Scott Henke - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Scott Henke
The Condor, 2000
White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Texas are separated into four subspecies primarily based... more White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Texas are separated into four subspecies primarily based on morphological variation. However, problems differentiating the subspecies by morphological measurements alone and a recent range expansion have led to questions about their systematic status and population structure. We evaluated both morphological characters and a 289 base-pair segment of the mitochondrial control region from 183 White-winged Doves taken from 31 locations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Twenty-seven variable base changes were observed, which resulted in 44 haplotypes. An analysis of haplotypes yielded little phylogenetic signal; however, analyses of haplotype frequencies indicated geographic heterogeneity between doves collected in the four historic subspecies ranges. Doves from the range expansion areas were intermediate in size and genetically homogenous. Morphological analyses suggested congruency between control region variation and body size. Our data support the recognition of two subspecies of Whitewinged Doves with a zone of intergradation in the range expansion areas. The dispersal of White-winged Doves into the expansion areas appears to be a congruent process by both subspecies.
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2012
Brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) are mildly venomous, exotic snakes that have the potential t... more Brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) are mildly venomous, exotic snakes that have the potential to become an invasive species in North America, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The snake is native to northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and other islands of northern and western Melanesia. The snakes were fi rst found outside their native range on Guam in 1953. The exact date they reached the island is uncertain, but they are believed to have arrived on military cargo transport vessels some time during or just after World War II. During the years that followed, the population of brown treesnakes increased considerably on Guam. The snakes have extirpated or endangered many native animal populations, attacked pets and poultry, bitten humans, and caused power outages resulting in millions of dollars in damage. This snake species has been found on ships and aircraft, which have transported it to other islands in the Indo-Pacifi c, as well as Hawaii and...
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2019
The monetary value of livestock losses attributed to coyote (Canis latrans) predation in North Am... more The monetary value of livestock losses attributed to coyote (Canis latrans) predation in North America has increased during the past 20 years. In Texas, USA alone in 2011, these loses were estimated at $6.9 million. To mitigate coyote-related livestock losses, several lethal and nonlethal control methods have been developed. However, there remains a need for better information to guide management decisions regarding cost-effective predator control strategies for livestock production systems. We acquired data, which was used in the model, from published literature from 1960 to present day, subject matter experts, and anecdotal information on coyote ecology. We developed a systems dynamics simulation model to evaluate the economic impact of coyote control on an average-sized cattle (Bos spp.) operation (1,000 ha) for a conceptual 10-year period in Texas. We conducted a sensitivity analyses to validate the model and identify the most sensitive parameters. We tested 88 scenarios using c...
Journal of Urban Ecology, 2018
Previous studies have explored spatial ecology and habitat use of alligators and other crocodilia... more Previous studies have explored spatial ecology and habitat use of alligators and other crocodilian species. However, few studies have explored these characteristics in urban environments. We studied an alligator population that occurred in an urban-influenced ecosystem, a habitat that has received little scientific attention. Our objectives were to determine spatial ecology and habitat use of American alligators within this urban system and to provide a template of methodology and analytical techniques that can be used by urban biologists, planners and researchers in order to assess and study urban crocodilian populations. We recorded 653 observations of alligators and their locations during 19 alligator surveys at an encounter rate of 0.6 alligators per km/survey. Results indicated that alligators exhibited clustering patterns of distribution. Thirteen different wetland types occurred within our survey area, but alligators were only observed in 10 of the 13. We found few difference...
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2016
Baylisascaris procyonis is a large parasitic nematode found in the small intestines of raccoons (... more Baylisascaris procyonis is a large parasitic nematode found in the small intestines of raccoons (Procyon lotor), the defi nitive host, and causes larva migrans in humans and other animals. Humans can become infected by ingesting B. procyonis eggs, which can remain viable in the environment for years and adhere to vegetation, soil, water, raccoon feces, or hands. Parasitic infections manifest in humans with neural and ocular larva migrans, characterized by clinical symptoms of head and body tilt, circling, recumbency, ataxia, blindness, nervous behavior, paralysis, and coma, leading to death. Prevalence of B. procyonis in humans is unknown. However, human cases may be more common in endemic areas than initially suspected because humans with low-level infections may not develop clinical signs and can go undiagnosed. Therefore, the prevalence of human B. procyonis infections can be high, especially in endemic areas where suburban sprawl increases the likelihood of frequent human contac...
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2017
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are considered a cosmopolitan meso-predator because of their widespread d... more Coyotes (Canis latrans) are considered a cosmopolitan meso-predator because of their widespread distribution throughout North America. Their ecological niche includes rural landscapes, the urban-rural interface, and metropolitan cities and small towns. Human awareness of their presence and relative abundance comes largely from their vocalizations. In September 2015, we played recordings of 1-4 coyotes that were howling and yip-yapping to 427 participants who lived in southern Texas, USA, and asked them to estimate the number of coyotes they perceived to hear. Participants were separated by gender (male or female), age group (≤34 or ≥35), resident location (urban, suburban, or rural), and occupation type (rancher/farmer or non-rancher/farmer). We did not fi nd any diff erences between participant perceptions of coyote abundance based on gender, age group, resident location, and occupation type. Participants were able to discern diff erences in the number of coyotes howling with the addition of each coyote; however, participants consistently overestimated the number of coyotes they heard by nearly 2-fold. To the extent that our surveyed population represented the general public, it appears that the public could develop the misperception that coyotes are more abundant than they actually are.
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2014
The population rebound of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis; hereafter, alligato... more The population rebound of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis; hereafter, alligator), with the rapid growth of populations throughout its range, has caused an influx of human-alligator conflicts. We quantified 5,838 nuisance alligator reports from 2000 to 2011 to develop more site-specific strategies of management and to determine where management should be focused to minimize the conflict. We also surveyed the general public's attitude toward and knowledge of alligators (n = 98) as a technique to better understand human dimensions of nuisance alligator management in Texas. Counties that received the largest numbers of nuisance alligator reports were Jefferson (16%), Fort Bend (14%), Matagorda (11%), Brazoria (10%), Harris (7%), Jackson (5%), Orange (5%), Chambers (5%), Calhoun (5%), and Liberty (3%) counties. We found that of the nuisance alligators reported, 45% were male, 18% were female, and 38% were reported as unknown. Most residential situations occurred in...
Avian Conservation and Ecology, 2018
Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 2000
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often are considered a nuisance species in suburban and urban areas, and... more Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often are considered a nuisance species in suburban and urban areas, and thus, must be removed. However, raccoons are capable of removing bait from cage traps without being captured and appear to avoid baits that are infested with fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). We modified Tomahawk• cage traps with an extended metal floor that acted as a trip device, hardware cloth wrapped around the back half of traps to reduce the potential of raccoons obtaining bait without entering the traps, and developed a hook upon which to place baits to minimize the probability of fire ants locating the bait. We then compared the proportion of raccoon captures, baits missing, and baits with fire ants between cage traps with and without the modified floor and bait hook. Twenty-five raccoons were caught, 80 baits were stolen, and 108 baits were infested with fire ants during 432 trap-nights. A greater proportion of raccoons were caught in (G=ll.7, 3 df, P < 0.01) and fewer baits were stolen from (G=ll.O, 3 df, P < 0.02) cage traps modified with the extended metal floor than without the modification. Traps equipped with hooks were minimally affected by fire ants present on the baits (i.e., 8 of216 baits; 3.7%), which was much less (G=59.0, 1 df, P < 0.0001) than traps without bait hooks (46.3%). Our modifications to cage traps enhanced the capture success of raccoons and should be considered if live-trapping of raccoons is required, especially in areas where fire ants are problematic.
![Research paper thumbnail of Symposium Proceedings—Coyotes in the Southwest: A Compendium of Our Knowledge [complete work, 185 pp.]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/117792944/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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Wildlife Society Bulletin
... The value of prickly pear cactus as nesting cover for northern bobwhite ... Fidel Hernandez (... more ... The value of prickly pear cactus as nesting cover for northern bobwhite ... Fidel Hernandez (photo) is an assistant professor with the Department of Animal and Wildlife ... His extension emphases involve leadership training for high-school youth (ie, The Bobwhite Brigade) and school ...
Wildlife Society Bulletin
... rates and implications to nesting studies. ... Fidel Hernandez (photo) is an assistant profes... more ... rates and implications to nesting studies. ... Fidel Hernandez (photo) is an assistant professor with the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences at Texas ... His extension emphases involve leadership training for high school youth (ie, The Bobwhite Brigade) and school curriculum ...
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2012
Feral swine (Sus scrofa), a successful invasive species in the United States, have established gr... more Feral swine (Sus scrofa), a successful invasive species in the United States, have established growing populations in 38 states and are a reservoir of diseases important to domestic swine. An understanding of habitat use and movements is important for the prevention of disease transmission between feral and domestic swine. To assess risk posed to neighboring domestic swine facilities in East and South Texas, we determined habitat use and movement patterns of feral swine within 10 miles of domestic swine facilities, identified similarities in habitat preferences and vegetation types directly surrounding facilities, assessed effects of wet and dry conditions on general habitat use, and determined whether landscape features such as corridors or boundaries influenced movements across utilized habitats. Kernel area values (95% isopleths) for wet and dry periods were different (F2,16 = 6.38, P = 0.005) between East and South Texas. Feral swine preferred habitat characteristics commonly fo...
… , SJ, Kuvlesky, WP …, 2002
The Condor, 2000
White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Texas are separated into four subspecies primarily based... more White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) in Texas are separated into four subspecies primarily based on morphological variation. However, problems differentiating the subspecies by morphological measurements alone and a recent range expansion have led to questions about their systematic status and population structure. We evaluated both morphological characters and a 289 base-pair segment of the mitochondrial control region from 183 White-winged Doves taken from 31 locations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Twenty-seven variable base changes were observed, which resulted in 44 haplotypes. An analysis of haplotypes yielded little phylogenetic signal; however, analyses of haplotype frequencies indicated geographic heterogeneity between doves collected in the four historic subspecies ranges. Doves from the range expansion areas were intermediate in size and genetically homogenous. Morphological analyses suggested congruency between control region variation and body size. Our data support the recognition of two subspecies of Whitewinged Doves with a zone of intergradation in the range expansion areas. The dispersal of White-winged Doves into the expansion areas appears to be a congruent process by both subspecies.
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2012
Brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) are mildly venomous, exotic snakes that have the potential t... more Brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) are mildly venomous, exotic snakes that have the potential to become an invasive species in North America, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The snake is native to northern and eastern Australia, New Guinea, and other islands of northern and western Melanesia. The snakes were fi rst found outside their native range on Guam in 1953. The exact date they reached the island is uncertain, but they are believed to have arrived on military cargo transport vessels some time during or just after World War II. During the years that followed, the population of brown treesnakes increased considerably on Guam. The snakes have extirpated or endangered many native animal populations, attacked pets and poultry, bitten humans, and caused power outages resulting in millions of dollars in damage. This snake species has been found on ships and aircraft, which have transported it to other islands in the Indo-Pacifi c, as well as Hawaii and...
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2019
The monetary value of livestock losses attributed to coyote (Canis latrans) predation in North Am... more The monetary value of livestock losses attributed to coyote (Canis latrans) predation in North America has increased during the past 20 years. In Texas, USA alone in 2011, these loses were estimated at $6.9 million. To mitigate coyote-related livestock losses, several lethal and nonlethal control methods have been developed. However, there remains a need for better information to guide management decisions regarding cost-effective predator control strategies for livestock production systems. We acquired data, which was used in the model, from published literature from 1960 to present day, subject matter experts, and anecdotal information on coyote ecology. We developed a systems dynamics simulation model to evaluate the economic impact of coyote control on an average-sized cattle (Bos spp.) operation (1,000 ha) for a conceptual 10-year period in Texas. We conducted a sensitivity analyses to validate the model and identify the most sensitive parameters. We tested 88 scenarios using c...
Journal of Urban Ecology, 2018
Previous studies have explored spatial ecology and habitat use of alligators and other crocodilia... more Previous studies have explored spatial ecology and habitat use of alligators and other crocodilian species. However, few studies have explored these characteristics in urban environments. We studied an alligator population that occurred in an urban-influenced ecosystem, a habitat that has received little scientific attention. Our objectives were to determine spatial ecology and habitat use of American alligators within this urban system and to provide a template of methodology and analytical techniques that can be used by urban biologists, planners and researchers in order to assess and study urban crocodilian populations. We recorded 653 observations of alligators and their locations during 19 alligator surveys at an encounter rate of 0.6 alligators per km/survey. Results indicated that alligators exhibited clustering patterns of distribution. Thirteen different wetland types occurred within our survey area, but alligators were only observed in 10 of the 13. We found few difference...
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2016
Baylisascaris procyonis is a large parasitic nematode found in the small intestines of raccoons (... more Baylisascaris procyonis is a large parasitic nematode found in the small intestines of raccoons (Procyon lotor), the defi nitive host, and causes larva migrans in humans and other animals. Humans can become infected by ingesting B. procyonis eggs, which can remain viable in the environment for years and adhere to vegetation, soil, water, raccoon feces, or hands. Parasitic infections manifest in humans with neural and ocular larva migrans, characterized by clinical symptoms of head and body tilt, circling, recumbency, ataxia, blindness, nervous behavior, paralysis, and coma, leading to death. Prevalence of B. procyonis in humans is unknown. However, human cases may be more common in endemic areas than initially suspected because humans with low-level infections may not develop clinical signs and can go undiagnosed. Therefore, the prevalence of human B. procyonis infections can be high, especially in endemic areas where suburban sprawl increases the likelihood of frequent human contac...
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2017
Coyotes (Canis latrans) are considered a cosmopolitan meso-predator because of their widespread d... more Coyotes (Canis latrans) are considered a cosmopolitan meso-predator because of their widespread distribution throughout North America. Their ecological niche includes rural landscapes, the urban-rural interface, and metropolitan cities and small towns. Human awareness of their presence and relative abundance comes largely from their vocalizations. In September 2015, we played recordings of 1-4 coyotes that were howling and yip-yapping to 427 participants who lived in southern Texas, USA, and asked them to estimate the number of coyotes they perceived to hear. Participants were separated by gender (male or female), age group (≤34 or ≥35), resident location (urban, suburban, or rural), and occupation type (rancher/farmer or non-rancher/farmer). We did not fi nd any diff erences between participant perceptions of coyote abundance based on gender, age group, resident location, and occupation type. Participants were able to discern diff erences in the number of coyotes howling with the addition of each coyote; however, participants consistently overestimated the number of coyotes they heard by nearly 2-fold. To the extent that our surveyed population represented the general public, it appears that the public could develop the misperception that coyotes are more abundant than they actually are.
Human–Wildlife Interactions, 2014
The population rebound of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis; hereafter, alligato... more The population rebound of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis; hereafter, alligator), with the rapid growth of populations throughout its range, has caused an influx of human-alligator conflicts. We quantified 5,838 nuisance alligator reports from 2000 to 2011 to develop more site-specific strategies of management and to determine where management should be focused to minimize the conflict. We also surveyed the general public's attitude toward and knowledge of alligators (n = 98) as a technique to better understand human dimensions of nuisance alligator management in Texas. Counties that received the largest numbers of nuisance alligator reports were Jefferson (16%), Fort Bend (14%), Matagorda (11%), Brazoria (10%), Harris (7%), Jackson (5%), Orange (5%), Chambers (5%), Calhoun (5%), and Liberty (3%) counties. We found that of the nuisance alligators reported, 45% were male, 18% were female, and 38% were reported as unknown. Most residential situations occurred in...
Avian Conservation and Ecology, 2018
Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 2000
Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often are considered a nuisance species in suburban and urban areas, and... more Raccoons (Procyon lotor) often are considered a nuisance species in suburban and urban areas, and thus, must be removed. However, raccoons are capable of removing bait from cage traps without being captured and appear to avoid baits that are infested with fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). We modified Tomahawk• cage traps with an extended metal floor that acted as a trip device, hardware cloth wrapped around the back half of traps to reduce the potential of raccoons obtaining bait without entering the traps, and developed a hook upon which to place baits to minimize the probability of fire ants locating the bait. We then compared the proportion of raccoon captures, baits missing, and baits with fire ants between cage traps with and without the modified floor and bait hook. Twenty-five raccoons were caught, 80 baits were stolen, and 108 baits were infested with fire ants during 432 trap-nights. A greater proportion of raccoons were caught in (G=ll.7, 3 df, P < 0.01) and fewer baits were stolen from (G=ll.O, 3 df, P < 0.02) cage traps modified with the extended metal floor than without the modification. Traps equipped with hooks were minimally affected by fire ants present on the baits (i.e., 8 of216 baits; 3.7%), which was much less (G=59.0, 1 df, P < 0.0001) than traps without bait hooks (46.3%). Our modifications to cage traps enhanced the capture success of raccoons and should be considered if live-trapping of raccoons is required, especially in areas where fire ants are problematic.
Wildlife Society Bulletin
... The value of prickly pear cactus as nesting cover for northern bobwhite ... Fidel Hernandez (... more ... The value of prickly pear cactus as nesting cover for northern bobwhite ... Fidel Hernandez (photo) is an assistant professor with the Department of Animal and Wildlife ... His extension emphases involve leadership training for high-school youth (ie, The Bobwhite Brigade) and school ...
Wildlife Society Bulletin
... rates and implications to nesting studies. ... Fidel Hernandez (photo) is an assistant profes... more ... rates and implications to nesting studies. ... Fidel Hernandez (photo) is an assistant professor with the Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences at Texas ... His extension emphases involve leadership training for high school youth (ie, The Bobwhite Brigade) and school curriculum ...
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2012
Feral swine (Sus scrofa), a successful invasive species in the United States, have established gr... more Feral swine (Sus scrofa), a successful invasive species in the United States, have established growing populations in 38 states and are a reservoir of diseases important to domestic swine. An understanding of habitat use and movements is important for the prevention of disease transmission between feral and domestic swine. To assess risk posed to neighboring domestic swine facilities in East and South Texas, we determined habitat use and movement patterns of feral swine within 10 miles of domestic swine facilities, identified similarities in habitat preferences and vegetation types directly surrounding facilities, assessed effects of wet and dry conditions on general habitat use, and determined whether landscape features such as corridors or boundaries influenced movements across utilized habitats. Kernel area values (95% isopleths) for wet and dry periods were different (F2,16 = 6.38, P = 0.005) between East and South Texas. Feral swine preferred habitat characteristics commonly fo...
… , SJ, Kuvlesky, WP …, 2002