http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Lower Keys marsh rabbit and silver rice rat
Extensive development has destroyed and fragmented wildlife habitat in theLower Florida Keys. The Lower Keys marsh rabbit (LKMR; Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) and the silver rice rat (SRR; Oryzomys argentatus) are listed by the UnitedStates Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) as endangered species. Both species depend on coastal prairies, freshwater marshes, and intertidal salt-marsh zones. The objective of this study was to meet specific, species-level recovery goals and to add reliable information that may modify or support current recovery plans. Specifically, I (1)evaluated the use of LKMR reintroduction to suitable habitat, (2) examined characteristics of habitat used by LKMR, and (3) surveyed the Lower Florida Keys for SRRs, documenting current range and examining survey results for the past decade. I reintroduced 7 rabbits (3 males, 4 females) to suitable habitat on Water Key, and monitored their survival and release-site fidelity. All reintroduced rabbits survived and some reproduced, suggesting these translocation techniques are a viable tool for recovery. On Boca Chica Key, I radio-collared 13 LKMRs and compared vegetation characteristics between core-use and avoided areas within home ranges. Binary logistic regression associated rabbit use with high vegetation heights (7-8 dm), low canopy coverage (<̲=10%), high bunchgrass densities (2.5-3.8/sq m), and forb presence (>5%),supporting the hypothesis that LKMRs may be detrimentally impacted by hardwood encroachment into salt-marsh habitats. For LKMR recovery, I recommend management to resist hardwood encroachment, together with active predator control. I surveyed 36 locations on 18 islands for SRRs, capturing rats on 12 islands, including 2 on which SRRs had not previously been found. Comparisons of my data with historic data suggest SRRs either have increased in abundance over the past decade or that previous trapping efforts were not effective. Abundance of SRRs does not appear to be significantly different from that of populations of rice rats on the mainland. The USFWS and FFWCC should consider revising the conservation status of the SRR; however, it still should be regarded as a unique evolutionary unit with a very limited potential range.
"Major Subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences"
Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created on Feb. 23, 2007.)
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