Louisiana is the leading state in number of river otters used in reintroduction programs in other states and in the production of pelts. However, habitat loss and degradation have prompted concern about the status of otter populations. This dissertation undertakes a spatial and temporal analysis of river otter harvest activity and examines environmental factors related to monitoring mercury levels in streams in Louisiana. Harvest data for 1957-2004 were analyzed to identify spatial and temporal trends in otter harvest activity. Changes have occurred in the last 20 years in the spatial dynamics of otter harvest in Louisiana, these include an increasing proportion of harvested otters coming from upland parishes in more recent years, and an increase in the proportion of trappers catching otters in that region. Spatial analysis indicated that this shift in harvesting activity has been gradual rather than abrupt. An explanation for this shift could be a greater interest of upland trappers in catching otters because of increasing otter pelt price and a decline in pelt price for other furbearer species. Analyses indicated that a management plan based on spatial control of harvest could be an option in Louisiana, with rice fields and protected areas playing an important role in the management/conservation plan. Temporal analysis suggested that the number of otters harvested 1 and 5 years ago has an impact on number of otters harvested at present time. An autoregressive model was developed to describe this association and to forecast number of otter pelts to be harvested 1 year in the future. The structure identified in the harvest data was used to develop a model to describe the dynamics of the otter populations. The simulation using 4-year and 8-year periods offered a reasonable approximation to the estimated cyclic dynamics of otter population in Louisiana. Mercury levels in otters were compared to levels in fish collected in different streams in Louisiana. Mercury levels in otters were higher than in fish. Otter samples also identified streams where mercury level in water may require further analysis. These results suggested that a mercury monitoring program based on river otters could be feasible in Louisiana.

Female wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were captured and radio-marked in a bottomland hardwood forest in south-central Louisiana. Turkeys were monitored using radio telemetry from fixed points on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, and Bayou des Ourses to observe seasonal patterns of space use, habitat preference and survival from 2002-04. The largest mean seasonal home range of 902.87 ha occurred during preincubation (15 Feb 9 Apr; n = 24) when females typically search for suitable nest sites, and the smallest mean seasonal home range was 434.12 ha, during brood-rearing (1 Jun 30 Sep; n = 32) when movement was limited by poults. Abundant herbaceous plant communities, resulting from mild winters likely allowed reduced home ranges (621.84 ha) during fall-winter (1 Oct 14 Feb; n = 18), whereas limited nest sites increased space use during preincubation. Low nest initiation likely contributed to relatively large home ranges (495.91 ha) observed during incubation (10 Apr 31 May; n = 25). Upland and lowland forests were selected by females when selecting home ranges, relative to habitat availability on the study area [1st order selection]. Lowland forest was selected during fall-winter, whereas upland forest was selected during the remainder of the year. Water-based forest, upland forest and openings were selected in core areas relative to habitats available in the home range [2nd order selection]. Openings were important during fall-winter and brood-rearing, whereas upland forest was selected during preincubation and water-based forest was preferred during incubation. Females consistently used water-based forest relative to habitat availability in their home ranges throughout the year [3rd order selection]. Mean annual survival was 0.59 from 6 March 2001 to 27 August 2004. Seasonal survival was greatest during preincubation (1.00) potentially due to increased habitat sampling and movement during this time period. Fall-winter survival was high (0.95), likely from mild winter climate and abundant herbaceous vegetation. Lowest survival occurred during incubation (0.80) and brood-rearing (0.85), primarily as a result of increased risks of predation associated with nesting and foraging broods.

Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera) is a non-native invasive tree that is of particular concern in the Southeastern United States. It has become naturalized in a variety of habitats and can be found in monospecific stands. The use of tallow woodlands by overwintering birds is poorly documented. I compared use of tallow woodlands to use of bottomland hardwood forests by birds in the Mermentau River Basin, Louisiana. Species richness and evenness were greater in the bottomland hardwood sites. Three species were more abundant in tallow woodlands, six species were more common in bottomland hardwoods, and six species exhibited no difference between habitats. Information-theory methodology was used to determine the relative importance of woodland type and certain landscape variables to species richness and bird abundance. Model-averaged parameter estimates and relative Akaike weights were calculated. In most cases, woodland type was a better predictor of species richness and abundance than percent forest cover, distance to nearest forest patch, or the number of forest patches within 1 km. Energy assimilation of tallow fruit by captive birds was measured to determine if apparent metabolizable energy differed between bird species and plant species. Assimilation of tallow fruit pulp differed significantly between birds. Yellow-rumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata) exhibited the highest assimilation of tallow, followed by American Robins (Turdus migratorius) and then Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis). Yellow-rumped Warblers, which where more common in the tallow woodlands, were able to metabolize tallow fruit more effectively than wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) fruit. Metabolization of wax myrtle and poison ivy fruit did not differ significantly. Cardinals metabolized deciduous holly fruit (Ilex decidua) more efficiently than either hackberry (Celtis laevigata) or tallow. Overall, bottomland hardwoods supported more bird species and exhibited a higher measure of species evenness. Tallow may provide an alternate food source for some species and could potentially influence the local winter distribution of Yellow-rumped Warblers.

The goal of this thesis was to evaluate temperature effects on cell proliferation of eastern oyster somatic tissues for the development of an oyster cell line. Understanding the in vivo cell proliferation of an organism is essential for the development of cell culture. Cell proliferation can be measured by identifying nuclear cellular proteins involved in growth regulation and cellular transformation. The primary objectives of this study were to: 1) develop an assay to evaluate cell proliferation, 2) develop an assay to analyze nuclear RNA content, and 3) evaluate temperature effects on cell proliferation in somatic tissues. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen was detected in all the phases of the cell cycle of the eastern oyster. The concentrations of PCNA increased from G₀/G₁ phase into the S phase, where it peaked in mid-S phase, and decreased in G₂/M phase. The immunohistochemically stained slides were analyzed using image analysis and compared to the flow cytometric detection of PCNA. Overall, flow cytometry was superior to immunohistochemistry in time and cost efficiency, and in sensitivity to the detection of PCNA in oyster somatic tissues. A flow cytometric assay was developed to detect nuclear RNA in oyster somatic tissues. Nuclear RNA was detected in all the phases of the cell cycle of the eastern oyster. The amount of nuclear RNA increased from G₀/G₁ phase into the S phase, where it peaked in mid-S phase, and decreased in G₂/M phase. Temperature effects on cell cycle, proliferation, and cell metabolism of oyster somatic tissues were evaluated. The cell cycle analysis of the heart and labial palps cells showed that the G₀/G₁-phase cells decreased as the S-phase and G₂/M-phase cells increased. The cell cycle analysis of both tissues also showed the opposite effect, as G₀/G₁-phase cells increased the S-phase and G₂/M-phase cells decreased. Heart and labial palps cells for oysters held between 10°C and 25°C increased in cell proliferation after one week of temperature fluctuation. The nuclear RNA/DNA ratio at all phases of the cell cycle for heart and labial palps cells for oysters between 15°C and 20°C was higher than at all other temperature regimes. Temperature fluctuations affected the cell cycle, proliferation, and the metabolic condition of oyster somatic cells.These results support the use of flow cytometry for the analysis of cell cycle, cell proliferation, and cell metabolism. The results also suggested that temperature fluctuation has an effect on cell cycle, cell proliferation, and cell metabolism. Future research needs to focus on improving the current in vivo study and adapt the assays for cultured cells.

This dissertation addressed comparative studies of sperm cryopreservation of diploid and tetraploid Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas, with an emphasis on the development of standardized and optimized protocols. This includes comparative ultrastructural differences between sperm from diploid and tetraploid oysters, methods for the rapid estimation of sperm concentration, optimization of cryopreservation, and evaluation of the mechanisms for sperm agglutination (formation of clumps or elongated "noodles") in thawed samples. Currently, cryopreserved sperm has not been commercialized in any aquatic species, and standardization and optimization could greatly benefit the potential commercialization of its use. In oysters specifically, cryopreserved sperm from tetraploids would facilitate the production of all-triploid seedstocks. In this study, sperm from tetraploid oysters were 25% larger in linear dimensions (lengths and widths), and 53% had 5 mitochondria compared to 4 in diploids. Spectrophotometric methods for rapid estimation of sperm concentration were developed and validated. The effects of cooling rate, single or combined cryoprotectants at various concentrations, equilibration time (exposure to cryoprotectant), straw size, and cooling method were evaluated for protocol optimization. Combination of the cryoprotectants polyethylene glycol (PEG; formula weight of 200) and methanol (for sperm from diploids) or PEG and propylene glycol (for sperm from tetraploids) were effective in retaining post-thaw motility only when PEG was at low concentrations (2-6%). Such effectiveness was especially manifested with sperm from tetraploids, for example, post-thaw motility as high as 50% was obtained with combined cryoprotectant. Sperm of tetraploid Pacific oysters were more susceptible to damage from cryopreservation procedures than were those of diploids, and male-to-male variation was significant for sperm from diploid and tetraploid oysters. Sperm agglutination was mainly due to the lack of sufficient cryoprotectant for specific sperm concentrations. These findings demonstrated the importance of standardization in sperm concentration and other procedures during cryopreservation. In addition, the systematic optimization of cryopreservation protocols involving interactions of multiple factors, recognition of male-to-male variation, and development of assays for sperm tolerance prior to freezing are all approaches important for the future potential commercialization of cryopreserved sperm in Pacific oysters and for other aquatic species as well.

Coastal forests in Louisiana are in decline due to natural and human caused changes in the hydrology of the region. Baldcypress and water tupelo trees have been further stressed by caterpillar herbivory in recent decades. Regeneration of water tupelo is crucial for cavity creation for nesting habitat for secondary cavity nesting bird populations. Insectivorous birds have been shown to decrease insect-caused leaf damage on trees in other ecosystems. Two experiments examining effects of insectivorous birds on tree growth were conducted in degraded areas of the Maurepas Swamp in southeastern Louisiana. In the first experiment, nest boxes were added to study plots in degraded swamp in an attempt to increase densities of secondary cavity nesting birds, and to determine if increased insectivorous bird abundance resulted in improved shoot growth of baldcypress saplings. Prothonotary Warblers were the only bird species to utilize nest boxes, nest boxes did not significantly increase densities of Prothonotary Warblers, and insectivorous bird abundance was not correlated with baldcypress shoot growth. In the second experiment, bird exclosures were erected around planted baldcypress and water tupelo seedlings. Leaf damage on trees within bird exclosures and those with an insecticide treatment was not significantly different from controls. Foraging observations of Prothonotary Warblers and Northern Parulas, and video nest monitoring of Prothonotary Warbler nests during caterpillar activity, suggest that birds demonstrate a functional response to baldcypress leafroller caterpillars. Results of video nest monitoring suggested that successful Prothonotary Warbler nests active during baldcypress leafroller activity have the potential to protect 76 grams dry weight of baldcypress foliage. However, birds only foraged on baldcypress taller than 2m, and forest tent caterpillars were only observed to be consumed during the first and final caterpillar instar stages. Planted baldcypress seedlings grew faster than planted water tupelo, and water tupelo seedlings had zero height growth, or died-back four times as frequently as baldcypress. Insectivorous birds provide baldcypress some protection from caterpillar herbivory, but birds may offer little protection to water tupelo, especially trees less than 2m tall.

Understanding habitat affinities of wintering grassland birds is pertinent to their conservation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the 1) effect burn history has on vegetation structure in coastal prairie; 2) habitat associations of the most common avian species; and, 3) home range size and site fidelity of Le Conte's Sparrow (LCSP). Data were collected on sites with 1-, 2- and 3-year burn histories during the winter of 2002 at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. Line transects were conducted to estimate bird abundance and vegetation measurements were recorded for herbaceous density, shrub density, and community type. Twenty-six Le Conte's Sparrows (Ammodramus lecontii) (LCSP) were radio-marked, in 1- and 2-year burn units, and located for approximately 10 days. One hectare plots on each burn unit were flush-netted once each month. Burn history was highly correlated with herbaceous vegetation and shrub density. LCSP were most common in areas of medium herbaceous density, low to medium litter densities, and areas with tall vegetation. LCSP also occurred in areas with low shrub densities, but abundance was significantly higher in areas with dwarf wax myrtle (Morella cerifera). Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) were most often found in areas with low herbaceous and shrub densities. Sedge Wrens (Cistothorus platensis) (SEWR) were most common in areas with dense herbaceous vegetation, but showed no relationship to shrub density. SEWR were associated with areas where saltbush and tallow were present. Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) were most common in areas of high shrub densities, but demonstrated no relationship to herbaceous vegetation densities. LCSP were sedentary during winter with a mean home range of 2.41 ha (72% < 1 ha) with a 50% probability, and 10.31 ha (44% < 1 ha and 55% < 1.5 ha) with a 95% probability. Home range size did not significantly differ between burn year (p = 0.227). LCSP appeared to exhibit a behavioral response to capture (p < 0.001) with estimated capture probability of 0.462 and recapture probability of 0.056. Maintaining a mosaic of prairie, in three year burn rotations, and controlling woody invasives will provide sufficient overwintering habitat for SAVS, LCSP and SEWR.

Hydrilla verticillata invaded south central Louisiana during the 1970s subsequently becoming the dominant submerged macrophyte in floodplain habitats of the Atchafalaya River Basin. The effects of hydrilla on littoral habitat structure, water quality, fish, and macroinvertebrates have been pervasive, and I hypothesized that dense hydrilla stands would also impact vertebrate predation on resident macroinvertebrates, although predation effects would likely be mediated by bed position. During 2003 and 2004, I conducted exclosure experiments in the Atchafalaya River Basin with artificial substrates to test for variations in hydrilla bed macroinvertebrate communities caused by predation, plant architecture, and bed position. To determine invertebrates consumed by fishes, I also examined stomach contents of potentially invertivorous fishes inhabiting these beds. Results indicate that position and predation are important in structuring macroinvertebrate communities, whereas plant architecture had little effect. My diet analyses indicate that the fishes sampled fall into three categories: 1) those that do not feed on macroinvertebrates; 2) those that feed on small invertebrates (e.g., dipterans); and 3) those that feed on large invertebrates (e.g., decapods) and poeciliid fishes. Further, the diets of the invertivorous fishes coincide with the distributions found in the macroinvertebrate community and, in general, those macroinvertebrates most commonly found in fish diets occurred in greater densities within the bed interior.

The unavailability of total economic values of indigenous people in Indonesia, both in the short and long term, has created the rejection of their existences in the forest area. The purpose of this study is to estimate the total economic value of sustainable forest management conducted by indigenous tribes in Indonesia using total economic value concepts. The tribes total economic value is expressed by estimating the use value, indirect use value and non-use value. The study used benefit transfer and survey methods using questionnaires to estimate the tribes total economic value. The estimated total economic value of the Benuaq Dayak of U.S. $ 6,025.88 per hectare per year was calculated by summing the direct use value (U.S. $0.028 per hectare per year), indirect use value (U.S. $3,156 per hectare per year), and non-use value (U.S. $2,870 per hectare per year). The research hypothesis that the Benuaq Dayaks sustainable resource management has economic value is supported. The research predicted that the estimated total economic value of the Benuaq Dayaks management might create a new perception of the tribe, the private companies, and the government.

In this study, the effect of notch length on impact strength and fracture toughness was examined to exploit the use of wood plastic composite (WPC) as structural materials. Impact and fracture toughness test methods and estimation procedures were carried out. To evaluate the impact strength of WPC, five different notch sizes with two different fiber orientations on the load head were prepared. In terms of fracture mechanics, notch length was converted to stress concentration factor and the relationship between stress concentration factor and impact strength was determined. Fracture surface of impact specimens was investigated to evaluate the fracture mechanism of WPC by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the determination of fracture toughness of WPC, a short bar specimen with a rectangular cross section and a different notch size was used. To obtain the stress intensity factor (K_I) for the mode I case, a finite element method (FEM) was carried out. The simulation of the stress intensity factor was performed on four successively refined meshes via quarter point elements around the crack tip. By means of an asymptotic analysis, the verification of the simulation was also presented. The experimental results showed that impact strength of WPC was highly dependant upon the fiber orientation and stress concentration factor. However, fracture toughness was independent of the change of the length of the notch. Fracture toughness of WPC was estimated to be 1.79 MPa√<font style="text-decoration: overline;">m</font> using a four point bending test. The results of the simulation showed that stress intensity factor of WPC was estimated to be 584.9 (kPa√<font style="text-decoration: overline;">m</font>). The results of normal stress at the crack tip from a common sequence of four successively refined meshes were diverged while the results of the stress intensity factors converged. The strength of singularity for normal stress (σ_x) was 4.92 which is quite close to that of true singularity (0.5) for the sharp crack tip when Θ=180°. Crack opening angle (COA) of the four point bending specimen was also estimated to be 50° on the basis of strength of singularity determined from finite element method.