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Pilot testing and protocol development of giant applesnail suppression at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana—July–October 2017

Open-File Report 2018-1041
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181041

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Abstract

This report provides an overview of the pilot study and description of the techniques developed for a future mitigation study of Pomacea maculata (giant applesnail) at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana (MNWR). Egg mass suppression is a potential strategy for the mitigation of the invasive giant applesnail. In previous studies at Langan Municipal Park in Mobile, Alabama (LMP), and National Park Service Jean Lafitte National Park-Barataria Unit, Louisiana (JLNP), we determined that spraying food-grade oil (coconut oil or Pam™ spray) on egg masses significantly reduced egg hatching. At JLNP we also developed methods to estimate snail population size. The purpose of this pilot study was to adapt techniques developed for previous studies to the circumstances of MNWR in preparation for a larger experiment whereby we will test the effectiveness of egg mass suppression as an applesnail mitigation tool. We selected four canals that will be used as treatment and control sites for the experiment (two each). We established that an efficient way to destroy egg masses is to knock them down with a high-velocity stream of water pumped directly from the canal. The traps used at JLNP had to be modified to accommodate the greater range of water-level fluctuation at MNWR. One of the three marking methods used at JLNP was selected for use at MNWR.

Suggested Citation

Carter, Jacoby, and Merino, Sergio, 2018, Pilot testing and protocol development of giant applesnail suppression at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana—July–October 2017: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2018-1041, 17 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20181041.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Background
  • Pilot Study
  • Logistics
  • Study Site Selection
  • Giant Applesnail Population Assessment
  • Egg Mass Suppression
  • Summary
  • References
  • Appendix: Description of Spray Equipment Used to Remove and Destroy Egg Masses
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Pilot testing and protocol development of giant applesnail suppression at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana—July–October 2017
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2018-1041
DOI 10.3133/ofr20181041
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description vi, 17 p.
Country United States
State Louisiana
Other Geospatial Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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