Gary A. Heidt

Using Geographic Information Systems To Determine Home Range of the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

-Home ranges of 12 southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) were studied in the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas during the winters of 1990-1991 and 1991-1992. Because traditional planimetric home ranges do not account for differences in topography, a Geographic Information System (GIS) which incorporated topography was also used to determine home range. Mean female and male planimetric and (topographical) home-range estimates were 3.8 ha (3.9 ha) and 7.8 ha (9.0 ha), respectively. Differences in home-range size were not statistically significant between sexes, however, home-range estimates of males were more variable. Topographic estimates were significantly larger than planimetric estimates. The GIS more clearly represents home range with respect to habitat characteristics in the context of topographic features and it should be used in future studies.

Hematology, intestinal parasites, and selected disease antibodies from a population of bobcats (Felis rufus) in central Arkansas.

Eight bobcats with adjoining or overlapping home ranges were examined. Hematological values were within previously reported ranges. Six bobcats demonstrated antibody titers to Toxoplasma gondii. Isospora spp., Taenia taeniaeformis, Spirometra mansoides, Physoloptera rara, Toxocara cati, Strongyloides spp., Trichurus spp., Capillaria spp., and Ancyclostoma spp. were found also in the animals examined. The mean number of parasite species per host was 4.1. All bobcats tested negative for serum antibodies to Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia rickettsii). Two bobcats had titers ≤1:20 for tularemia (Francisiella tularensis), and two were positive for leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.).

Comparative tongue histology and scanning electron microscopy of the diamondback water snake natrix rhombifera and black rat snake elaphe obsoleta reptilia serpentes colubridae

and a muscularis. The mucosa contained a covering of non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and a tunica propria which consisted of dense fibrous connective tissue. The muscularis was composed of striated muscle fibers arranged longitudinally, transversely and sagitally. The tongue was enclosed by a sheath containing mucous glandular tissue and striated muscle fibers. No chemo-sensory structures were discerned. Differences between the species included distribution of melanin, number of dorso-lateral ridges and amount of glandular material. The SEM study showed modified epithelial cells in the forked region of the tongue. These cells were covered by numerous projections called microfacets which in the black rat snake were circumscribed by regularly spaced pores. These structures are thought to be responsible for transport of chemical molecules to Jacobsons organ.

FACTORS AFFECTING NEST BOX USE BY SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRRELS (GLAUCOMYS VOLANS) AND GRAY SQUIRRELS (SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS)

-Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) segregated in their use of nest boxes in 70-yr-old mixed pine-hardwoods in the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas. Of 13 variables associated with nest boxes, entrance diameter was the primary factor separating the two species. Flying squirrels established nests in small-holed boxes, whereas, gray squirrels established nests in large-holed boxes. Feeding stations of flying squirrels were established in boxes on hardwoods significantly more often than those on pines. Other variables were not consistently significant over the 3-yr study, emphasizing the importance of long-term studies.

A NEW SUBSPECIES OF POCKET GOPHER (GENUS GEOMYS) FROM THE OZARK MOUNTAINS OF ARKANSAS WITH COMMENTS ON ITS HISTORICAL BIOGEOGRAPHY

Abstract Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cytochrome-b gene of mtDNA and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of cranial morphology were used to determine the evolutionary status of relictual, isolated populations of pocket gophers (genus Geomys) from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. Results of the mtDNA sequence analysis indicated that populations from the Ozark Mountains are most similar to G. bursarius missouriensis in Missouri and not to geographically proximate populations of G. breviceps. Morphological analyses were concordant with those results. Our findings confirm earlier work comparing similarities in allozymes and species-specific ectoparasites. Nucleotide sequence and morphological divergence between the Ozark populations and G. bursarius missouriensis are typical of differentiation between other subspecies of G. bursarius. We conclude that populations of pocket gophers isolated in the Ozark Mountains represent a discrete genetic entity and should be recognized as a new subspecies.

SURVEY FOR RABIES, LEPTOSPIROSIS, TOXOPLASMOSIS AND TULAREMIA IN STRIPED SKUNKS (Mephitis mephitis) FROM THREE PUBLIC USE AREAS IN NORTHWESTERN ARKANSAS

During a skunk eradication program in late August, 1979,53 striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were removed from three public use areas on Beaver Lake, Benton and Carroll counties in northwestern Arkansas. None of the 53 animals were positive for rabies (fluorescent antibody technique) and only one of 45 (2.2%) was positive for rabies antibodies. Twenty-one of 45 animals (46.6%) tested were positive for leptospirosis; 10 of 45 (22.2%) were positive for toxoplasmosis; and none were positive for tularemia. High populations of striped skunks in public use areas could be a potentially important reservoir for several diseases affecting both humans and other animals.

A profile of reported skunk rabies in Arkansas: 1977-1979.

Skunk rabies in Arkansas increased from 90 laboratory confirmed cases in 1977 to 140 in 1978 and 297 in 1979. In 1979, the Arkansas Department of Health declared a skunk rabies epizootic in Arkansas. Skunk rabies accounted for 90% of the total rabies cases in 1978 and 1979. March, April and May had the highest incidence in each year. SYMVU computer analysis illustrated the distribution and spread of rabies. In general, rabies was confined to the upland areas of the state. Regression analysis of 16 density-independent variables revealed no correlation with the distribution of rabies, indicating the primary determinants to be biotic.

A SURVEY OF RECENT ACCOUNTS OF THE MOUNTAIN LION (PUMA CONCOLOR) IN ARKANSAS

Abstract We collected physical evidence (scats and tracks) that suggested the presence of 1 or more mountain lions (Puma concolor) in Arkansas from 1998–1999, and conducted a survey of mountain lion occurrences in Arkansas from 1996–2000. Mountain lions were reported statewide, with most in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. In addition to the surveys, we collected 7 pieces of tangible evidence (e.g., scats, tracks, and video) from 1996–2000. A survey of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state veterinarians, and an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) internal survey of their wildlife officers documented at least 101 captive P. concolor in the state. The origins of reported free-ranging animals could not be determined.

Genetic Variation and Heterozygosity in White-tailed Deer in Southern Arkansas

-To determine levels of genetic variability in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in southern Arkansas, tissue samples from 127 Gulf Coastal Plain individuals and 55 Mississippi Delta individuals were surveyed for 19 structural proteins by standard methods of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. Gulf Coastal Plain animals had lower average heterozygosity than animals from the Mississippi Delta. We suggest that the current population structure is a result of relocation programs between 1942 and 1955.

Genetic Variation in the Texas Mouse, Peromyscus attwateri

Populations of Peromyscus attwateri from 12 sites in Arkansas were examined for patterns of genetic variation. Of 36 presumptive loci examined, 15 were polymorphic based on a 95% criterion. Individuals from localities in the Ozark Plateau physiographic region were more heterozygous than those from the Ouachita Mountains region. A high fixation-index ( F ST ) value indicated that populations have diverged approximately 14%; most of the genetic variation resided within sample localities, with slight differentiation (1%) between physiographic regions. However, there was greater differentiation within the Ouachita Mountains region than within the Ozark Plateau region. Overall, genetic differentiation primarily appears to be the result of drift, mutation, and founder effects in isolated populations.