RCN2009-04: Development of Noninvasive Monitoring Tools for New England Cottontail Populations: Implications for Tracking Early Successional Ecosystem Health

RCN2009-04: Development of Noninvasive Monitoring Tools for New England Cottontail Populations: Implications for Tracking Early Successional Ecosystem Health

This project developed new noninvasive tools for monitoring the status and effectiveness of conservation actions for New England cottontails (Sylvilagus transitionalis). A systematic study of detection rates and the factors that influence detection of New England cottontails was conducted. This resulted in noninvasive genetic monitoring techniques for baseline and population estimates of New England cottontails on several sites range-wide. The project also conducted pilot investigations for developing a pellet count index. Final products include an evaluation of current presence/absence survey protocols, guidelines for implementing effective new monitoring approaches, field survey protocols, and the first baseline population estimates for New England cottontails range-wide. 

RCN2010-04: Northeast State of the Frogs: Development of Regional Analysis for Frog Call Survey Data from the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program

This project produced the first regional analysis of frog call survey data from the North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP). Eleven years (2001-2011) of survey data from the NAAMP were used to provide a regional trend assessment and associated analytical methods for amphibians in the Northeast. This project permitted the development of the modeling and trend assessment framework for regional reporting, resulting in the first regional-level analysis using NAAMP data. In addition, the framework will become the methodology for future reporting on NAAMP results.