Ash performs Caracara study for the Army Corp of Engineers
Ash Group’s most recent work is conducted at the proposed C-44 reservoir in Martin County, Florida. This project is in support of the Indian River Lagoon restoration project, a component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Project (CERP). The purpose of the survey is to identify nest sites located within 1,500 meter (4,920 ft) of activities associated with the current phase of CERP. Activities within this buffer zone have the potential to disturb mating pairs and result in failed nests. This species of bird is listed as a Threatened and thus afforded protection under the US Endangered Species Act by both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). In addition, the caracara is protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The survey areas include suitable habitat within privately owned properties adjacent to project area. The surveys are conducted by qualified Ash scientists in concert with partners Quest Ecology.

The birds are easily disturbed by human activity and particularly wary of unexpected events. Surveys begin each day a half hour before dawn and last 3 beyond. There is the highest probability of success in finding caracara nests during the period of January through March. This period covers the time when most birds are choosing nest sites, sitting on eggs, and feeding nestlings. Stick carrying, food carrying, nest defense are all behaviors associated with these activities and can be observed. Observation of such behavior is essential in identifying nest sites (often solitary sabal palms).

This project has required the use of GIS, GPS, and advanced optical equipment, the coordination of multiple regulatory agencies and private landowners, and most importantly, patience and perseverance. To date, several nest sites have been positively identified, inroads have been established, experience has been gained, and resources have been protected.
 

Ash performs Alabama Beach Mouse Study within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Ash Group is continuing its work in coastal Alabama on a utility installation project. The proposed alignment of the utility line will extend through essential habitat of the Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was established by congress in 1980 and is home to migratory birds, nesting sea turtles and the endangered Alabama beach mouse among many other species.

The Alabama beach mouse (ABM) is perhaps most truly representative of coastal beach mouse species along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This mouse is one of several subspecies of old field mice which live only in coastal sand dune areas. Living isolated from other beach mice for thousands of years has allowed each subspecies to develop its own slightly unique characteristics suited to its particular beach environment. The ABM was federally listed as endangered in 1985 because of impacts to its habitat. Beach mice are small…about 4-5 inches long, including their tail, and weigh around 12.5 grams (less than the weight of three nickels). In the wild they may live 9 months to a year. Female beach mice usually bear around four pups per litter after a 23-day gestation period. A female beach mouse can breed again within 24 hours of giving birth. ABM feed primarily on seeds from dune community plants such as sea oats, ground cherry, dune spurge, bluestem, evening primrose, beach pea, jointweed, seashore elder, seaside pennywort and the various acorns found in the interior "scrub" habitat. Unlike the house mouse, beach mice are not known to live in buildings, cars, garages. Nor do they frequent garbage sites. Beach mice make their homes in burrows dug into the sloping sides of sand dunes. The burrow contains 3 main parts: an entrance tunnel, which extends at an incline to a nest chamber usually 2 to 3 feet underground, and an escape tunnel that rises from the nest chamber to within an inch of the surface. Beach mice can quickly pop open this plug of sand and escape if threatened or disturbed. A beach mouse family will often use as many as 10 burrows within their home territory. It is because the specific qualities of the coastal dune system that this species has persisted. Loss of habitat by coastal development and predation by domestic and feral cats remain the main threats.