Steve A Johnson

Steve A Johnson
University of Florida | UF · Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

About

140
Publications
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Publications

Publications (140)
Article
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Urban landscapes are expanding, increasing the wildland-urban interface and leading to more frequent wildlife-human conflict. This publication discusses how to reduce conflict venomous snakes. We first discuss the ecological benefits of these species and then provide suggestions on how to limit conflicts with them. The overarching goal of this publ...
Article
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Species of Pterygodermatites are spirurid nematodes that have expanded their geographic distribution worldwide. They infect a variety of mammalian definitive hosts with few reports of potential paratenic infections in amphibian and reptile hosts. In this study, we report Pterygodermatites sp. larvae identified in free-ranging, invasive Cuban treefr...
Article
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La forma más efectiva de proteger a los niños de la mordedura de serpientes es simplemente evitar que interactúen con ellas. En este documento se recomiendan medidas que pueden tomar las escuelas para prevenir el ingreso de serpientes a la propiedad escolar. Además se ofrecen algunas ideas para desarrollar programas educativos sobre estos reptiles...
Article
Esta publicación resume el conocimiento general sobre el tegu Argentino blanco y negro (Salvator merianae) en Florida. Es parte de una serie de publicaciones similares sobre reptiles establecidos en el estado. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general.
Article
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This publication summarizes the history, status, and management of invasive black spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) on Gasparilla Island, in southwest Florida. Our target audiences are residents and visitors of Gasparilla Island as well as naturalists interested in Florida’s diverse wildlife, especially introduced reptiles. Our specific goa...
Article
El propósito de este documento es ayudar a las personas a identificar las serpientes que se encuentran comúnmente en las áreas residenciales de Florida. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general.
Article
Esta publicación resume el conocimiento general sobre la iguana verde (Iguana iguana) en Florida. Es parte de una serie de publicaciones similares sobre reptiles establecidos en el estado. La biología y los impactos de algunas de estas especies son bien conocidos, mientras que otros están poco estudiados. Esta serie fue producida por estudiantes un...
Article
Geological processes influence water chemistry and biological productivity along the Suwannee River and divide the mainstem of the river into 6 distinct ecological reaches (ERs) in Florida. Because of these distinctions, we hypothesized that the Macrochelys suwanniensis (Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle) population varies among ERs. During 2011–2...
Article
New Mexico is home to many incredible and unique landscapes inhabited by many equally incredible animals. Some of these animals, however, may be an unwelcome sight to many visitors and residents of the Land of Enchantment. Eleven venomous snakes and one venomous lizard call New Mexico home. This document presents information on identification, rang...
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While biotic–abiotic interactions are increasingly documented in nature, a process‐based understanding of how such interactions influence community assembly is lacking in the ecological literature. Perhaps the most emblematic and pervasive example of such interactions is the synergistic threat to biodiversity posed by climate change and invasive sp...
Article
Florida is the global epicenter for introduced nonnative reptiles and amphibians. These include well-known species such as Burmese pythons and green iguanas as well as dozens of other species of snakes, lizards, and frogs. There are four species of nonnative frogs currently established in Florida. The purpose of this publication, a UF/IFAS numbered...
Article
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This publication is one in a series of UF/IFAS numbered publications summarizing general knowledge about Florida's introduced reptiles.
Article
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The Diamond-backed Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) inhabits coastal islands along the Gulf coast of Florida (sometimes in numbers > 100), but factors associated with terrapin occurrence on islands are poorly understood. We conducted a study of terrapin occupancy on coastal islands in the Suwannee Estuary in Florida. We used remote sensing to assess...
Preprint
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Invasive species are a major driver in the global decline of biodiversity. Invasive herpetofauna cause ecological harm through different mechanisms that vary in scope and severity, and Florida boasts more established nonnative herpetofauna species than any other region in the world. There, black spiny-tailed iguanas ( Ctenosaura similis ) are one o...
Article
Esta publicación presenta información sobre la identificación, historia natural y distribución del lagarto no nativo Basiliscus vittatus (basilisco marrón) en Florida. Esta información será especialmente útil para dueños de casas y administradores de fincas ubicados en la Florida Central y del Sur. This is the Spanish translated version.
Article
Translocation is increasingly used to move animals of conservation concern away from sites where habitat will be destroyed (mitigation translocation), but outcomes have rarely been adequately monitored, particularly for amphibians. We used radiotelemetry monitoring to assess survival and movement of 23 experimentally translocated, adult Gopher Frog...
Article
This publication presents information about the nonnative lizard Basiliscus vittatus (brown basilisk) in Florida. It contains information about brown basilisk identification, natural history, and distribution in Florida. The intended audience includes homeowners and land managers primarily in central and south Florida.
Article
Purpose We evaluated how constant incubation temperatures affect life-history traits pre-hatching and post-hatching of the six-tubercled Amazon River turtle, Podocnemis sextuberculata. Methods We incubated eggs from natural nests at ten semi-constant temperatures between 22.26 ± 1.01 °C and 37.37 ± 0.38°C (2013) and at six temperatures between 25....
Article
En Florida habitan más de 50 especies de serpientes nativas, de las cuales sólo seis son venenosas. Las especies venenosas incluyen cinco víboras crotalinas (la serpiente oriental de cascabel de dorso de diamante, el crótalo de los cañaverales, el crótalo pigmeo, la cabeza cobriza, la boca de algodón) y la serpiente coral. Las cabezas cobrizas y la...
Article
En el sudeste de los Estados Unidos habitan alrededor de 50 especies de serpientes (seis de las cuales son venenosas) que viven en los estados costeros del Atlántico y el Golfo, desde Luisiana hasta Carolina del Norte. Estas serpientes utilizan una variedad de hábitats desde tierras altas hasta humedales, y tienen un gran impacto en la ecología de...
Article
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Cuban treefrogs, Osteopilus septentrionalis, were grossly examined for parasites and parasite species confirmed by PCR. Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae were recovered from the hind leg muscle of O. septentrionalis. This is the first report of the zoonotic rat lungworm in the Cuban treefrog and new geographic location (Volusia County) in Florida,...
Article
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This is one in a series of similar EDIS documents summarizing general knowledge about Florida's introduced reptiles.
Article
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Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) are nonnative anurans that have established breeding populations throughout the Florida peninsula, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Cuban Treefrogs are considered invasive in the United States because they displace indigenous treefrogs and are a nuisance to people. Waif Cuban Tre...
Article
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Management decisions for species are often based on estimates of abundance, which can be difficult to obtain for species that are a challenge to survey, as are some reptiles. Information on abundance and population status are lacking for the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), a coastal species that inhabits brackish waters and plays an imp...
Article
This is one in a series of similar Ask IFAS publications summarizing general knowledge about Florida's introduced reptiles.
Article
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Salvator merianae (Argentine Black and White Tegu, hereafter also ABWT) is a large bodied, omnivorous lizard native to South America. In Florida, where the species was introduced via the pet trade and is invasive, there are at least 3 established populations as well as numerous one-off observations. We collected ABWTs from public and private proper...
Article
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Reproductive interference is increasingly implicated in the decline of native taxa following alien species invasions. We examined reproductive interference in the context of acoustic modulation of hormone levels and declines in native green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) following invasions of Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis) in the southeast...
Article
Spanish language version of: [UW432] The Cane or “Bufo” Toad (Rhinella marina) in Florida https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/104560
Article
There is growing public awareness of Peters’s rock agama in Florida. Adult male agama are highly visible because of their bright red coloration. Juveniles and females are much less colorful. Adult agama are large, fast moving reptiles. This document provides background information about the introduction of agama to Florida as well as biology, conse...
Article
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The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is a vocalizing anuran that is invasive in tropical areas worldwide, including southern Florida. Management of this species could be enhanced with acoustic traps that produce artificially manipulated advertisement vocalizations. A commercially available cane toad trap that uses a single advertisement vocalization as...
Article
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The excessive number of terms associated with invasive species, and their often incorrect usage, hinders stakeholder education about the threats of invasive species. Here we introduce seven terms (native, nonnative, introduced, established, invasive, nuisance, and range change) that are applicable across invasive taxa, understandable, typically int...
Article
Eastern spadefoots are a common but largely unappreciated species of native toad in Florida. Following torrential rains they emerge from hiding and breed in shallow pools. In as little as 14 days, hordes of raisin-sized froglets emerge and hop away in all directions from the pond or puddle where they were born. Some of them find their way to yards...
Article
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In this natural history note we report a Rhinella marina (cane toad) being predated by a Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum) in Florida.
Research
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As the number of feral cats continues to increase, land managers, public health officials, and private citizens are voicing concerns about how to address the nuisance and public health impacts, as well as animal welfare concerns, that feral cats create. Trap-neuter-release programs aimed at reducing feral cat populations without euthanasia are gain...
Article
This document is part of an informational package designed to help teachers and parents protect children from potentially hazardous interactions with venomous snakes in Florida. Our target audience is the Florida Public School System, but private schools, child daycare centers, and homeowners will also find this information useful. This document is...
Article
In the unfortunate event that a child is bitten at school by a venomous snake, teachers and administrators should be prepared. We encourage schools to develop a plan of action and immediately initiate the plan if necessary. This document is WEC 200, one of a 4-part series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department entitled Dealing with Ven...
Article
The most effective way to prevent a child from being bitten by a venomous snake at school or elsewhere is to prevent them from interacting with a snake. We provide measures that can be taken by schools to discourage snakes from coming onto school property and we provide a short educational program that teachers can give to students. This document i...
Article
Florida is home to 45 species of native snakes, six of which are venomous (poisonous). The venomous species include five pit vipers (Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Copperhead, and Cottonmouth) and the Coral Snake. Although each of the six venomous species in Florida have unique characteristics that allow...
Article
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Approximately 12 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) were introduced to the forests along the Silver River, central Florida, USA, between 2 introductions in the 1930s and 1940s to increase tourism; this land is now Silver Springs State Park (SSSP). By the mid-1980s the population along the Silver River reached nearly 400 individuals. Approximately 1,0...
Article
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An animal's physiology should be closely adapted to its environment to optimize organismal function, so physiological traits may be mismatched when animals are introduced to new locations. For introduced amphibians, mismatched traits involving hydric balance or performance across hydric states could have profound impacts on their abundance and dist...
Article
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The introduction of a novel competitor can dramatically alter community dynamics, and competition-mediated impacts often result from biological invasions. Interference competition can be especially problematic as a source of methodological bias for studies seeking to evaluate population and community-level impacts of invasive species. We used polyv...
Article
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Many species that inhabit seasonally ponded wetlands also rely on surrounding upland habitats and nearby aquatic ecosystems for resources to support life stages and to maintain viable populations. Understanding biological connectivity among these habitats is critical to ensure that landscapes are protected at appropriate scales to conserve species...
Article
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Schistosomiasis is a snail-borne parasitic disease that ranks among the most important water-based diseases of humans in developing countries. Increased prevalence and spread of human schistosomiasis to non-endemic areas has been consistently linked with water resource management related to agricultural expansion. However, the role of agrochemical...
Article
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We compiled records on macacine herpesvirus 1 (McHV-1) seroprevalence and, during 2015-2016, collected saliva and fecal samples from the free-ranging rhesus macaques of Silver Springs State Park, a popular public park in central Florida, USA, to determine viral DNA shedding and perform sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the US5 and US5-US6 intrag...
Article
Amphibians are perhaps most well known for their highly threatened status, which often masks appreciation for the great numbers of species that are widespread global invaders (Kraus 2009). Both purposeful and accidental introductions of amphibians have occurred worldwide. Motivations for purposeful amphibian introductions include their use as bioco...
Article
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Roughly 10% of the global population is at risk of schistosomiasis, a snail-borne parasitic disease that ranks among the most important water-based diseases of humans in developing countries. Increased prevalence, infection intensity, and spread of human schistosomiasis to non-endemic areas has been consistently linked with water resource managemen...
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Worldwide amphibian declines highlight the need for programs that monitor species presence and track population trends. We sampled larval amphibians with a box trap at 3-week intervals for 23 months in eight wetlands, and concurrently trapped adults and juveniles with drift fences, to examine spatiotemporal patterns of tadpole occurrence; explore r...
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We validated and synthesized reports of historic and current populations of the 3 introduced non-human primate species in Florida—Saimiri sp. (squirrel monkey), Chlorocebus sabaeus (Vervet Monkey), and Macaca mulatta (Rhesus Macaque)—using systematic review of literature, content analysis of popular media, expert interviews, and site visits. Invasi...
Article
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More nonindigenous species occur in Florida, USA, than any other region worldwide and may threaten many of Florida's natural resources. The frequency of new reports mandates the need for regular updates. Herein, we use photographic and specimen vouchers in addition to literature records to provide updated information on verified nonindigenous amphi...
Technical Report
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The Coastal Plains Institute (CPI) and US Forest Service (USFS) entered a 5-year cost-share agreement in October 2010 to address the severe decline of the western striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) within the Munson Sandhills of the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF). At that time, CPI and cooperators initiated a multifaceted study to: 1) inv...
Conference Paper
Background/Question/Methods Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by trematode helminths, is considered to be among the second most economically debilitating diseases in developing tropical and subtropical countries by the World Health Organization. Many people in schistosomiasis-endemic countries are stricken by poverty and malnourishment that also...
Article
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Proc. R. Soc. B 280, 20131502. (7 December 2013; Published online 23 October 2013) (doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.1502). In the second paragraph of the ‘Material and methods’ section, the concentration of atrazine is incorrectly listed as 65.9 ± 3.48 mg l⁻¹, mean ± s.e. The concentration should be listed as 65.9 ± 3.48 µg l⁻¹, mean ± s.e. • © 2014 The Aut...
Article
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Ecosystems are often exposed to mixtures of chemical contaminants, but the scientific community lacks a theoretical framework to predict the effects of mixtures on biodiversity and ecosystem properties. We conducted a freshwater mesocosm experiment to examine the effects of pairwise agrochemical mixtures [fertiliser, herbicide (atrazine), insectici...
Article
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Exposure to stressors at formative stages in the development of wildlife and humans can have enduring effects on health. Understanding which, when and how stressors cause enduring health effects is crucial because these stressors might then be avoided or mitigated during formative stages to prevent lasting increases in disease susceptibility. Never...
Technical Report
Full-text available
The Coastal Plains Institute (CPI) and US Forest Service entered a 5-year cost-share agreement in October 2010 to address the severe decline of the striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) population within the Munson Sandhills (MS) of the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF). At that time, CPI and cooperators initiated a multifaceted study to: 1) in...
Conference Paper
Background/Question/Methods Aquatic ecosystems are exposed to mixtures of chemical contaminants more often than a single contaminant, but we lack a theoretical framework to predict the effects of mixtures on aquatic communities. We propose that by integrating information on the functional groups that are generally sensitive to particular chemical...
Article
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Recent reports of declines in terrestrial snake populations in the southeastern U.S. have highlighted the need for life history information for these often cryptic animals. In this study, we used radio-telemetry to describe home range size and habitat use of the Florida Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugltus), a large f ossoriai species associa...
Technical Report
Full-text available
The Coastal Plains Institute (CPI) and US Forest Service entered a 5-year cost-share agreement in October 2010 to address the severe decline of the striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) population on the Apalachicola National Forest (ANF). Striped newt repatriation coupled with precautionary measures to ensure success will be conducted over the...
Article
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When choosing a pet reptile, there are some important questions you should consider. This 3-page fact sheet will provide you with some basic information about reptiles and their care, in order to help you choose an appropriate reptile pet that will suit your lifestyle. Written by Steve A. Johnson, Monica E. McGarrity, and Dustin Smith , and publish...
Conference Paper
Background/Question/Methods Schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a disease caused by trematode helminths, is considered to be the second most economically debilitating disease in developing tropical and subtropical countries by the World Health Organization. Many people in schistosomiasis-endemic countries are stricken by poverty and malnourishment that...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
Background/Question/Methods Freshwater ecosystems are among the most imperiled worldwide and supply humans with a multitude of goods and services, most of which are provided directly or indirectly by its biodiversity. In the US, pollution is regarded as the second greatest threat to aquatic biodiversity, but it is one of the most understudied str...
Article
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Identification of conservation units below the species level has been difficult for researchers and conservation planners. Methods reliant solely on genetics to identify conservation units are widely used but have limited scope. Additionally, methods used to assess ecological distinctness are typically difficult to interpret, and hence not broadly...
Article
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Contaminants have been implicated in declines of amphibians, a taxon with vital systems similar to those of humans. However, many chemicals have not been thoroughly tested on amphibians or do not directly kill them. Our goal in this study was to quantify amphibian responses to chlorothalonil, the most commonly used synthetic fungicide in the United...
Article
Do you know how to tell the difference between a dangerous Cane Toad (a.k.a. “Bufo” Toad or Marine Toad) and a harmless native toad? This 2-page fact sheet will help you correctly identify and humanely euthanize this invasive toad that can kill pets. It was written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity and published by the UF Department of Wildlife...
Article
Sightings of this large black-and-white invasive lizard, established in areas southeast of Tampa and south of Miami, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet, written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wild...
Article
WEC302, a 2-page fact sheet by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity, is a quick reference guide to identification of the constrictors one is most likely to encounter in Florida. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010. WEC302/UW347: Quick Reference Guide: Introduced Constrictors in Florida (ufl.edu)
Article
WEC294, a 2-page illustrated fact sheet by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, describes this native to southeastern Asia, which has been found in the wild but is not established in Florida, and explains how to identify and report sightings. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, August 2010.
Article
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WEC293, a 2-page illustrated fact sheet by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, describes this native to sub-Saharan Africa with isolated populations in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, and provides information on how to identify them and report sightings. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, September 2010.
Article
WEC287, a 2-page illustrated fact sheet by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, is part of the Florida Invaders series. It provides key information and illustrations for identifying and reporting sightings of this large nocturnal predator that is native to sub-Saharan Africa but may be breeding in Florida. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife...
Article
Revised! WEC218, an 8-page fact sheet by Steve A. Johnson, describes this member of the frog family Hylidae which is invasive to Florida, how to identify it, its ecology and natural history, its impact in Florida, and what homeowners can do to manage Cuban treefrogs around their home. Includes additional resources. Published by the UF Department of...
Article
WEC290, a 2-page illustrated fact sheet by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, is part of the Florida Invaders series. It provides key information and illustrations for identifying and reporting sightings of this large, nocturnal predator that is native to tropical South America and is not established in Florida, but escaped or released pets have b...