Article
Remote Sensing
Javier Lenzi, Christopher J. Felege, Robert Newman, Blake McCann, Susan N. Ellis-Felege
Summary: Drone use in protected areas in North America has been increasing, but little is known about its potential impacts on terrestrial megafauna. This study evaluated the behavioral responses of feral horses and bison to drone flights at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the United States. The results showed that both species displayed behavioral responses to the presence of the fixed-wing drone, but did not exhibit escape behaviors. The study also found that drone flights at 120 meters altitude did not elicit escape responses, indicating a low level of disturbance.
Article
Geography, Physical
Jonathan D. Phillips
Summary: The fluvial-estuarine transition zone (FETZ) of the Neuse River in North Carolina features a complex river corridor with unique geomorphological characteristics, shaped by Holocene and contemporary sea-level rise. It can accommodate extreme flows and storm surges, with limited options for geomorphological adaptation due to low landscape slopes and relief, close channels to base level, low sediment inputs, and high bank resistance. Adaptations in the FETZ include formation of multiple channels, water storage in wetlands and floodplain depressions, increased overbank flow frequency, and adjustments of roughness via vegetation and woody debris.
EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Michael E. DeWitt, Ashley H. Tjaden, David Herrington, John Schieffelin, Michael Gibbs, William S. Weintraub, John W. Sanders, Sharon L. Edelstein
Summary: In North Carolina, USA, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was found to be associated with changes in symptomology, including increased rates of cough and sore throat and decreased rates of loss of taste and smell in daily surveys. The symptom duration during the Delta and Omicron periods was shorter compared to the pre-Delta period.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Owen Stokes-Cawley, Hannah Stroud, Douglas Lyons, Peter Wiley, Charles Goodhue
Summary: Increased attention to the value of protected natural areas has led to the proliferation of ecosystem service valuations for coastal habitats, but these studies do not fully represent the economic value of these habitats. Through economic contribution analysis, it is found that protected coastal environments such as NERRS add jobs and revenue to local communities, while also generating ripple effects throughout the economy.
Article
Ecology
Renata S. Mendonca, Pandora Pinto, Tamao Maeda, Sota Inoue, Monamie Ringhofer, Shinya Yamamoto, Satoshi Hirata
Summary: This article examines the demographic and dynamic changes of a population of Garranos horses in Serra d'Arga over six breeding seasons. The study finds that human interference and predation pressures have led to a drastic decline in the population, compromising their viability and survival. The research highlights the importance of managing populations and fighting against the extinction of horse breeds.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Lindsay E. Usher
Summary: This study investigated surfers' perceptions of beach nourishment, finding that respondents had neutral to somewhat negative opinions of the process. Surfers from the southern coast of North Carolina had significantly more negative views compared to surfers from other regions.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aleta A. Hohn, Antoinette M. Gorgone, Barbie L. Byrd, Kyle W. Shertzer, Tomo Eguchi
Summary: The social structure of estuarine-resident bottlenose dolphins in North Carolina is complex and not consistent with current stock designations. A new capture-mark-recapture survey in 2018 identified a higher abundance estimate compared to previous estimates. Social network analysis revealed three primary clusters that were not defined by spatiotemporal distribution.
Review
Ecology
P. N. Boyce, J. D. Hennig, R. K. Brook, P. D. McLoughlin
Summary: Feral wildlife biomass is surpassing that of native wildlife in many areas, influencing ecological community dynamics significantly. Research and management of feral species are hindered by social, political challenges, and interdisciplinary tendencies, affecting resource management and biodiversity conservation. These barriers, including ideological opposition, create asymmetries favoring feral species over native wildlife.
BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kelly Shea, Danica Schaffer-Smith, Rebecca L. Muenich
Summary: This study aims to detect land applications of liquid manure using a remote sensing approach. It reveals that manure applications are concentrated within about 1 km from the point of generation, and successfully distinguishes saturated and unsaturated soils within different crops. This research is important for further understanding manure management at CAFOs, as well as improving pollution source tracking and modeling.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Zanethia C. Barnett, Johnny Boggs, Ge Sun
Summary: Forest disturbances have significant effects on water quality and quantity, river geomorphology, and the ecology of receiving waterbodies. Riparian forests provide numerous functions for aquatic communities including retaining fine sediments and nutrients, controlling water temperature, and providing food sources and habitat for aquatic organisms.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Peter S. Coates, Shawn T. O'neil, Diana A. Munoz, Ian A. Dwight, John C. Tull
Summary: In recent years, the population of feral horses in sagebrush ecosystems has drastically increased, exceeding the maximum appropriate management levels set by administrators; meanwhile, the population of sage-grouse in these environments continues to decline. Research indicates that exceeding a certain threshold of horse abundance leads to a decrease in sage-grouse populations, while appropriate management levels can mitigate this impact.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Economics
William R. Casola, M. Nils Peterson, Erin O. Sills, Krishna Pacifici, Christopher E. Moorman
Summary: Wildlife management areas (WMAs) contribute significantly to local and state economies. While hunting and fishing are the most obvious economic activities, other forms of recreation also play a major role. Estimating the economic contribution of all recreationists can inform decision-making and management of public lands. In North Carolina, recreation on protected lands primarily designated for hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation generated approximately 2200 jobs, $84 million USD in annual labor income, and $140 million USD in value added annually.
FOREST POLICY AND ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Julia Cardwell
Summary: Acquisition of flood risk properties is a common practice for floodplain risk management. This study examines the floodplain buyout program in Charlotte, North Carolina, with special consideration for equity concerns and community sentiment. The findings highlight the importance of community-specific examination of recovery programs and considering community experience in the post-buyout period.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kylie D. Rock, Madison E. Polera, Theresa C. Guillette, Hannah M. Starnes, Kentley Dean, Mike Watters, Debra Stevens-Stewart, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: In this study, serum PFAS concentrations were determined for 31 dogs and 32 horses in Gray's Creek NC. PFAS were detected in every sample, with higher concentrations found in dogs compared to horses. The study suggests that long-term PFAS exposures may affect the renal and hepatic health of domestic animals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jacob D. Hennig, Jeffrey L. Beck, Caleb J. Gray, J. Derek Scasta
Summary: The study found high temporal overlap in water use among feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn in a management area in the western United States, while mule deer and elk showed lower overlap with horses and cattle. Despite the temporal overlap, there was no evidence of interference competition between feral horses, cattle, and pronghorn.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2021)
