Progress 08/01/06 to 08/01/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this project, my research group completed: 1) publications on dynamics of Santa Rosa beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM), 2) field studies to assess movement in response to artificial light and presence of predators, and 3) genetic analysis to determine how human development has affected gene flow and genetic diversity. SRBM currently is the only Florida beach mouse sub-species not listed as threatened or endangered by USFWS. However, similarities in habitat requirements, genetics, and threats to persistence between the SRBM and other beach mouse sub-species make SRBM a suitable model for exploring effects of disturbance on all beach mice. We also conducted research that: 1) identified structural features that influenced storm-related dune erosion along barrier-island ecosystems, 2) examined reproductive success of barn owls (Tito alba) in relation to harvesting cycles in sugar cane in the Everglades Agricultural Area, and 3) evaluated extinction/colonization dynamics of round-tailed muskrat (Neofiber alleni), an endemic mammal of Florida proposed as a Species of Special Concern because of loss of its wetland habitat. In addition to projects in Florida, we completed studies in Latin America related to impacts of roads, habitat fragmentation, synergistic effects of domestic pets and habitat fragmentation on wildlife, and conflicts of wildlife and agriculture, all of which are important issues in Florida. These included studies of impacts of habitat fragmentation on medium to large mammals in Mayan forest of Guatemala, evaluation of landscape level factors that determine crop damage by monk parakeets in Argentina, assessment of value of forest strips for medium to large mammals in agricultural landscapes in northern Argentina, and field research on impacts of introduced predators in fragmented landscapes of Ecuador and synergistic effects of roads and hunting on wildlife in the Amazon Basin. We also completed the first habitat model for Araucaria Tit Spinetails (Leptasthenura setaria), an endemic bird species in the highly endangered Araucaria forests of Argentina, and assessed the value of tree plantations as habitat for this species. Results of our research have been presented in reports and oral presentations to state and federal agencies (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Department of Defense) in Florida and to a variety of government agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations in Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina. We participated in a variety of workshops to share our data and conservation insights with managers (e.g., interagency workshop on conservation of beach mice). I gave the keynote address for an international workshop on research needs for protected areas in Salta, Argentina. My students and I organized a symposium on landscape-level approaches to conservation of wildlife for the X Latin American Congress on Wildlife Management. Also, I graduated 6 Ph.D. students and 2 M.S. students who conducted research related to this CRIS project. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the project include graduate students (Sonia Canvelli, Santiago Espinosa, Margo Stoddard, Dan Thornton, Galo Zapata-Rios, Mauricio Nunez-Regueiro, Alejandro Pietrek), postdoctoral researcher (Elliot Wilkinson), faculty from the National University of La Pampa, Argentina (Jose Luis Hierro, Diego Villarreal), and faculty from University of Florida (Debbie Miller, Mel Sunquist). The National University of La Pampa is one of four universities in Argentina with an undergraduate degree program in Natural Resources. Work on wildlife in agricultural landscapes of Argentina included collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural and Ranching Technology (INTA). Our collaborative work provides numerous training opportunities for students, interns, and researchers at these institutions, and this work supports University of Florida's goal of increasing the internationalization of the UF campus. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include government agencies that work with conservation and management of natural resources, professional wildlife biologists, researchers, and non-governmental conservation organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation of lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida and South America, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida and Argentina that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a scientific foundation for developing dune restoration strategies that benefit species of conservation concern, 2) established links between the movement behavior of beach mice and structural characteristics of the dune habitat that are important for understanding the impacts of hurricanes on this species, and 3) identified impacts of beach lighting associated with development on foraging behavior and movement patters of mice. These findings are being incorporated into management plans and restoration strategies of agencies working with endangered beach mice. We currently are working with natural resource agencies in La Pampa Province, Argentina, in application of our research to design of a system of protected areas. Research on Araucaria Spinetails provides data and habitat models for identification of habitat factors and forest patches critical for species persistence and supports restoration and reforestation programs. Our research on wildlife-agriculture impacts in Argentina is supporting new approaches for resolving these conflicts at the landscape level. Results of our research on impacts of introduced predators in fragmented forests of the Ecuadorian Andes have lead to implementation of a control program for introduced predators in national parks and reserves of Ecuador. Graduate students and post-doctoral researchers are incorporated in all aspects of research and, thus, this work provides an important training platform. In addition, our collaborative research with Argentine universities and natural resource agencies has contributed substantially to development of human resources for wildlife conservation in Argentina through training of faculty, students, and natural resource personnel. In addition, this work has led to cooperative agreements between the University of Florida and universities and research institutions in Argentina that promote long term collaboration.
Publications
- Branch, L.C., K.A. Kainer, G. Zapata Rios, S. Espinosa y B. A. Loiselle. 2013. (In press). El Programa de la Universidad de Florida para la Conservacion y el Desarrollo Tropical (TCD): Una estrategia Interdisciplinaria para entrenar a la siguiente generacion de conservacionistas en el tropico y otras regiones geograficas del hemisferio sur. Memorias de la XCIMFAUNA, Salta, Argentina.
- Canavelli, S. B, M.E. Swisher, and L. C. Branch. 2013. (In press). Influence of socio-psychological and socio-demographic factors on farmers preferences for management strategies to decrease monk parakeet damage to crops. Human Dimensions of Wildlife.
- Thornton, D.H., L. C. Branch, and M.E. Sunquist. 2012. Response of large galliforms and tinamous (Cracidae, Phasianidae, Tinamidae) to habitat loss and fragmentation in northern Guatemala. Oryx 46:567-576.
- Wilkinson, E. B., L. C. Branch, and D. L. Miller. 2012. Use of track tubes to detect changes in abundance of beach mice. Journal of Mammalogy 93(3):791-798.
- Gonzalez-Roglich, M., J. Southworth, and L. C. Branch. 2012. The role of private lands for conservation: Land cover change analysis in the Caldenal savanna ecosystem, Argentina. Applied Geography 34(2):281-288.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the current reporting period, my research group completed: 1) a synthesis report on the behavior and population dynamics of the Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM), 2) field experiments to assess how this species alters movement in response to artificial light on beaches and the presence of predators, and 3) a landscape-scale genetics model that evaluates how human development has affected gene flow and genetic diversity in populations of the Santa Rosa beach mouse. This sub-species currently is the only Florida beach mouse sub-species not listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS. However, similarities in habitat requirements, genetic relatedness and threats to persistence between the SRBM and other beach mouse sub-species make SRBM a suitable model for exploring effects of disturbance on all beach mice. In addition, we completed analyses and published manuscripts on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on medium to large mammals in the tropical Mayan forest of Guatemala, evaluated landscape level factors that determine crop damage by monk parakeets in northern Argentina, and assessed the value of forest strips for medium to large mammals in rapidly changing agricultural landscapes in northern Argentina. We also are in the process of conducting research on impacts of introduced predators in fragmented landscapes of Ecuador and synergistic effects of roads and hunting on wildlife in the Amazon Basin. Results of our research have been presented in reports and oral presentations to state and federal agencies (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Department of Defense) in Florida and to a variety of government agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations in Guatemala,Ecuador and Argentina. We also have participated in several workshops to share our data and conservation insights with managers. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the project include graduate students (Sonia Canvelli, Santiago Espinosa, Margo Stoddard, Dan Thornton, Galo Zapata-Rios, Mauricio Nunez-Regueiro, Alejandro Pietrek), postdoctoral researcher (Elliot Wilkinson), faculty from the National University of La Pampa, Argentina (Jose Luis Hierro, Diego Villarreal), and faculty from University of Florida (Debbie Miller, Mel Sunquist). The National University of La Pampa is one of four universities in Argentina with an undergraduate degree program in Natural Resources. Work on wildlife in agricultural landscapes of Argentina included collaboration with the National Institute of Agricultural and Ranching Technology (INTA). Our collaborative work provides numerous training opportunities for students, interns, and researchers at these institutions, and this work supports University of Florida's goal of increasing the internationalization of the UF campus and producing graduates who are global citzens. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include government agencies that work with conservation and management of natural resources, professional wildlife biologists, researchers, and non-governmental conservation organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation of lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida and South America, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida, Guatamala, Ecuador and Argentina that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a scientific foundation for developing dune restoration strategies that benefit species of conservation concern, 2) established links between the movement behavior of beach mice and structural characteristics of the dune habitat that are important for understanding the impacts of hurricanes on this species, and 3) identified impacts of beach lighting associated with development on foraging behavior and movement patters of mice. These findings are being incorporated into management plans and restoration strategies of agencies working with endangered beach mice. We currently are working with natural resource agencies in La Pampa Province, Argentina, in application of our research to design of a system of protected areas. Our research on wildlife-agriculture impacts in Argentina is supporting new approaches for resolving these conflicts at the landscape level. Results of our research on impacts of introduced predators in fragmented forests of the Ecuadorian Andes have lead to implementation of a control program for introduced predators in national parks and reserves of Ecuador. Graduate students and post-doctoral researchers are incorporated in all aspects of research and, thus, this work provides an important training platform. In addition, our collaborative research with Argentine universities and natural resource agencies has contributed substantially to development of human resources for wildlife conservation in Argentina through training of faculty, students, and natural resource personnel.
Publications
- Rodriguez-Cabal, M. and L. C. Branch. 2011. Influence of habitat factors on the distribution and abundance of a marsupial seed disperser. Journal of Mammalogy 92(6):1245-1252.
- Hierro, J. L., K. L. Clark, L. C. Branch, and D. Villarreal. 2011. Native herbivore exerts contrasting effects on fire regime and vegetation structure. Oecologia 166:1121-1129.
- Schooley, R. L. and L. C. Branch. 2011. Habitat quality of source patches and connectivity in fragmented landscapes. Biodiversity and Conservation 20:1611-1623.
- Pietrek, A. and L.C. Branch. 2011. Native plantations as an important element for biodiversity in vanishing forested landscapes: a study of the threatened Araucaria Tit Spinetail (Leptasthenura setaria, Furnariidae). Austral Ecology 36:109-116.
- Thornton, D.H., L. C. Branch, and M. Sunquist. 2011. The influence of landscape, patch and within-patch factors on species presence and abundance: a review of focal patch studies. Landscape Ecology 26:7-18.
- Thornton, D.H., L. C. Branch, and M. Sunquist. 2011. Passive sampling effects and landscape location alter the relationship between species traits and vulnerability to fragmentation. In press. Ecological Applications 21(3): 817-829.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the current reporting period, my research group completed: 1) data analysis for mark-recapture studies of the Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM) to characterize demographic processes in different habitats, 2) field experiments and radio telemetry studies to assess how this species alters movement in response to habitat fragmentation, and 3) genetic sampling and data analysis to determine how human development has affected gene flow and genetic diversity in populations of the Santa Rosa beach mouse. This sub-species currently the only Florida beach mouse sub-species not listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS. However, similarities in habitat requirements, genetic relatedness and threats to persistence between the SRBM and other beach mouse sub-species make SRBM a suitable model for exploring effects of disturbance on all beach mice. In addition, we completed three manuscripts on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on medium to large mammals in the tropical Mayan forest of Guatemala and preliminary analyses of the landscape level factors that determine crop damage by monk parakeets in northern Argentina and a manuscript on the ecosystem function of burrowing rodents in the semiarid scrub of central Argentina. We also are in the process of conducting new research on the effects of habitat fragmentation in Chaco forest of NW Argentina and impacts of introduced predators in fragmented landscapes of Ecuador. Results of our research have been presented in reports and oral presentations to state and federal agencies (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Department of Defense) in Florida and to a variety of government agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations in Guatemala and Argentina. We also have participated in several workshops to share our data and conservation insights with managers. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the project include graduate students (Sonia Canvelli, Eduardo Espinosa, Margo Stoddard, Dan Thornton, Galo Zapata-Rios, Mauricio Nunez-Regueiro), postdoctoral researcher (Elliot Wilkinson), faculty from the National University of La Pampa, Argentina (Jose Luis Hierro, Diego Villarreal), and faculty from University of Florida (Debbie Miller). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include government agencies that work with conservation and management of natural resources, professional wildlife biologists, researchers, and non-governmental conservation organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation of lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida and South America, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida and Argentina that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a scientific foundation for developing dune restoration strategies that benefit species of conservation concern, 2) established links between the movement behavior of beach mice and structural characteristics of the dune habitat that are important for understanding the impacts of hurricanes on this species, and 3) identified links between survivorship of beach mice and landscape-level habitat features that provide important insights for defining habitat quality for this species. These findings are being incorporated into management plans and restoration strategies of agencies working with endangered beach mice. We currently are working with natural resource agencies in La Pampa Province, Argentina, in application of our research to design of a system of protected areas. Our research on wildlife-agriculture impacts in Argentina is supporting new approaches for resolving these conflicts at the landscape level. Results of our research on impacts of introduced predators in fragmented forests of the Ecuadorian Andes have lead to implementation of a control program for introduced predators in national parks and reserves of Ecuador. Graduate students and post-doctoral researchers are incorporated in all aspects of research and, thus, this work provides an important training platform. In addition, our collaborative research with Argentine universities and natural resource agencies has contributed substantially to development of human resources for wildlife conservation in Argentina through training of faculty, students, and natural resource personnel.
Publications
- Hokit, D. G., M. Assunce, J. Ernst, L. C. Branch, and A. M. Clark. 2010. Ecological metrics are better predictors of genetic connectivity than geographic distance. Conservation Genetics 11(1):149-159.
- Martin, J. M, L. C. Branch, R. N. Raid, and S. C. Beyeler. 2010. Temporal instability of agricultural habitat reduces reproductive success of barn owls (Tyto alba). Auk 127(4):909-916.
- Pietrek, A. and L.C. Branch. 2010. Native plantations as an important element for biodiversity in vanishing forested landscapes: a study of the threatened Araucaria Tit Spinetail (Leptasthenura setaria, Furnariidae). Austral Ecology. In press.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the current reporting period, my research group completed data analysis for large scale surveys and a habitat assessment for the Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM). We also completed mark-recapture studies to characterize demographic processes in different habitats and initiated field experiments to assess how this species alters movement in response to habitat fragmentation. The Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM) is currently the only Florida beach mouse sub-species not listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS. However, similarities in habitat requirements, genetic relatedness and threats to persistence between the SRBM and other beach mouse sub-species make SRBM a suitable model for exploring effects of disturbance on all beach mice. Other research activities include completion of a manuscript on reproductive success of barn owls (Tito alba) that relates reproductive success to harvesting cycles in sugar cane via changes in rodent abundance with sugar cane harvest. This work was conducted in the Everglades Agricultural Area, which has some of the most dense populations of barn owls recorded. We also completed manuscripts for the first habitat model for Araucaria Tit Spinetails (Leptasthenura setaria), an endemic bird species in the highly endangered Araucaria forests of northeastern Argentina, and assessed the value of tree plantations as habitat for this species. In this study, we used a patch occupancy approach corrected for detectability to determine factors that influenced the presence of Araucaria Tit Spinetails at three scales: patch, landscape and biogeographic region in Araucaria remnants and plantations. In addition, we completed a study of the impacts of habitat fragmentation on medium to large mammals in the tropical Mayan forest of Guatemala and initiated a new study on the effects of habitat fragmentation in Chaco forest of NW Argentina. Results of our research have been presented in reports and oral presentations to state and federal agencies (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Department of Defense) in Florida and to a variety of government agencies and non-governmental conservation organizations in Guatemala and Argentina. We also have participated in several workshops to share our data and conservation insights with managers. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the project include graduate students (Alejandro Pietrek, Alex Pries, Jason Martin, Margo Stoddard, Mauricio Nunez-Regueiro), postdoctoral researchers (Elliot Wilkinson, Robert Schooley), former graduate students (Marcela Machicote, Susan Walker, Andres Novaro), faculty from the National University of La Pampa, Argentina (Jose Luis Hierro, Diego Villarreal), faculty from University of Florida (Debbie Miller, Richard Raid), and researchers from the US Forest Service (Ken Clark). TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences include government agencies that work with conservation and management of natural resources, professional wildlife biologists, researchers, and non-governmental conservation organizations. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation of lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida and South America, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida and Argentina that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a scientific foundation for developing dune restoration strategies that benefit species of conservation concern, 2) established links between the movement behavior of beach mice and structural characteristics of the dune habitat that are important for understanding the impacts of hurricanes on this species, and 3) identified links between survivorship of beach mice and landscape-level habitat features that provide important insights for defining habitat quality for this species. These findings are being incorporated into management plans and restoration strategies of agencies working with endangered beach mice. We currently are working with natural resource agencies in La Pampa Province, Argentina, in application of our research to design of a system of protected areas. Research on Araucaria Spinetails provides data and habitat models for identification of habitat factors and forest patches critical for species persistence and supports restoration and reforestation programs. Graduate students and post-doctoral researchers are incorporated in all aspects of research and, thus, this work provides an important training platform. In addition, our collaborative research with Argentine universities and natural resource agencies has contributed substantially to development of human resources for wildlife conservation in Argentina through training of faculty, students, and natural resource personnel.
Publications
- Schooley, R. L. and L. C. Branch. 2009. Enhancing the area-isolation paradigm: habitat heterogeneity and metapopulation dynamics of a rare wetland mammal. Ecological Applications 19(7):1708-1722.
- Pries, A.J., L.C. Branch, and D.L. Miller. 2009. Landscape dynamics and spatial distribution of beach mice in hurricane fragmented landscapes. Journal of Mammalogy 90(4):841-850.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the current reporting period, my research group completed large scale surveys and a habitat assessment for the Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM). We also initiated field experiments to assess how this species responds to habitat fragmentation, particularly as a result of hurricanes. The Santa Rosa beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus leucocephalus; SRBM) is currently the only Florida beach mouse sub-species not listed as threatened or endangered by the USFWS. However, similarities in habitat requirements, genetic relatedness and threats to persistence between the SRBM and other beach mouse sub-species make SRBM a suitable model for exploring effects of disturbance on all beach mice. We incorporated three undergraduate students as interns on this project and therefore provided training opportunities in addition to research. We also developed the first habitat model for Araucaria Tit Spinetails (Leptasthenura setaria), an endemic bird species in the highly endangered Araucaria forests of northeastern Argentina, and assessed the value of tree plantations as habitat for this species. In this study, we used a patch occupancy approach corrected for detectability to determine factors that influenced the presence of Araucaria Tit Spinetails (Leptasthenura setaria) at three scales: patch, landscape and biogeographic region in Araucaria remnants and plantations. We also completed manuscripts for habitats assessment of the round-tailed muskrat (Neofiber alleni), an endemic mammal of Florida which has been proposed as a Species of Special Concern because of loss of its wetland habitat, and the monito del monte (Dromiciops gliroides), an endemic marsupial in the temperate rainforests of Argentina. Other research activities include completion of an assessment of the impacts of different densities of barn owls (Tito alba) on rodents in the Everglades agricultural area and publication of our study that identifies structural and spatial features that influence storm-related dune erosion along a barrier-island ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico. Our work on dune erosion on barrier-islands serves as a basis to understand the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes on the habitat of threatened and endangered beach mice that live along the coast of Florida. Research in the Everglades agricultural area also included experimental assessment of the impacts of different species of rodents on sugarcane. In addition, we completed analysis of a large dataset on the impacts of the plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus, family Chinchillidae), on ecosystem structure. This work demonstrates that burrowing rodents can have major roles in shaping carbon and nitrogen dynamics at the ecosystem level. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: Deborah Miller (University of Florida, Milton campus) serves as Co-PI on the beach mouse research supported by funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Elliot Willkinson, a post-doctoral researcher, is supervising field research on beach mice. Partners in the beach mouse work include the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Collaborators on other research include Susan Walker (Wildlife Conservation Society, Argentina), Diego Villarreal (National University of La Pampa, Argentina) and Robert Schooley (University of Illinois). The following graduate students conducted thesis research under this project: Mariano Rodriguez Cabal, Jason Martin, Alex Pries, and Dan Thornton. This project provided training for more than a dozen interns (undergraduate students and recent graduates) that participated in research on muskrats in Florida and monito del monte in Argentina. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project provides information and science-based recommendations to natural resource management agencies for landscape-level management of vulnerable species in Florida and South America. Specific targets include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US National Park Service - National Seashore Program, natural resource managers at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ministry of Natural Resources - La Pampa Province, Argentina, and the Argentine National Park Service. In addition, the results and conservation lessons from this project also are incorporated into undergraduate and graduate teaching (formal classes and advising of students on research projects) at the University of Florida and the National University of La Pampa, Argentina, and results of our research are used to promote awareness of conservation issues among the general public (e.g., through publications in newspapers, magazines, etc.). Other research scientists also are the targets of our efforts to advance the fields of Conservation Biology and Landscape Ecology through integrating approaches from population biology, behavioral ecology, and molecular genetics. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida and South America, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida and Argentina that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a solid scientific foundation for redefining Critical Habitat for beach mice, 2) established links between structural characteristics of the dune habitat and impacts of storms that are fundamental for planning restoration efforts, and 3) identified landscape-level habitat features that impact beach mouse populations. These findings are being incorporated into management plans and restoration strategies of agencies working with endangered beach mice. Our research on wetlands mammals has direct implications for management of land use impacts (e.g., grazing) on public lands. We currently are working with natural resource agencies in La Pampa Province, Argentina, in application of our research to design of a system of protected areas. Research on Araucaria Spinetails will provide data and habitat models for identification of habitat factors and forest patches critical for species persistence and support restoration and reforestation programs. In addition, our collaborative research with Argentine universities and natural resource agencies has contributed substantially to development of human resources for wildlife conservation in Argentina through training of faculty, students, and natural resource personnel.
Publications
- Pries, A. J., D. L. Miller, and L. C. Branch. 2008. Identification of structural and spatial features that influence storm-related dune erosion along a barrier-island ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Coastal Research 24:168-175.
- Villarreal, D., K. L. Clark, L. C. Branch, J. L. Hierro, and M. Machicote. 2008. Alteration of ecosystem structure by burrowing herbivores. Journal of Mammalogy 89(3):700-711.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the current reporting period, my research group completed the first field surveys and habitat models for two mammal species of conservation concern: 1) the round-tailed muskrat (Neofiber alleni), an endemic mammal of Florida, which has been proposed as a Species of Special Concern because of loss of its wetland habitat, and 2) the monito del monte (Dromiciops gliroides), an endemic marsupial in the temperate rainforests of Argentina. Both of these projects incorporated undergraduate students as interns and therefore served as a training opportunity in addition to research. Results of these studies have been published in local newspapers and conservation magazines and presented in scientific meetings to reach a broad audience. Manuscripts are currently being completed for peer-review publications. Other research activities include an assessment of the impacts of different densities of barn owls (Tito alba) on rodents in the Everglades agricultural area, identification
of structural and spatial features that influence storm-related dune erosion along a barrier-island ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico, and analysis of the landscape scale features that influence dispersal of mountain vizcachas (Lagidium viscacia) in fragmented rock habitats of the Andes Mountains in Argentina. Our work on dune erosion on barrier-islands serves as a basis to understand the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes on the habitat of threatened and endangered beach mice that live along the coast of Florida. Research in the Everglades agricultural area also included experimental assessment of the impacts of different species of rodents on sugarcane.
PARTICIPANTS: Deborah Miller (University of Florida, Milton campus) serves as Co-PI on the beach mouse research supported by funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Elliot Willkinson, a post-doctoral researcher, is supervising field research on beach mice. Partners in the beach mouse work include the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Richard Raid (University of Florida, Belle Glade) is collaborating on research in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Collaborators on other research include Susan Walker (Wildlife Conservation Society, Argentina), Diego Villarreal (National University of La Pampa, Argentina) and Robert Schooley (University of Illinois). The following graduate students conducted thesis research under this project: Mariano Rodriguez Cabal, Jason Martin, Alex Pries, and Dan Thornton. This project provided training for more than a dozen interns (undergraduate students and recent graduates) who participated in
research on muskrats and barn owls in Florida and monito del monte in Argentina.
TARGET AUDIENCES: This project provides information and science-based recommendations to natural resource management agencies for landscape-level management of vulnerable species in Florida and South America. Specific targets include the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US National Park Service - National Seashore Program, natural resource managers at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ministry of Natural Resources - La Pampa Province, Argentina, and the Argentine National Park Service. In addition, the results and conservation lessons from this project are incorporated into undergraduate and graduate teaching (formal classes and advising of students on research projects) at the University of Florida and the National University of La Pampa, Argentina, and results of our research are used to promote awareness of conservation issues among the general public (e.g., through publications in newspapers, magazines, etc.). Other research scientists also are
targets of our efforts to advance the fields of Conservation Biology and Landscape Ecology through integrating approaches from population biology, behavioral ecology, and molecular genetics.
Impacts
Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida and South America, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida and Argentina that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a solid scientific foundation for redefining Critical Habitat for beach mice, 2) established links between structural characteristics of the dune habitat and impacts of storms that are fundamental for planning restoration efforts, and 3) identified landscape-level habitat features that impact beach mouse populations. These findings are being incorporated into management plans and restoration strategies of agencies working with threatened and endangered beach mice. Our research on wetlands mammals has direct implications for management of land use impacts (e.g., grazing) on public lands. We currently are working
with natural resource agencies in La Pampa Province, Argentina, in application of our research to design of a system of protected areas. In addition, our collaborative research projects with Argentine universities and natural resource agencies have contributed substantially to development of human resources for wildlife conservation in Argentina through training of faculty, students, and natural resource personnel.
Publications
- Schooley, R.L., and L.C. Branch. 2007. Spatial heterogeneity in habitat quality and cross-scale interactions in metapopulations. Ecosystems 10(5):846-853.
- Pries, A. J., D. L. Miller, and L. C. Branch. 2007. Identification of structural and spatial features that influence storm-related dune erosion along a barrier-island ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico. Journal of Coastal Research.
- Walker, R. S., A. J. Novaro, and L. C. Branch. 2007. Functional connectivity based on cost-distance and genetic analyses: a case study for the rock-dwelling mountain vizcacha (Lagidium viscacia M.) in Patagonia, Argentina. Landscape Ecology 22(9):1303-1314.
- Martin, J. M., R. N. Raid, and L. C. Branch. 2007. Quantifying damage potential of three rodent species on sugarcane. Journal of the American Society of Sugar Cane Technologists 27: 48-54.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Worldwide, habitats for wildlife are shrinking as human populations increase. Predicting effects of landscape change on wildlife and design of reserves within the constraints of human-dominated landscapes are central conservation problems. Understanding dynamics of patchily distributed species is paramount to conserving biological diversity in these landscapes. Our study of two wetland mammals of conservation concern (round-tailed muskrats (Neofiber allen) and rice rats (Oryzomys palustris)) demonstrates that land use practices influence the persistence of these species at the landscape scale and that autocorrelation in habitat quality induced by land use practices is an important factor determining the distribution and dynamics of these species. This work points to the need for large scale studies that incorporate anthropogenic impacts on habitat quality. Our research on the response of beach mice (Peromyscus polinotus leucocephalus) to hurricane-fragmented
landscapes on Santa Rosa Island, Florida has documented the importance of scrub dunes for beach mice and supported a revised definition for Critical Habitat for this species. Previously, prime habitat for beach mice was considered to be only the dunes nearest the ocean. Our work shows that scrub dunes on the bayside of barrier islands are critical refugia for mice during tropical storms and hurricanes. In addition to our work on mammals, we completed analysis of fine-scale genetic data for the Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi). As part of this work, we applied connectivity measures that are used in ecological studies to assess connectivity with genetics data. This new approach clearly demonstrated the influence of the habitat matrix surrounding scrub patches on dispersal by scrub lizards and supports our previous field research that indicates that these lizards have very low dispersal capabilities.
Impacts
Given the current/projected habitat loss in Florida, understanding how to manage wildlife in patchy landscapes is critical for conserving the wildlife of this state and in supporting an economy that depends on wildlife. Research conducted under this CRIS project provides a basis for setting priorities for conservation lands aimed at preserving the unique fauna of Florida, for restoring fragmented landscapes for wildlife, and for managing the diverse lands in Florida that support wildlife. For example, our research on beach mice has: 1) provided a solid scientific foundation for redefining Critical Habitat for beach mice, 2) developed a method for rapid assessment of occupancy of dunes by beach mouse that has been incorporated into large scale monitoring programs conducted by state and federal agencies, and 3) identified for the first time impacts of coastal lighting on beach mice leading to incorporation of lighting considerations for beach mice into conservation
management. Our research on wetlands mammals has direct implications for management of land use impacts (e.g., grazing) on public lands. Our lizard research clearly demonstrates the need for incorporating connectivity as an important variable in conservation planning for the endangered scrub ecosystem of central Florida.
Publications
- Schooley, R.L., and L.C. Branch. 2006. Space use by round-tailed muskrats in isolated wetlands. Journal of Mammalogy 87(3):495-500.
- Schooley, R.L., and L.C. Branch. 2006. Spatial distribution of round-tailed muskrats on dry prairie wetlands: untangling historical landscapes and current land use. Pp. 216-217 in Noss, R. (ed.) Florida Dry Prairie Conference Proceedings, Sebring, Florida. 241 pp.
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