Nicole D. Jennings | USGS Science

USGS2022

Hematology and biochemistry reference intervals for American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in South Florida, USA

We calculated reference intervals for 48 blood parameters from 120 wild American alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis ) in South Florida, US. Although previously reported by others, this study includes additional parameters not yet reported in wild populations. Most previously reported blood parameter values were similar to ours and fell within our reference intervals.

Florida↗

USGS2018

Establishment of the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in Louisiana

The Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis , is native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, and is invasive in areas where it has been introduced and established in the Caribbean as well as Florida. Despite repeated occurrences in several states over many years, it was not believed that Cuban treefrogs had successfully established outside of Florida in the mainland United States. From mid-September to mid-November 2017, we captured and removed 367 Cuban treefrogs in just four surveys in New Orleans, Louisiana. The impacts of this population on native treefrogs in this area is unknown but possibly severe as indicated by the paucity of observations of native treefrogs during our surveys. Eradication of this seemingly established population is improbable, but continued surveys will facilitate learning about the ecology and genetics of this novel population.

Louisiana↗