Category: Presentations

Posted on

UBAP leader A Rahlin presents Chicagoland ornithological research

UBAP leader Anastasia Rahlin presented two talks recently.

In January Rahlin presented “Oak Masting in the Chicagoland Region” at the Cook County Forest Preserve District – Resource Management talk as part of CCFPD’s Environmental Education program.

Rahlin and collaborators have been collecting oak masting data in the Chicagoland region over a seven-year period from 2017-2023. The talk focused on data regarding northern red, white, and bur oaks and discussed the history of oak masting research, outlined potential hypotheses that explain the likelihood of mast seeding events, and explored preliminary model results linking weather factors such as temperature and precipitation to acorn masts.
This study examines the impact of oak masting on Red-headed Woodpecker populations, an acorn caching species. Preliminary analyses linking acorn masts to Red-headed Woodpecker presence/absence and whether masting influences Red-headed Woodpecker overwintering in northern Illinois sites were also discussed.
In February, Rahlin presented  “Investigating Extreme Weather Impacts on Sedge and Marsh Wren food limitation and nesting success” at the McHenry County Forest Preserve District Research Roundup talk series.
Rahlin has been examining how habitat quality and extreme weather events impact marsh and wet meadow species in northern Illinois. Her talk focused on continued efforts to monitor marsh and sedge wren body condition through wren morphometrics and blood metabolites in order to understand how the two species respond to droughts and storms. Rahlin also discussed nesting outcomes for both wren species, as well as avenues for future research.
Posted on

INHS PaCE Lab members present at The Wildlife Society meeting

Two members of the INHS PaCE Lab presented at The Wildlife Society annual conference November 5-9 in Louisville, KY.

scientific poster about point of care device to monitor birdsUBAP program leader and ornithologist Anastasia Rahlin presented a poster “Using Point of Care devices to assess Marsh and Sedge Wren food limitation”

Abstract:
Food limitation affects wildlife health and survival, may stem from differences in body condition or habitat quality between sites, and may be exacerbated by extreme weather events. Blood metabolites have previously been used as a food limitation index in birds. To assess changes in blood metabolites in marsh and sedge wrens, we used Point of Care devices to measure blood glucose, ketones, and triglyceride levels as short and long-term food limitation indices. We collected blood samples from wrens in May-August 2022 and 2023 in two Illinois DNR state parks and one dedicated conservation area in the Chicagoland Wilderness region over the duration of the breeding season. Our data indicate short-term food limitation may increase as the breeding season progresses for both Marsh and Sedge Wrens. Ongoing modeling will test whether body condition (age, fat and muscle scores), habitat quality (wetland extent and composition), or extreme weather (drought or flooding) best predicts glucose, ketone, and triglyceride levels over the course of the breeding season. Our findings will provide insights into physiological responses of sedge and marsh wrens to food limitations, and highlight the utility of using POC devices to rapidly measure blood metabolites in the field with minimal impacts to study species. An additional goal of this research is to use blood metabolite data to identify high-quality sites for migratory birds; our data will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of conservation areas at providing high-quality habitat. This work will inform wetland and wet meadow management strategies for migratory birds.

scientific poster about pond breeding amphibian egg massesARC program leader Ethan Kessler presented a poster “Reproductive output of forested ephemeral wetland-dependent amphibians across a modified landscape”

 

Abstract:
Forested ephemeral wetlands (FEW) support diverse communities of habitat specialist species across the eastern United States, including wetland-breeding amphibians (WBA). Due to their reliance upon FEW for breeding habitat, the location of FEW on the landscape influences population dynamics and distribution of WBA. Generally, FEW are difficult to detect due to their small size and position under the canopy, however, recent technological advances provide the ability to remotely detect FEW with great accuracy. Improved FEW detection methods enable a better understanding of how FEW characteristics and distribution influence WBA presence and abundance. We counted egg masses of two widespread WBA species, Spotted Salamanders and Wood Frogs, at 231 FEW on public lands in southern Illinois using a double observer methodology from 2020–2023. We then used local and landscape characteristics to predict egg mass abundance for each species. We found egg mass counts were highly correlated between observers for each species, but the presence and abundance of egg masses were not highly correlated between the two species. For Spotted Salamanders, we found a positive effect of wetland size on egg mass abundance but found no effect of canopy cover within a 200 m buffer. Conversely, for Wood Frogs we found no effect of wetland size, but egg mass abundance was positively associated with canopy cover within 200 m of FEW. Results from this study will provide a foundation for the estimation of WBA across broad geographic scales using discrete maps of FEW.

 

Posted on

INHS PaCE Lab at Turtle Survival Alliance Symposium

Dr. Dreslik and several lab members are presenting posters and talks in Charleston, South Carolina this week for the Turtle Survival Alliance’s 21st Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles

 

Population structure of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys spp.) across twelve military installations in California
Emily Asche, Matthew I. Parry, Thomas S. B. Akre, Robert Lovich, and Michael J. Dreslik
Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys spp.) populations are currently threatened with habitat loss, predation, and shell disease. The synergies among threats have caused severe population declines whereby they are an endangered species in Washington, a sensitive species in Oregon, and a species of special concern in California. It is imperative to investigate their status in California to determine how prevalent threats are and what level of conservation action needs to be taken to avoid declines. We examined the population structure of the Western Pond Turtle populations at twelve military installations across California through sampling in one-week bouts using 50 aquatic traps at one visit per base. We recorded the body size, life stage, and sex of all individuals. Our study is intended to represent a first pass at determining if there are any immediate conservation concerns, such as biases in stage or sex ratios and population size structure.

Detection and occupancy of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys spp.)
Matthew I. Parry, Emily Asche, Robert Lovich, Thomas S. B. Akre and Michael J. Dreslik
Low densities, followed by a secretive nature, create challenges for accurately estimating population estimates and site occupancy rates. The Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys spp.) faces range-wide declines and is currently a species of special concern in California. Our project aims to determine their status across 12 military installations using an occupancy/detection framework while attempting to maximize captures during one 50 aquatic trap/four trap night sampling session per installation. Because we sampled areas of known occupancy, we could focus on estimating detection rates. We aim to create an MS Excel tool to determine the detection probabilities while accounting for various environmental and habitat-related covariates.

Survival matters: Comparing the demographic traits of Clemmys and Glyptemys with long-term capture-recapture data
Devin Edmonds, Michael J. Dreslik, Jeffrey E. Lovich, and Carl H. Ernst

Freshwater turtles are one of the most threatened vertebrate groups, with over half of all species at risk of extinction. Overexploitation and habitat loss are the largest threats, with many turtle populations now small, isolated, and needing conservation action to ensure they persist. To enact informed conservation measures and monitor recovery efforts, managers benefit from information about demographic rates like survival and recruitment for highly threatened turtle species. Survival plays a particularly important role in population persistence, considering the life history of most turtle species is characterized by a long lifespan, delayed sexual maturity, and low fecundity. Thus, even small changes in adult annual survival rates can cause otherwise stable populations to decline. We analyzed three historical long-term capture-recapture datasets to estimate annual survival and recruitment for populations of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata), Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta), and Bog Turtles (Glyptemys muhlengerbii) that live in increasingly threatened wetlands and surrounding habitats. All three have ranges characterized by disjunct distributions and often small and isolated populations. Adult sex ratios in turtles can be affected by differences between the sexes in the timing of maturity, rates of mortality, sex-determining mechanism, or differential immigration/emigration. The two Glyptemys species have genetic sex determination while Clemmys has environmental sex determination. This latter distinction could affect each species responses under warming climate scenarios, since Clemmys might be expected to have female-biased populations as global temperatures increase. However, sex-specific differences in survival of Glyptemys species could also occur. Using multi-decadal data, we analyze sex-specific and species-specific survivorship from a site in eastern Pennsylvania where these turtles were sympatric. Our results help inform conservation efforts for three threatened freshwater turtle species and show the strengths of historic long-term data.

Baseline energetic requirements of Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata)
Andrea L. Colton and Michael J. Dreslik

Increasing ambient temperatures due to climate change may lead to altered behaviors as turtles attempt to regulate internal body temperatures. Increased efforts to maintain temperatures may result in energetic tradeoffs, leading to reduced individual fitness and, thus, population abundance. Estimation of resting metabolic rates for turtles affords calculation of baseline energetic requirements and the potential to predict costs associated with warming landscapes. Using flow-through respirometry, we will determine the resting metabolic rates (RMRs) of adult Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata) across a temperature gradient to provide information on energetic costs. The baseline estimates will then be used to determine the annual RMR costs on the landscape.

Ranges on the spectrum of recovery: conservation action for the Spotted Turtle and Eastern River Cooter in Illinois
Michael J. Dreslik

Extinction rates in the Anthropocene are significantly higher than background and previous major events. The extinction process can occur when local populations become extirpated, particularly those on the range periphery where habitats are often sub-optimal. Turtles are one of the most critically endangered taxa, with many anthropogenic factors triggering declines. Although jurisdictional boundaries can often complicate conservation, many North American turtles have peripheral populations of conservation concern. Within Illinois, peripheral populations of the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) and Eastern River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna) are protected as State Endangered; however, their apparent recovery is quite different. I discuss conservation prioritizations, status assessments, and conservation implementation needs for both species in Illinois. Finally, I compare the pathways to recovery for both species.
Conservation Tools and Actions: Oral Thursday PM

Posted on

INHS PaCE Lab at the Joint Meeting of the Ichthyologists and Herpetologists

Dr. Dreslik and graduate students Blaine Hiner and Zander Perelman attended and presented at the 2023 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in Norfolk VA, July 12-16.

The Continued Decline of the Eastern Massasauga in Illinois, from Distribution to Population Scales
Michael Dreslik, Tyler Stewart, Tom Beauvais, John Crawford

Marked changes have occurred to the earth’s biomes through the
Anthropocene due to human activity altering landscape-level processes. Many species reliant on ecosystems that have been heavily impacted have suffered massive range contractions and population declines. Given most prairies have been converted for agricultural purposes, species occupying those systems have exhibited precipitous declines. Here we examined the decline of Eastern Massasauga in Illinois using approaches at different scales, including g historical and contemporary distributions using Species Distribution Models and element-of-occurrence records to specific population trends using demographic monitoring. Unfortunately, the prognosis for the continued presence of the species on Illinois’ landscape is not promising.

Relating Habitat Parameters to Population Abundances in the Eastern  Massasauga
Michael Dreslik, Sarah Baker, John Crawford, Andrew Stites, Ethan Kessler

Before conservation measures can be taken, three questions about a species must be addressed: 1) where are they distributed; 2) what habitats do they use; and 3) how many do we have on the  landscape? Habitat suitability index
(HSI) models are primarily used to predict habitat quality on the landscape for a given species, but they also provide a method to answer the second question with the  supposition that the higher the suitability, the greater the abundance. The link between suitability and abundance estimations is often not made, even though both are critical for measuring conservation success. Here we  examined several habitat parameters to determine their efficacy at predicting population abundances of the Eastern Massasauga at their southern range limit in Illinois. Specifically, we tested whether parameters in an existing HSI model provided range-wide applicability or if proximate point- based or remote-sensed lidar-based measures of vegetation cover were better predictors.

 

Extrinsic Factors Influencing Hibernacula Occupancy of the Eastern Massasauga
Blaine Hiner, Michael Dreslik

Determining a species’ habitat use and distribution across a landscape
is essential for understanding the prevalence of declines due to larger-scale threats. At the landscape level, anthropogenic threats such as climate change and habitat destruction have triggered global population declines; thus, specific data crucial to combat declines must assess their impacts.
Collecting landscape-level data has been improved by the advent of occupancy modeling, which can elucidate the impacts anthropogenic factors have on population presence. The Eastern Massasauga is particularly vulnerable to extreme natural events from climate change and habitat loss in the western third of its range, particularly due to its reliance on specific overwintering habitats, which have been largely converted to agriculture. Extrinsic factors affecting overwintering habitat occupancy could include the burning regime, flooding events, aberrant seasonal climate, patch size, and juxtaposition of patches across the landscape. Using a long-term capture-mark-recapture dataset (1999 – present), we determined if extrinsic management and climate factors affected hibernacula occupancy rates. Our results would afford prioritization of site-specific habitat management actions to mitigate factors negatively impacting site occupancy.

Male-male Combat in Free-ranging Sistrurus Rattlesnakes
Zander Perelman, Terence Farrell

Although male-male combat is documented in numerous snake species, reports of combat behaviors are seldom more detailed than simple descriptions. Combat between snakes in the genus Sistrurus is rarely observed and only one previous account, focused on captive specimens, offered behavioral descriptions and analyses. Here, we discuss combat events between free-ranging Eastern Massasaugas (S. catenatus) in Pennsylvania, and free-ranging Pygmy Rattlesnakes (S. miliarius) in Florida. We used video recordings to describe and quantify observed combat behaviors. Additional behavioral contexts, specifically observed copulation (S. catenatus) and active defeat (S. miliarius), allowed for quantified behaviors to be analyzed and compared with knowledge of the winning male in both combat events. Quantifying and analyzing these two events has provided insight into important behavioral determinants of combat success in Sistrurus rattlesnakes. Observation of snake combat is opportunistic, and consequently, detailed behavioral descriptions and analyses as performed here are rare in natural settings. Such social behaviors have clear implications for reproductive success and fitness, and comprehensive analyses of combat behavior, as accomplished here, may prove useful in understanding the evolution of these reproductive behaviors.

Posted on

INHS PaCE Lab at Emydine Conservation Symposium

Dr. Dreslik, Rose Arnold, Emily Asche, Andrea Colton, and Izabelle Jaquet presented at the Emydine Conservation Symposium at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania July 10th-12th, 2023.

 

Conservation Guidance, Status, Prioritization, and Implementation for the Recovery of the Spotted Turtle, Clemmys gutatta, in Illinois

Michael J. Dreslik*,

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys gutatta) has always been a rare species in Illinois and was once thought extirpated. Its historical distribution likely encompassed the former interdunal wetlands along Lake Michigan, now occupied by the greater Chicago metropolitan region. Few populations remained on the landscape post- settlement, and only two remain extant, with one exhibiting severe decline. As such, the Spotted Turtle is protected as an endangered species. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has instituted a new framework for species conservation consisting of three primary works, a Species Guidance Document, Status Assessment, and Conservation Implementation Plan. In addition to this effort, an Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Strategy was developed using expert solicitation to prioritize conservation actions and delineate threats. Using the information available, I will briefly cover where we are with the recovery of the Spotted Turtle in Illinois.

Population Structure of Three Isolated Northern Illinois Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) Populations

Rose A. Arnold*, Emily A. Asche, Michael J. Dreslik,

The Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is declining range-wide due to synergistic threats associated with habitat fragmentation, loss, and degradation. In Northern Illinois, Blanding’s Turtle populations are often isolated in an urbanized landscape with little chance for interpopulation migration. Thus, it is imperative to monitor populations inhabiting isolated patches because of risks from demographic and environmental stochasticity due to small population dynamics. By collecting data on sex, stage, and morphometrics on all captured individuals, our study will determine if concerning patterns or biases in the size, sex, or stage structure exist in three northeastern Illinois populations. For example, biased sex ratios toward adult males could indicate decreased adult female abundance and impact population growth through depressed recruitment rates. Additionally, a skewed stage structure toward juveniles could indicate decreased adult abundance from unusually low adult survivorship. Our results could aid regional wildlife managers by signaling potential threats to the demography of small, isolated populations.

Reducing the Risk of Prescribed Burns on Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene Ornata) in Illinois

Izabelle S. Jaquet*, Devin A. Edmonds, Andrea L. Colton, Ethan J. Kessler,  Michael J. Dreslik

Native prairie ecosystems and associated herpetofauna have significantly declined throughout the 21st century. Once common throughout Midwest prairies and grasslands, the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) is of conservation concern in multiple states, including Illinois. Notable threats to population persistence include road mortality, illegal harvesting, and increased predation from mesopredators. Unfortunately, prescribed burns present an additional threat. While necessary, there is an increased risk of harming Ornate Box Turtles if burns are conducted between spring emergence and the beginning of winter dormancy. The loss of even a few individuals can drastically reduce population viability. To better understand the timing of dormancy, we used radiotelemetry to monitor 26 Ornate Box Turtles across three Illinois sites. We also collected shell and soil temperatures with data loggers to determine when and under what conditions turtles are at risk from burns. By combining radiotelemetry observations with shell temperature data, we determined when turtles were above ground. We then created a model predicting emergence based on environmental variables, such as air temperature, precipitation, and time of year. The best model to predict above ground activity considered the interaction of day of year and current air temperature. Our results can aid land managers and ecologists in determining the best time to conduct prescribed burns in Ornate Box Turtle habitat.

Baseline Energetic Requirements of Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata)

Andrea L. Colton*, Michael J. Dreslik,

Increasing ambient temperatures due to climate change may lead to altered behaviors as turtles attempt to regulate internal body temperatures. Increased efforts to maintain temperatures may result in energetic tradeoffs, leading to reduced individual fitness and, thus, population abundance. Estimation of resting metabolic rates for turtles affords calculation of baseline energetic requirements and the potential to predict costs associated with warming landscapes. Using flow-through respirometry, we will determine the resting metabolic rates (RMRs) of adult Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata) across a temperature gradient to provide information on energetic costs. The baseline estimates will then be used to determine the annual RMR costs on the landscape.

Population Structure of the Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys spp.) Across Twelve Military Installations in California

Emily Asche*,  Matthew I. Parry, Thomas S. B. Akre, Robert Lovich,  Michael J. Dreslik

Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys spp.) populations are currently threatened with habitat loss, predation, and shell disease. The synergies among threats have caused severe population declines whereby they are an endangered species in Washington, a sensitive species in Oregon, and a species of special concern in California. It is imperative to investigate their status in California to determine how prevalent threats are and what level of conservation action needs to be taken to avoid declines. We examined the population structure of the Western Pond Turtle populations at twelve military installations across California through sampling in one-week bouts using 50 aquatic traps at one visit per base. We recorded the body size, life stage, and sex of all individuals. Our study is intended to represent a first pass at determining if there are any immediate conservation concerns, such as biases in stage or sex ratios and population size structure.

Posted on

2021 Midwest PARC conference

The INHS Population and Community Ecology Lab had four posters at the 2021 Midwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Virtual Conference, October 1-2, 2021.

 

Colton, Andrea L., E. L. Sunnucks, and M. J. Dreslik. Community Structure of Freshwater Turtles in Northeastern Illinois Marshes.

 

 

Edmonds, Devin A., A. Colton, E. Sunnucks, I. Jaquet, and M. J. Dreslik. Timing of prescribed burns to avoid Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata).

 

Lorenzen, Brock C., A. R. Kuhns, J. A. Crawford, C. A. Phillips, and M. J. Dreslik. Halting the Decline of a Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum) population: A Conservation Success Story.

 

Predicted distribution of kirtland's snake in illinoisStewart, Tyler M., A. R. Kuhns, J. A. Crawford, C. A. Phillips, and M. J. Dreslik. Predicted Distribution of Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) in Illinois.

Congratulations to M.S. student Tyler Stewart who won the Brodman Student Award for excellence in presenting a poster!
Posted on

2021 NRES Symposium

PACE Lab graduate students presented at the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Symposium, April 17th, 2021.

    • Alma C. Schrage presented “Bumble Bee Detection and Occupancy in Northern Illinois” Click for more info
    • Devin Edmonds presented “Informing the Mantella cowanii Conservation Action Plan” Click for more info
    • Anastasia Rahlin presented “Spatial and temporal drivers of marsh bird occupancy in an urbanized matrix” Click for more info
    • Tyler Stewart presented “Distribution and Detection Probability for Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii)” Click for more info
Posted on

Wild Things Conference goes virtual

Asya recording dataThis year, the Wild Things Conference will be virtual and held over two weekends, with live events as well as pre-recorded talks. UBAP ornithologist Asya Rahlin and her collaborators Stephanie Beilke (Audubon Great Lakes), and Libby Keyes (Governors State University) will have a streaming session going during both weekends of the conference.

Their talk, “A New Bird Banding Station Lands in Chicago” will discuss their project establishing a bird banding station at Big Marsh in the Calumet Region.
Learn about the Chicago Ornithological Society’s bird banding station, which debuted at Big Marsh in 2020, and what they hope to find from using this new banding station to spur research and outreach in the Calumet region.

Wild Things 2021: Part 1 will take place February 19-21

Wild Things 2021: Part 2 will take place February 26-28