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Jacoby Carter, Ph.D.

Jacoby Carter is Scientist Emeritus at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center. 

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Wildlife Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1996
Dissertation: MOAB: A Generalizable Artificial Intelligence Model for Simulating Duck Nest Depredation in the Northern Prairie Region of North Dakota

M.S., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 1992
Thesis: A Comparison of the Distribution of Plant Species in Flathead Lake and Swan Lake Montana and its Implications for Kerr Dam Management Practices

B.S., Zoology and Botany, University of Washington, 1982

RESEARCH

Upon completion of graduate school, Jacoby Carter worked at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (formerly National Wetlands Research Center) in Lafayette, Louisiana. Most of his research has focused on popluation dynamic modeling, studying invasive species and estuarine submerged aquatic vegetation. Carter's international work has included research in Mexico on land use change, in Vietnam on fire behavior models, and in Madagascar on environmental risk/benefit analysis. His current research emphases are modeling population dynamics, spatial distributions of plants and animals, movement models, and invasive species research. Species Carter currently works with are Green Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea), Nutria (Myocastor coypus), and Island Applesnails (Pomacea insularum). In addition, Carter is doing work on fire behavior models for Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) forest in Vietnam and have done a variety of vegetative surveys and monitoring.  

His personal research has focused on the following areas: developing improved telemetry equipment and techniques, documenting nutria natural history in non-marsh systems, modeling nutria population dynamics, dispersal and their impact on marsh systems.  

Island applesnail research team leader. Four co-PIs involved in spatial modeling, toxicology testing, bibliographic research, and testing biocontrol potential of native species.  

Green treefrog research: Carter is a co-PI for an NSF funded Undergraduate Biology/Mathematics Project.  Research for the project includes long term monitoring (5 years to date) of green treefrog population in an urban area. He developed and supervises this research.  

Ecologist- Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Technical Working Group- Freshwater/Brackish SAV sampling in response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.  Co-author of Freshwater/Brackish SAV sampling plan.  Federal team leader for sampling.

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 38

The Louisiana Amphibian Monitoring Program from 1997 to 2017: Results, analyses, and lessons learned

To determine trends in either frog distribution or abundance in the State of Louisiana, we reviewed and analyzed frog call data from the Louisiana Amphibian Monitoring Program (LAMP). The data were collected between 1997 and 2017 using North American Amphibian Monitoring Program protocols. Louisiana was divided into three survey regions for administration and analysis: the Florida Parishes, and 2
Authors
Jacoby Carter, Darren Johnson, Jeff Boundy, William Vermillion
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Observations of acrobat ants (Crematogaster sp.) preying on the eggs of the invasive giant applesnail (Pomacea maculata)

Herein we provide direct evidence for the consumption of Pomacea maculata (Giant Applesnail) eggs by ants in the genus Crematogaster. The observations were made during removal of snail egg masses at the Hudson Woods Unit of the Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge, TX. We observed acrobat ants (Crematogaster sp.) removing snail eggs from an egg mass and carrying eggs back to their nest. While
Authors
Jacoby Carter, Jennifer Wilson, Susan Mopper
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Comparing live-capture methods for nutria: single- versus multiple-capture cage traps

Herbivory and burrowing by nutria (Myocastor coypus) cause substantial ecological and economic damage. Trapping is a common, effective practice for reducing nutria damage; however, trapping approaches must continually be adapted to keep pace with evolving animal welfare and ethical issues and to more effectively target pest species of interest. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of 2 nonle
Authors
Trevor R. Sheffels, Jacoby Carter, Mark S. Sytsma, Jimmy D. Taylor
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Limpkin, Aramus guarauna (L., 1766) (Gruiformes, Aramidae), extralimital breeding in Louisiana is associated with availability of the invasive Giant Apple Snail, Pomacea maculata Perry, 1810 (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae)

We document the first breeding record of Limpkin, Aramus guarauna (Linnaeus, 1766) (Gruiformes, Aramidae), for Louisiana, describe an additional unpublished breeding record from Georgia, as well as a possible record from Alabama, and associate these patterns with the concurrent establishment of the invasive Giant Apple Snail, Pomacea maculata Perry, 1810 (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae). We predic
Authors
Robert C. Dobbs, Jacoby Carter, Jessica L. Schulz
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Exotic invasive Pomacea maculata (Giant Apple Snail) will depredate eggs of frog and toad species of the Southeastern US

Pomacea maculata (Perry) (Giant Apple Snail) is a freshwater snail native to South America (Hayes et al. 2015) that is an invasive species in the freshwater wetlands and waterways of the northern Gulf of Mexico, peninsular Florida (Benson 2017, Burks 2017) and globally (Hayes et al. 2015). Karraker and Dudgeon (2014) found that Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck) (Channeled Apple Snail) opportunistical
Authors
Jacoby Carter, Darren Johnson, Sergio Merino
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

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

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 i
Authors
Jacoby Carter, Sergio Merino
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Identity, reproductive potential, distribution, ecology and management of invasive Pomacea maculata in the southern United States

Established populations of introduced Pomacea maculata, a highly fecund, large species of apple snail native to South America, now occur throughout southeast Asia, in Spain and extensively across the southern United States. Substantial research on nonnative apple snails takes place in Southeast Asia and has frequently identified apple snails as P. canaliculata. That these Asian populations represe
Authors
Romi L. Burks, Jennifer Bernatis, James E. Byers, Jacoby Carter, Charles M. Martin, William G. McDowell, Jess Van Dyke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Alligator mississippiensis (American Alligator): Novel non-native prey

American Alligators are opportunistic predators and their food habits have been well studied (Elsey et al. 1992. Proc. Annu. Conf. Southeast. Assoc. Fish Wildl. Agencies 46:57–66, and references therein and below). Composition of A. mississippiensis diet often varies due to regional limitation in prey availability (Neill 1971. The Last of the Ruling Reptiles. Alligators, Crocodiles, and their Kin.
Authors
Ruth M. Elsey, Eric Ledet, Jacoby Carter
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Observations of raccoon (Procyon lotor) predation on the invasive Maculata apple snail (Pomacea maculata) in southern Louisiana

We used camera traps to determine which predators were responsible for depredated Pomacea maculata (Maculata Apple Snail) shells at 2 different study sites. Evidence of predation at these sites included operculums near the shells with a small amount of flesh attached and shells accumulating a meter or more from the water’s edge with no evidence of recent flooding. In both locations, the most frequ
Authors
Jacoby Carter, Sergio Merino, Drew Prejean, Gary Jr. LaFleur
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

The estimation of growth dynamics for Pomacea maculata from hatchling to adult

Pomacea maculata is a relatively new invasive species to the Gulf Coast region and potentially threatens local agriculture (rice) and ecosystems (aquatic vegetation). The population dynamics of P. maculata have largely been unquantified, and therefore, scientists and field-workers are ill-equipped to accurately project population sizes and the resulting impact of this species. We studied the growt
Authors
Karyn L. Sutton, Lihong Zhao, Jacoby Carter
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

The Wetland and Aquatic Research Center strategic science plan

IntroductionThe U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center (WARC) has two primary locations (Gainesville, Florida, and Lafayette, Louisiana) and field stations throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. WARC’s roots are in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Park Service research units that were brought into the USGS as the Biological Research D
Authors
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Evaluating simplistic methods to understand current distributions and forecast distribution changes under climate change scenarios: An example with coypu (Myocastor coypus)

Invasive species provide a unique opportunity to evaluate factors controlling biogeographic distributions; we can consider introduction success as an experiment testing suitability of environmental conditions. Predicting potential distributions of spreading species is not easy, and forecasting potential distributions with changing climate is even more difficult. Using the globally invasive coypu (
Authors
Catherine S. Jarnevich, Nicholas E. Young, Trevor R. Sheffels, Jacoby Carter, Mark D. Systma, Colin Talbert
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Carter, J. and H. Wang. 1994. A model linking the population dynamics of the giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca with bamboo life history. in Thompson, Ian D. editor, Proceedings of the International Union of Game Biologist XXI Congress: forests and wildlife. towards the 21st century. August 15-20, 1993, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada pp. 299-309.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

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Apple snail remains after being preyed upon by a raccoon

Pilot Testing and Protocol Development of Apple Snail Suppression at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

The maculata apple snail (Pomacea maculata) has invaded many coastal and some inland areas in south Louisiana. Reports have indicated that the freshwater snails have significantly reduced the amount of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and floating leaved vegetation (FLV) available for waterfowl and other wildlife.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Pilot Testing and Protocol Development of Apple Snail Suppression at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

The maculata apple snail (Pomacea maculata) has invaded many coastal and some inland areas in south Louisiana. Reports have indicated that the freshwater snails have significantly reduced the amount of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and floating leaved vegetation (FLV) available for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Learn More
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Self-documenting envelope method for quantifying egg mass hatch-out

Determining the Efficacy of Agricultural Oils for Suppressing Applesnail Egg Mass Hatch-out

Maculata applesnails (Pomacea maculata) are exotic freshwater snails that have been widely introduced along the Gulf of Mexico coast. The snails can significantly impact freshwater macrophytes and reduce the quality of water bodies.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Determining the Efficacy of Agricultural Oils for Suppressing Applesnail Egg Mass Hatch-out

Maculata applesnails (Pomacea maculata) are exotic freshwater snails that have been widely introduced along the Gulf of Mexico coast. The snails can significantly impact freshwater macrophytes and reduce the quality of water bodies.
Learn More
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Nutria caught by camera trap at the Dugas Road Landfill, Lafayette LA

Developing Techniques for Estimating Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Abundance

Nutrias (Myocastor coypus) are an aquatic rodent imported from South America to the United States in the 1920-40’s for the fur farms. Since their original importation they have become established in the wild in many regions of the United States.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Developing Techniques for Estimating Nutria (Myocastor coypus) Abundance

Nutrias (Myocastor coypus) are an aquatic rodent imported from South America to the United States in the 1920-40’s for the fur farms. Since their original importation they have become established in the wild in many regions of the United States.
Learn More
link
Maculata applesnail (Pomacea maculata)

Movement of Maculata Applesnails in Southern Louisiana Swamps

Maculata applesnails (Pomacea maculata) are exotic freshwater snails that have been widely introduced along the Gulf of Mexico coast. They can significantly impact freshwater macrophytes and reduce water quality.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Movement of Maculata Applesnails in Southern Louisiana Swamps

Maculata applesnails (Pomacea maculata) are exotic freshwater snails that have been widely introduced along the Gulf of Mexico coast. They can significantly impact freshwater macrophytes and reduce water quality.
Learn More

The Louisiana Amphibian Monitoring Program from 1997 to 2017: Data

Call observation data from the Louisiana Amphibian Monitoring Program (LAMP). Each route has 10 stops. The routes are in one of 3 Louisiana regions (north, south and Florida parishes). Routes are identified by number and name. Call observations are categorical number 0 (not heard) through 3 (full chorus with overlapping calls). Each route has 10 stops. A full description of data collection can be
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Two videos of acrobat ants (Crematogaster sp.) preying on applesnail (Pomacea maculate) egg masses

The videos of ant (Crematogaster sp.) predation on giant applesnail (Pomacea maculata) egg masses were taken on September 24 of 2018 at the Hudson Woods Unit of the Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex (29 degrees 09'52" N, 95 degrees 30'5" W). Jennifer Wilson (US Fish and Wildlife Service) took the videos using a smart phone.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Comparing live capture methods for nutria (Myocastor coypus): single versus multicatch traps

Data from a nutria trap type comparison study. Single catch traps were compared to muliticatch traps at the same study sites at the same time. The study site was Sauvie Island, Oregon. The data include trap location, location ownership, location cover, and number and size of animals caught in the different trap types. Study was conducted March through April 2011.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Exotic invasive giant apple snails (Pomacea maculata) will depredate eggs of frog and toad species of the Southeastern United States

Frog eggs of three different species were presented to giant apple snails (Pomacea maculata) to determine if the snails will eat the eggs. There were four treatments: control-eggs in water only; control with lettuce-eggs in water and lettuce which was used as snail food; snail-eggs in water with snail; and snail with lettuce-eggs in water with snails and lettuce (as an alternative food for the sna
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Video observations of raccoon (Procyon loctor) predation on the invasive Maculata apple snail (Pomacea maculata) in south Louisiana, USA - 2017

AVI files documenting raccoon (Procyon lotor) foraging for apple snails (Pomacea maculata) on a water hyacinth mat at Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge. Videos were taken with various models of Moultrie camera traps between January and March 2017.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Data for the estimation of growth dynamics for Pomacea maculata from hatchling to adult, 10/10/13 to 9/25/15

Snail weights and lengths for an apple snail growth study. Large snails were individually weighed to the 100th of a gram and measured to 10th of a mm. Smaller snails were weighed in groups of variable number and then the average weight of the snails in the group recorded. Age of the snails is from hatching data.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

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