds were observed over much of the east-west and north-south footprint of the survey area. Predictive models indicated that habitat suitability for black-capped petrels was highest in areas associated with dynamic waters of the Loop Current. We used the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) and Area of Occupancy (AOO) concepts to delimit the geographic range of the species within the northern Gulf of Mexico. We suggest that the marine range for black-capped petrels be modified to include the northern Gulf of Mexico, recognizing that distribution may be more clumped in the eastern Gulf and that occurrence in the southern Gulf remains unknown due to a lack of surveys there. To date, however, it remains unclear which nesting areas are linked to the Gulf of Mexico.
Jodice, P.G.R., L.C. Wickliffe, E.B. Sachs. 2011. Seabird use of discards from a nearshore shrimp fishery in the South Atlantic Bight, USA. Marine Biology 158:2289-2298. \| Abstract	July 2011	Shrimp trawling is common throughout the southeastern and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the USA and is the primary contributor to fisheries discards in these regions. Tens of thousands of nearshore seabirds nest near shrimp trawling grounds in the USA, but to date, there has been no assessment of the relationship between seabirds and shrimp trawlers. We examined the taxonomic composition of bycatch, rate at which seabirds scavenged bycatch, and energy density of discarded bycatch in a nearshore commercial shrimp fishery. Bycatch was primarily comprised of demersal fish that are not typically accessible to the plunge-diving and surface-feeding seabirds that occur in the area. Hence, seabird diets in the region appear to be broadened taxonomically by the availability of discards. Results from discard experiments indicated that 70% of the nearly 5,500 items discarded by hand were scavenged by seabirds and that the fate of a discarded item was most strongly predicted by its taxonomic order. Laughing gulls scavenged the greatest proportion of discards, although brown pelicans were the only species to scavenge more discards than predicted based upon their abundance. Because this is the first such study in the region, it is difficult to ascertain the extent or intensity of the impact that discards have on nearshore seabirds. Nonetheless, our results suggest that it will be difficult for managers to clearly understand fluctuations in local seabird population dynamics without first understanding the extent to which these species rely upon discards. This may be especially problematic in situations where seabird populations are recovering following natural or anthropogenic stressors.
Jodice, P.G.R., J.S. Lamb, Y.G. Satgé, C.R. Perkins. 2023. Spatial and individual factors mediate the tissue burden of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in adult and chick brown pelicans in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 11:1185659. doi: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1185659. \| Download	June 2023
Jodice, P.G.R., J.S. Lamb, Y.G. Satgé, C.E. Fiorello. 2022. Blood biochemistry and haematology of adult and chick Brown Pelicans in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Basleine health values and ecological relationships. Conservation Physiology 10(1): coac064; doi:10.1093/conphys/coac064 \| Download	September 2022
Jodice, P.G.R., J. Thibault, S.A.Collins, M. Spinks, F.J. Sanders. 2014. Reproductive ecology of American Oystercatchers nesting on shell rakes. Condor 116:588-598. \| Abstract	October 2014	Degradation of nesting habitat for coastal birds has led to the use of nontraditional nesting habitat. The American Oystercatcher is listed as a “Species of High Concern” by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan and is declining in the southern portion of its US breeding range where ~50% of breeding oystercatchers nest on shell substrate instead of beachfront habitat. We measured daily survival rates during incubation and chick-rearing in shell rake habitats over five breeding seasons in the Cape Romain Region of South Carolina, USA. Of 354 nesting attempts monitored, 16.1% hatched at least one egg. The daily survival rate and probability of a nest succeeding during the incubation stage was 0.938 and 22.8%, respectively. Overwash and predation were the primary causes of nest loss. Of the 40 successful nests we monitored, 70.1% fledged at least one young. The daily survival rate of broods and probability of a brood succeeding for oystercatchers was 0.991 and 74.0%, respectively. Productivity in the Cape Romain Region is primarily being lost during the incubation phase when nests are exposed to overwash and predation. Mobile chicks may, however, be able to avoid flood events or predators by relocating to higher or more protected portions of a shell rake. It does not appear that the shell rakes being used for breeding in the Cape Romain Region are inferior compared to other habitats being used in other states. Our data suggest that conservation actions that target nest and chick loss from flooding and predation have the greatest opportunity to enhance reproductive success on these shell rakes, and that an assessment of the availability, structure, use, and protection status of shell rakes is warranted.
Jodice, P.G.R., E.M. Adams, J.S. Lamb, Y. Satge, J. Gleason. 2019. Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines for the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Seabirds. Pages 133 – 172. In Wilson et al. (eds.). Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines for the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Extension Research Bulletin 1228, Mississippi State University.2019. \| Download	March 2020
Jodice, P. G. R., T. M. Murphy, F. J. Sanders, L. Ferguson. 2007. Longterm Trends in Nest Counts of Colonial Nesting Seabirds in South Carolina, USA. Waterbirds 30:40-51	February 2007
Jodice, P. G. R., D. M. Epeprson, and G. H. Visser. 2006. Daily energy expenditure in free-ranging gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphmeus). Copeia 2006:129-136.	February 2006
Jodice, P. G. R., D. D. Roby, R. Suryan, D. B. Irons, K. R. Turco, E. D. Brown, J. F. Thedinga, and G. H. Visser. 2006. Increased energy expenditure by a seabird in response to higher food abundance. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 306:283-293.	January 2006
Jodice, P. G. R., D. D. Roby, R. Suryan, D. B. Irons, G. H. Visser, M. Kaufmann, and K. R. Turco. 2003. Variation in energy expenditure among black-legged kittiwakes: effects of activity-specific metabolic rates and activity budgets. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 76:375-388.	August 2003
Jodice, P. G. R., D. D. Roby, K. R. Turco, R. M. Suryan, D. B. Irons, J. F. Piatt, M. T. Shultz, D. G. Roseneau, A. B. Kettle. 2008. Growth rates of Black- legged Kittiwake chicks in relation to delivery rate, size and energy density of meals. Marine Ornithology 36:107-114 \| Publisher Website	October 2008
Jodice, P. G. R., D. D. Roby, K. R. Turco, R. M. Suryan, D. B. Irons, J. F. Piatt, M. T. Shultz, D. G. Roseneau, A. B. Kettle, and J. A. Anthony. 2006. Assessing the nutritional stress hypothesis: the relative influence of diet quantity and quality on seabird productivity. Marine Ecology Progress Series 325:267-279.	November 2006
Jodice, P. G. R., D. D. Roby, D. Lyons, S. K. Nelson, S. Wright, M. Antollos, C. Anderson, S. Anderson, A. Gall, D. Rizzolo. 2003. Book review: Biology of Marine Birds. Auk 121:240-245.	May 2003
Isely, J.J., D.G. Trested and T.B. Grabowski. 2004. Tag retention and survivorship of hatchery rainbow trout marked with large format VIalpha tags. North American Journal of Aquaculture 66:73-74. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2004	Large-format visible implant alphanumeric (VIalpha) tags were implanted into 15,400 rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Tag retention after 25 d was 82.6%, and survivorship was 92.8%. The results of this study compare favorably with those of similar studies on other species and suggest that large-format VIalpha tags are an appropriate choice for studies requiring the individual identification of larger rainbow trout.
Isely, J.J. and T.B. Grabowski. 2004. Occurrence, size, and tag retention of sneaker male hatchery rainbow trout. North American Journal of Aquaculture 66:234-236. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2004	One alternative reproductive tactic involving early-maturing, cryptic males is referred to as “sneaking.” Although sneakers tend to be easily detectable upon close inspection, little is known about the proportion of a fish population consisting of sneakers. We examined 15,400 age-1 rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in a hatchery. Total length (mm), wet weight (g), and sex (sneaker male or unknown) were recorded for each fish. We also individually tagged each sneaker male with soft visual implant alphanumeric (VIalpha) tags that were sequentially numbered and held the fish for 25 d before inspection. Sneakers constituted 2.8% of the hatchery rainbow trout population and were smaller in total length and weight than typical rainbow trout of the same age. Retention of the VIalpha tags in sneakers was 58.9%, significantly lower than has been reported under similar circumstances. We found that sneaker males may contribute substantially to hatchery populations. Reduced tag retention in sneakers may bias studies evaluating the effect of hatchery fish on wild populations. We believe that hatchery-produced sneaker males have the potential to contribute importantly to the genetic composition of wild populations.
Isely, J. J., and T. B. Grabowski. 2007. Age and growth. In M. L. Brown and C. S. Guy, editors. Analysis and interpretation of freshwater fisheries data. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.	October 2007
Isely, J. J., and T. B. Grabowski. 2003. Occurrence, size, and tag retention of sneaker male hatchery rainbow trout. North American Journal of Aquaculture.	February 2004
Isely, J. J., and P. E. Stockett. 2001. Tag retention, growth and survival of red swamp crayfish marked with a visible implant tag. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 21:422-424.	July 2001
Isely, J. J., and C. Kempton. 2000. Influence of co-stocking on growth of young-of-year brook trout and rainbow trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 129:613-617.	January 2000
Isely, J. J., Young, S. P., T. A. Jones, and J. J. Schaffler. 2002. Effect of antibiotics and antenna placement on loss of simulated transmitters and mortality in hybrid striped bass. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:204-207.	January 2002
Isely, J. J., D. G. Trested, and T. B. Grabowsky. 2003. Tag retention and Survival of hatchery rainbow trout marked with large format VIalpha tags. North American Journal of Aquaculture	August 2004
Isely J.J. and T.B. Grabowski. 2007. Age and growth. Pages 187-228 in ML Brown & CS Guy, eds. Analysis and interpretation of freshwater fisheries data. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2007	This long-awaited text is an excellent companion to AFS's Fisheries Techniques because it provides a frame of reference for appropriate sample design, analysis, and interpretation of freshwater fisheries data. The chapters are organized by fish and fisheries data types, including recruitment, mortality, biotelemetry, habitat, and predator-prey interactions, within major topic areas, such as population dynamics, fish biology, and community assessment. Chapters contain subsections describing the data type(s), indices, appropriate and alternative statistical approaches, applications, summary, and references. Statistical tests are nestled within chapters to allow the reader to connect analyses to data types. Box examples allow the reader to easily follow the analysis method. The companion CD contains example data sets and programs (requires SAS) so the reader can run the analyses, as outlined in the box examples. The book is appropriate for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and is a practical resource for fisheries professionals. Includes a subject index.
Haney, J.C., P.G.R. Jodice, W.A. Montevecchi, D.C. Evers. 2017. Challenges to oil spill assessment for seabirds in the deep ocean. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. doi:10.1007/s00244-016-0355-8	July 2017
Hand, C., F. Sanders, P.G.R. Jodice. 2010. Foraging proficiency during the nonbreeding season in a specialized forager: Are juvenile American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) 'bumble-beaks' compared to adults? Condor 112:670-675.	October 2010
Hackney, A., R. Baldwin, P.G.R. Jodice. 2013. Mapping risk for nest predation on a barrier island. Journal of Coastal Conservation. DOI 10.1007/s11852-013-0260-5. Journal of Coastal Conservation.	September 2013
Grady, J. T., Bower, L. M., Gienger, C. M., & Blanton, R. E. (2022). Fish scale shape follows predictable patterns of variation based on water column position, body size, and phylogeny. Evolutionary Ecology, 36(1), 93-116. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10682-021-10142-9 \| Abstract	January 2022	The influence of environment and phylogeny on morphological characteristics of organisms is well documented. However, little is known about how these factors influence scale shape in fishes, a feature which may be important for drag reduction. We evaluated the impact of both on scale shape variation in the primarily benthic, riverine darter clade (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) of fishes. We predicted that darters with close phylogenetic relationships and/or shared ecologies would have more similar scale shapes, but this relationship would be mediated by use of the substrate boundary layer. We used geometric morphometrics and seven homologous landmarks for 92 species of darters representing all genera and 37 terminal clades within genera to measure scale shape. Phylogenetic relationships and ecological categories describing habitat, spawning mode, and maximum body size of each species were summarized from the literature. We used ordinations to examine scale shape variation among phylogenetic and ecological groups. We conducted Phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares analyses to test for relationships between scale shape and ecological characteristics. Scale shape variation occurred within and among darter clades, and was significantly related to phylogeny. However, we found divergent scale shapes between close relatives and similar scale shapes between distantly related species. After accounting for phylogenetic signal, size and water column position were related to scale shape. Extra-large, hyperbenthic species had longer, narrower scales that may decrease laminar drag. Sub-benthic darters had scales that were narrower at the insertion, and with enlarged ctenial margins that may facilitate burying. Among benthic darters, size was significantly related to scale shape though a lack of clustering among many taxonomic and ecological groups may indicate that boundary layer use has reduced selective pressures from drag. Our results are consistent with others that have found both environment and phylogeny influence Teleost fish morphology.
Grabowski, T.B., J.J. Isely, and R.R. Weller. 2004. Age and growth of flathead catfish, Pylodictis olivaris Rafinesque, in the Altamaha River, Georgia. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 19:411-417 \| Abstract	December 2004	Flathead catfish were introduced to the Altamaha River system, Georgia in the 1970’s. We determined the length-weight relationship, Von Bertalanffy growth parameters, and back calculated lengths by examining the sagittal otoliths of 331 individuals captured from this population. We found that there were no sex related differences in length weight relationship or Von Bertalanffy growth parameters. Flathead catfish in the Altamaha River system grow at about the same rate as individuals in other introduced populations.
Grabowski, T.B. and J.J. Isely. 2007. Spatial and temporal segregation of spawning habitat by catostomids in the Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina, U.S.A. Journal of Fish Biology 70:782-798. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2007	Spawning aggregations of five species of catostomids were observed on the two mid-channel gravel bars of the Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina, in 2004 and 2005 to assess the degree of spatial and temporal overlap in the use of this habitat and determine the habitat preferences leading to segregation. Spawning catostomids showed a considerable amount of temporal overlap in their use of these mid-channel gravel bars. The observed temporal overlap was consistent between 2004 and 2005 and corresponded to temperatures at which species were present. The distribution of catostomids was not uniform at the upstream gravel bar. Carpsuckers Carpiodes sp., spotted sucker Minytrema melanops and robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum both demonstrated some spatial overlap with notchlip redhorse Moxostoma collapsum; however, their overall distributions were different from one another. Northern hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans was present across the gravel bars, apparently as an egg predator. Spawning catostomids segregated based on flow, depth, slope and substratum size. Whether due to limited habitat availability or changes in the timing of reproduction due to altered cues, temporal and spatial overlap occurs between spawning catostomids despite the apparent partitioning of available spawning habitat. It is unclear, however, if this overlap results in excessive mortality in the early life-history stages of these species. Results suggest spatial overlap among catostomid species was minimized due to species spawning in areas within a narrow range of conditions. Intraspecific interactions such as nest site superimposition or disturbance may be a concern.
Grabowski, T.B. and J.J. Isely. 2006. Seasonal and diel movement and habitat use of robust redhorses in the Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 135:1145-1155. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2006	The robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum is a large riverine catostomid whose distribution is restricted to three Atlantic Slope drainages. Once presumed extinct, this species was rediscovered in 1991. Despite being the focus of conservation and recovery efforts, the robust redhorse's movements and habitat use are virtually unknown. We surgically implanted pulse-coded radio transmitters into 17 wild adults (460–690 mm total length) below the downstream-most dam on the Savannah River and into 2 fish above this dam. Individuals were located every 2 weeks from June 2002 to September 2003 and monthly thereafter to May 2005. Additionally, we located 5–10 individuals every 2 h over a 48-h period during each season. Study fish moved at least 24.7 ± 8.4 river kilometers (rkm; mean ± SE) per season. This movement was generally downstream except during spring. Some individuals moved downstream by as much as 195 rkm from their release sites. Seasonal migrations were correlated to seasonal changes in water temperature. Robust redhorses initiated spring upstream migrations when water temperature reached approximately 12°C. Our diel tracking suggests that robust redhorses occupy small reaches of river (˜1.0 rkm) and are mainly active diurnally. Robust redhorses were consistently found in association with woody debris and gravel streambed sediments along the outer edge of river bends. Fish exhibited a high degree of fidelity to both overwintering and spawning areas. Our observations of long-distance seasonal migrations suggest that successful robust redhorse conservation efforts may require an ecosystem management approach.
Grabowski, T. G., and J. J. Isely. 2007. Effects of flow fluctuations on the spawning habitat of a riverine fish. Southeastern Naturalist 6:471-478	November 2007
Grabowski, T. B., and J. J. Isely. 2008. Spawning population size, residence time, and territory shifts of individuals in the spawning aggregation of a riverine catostomid. Southeastern Naturalist (in press).	September 2008
Grabowski, T. B., and J. J. Isely. 2007. Spatial and temporal segregation of spawning habitat by catostomids in the Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina, U. S. A. Journal of Fish Biology 70:1?17. January 2007.	January 2007
Grabowski, T. B., and J. J. Isely. 2005. Use of prepositioned grid electrofishers for the collection of robust redhorse broodstock. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67: 89-92.	September 2005
Grabowski, T. B., J. J. Isely, J. J., and R. Weller. 2004. Age and growth of flathead catfish in the Altamaha River, Georgia. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. (M03-179)	September 2004
Grabowski TB & JJ Isely. 2005. Use of prepositioned grid electrofishers for the collection of robust redhorse broodstock. North American Journal of Aquaculture 67:89-92 \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2005	We investigated the potential of prepositioned grid electrofishers as a means of collecting broodstock for the rare robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum. We found that combined with visual observation, this technique allowed for the efficient capture of fish in breeding condition. We were able to harvest eggs in the field and bring only fertilized eggs into the hatchery. There was no need to induce spawning hormonally. Although their use is limited by water depth and clarity, prepositioned grid electrofishers used in conjunction with visual observation warrants further consideration as an effective tool for the collection of reproductively active broodstock for conservation purposes.
Grabowski T.B., and J.J. Isely. 2007. Effects of flow fluctuations on riverine fish spawning habitat. Southeastern Naturalist 6:471-478. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	July 2007	Shallow-water, lithophilic spawning fishes are among the most vulnerable to anthropogenic fluctuations in water levels. We monitored water levels and environmental conditions at the nest sites of Moxostoma robustum (Robust Red-horse) on a main-channel gravel bar in the Savannah River, GA–SC. During the course of the 2005 spawning season, over 50% of the observed nest sites were either completely dewatered or left in near zero-flow conditions for several days. This occurred on two separate occasions, once early during the spawning season and then again near its conclusion. We hypothesize the habitat preferences of spawning Robust Redhorse leave them vulnerable to water-level fluctuations, and this phenomenon may be widespread in regulated river systems.
Grabowski T.B., N.L. Ratterman and J.J. Isely. 2008. Demographics of the spawning aggregations of four catostomid species in the Savannah River, South Carolina and Georgia. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 17:318-327. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	June 2008	We collected scales to determine age and growth of four catostomid species (northern hogsucker Hypentelium nigricans, spotted sucker Minytrema melanops, notchlip redhorse Moxostoma collapsum, robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum) from the Savannah River, Georgia-South Carolina in spring 2004 and 2005. Robust redhorse was the largest species; reaching sexual maturity at an older age and growing faster as a juvenile than the other species. Spotted sucker did not achieve the same size as robust redhorse, but reached sexual maturity at younger ages. Notchlip redhorse was intermediate between the abovementioned two species in age at maturity and size. Northern hogsucker was the smallest species of the assemblage and reached sexual maturity at age 3. Both robust redhorse and spotted sucker were sexually dimorphic in size-at-age. The range of life history strategies employed by Savannah River catostomids encompasses the range of life history strategies exhibited within the family as a whole.
Grabowski T.B. and J.J. Isely. 2008. Size of spawning population, residence time, and territory shifts of individuals in the spawning aggregation of a riverine catostomid. Southeastern Naturalist 7:475-482. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	July 2008	.— Little is known about the behavior of individual fish in a spawning aggregation, specifically how long an individual remains in an aggregation. We monitored robust redhorse Moxostoma robustum (Cope) in a Savannah River spawning aggregation during spring 2004 and 2005 to provide an estimate of the total number of adults and the number of males comprising the aggregation and to determine male residence time and movements within a spawning aggregation. Robust redhorse were captured using prepostioned grid electrofishers, identified to sex, weighed, measured and implanted with a passive integrated transponder. Spawning aggregation size was estimated using a multiple census mark and recapture procedure. The spawning aggregation seemed to consist of approximately the same number of individuals (82-85) and males (50-56) during both years of this study. Individual males were present for a mean of 3.6 ± 0.24 days (± SE) during the 12-day spawning period. The mean distance between successive recaptures of individual males was 15.9 ± 1.29 m (± SE). We conclude that males establish spawning territories on a daily basis and are present within the spawning aggregation for at least 3-4 days. The relatively short duration of the aggregation may be the result of an extremely small population of adults. However, the behavior of individuals has the potential to influence population estimates made while fish are aggregated for spawning.
Giles, M.M., P.G.R. Jodice, R.F. Baldwin, J. Stanton, M. Epstein. 2013. Spring migratory pathways and migration chronology of Canada Geese wintering at the Santee NWR. Canadian Field Naturalist 127: 17-25.	July 2013
Gallman, E. A., J. J. Isely, J. R. Tomasso, and T. I. J. Smith. 1999. Short-term physiological responses of wild and hatchery-produced red drum during angling. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 19:833-836.	November 1999
Friebel, B. A., P. G. R. Jodice. 2009. Home range and habitat use of wild hogs in the Congaree National Park, South Carolina. Human-Wildlife Conflicts 3:49-63	January 2009
Fontenot, Q. C., J. J. Isely, and J. R. Tomasso. 1999. Characterization and inhibition of nitrite uptake in shortnose sturgeon fingerlings. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 11:76-80.	November 1999
Fiorello, C., P.G.R. Jodice, J.S. Lamb, Y.G. Satge, K. Mills, M. Zicardi. 2021. Post-release survival of California Brown Pelicans following oiling and rehabilitation after the Refugio oil spill. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 57(3). DOI: 10.7589/JWD-D-20-00171 \| Download	April 2021
Finney, S. T., J. J. Isely and D. W. Cooke. 2006. Upstream migration of two pre-spawning shortnose sturgeon passed upstream of Pineopolis Dam, Cooper River, South Carolina. Southeastern Naturalist 5:369-375.	April 2006
Ferguson, L.M., Y. Satge, J. Tavano, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. Seabird colony registry and atlas for the Southeastern U.S. Final Report for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson, SC.	June 2018
Ferguson, L.M.*, T.M. Norton, A. Dipl, C. Cray, M. Olivia, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Health assessments of brown pelican nestlings from colonies in South Carolina and Georgia. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 45:835-845. \| Abstract	July 2014	We evaluated the health of Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) nestlings from three colonies along the Atlantic coast of the southeastern USA in 2005, 2007, and 2008. Our primary objective was to establish baseline data for hematological, biochemical, and serological values of a free-living population of pelicans during early chick development. We also evaluated the relationship among health variables and colony site, ectoparasite infestation, sex, and body condition index. Reference intervals are presented for health variables, including novel analytes for the species, and we present comparisons of our results with previously published values for wild pelicans. No significant relationships were found between health variables and nestling sex or body condition, however differences between colony sites and presence of ectoparasites were detected. The collection of baseline data and inclusion of health assessments as a regular component of management programs for seabirds can provide insight into the condition of species of conservation concern and enhance understanding of the ecological and demographic mechanisms regulating populations.
Ferguson, L. M., P. G. R. Jodice, W. Post, F. I. Sanders. 2005. Reddish Egret extends its breeding range on the North American Atlantic Coast. Waterbirds 28:525-526.	December 2005
Fallon, J.A., E.P. Smith. N. Shoch, J.D. Paruk, E.A. Adams, D.C. Evers, P.G.R. Jodice, W.A. Hopkins. 2020. Ultraviolet-assisted oiling assessment improves detection of oiled birds experiencing clinical signs of hemolytic anemia exposed to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Ecotoxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-020-02255-8 \| Download	August 2020
Fallon, J.A., E.P. Smith. N. Shoch, J.D. Paruk, E.A. Adams, D.C. Evers, P.G.R. Jodice, C. Perkins, S. Shulte, W.A. Hopkins. 2017. Hematological indices of physiological injury to lightly oiled birds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.3983	October 2017
Eversole, A. G., W. D. Anderson, and J. Jeffery Isely. 2008. Age and growth of the knobbed whelk Busycon carica (Gmelin 1791) in South Carolina Subtidal Waters. Journal of Shellfish Research 24:423-426.	September 2008
Ely, P., Young, S. P., and J. J. Isely. 2008. Population size and relative abundance of Alabama shad reaching Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, Apalachicola River, Florida. North American Journal of Fisheries Management	September 2008
Eggert, L.M.F. *, P.G.R. Jodice, K.M. O’Reilly. 2009. Stress response of Brown Pelican nestlings to ectoparasite infestation. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 166: 33-38.	June 2009
Eggert, L. M. F., P. G. R. Jodice. 2008. Growth of Brown Pelican nestlings exposed to sublethal levels of soft tick infestation. Condor 1104:134-142.	February 2008
Eddy, M. C., Lord, B., Perrot, D., Bower, L. M., & Peoples, B. K. (2022). Predictability of flow metrics calculated using a distributed hydrologic model across ecoregions and stream classes: Implications for developing flow–ecology relationships. Ecohydrology, 15(2), e2387. \| Abstract	March 2022	Developing environmental flow standards requires an empirical understanding of the relationship between species’ ecology and instream flow. However, when congruent biological and hydrologic data are lacking, the accurate simulation of hydrologic metrics (HMs) corresponding to the locations of biological data is needed. Methods to predict HMs vary in formulation (i.e., statistical vs. process-based hydrologic models), ability to simulate HMs across the full range of the hydrologic regime (i.e., magnitude, duration, frequency, rate of change, and timing), and ability to transfer HMs from gaged to ungaged locations. Yet despite the breadth of modeling approaches, less attention has been paid to the variability in HMs associated with each approach. In this study, we apply a distributed hydrologic model to the diverse watersheds of South Carolina to examine the predictability of HMs from simulated daily time series of streamflow across ecoregions, stream classifications, and level of human alteration. In doing so, we contextualize the predictability of HMs, giving managers and researchers in South Carolina the flexibility of choosing HMs that are best suited for quantifying flow-ecology relationships based on the location, flow regime components of interest, and uncertainty of HMs. We found that at least one HM within each of the five flow regime components (out of a selected subset of 41 non-redundant HMs) was consistently and accurately predicted across the diverse streams of the study area. We discuss the patterns of predictability related to site characterizations and individual HMs and their implications for developing environmental flow standards.
E. Sterling, K. McFadden, K. Holmes, E. B. Vintinner, F. Arengo, E. Naro-Maciel. Accepted. Ecology and Conservation of Marine Turtles in a Central Pacific Foraging Ground. Chelonian Conservation and Biology	January 2013
Duncan, M. M., J. J. Isely, and D. W. Cooke. 2004. Evaluation of Shortnose Sturgeon Spawning in the Pinopolis Dam Tailrace, South Carolina. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. (M03-131)	August 2004
Duncan, M. M., J. J. Isely, and D. W. Cooke. 2004. Evaluation of Shortnose Sturgeon Spawning in the Pinopolis Dam Tailrace, South Carolina. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:932-938.	November 2004
Dertien, J., S. Self, R. Baldwin, B. Ross, and K. Barrett. 2020. Spatial variability of biodiversity and wetland density in the conterminous United States. PLoS ONE 15:e0232052.	May 2020
Danielson-Oweczynsky, H., H. Madden, P.G.R. Jodice. In prep. Filial infanticide by egg destruction in Red-billed Tropicbirds on the Caribbean Island of Sint Eustatius. Marine Ornithology 51:261-264. \| Download	October 2023
Cooke, D. W., S. D. Leach, and J. J. Isely. 2002. Behavior and Lackof Upstream Passage of Shortnose Sturgeon at a Hydroelectric Facility/Navigation Lock Complex. American Fisheries Society Symposium 28:183-192.	June 2002
Collins, S.A., F.J. Sanders, and P.G.R. Jodice. Assessing conservation tools for an at-risk shorebird: Feasibility of headstarting for American Oystercatchers. Bird Conservation International 26:451-465. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270916000095	April 2016
Clark, BC, et al. Global assessment of plastic encounter risk for marine birds. Nature. \| Download	July 2023
Carlson-Bremer, D., T.M. Norton, F.J. Sanders, B. Winn, M. Spinks, B.A. Glatt, L. Mazzaro, P.G.R. Jodice, T. Chen, E.S. Dierenfeld. 2014. Circulating fat-soluble vitamin concentrations and nutrient composition of aquatic prey eaten by American Oystercatchers in the southeastern United States. Submitted Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 28:216-224 \| Abstract	April 2014	The American oystercatcher is currently listed as a species of high concern by the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan. Adequate management of a wildlife population requires intimate knowledge of a species’ diet and nutritional requirements as nutritional status directly impacts overall health and reproduction of individuals and populations. Fat soluble vitamin concentrations of plasma obtained from American oystercatchers and proximate, vitamin and mineral composition of various American oystercatcher prey species were determined as baseline data for assessment of nutritional status. Bird and prey species samples were collected from Cape Romain Region, South Carolina and the Altamaha River Delta Islands where breeding populations appear stable. Circulating vitamin A levels in birds were higher than ranges reported as normal for domestic avian species and vitamin D concentrations were lower than anticipated based on values observed in poultry. Vitamin E levels were within ranges previously reported for avian groups with similar feeding niches. Prey species (oysters, mussels, clams, whelks, blood arks, false angel wings) were similar in water content to vertebrate prey, moderate to high in protein and moderate to low in crude fat. Ash and macronutrient concentrations in prey species were high compared to requirements of carnivores or avian species. Prey items analyzed appear to meet nutritional requirements for oystercatchers, as estimated by extrapolation from domestic carnivores and poultry species; excesses, imbalances and toxicities – particularly of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins – may be more of an issue warranting further investigation.
Buchholtz, E.K., M. McDaniels, G. McCulloch, A. Songhurst, and A. Stronza (2023). A mixed-methods assessment of human-elephant conflict in the Western Okavango Panhandle, Botswana. People and Nature. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10443 \| Abstract	February 2023	Human-wildlife conflict, where interactions have negative impacts on both people and animals, is complex with underlying drivers and broad ecological and social impacts. From individual incidents and perceptions, to contemporary patterns and long-term trends, a range of information about human-wildlife conflict can help understand and manage challenges. However, many studies focus on a single data type or spatiotemporal scale. In the Western Okavango Panhandle in Botswana, people in rural farming communities share and compete for resources with a growing African savanna elephant population. Few previous studies have focused on human-wildlife interactions in this region. We assessed spatiotemporal trends in human-elephant conflict using reported conflict incidents (2008–2016), surveys of individual perceptions of conflict encompassing the late 1990s–2016, and detailed field raid assessments from 2016. We found complementary patterns among the data types at different geographic and spatial scales. We found that the number of annual HEC incidents have increased over time, although not evenly across space, with increases primarily in the northern region of the Panhandle. Crop raiding presents both chronic and acute challenges for farmers, with the amount of damage incurred per incident largely dependent on the size of elephant group involved rather than factors within the farmers' control such as guarding or types of crops grown. Our results provide a characterization of contemporary conflict incidents and long-term trends, despite scarce historical data. Combining the reporting and assessment data with surveyed local ecological knowledge offered a multidimensional understanding of human-wildlife conflict for a region where this information was lacking. It is an important precursor to effective and collaborative conflict management and mitigation. When possible, this mixed-methods approach may facilitate understanding for complex human-wildlife interactions and support the diverse communities and stakeholders involved with conflict-related challenges.
Buchholtz, E.K., J. Kreitler, D. Shinneman, M. Crist, & J. Heinrichs (2023). Assessing large landscape patterns of potential fire connectivity using circuit methods. Landscape Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-022-01581-y. \| Abstract	April 2023	Minimizing negative impacts of wildfire is a major societal objective in fire-prone landscapes. Models of fire connectivity can aid in understanding and managing wildfires by analyzing potential fire spread and conductance patterns. We define ‘fire connectivity’ as the landscape’s capacity to facilitate fire transmission from one point on the landscape to another. Our objective was to develop an approach for modeling fire connectivity patterns representing potential fire spread and relative flow across a broad landscape extent, particularly in the management-relevant context of fuel breaks. We applied an omnidirectional circuit theory algorithm to model fire connectivity in the Great Basin of the western United States. We used predicted rates of fire spread to approximate conductance and calculated current densities to identify connections among areas with high spread rates. We compared existing and planned fuel breaks with fire connectivity patterns. Fire connectivity and relative flow outputs were characterized by spatial heterogeneity in the landscape’s capacity to transmit fire. We found that existing fuel break networks were denser in areas with relatively diffuse and impeded flow patterns, rather than in locations with channelized flow. This approach could be paired with traditional fire behavior and risk analyses to better understand wildfire spread as well as direct strategic placement of individual fuel breaks within larger networks to constrain fire spread. Thus, our findings may offer local- to landscape-level support for management actions that aim to disrupt fire spread and mitigate the costs of fire on the landscape.
Buchholtz, E.K., J. Heinrichs, & M. Crist (2023). Landscape and connectivity metrics as a spatial tool to support invasive annual grass management decisions. Biological Invasions. doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02945-w \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	January 2023	The spatial context of invasions is increasingly recognized as important for the success and efficiency of management actions. This information can be key for managing invasive grasses that threaten native ecosystems. While methods for quantifying invasive grass presence and abundance advance, few options have been explored in characterizing and comparing spatial patterns of extent and connectivity. We calculated landscape metrics and circuit-based centrality for invasive grasses using a weighted-average product (30m resolution) in the Great Basin, USA. We found variation among extent metrics (mean class and patch area, number of patches, largest patch index) and connectivity metrics (nearest neighbor, contiguity, aggregation index, centrality); most of the extent and connectivity metrics were not strongly correlated with dominant abundance class and so provided additional information at the sampled grid and local scales. We also illustrated how thresholding relevant metrics could be used to identify areas needing different management strategies, for example, where strategies could proactively protect uninvaded cores, disconnect fine fuel patches, or contain established invasions. The landscape metric approach can be applied across scales to spatially target patches locally, provide broader context within a single region, as well as to compare metrics and spatial variation in patterns among different regions.
Buchholtz, E. K., O’Donnell, M. S., Heinrichs, J. A., & Aldridge, C. L. (2023). Temporal Patterns of Structural Sagebrush Connectivity from 1985 to 2020. Land, 12(6), 1176. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061176 \| Abstract	June 2023	The sagebrush biome within the western United States has been reshaped by disturbances, management, and changing environmental conditions. As a result, sagebrush cover and configuration have varied over space and time, influencing processes and species that rely on contiguous, connected sagebrush. Previous studies have documented changes in sagebrush cover, but we know little about how the connectivity of sagebrush has changed over time and across the sagebrush biome. We investigated temporal connectivity patterns for sagebrush using a time series (1985-2020) of fractional sagebrush cover and used an omnidirectional circuit algorithm to assess the density of connections among areas with abundant sagebrush. By comparing connectivity patterns over time, we found that most of the biome experienced moderate change; the amount and type of change varied spatially, indicating that areas differ in the trend direction and magnitude of change. Two different types of designated areas of conservation and management interest had relatively high proportions of stable, high-connectivity patterns over time and stable connectivity trends on average. These results provide ecological information on sagebrush connectivity persistence across spatial and temporal scales that can support targeted actions to address changing structural connectivity and to maintain functioning, connected ecosystems.
Buchholtz E. People in a biodiverse region experienced varying types and timing of conflict with multiple wildlife species. Tropical Conservation Science. 2024;17. doi:10.1177/19400829241233479	April 2024
Brooks, G.L., F.J. Sanders, P.D. Gerard, P.G.R. Jodice. 2013. Predation and flooding reduce nesting success of Least Terns at natural nest sites in South Carolina. Waterbirds 36:1-10. \| Download	January 2013
Brooks, G.L.*, F.J. Sanders, P.D. Gerard, and P.G.R. Jodice. Daily survival rates for nests of Black Skimmers from a core breeding area of the Southeastern USA. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 126:443-450. \| Abstract \| Download	July 2014	Little is known about the reproductive success of Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) throughout the southeastern USA where availability of undisturbed beaches for nesting is limited. Daily survival rates (DSR) of nests were examined at three nesting sites in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge (CRNWR), South Carolina, USA, 2009–2010. The percent of successful nests (n = 346 nests) ranged from 42–69% among colony sites when data were pooled across both years. The DSR of nests was primarily related to colony site, predation risk, height of high tide, and clutch size. Predation and overwash were the principal causes of identifiable nest loss, each accounting for ~33% of nest failures during the 2 study years. Because of the challenges of resighting skimmer chicks, we were not able to measure chick survival effectively and therefore accurate measures of productivity remain elusive. High variability in nest success among sites within close proximity to each other (<20km) suggests factors at local scales such as disturbance, predation, and overwash events strongly influenced nest success of Black Skimmers during these 2 years as opposed to more region-wide stressors such as tropical storms or food availability. Although time-intensive techniques to control predators do exist, management options to limit flooding and overwash are far more limited. Conservation of Black Skimmers in the southeastern USA would benefit from coordinated, multi-state efforts to measure nest and chick survival
Bower, L. M., Stoczynski, L., Peoples, B. K., Patrick, C. J., & Brown, B. L. (2023). Multiple dimensions of functional diversity affect stream fish taxonomic β‐diversity. Freshwater Biology, 68(3), 437-451. \| Abstract	March 2023	<b>Abstract:</b><br><i>Aims</i>: When investigating community assembly, functional differences among species are assumed to be as important as environmental differences between sites in determining β-diversity. However, few studies have examined the influence of functional diversity on β-diversity. Our study examines the relative importance of regional functional diversity partitioned by niche dimensions and environmental variation in structuring β-diversity of stream fishes using a large dataset.<br><i>Location</i>: One hundred and sixty-eight watersheds in the eastern United States.<br><i>Time period</i>: 1990 to 2013<br><i>Major taxa studied</i>: Freshwater fishes (Teleostei)<br><i>Methods</i>: We predicted that both functional diversity and environmental variation play a role in determining β-diversity. We tested this prediction by modeling the patterns of stream fish β-diversity as a function of environmental variation, functional diversity, and γ-richness across 10,220 sites for 329 fish species using a series of conceptual path models.<br><i>Results</i>: Environmental variation consistently affected β-diversity across all models, while functional diversity and γ-richness influenced β-diversity only in some models. We show that including relevant trait differences among species in path models can improve their ability to explain β-diversity, suggesting that functional traits played a role in determining β-diversity.<br><i>Main conclusions</i>: The ability of path models to predict β-diversity varied depending on the trait grouping included in the model, demonstrating how specific path models representing different niche dimensions can improve the model’s ability to explain β-diversity. Additionally, parsing traits into different niche dimensions revealed alternate patterns of functional diversity-β-diversity relationships that have been otherwise missed.
Bower, L. M., Peoples, B. K., Eddy, M. C., & Scott, M. C. (2022). Quantifying flow–ecology relationships across flow regime class and ecoregions in South Carolina. Science of The Total Environment, 149721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149721 \| Download \| Publisher Website	January 2022
Bower, L. M., Marion, C. A., Scott, M., Kubach, K., and Gelder, A. Fish assemblage and functional trait responses to the removal of two dams on a southeastern river. Freshwater Biology. 2024. \| Abstract	April 2024	As one of the greatest threats to freshwater biodiversity, dams are being removed in greater number to restore riverine systems. Dam removal studies have primarily focused on taxonomic responses to larger dam removals with little work on the functional trait responses of fish to small dam removals, limiting the application of results to different biogeographic regions. We explored taxonomic and functional trait responses of fish assemblages to two small dam removals over ten years using a Multiple Before After Control Impact design at a dammed and an undammed river. Eight life history traits were used to calculate functional diversity (RaoQ) and determine the position of each fish species within a multivariate life history space relative to three life-history strategy endpoints: opportunistic, periodic, and equilibrium. The distance of each species relative to these endpoints was used to calculate community weighted means (CWM), allowing us to examine the shift in life history strategy of a given assemblage after dam removal. For the dammed river, we observed changes in assemblage structure at both the control and impact sites driven primarily by shifts from a lentic to lotic assemblage, with the most apparent change occurring in the formerly impounded sites. These changes tended to occur within about one year suggesting rapid colonization by lotic species after habitat change. In contrast, no change in assemblage structure was found for the undammed river, suggesting that dam removal was the driver of the shifts in assemblage structure observed in the dammed river. Based on CWM, we showed a shift in life history strategies in response to dam removal at impounded sites where equilibrium strategists decreased and opportunistic strategists tended to increase after the impounded sites changed from a stable lentic environment to an unstable lotic environment, supporting the predictions made by life history theory. We found no change in the CWM of periodic strategists or RaoQ of all life history traits at any site after dam removal. This study suggests that small dam removal may provide ecological benefits by restoring fish assemblages to a more natural riverine state and reversing the negative effects of dam construction. We also demonstrate that combining both taxonomic and trait-based approaches can improve our understanding of the impacts of dam removal on fish assemblages and provide complementary tools to uncover general ecological patterns as well as provide data more applicable to local management than one approach alone.
Bower, L. M., & Peoples, B. K. (2022). Microhabitat use of larval fish in a South Carolina Piedmont stream. Journal of Freshwater Ecology, 37(1), 583-596. \| Abstract	November 2022	Understanding habitat use and nursery areas of larval fish is a key component to managing and conserving riverine fishes. Yet, freshwater researchers often focus only on adult fishes, resulting in a limited understanding of the habitat requirements for the early life stages of freshwater fishes. The goal of this study was to quantify the larval fish microhabitat use of three fish families in Twelvemile Creek, a fifth-order tributary of Lake Hartwell (Savannah River basin) in the Piedmont ecoregion of South Carolina, USA. We used handheld dipnets to sample larval fishes along 20 equidistant transects spaced 10 m apart weekly from May to July 2021 along a 200 m stream reach. We also collected microhabitat data at each larval fish capture location. Most captured individuals were in the metalarval stage and were identified to the family level. A partial distance-based redundancy analysis indicated that water velocity contributed to changes in larval fish assemblage structure. Larval fishes occupied a subset of the available habitat that was characterized by low water velocity, non-<i>Podostemum</i> substrate, and shallow habitats close to the shore or bed rock structure. We also detected temporal patterns in larval fish counts, with peak Percidae and Leuciscidae counts in late July and the highest Catostomidae counts in late May–early June. Our results suggest that larval fishes select habitats with low water velocity and shallow habitats close to shore microhabitat characteristics, and that riffle-pool sequences may serve as a nursery habitat for Percidae, Catostomidae and Leuciscidae metalarvae.
Bodinof Jachowski, C.M., B.E. Ross, and W.A. Hopkins. Evaluating artificial shelter arrays as a minimally invasive monitoring tool for the hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis. Endangered Species Research.	February 2020
Bielmyer, G. K., D. M. Gatlin, J. J. Isely, J. R. Tomasso and S. J. Klaine. 2005. Responses of hybrid striped bass to waterborne and dietary copper in freshwater and saltwater. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 140C:131-137.	October 2005
Bettinger, J. M., J. R. Tomasso, and J. J. Isely. 2005. Hooking mortality and physiological responses of striped bass angled in freshwater and held in live-release tubes. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 25:1273-1280.	September 2005
Bailey, M. M., J. J. Isely, and W. E. Bridges. 2003. Population size and movement of American shad through a low head lock and dam. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.	January 2004
Atwood, H. L., Q. C. Fontenot, J. R. Tomasso, and J. J. Isely. 2001. Toxicity of nitrite to Nile tilapia: effect of fish size and environmental chloride. North American Journal of Aquaculture 63:49-51.	March 2001
Alves, F., N. Queiroz, P.G.R. Jodice. 2023. Ecological and behavioral traits of apex predators in oceanic insular ecosystems - Advances and challenges in research and conservation. Frontiers in Marine Science. 10.1252360. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1252360 \| Download	July 2023
. McFadden, K., A. Gomez, E. Sterling and E.Naro-Maciel. 2014. Potential Impacts of Historical Disturbance on Green Turtle Health in the Unique & Protected Marine Ecosystem of Palmyra Atoll (Central Pacific). Marine Pollution Bulletin 89:160-167	October 2014

Presentations

Presentations	Presentation Date
Young, S. P., and J. J. Isely. 2004. Estimating mortality in fish telemetry studies. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Madison, WI.	August 2004
Young, S. P., J. J. Isely, and W. Bales. May 2000. Habitat utilization by striped bass in J. Strom Thurmond reservoir. Annual Meeting of the American Association of Animal Care Technicians. Savannah, GA.	May 2000
Young, S. P., J. J. Isely, and W. Bales. February 2000. Habitat utilization by striped bass in J. Strom Thurmond reservoir during the summer. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Savannah, GA.	February 2000
Young, S. P., J. J. Isely, and W. Bales. February 2000. Habitat utilization by striped bass in J. Strom Thurmond reservoir during the summer. South Carolina Fisheries Workers Association Annual Meeting. Clemson, SC.	February 2000
Young, S. P., J. J. Isely, and W. Bales. 2001. Habitat utilization and distribution of striped bass in J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Jacksonville, FL.	March 2001
Young, S. P., J. J. Isely, and W. Bales. 2001. Habitat utilization and distribution of striped bass in J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir. Annual Meeting of the North Carolina and South Carolina Chapters of the American Fisheries Society. Sea Trails, NC.	February 2001
Wrege, B.M., P. C. Ely, and J. J. Isely. 2008. Acoustic tracking and passage of anadromous fish at Jim Woodruff Dam, Florida, USA. International Symposium on Advances in Fish Tagging and Marking Technology. Auckland, New Zealand.	September 2008
Wood, J.M., A.K. Tegeler, and B.E. Ross. July 2018. The effects of US Farm Bill cost-share conservation practices and private lands management on avian communities in South Carolina, USA. North American Congress for Conservation Biology. Toronto, Ontario, CA.	July 2018	Millions of dollars are awarded every year in new contracts through USDA-NRCS for the creation or improvement of wildlife habitat on private agricultural lands, but studies of the responses by wildlife to these practices are lacking, especially in the Southeast. At this North American conference, we will present results from two field seasons of a study investigating which local and landscape factors predict songbird diversity and abundance on private lands in the Piedmont region of South Carol
Wood, J.M., A.K. Tegeler, B.E. Ross. September 2017. Quantifying the effects of Farm Bill cost-share conservation practices on avian species on private lands in South Carolina. 24th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. Albuquerque, New Mexico.	September 2017	Millions of dollars are awarded every year in new contracts through USDA-NRCS for the creation or improvement of wildlife habitat on private agricultural lands, but studies of the impact these practices have on wildlife are lacking, especially in the Southeast. At this conference, we will present results from the first field season of a study investigating which local and landscape factors predict songbird diversity and occurrence on private lands in the Piedmont region of South Carolina.
Wilkinson, B.P., and Jodice, P.G.R. 2019. Expansion of Brown Pelican diet associated with shrimp trawling effort in South Carolina. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society, Salisbury, Maryland.	November 2019	Using environmentally-driven variation in the activity of South Carolina shrimp trawlers, we quantified the diet of brown pelicans under conditions of high available discarded bycatch and low available discarded bycatch. This work will help further our understanding of a potential food subsidy in this population, with implications for possible reproductive effects
Wilkinson, B.P., A.R. Robuck, R. Lohmann, H. Pickard, P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Perfluoroalkyl substances in the eggs of brown pelicans from South Carolina. Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society (virtual).	November 2020	We examined the eggs of brown pelicans (<i>Pelecanus occidentalis</i>) from three colonies near Charleston, South Carolina, for contamination from perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). PFAS concentrations in the eggs of brown pelicans from the Charleston region are near the highest reported for seabird eggs.
Wilkinson, B.P., Y. Satge^, J. Lamb, P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. Behavioral responses of eastern brown pelicans to the passage of Hurricane Irma along the Atlantic coast. 2018. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, La Paz, Baja, Mexico.	February 2018	In September, 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall as a major cyclonic event in southwestern Florida, USA, ultimately impacting much of the southeast Atlantic coast. We examined the movements of Eastern brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) previously tagged at breeding colonies in South Carolina with GPS satellite transmitters to determine behavioral responses to hurricane passage.
Wilkinson, B., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2021. Brown pelicans as a model of partial migration in nearshore seabirds. 3rd World Seabird Conference, Hobart, Australia.	October 2021	Despite the relatively widespread incidence of partial migration in avian species, mechanistic causes underlying this behavior remain poorly understood. We evaluated three competing hypotheses driving partial migration in brown pelicans (<i>Pelecanus occidentalis) </i>tracked with GPS transmitters in the South Atlantic Bight, USA.
Wickliffe, L.C., E.B. Sachs, P.G.R. Jodice. 2009. Fisheries discards as food for seabirds: fast food, junk food, or health food? Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Hakodate, Japan	February 2009
Wickliffe, L., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2008 Seabird use of bycatch from shrimp trawlers. Southeastern Seabird Working Group Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina	March 2008
Wheeler J; Adam Brown; James Goetz; Anderson Jean; Patrick Jodice; Matthew McKown; Ernst Rupp; George Wallace. 2015. Advances in Scientific Understanding and Conservation of the Black-capped Petrel. World Seabird Conference, Capetown South Africa.	October 2015	Since the first range-wide breeding surveys in 2006, the International Black-capped Petrel Conservation Group has united a diverse collective of researchers and conservationists to dramatically increase knowledge of the natural history and conservation status of this little-known endangered species. Ongoing conservation efforts coordinated by group members include 1) community outreach and environmental education; 2) nest searching and monitoring with endoscopes and camera traps, fitting breedi
Wakefield, E.D., and 50 authors including P.G.R. Jodice. 2012. A newly described seabird diversity hotspot in the deep northwest Atlantic identified using individual movement data. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii.	February 2012
Vander Pol, S.S., D.W. Anderson, P.G.R. Jodice, J.E. Stuckey. 2009. East versus west: contaminant differences in Brown Pelican eggs from Gulf of California and South Carolina, USA. Carolina Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Charleston, South Carolina.	February 2009
UPDATE ON THE BIOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ARCHIVAL OF SEA TURTLE TISSUES (BEMAST) PROJECT: SAMPLE ARCHIVE AND CONTAMINANT ANALYSIS Jennifer M. Keller 1 George H. Balazs 2 Marc R. Rice 4 Thierry M. Work 5 Eleanor Sterling 6 Felicity Arengo 6 Kate McFadden 7 Frannie Nilsen3 Brenda Jensen 3 Rebecca S. Pugh 1 Paul R. Becker 1	April 2014	First ever contaminant analysis of species at a highly remote atoll.
Trested, D. G., J. J. Isely, and R. S. Bakal. 2003. A behavioral comparison of wild and hatchery-reared adult shortnose sturgeon on the Savannah River: preliminary results. South Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual Meeting. McCormick, SC.	March 2003
Trested, D. G., J. J. Isely, and R. S. Bakal. 2003. A behavioral comparison of wild and hatchery-reared adult shortnose sturgeon on the Savannah River: preliminary results. Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual Meeting. Rome, GA.	February 2003
Trested, D. G., J. J. Isely, and R. S. Bakal. 2002. A behavioral comparison of wild and hatchery-reared adult shortnose sturgeon on the Savannah River: preliminary results. Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Augusta, GA.	February 2002
Trested, D. G., J. J. Isely, and R. S. Bakal. 2002. A behavioral comparison of wild and hatchery-reared adult shortnose sturgeon on the Savannah River: preliminary results. Annual Midyear Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Little Rock, AR.	August 2002
Trested, D. G., J. J. Isely, and R. S. Bakal. 2002. A behavioral comparison of wild and hatchery-reared adult shortnose sturgeon on the Savannah River: preliminary results. Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Fisheries Association. Isle of Palms, SC.	January 2002
Trested, D. G., J. J. Isely, and R. S. Bakal. 2002. A behavioral comparison of wild and hatchery-reared adult shortnose sturgeon on the Savannah River: preliminary results. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Baltimore, MD.	August 2002
Tobias, T.N. and E.K. Buchholtz. 2023. Using herpetofauna to understand land-use impacts on ecological communities in SC historic rice fields. Clemson University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduate Research Symposium, Georgetown, SC, 16 - 17 October 2023.	October 2023	This study proposes how herpetofaunal communities may reveal land-use legacy effects on wetland ecosystems in South Carolina. Expected findings will provide necessary information pertaining to the biodiversity contributions and ecological function of SC historic rice fields.
Thompson, H.L., P.G.R. Jodice, A.E. Lacy. 2016. A day in the life of a Whooping Crane: habitat use and movements on the wintering grounds. North American Ornithological Conference, Washington, DC	August 2016	The objectives of this study are to quantify daily movement and identify local scale habitat characteristics of areas used by wintering Whooping Cranes. This research will help inform management and protection of the wintering grounds of Whooping Cranes and ultimately contribute to the recovery of this endangered species.
Thompson, H.L., A.E. Lacey, P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Non-breeding habitat use of reintroduced Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) in the southeastern United States. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Bar Harbor, Maine.	August 2015	A thorough assessment of wintering habitat use by Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population has not been conducted. The objectives of this study were to identify and describe wintering and stopover sites used by reintroduced migratory Whooping Cranes.
Thistle, M.R., Dozier, J., McAlister, M.A., and B.E. Ross. 2020. Habitat selection and breeding ecology of Bachman’s Sparrow in a wiregrass-free ecosystem. The Wildlife Society Conference, Louisville, Kentucky. Poster	September 2020	This research provides novel information on habitat selection of Bachman's Sparrow in naturally wiregrass-free regions, thus promoting better management for this species of conservation concern within the "wiregrass gap" and restored longleaf pine forest. Additionally, by identifying vegetation characteristics and management practices that influence nest-site selection, nest success, and recruitment for the species, this research describes local source-sink dynamics and explains whether habitat
Thistle, M.R., Dozier, J., McAlister, M.A., and B.E. Ross. 2020. Habitat selection and breeding ecology of Bachman’s Sparrow in a wiregrass-free ecosystem. North American Ornithological Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico.	August 2020	This research provides novel information on habitat selection of Bachman's Sparrow in naturally wiregrass-free regions, thus promoting better management for this species of conservation concern within the "wiregrass gap" and restored longleaf pine forest. Additionally, by identifying vegetation characteristics and management practices that influence nest-site selection, nest success, and recruitment for the species, this research describes local source-sink dynamics and explains whether habitat
Thibault, J., P.G.R. Jodice. 2006. Reproductive success of American Oystercatchers in South Carolina: Sources, sinks and traps. American Oystercatcher Working Group, Cedar Key, FL.	December 2006
Thibault, J., F. Sanders, P.G.R. Jodice. 2008. Reproductive success of American Oystercatchers in the southeast: evidence of an ecological trap? Society for Conservation Biology Annual Meeting, Chattanooga, Tennessee	July 2008
Thibault, J., C. Hand, P.G.R. Jodice. 2007. American Oystercatcher breeding and feeding: nesting success and foraging ecology in South Carolina. Shorebird conservation workshop, Huntington Beach State Park, SC	August 2007
Takahashi, F., P.G.R. Jodice, F. Sanders. 2016. Shorebird utilization of horseshoe crab eggs at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. The Wildlife Society, Durham, North Carolina. [Poster]	October 2016	The objective of our study is to determine if there is a correlation between the density of horseshoe crab eggs and the abundance of foraging shorebirds during spring migration at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Our results show a positive correlation between number of foraging shorebirds and horseshoe crab eggs (r2= 0.63, p value= 0.01).
Takahashi, F.*, P.G.R. Jodice, F. Sanders. 2016. Shorebird utilization of horseshoe crab eggs at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. The Waterbird Society, New Bern, North Carolina.	September 2016	Eggs of American horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) provide shorebirds with an abundant food source at stopover sites, allowing the birds to rapidly gain weight for their long migration to arctic breeding sites. The objective of our study is to determine if there is a correlation between the density of horseshoe crab eggs and the abundance of foraging shorebirds during spring migration at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
Suthar, A.R., M.A. McAlister, J. Dozier, J.A. Elmore, E.K. Buchholtz, T.H. Folk, A.R. Pierce, and J.T. Anderson. 2024. Factors Affecting Waterbird Use of Antebellum Rice Fields of Coastal South Carolina: A Case Study from Yawkey Wildlife Center. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conference (SEAFWA), Augusta, GA, 12 - 16 October 2024.	October 2024	This study evaluated environmental factors driving waterbird use in rice fields. It provides insights for conserving, managing, and restoring antebellum rice fields by focusing on key habitat features crucial for supporting waterbird populations.
Suthar, A.R., M.A. McAlister, B.A. Bauer, T.H. Folk, J. Dozier, J.A. Elmore, E.K. Buchholtz and J.T. Anderson. 2024. Eyes in the Sky: Evaluating Drones as a Tool for Aerial Waterbird Surveys in Antebellum Rice Fields in Coastal South Carolina. The Wildlife Society, Baltimore, MD, 19 October 2024.	October 2024	This study compared drone and ground surveys to count waterbirds and quantified waterbird response to various drone flight parameters. The results will assist waterbird managers in efficient surveying protocols and population management.
Suthar, A.R., M.A. McAlister, B.A. Bauer, T.H. Folk, J. Dozier, J.A. Elmore, E.K. Buchholtz and J.T. Anderson. 2024. Eyes in the Sky: Evaluating Drones as a Tool for Aerial Waterbird Surveys in Antebellum Rice Fields in Coastal South Carolina. ACE Basin Symposium, Walterboro, South Carolina, 1 March 2024.	March 2024	This study compared drone and ground surveys to count waterbirds and quantified waterbird response to various drone flight parameters. The results will assist waterbird managers in efficient surveying protocols and population management.
Suryan, R.M., D.B. Irons, E.D. Brown, P.G.R. Jodice, and D.D. Roby. Site-specific factors affecting productivity of an upper trophic level marine predator: bottom-up, top-down, and mismatch effects on reproduction in a colonial seabird. North Pacific Marine Science Organization, Honolulu, HI.	October 2004
Sullivan, S., W. Bridges, K.W. McFadden, J. Mayer, P.G.R. Jodice. G. Yarrow. 2015. Prevalence of Six Viral and Bacterial Diseases in Wild Hogs in South Carolina (2007-2014). The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Winnipeg, Manitoba.	October 2015	From 2007-2014, blood and nasal secretion samples were collected from 753 wild hogs in South Carolina to test for 6 selected diseases including classical swine fever, swine brucellosis, pseudorabies virus, porcine circovirus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, and swine influenza virus. Positive swine brucellosis, pseudorabies virus, and porcine circovirus samples were found in 44.4-92.3% of counties sampled.
Sullins, D.S., B.E. Ross, and D.A. Haukos. 2018. Influence of individual heterogeneity on lesser prairie-chicken population persistence. Annual Meeting of The Wildlife Society, Cleveland, Ohio.	October 2018	Monitoring of lesser prairie-chicken populations is difficult and considerable uncertainty exists. This analyses tests consideration of incorporation of individual heterogeneity into population models.
Streker, R., J.S. Lamb, J. Dindo, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Diet of maturing Brown Pelican chicks in Coastal Alabama. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society, Salisbury, Maryland, USA.	November 2019	To better understand the spatial distribution and abundance of marine prey resources that support the reproductive output of nesting Brown Pelicans in Mobile Bay, we described the taxonomic and proximate composition of meals from Brown Pelican chicks, compared taxonomic composition of meals to the species composition of prey available within Mobile Bay, and used otoliths from Gulf Menhaden in chick meals to better understand the life history of this important prey species. Gulf Menhaden account
Stockett, P., and J. J. Isely. February 2000. Retention of a visual implant tag in crayfish. South Carolina Fisheries Workers Association Annual Meeting. Clemson, SC.	February 2000
Steinkamp, M., and P.G.R. Jodice. [Poster]. The Atlantic Marine Bird Conservation Cooperative: Developing Partnerships to Conserve Western Atlantic Seabirds. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Girdwood, AK.	February 2006
Smith, S., M.D. Jones, B.M. Marshall, S. Waengsothorn, G.A. Gale, C.T. Strine, and E.K. Buchholtz. 2023. Movements, space use, and habitat preferences of native Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) in a heterogenous agricultural landscape in Northeast Thailand. Clemson University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduate Research Symposium, Georgetown, SC, 16 - 17 October 2023.	October 2023	This study investigated the movement patterns of Burmese pythons, and findings will help us understand how they utilize the landscape and thrive in human-dominated systems.
Shyvers, J.E., B.C. Tarbox, C.J. Duchardt, A.P. Monroe, D.R. Edmunds, B.S. Robb, N.J. Van Lanen, E.K. Buchholtz, M.S. O'Donnell, N.D. Van Schmidt, J.A. Heinrichs, C.L. Aldridge. Optimizing conservation and restoration of imperiled sagebrush ecosystems to benefit multiple species. Oral Presentation. The Wildlife Society’s 29th Annual Conference, Spokane, WA, November 6-10, 2022.	November 2022	Effective sagebrush management must consider how to best conserve and restore habitats to stem the decline of species that rely on them, especially given finite funding and other resources. We developed the Prioritizing Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems Tool as a framework that incorporates updated estimates of sagebrush recovery potential within disturbed habitats, novel abundance predictions for sagebrush-obligate and -associated species, connectivity measures for sagebrush habitats, and po
Shyvers, J.E., B.C. Tarbox, C.J. Duchardt, A.P. Monroe, D.R. Edmunds, B.S. Robb, N.J. Van Lanen, E.K. Buchholtz, M.S. O'Donnell, N.D. Van Schmidt, J.A. Heinrichs, C.L. Aldridge. Optimizing conservation and restoration of imperiled sagebrush ecosystems to benefit multiple species. Lightning Talk. WAFWA - 33rd Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop, Hybrid format, Logan, UT, 15 - 18 August, 2022.	August 2022	Effective sagebrush management must consider how to best conserve and restore habitats to stem the decline of species that rely on them, especially given finite funding and other resources. We developed the Prioritizing Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems Tool as a framework that incorporates updated estimates of sagebrush recovery potential within disturbed habitats, novel abundance predictions for sagebrush-obligate and -associated species, connectivity measures for sagebrush habitats, and po
Shyvers, J.E., B.C. Tarbox, C.J. Duchardt, A.P. Monroe, D.R. Edmunds, B.S. Robb, N.J. Van Lanen, E.K. Buchholtz, J.A. Heinrichs, C.L. Aldridge. Optimizing conservation and restoration of imperiled sagebrush ecosystems to benefit multiple avian species. Oral Presentation. American Ornithological Society and BirdsCaribbean Ornithological Conference, Puerto Rico, 27 June - 2 July 2022.	July 2022	Effective sagebrush management must consider how to best conserve and restore habitats to stem the decline of species that rely on them, especially given finite funding and other resources. We developed the Prioritizing Restoration of Sagebrush Ecosystems Tool as a framework that incorporates updated estimates of sagebrush recovery potential within disturbed habitats, novel abundance predictions for sagebrush-obligate and -associated species, connectivity measures for sagebrush habitats, and po
Shurba, JA, EM Miller, J Merendino, BA Bauer, RM Kaminski, BE Ross, and EP Wiggers. Southeastern regional examination of box-nesting wood ducks: a 2019 pilot study at Lake Moultrie, South Carolina. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Hilton Head, SC.	October 2019	We monitored nest boxes for wood ducks in spring 2019. We present preliminary analyses related to naive nest success and predation.
Sheehan, K.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2009. Impacts of Avian Induced Eutrophication on Parasites. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey	November 2009
Sheehan, K.*, P.G.R. Jodice, W. Bowerman. 2011.Intestinal parasite assemblages of the Double-Crested Cormorant: a comparison of three lake colonies in Minnesota USA. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Grand Island, Nebraska	March 2011
Sciera, K. L., J. J. Isely, J. R. Tomasso, and S. J. Klaine. 2003. Influence of Water Quality Characteristics on Copper Toxicity to Larval Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas). Annual Conference of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, San Antonio, TX.	March 2003
Schindler, A., B.E. Ross, and D.A. Haukos. 2018. A multi-species approach to managing the effects of weather and land cover on upland game birds.	February 2018	We use historical count data from four upland game bird species in Kansas to evaluate the effects of land cover and weather on populations. We assessed the effects of habitat quality (i.e., habitat composition and configuration) on these species’ populations by additionally evaluating their population change in response to several landscape metrics.
Schindler, A and B.E. Ross. 2019. The use of decision-support software to select candidate areas for lesser prairie-chicken conservation. US-IALE. Fort Collins, Colorado.	April 2019	This research involved developing a tool land managers can use to evaluate tradeoffs between competing land interests in order to maximize conservation potential for the lesser prairie-chicken. While prior research has identified conservation targets for this species, earlier tools have not considered economic impact when designing conservation networks, which may be an important factor in areas dominated by private lands.
Schaffler, J. J., J. J. Isely, and E. Hayes. February 2000. Movement of striped bass in Lake Murray: a study design. South Carolina Fisheries Workers Association Annual Meeting. Clemson, SC.	February 2000
Schaffler, J. J., J. J. Isely, and E. Hayes. 2001. Seasonal habitat selection by adult striped bass in Lake Murray, South Carolina. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Jacksonville, FL.	March 2001
Schaffler, J. J., J. J. Isely, and E. Hayes. 2001. Seasonal habitat selection by adult striped bass in Lake Murray, South Carolina. Annual Meeting of the North Carolina and South Carolina Chapters of the American Fisheries Society. Sea Trails, NC.	February 2001
Schaffler, J. J., J. J. Isely, and E. Hayes. 2001. Seasonal habitat selection by adult striped bass in Lake Murray, South Carolina. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Phoenix., AZ.	August 2001
Satgé, Y.^, E. Rupp., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Individual tracking informs exposure of the endangered Black-capped Petrel to marine threats during the breeding season. Pacific Seabird Group Meeting, Lihue, HI, USA	March 2019	While the Black-capped Petrel population faces threats of habitat loss and degradation at the only confirmed breeding sites in Haiti and the western Dominican Republic, nesting areas that may still remain undiscovered lack adequate protection. To focus nest-search efforts, we used a predictive habitat suitability model to locate suitable nesting areas for Black-capped Petrel in the Dominican Republic.
Satgé, Y.^, E. Rupp, A. Brown, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Modelling the nesting habitat of the endangered Black-capped Petrel to inform regional conservation actions in the Caribbean. Waterbirds Society Annual Meeting, Maryland, USA.	November 2019	By modelling the requirements for nesting habitat of the endangered Black-capped Petrel, we were able to map suitable nesting areas at the local and regional level, and estimate temporal changes in the size of available areas. This work will help focus search efforts for unknown Black-capped petrel nesting areas more efficiently, and will be used to foster conservation actions throughout the Caribbean.
Satgé, Y.G.^, R. Gomes, R. Castro-Alvarez, JC. Fernandez-Ordonez, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Updates on pelican research and conservation in the Caribbean. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society, Salisbury, Maryland, USA.	November 2019	A hotspot for avian biodiversity, the Caribbean hosts several species of waterbirds that use the region as residents or migrants. As a way to foster collaboration across and beyond the Caribbean, we present updates on status, research projects and conservation issues on Brown pelicans and American white pelicans in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, and Venezuela.
Satgé, Y.G.^, J.S. Lamb, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Using near real-time nighttime light imagery to locate existent seabird exposure to active oil and gas extraction. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Maryland, USA.	November 2019	Determining seabird exposure to oil and gas extraction requires access to geographic locations of platforms and temporal information on their activity, datasets that are often restricted due to national security concerns, hindered by lack of consistency between local databases, or regarded as commercial confidential information. We present a way to circumvent these obstacles by using near real-time nighttime light imagery categorized by NOAA's Earth Observation Group to locate lighted platforms
Satgé, Y.G., K. Hixson, J.S. Gleason, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2025. Atlas of Breeding Sites for Waterbirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: A new tool to facilitate the management and conservation of waterbirds along coastal northern Gulf of Mexico. Waterbird Society - Pacific Seabird Group Joint Conference.	January 2025	The Atlas of Breeding Sites for Waterbirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico is a new online tool aimed at facilitating the management of waterbirds along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This resource will provide critical contemporary information to support habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as marine spatial planning, and oil spill response plans in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Satgé, Y.G., K. Hixson, J.S. Gleason, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2025. Atlas of Breeding Sites for Waterbirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: A new tool to facilitate the management and conservation of waterbirds along coastal northern Gulf of Mexico. Annual meeting of the Atlantic Marine Bird Cooperative.	December 2024	The Atlas of Breeding Sites for Waterbirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico is a new online tool aimed at facilitating the management of waterbirds along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This resource will provide critical contemporary information to support habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as marine spatial planning, and oil spill response plans in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Satgé, Y.G., E. Rupp, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2025. Satellite tracking suggests differences in year-round distribution of dark and light phenotypes of an endangered endemic Caribbean petrel, the Diablotin Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata. Waterbird Society - Pacific Seabird Group Joint Conference.	January 2025	We used satellite tracking to show differences in marine distributions and connectivity between dark and light phenotypes of the endangered Black-capped Petrel <i>Pterodroma hasitata</i>. These apparent differences in distribution suggest possible differences in exposure and vulnerability to marine threats, which can have differential repercussions on the viability of this imperiled species.
Satgé, Y., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Looking for the devil's nest: Modelling the nesting habitat of the endangered Black-capped Petrel in the Caribbean. 6th World Seabird Twitter Conference.	May 2020	The Black-capped Petrel <i>Pterodroma hasitata</i>, also called Diablotin (the little devil) in the Caribbean, has a fragmented and declining population estimated at ca. 1,000 breeding pairs. To estimate the amount of remaining available habitat in the Caribbean, we modeled suitable nesting areas for Black-capped Petrel using open access environmental datasets.
Satgé, Y., K.M. Hixson, J. Gleason, P.G.R. Jodice. 2023. Update on the forthcoming Gulf of Mexico nesting waterbird atlas and registry. Waterbird Society 46th Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.	October 2023	As marine energy production expands in extent and intensity in the northern Gulf of Mexico, a coast-wide spatial inventory of breeding sites for waterbirds is needed to support habitat management, monitoring and research, as well as spatial planning, oil spill response, and restoration. We are building an atlas and registry of waterbird breeding sites that integrate existing data from 38 data sets representing ~ 50k surveys of 46 species from 2010 to 2022.
Satgé, Y., Jodice, P.G.R., Keitt, B., Gaskin, C., Clucas, G., Janssen, S.E. 2021. Recent advances in the ecological study of the endangered Diablotin Black-capped Petrel: at-sea distribution in the western North Atlantic, diet, and threat exposure. Atlantic Marine Bird Cooperative Annual Meeting.	December 2021	In the Black-capped Petrel (<i>Pterodroma hasitata</i>), two phenotypes have been described: a smaller dark form and a heavier light form, which are genetically distinct. Using tracking data, we assessed differences in distributions and form-specific exposure to potential marine threats and quantified overlap with marine energy in the western North Atlantic.
Satgé, Y., Jodice, P.G.R., Keitt, B., Clucas, G., Janssen, S. 2021. Recent advances in the ecological study of the endangered Diablotin Black-capped Petrel: at-sea distribution, diet, and threat exposure. Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society (virtual).	November 2021	The Diablotin Black-capped Petrel (<i>Pterodroma hasitata</i>)<i> </i>is a highly endangered seabird in the western North Atlantic, listed as globally Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, and currently being reviewed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Here we report on recent advances in the study of this species.
Satgé, Y., E. Rupp., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Individual tracking informs exposure of the endangered Black-capped Petrel to marine threats during the breeding season. Pacific Seabird Group Meeting, Lihue, HI, USA.	March 2019	Our work highlighted the association of Black-capped Petrel foraging areas with physical (Guajira upwelling) and climatic (Gulf Stream) oceanographic processes, and with areas of longline and trawling fishing effort and oil and gas activity. These results will inform the assessment of threats affecting the Black-capped Petrel in the marine environment.
Satge, Y.G., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2021. Looking for the devil's nest: Modelling the nesting habitat of the endangered Black-capped Petrel in the Caribbean. 3rd World Seabird Conference, Hobart, Australia.	October 2021	The Black-capped Petrel <i>Pterodroma hasitata </i> has a fragmented and declining population estimated at ca. 1,000 breeding pairs. To estimate the amount of remaining available habitat in the Caribbean, we modeled suitable nesting areas for Black-capped Petrel using open access environmental datasets.
Satge, Y., J. Wilder, J. Sorber, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. An automated alert system to help with the recovery of archival loggers deployed on seabirds. The Waterbird Society, New Bern, North Carolina [Poster]	September 2016	Current methods used to recover biologgers deployed on seabirds are time-consuming or require expensive infrastructure, and are inefficient for monitoring seabirds in extremely remote locations. We developed a system that enables automated nest monitoring and automatically sends alerts when birds carrying loggers return from migration.
Sachs, E., P.G.R. Jodice. 2007. Provisioning Behavior in Brown Pelicans.	September 2007
Sachs, E., L. Wickliffe, P.G.R. Jodice. 2007. Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis): Provisioning and Prey Quality in South Carolina. Shorebird conservation workshop, Huntington Beach State Park, SC	August 2007
Ross, B.E., N. Masto, R. Kaminski, J. Dozier, M. McAlister, and J. Woods. 2019. Integrating counts from aerial and ground surveys to estimate densities of waterfowl. SEAFWA, Hilton Head, SC.	October 2019	We illustrate how to combine multiple sources of count data at different spatial scales into one model for abundance of waterfowl. We compare these estimates to traditional estimates using visibility correction factors.
Ross, B.E., N. Masto, R. Kaminski, J. Dozier, M. McAlister, and J. Woods. 2019. Integrating counts from aerial and ground surveys to estimate densities of waterfowl. North American Duck Symposium. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.	August 2019	We present a model integrating two data streams to better estimate population abundance of waterfowl. We compare these estimates to separate analyses and more traditional visibility correction factors.
Ross, B.E., N. Masto, C. Roy, R. Kaminski, J. Dozier, M. McAlister, and J. Woods. 2019. Integrating counts from aerial and ground surveys to estimate densities of waterfowl. The Wildlife Society, Louisville, KY	September 2020	We illustrate how to combine multiple sources of count data at different spatial scales into one model for abundance of waterfowl. We compare these estimates to traditional estimates using visibility correction factors.
Ross, B.E., M.B. Hooten, and D.N. Koons. 2017. Evaluating the inference from dynamic occupancy models relative to population abundance. American Ornithology 2017, Michigan.	July 2017	We compare inference between parameters in dynamic occupancy models to population abundance for lesser and greater scaup from 1957-2015. Our results indicate that decreases in abundance may not be detected using occupancy models.
Ross, B.E., M. Schaub, T.W. Arnold, M.D. Weegman, J.M. Warren, C.A. Nicolai, R.G. Clark, D.N. Koons. 2016. Using integrated population models to examine drivers of avian population dynamics in changing environments. 6th North American Ornithological Conference, Washington, D.C., 16-20 August 2016.	August 2016	Our work will be presented in a symposium on integrated population models. We show how to combine multiple data sources into one model to better understand population drivers.
Ross, B.E., D.S. Sullins, and D.A. Haukos. 2018. Using an individual-based model to assess monitoring for lesser prairie-chicken population growth rates. International Grouse Symposium, Logan, Utah.	September 2018	We develop a "virtual ecologist" approach simulating surveys of lesser prairie-chicken populations. We show that a decreasing female population may not be detected using lek count surveys.
Ross, B.E., D.S. Sullins, and D.A. Haukos. 2018. Using an individual-based model to assess monitoring for lesser prairie-chicken population growth rates.	February 2018	Monitoring efforts for lesser prairie-chickens have relied primarily on lek counts for inference. We simulated a decreasing population using an individual-based model and illustrate how a stable population can be observed at the level of the lek while the population is actually decreasing.
Ross, B.E., D.A. Haukos, and P. Walther. 2017. Quantifying changes and drivers of mottled duck density in Texas. 24th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society	September 2017	We present a novel method to directly test environmental effects on density dependence. We also provide insight into potential drivers of mottled duck declines in Texas.
Ross, B.E., D. Haukos, C. Hagen, and J. Pitman. 2016. Combining multiple data sources to determine drought and land-use impacts on Lesser Prairie-Chickens. 6th North American Ornithological Conference, Washington, D.C. 16-20 August 2016.	August 2016	Our work will be presented in a symposium on integrated population models. We show how to combine multiple sources of data into one model to yield insight into underlying drivers of population changes.
Ross, B.E., C. Brady, S. Felege, and A. Mini. 2019. Effective networking strategies for hunter and non-hunters. North American Duck Symposium, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.	August 2019	We discuss how hunting or not can affect social interactions at waterfowl conferences. We provide suggestions for networking with scientists from a diverse background.
Ross, B.E. and M. Weegman. 2018. Quantifying the power to detect trends in vital rates using integrated population models. International Statistical Ecology Conference, St. Andrews, Scotland.	July 2018	We simulate different scenarios of sample size and trends for vital rates in an integrated population model. Even with a population size of 2000 individuals, we had insufficient power to detect a 50% increase in adult survival and reproduction.
Ross, B.E. and J.M. Wood. 2020. Data integration for autonomous recording units and traditional point-count sampling. NAOC, San Juan, Puerto Rico.	August 2020	We present a way to integrate ARU and point count data for songbirds. We discuss how both survey methodologies could be combined in an optimal sampling framework.
Ross, B.E. and J.M. Wood. 2018. Optimal sampling designs for autonomous recording units and traditional point-count sampling. The Wildlife Society, Cleveland, Ohio.	October 2018	We design an optimal sampling protocol based on an occupancy survey. Our study uniquely combines data from two different types of monitoring protocols to develop the occupancy model.
Roche, M., J. Saher, E.K. Buchholtz, M. Crist, D. Shinneman, C. Aldridge, B. Brussee, P. Coates, C. Roth, J. Heinrichs. 2022. A spatial synthesis of fuel breaks in the sagebrush biome in relation to wildfire, invasive annual grasses, and Greater Sage-Grouse. Western Agencies 33rd Sage & Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse workshop. 15 - 18 August 2022. Logan, Utah.	August 2022	Increased wildfire frequency and annual grass invasion have altered much of the imperiled sagebrush biome, yet the effectiveness of fuel breaks in suppressing fires is poorly understood. To evaluate ecological trade-offs, we synthesized spatial information associated with fuel breaks across the sagebrush biome and characterized fuels and invasion environments in which existing fuel breaks were installed, and their proximity to focal wildlife habitats.
Roche, M., J. Saher, E.K. Buchholtz, M. Crist, D. Shinneman, C. Aldridge, B. Brussee, P. Coates, C. Roth, J. Heinrichs. 2022. A Spatial Data Synthesis of Fuel Breaks in the Sagebrush Biome in Relation to Wildfire, Invasive Annual Grasses, and Sagebrush Obligate Wildlife. Oral presentation, North American Congress for Conservation Biology. 17 - 21 July 2022. Reno, NV.	July 2022	Increased wildfire frequency and annual grass invasion have altered much of the imperiled sagebrush biome, yet the effectiveness of fuel breaks in suppressing fires is poorly understood. To evaluate ecological trade-offs, we synthesized spatial information associated with fuel breaks across the sagebrush biome and characterized fuels and invasion environments in which existing fuel breaks were installed, and their proximity to focal wildlife habitats.
Roby, DD, D.E. Lyons, R.M. Suryan, P.G.R. Jodice, and K. Collis. Junk food, regime shifts, and nesting failures: sorting out what matters in seabird forage fish dynamics. Northwest Section of The Wildlife Society, Girdwood, Alaska.	May 2004
Roby, D.D., D.E. Lyons, P.G.R. Jodice, and A. M. Myers. 2006. Whither conservation physiology: providing relevant information to managers of marine ecosystems using indicators from seabirds. The Wildlife Society, Anchorage, AK.	September 2006
Poli, C., Harrison, A-L., P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Dispersal Patterns and Habitat Use of Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) Along the US Atlantic Coast. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Bar Harbor, Maine.	August 2015	We examined movement patterns of 40 brown pelicans satellite tagged in December 2010 in South Carolina, USA, and tracked until July 2013. Consistency in behaviour within individuals was high and birds demonstrated interannual fidelity to breeding and wintering sites, migratory routes, and stopover locations.
Poli, C., Harrison, A-L., P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Comparative Foraging Behavior of Masked Boobies and Red-footed Boobies Breeding in the Gulf of Mexico. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Bar Harbor, Maine.	August 2015	Masked boobies and Red-footed boobies that breed sympatrically may compete for the same resources when foraging at sea. Our results, when compared with findings from other studies, indicate that the relative behavior of Masked Boobies and Red-footed boobies may differ depending on oceanic regime.
Poli, C., A-L. Harrison, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Foraging ecology of Masked Boobies breeding in the Gulf of Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Juneau, Alaska.	February 2014	We sought to determine habitat selection and foraging behavior of Masked Boobies breeding at a large colony within the boundaries of Arrecife Alacranes National Park, Mexico. Given the lack of information about habitat use of seabirds throughout the Gulf of Mexico, our data, when combined with other tracking efforts in the northern Gulf and Caribbean, will aid in the identification of at-sea locations of high foraging activity as an indicator of fish activity, a predictor of bird exposure to po
Poli, C., A-L Harrison, and P. Jodice. 2015. Evidence for multi-scale foraging behavior of Masked Boobies (Sula dactylatra) in the Gulf of Mexico. 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.	October 2015	We examined foraging behavior and habitat use of 116 masked boobies (Sula dactylatra) tracked with GPS units during 2013 and 2014 at a regionally important breeding colony in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Birds exhibited individual variability in foraging behavior and searched for prey at nested hierarchical scales, a pattern consistent with the high variability and patchiness of the foraging environment in the southern Gulf of Mexico throughout the annual cycle.
Poli, C.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Foraging seabirds inform marine spatial planning in the Gulf of Mexico. International Marine Conservation Congress, Glasgow, Scotland [Poster]	August 2014	In the Gulf of Mexico, interest in protecting marine areas of potential biological importance is growing but little ecological information on which to inform such planning is available. We assessed the spatial overlap between the marine area protected by Arrecife Alacranes National Park (AANP), Mexico, and foraging locations of an abundant seabird species that breeds there, the Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra).
Poli, C.*, A-L. Harrison, P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Variability in foraging behavior of Masked Boobies breeding at Islas Muertos, Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, San Jose, California.	February 2015	This study provides valuable information for creating models that explain population activity by integrating individual components and improving management plans by considering the range of behavior within a population. Furthermore, our data, when combined with other tracking efforts in the northern Gulf and Caribbean, provide valuable information for marine spatial planning efforts and serve as a baseline for anthropogenic based threats such as development, pollution, and commercial fisheries.
Plumpton, H.M., E. Silverman, B.E. Ross. 2017. Annual factors affecting the distribution for wintering Black Scoters. 6th International Sea Duck Conference	February 2017	We build on previous work to further describe the species distribution of Black Scoter during winter and assess the factors affecting their annual distribution using data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service winter surveys. We discuss and identify several key habitat variables including the ocean depth, substrate type, and the interpolated surface of slope.
Plumpton, H., S.G. Gililand, and B.E. Ross. 2019. Geographic differences in the wintering sites of the Atlantic population of black scoters. The North American Duck Symposium. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.	August 2019	The results from this study will increase knowledge on the wintering site ecology and habitat use of black scoters and aid in identifying important black scoter wintering areas, as well as identifying areas of potential overlap with energy development.
Plumpton, H. M., E. D. Silverman, B. E. Ross. August 26-30, 2019. Black Scoter Habitat Use along the Southeastern Coast of the United States. The North American Duck Symposium. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.	August 2019	The results from this study will increase knowledge on the wintering ecology of black scoters and aid in the development of future aerial surveys to better quantify abundance, as well as identifying areas of potential overlap with energy development.
Plumpton, H. M., E. D. Silverman, B. E. Ross. 2017. Annual Factors Influencing the Wintering Distribution of Black Scoters in the South Atlantic. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Albuquerque, New Mexico.	September 2017	The results from this study will increase knowledge on the wintering ecology of black scoters and aid in the development of future aerial surveys to better quantify abundance, as well as identifying areas of potential overlap with energy development.
Patrick Jodice, William Mackin; Autumn-Lynn Harrison; Robert Ronconi; Juliet Lamb; Caroline Poli; Yvan Satge. 2015. Tracking Atlantic and Caribbean Seabirds. 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa	October 2015	We have initiated efforts to track seabirds in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico and to date have tagged 7 species in 8 countries. Both breeding and nonbreeding ranges are more extensive than previously thought and as such are expanding our understanding of the spatial scale of conservation threats faced by seabirds in marine habitats.
Ostroski, J., J. Cantrell, C. Ruth, and B.E. Ross. 2020. Assessing wild turkey occupancy using autonomous recording units and package monitoR. The Wildlife Society, Louisville, Kentucky.	September 2020	Wild turkey is a highly popular game species harvested primarily during the reproductive season, which has driven substantial efforts to understand gobbler habitat selection during spring. Site occupancy has been increasingly assessed through ARU deployment, yet post hoc processing of audio data has been time-intensive particularly due to false detection rates and streamlining this process would benefit future research.
Ostroski, J., Cantrell, J., Charles, R., & B.E. Ross. (2020, August). Assessing wild turkey occupancy using autonomous recording units and the package monitoR. North American Ornithological Conference. San Juan, Puerto Rico.	August 2020	Wild turkey is a highly popular game species harvested primarily during the reproductive season, which has driven substantial efforts to understand gobbler habitat selection during spring. Site occupancy has been increasingly assessed through ARU deployment, yet <i>post hoc</i> processing of audio data has been time-intensive particularly due to false detection rates and streamlining this process would benefit future research.
Noad, M. A., and J. J. Isely. Spawning chronology of native and introduced striped bass in two Gulf of Mexico drainages. South Carolina Fisheries Workers and Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society joint meeting, Tybee Island, GA. 14 January 2007.	January 2007
Noad, M. A., and J. J. Isely. Spawning chronology of native and introduced striped bass in two Gulf of Mexico drainages. 25th Annual Morone Workshop, Albany, GA. 7 February 2007.	February 2007
Niles, M. B., and Bower, L. M. (2024). Spatial Patterns of Larval Fish Assemblage Structure Across a Regulated River. Southeastern Fishes Council. Asheville, North Carolina. 21 November 2024.	November 2024	The objective of this study is to compare the spatial patterns of larval fish assemblage structure across a highly regulated river and identify how proximity to river impoundments influences assemblage patterns. Specifically, we will use the River Continuum Concept, the Serial Discontinuity Concept, and the Network Dynamics Hypothesis frameworks to examine the observed patterns in larval fish metacommunies.
Niles, M. B., and Bower, L. M. (2023). Temporal and spatial patterns of larval fish assemblages across a river-reservoir continuum. Southern Division of The American Fisheries Society Meeting. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 2 February 2024.	February 2024	This project will deliver information on spawning and migration activity of American Shad in the lower Broad River and provide managers with a better understanding of temporal patterns of larval fish and the environmental variables driving these patterns in the lower Broad River. This project will allow managers to evaluate the potential benefits of the Columbia Fishway for American Shad.
Nicasio-Arzeta, S., E. Buchholtz, M. Pons, T. Wellicome, and J. Heinrichs. 2024. Spatiotemporal variation in sagebrush connectivity and opportunities to conserve transborder populations of Greater sage-grouse. Poster presentation, The North American Congress for Conservation Biology, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 25 – 27 June 2024.	June 2024	Conservation across international borders is essential to protect landscape connectivity, particularly for populations at risk of isolation and decline. This work investigates transboundary connectivity for sagebrush habitat and Greater sage grouse.
Nettles, J., D. Jachowski, and E. Buchholtz. 2024. Black bears as an apex predator: Investigating the ecological role of the world’s most abundant large carnivore. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society, Baltimore, MD. 19 - 23 October 2024.	October 2024	This study explored trophic roles of black bears using a literature review. Our results shed light on the limited amount of causational evidence and the role of experimental design in studying trophic interactions.
Nelson, R.E., J.S. Lamb, P.G.R. Jodice, A.S. Litterer, and R. Lohmann. 2025. Examining PFAS bioaccumulation and trophic transfer in avian species of Charleston Harbor. Waterbird Society and Pacific Seabird Group Joint Meeting, San Jose, Costa Rica.	January 2025	Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are contaminants of concern due to their toxic nature, bioaccumulative tendencies, and demonstrated ability to resist environmental degradation. We assessed PFAS levels in bird eggs, bird serum, surface water, sediment, plankton, forage fish, marsh vegetation, and passive samplers from Charleston Habror, a region with suspected high levels of PFAS.
Mruzek, J.L., Kubach, K., Scott, M.C., Peoples, B.K., and Bower, L.M. Role of flow, environmental and anthropogenic factors on fish biodiversity. The American Fisheries Society Meeting. Grand Rapids, Michigan. 21 August 2023.	August 2023	We found elevation and slope to be more influential in our higher elevation Piedmont region streams, whereas soil organic matter and the timing of low flow was identified in low elevation Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic coastal plains sites. These findings highlight first the importance of considering all aspects of the flow regime, not just base flow, and second all aspects of a riparian system when designing best management practices.
Mruzek, J.L, Peoples, B.K., Scott, C. S., Kuback, K., and Bower, L.M. Hierarchical relationship between local and regional environmental factors and stream fish life history. The Southern Division American Fisheries Society Meeting. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 2 February 2024	February 2024	Functional makeup of stream fish assemblages is, in part, a product of environmental filtering – only those species with traits favorable to the stream conditions can persist. These environmental filters can operate directly on taxa, or they can work synergistically with each other to shape functional diversity. Describing the hierarchical relationship between environmental filters is critical to understanding how local functional assemblages as determined and maintained through space and time.
Mruzek, J. L., Peoples, B. K., Bower, L. M. (2023). Role of flow and environmental variables on stream biodiversity. The Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Norfolk, Virginia. 02 February 2023.	February 2023	To advance the use of flow metrics in the management of stream systems, a better understanding of how flow interacts with all aspects of the environment is needed. We found that variation in alpha diversity was determined by all these factors, as well as interactions, suggesting the inclusion of flow and anthropogenic variables will enhance stream research.
Mills, K., D. Jacques, J. Lamb, C. Fiorello, Y. Satge, P.G.R. Jodice, M. Ziccardi. 2018. Habitat use, behavior, movement patterns, body condition, breeding propensity, and survival of Brown Pelicans following oiling and rehabilitation from the 2015 California Refugio Oil Spill. Effects of Oil on Wildlife Conference, Baltimore, Maryland.	May 2018	This presentation will summarize the results of 3 complementary studies focused on brown pelicans, including (1) an electronic tracking study (providing information on movement, habitat use, and survival), (2) a field-based observational study (providing information on behavior, associated group size, habitat use, plumage condition, seasonal molt and pre-breeding color changes, and survival), and (3) citizen scientist reports of rehabilitated banded birds (providing additional information on mo
Michael. P.E., J.C. Haney, J. Gleason, K.M. Hixson, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2024. Flying fish distribution and co-occurrence with Sooty Terns in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington.	February 2024	Flying fish play an important role in marine food webs, linking sub-surface and aerial predators. Using vessel-based observations, we characterized the distribution of flying fish and their co-occurrence patters with seabirds occurring in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Michael, P.E., K.M. Hixson, J.S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice, 2021. Seabird vulnerability to oil spills and knowledge gaps: exposure, susceptibility, and uncertainty in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society (virtual).	November 2021	Building on existing frameworks, we tailor a vulnerability index for exposure and sensitivity of 24 seabird species in the Gulf of Mexico to oil. This index is the first characterization of the relative vulnerability of seabirds to oil in a notably understudied region.
Michael, P.E., J.S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, J.C., Y. Satgé, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Flying without a passport: northern Gulf of Mexico exemplifies multi-national use with uncertain origin of seabirds. 6th World Seabird Twitter Conference.	May 2020	Recent vessel-based surveys associated with the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS) have resulted in the spatiotemporally most extensive seabird monitoring effort to date. Characterizing habitat-use patterns based on the data above and the addition of information on the probability of originating colony can guide future restoration decisions, habitat management actions at breeding colonies, as well as decisions related to offshore energy development.
Michael, P.E., J.C. Haney, J. Gleason, K.M. Hixson, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2025. Flying fish habitat and co-occurrence with seabirds in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Waterbird Society and Pacific Seabird Group Joint Meeting, San José, Costa Rica.	January 2025	We modeled the distribution and relative density of flying fish flights in the northern Gulf of Mexico and then assessed co-occurrence patterns of flying fish with all seabird species seen in the footprint of flying fish detections. Flying fish could be an ecological attractant for high abundances of visually conspicuous sooty terns, the presence of which may lead to the formation of ephemeral facilitated foraging events consisting of mixed-species seabird flocks.
Michael, P.E., J. S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2021. Marine bird distributions in the Gulf of Mexico: informing marine spatial planning. 3rd World Seabird Conference, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.	October 2021	Vessel-based seabird surveys associated with the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species are characterizing the seabird community within the U.S. EEZ, with observations conducted on 275 days and ~2,200 hrs covering ~40,200 kms.  Current and analyses of these data will inform future O&G planning on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, further refine existing oil spill risk assessment models, and will be used to reduce or mitigate potential impacts from O&G activi
Michael, P.E., J. S. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice, 2021. Flyingfish and feathers: habitat associations and avifaunal associations of flying-fish in the northern Gulf of Mexico. World Fisheries Congress, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.	October 2021	As part of the broader Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS), opportunistic observations of flyingfish (family Exocoetidae) from vessel-based surveys yielded ~12,000 detections encompassing a total of ~28,000 individuals. Analyses currently underway will contribute much-needed information on the distribution, abundance, habitat, and avifaunal associations of flyingfish in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Michael, P.E., J. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Diversity and distribution of seabirds in pelagic waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference. February 3-6, 2020, Tampa, FL, USA.	January 2019	We summarize preliminary findings on marine bird distribution and abundance from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species. Current and future analyses will provide much needed insights into the distributions and habitat use of marine seabirds using the northern Gulf of Mexico which can inform future traditional offshore energy development (e.g., oil and gas), as well as potential alternative energy development (e.g., wind energy, wave and current energy).
Michael, P.E., J. Gleason, J.C. Haney, P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Distribution and abundance of marine birds in an industrialized sea: vessel-based surveys in the Gulf of Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Meeting, Lihue, HI, USA.	March 2019	Seabird surveys associated with the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species are uncovering previously unknown aspects of the distribution, abundance, and seasonality for these apex predators. These novel insights provide an important ecological context for current regional activities and can inform the development of future activities.
Michael, P.E., J. Gleason, J.C. Haney, K.M. Hixson, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. Black terns in the northern Gulf of Mexico: Vessel-based observations and insights from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS). Waterbird Society 45^th Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, TX.	November 2022	Using most spatially and temporally extensive vessel surveys for seabirds in the northern Gulf of Mexico to date, we characterize the occurrence and distribution of Black Tern and assess their habitat associations in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These data are the most comprehensive Black Tern observations in the offshore environment in the Gulf and provide novel insight to resource managers into Black Tern habitat use in this region.
Michael, P.E.*, K.M. Hixson, J.C. Haney, J. Gleason, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2023. Migration, breeding location, and seascape shaping seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Waterbird Society 46^th Annual Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, FL.	October 2023	We identify and characterize distinct seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico using a cluster analysis based on the relative density of seabirds from data collected as a part of the Gulf of Mexico Monitoring Program for Protected Species. An enhanced understanding of seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico and the factors shaping each assemblage could inform potential monitoring, research, restoration, and continued development.
Michael, P.E.*, J. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Black terns in the northern Gulf of Mexico: initial observations from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species. Waterbird Society 43rd Annual Conference and General Meeting, Salisbury, MD, USA.	November 2019	We summarize preliminary findings on black tern distribution from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species. These data will be important to BOEM by informing National Environmental Policy Act analyses, Exploration Plans, Development Operations Coordination Document, oil spill risk assessment models, and to the USFWS for Section 7 consultations and planning of O&G activities in the Outer Continental Shelf to reduce or mitigate associated impacts.
Michael, P. E., K. M. Hixon, J. S. Gleason, J. C. Haney, J. C., Y. Satgé, and P. G. R. Jodice.^,2021. Exposure, Sensitivity, and Uncertainty: Understanding the Vulnerability of Seabirds to Oil Interactions in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, New Orleans, LA. December 13-17	December 2021	Given the levels of chronic and acute exposure of seabirds to oiling in the northern Gulf of Mexico, efforts to monitor populations for exposure to oiling and predict spatial and temporal 'hot spots' for exposure to oiling appear warranted. We tailored existing exposure and sensitivity indices to create an oil vulnerability index for seabirds in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Meehan, K., and P.G.R. Jodice. Assessing the conservation value of golf courses for fox squirrels in South Carolina. South Carolina Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Edgefield, SC.	March 2006
Masto, NM, RM Kaminski, MR Kneece, P Gerard, K Barrett, and BE Ross. 2019. Evaluation of aerial surveys to monitor waterbird population in South Carolina. SEAFWA.	October 2019	We flew aerial surveys in fall and winter from 2016-2019. We present different approaches to survey analysis and describe optimal survey methods for South Carolina.
Masto, N.M., R.M. Kaminski, B.E. Ross, M.R. Kneece, P. Gerard, and K. Barrett. 2019. Modeling double-observer aerial count data to estimate detection, abundance, and habitat relationships of waterfowl wintering in South Carolina. North American Duck Symposium, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA	August 2019	We estimate abundance of waterfowl in South Carolina using N-mixture models from aerial survey data. We describe relationships of habitat with abundance along the coast of South Carolina.
Masto, N.M., R.M. Kaminski, B.E. Ross, M.R. Kneece, P. Gerard, and K. Barrett. 2019. Aerial strip-transect surveys for monitoring fall-winter waterfowl abundance and distribution in South Carolina. North American Duck Symposium. Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA.	August 2019	We describe abundance results from aerial surveys for waterfowl in South Carolina. We evaluate design-based estimation procedures for future surveys.
Masto, N.M., M.R. Kneece, R.M. Kaminski, B.E. Ross, A.T. Pearse, P. Gerard, K. Barrett. 2017. Aerial strip-transect surveys of waterfowl and waterbirds in South Carolina: summary and revisions of the 2016-2017 surveys	October 2017	We provide an update on aerial surveys for waterbirds in South Carolina. Surveys will be taking place again this fall and winter with updated procedures.
Madden, H., A. Ellis, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Reproductive ecology and success of Red-billed Tropicbirds on St. Eustatius. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Juneau, Alaska.	February 2014	Few data are available regarding the size, distribution, or breeding success of Red-billed Tropicbirds in the Caribbean. We assessed the breeding ecology and success of Red-billed Tropicbirds Phaethon aethereus on St. Eustatius which, along with the nearby island of Saba, supports 33-40% of the global breeding population.
Mackin, W., Narang, D., P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Incubation and diving depths of Audubon’s Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropicbirds at Little Tobago Island, Trinidad and Tobago. The Waterbird Society, New Bern, North Carolina.	September 2016	For many pelagic seabirds, the methods of feeding and incubation behavior are poorly known. . In 2013, We used pressure-sensing recorders to determine dive depths of Audubon’s Shearwaters and Red-billed Tropicbirds at Little Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago.
M. Kneece, R. M. Kaminski, B. E. Ross, A. T. Pearse, and N. M. Masto. 2017. Aerial Line-Transect Surveys for South Carolina Waterbirds Take Flight. Annual Report for James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center.	May 2017	We present the annual summary for aerial transect surveys on the South Carolina coast. This abstract is written for a layperson audience.
Lucas, J.S., S. Loeb, P.G.R. Jodice. 2007. Characteristics of Rafinesque's Big-eared Bats tree roosts in Congaree National Park. Southeastern Mammal Colloquium, Destin, FL.	February 2007
Loeb, S., P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Are bats and sport climbing compatible? A pilot study. North American Bat Research Symposium, Monterey, California.	October 2015	Although several species of bats commonly roost in cliff faces, the potential for impacts of climbers on bats has received very little study. We used radio-telemetry to track small-footed bats to day roosts and Anabat SD2 detectors to compare bat activity between climbed and unclimbed areas along climbed cliff faces, and between climbed and unclimbed cliffs.
Litterer, A.S., J.S. Lamb, R.E. Nelson, R. Lohmann, P.G.R. Jodice. 2025. Differences in movement patterns of two nearshore marine bird species in an area of elevated PFAS concentrations. Waterbird Society and Pacific Seabird Group Joint Meeting, San Jose, Costa Rica.	January 2025	Eastern brown pelicans and American oystercatchers in Charleston Harbor, SC breed in similar environments but differ in their dietary niches and foraging strategies. The levels of PFAS exposure between these two species are likely to differ based on individual and<br>species-specific habitat use; however, these differences are currently unknown.
Litterer, A.S., J.S. Lamb, R.E. Nelson, R. Lohmann, P.G.R. Jodice. 2025. Assessing Movement Patterns of Brown Pelicans in an Area of Elevated PFAS Concentrations. Annual Meeting of the Atlantic Marine Bird Cooperative.	December 2024	Eastern brown pelicans and American oystercatchers in Charleston Harbor, SC breed in similar environments but differ in their dietary niches and foraging strategies. The levels of PFAS exposure between these two species are likely to differ based on individual and<br>species-specific habitat use; however, these differences are currently unknown.
Lawson, A.J., and K.W. McFadden. 2014. Optimizing survey designs for complex habitat: evaluating seasonal variation of alligator abundance estimates derived from nightlight surveys in South Carolina. Crocodile Specialist Group Working Meeting, Lake Charles, Louisiana, USA.	May 2014	Detailed proposed survey design to evaluate annual and seasonal abundance of South Carolina alligator populations. Through intensive population surveys, we will identify an optimal survey design that maximizes abundance estimate precision to inform management policy.
Lawson, A.J., and K.W. McFadden. 2014. Optimizing Alligator Nightlight Survey Designs for Complex Habitat: Evaluating Seasonal Variation in Abundance and Detectability in South Carolina. The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Poster Presentation.	October 2014	This poster describes the study design for an expanded alligator monitoring program to (1) evaluate intra and interannual variation in abundance; and (2) identify a monitoring program design that maximizes precision and accuracy of population estimates.
Lawson, A.J., and K.W. McFadden. 2013. South Carolina alligator adaptive management strategies: population dynamics, habitat utilization, and conservation threats. U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Coordinating Committee Meeting, Clemson, South Carolina.	May 2013	This work will develop a population model for the American alligator in South Carolina to inform harvest decisions in an adaptive management framework.
Lawson, A.J., and K.W. McFadden. 2013. Influence of habitat on American Alligator densities in coastal South Carolina derived from nightlight survey data (1971-2012). The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Poster presentation.	October 2013	Evaluates changes in landscape characteristics that influenced alligator densities in major rivers and lakes over 40 years.
Lawson, A.J., P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Do changes in size class composition influence ontogenetic niche shifts in American alligators? Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting. Baltimore, Maryland.	September 2015	We sought to determine if population size class composition and habitat use differed in American alligators prior to the implementation of, and then during harvesting periods (i.e., years). The increase in the largest size classes over time in combination with a lack of change in habitat selection patterns in smaller size classes suggests that social dominance likely continues to influence spatial segregation of size classes.
Lawson, A.J., P.G.R. Jodice, and C.T. Moore. 2019. Synthesizing monitoring data to estimate abundance and detection probability in American alligators in South Carolina. Southeastern Assoc Fish & Wildlife Agencies.	October 2019	Alligator demographic parameter estimates are difficult to obtain due to their large body size, long lifespan (80+ years), and highly wary behavior towards common monitoring methodology. We synthesized mark-recapture, harvest, nesting, and replicated count data from South Carolina to develop the first-known integrated population model (IPM) for alligators.
Lawson, A.J., K.W. McFadden, P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Does harvest pressure influence body size class composition in American alligator populations? The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting. Winnipeg, Manitoba.	October 2015	We examined alligator nightlight survey data from coastal South Carolina during 1971-1995 (pre-harvest) and 1996-2015 (post-harvest). Our preliminary findings indicate that the annual average body length of harvested alligators decreased significantly from 2008 to 2013, while the proportion of juvenile size classes decreased and the proportion of adults increased.
Lawson, A.J., C.T. Moore, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. Synthesizing multiple data streams to estimate abundance and detection probability in a highly wary, long-lived apex predator: an integrated modeling approach. International Statistical Ecology Conference, 2-6 July 2018, St. Andrews, Scotland.	July 2018	American alligators are an important ecological and economic resource in the southeastern United states. This work is the most comprehensive alligator population model created to date which will help inform harvest and conservation decision making in South Carolina.
Lawson, A.J., C.T. Moore, T.R. Rainwater, F.M. Nilsen, P.M. Wilkinson, R.H. Lowers, L.J. Guillette Jr., K.W. McFadden, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Non-linear mercury bioaccumulation patterns in American alligators are a function of predicted age. The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Reno, Nevada, USA.	October 2019	American alligators are an important ecological and economic resource in the southeastern United States. This work is the first to differentiate between age- and size-related bioaccumulation patterns of mercury, a potent neurotoxin, in alligators, within multiple populations throughout their range.
Lawson, A.J, P.G.R. Jodice, C.T. Moore. 2015. Using Seasonal Abundance Patterns to Improve Monitoring Programs and Conservation Decision-Making: An American Alligator Example. Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, 1-4 November 2015, Asheville, NC.	November 2015	We estimated seasonal abundance of adult American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in rivers within South Carolina. We examine whether the existing monitoring design is appropriate given the assumptions needed for population estimation (e.g., N-mixture models).
Lawson, A., P. Jodice, T. Rainwater, K.W. McFadden. Evaluating American alligator home range size and site fidelity patterns in artificial wetlands. International Congress for Conservation Biology; Cartagena, Colombia.	July 2017	Movement patterns have profound implications for both conservation decisions, and many ecological processes like species abundance and distribution, and predator-prey interactions. South Carolina alligator home range sizes and movement rates were similar in artificial wetlands to previous studies in natural wetland systems, suggesting that in some cases, artificial habitats may not significantly alter alligator movement behavior.
Lawson, A. J., C. T. Moore, P. G. R. Jodice, and K. W. McFadden. 2016. Optimizing American alligator population survey design to improve management decision-making. The Wildlife Society 23rd Annual Conference, 15-19 October 2016, Raleigh, NC.	October 2016	We conducted simulation to investigate trade-offs in survey design when alligators are imperfectly detected and imperfectly assigned to size classes.
Lawson, A. J., C. T. Moore, B. E. Ross, and P. G. R. Jodice. 2018. Synthesizing multiple data streams to estimate abundance and detection probability in a highly wary, long-lived apex predator: an integrated modeling approach. The Wildlife Society 25th Annual Conference, 7-11 October 2018, Cleveland, OH.	October 2018	American alligators are an important ecological and economic resource in the southeastern United states. This work is the most comprehensive alligator population model created to date which will help inform harvest and conservation decision making in South Carolina.
Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2017. Movement patterns and habitat selection of Brown Pelicans in the Gulf of Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Tacoma, Washington.	February 2017	We assessed year-round habitat selection and use by Brown Pelicans nesting in the northern Gulf of Mexico based on three years of GPS data from 85 individuals. Although previous studies have suggested that nearshore seabirds are influenced by both temperature and productivity of oceanic waters, salinity is an unusual component of seabird habitat selection and may be driven in this system by an abundance of estuarine-dependent prey.
Lamb, J., and P. Jodice. 2015. Sex, death, and oil: Conservation implications of individual and geographic variation in Brown Pelican movement patterns. 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.	October 2015	We modeled breeding and nonbreeding movement patterns, migratory strategy, and environmental characteristics of at-sea habitat of Brown Pelicans as a function of both individual characteristics and breeding colony locations. We found that extensive postbreeding movements and use of offshore habitat resulted in significant increases in exposure to oil infrastructure outside the breeding area, suggesting that determination of nonbreeding habitat use is an important component of conservation plann
Lamb, J., Y. Satge, P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Variation in Brown Pelican energy provisioning rates across a range of juvenile forage fish availability. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Bar Harbor, Maine.	August 2015	Although prey availability is considered a key driver of seabird nest productivity, it is often difficult to quantify since many forage fish species and life stages are not targeted by commercial fisheries. We suggest that availability and accessibility of juvenile menhaden are the key factors driving energy provisioning rates and fledging success of Brown Pelicans in the western Gulf of Mexico.
Lamb, J.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Should I stay or should I go? Physiology and geography predict individual migratory strategies in the brown pelican. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, San Jose, California.	February 2015	Neither body condition nor breeding success influenced migratory strategy in pelicans, although failed breeders often dispersed away from breeding colonies immediately following nest failure. Long-distance migrants were also less likely than residents or medium-distance migrants to breed in the second season of data collection, which may indicate a biannual breeding strategy in a portion of the population.
Lamb, J.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Year-round spatial overlap between energy infrastructure and brown pelican movements in the Gulf of Mexico. International Marine Conservation Congress, Glasgow, Scotland [Poster].	August 2014	we used GPS technology to track Brown Pelicans breeding in the Eastern, Central, and Western Gulf of Mexico through a full annual cycle. We found that the extent of spatial overlap between pelican habitat and energy installations varied between regions, individuals, and seasons.
Lamb, J.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Gradients in breeding Brown Pelican forging radius, chick condition, and diet across the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Juneau, Alaska.	February 2014	Unlike pelagic seabirds whose foraging habitat is generally distant from human development, the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) relies on coastal habitats along undeveloped to heavily-developed shorelines. Preliminary results indicate that breeding-season foraging radius of adults increased from east (Florida Panhandle) to west (southern Texas), while chick body condition declined along the same gradient.
Lamb, J.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Comparative performance of cellular and satellite transmitters deployed on Brown pelicans in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Juneau, Alaska.	February 2014	Cellular Terminal GPS Transmitters (GSM Transmitters, or CTTs) have recently become available as an alternative to traditional Platform Terminal Transmitters (PTTs), which transmit data through the Argos satellite system. CTT units offer several advantages over PTTs, including reduced data transmission costs, improved data access, and a two-way interface that allows the tag to be reprogrammed after deployment. However, their performance in the field has not yet been tested.
Lamb, J.*, K. O’Reilly, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Longterm physiological responses of nestling seabirds to variation in prey availability and nest site characteristics. The Waterbird Society, New Bern, North Carolina.	September 2016	While the number of young produced per nesting pair (i.e., fledging success) is often used as a proxy for recruitment in seabird populations, post-fledging survival is likely to be much lower than this estimate suggests. To assess inter- and intra-colony variation in nestling condition, we collected measures of short-term (body condition index: i.e., relationship of mass to skeletal size) and long-term (corticosterone levels in contour feathers) physical condition of 3-6 week-old chicks from pe
Lamb, J.*, K. O’Reilly, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Longterm physiological responses of nestling seabirds to variation in prey availability and nest conditions. Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Portland, Maine.	January 2016	To assess inter- and intra-colony variation in nestling condition, we collected measures of short-term (relationship of mass to skeletal size) and long-term (corticosterone levels in body feathers) physical condition of 3-6 week-old chicks from pelican colonies across the northern Gulf of Mexico over a three-year period. Since elevated stress levels during development are known to affect lifetime survival and reproductive fitness, we suggest nestling feather corticosterone as a useful index of
Lamb, J.*, D. Newstead, B. Ballard, L. Koczur, P.G.R. Jodice, M.C. Green. 2014. A bridge between oceans: evidence for use of the Tehuantepec Isthmus by waterbirds during dispersal and migration. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, La Paz, Mexico.	November 2014	The Tehuantepec Isthmus, which spans portions of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico, represents the shortest distance between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. We present information from recent tracking studies and band re-sightings of individual Brown Pelicans (n=3), Red Knots (n=5), and Reddish Egrets (n=3) captured in the Northern Gulf of Mexico that used the Tehuantepec region as either a movement corridor or migratory stopover.
Kemink, K., L. Webb and B. Ross. Why we need more women in STEM leadership roles: innovations to overcome obstacles and identify solutions. North American Duck Symposium, Winnipeg, MB, August 26-30, 2019.	August 2019	Research indicates that women face bias and barriers in many aspects and stages of their scientific careers: we will discuss the specific and often unconscious nature of these biases and how they can potentially discourage women from pursuing leadership roles and academic careers, as well as limit their willingness and ability to remain in these careers. We will discuss strategies for fostering a broader recognition of gender bias, as well as addressing unconscious gender bias at both the inst
Keil D.E., J. Stuckey, J.G. EuDaly, A.M. Lee, J. Pangello, J. Berger, P.G.R. Jodice, T.R. Scott, M.M. Peden-Adams. 2007. Effects of PFOS on Developmental Immune Function in Rodent and Avian Models. Perfluoroalkyl Acids and Related Chemistries:Toxicokinetics and Mode-of-Action Workshop. Society of Toxicology ? Current Concepts in Toxicology. Arlington, VA.	March 2007
Keck, K.R. and McFadden, K.W.M. 2014. Loss of Foundation Tree Species: Consequences for Small Mammals in Forest Ecosystems. Society for Conservation Biology Conference, Missoula, MT.	July 2014	Experimental manipulation of forest ecosystem showed a species-specific small mammal population response to the loss of foundation tree species.
Keck, K. R., K. W. McFadden. 2013. Loss of Foundation Tree Species: Consequences for Small Mammal Assemblages in Oak Forests. 20th Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society, Milwaukee, WI, 5-10 October, 2013.	October 2013	Small mammals can be used as indicator species of ecosystem health. Small mammal species respond to forest disturbance in a species-specific manner: generalist species abundance increases, while specialist species abundance decreases.
Kearns, M., S. W. Galladay, M. Freeman, and J. J. Isely. 2001. Effects of flooding and drought on redbreast sunfish growth in southwest Georgia. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Jacksonville, FL.	March 2001
Kearns, M., S. W. Galladay, M. Freeman, and J. J. Isely. 2001. Effects of flooding and drought on redbreast sunfish growth in southwest Georgia. Annual Meeting of the Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Athens, GA.	March 2001
K. McFadden, E. Sterling, E. Bentley-Vintinner, A. Gomez, F. Arengo, and E. Sterling. 2011. Temporal and spatial variability in foraging habits of green sea turtles in the Central Pacific using stable isotope analyses. International Congress for Conservation Biology, Auckland, New Zealand.	December 2011
Julia Sommerfeld , Steffen Oppel , Eliza Leat , Nicola Weber , Sam Weber , Jolene Sim , Caroline Poli , Patrick Jodice , Fiona McDuie , Brad Congdon , Stefan Garthe , Petra Quillfeldt. 2015. Is phenotypic plasticity more important than environmental parameters in explaining the foraging strategies of a pan-tropical seabird? 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa	October 2015	The foraging strategies of four different populations of a pan-tropical species, the Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra), were studied using GPS. Our results highlight the importance of individual variability in foraging strategies and the need of multi-regional data sets.
Jones, T. A., J. J. Isely, D. Fletcher, and M. Paller. February 2000. Movement of largemouth bass in a Savannah River tributary. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Savannah, GA.	February 2000
Jones, T. A., J. J. Isely, D. Fletcher, and M. Paller. February 2000. Movement of largemouth bass in a Savannah River tributary. South Carolina Fisheries Workers Association Annual Meeting. Clemson, SC.	February 2000
Jones, T. A., J. J. Isely, D. Fletcher, and M. Paller. 2001. Diel movement of largemouth bass in a South Carolina stream. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Jacksonville, FL.	March 2001
Jones, T. A., J. J. Isely, D. Fletcher, and M. Paller. 2001. Diel movement of largemouth bass in a South Carolina stream. Annual Meeting of the North Carolina and South Carolina Chapters of the American Fisheries Society. Sea Trails, NC.	February 2001
Jones, T. A., J. J. Isely, D. Fletcher, C. M. Paller, S. Dyer, and W. Litrell. 2002. Seasonal movement of largemouth bass in a South Carolina stream. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Baltimore, MD.	August 2002
Jodice, P.G.R., and D.D. Roby. Nutritional stress in Alaskan seabirds: A review of the evidence. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, La Paz, Baja California Sur.	January 2004
Jodice, P.G.R., W. Mackin, Y. Satge, C. Poli*, A-L. Harrison, R.A Phillips. 2014. Bahamian seabirds transition from Caribbean to mid-latitude and pelagic waters between the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Juneau, Alaska.	February 2014	As part of a growing effort to better understand the ecology and conservation of Caribbean seabirds we have been deploying tracking devices on breeding birds at colonies in The Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Eustatius, Trinidad & Tobago, and Mexico. Conservation efforts for Caribbean seabirds should recognize that at-sea threats may be far-ranging and varied even for species breeding on nearby islands.
Jodice, P.G.R., W. Mackin, J.A. Arnold, R. Phillips. 2010. Movement patterns of Audubon’s Shearwaters and White-tailed Tropicbirds as determined by geolocators. First World Seabird Conference, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.	September 2010
Jodice, P.G.R., W. Mackin, J.A. Arnold, R. Phillips. 2009. Movement patterns of Audubon’s Shearwaters breeding in the Bahamas. Atlantic Seabird Symposium, Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Cape May, New Jersey.	November 2009
Jodice, P.G.R., W. Mackin, J.A. Arnold, R. Phillips. 2009. Do Audubon’s Shearwaters alternate between long and short foraging trips when provisioning young? Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Hakodate, Japan [Poster]	February 2009
Jodice, P.G.R., M. Woodrey, and A. Fournier. 2018. Movement ecology of seabirds: Multi-scale and multi-taxa approaches to addressing conservation needs in the Gulf of Mexico. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Mobile, Alabama.	October 2018	The distribution, abundance, and habitat use at sea of seabirds in the Gulf have not received a level of research attention that is warranted given their high conservation status and the level of anthropogenic development throughout the coastal and pelagic waters of the Gulf. Here, we review case studies of the application of biotelemetry to seabirds to address conservation needs throughout the Gulf.
Jodice, P.G.R., L.M. Ferguson, F.I. Sanders, and T. Murphy. The Value of Maintaining Longterm Monitoring Programs: Revealing Trends in South Carolina's Beach-Nesting Birds. South Carolina Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Edgefield, SC.	March 2006
Jodice, P.G.R., L.C. Wickliffe, E.B. Sachs. 2009. Seabird use of discarded bycatch from shrimp trawlers: what’s on the menu and who’s buying? International Marine Conservation Congress, Fairfax, Virginia.	May 2009
Jodice, P.G.R., L.C. Wickliffe, E.B. Sachs. 2009. Investigating the relationship between breeding seabirds and commercial shrimp trawlers in nearshore waters of South Carolina, USA. Atlantic Seabird Symposium, Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Cape May, New Jersey.	November 2009
Jodice, P.G.R., K. Hixson^, Y. Satgé^, J. Gleason. 2024. A New Tool for Avian Management and Conservation: An Atlas of Nesting Waterbirds in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida.	February 2024	We have developed an atlas and registry of waterbird breeding sites that integrate existing data from 2010 to 2022. To date, 38 datasets from 8 data providers have been incorporated, representing more than 50,000 surveys of 46 breeding species. This resource will provide critical information to understand the distribution and status of breeding waterbirds in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Jodice, P.G.R., J. Lamb*, Y. Satgé^. 2024. Avian health metrics in practice: blood biochemistry and contaminants in Brown Pelicans. Gulf of Mexico Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida.	February 2024	We collected blood samples from brown pelicans across the northern Gulf of Mexico and established baseline values for hematology and blood biochemistry, and measured levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs). We found that regional levels of oil and gas activity around breeding sites were not consistently correlated with health metrics in Brown Pelicans, suggesting other factors may also be relevant.
Jodice, P.G.R., J. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P. Michael, C. Gaskin, B. Keitt. 2024. Distribution of a Globally Endangered Seabird in the Northern Gulf: A Range Revision for the Black-capped Petrel. Gulf of Mexico Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida.	February 2023	The black-capped petrel, a pelagic seabird endemic to the western North Atlantic, is considered globally endangered and is under consideration for listing by the US FWS. Based on vessel-based surveys, we suggest that the marine range for black-capped petrels be modified to include the northern Gulf of Mexico, recognizing that distribution may be more clumped in the eastern Gulf and that occurrence in the southern Gulf remains unknown due to a lack of surveys there.
Jodice, P.G.R., J. Gleason, J.C. Haney, Y. Satgé, P. Michael, C. Gaskin, B. Keitt. 2021. Revising the marine range of the endangered Black-capped Petrel. 6th World Seabird Twitter Conference.	May 2021	The Black-capped Petrel (<i>Pterodroma hasitata</i>)<i> </i>is an endangered seabird endemic to the western North Atlantic. Our lab is using tracking and observation data to suggest that the marine range of the species be expanded and that assessments of conservation threats be similarly reassessed to include these heretofore unreported use areas.
Jodice, P.G.R., F. Sanders, and L.M. Ferguson. Summary of royal tern nesting status in South Carolina. Royal Tern Working Group Annual Meeting, Wilmington, NC.	November 2004
Jodice, P.G.R., D.M. Epperson. 2007. Daily energy expenditure in free-ranging gopher tortoises: first measures and a comparison with other chelonians. South Carolina Herpetology Conference, Columbia SC.	May 2007
Jodice, P.G.R. Assessing the conservation value of golf courses for fox squirrels along the South Carolina coast. US Golf Association Annual Research Meeting, Atlanta, GA.	September 2004
Jodice, P.G.R. 2008. Considerations for developing long-term monitoring plans for beach-nesting seabirds. Southeastern Seabird Working Group Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina.	March 2008
Jodice, P.G.R, L.M. Ferguson, F.I. Sanders, and T. Murphy. Thirty years of nest count data reveal opposing trends in among pelicans and terns in South Carolina. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Girdwood, AK.	February 2006
Jodice, P.G.R, L.M. Ferguson, F.I. Sanders, and T. Murphy. Long-term trends in nest counts of South Carolina seabirds. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Jekyll Island, GA.	October 2005
Jodice, P. G. R., and J.S. Lamb. 2019. An overview of research and conservation on Pelicans in the 21st century: data gaps and data strengths. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society, Salisbury, Maryland, USA.	November 2019	We review research efforts and conservation needs for the family Pelecanidae, with a focus on peer-reviewed and gray literature produced since ~ 2000, as well as solicitations from researchers and conservationists working on species within the family. Data gaps are highlighted by taxa and also by geography within taxa, to draw attention to potential spatial biases in our understanding of the ecology and conservation of the family.
Jodice, P. G. R., Y.G. Satgé, B. Keitt, C. Gaskin. 2019. First successful capture and satellite tagging of Black-capped Petrels at sea and subsequent movement patterns. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society 43rd Annual Conference and General Meeting, Salisbury, Maryland.	November 2019	The Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) is a highly endangered seabird in the North Atlantic, is listed as globally Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and is currently being reviewed for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Here, we report on movement patterns and use areas at sea as determined from a recent effort to track birds with satellite tags. Unlike the two previous efforts to individually track petrels (2014 and 2018) which deployed tag
Jodice, P. G. R., J.S. Lamb*, Y.G. Satgé^. 2019. Exposure of Brown Pelicans to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the northern Gulf of Mexico. 43rd Annual Conference of the Waterbird Society, Salisbury, Maryland.	November 2019	We assessed exposure of adult and chick Brown Pelicans to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) across a range of colonies in the northern Gulf. Our data suggest that assessing the exposure of pelicans to PAHs in the northern Gulf may need to consider factors beyond the proximity of colonies to oil and gas activity, and that individual variation in behavior and condition may also drive exposure.
Jodice, P. G. R., Gleason, J., Haney, J. C., Satgé, Y., Michael, P. E. 2019. The Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species: Development and implementation of large-scale, long-term monitoring strategies. Symposium: Implementation of the National Bird Conservation Priorities, The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Reno, Nevada.	October 2019	The Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS) is a collaborative effort of multiple federal agencies designed to improve data on living marine resource abundance, distribution, habitat use, and behavior in the Gulf of Mexico. Data will be used to mitigate and monitor for potential impacts of human activities, including offshore energy development and to inform regulatory decisions. Seabird surveys associated with GoMMAPPS are uncovering previously unknown aspects
Jodice, P. G. R., Gleason, J., Haney, J. C., Satgé, Y., Michael, P. E. 2019. Novel insights on the distribution and abundance of seabirds from vessel-based surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference. February 4-7, New Orleans, LA.	February 2019	Seabird surveys associated with the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS) are uncovering previously unknown aspects of the distribution, abundance, and seasonality for these apex predators. These novel insights into the habitat use and distributions of the seabirds using the Gulf of Mexico provide an important ecological context for current regional activities and can inform the development of future activities.
Jodice et al. 2019. The Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network: long-term and large-scale monitoring to address conservation needs . Symposium: Implementation of the National Bird Conservation Priorities, The Wildlife Society Annual Conference, Reno, Nevada.	October 2019	The goal of The Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network is to define a vision and process for developing the role of bird monitoring in achieving integrated, efficient, and effective management and recovery of impacted avian species in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019 GoMAMN released a comprehensive strategic monitoring plan for several avian taxa and developed guidelines for the development of monitoring plans focused on avian health.
Jamison, A., E. Buchholtz, & G. Yarrow (2023). Estimating wild pig densities in the Piedmont region of South Carolina using a baited camera array. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society. Louisville, KY, 5 - 10 November 2023.	November 2023	This study estimated density of wild hogs in South Carolina based on camera trap data. These results will provide density estimates for this invasive species in the Piedmont region where population estimates do not currently exist.
J. Christopher Haney, Rohan H. Clarke, David C. Evers, Britta Denise Hardesty, Patrick Jodice, and William A. Montevecchi. 2015. Challenges to assessing oil spill impacts to seabirds in the deep ocean. 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa.	October 2015	Hydrocarbon exposure in the deep ocean sets substantial challenges for evaluating impacts on seabirds at individual, population, and species levels. Baseline requirements for assessing impacts over the deep ocean include pre-emptive knowledge of species’ presence, density estimates, and behavioral attributes that influence exposure probability at or just above the sea surface.
J. A. Shurba, E. M. Miller, R. M. Kaminski, B. A. Bauer, E. P. Wiggers, P. Schmidt, G. R. Hepp, B. E. Ross, and K. J. Whitehead. 2020. Regional examination of the contribution of nest boxes to wood duck recruitment in the Southeastern United States. South Carolina TWS.	October 2020	While numerous studies have addressed nest box use, hatching success, duckling production, and habitat characteristics, few studies have addressed female recruitment by box-nesting populations. Our results will generate management strategies to modify microhabitats around boxes (e.g., vegetation removal), deploy deterrents for egg predators (e.g., snakes, woodpeckers), and install odorous wood shavings in boxes to reduce microbe communities to increase duckling production, and hen recruitment f
Isely, J. J., and Bjorgo, K. A., and. February 2000. Habitat of striped bass in the Combahee River, SC. South Carolina Fisheries Workers Association Annual Meeting. Clemson, SC.	February 2000
Isely, J. J., P. C. Ely, M. Noad, B. M. Wrege, and S. P. Young. 2008. Movement and population dynamics of anadromous fishes near Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission Anadromous Fish Working Group Meeting, Apalachicola, FL.	September 2008
Isely, J. J., P. C. Ely, M. Noad, B. M. Wrege, and S. P. Young. 2008. Movement and population dynamics of anadromous fishes near Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam. 26th Annual Morone Workshop, Apalachicola, FL. (invited presentation).	September 2008
Isely, J. J. February 2000. Resume writing for fisheries professionals. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Savannah, GA.	February 2000
Isely, J. J. 2003. Season movement of striped bass in relation to temperature and oxygen. Western Washington University. Bellingham, WA. (Invited presentation).	May 2003
Isely, J. J. 2003. Season movement of striped bass in relation to temperature and oxygen. National Marine Fisheries Service. Seattle, WA. (Invited presentation).	May 2003
Ingram, T. R., and J. J. Isely. Age, growth and fecundity of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River, Florida. South Carolina Fisheries Workers and Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society joint meeting, Tybee Island, GA. 14 January 2007.	January 2007
Ingram, T. R., and J. J. Isely. Age, growth and fecundity of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River, Florida. 25th Annual Morone Workshop, Albany, GA. 7 February 2007.	February 2007
Ingram, T. R., and J. J. Isely. 2008. Age, growth and fecundity of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River, Florida. Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Eatonton, GA.	September 2008
Ingram, T. R., P. C. Ely, and J. J. Isely. 2008. Passage and population dynamics of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River, Florida. Spring Meeting Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Wheeling, WV.	September 2008
Hixson, K.M., Y. Satgé, J. Gleason, P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. The northern Gulf of Mexico seabird colony atlas and registry: a forthcoming resource. Atlantic Marine Bird Cooperative Annual Meeting (virtual).	December 2022	There is no single source of information for seabird nesting sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico that is current or readily accessible with information and data regarding the location and status of seabird colonies scattered among the stakeholder network and difficult to source. We seek to address this information gap by creating an atlas and registry for seabird colonies in the northern Gulf of Mexico that will integrate existing data from the stakeholder network.
Hixson, K.M., Y. Satgé, J. Gleason, P.G.R. Jodice. 2022. An atlas and registry for seabird colonies and associated habitats in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Waterbird Society 45th Annual Meeting, Corpus Christi, Texas, USA.	November 2022	There is no single source of information for seabird nesting sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico that is current or readily accessible with information and data regarding the location and status of seabird colonies scattered among the stakeholder network and difficult to source. We seek to address this information gap by creating an atlas and registry for seabird colonies in the northern Gulf of Mexico that will integrate existing data from the stakeholder network.
Hill, J. H., Bower, L. M., and Farmer, T. M. (2024). Thermal refugia and summer microhabitat selection in Edisto River, SC, Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis). The Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Meeting. Chattanooga, Tennessee, 02 February 2024	February 2024	With a higher risk of thermal stress, maintaining and conserving these thermal refugia for cool and cold-water fish is important. The Striped Bass population in the Edisto River is threatened by increasing water withdrawals and extremely low flow events. Therefore, this study aims to identify the locations of critical summer microhabitat for this population, as well as to quantify the parameters that drive summer microhabitat selection in this population.
Hill, J. H., Bower, L. M., Farmer, T. M., Bettinger, J, and Thomason, C. (2024). Thermal refugia and summer microhabitat selection in Edisto River, SC, Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis). The Southeastern Fisheries Council Meeting. Little Rock, Arkansas, 21 November 2024	November 2024	Therefore, this study aims to identify the locations of critical summer microhabitat for Striped Bass in the Edisto River, as well as to quantify the parameters that drive summer microhabitat selection in this population. To accomplish these goals, we used radio and acoustic telemetry to develop a set of discrete choice models comparing different hypotheses of summer microhabitat selection in Edisto River Striped Bass to determine potential thermal refuges important to this population.
Heinrichs, J, E Buchholtz, H Sofaer, C Jarnevich, M Roche, C Aldridge, & M Crist. 2022. Assessing the cover, connectivity, and future proliferation of invasive fine fuels. Oral presentation, North American Congress for Conservation Biology. 17 - 21 July 2022. Reno, NV.	July 2022	In the sagebrush ecosystem of the western U.S., cheatgrass and other invasive grasses are out-competing native sagebrush-associated vegetation and converting disturbed areas to annual grasslands. We developed statistical analyses and approaches to assess current invasion patterns and future risk to provide support for restoration triage, and spatially targeted conservation and management actions.
Harrison, A-L., C. Poli, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Multi-scale habitat modeling in seabirds provides opportunities for conservation action. North American Congress for Conservation Biology, Missoula, Montana	July 2014	In the course of a year, individual seabirds may operate at spatial and temporal scales spanning 10 orders of magnitude. We use individual movement data from Caribbean seabirds to illustrate how a multi-scale approach may provide opportunities for conservation action.
Haney, J.C., J. Gleason, P.G.R. Jodice, P.E. Michael, K.M. Hixson, Y. Satgé, R.R. Wilson. 2022. Research applications from GoMMAPPS wildlife surveys to offshore wind energy development in the Gulf of Mexico. Atlantic Marine Bird Cooperative Annual Meeting (virtual).	November 2022	From 2017-2019, a multi-taxa project funded by BOEM gathered broad-scale information on distribution and abundance of seabirds using aerial and vessel surveys for priority species. Based on pilot analyses of seasonally- and spatially explicit data, we illustrate three applications to marine spatial planning in the mitigation hierarchy.
Hand, C., P.G.R. Jodice, F.J. Sanders. 2008. Research on the half shell: diet composition of American Oystercatchers during the nonbreeding season. Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting, Mobile, Alabama	April 2008
Hand, C., P.G.R. Jodice, F.J. Sanders. 2006. Foraging ecology of American Oystercatchers during the nonbreeding season in the Cape Romain Region. American Oystercathcer Working Group, Cedar Key, FL.	December 2006
Green Sea Turtles and Marine Ecosystem Health: A Case Study From Palmyra Atoll. 2013. K. McFadden and E. Naro-Maciel. International Congress for Conservation Biology, Baltimore, Maryland.	July 2013	First examination of health status and exposure of contaminants at a remote Pacific Atoll for endangered sea turtle species.
Grace, J., M. Ottinger, T. Maness, P. Jodice, R. Wilson. 2024. Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines: Avian Health Metrics. Gulf of Mexico Annual Conference, Tampa, Florida.	February 2024	The Gulf of Mexico Avian Monitoring Network recently developed Strategic Bird Monitoring Guidelines to provide in-depth analysis for seven avian taxonomic groups and to identify data gaps and uncertainties. One area of focus is the assessment of avian health, and here we review health metrics that can be used to ascertain the condition of individuals and populations of focal avian species in the Gulf.
Grabowski, T. B., and J. J. Isely. 2004. Movement of robust redhorse in the Savannah River. South Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual Meeting. Georgetown, SC.	February 2004
Grabowski, T. B., and J. J. Isely. 2003. Movement of robust redhorse in the Savannah River. South Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual Meeting. McCormick, SC.	March 2003
Grabowski T.B., and J.J. Isely. Spatial and temporal habitat segregation by spawning fishes in the Savannah River. Joint Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, South Carolina Chapter and South Carolina Fishery Workers Association. Clemson, SC. 07 February 2005.	February 2005
Grabowski T.B., and J.J. Isely. Spatial and temporal habitat segregation by spawning fishes in the Savannah River. 29th Annual Larval Fish Conference. Barcelona, Spain. 11 July 2005.	July 2005
Grabowski T.B., and J.J. Isely. Spatial and temporal habitat segregation by spawning fishes in the Savannah River. 135th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Anchorage, AK. 13 September 2005.	September 2005
Grabowski T.B., and J.J. Isely. Spatial and temporal habitat segregation by spawning catostomids in the Savannah River, Georgia and South Carolina. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Georgia Chapter. Gainesville, GA. 24 January 2006.	January 2006
Grabowski T.B., and J.J. Isely. Savannah River robust redhorse research-final report. 11th Annual Meeting of the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee. McCormick, SC. 19 October 2005.	October 2005
Grabowski T.B., N.L. Ratterman, and J.J. Isely. Age, growth, and mortality rate estimates of Savannah River catostomids. 12th Annual Meeting of the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee. McCormick, SC. 17 October 2006.	October 2006
Gorzo, J.*, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2011. Bird Community Distribution on Golf Courses in Coastal Beaufort County, SC. Joint Annual Meeting Assoc. Field Ornithologists, Cooper Ornithological Society, Wilson Ornithological Society, Kearney, Nebraska [Poster]	March 2011
Godar, A.J., C.P. Griffin, B.A. Grisham, D.A. Haukos, S.R. Fritts, B.E. Ross, C.W. Boal, C.A. Hagen, M.A. Patten, and J.C. Pitman. 2017. Combining weather data and climate projections: a case study with Lesser Prairie-Chickens. Annual meeting of the Midwest Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Lincoln, NE.	February 2017	Use of climate change projections is important to predict future conditions for grassland birds. Using lesser prairie-chickens as a case study, we demonstrate how climate data can be used in an integrated population model.
Godar, A.J., B.A. Grisham, B.E. Ross, C.W. Boal, S.R. Fritts, C.P. Griffin, C.A. Hagen, D.A. Haukos, M.A. Patten, and J.C. Pitman. 2016. Rangewide assessment of the influence of climate change on lesser prairie-chicken population persistence. North American Ornithological Congress, Washington, D.C.	August 2016	Climate change will greatly affect lesser prairie-chicken population demography. This affect will be greatest in the sand shinnery oak prairie of the southwest portion of the species range.
Gleason, J.S., R. Wilson, P.G.R. Jodice, J.E. Lyons, E.F. Zipkin, E.D. Silverman, J.C. Haney, Y. G. Satge, E.A. Adams, S.D. Earsom, M.D. Koneff, J.S. Wortham. Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS): a Nexus to Regulatory Decision-Making. Annual Meeting of the American Ornithological Society, Tuscon, Arizona	April 2018	The Seabird Project of GoMMAPPS is anticipated to be the most spatially and temporally extensive avian research effort ever conducted in the GoM. The over-arching objective of the Seabird Project is to collect broad-scale information on the distribution and abundance of priority seabird species in the GoM to inform seasonally- and spatially-explicit density estimates.
Gleason, J.S., P.E. Michael, K.M. Hixson, J.C. Haney, Y.G. Satgé, and PGR Jodice. 2024. Observations of non-marine avifauna during seabird vessel surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico (2017-2019). Gulf of Mexico Conference, Tampa, FL.	February 2024	We used vessel-based observations from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species (GoMMAPPS) to identify and characterize distinct seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico as well as to identify non-marine avifauna in the Gulf. Detections classified as non-marine avifauna accounted for 12.6% of all avifauna detections, 13.7% of all individual birds, and 63.6% of all avifauna species that were identified.
Giles, M.*, P.G.R. Jodice, J. Stanton, M. Epstein. 2011. Migratory pathways and migration chronology of Canada geese wintering at the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Grand Island, Nebraska	March 2011
Froehly, J.L., A. Tegeler, B. Ross, C. Jachowski, P. Jodice, and D.S. Jachowski. 2017. Loggerhead shrike occupancy in South Carolina. American Ornithology Society, Lansing, Michigan.	August 2017	We provide first estimates of occupancy of loggerhead shrike in South Carolina. Our model will be used to project occupancy over different habitat types across the state.
Friebel, B.A., and P.G.R. Jodice. Determination of feral hog movement patterns in Congaree National Park, South Carolina. [Poster] Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Annual Meeting. Determination of feral hog movement patterns in Congaree National Park, South Carolina.	March 2005
Friebel, B.A., P.G.R. Jodice. 2006. Movement patterns of feral hogs in the Congaree National Park, South Carolina. Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Annual Meeting	February 2006
Friebel, B.A., P.G.R. Jodice, W.A. Huslander. Home range sizes of feral hogs in the Congaree National Park, South Carolina. National Conference on Wild Pigs, Mobile, AL.	May 2006
Fontenot, Q. C., J. J. Isely, and C. R. Allen. February 2000. Effects of Ingesting red imported fire ants on fishes. Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Midyear Meeting. Savannah, GA.	February 2000
Fontenot, Q. C., J. J. Isely, and C. R. Allen. February 2000. Effects of Ingesting red imported fire ants on fishes. South Carolina Fisheries Workers Association Annual Meeting. Clemson, SC.	February 2000
Finney, S. S., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement of artificially passed shortnose sturgeon above a lock and dam: preliminary results. Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Augusta, GA.	February 2002
Finney, S. S., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement of artificially passed shortnose sturgeon above a lock and dam: preliminary results. Annual Midyear Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Little Rock, AR.	February 2002
Finney, S. S., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement of artificially passed shortnose sturgeon above a lock and dam: preliminary results. Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Fisheries Association. Isle of Palms, SC.	February 2002
Finney, S. S., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement of artificially passed shortnose sturgeon above a lock and dam: preliminary results. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Baltimore, MD.	January 2002
Finn, R. N., M. Lenhardt, A Ferrara, P. Cakic, J. J. Isely, M. S. Even and H. J. Fyhn. 2001. Yolk proteins and free amino acids in Acipenseriformes. Tenth European Congress of Ichthyology, Prague, Chechoslovachia.	September 2001
Finn, R. H., M. Lenhardt, A. Ferrara, P. Cakic, J. J. Isely, J. Dean, M. S. Evjen, and H. J. Fyhn. 2002. Yolk proteins and free amino acids in Acipenseriformes. 26th Annual Larval Fish Conference. Bergen, Norway	July 2002
Fink, M., Casey, S., Cribb, T., Bacot, M., Powell, D., Sealy, H., Jamison, A., Yarrow, G., Buchholtz, E. (2024). Wild Hogs on the Clemson Experimental Forest. Poster presentation at Clemson University 19th Annual Focus on Creative Inquiry Forum, Clemson, SC. 3-5 April 2024.	April 2024	This study examined the home ranges and habitat use of invasive wild hogs in Clemson, South Carolina, where they have not been previously studied. Our findings will provide new information that is of interest to wildlife and forestry managers as well as the public who use the land because the study area is in a place with natural resources and public recreation.
Ferguson, Lisa; Jennifer Goyette; Patrick Jodice; David Evers. Post-breeding movements and habitat use of Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) in southern USA. 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa	October 2015	We analyzed telemetry data for Black Skimmers fitted with satellite and VHF transmitters to characterize post-breeding movements, habitat use, and to better identify key wintering areas. Black Skimmer movements tended to follow coastal routes and be characterized by relatively short-distance, wandering flights, though directed and long-distance movements were documented in some individuals.
Ferguson, L.M., and P.G.R. Jodice. Ticks and Chicks: Is there an effect of soft ticks on physiological condition of pelican nestlings? South Carolina Chapter of the Wildlife Society, Edgefield, SC.	March 2006
Ferguson, L.M., P.G.R. Jodice, and K. M. O'Reilly. Effect of ectoparasites on corticosterone levels of Brown Pelican nestlings. [Poster] Joint Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group and The Waterbird Society, Portland, OR. Best Student Poster Award.	January 2005
Ferguson, L.M., P.G.R. Jodice, K. M. O'Reilly. Adrenocortical response of Brown Pelican nestlings to ectoparasite infestation. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Girdwood, AK.	February 2006
Ferguson, L.M.*, J. Speakman, P. Redman, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Energetics of Brown Pelican Nestlings. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Juneau, Alaska.	February 2014	Estimates of daily energy expenditure in young seabirds are sparse. Current energetics models for growing birds are largely based on species with precocial young that nest at high-latitudes. To improve this information gap, we measured daily energy expenditure (DEE) in altricial Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) nestlings at a sub-tropical colony in Charleston County, South Carolina, USA.
Ferguson, L., Y. Satge, J. Tavano, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Seabird Colony Registry and Atlas: South Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida. The Waterbird Society, New Bern, North Carolina. [Poster]	September 2016	We created a Seabird Colony Registry and Atlas for the southeastern US, including South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida, to aid in the conservation of seabird populations that utilize the coast in this region. This product will assist local, state, and federal resource managers with the development of regional plans, production of robust population estimates, and evaluation of important bird use areas.
Evers, D., P.G.R. Jodice, P. Frederick. 2011. Assessing injury to colonial waterbirds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Oil Spill Symposium, Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Grand Island, Nebraska	March 2011
Ely, P. C., and J. J. Isely. Population size and passage efficiency of Alabama shad reaching Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam. South Carolina Fisheries Workers and Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society joint meeting, Tybee Island, GA. 14 January 2007.	January 2007
Ely, P. C., and J. J. Isely. Population size and passage efficiency of Alabama shad reaching Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam. 25th Annual Morone Workshop, Albany, GA. 7 February 2007.	January 2007
Ely, P. C., and J. J. Isely. 2008. Population size and passage of spawning Alabama shad reaching Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, FL. South Carolina Fisheries Workers and South Carolina Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Santee, SC.	September 2008
Ely, P. C., and J. J. Isely. 2008. Population size and passage of spawning Alabama shad reaching Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam, FL. Georgia Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Eatonton, GA.	September 2008
Eggert, L.M.F..*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2010. Intertidal habitat use and management of seabirds on a coastal island in South Carolina. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Long Beach, California	January 2010
Eggert, L.M.F..*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2009. Intertidal habitat use by birds on a coastal island. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey	November 2009
Eggert, L.M.F..*, P.G.R. Jodice, J.R. Speakman, P. Redman. 2009. Energetics of Black Skimmer nestlings. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey [Poster]	November 2009
Eggert, L.M.F..*, P.G.R. Jodice, F. Sanders, G. Brooks. 2010. Conservation challenges and successes for seabirds in South Carolina, USA: Importance of longterm monitoring and research partnerships. First World Seabird Conference, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.	September 2010
Eggert, L.M.F., P.G.R. Jodice. 2007. Seabird research on protected islands in South Carolina. Shorebird conservation workshop, Huntington Beach State Park, SC	August 2007
Eggert, L.M.F., P.G.R. Jodice, T. Norton. 2008. Health assessments of Brown Pelican nestlings. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Blaine, Washington	February 2008
Eggert, L.M.F.*, P.G.R. Jodice. 2008. Parasitized Brown Pelican nestlings have increased rates of growth at sublethal levels of infestation. American Ornithological Union Annual Meeting, Portland, Oregon	June 2008
Eggert, L.M.F.*, P.G.R. Jodice, T. Norton. 2008. Health assessments of Brown Pelican nestlings. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Blaine, Washington [Poster]	February 2008
Eggert, L.M.F.*, P.G.R. Jodice, T. Norton. 2008. Health assessments of Brown Pelican nestlings at colonies in South Carolina and Georgia. Southeastern Seabird Working Group Annual Meeting, Charleston, South Carolina.	March 2008
Eggert, L.M.F.*, P.G.R. Jodice, P. Redman, J.R. Speakman. 2009. Daily energy expenditure in Black Skimmer chicks. Pacific Seabird Group Annual Meeting, Hakodate, Japan [Poster]	November 2009
Eggert, L., D. Evers, P.G.R. Jodice, M. Yates, D. Yates, J. Goyette, and D. Meattey. 2011. Movements of Brown Pelicans and Black Skimmers from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill injury assessment. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Annapolis, Maryland	November 2011
Eggert, L., D. Evers, J. Goyette, P.G.R. Jodice, D. Meattey, M. Yates. 2011. Regional differences in mercury exposure in Brown Pelicans and Black Skimmers. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Annapolis, Maryland	November 2011
Effects of Habitat on Small Mammal Diversity and Abundance in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. M. Majyambere and K. McFadden. 2013. International Congress for Conservation Biology, Baltimore, Maryland.	July 2013	Will contribute to a better understanding of the role edges of natural reserves play in conserving biodiversity.
Duncan, M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2003. Spawning activity of migrating adult shortnose sturgeon in the Pinopolis Lock and Dam tailrace: preliminary results. South Carolina Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual Meeting. McCormick, SC.	March 2003
Duncan, M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2003. Spawning activity of migrating adult shortnose sturgeon in the Pinopolis Lock and Dam tailrace: preliminary results. Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society annual Meeting. Rome, GA.	February 2003
Duncan, M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Spawning activity of migrating adult shortnose sturgeon in the Pinopolis Lock and Dam tailrace: preliminary results. Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Augusta, GA.	February 2002
Duncan, M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Spawning activity of migrating adult shortnose sturgeon in the Pinopolis Lock and Dam tailrace: preliminary results. Annual Midyear Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Little Rock, AR.	February 2002
Duncan, M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Spawning activity of migrating adult shortnose sturgeon in the Pinopolis Lock and Dam tailrace: preliminary results. Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Fisheries Association. Isle of Palms, SC.	January 2002
Duncan, M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Spawning activity of migrating adult shortnose sturgeon in the Pinopolis Lock and Dam tailrace: preliminary results. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Baltimore, MD.	August 2002
Duncan, M., B. M. Wrege and J. J. Isely. 2008. Movement and habitat use by Gulf of Mexico sturgeon in Pensacola and Escambia Bays, Florida. 138th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Ottawa, Canada.	September 2008
Dolan, S., R. Reid, B. E. Ross, and A. Woodward. 2020. Establishing a photographic monitoring protocol for the endangered Rock Gnome Lichen to assess population stability. Botany 2020: Annual Meeting of the Botanical Society of America in Anchorage, AK, USA. Poster.	July 2020	The current study compiled legacy data of rock gnome lichen and evaluated them for long-term trends. Additionally, this study established and validated a new photo-based monitoring protocol.
Denmon, P., and P.G.R. Jodice. [Poster] Royal Tern Working Group: Forming a Partnership for Conservation and Management of a Royal Tern Metapopulation on the Atlantic Coast. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Jekyll Island, GA.	October 2005
Daley, J.T., Bower, L. M., Farmer, T. M. (2024). A Potential Unifying Model to Assess Fish Thermal Tolerance. The Southern Division American Fisheries Society Meeting. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 2 February 2024	February 2024	The quantification of the thermal maxima via thermal tolerance experiments using the critical thermal maxima (CTmax) metric has been widely used but is marked by a lack of standardization. The Thermal Death Time Model could be a potential avenue to unify thermal tolerance experiments with the concept of additive injury. This model could unify thermal tolerance experiments and promote subsequent meta-analyses by providing a standardized method and estimate for the thermal tolerance of ectotherms.
Daley, J. T., Bower, L. M., Farmer, T. M., Stell, E. G., DeVries, D. R., Wright, R. (2024). Using Electron Transport System to Predict the Thermal Tolerance of SWAP Listed Fish Species. Southeastern Fishes Council Annual Meeting. Little Rock, Arkansas. 21 November 2024	November 2024	As climate change progresses, the quantification of thermal tolerances is essential in the conservation of thermal habitat for fish species. However, the methods used to quantify thermal tolerance vary and lack standardization, but electron transport system (ETS) experiments could provide a solution to this standardization problem. You examine the use of ETS to quantify the thermal tolerances of two SWAP species in the Edisto River, SC.
Cribb, T., Yarrow, G., Buchholtz, E. (2023). Tracking Wild Hogs on Clemson's Experimental Forest. Poster presentation at the 7th Annual Summer Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research Showcase, Clemson, SC. 22 August 2023.	August 2023	This study investigates the habitat use and movement of wild pigs in a multi-use area of interest in the Clemson University Experimental Forest. Wild pigs are an invasive species that can cause environmental and economic damage and findings can inform management actions to reduce costs.
Cribb, T., J. Allen, M. Belanger, T. Brazell, L. Dawkins, J. Farrell, M. Fink, K. Lentz, D. Powell, G. Sapp, N. Sparano, A. Jamison, E. Buchholtz, & G. Yarrow (2023). Hog wild in the forest: Home ranges and habitat use of wild hogs in Clemson, South Carolina. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society. Louisville, KY, 5 - 10 November 2023.	November 2023	This study examined the home ranges and habitat use of invasive wild hogs in Clemson, South Carolina, where they have not been previously studied. Our findings will provide new information that is of interest to wildlife and forestry managers as well as the public who use the land because the study area is in a place with natural resources and public recreation.
Cribb, T., Buchholtz, E., Yarrow, G., Jamison, A. 2024. Wild Hogs on the Clemson Experimental Forest: Radio/GPS tracking invasive wild hogs in Clemson, SC. Poster presentation at the 7th Annual Clemson University Student Research Forum, Clemson, SC. 3-5 April 2024.	April 2024	This study examined the home ranges and habitat use of invasive wild hogs in Clemson, South Carolina, where they have not been previously studied. Our findings will provide new information that is of interest to wildlife and forestry managers as well as the public who use the land because the study area is in a place with natural resources and public recreation.
Cribb, T., Buchholtz, E., Yarrow, G., Jamison, A. 2024. Wild Hogs on the Clemson Experimental Forest: Radio/GPS tracking invasive wild hogs in Clemson, SC. Poster presentation at the 2024 ACC Meeting of the Minds Student Conference, Notre Dame, IN. 5-7 April 2024.	April 2024	This study examined the home ranges and habitat use of invasive wild hogs in Clemson, South Carolina, where they have not been previously studied. Our findings will provide new information that is of interest to wildlife and forestry managers as well as the public who use the land because the study area is in a place with natural resources and public recreation.
Conway, K. W., Kubicek, K. M., Bower, L. M. Carson, E. W., Pinion, A. K. Hunt, E. P., and Portnoy D. S. Integrative Taxonomic Investigation of Cyprinella sp. Nueces, a Putative Undescribed Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas. Desert Fishes Council Annual Meeting. 2022.	November 2022	No formal taxonomic conclusions have been published on the validity of <i>C. </i>sp. Nueces, this "putative" species has recently been listed as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Texas. We use a combination of qualitative osteological characters, traditional meristic characters (e.g., numbers of fin rays, scales and vertebrae) and landmark-based geometric morphometric characters to assess whether differences in morphology and body shape exist between <i>C. lepida </i>and <i>C. <
Collins, S.*, P.G.R. Jodice, F. Sanders. 2011. Headstarting: An experimental study to improve nest success of American Oystercatchers. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Annapolis, Maryland	November 2011
Collins, S.*, P.G.R. Jodice, F. Sanders. 2011. Headstarting American Oystercatchers within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Grand Island, Nebraska	March 2011
Burns, L., S. Loeb, P.G.R. Jodice. 2015. Winter activity patterns of bats on the Cumberland Plateau. North American Bat Research Symposium, Monterey, California.	October 2015	We investigated winter bat activity in the Big South Fork River and Recreation Area (BISO) in TN and KY. While all detectors documented bat activity throughout the winter, activity was greatest at sites situated in open fields near ponds, with the least activity recorded in unburned forests.
Burns, L.*, S.C. Loeb, W.C. Bridges, P.G.R. Jodice. 2016. Following the flames? Bat Occupancy in Cumberland Plateau Forests Managed by Fire. North American Society for Bat Research, San Antonio, Texas.	October 2016	As the practice of prescribed burning becomes more common for the management of eastern forests, understanding if, and how, foraging bats respond to structural changes generated by fire is of increasing importance. Our objective was to investigate the effects of post-fire landscape conditions on the occurrence of foraging bats in mixed forests of the Cumberland Plateau physiographic region.
Burns, L.*, S. Loeb, W. Bridges, P.G.R. Jodice. 2014. Influence of prescribed fire on bat activity in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. North American Society for Bat Rsearch, Albany, New York.	October 2014	Our objective was to investigate bat activity in relation to burn history and vegetation structure in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, in Kentucky and Tennessee. Prescribed fire and its subsequent effect on forest structure increased the suitability of forested sites for bats in our study area.
Buchholtz, E.K., J.A. Heinrichs, M.S. O'Donnell, and C.L. Aldridge. Understanding past and present connectivity patterns for habitat and wildlife in the sagebrush biome. Annual Conference, The Wildlife Society, Spokane, WA. 6 - 10 November 2022.	November 2022	We investigated temporal connectivity patterns for the sagebrush biome of the western United States, and compared results to those of different wildlife guilds to assess the ability of analyses of connected vegetation to represent the movement connectivity needs of different kinds of wildlife. These findings could help characterize opportunities for proactive conservation of remaining sagebrush structural connectivity and identify degraded areas where targeted management could increase connecti
Buchholtz, E.K., J.A. Heinrichs, M.S. O'Donnell, and C.L. Aldridge. Patterns of structural connectivity in the sagebrush biome (1985-2018). Western Agencies 33rd Sage & Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse Workshop, Ogden, UT (virtual). 15 - 18 August 2022.	August 2022	We investigated temporal connectivity patterns for the sagebrush biome of the western U.S. to identify regions of the sagebrush biome that have lost connectivity in sagebrush cover, as well as areas of persistent connectivity and locations that are transitioning to pinch points in danger of disconnection. These findings can help characterize opportunities for proactive conservation of remaining structural connectivity of sagebrush across the biome and identify degraded areas where targeted mana
Buchholtz, E.K., J.A. Heinrichs, M.S. O'Donnell, and C.L. Aldridge. Patterns of structural connectivity in the sagebrush biome (1985-2018). North America Congress for Conservation Biology, Reno, NV. 17 - 21 July 2022.	July 2022	We investigated temporal connectivity patterns for the sagebrush biome of the western U.S. to identify regions of the sagebrush biome that have lost connectivity in sagebrush cover, as well as areas of persistent connectivity and locations that are transitioning to pinch points in danger of disconnection. These findings can help characterize opportunities for proactive conservation of remaining structural connectivity of sagebrush across the biome and identify degraded areas where targeted mana
Buchholtz, E.K., J.A. Heinrichs, A.L. Whipple, M.S. O'Donnell, and C.L. Aldridge. Capturing variation in functional connectivity for data-deficient wildlife species in Wyoming. Annual Conference, International Association for Landscape Ecology - North America, Riverside, CA. 19 - 23 March 2023.	March 2023	A well-connected landscape supports biodiversity and facilitates wildlife movement, however, adequate data to understand connectivity for each species and life stage is often lacking. Our objective was to create models that would capture the inter- and intra-specific variation in functional connectivity for data-limited species in the state of Wyoming using an omnidirectional circuit-based connectivity approach.
Buchholtz, E.K., J. Kreitler, D. Shinneman, M. Crist, & J. Heinrichs. Assessing large landscape patterns of potential fire connectivity using circuit methods. Presentation (virtual) Annual Meeting, Society for Rangeland Management, Boise, ID, 15-18 February 2023.	February 2023	Connectivity-based approaches may provide new ways to understand and manage fires, and we developed an omnidirectional circuit-based approach for modeling fire connectivity based on predicted fire spread rates in the Great Basin of the western United States. Our outputs characterized spatial heterogeneity in the landscape's capacity to transmit fire and may offer local- to landscape-level support for management actions that aim to disrupt fire spread and mitigate the costs of fire on the landsc
Buchholtz, E.K., J. Heinrichs, M. O'Donnell, A. Whipple and C. Aldridge. Multispecies connectivity: Insights across connectivity models and functional guilds in the Wyoming sagebrush ecosystem. The Wildlife Society Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD. 19 - 23 October 2024.	October 2024	This study investigated connectivity for multiple species in the sagebrush ecosystem using three connectivity models. Our results can inform conservation and management actions that benefit multiple species, such as designing corridors and maintaining habitat linkages, to facilitate functional and resilient ecosystems.
Buchholtz, E.K. Tigers, elephants, and everything in between: My path to a career in science. Invited, virtual presentation U.S. Geological Survey - Friday's Findings: Celebrating International Women's Day and the paths taken to a career in science. 8 March 2024.	March 2024	This talk highlighted the path of scientist Erin Buchholtz as a woman in science at the USGS.
Buchholtz, E. K., M. McDaniels, G. McCulloch, A. Songhurst, A. Stronza, and L. Fitzgerald (2023). Connectivity and conflict: What people, records, and GPS can tell us about elephant landscape use in northwestern Botswana. Annual Meeting, The Wildlife Society. Louisville, KY, 5 - 10 November 2023.	November 2023	African savanna elephants navigate heterogeneous environments, and combining a variety of data will inform our understanding of how they use the landscape. Through interviews, GPS collar data, regional records, and spatial analyses, we identified patterns that increase knowledge about elephant ecology and support human-elephant coexistence.
Brooks, G.*, P.G.R. Jodice, F. Sanders. 2011. Nest success of beach-nesting birds in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina, USA. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Grand Island, Nebraska	March 2011
Brooks, G.*, F. Sanders, P.G.R. Jodice. 2009. Preliminary investigation of factors influencing hatch success of beach-nesting birds within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Waterbird Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey [Poster]	November 2009
Bower, L.M. (2022). The influence of instream flow and microhabitat on larval fish abundance. Clemson Water Research Symposium. Clemson, South Carolina. 9 May 2022	May 2022	This study examines the patterns of larval fish abundance in relation to discharge and microhabitat water velocity to better understand fish spawning phenology and its connection to hydrology. Overall, our results suggest that the spatial and temporal patterns of larval fish abundance are influence by river hydrology and microhabitat variables.
Bower, L. M., Peoples, B. K., Eddy, M. C., & Scott, M. C. (2022). Quantifying flow–ecology relationships across flow regime class and ecoregions in South Carolina. UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference. June 2022.	June 2022	I am leading a symposium on environmental flows at the UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference. I am also presenting during this symposium.
Bower, L. M., Peoples, B. K., Eddy, M. C., & Scott, M. C. (2022). Quantifying flow–ecology relationships across flow regime class and ecoregions in South Carolina. Clemson Water Research Symposium. Clemson, South Carolina. 9 May 2022	May 2022	We quantified relationships among 24 metrics representing all components of the natural flow regime and biological response metrics for stream fish and macroinvertebrates across different flow classes and ecoregions. This work will help to inform the development environmental flow standards in the state of South Carolina, USA.
Bower, L. M., Peoples, B. K., Eddy, M. C., & Scott, M. C. (2022). Quantifying Flow Alteration-Ecology Relationships Across South Carolina. South Carolina Water Resources Conference. Columbia, South Carolina. 19 October 2022	October 2022	We identified flow regime components that induced the greatest ecological responses for individual stream classes to help managers prioritize hydrologic and biological metrics of interest during environmental flow standard development. We provide a flexible framework based on statistical flow-ecology relationships from which managers can enhance environmental flow standards for SC and assess the impact of stream flow alteration on aquatic assemblages.
Bower, L. M., Marion, C. A., Scott, M., Kubach, K., and Gelder, D. (2023). Stream fish assemblage and functional trait responses to dam removal. The American Fisheries Society Meeting. Grand Rapids, Michigan. 21 August 2023.	August 2023	The objective of this study was to quantify the changes in functional diversity base of life history traits and assemblage structure of stream fishes in response to dam removal in Twelvemile Creek, South Carolina. We found significant shifts in assemblage structure and decrease in equilibrium life history strategists after dam removal in the impounded sites, likely resulting in shift from stable lentic environment to unstable lotic environment.
Bower, L. M., Marion, C. A., Scott, M., Kubach, K., and Gelder, D. (2023). Stream fish assemblage and functional trait responses to dam removal. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Meeting. Chattanooga, Tennessee. 2 February 2024	February 2024	Dam removal is seen as an effective way of restoring riverine systems, yet few studies have explored the changes in stream fish functional and assemblage structure after dam removal. Our study suggests that small dam removal may provide major ecological benefits by shifting fish assemblages toward a natural riverine state and reversing the negative effects of dam construction.
Bower, L. M. (2023). Stream fish assemblage and functional trait responses to dam removal. The Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Norfolk, Virginia. 02 February 2023.	February 2023	The objective of this project is to quantify the changes in functional diversity and assemblage structure of stream fishes in response to the removal of two dams in Twelvemile Creek, South Carolina. We found a decrease in equilibrium life history strategists and change in functional diversity after dam removal.
Bailey, M. M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement and passage of American shad at the new savannah bluff lock and dam. Georgia Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Augusta, GA.	February 2002
Bailey, M. M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement and passage of American shad at the new savannah bluff lock and dam. Annual Midyear Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Little Rock, AR.	February 2002
Bailey, M. M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement and passage of American shad at the new savannah bluff lock and dam. Annual Meeting of the South Carolina Fisheries Association. Isle of Palms, SC.	January 2002
Bailey, M. M., J. J. Isely, and D. C. Cooke. 2002. Movement and passage of American shad at the new savannah bluff lock and dam. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Baltimore, MD.	August 2002
Annis, W. K., Peoples, B. K., Thompson, L., Midway, S. R., Bower, L. M., Olden, J. D. (2023). Elucidating the hierarchical relationships between mechanisms of stream fish taxonomic compositional change. The American Fisheries Society Meeting. Grand Rapids, Michigan. 21 August 2023.	August 2023	This study seeks to untangle the hierarchical relationships between the drivers of stream fish community homogenization across the conterminous United States using a community dataset spanning the conterminous US. We expect to find a greater contribution of nonnative richness to taxonomic change and complex direct and indirect effects of the invasion/extirpation drivers on each other as well as on nonnative richness and extirpations.
Ann Haynes-Sutton; William Mackin; J. Christopher Haney; Jennifer Wheeler; Lisa Sorenson; Patrick Jodice. An integrated approach to building capacity for seabird conservation in the Caribbean - a success story. 2nd World Seabird Conference, Cape Town, South Africa	October 2015	Between 2011-13 the Seabird Working Group (SWG) of Birds Caribbean (BC) undertook a 3 year capacity building project supported by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. We implemented 3 capacity-building training workshops with participants from >15 islands; produced a Caribbean seabird monitoring manual in English and Spanish; and provided >10 small grants that enabled participants to begin programs in their islands with mentoring from long-distance experts.
Adams, M., Tegeler, A., Hook, M., Small, M., & Ross, B.E. (2020). Effects of forest management on early-successional avian species in South Carolina. The Wildlife Society.	September 2020	This project will provide managers with occupancy estimates for ruffed grouse and golden-winged warblers in the Blue Ridge of South Carolina and this data can be used as a baseline for future population work within the state. Little work has been done to understand habitat use of ruffed grouse and golden-winged warblers at the edge of their range, so understanding the habitat use of both species in South Carolina will aid future conservation and habitat management efforts relevant to the state.
Abramowitz, C. M., Buchholtz, E. K., and Loeb, S. C. 2024. Bat use of fields in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. 52nd Annual Meeting, North American Society for Bat Research, Guadalajara, Mexico, 23-26 October 2024.	October 2024	Our results will help inform effective field management plans at BISO and other parks managing ESH. Additionally, our data will help elucidate the drivers of bat activity in ESH and provide more information and context on previously studied factors that are important to bat foraging use.
A.J. Godar, B.A. Grisham, B.E. Ross, C.W. Boal, D. Greene, C.P. Griffin, C.A. Hagen, D.A. Haukos, M.A. Patten, and J.C. Pitman. 2018. Rangewide lesser prairie-chicken population persistence with climate change. International Grouse Symposium, Logan, Utah.	September 2018	Weather events influence nearly all vital rates for lesser prairie-chickens though their effects vary by ecoregion. Our assessment of the effect of environmental conditions on population trends across the distribution of the species indicates southern populations in the MGP and SOP will have severe declines resulting in extinction for most climate projections unless managers take sufficient conservation efforts.

Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations	Publication Date
Zinsser, E. 2014. Nest success and habitat choice of Wilson's Plover. MS Thesis Clemson University	May 2014
Wrege, B.M. 2010. Characterization of Gulf Sturgeon Diel and Seasonal Activity in the Pensacola Bay System, Florida. Clemson University.	March 2010
Wilkinson, B.P. 2021. Ecological outcomes of movement behavior in Brown Pelicans from the South Atlantic Bight. PhD Dissertation, Clemson University	December 2021
Thompson, H. 2018. Wintering Ecology of Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Migratory Population. Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University	May 2018
Takahashi, Fumika. 2016. Shorebird Utilization of Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) Eggs at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. MS Thesis, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.	December 2016
Sullivan, S. 2015. Innovative Approaches to Manage and Reduce Wild Hog Damage to Agricultural Systems and Domestic Livestock Operations in South Carolina. MS Thesis, Clemson University	December 2015
Streker, R. 2019. Reproductive Ecology and Diet of Brown Pelicans in the Gulf of Mexico. MS Thesis Clemson University	April 2019
Schaffler, J. J. 2001. Movement of striped bass in Lake Murray, South Carolina. M. S. Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Clemson University.	May 2001
Poli, C. 2014. Spatial Ecology of Pelecaniformes. MS Thesis Clemson University	December 2014
Niles, M. Environmental and temporal patterns of larval fish communities and American Shad spawning in the lower Broad River, South Carolina. Masters Thesis. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. August 2023.	August 2023
Madden, H. 2017. Reproductive Ecology of Red-billed Tropicbirds. University of West Indies.	December 2017
Lucas, J. 2009. Roosting and Foraging Ecology of Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bats in the Congaree National Park. MS Thesis, Clemson University.	December 2009
Lisa Wickliffe, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, May 2006 – April 2008: Foraging Ecology of Seabirds in Relation to Commercial Shrimp Trawler Activity	April 2008
Lisa Ferguson, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, January 2004 – May 2006: Growth and Adrenocortical Response of Brown Pelican Nestlings in Relation to Ectoparasite Infestation in South Carolina	April 2006
Lawson, Abigail J. 2019. Reducing uncertainties in conservation decision-making for American alligators. Dissertation. Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA. 233 pp.	May 2019
Lamb, J. 2016 Ecological Drivers of Brown Pelican Movement Patterns and Reproductive Success in the Gulf of Mexico. PhD Dissertation Clemson University	May 2016
Kristin Meehan, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, June 2004 – December 2006: Landscape Scale Correlates of Fox Squirrel Presence on Golf Courses in Coastal South Carolina	December 2006
Keck, K. 2014. Assessing the Response of Small Mammal Functional Guilds to a Simulated Pathogen Attack in a Deciduous Forest Ecosystem.	May 2014
Jones, T. A. 2001. Habitat use of largemouth bass in a Savannah River tributary. M.S. Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Clemson University.	May 2001
Janet Thibault, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, August 2005 – August 2008: Nesting and Foraging Ecology of American Oystercatchers in the Cape Romain Region, South Carolina	August 2008
Ingram, T. R. 2007. Age, growth and fecundity of Alabama shad in the Apalachicola River, Florida. MS Thesis.	May 2007
Hill, Jacob. Movement ecology and habitat selection in Edisto River Striped Bass. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. January 2023.	January 2023
Harper, C.J. 2007. A large volume Striped Bass egg incubation chamber: design and comparison with a traditional method. M.S. Degree Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.	May 2009
Harper, C. D. 2008. A Large Volume Striped Bass Egg Incubation Chamber: Design and Comparison with a Traditional Method. M.S. Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University.	August 2008
Grabowski TB. 2006. Reproductive ecology and seasonal migrations of robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum) in the Savannah River, South Carolina and Georgia. Ph.D. dissertation. Clemson University. Clemson, South Carolina, USA.	May 2006
Gorzo, J. 2012. Avian Communities and Landscape Characteristics of Golf Courses within the Beaufort County Sea Island Complex, MS Thesis Clemson University	January 2012
Giles, M. 2010. Habitat Use and Home Ranges of Migratory Canada Geese in the Santee-PeeDee System. MS Thesis, Clemson University.	December 2010
Elena Sachs, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, May 2006 – December 2007: Provisioning Behavior in Brown Pelicans	December 2007
Eggert, L.M.F. 2012. Conservation Needs of Nearshore Seabirds in the Southeastern US Addressed Through Habitat Use Surveys and Assessments of Health and Mercury Concentrations. Clemson University	August 2012
Daley, J. Thermal Ecology of the Edisto River, South Carolina. PhD Dissertation. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina. August 2022.	August 2022
Collins, S. 2012. Reproductive Ecology of American Oystercatchers in the Cape Romain Region of South Carolina: Implications for Conservation. MS Thesis Clemson University	May 2012
Christy Hand, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, August 2006 – August 2008: Wintering Ecology of American Oystercatchers	August 2008
Burns, L. 2016. Seasonal Habitat Use and Activity of Bats in Relation to Prescribed Fire and Environmental Conditions. MS Thesis, Clemson University.	December 2016
Brooks, J. 2016. Effects of forest opening characteristics, prey abundance, and environmental factors on bat activity in the southern Appalachians. MS Thesis Clemson University.	August 2016
Brooks, G. 2011. Reproductive Success of Black Skimmers and Least Terns. MS Thesis, Clemson University.	June 2011
Brad Friebel, Dept. Forestry and Natural Resources, M.S. student, January 2005 – August 2007: Home Range and Habitat Use of Feral Hogs in Congaree National Park	August 2007

Technical Publications

Technical Publications	Publication Date
Marteinsdóttir, G., T.B. Grabowski, B.J. McAdam, V. Thorsteinsson, J.J. Isely, S.B. Kristgeirsson & S. Guðbjörnsson. 2008. Framvinduskýrsla til Verkefnasjóðs Sjávarútvegsins fyrir árið 2009 - Kortlagning líffræðilegs fjölbreytileika þorsks með áherslu á atferli í tengslum við æxlun og far [The importance of diversity in terms of stock structure, life history and behavior for the survival of the cod stock in Iceland]. Progress report to Rannís; Reykjavik, Iceland.	December 2008
Jodice, P.G.R., J. Tavano, W. Mackin. 2013. Chapter 8: Marine and coastal birds and bats. Pages 475-587 In: Michel, J. (ed.). South Atlantic information resources: data search and literature synthesis. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, LA. OCS Study BOEM 2013-01157.	September 2012
Jodice, P.G.R. Assessing the conservation value of golf courses for fox squirrels in coastal South Carolina. P. 49 In Nus, J.L. (ed) 2004 USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Summary. USGA Green Section	September 2005
Huff, M., Jodice, P.G.R., J. Baldwin, D.E. Mack, T. Max, S. Miller, S.K. Nelson, C.J. Ralph, M. Raphael, C. Strong, C. Thompson, and R.Wilk. 2002 Annual Report: The Marbled Murrelet Effectiveness Monitoring Program. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR. 27pp.	December 2003

Data or Software Releases

Type	Citation	Publication Date
Data Release	Wilkinson, B.P., and Jodice, P., 2022, Movement Data of Partially Migratory Brown Pelicans from the South Atlantic Bight: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9YH2U8D.	September 2022
Data Release	Wilkinson, B.P., and Jodice, P., 2022, Movement Data of Partially Migratory Brown Pelicans from the South Atlantic Bight: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9YH2U8D.	January 2022
Data Release	Wilkinson, B.P., Y.G Satgé, J.S. Lamb, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. GPS tracking of Brown Pelican in the South Atlantic Bight during cyclonic activity (2017-2018): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9D5IP0G.	September 2019
Data Release	Wilkinson, B.P., Y.G Satgé, J.S. Lamb, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. GPS tracking of Brown Pelican in the South Atlantic Bight during cyclonic activity (2017-2018): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9D5IP0G.	October 2019
Data Release	Wilkinson, B.P., Y.G Satgé, J.S. Lamb, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. GPS tracking of Brown Pelican in the South Atlantic Bight during cyclonic activity (2017-2018): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9D5IP0G.	April 2019
Data Release	Wilkinson, B.P, Jodice, P.G.R., and Robuck, A.R., 2021, Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in the Eggs of Brown Pelicans from Charleston, SC (2019): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9SKDFZU	November 2020
Data Release	Streker, R.A., J.S. Lamb, Y.G. Satgé, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Reproductive Physiology of Brown Pelican Along the Coast of Alabama, 2017-2018: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9AB53QZ.	September 2022
Data Release	Streker, R.A., J.S. Lamb, Y.G. Satgé, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Reproductive Physiology of Brown Pelican Along the Coast of Alabama, 2017-2018: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9AB53QZ.	October 2019
Data Release	Shyvers J.E., B.C. Tarbox, E.K. Buchholtz, A.P. Monroe, C.J. Duchardt, N J. Van Lanen, B.S. Robb, D.R. Edmunds, M.S. O’Donnell, and C.L. Aldridge. Raster layers of optimal conservation and restoration sites, ecological status, and connectivity to prioritize multi-species, sagebrush ecosystem management across Wyoming, USA. USGS ScienceBase data release.	April 2023
Data Release	Satgé, Y.G., E. Rupp, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. A preliminary report of ongoing research of the ecology of Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic – I: GPS tracking of breeding adults. Unpublished Report, South Carolina Cooperative Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA. U.S. Geological Survey, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9UHASY4	April 2019
Data Release	Satgé, Y.G., E. Rupp, A. Brown, P.G.R. Jodice. 2020. Nesting habitat suitability for the Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata on Hispaniola, Supplementary Material: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9FWJPBD.	January 2018
Data Release	Poli, C.L, A-L. Harrison, A. Vallarino, P.D. Gerard, Jodice, P.G.R. 2017. Dynamic oceanography predicts fine scale foraging behavior of Masked Boobies in the Gulf of Mexico. PLoS ONE 12(6): e0178318. https://www.movebank.org Movebank ID: 276604823	October 2019
Data Release	Lawson, A.J., and P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Mercury concentrations in American alligators in South Carolina, 2010-2017: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P98XHBCY	September 2019
Data Release	Lawson, A.J., Jodice, P.G., Rainwater, T.R., Hart, M., Butfiloski, J.W., Wilkinson, P.M., and Moore, C.T., 2022, American alligator demographic and harvest data from Georgetown County, South Carolina, 1979–2017: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9AEXW1Z.<br>	January 2022
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Brown Pelican Utilization Distribution, Breeding Season, Northern Gulf of Mexico, 2013-2015, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9K0HK27	September 2019
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R. Jodice. 2019. Brown Pelican Utilization Distribution, Breeding Season, Northern Gulf of Mexico, 2013-2015, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9K0HK27	October 2019
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R Jodice. 2019. Physiological Ecology of Brown Pelican in the Gulf of Mexico, 2013-2016: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94GBJ4G.	September 2019
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R Jodice. 2019. Physiological Ecology of Brown Pelican in the Gulf of Mexico, 2013-2016: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94GBJ4G.	July 2017
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satgé, P.G.R Jodice. 2019. Physiological Ecology of Brown Pelican in the Gulf of Mexico, 2013-2016: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P94GBJ4G.	April 2019
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Y.G. Satge, P.G.R. Jodice. 2017. Influence of density-dependent competition on foraging and migratory behavior of a subtropical colonial seabird. Ecology and Evolution 2017;00:1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.5441/001/1.7856r086	February 2017
Data Release	Lamb, J.S., Satgé, Y.G., and Jodice, P.G.R. 2017. Foraging ecology of Brown Pelican in the northern Gulf of Mexico (2013-2015): U.S. Geological Survey, https://doi.org/10.5066/F7R78D6J.	May 2017
Data Release	Jodice, P.G.R., and B.P. Wilkinson. 2020. At-sea movements of Masked Boobies from Pedro Cays, Jamaica, 2012: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9AK95EG.	September 2019
Data Release	Jodice, P.G.R., and B.P. Wilkinson. 2020. At-sea movements of Masked Boobies from Pedro Cays, Jamaica, 2012: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9AK95EG.	October 2019
Data Release	Ferguson, L.M., Y.G. Satgé, J. Tavano, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. Seabird colony registry and atlas for the Southeastern United States. Final Report to US FWS: U.S. Geological Survey, https://doi.org/10.5066/P96DIUD8	September 2022
Data Release	Ferguson, L.M., Y.G. Satgé, J. Tavano, and P.G.R. Jodice. 2018. Seabird colony registry and atlas for the Southeastern United States. Final Report to US FWS: U.S. Geological Survey, https://doi.org/10.5066/P96DIUD8	July 2017
Data Release	Buchholtz, E.K., M.S. O'Donnell, J.A. Heinrichs, and C.L Aldridge. 2023. Sagebrush structural connectivity yearly and temporal trends based on RCMAP sagebrush products, biome-wide from 1985 to 2020: U.S. Geological Survey data release https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ED3OHH.	October 2022
Data Release	Buchholtz, E.K. and Kreitler, J.R., 2023, Circuit-based potential fire connectivity and relative flow patterns in the Great Basin, United States, 270 meters: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9EA3E00.	April 2023
Data Release	Buchholtz, E.K. & J. Heinrichs. 2022. Landscape and connectivity metrics based on invasive annual grass cover from 2016-2018 summarized at 15 kilometer grid cells in the Great Basin, USA: U.S. Geological Survey data release. ScienceBase. https://doi.org/10.5066/P9B4H00Q.	January 2018
Data Release	Bradley, P.W., and Jodice, P.G., 2022, Interannual Breeding Movements of Brown Pelicans in the South Atlantic Bight: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9BZ5TL9.	September 2021

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: South Carolina
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

South Carolina Research Activities

Links

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: South Carolina Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

South Carolina Research Activities

Links

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: South Carolina
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources