Efficacy of an Online Native Snake Identification Search Engine for Public Use

Visual methods of species identification are used both in research and recreational contexts because they are inexpensive, non-invasive, and believed to be effective among uniquely identifiable individuals. We examined the ability of the general public to identify live snakes (Serpentes) that are native to the United States using an online snake identification search engine (SISE) produced by the North America Brown Tree Snake Control Team (NABTSCT) website, http://www.nabtsct.net. The SISE consisted of participants answering 7 descriptive questions concerning a snake and then reviewing photographs of snakes that matched that description. Using 3 species of snakes native to Texas, USA, 21% of 395 participants were able to correctly identify all of the snakes using the online SISE, 54% correctly identified 2 snakes, 18% correctly identified 1 snake, and only 7% could not identify any snakes. Participants identified the distinctly marked checkered garter snake (Thamnophis marcianus) more readily (87% of participants) than the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) and Trans-Pecos rat snake (Bogertophis subocularis; 55% and 46% of participants, respectively). The probability of participants correctly identifying a snake using the online SISE increased substantially if ≥4 of the 7 descriptive questions were answered correctly. The age of participants and affinity toward snakes affected participant ability to correctly answer questions about snake morphology and identify snakes. In general, participants who displayed fear of snakes were less likely to correctly identify snake species than those who expressed a snake-neutral or enthusiast attitude. Additionally, younger participants performed better, on average, than older participants. Most participants (97%) claimed they would be able to use the online SISE to correctly identify other snakes in the future. We believe the public can use the online SISE to identify snakes, and hence, it can be an educational tool for the public to learn about an often neglected wildlife suborder

Pronghorn Habitat Suitability in the Texas Panhandle

Habitat quality is an important factor that can greatly affect wildlife populations. Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) habitat in the Texas Panhandle, USA has been lost through growth of human settlements and agricultural lands. We determined the most pertinent environmental variables affecting habitat selection using multiple methods, including a search of peer-reviewed literature, expert opinion ranking, and habitat suitability modeling. We determined quality and extent of pronghorn habitat in the Texas Panhandle using the MAXENT modeling environment to build a presence-only habitat suitability model based on global positioning system (GPS) locations collected via aerial surveys. Our habitat suitability model indicated that woodlands, agricultural land, and summer precipitation had the greatest contributions to the overall model. Areas with greatest habitat suitability are associated with high pronghorn population densities, particularly in the northwestern corner of the Panhandle. This probabilistic model may serve as a useful tool for pronghorn conservation primarily because it provides insight into what factors are most predictive of their presence, which areas are most suitable for pronghorn, and as a simple, replicable process to identify and evaluate pronghorn habitat

Analysis of Outcomes in Ischemic vs Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation A Report From the GARFIELD-AF Registry

IMPORTANCE Congestive heart failure (CHF) is commonly associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), and their combination may affect treatment strategies and outcomes