No abstract

In the late 20th century, elk ( Cervus canadensis) were reintroduced into southeastern Kentucky, US. This population has since been used as a stock population for additional elk reintroductions in other eastern states. Although reintroduction and translocation practices are effective, they can disseminate vectors and pathogens. Therefore, we surveyed tick species residing on elk hosts a decade after elk reintroduction in Kentucky by examining 263 captured individuals (female=86; male=177) from 2011 to 2013. A total of 1,617 ticks were collected from 255 elk. We found five tick species: American dog ( Dermacentor variabilis), Gulf Coast ( Amblyomma maculatum), winter ( Dermacentor albipictus), deer ( Ixodes scapularis), and Lone Star ( Amblyomma americanum). The most prevalent ticks were winter tick (52.3%) and American dog tick (42.1%). We found no difference between female and male elk in mean intensity of American dog tick (mean=2.6, 95% confidence limits: -2.6, 2.7; P=0.701) or winter tick (mean=3.28, 95% confidence limits: -2.21, 2.07; P=0.274). Our findings demonstrated that the elk population acts as host to a diversity of tick species, suggested a broader distribution of tick species than previously reported in Kentucky, and highlighted the potential for inadvertent spread of ticks through translocation and reintroduction efforts, even on a local scale.

Community support is critical to recovery success of endangered species. Education can cultivate positive attitudes and actions toward species recovery. The federally endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) is endemic to east-central Texas and the largest population is currently located near the City of Bastrop in Bastrop County. This study quantified the level of knowledge about the Houston toad for residents of the City ofBastrop, explored reasons behind expressed opinions of residents, and determined current and future education outlets. Nearly two thirds of respondents had heard of the Houston toad. Of the 83 surveyed residents who had heard of the species, 94% knew the Houston toad was endangered. Most respondents believed the Houston toad was an important part of the Lost Pines ecosystem and cared if it goes extinct. Survey responses did not vary by sex or age. This article will hopefully guide future education and collaborative recovery initiatives.