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Research about Jackson County, Mississippi

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Jackson County, Mississippi.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2016

Integrating early detection with DNA barcoding: species identification of a non-native monitor lizard (Squamata: Varanidae) carcass in Mississippi, U.S.A.

Early detection of invasive species is critical to increasing the probability of successful management. At the primary stage of an invasion, invasive species are easier to control as the population is likely represented by just a few individuals. Detection of these first few individuals can be challenging, particularly if they are cryptic or otherwise characterized by low detectability. The engagement of members of the public may be critical to early detection as there are far more citizen s on the landscape than trained biologists. However, it can be difficult to assess the credibility of public reporting, especially when a diagnostic digital image or a physical specimen in good condition are lacking. DNA barcoding can be used for verification when morphological identification of a specimen is not possible or uncertain (i.e., degraded or partial specimen). DNA barcoding relies on obtaining a DNA sequence from a relatively small fragment of mitochondrial DNA and comparing it to a database of sequences containing a variety of expertly identified species. He rein we report the successful identification of a degraded specimen of a non-native, potentially invasive reptile species ( Varanus niloticus ) via DNA barcoding, after discovery and reporting by a member of the public.

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USGS1996

Location and depth of sand and clay intervals in Jackson County, Mississippi

Driller's logs and geophysical logs from various sources were used to compile information on the location and depth of water-bearing sands and intervening clays in Jackson County, southeastern Mississippi. Each log was checked for accuracy of location and for adequate description of subsurface materials. Generally, data for sand intervals greater than about 20 feet in thickness and less than 2,000 feet below land surface were compiled. Data from more than 1,600 logs were compiled. Well logs generally showed two or three sand intervals, but as many as seven were reported. Compiled sand intervals averaged about 48 feet in thickness, and well depths averaged about 417 feet below land surface. Data determined from each log were entered into a geographic information system (GIS) data base. A graphical representation of each well log is presented.

Mississippi↗
USGS1991

Capture myopathy in an endangered sandhill crane (Grus canadensis pulla)

Despite precautions to protect cranes, a 3-year-old endangered Mississippi sandhill crane ( Grus canadensis pulla ) was found caught in a leghold trap in Gautier, Mississippi, on 11 November 1987. The bird could have been in the trap for up to 16 hr and was standing and struggling to escape when it was discovered. Serum chemistries of the crane on 12 November revealed elevated lactic dehydrogenase (2,880 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (152 IU/L), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (>1,000 IU/L) values. Following surgical amputation of a fractured toe, the bird never attempted to stand and was unable to stand even when manually supported. Radiographic and physical examination of both legs did not reveal any anatomical abnormalities. Despite medical care, including supportive therapy, no improvement was observed in the bird's ability to stand and to support itself, and the bird died on 19 November. Serum chemistries and the postmortem and histopathologic findings were compatible with capture myopathy described in other species. Because of the possible susceptibility of long-legged birds such as the Mississippi sandhill crane to capture myopathy, special care must be taken when trapping, handling, chemically immobilizing, and transporting these species. In addition, precautions must be taken when conducting a predator-control program to ensure that nontarget wildlife are unlikely to encounter traps. Capture myopathy has only rarely been observed in wild birds, and this case represents the first report in a Mississippi sandhill crane.

Mississippi↗
USGS1978

Quality of water in Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers, Jackson County, Mississippi

The chemical and physical properties and the range of concentrations of most constituents in water in the Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers during the period May 17-19, 1977, varied rapidly between high and low tides, primarily as the result of interactions of freshwater inflow with highly mineralized Gulf waters. The water at a downstream site of the 11-mile study reach on the Pascagoula River was saline. On May 19, 1977, the dissolved-solids concentration at that site was 14,500 milligrams per liter. At the same time, the water at the mouth of Escatawpa River had a dissolved-solids concentration of 4,600 milligrams per liter. The specific conductance of the water at the downstream sites of both rivers increased with depth and progressively decreased upstream to sites where freshwater inflow was predominant. The specific conductance decreased upstream from a maximum of 40,000 micromhos per centimeter at 25°Celsius at site P1 to 60 micromhos at site P12 on Pascagoula River and from 30,000 micromhos at site E1 to 45 micromhos at site E9 on Escatawpa River. There was evidence of oxygen deficiency (less than 3.0 milligrams per liter) at many sites in deep pools where there is little circulation and mixing of the more dense saltwater. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations ranged from 2.1 to 8.2 milligrams per liter. Biochemical oxygen demand ranged from 0.1 to 3.5 milligrams per liter and was generally less than 2.0 milligrams per liter at most sites. A large part of the total organic carbon in the lower Pascagoula River was carried into the study area by freshwater inflow. Very little organic carbon was being discharged by the Escatawpa River into the Pascagoula River. Total nitrogen moved out of Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers at an extremely slow rate and in concentrations of less than 0.1 milligram per liter. The water temperature near the surface at downstream sites on Escatawpa River at low tide was elevated as much as 2.5°C (4.5°F), suggesting thermal loading. The fecal coliform and fecal streptococcal bacteria in Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers were in concentrations indicative of manmade pollution. The ratio of the concentrations in which these bacteria were present suggests that both rivers receive human enteric wastes.

Mississippi↗