Abstract
Point Spatial Analysis of the Endangered American Burying Beetle: Texas Track: Ecology and Conservation Author(s): LaRied Oates, Darrel McDonald, William Godwin The historical distribution of the American burying beetle (ABB) embraced the eastern half of North America. This range included 35 states from Nebraska to Maine, and south from Texas to Florida. In the 1920s, the beetle underwent a decline in population. Current distribution encompasses eight states that include Rhode Island, Massachusetts, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 2004, the beetle was rediscovered at the National Guard Base, Camp Maxey, in Lamar County Texas by Dr. William Godwin. In 2005, a mark and recapture study was performed from May to August. To capture beetles, 5-gallon buckets were buried in the ground and baited with decomposing chicken. All traps were surveyed with a Trimble Pro/XRS. Data were recorded and typed into a Microsoft Access database then imported into ArcGIS for spatial analysis. Results indicated a NE-SW distribution trend with the highest population occurring in a savanna short-leaf pine stand. LaRied Oates Stephen F. Austin State University Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center SFA Box 5838 Nacogdoches , TX 75962-5838 US Phone: 936-468-6110 Fax: 936-568-0701 E-mail: lsoates@gmail.com Darrel McDonald Stephen F. Austin State University Columbia Regional Geospatial Service Center PO Box 13074 SFA Station Nacogdoches , TX 749620-3076 US Phone: 936-468-1347 Fax: 936-568-0701 E-mail: dmcdonald@sfasu.edu William Godwin Stephen F. Austin State University Biology PO Box 13003, SFA Station Nacogdoches , TX 75963-3003 US Phone: 936-468-2267 E-mail: godwinwb@sfasu.edu |
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