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Theory and practice of the hydrodynamic redesign of artifical hellbender habitat
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The success of nest boxes in Missouri led researchers to test whether similar management tools could increase C. a. alleganiensis populations in the streams of western North Carolina, where these salamanders are listed as a Species of Special Concern (Messerman 2014). Fifty-four nest boxes were constructed following the boot-shaped design of Briggler and Ackerson (2012) in May 2013, and were installed across five known C. alleganiensis stream sites between late June and early August 2013. Messerman (2014) then monitored each nest box every three to four weeks through November 2013, and the boxes were revisited in August 2014 and July 2015 to observe structural condition and occupancy (Messerman, pers. obs.). Of the 54 nest boxes, only two structures at a single site were confirmed as inhabited in 2014 and 2015, and no breeding events were detected (Messerman, pers. obs.). Moreover, many of these ~50 lb concrete boxes moved in flood events or accumulated sediment at the downstream tunnel entrance (Messerman 2014). The low success of the boot-shaped nest box design in North Carolina may be attributed to the sites generally being narrower and shallower than those in Missouri, with much of the substrate consisting of bedrock slabs covered by relatively thin layers of rock, gravel and silt. Here we address the observed shortcomings of the original North Carolina design through the lens of engineering, and present a new and easily implemented nest box model for use in streams like those found in western North Carolina.
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Research
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Artificial Nest Box Research
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Threats
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Information on landscape and habitat-level impacts that adversely affect bog turtles
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Species Profile
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To Restore Hellbender Habitat, a Biologist Visits the Farmers' Market
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When working to restore wildlife habitat on agricultural lands, outreach to producers can be challenging. Private Lands Biologist Mike Knoerr figured out a way to make it much more efficient.
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News & Events
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife denies Endangered Species Act protection for eastern hellbenders
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Just as the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has called on the public to help locate and document sightings of the declining population of eastern hellbender salamanders to help in recovery efforts, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided not to list the salamander as an endangered species.
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News & Events
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Eastern Hellbender News
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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
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NRCS helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve the nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment.
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LP Members
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Organizations Search
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Virginia Tech Researchers Receive NSF Grant to Study Parental Care in Eastern Hellbender Salamanders
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William Hopkins, professor of wildlife in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, is the principal investigator on a new grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for $738,817 to study parental care in the eastern hellbender salamander.
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News & Events
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Eastern Hellbender News
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Working With Farmers and Landowners in NY to Restore Bog Turtle Habitat Powerpoint Presentation
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Approximately 15 minute presentation on conducting bog turtle habitat conservation through Farm Bill programs on private lands, and how to work with private landowners. Presented by Elizabeth Marks of NRCS, an Area Biologist in upstate NY who has extensive experience with this topic.
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Online Training Resources
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Webinars and Instructional Videos
