Robert R. Fleet

IMPACT OF WOODPECKER PREDATION ON OVER-WINTERING WITHIN-TREE POPULATIONS OF THE SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE ( Dendroctonus frontalis )

Impact of woodpecker predation on within-tree populations of southern pine beetles ( Dendroctonus frontalis ) was studied during the period November 1975 to February 1976. Exclusion studies indicated that woodpeckers had a significant impact on pupa and brood adult life stages of southern pine beetles (SPB), especially at mid-bole where densities are greatest. Woodpecker foraging activity paralleled increases in insect predator and parasite densities.

Use of trees by the Texas ratsnake (Elaphe obsoleta) in eastern Texas

Abstract We present information on the use of trees by Elaphe obsoleta (Texas Ratsnake) in a mesic pine-hardwood forest in eastern Texas. Using radiotelemetry, seven snakes (3 females, 4 males) were relocated a total of 363 times from April 2004 to May 2005, resulting in 201 unique locations. Snakes selected trees containing cavities and used hardwoods and snags for a combined 95% of arboreal locations. Texas Ratsnake arboreal activity peaked during July and August, well after the peak of avian breeding activity, suggesting arboreal activity involves factors other than avian predation.

Spatial ecology of the coachwhip, Masticophis flagellum (Squamata: Colubridae), in eastern Texas

Abstract We radio-tracked nine Masticophis flagellum (Coachwhips) to determine home range, habitat use, and movements in eastern Texas from April to October 2000. Home ranges of Coachwhips contained more oak savanna macrohabitat than early-successional pine plantation or forested seep, based on the availability of these three macrohabitats in the study area. Likewise, within their individual home ranges, Coachwhips used oak savanna more than the other two macrohabitats, based on availability. An analysis of microhabitat use revealed that, relative to random sites within their home range, Coachwhips were found at sites with fewer pine trees and more herbaceous vegetation taller than 30 cm. Results of the two analyses, macrohabitat and microhabitat, were consistent: oak savannas contained relatively few pine trees but much herbaceous vegetation taller than 30 cm. Coachwhips made frequent long-distance moves, which resulted in large home ranges. Core activity areas, however, were small. These core activity areas were always within the oak savanna macrohabitat. Long movements, large home ranges, and small core activity areas likely were a result of the preferred oak savanna macrohabitat being patchily distributed in the landscape.

Winter movements of Louisiana pine snakes (Pituophis ruthveni) in Texas and Louisiana

Abstract Despite concerns that the Louisiana Pine Snake (Pituophis ruthveni) has been extirpated from large portions of its historic range, only a limited number of studies on their movement patterns have been published. Winter movement patterns are of particular interest since it has been hypothesized that impacts of management practices would be reduced during the winter. Using radiotelemetry, we determined winter movement patterns of Louisiana Pine Snakes (11 males, 8 females) in 5 study areas (2 in Louisiana and 3 in Texas). Movements during winter (November—February) were greatly curtailed compared to the remainder of the year; however, snakes occasionally undertook substantial movements. Relocations were typically within the snakes previous active-season home range, and movements were more frequent in the early portion of winter. All hibernation sites were within Bairds Pocket Gopher (Geomys breviceps) burrow systems at depths ranging from 13–25 cm. Louisiana Pine Snakes did not use communal hibernacula, nor did individual snakes return to previously used sites in successive years.