Dixie Plantation, Hollywood, SC

On February 7, 2019 at Dixie Plantation, in Hollywood, SC, from the time of 12:30pm to 4:00pm (3 1/2 hours), I made observations through the iNaturalist app and posted them to my account. On that Thursday, it was very sunny with a temperature of 73 degrees; the humidity was very high on the plantation and as a result, the overall climate was scorching. I started my exploration at the start of the trail, where I was then informed by my research coordinator, Dr. McElroy, that he had previously laid out traps in various water parts of the property and that it was my responsibility to retrieve them so that we could identify any species that were inside the traps.
Retrieving the traps from the first site, all the species were collectively placed into a container with water from where they were collected. Using sardines for bait, there were, surprisingly, a lot of fish in the traps. On the other hand, unsurprisingly, there were a multitude of crayfish that ultimately were attempting to pursue the fish for food. Taking a closer look at these creatures, I identified the brownish-grey fish as eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), but shortly after posting this observation I was informed that it was the wrong mouth for the fish in my picture to be a Gambusia. Continuing the discussion on the fish, in an attempt to identify it, I was asked the question of whether the fish was collected in fresh or salt water, of which I answered "fresh." Shortly after the discussion about the logistics of the fish and where it was collected, Dr. McElroy informed me that it was a pygmy sunfish (Elassoma). Despite all of these attempts to identify the species of the fish, I have yet to receive the credibility of a research grade observation but I am, for my own record, associating the fish with the genus of Elassoma. Elassoma is a genus of freshwater fish, collectively found in the lower region of South Carolina, known as pygmy sunfish but are not true sunfishes. Looking at the other organisms inside of the container, there was a sizeable amount of crayfish of various sizes. The crayfish were dark-brown, almost black, and slightly aggressive towards each other and the other organisms, so much so that they began to eat some of the pygmy sunfish. Identifying these crayfish, I associated them specifically with the eastern crayfish (Cambarus bartonii) but more generally they belong to the genus of Procambarus in the Cambaridae family. The genus of Procambarus is found all across North America and has a total of 160 different species in 16 subgenera. In an attempt to observe the gender, I took a picture of the underside of the crayfish, but unfortunately I am still unsure of such. In addition to the pygmy sunfish and Procambarus, there was also, what I believed to be, a dollar sunfish. This fish was highly intriguing due to its vibrancy of blue and yellow coloring and fair size. Shortly after posting the picture of this fish and my attempt at the identification of the species, someone informed me that it may be a bluegill and also has the genus of Lepomis. Bluegill fish (Lepomis macrochirus), are a species of freshwater fish that live in streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds and usually hide around or inside old tree stumps. While this fish is very similar to that of a bluegill and noticeably has the blue coloring, I still fee as though it is a dollar sunfish but unfortunately my identification hasn't been verified as a research grade observation.
Relatively close to where the container of species was located, was a southern cricket frog (Acris gryllus). The southern cricket frog is a small hylid (small and can climb trees) frog native to the southeastern United States. Although the southern cricket frog is a member of the tree frog family, it is a ground-dwelling species that is found in areas with shallow bodies of freshwater. Shortly after posting my observation of this frog, it was deemed research grade. Finishing up with the first site, I released each organism back to the water and moved onto the next one.
Walking along to the next trap site, I noticed the ground was covered with purple flowers. Curious as to what they were, I took a picture of them and were able to identify them as the common blue violet (Viola sororia), unfortunately my observation has not been commented on or recognized as research grade. Approaching the next trap site, a fellow researcher came across, what I believe to be a cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) unfortunately the snake submerged into the water so I was unable to get a clear identification of it. Moving along to the next trap site, I noticed some distinct vegetation.
Along the banks of a stream, there was a wide variety of plant species such as parrot's feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) and river cane (Arundinaria gigantea). River cane is a species of bamboo and is commonly found in the southeastern part of the United States. The species of bamboo is commonly associated with is rapid growth time and contrasting height as opposed to its relative giant cane (Arundo donax). My identification of the river cane has yet to be commented on or receive recognition of being a research grade observation. The other plant species, parrot's feather, is an aquatic flowering plant, vascular dicot. The plant is commonly found in the southern region of the United States and is often seen in or around deep or shallow bodies of water. My observation of the parrot's feather has been deemed a research grade quality of data. From the stream, I began to move further down the trail towards the forest.
As I was moving along the trail towards the forest, I was stopped by a deer crossing with a total of 9 deer. I, unfortunately, was unable to identify the species but I assume they were either white-tailed or mule deer, both a part of the Odocoileus genus. Entering into the forest I came across a small stream, where I then caught a green tree frog (Hyla cinereal). Like the southern cricket frog, the green tree frog is a hylid and a common species of New World tree frog commonly found in the southeastern region of North America. The green tree frog can be identified by its characteristic of a white stripe going down its side. Since my observation of the green tree frog, it has been deemed a research grade identification. Walking through the forest and along the ground, I noticed a number of fungi species such as Russula cerolens and thin-walled maze polypore (Daedaleopsis confragosa). Russula cerolens is a brown, bitter tasting member of the Russulas genus. Like other species in the group, it has a waxy almond-like odor, somewhat reminiscent of maraschino cherries. This type of fungus is common in the southeastern part of the United States and typically is fairly large in size. The other fungus, thin-walled maze polypore, is a species of polypore fungus that causes white rot on injured hardwoods, such as the oak that I found it on. The fungi are in the shape of a semicircle and measure up to eight inches in diameter. Typically white, the thin-walled maze polypore turns gray-brown as it ages. Unfortunately, both of my observations of the fungi have yet to be commented on or identified as research grade quality data. Circling back around to the beginning of the trail, I noticed more vegetation, viewed a few more traps, and was greeted by a surprise.
As I treaded through deep and slimy mud, ultimately caused by flooding from rain, I saw a skull of a deer. Having seen live ones crossing previously, it was only matter of time before I saw a dead one. The skull was still covered by fur but had been completely decomposed of all its flesh and muscle fibers. Based on the looks of the skull and the surrounding bones, I would say that deer was dead for approximately three to four months. Collecting the skull for further research, I continued towards the front of the property. Noticing more vegetation, I identified yauponhHolly (Llex vomitoria). Yaupon holly is a species of holly that is native to southeastern North America. The plant species was commonly cultivated by the Catawba Indians. The Native Americans would use the berries to make a black tea that caused vomiting and hallucinations. My observation of the yaupon holly has been deemed a research grade identification. Viewing the last set of traps, I observed a multitude of fringed diving beetles and more pygmy sunfish. The fringed diving beetle is a species of predaceous diving beetle. The fringed diving beetle has identifying characteristics such as an elongated and oval shaped body and flattened and fringed hind legs used for increased speed when swimming and diving. My observation of this insect, unfortunately, has yet to be commented on or identified as research grade quality data.
Overall, Dixie Plantation was a great location for research due to its massive and extensive diversity of plant and animal life. The property is a prime area for studies on ecological succession, niches, and inhabitation. I would like to return to Dixie Plantation to observe any changes that may have occurred in the environment since my last visit.

Publicado el 03 de marzo de 2019 a las 04:55 PM por christian731