Michael Cherkiss
Michael Cherkiss' research interests include population ecology and conservation of amphibians and reptiles, with experience extending to radio telemetry and transmitter attachment on pythons, crocodilians, sea turtles and other species.
BACKGROUND
Prior to joining the USGS, Cherkiss was a biologist with the University of Florida for over ten years. He has over 15 years’ experience conducting research in the coastal areas of South Florida, Everglades ecosystems and internationally throughout the Caribbean, Central and South American.
Education and Certifications
M.S., Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 2000
B.S., Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 1996
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 52
Large reptiles and cold temperatures: Do extreme cold spells set distributional limits for tropical reptiles in Florida? Large reptiles and cold temperatures: Do extreme cold spells set distributional limits for tropical reptiles in Florida?
Distributional limits of many tropical species in Florida are ultimately determined by tolerance to low temperature. An unprecedented cold spell during 2–11 January 2010, in South Florida provided an opportunity to compare the responses of tropical American crocodiles with warm-temperate American alligators and to compare the responses of nonnative Burmese pythons with native warm...
Authors
Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Mark Parry, Jeff Beauchamp, Mike Rochford, Brian J. Smith, Kristen M. Hart, Laura A. Brandt
Spatial and temporal variability in estuary habitat use by American alligators Spatial and temporal variability in estuary habitat use by American alligators
Estuarine habitat occupied by Alligator mississippiensis, a primarily freshwater species, is spatially and temporally heterogeneous largely due to a salinity gradient that fluctuates. Using long-term night light survey data, we examined seasonal patterns in alligators’ habitat use by size classes in midstream and downstream estuary zones of Shark River, Everglades National Park, in...
Authors
Ikuko Fujisaki, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Frank J. Mazzotti, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Brian M. Jeffery, Laura A. Brandt
Betrayal: radio-tagged Burmese pythons reveal locations of conspecifics in Everglades National Park Betrayal: radio-tagged Burmese pythons reveal locations of conspecifics in Everglades National Park
The “Judas” technique is based on the idea that a radio-tagged individual can be used to “betray” conspecifics during the course of its routine social behavior. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive constrictor in southern Florida, and few methods are available for its control. Pythons are normally solitary, but from December–April in southern Florida, they form breeding
Authors
Brian J. Smith, Michael S. Cherkiss, Kristen M. Hart, Michael R. Rochford, Thomas H. Selby, Ray W Snow, Frank J. Mazzotti
Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a spatio-temporal perspective Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a spatio-temporal perspective
Somatic growth dynamics are an integrated response to environmental conditions. Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are long-lived, major consumers in coral reef habitats that move over broad geographic areas (hundreds to thousands of kilometers). We evaluated spatio-temporal effects on hawksbill growth dynamics over a 33-yr period and 24 study sites throughout the West...
Authors
Karen A. Bjorndal, Milani Chaloupka, Vincent S. Saba, Carlos E. Diez, Robert P. van Dam, Barry H. Krueger, Julia A. Horrocks, Armando J.B. Santos, Claudio Bellini, Maria A.G. Marcovaldi, Mabel Nava, Sue Willis, Brendan J. Godley, Shannon Gore, Lucy A. Hawkes, Andrew McGowan, Matthew J. Witt, Thomas B. Stringell, Amdeep Sanghera, Peter B. Richardson, Annette C. Broderick, Quinton Phillips, Marta C. Calosso, John A.B. Claydon, Janice Blumenthal, Felix Moncada, Gonzalo Nodarse, Yosvani Medina, Stephen G. Dunbar, Lawrence D. Wood, Cynthia J. Lagueux, Cathi L. Campbell, Anne B. Meylan, Peter A. Meylan, Virginia R. Burns Perez, Robin A. Coleman, Samantha Strindberg, Vicente Guzman-H, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Zandy Hillis-Starr, Ian Lundgren, Ralf H. Boulon, Stephen Connett, Mark E. Outerbridge, Alan B. Bolten
Fluctuating water depths affect American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) body condition in the Everglades, Florida, USA Fluctuating water depths affect American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) body condition in the Everglades, Florida, USA
Successful restoration of wetland ecosystems requires knowledge of wetland hydrologic patterns and an understanding of how those patterns affect wetland plant and animal populations.Within the Everglades, Florida, USA restoration, an applied science strategy including conceptual ecological models linking drivers to indicators is being used to organize current scientific understanding to...
Authors
Laura A. Brandt, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Brian M. Jeffery, Michael S. Cherkiss, Frank J. Mazzotti
Hawksbill satellite-tracking case study: Implications for remigration interval and population estimates Hawksbill satellite-tracking case study: Implications for remigration interval and population estimates
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are circumtropically distributed and listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (Meylan & Donnelly 1999; NMFS & USFWS 1993). To aid in population recovery and protection, the Hawksbill Recovery Plan identified the need to determine demographic information for hawksbills, such as distribution, abundance, seasonal movements, foraging areas...
Authors
Autumn R. Sartain-Iverson, Kristen M. Hart, Ikuko Fujisaki, Michael S. Cherkiss, Clayton Pollock, Ian Lundgren, Zandy Hillis-Starr
Factors affecting individual foraging specialization and temporal diet stability across the range of a large “generalist” apex predator Factors affecting individual foraging specialization and temporal diet stability across the range of a large “generalist” apex predator
Individual niche specialization (INS) is increasingly recognized as an important component of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. However, most studies that have investigated INS have focused on the effects of niche width and inter- and intraspecific competition on INS in small-bodied species for short time periods, with less attention paid to INS in large-bodied reptilian predators...
Authors
Adam E. Rosenblatt, James C. Nifong, Michael R. Heithaus, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Brian M. Jeffery, Ruth M. Elsey, Rachel A. Decker, Brian R. Silliman, Louis J. Guillette, Russell H. Lowers, Justin C. Larson
Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Background Studies on the spatial ecology of invasive species provide critical information for conservation managers such as habitat preferences and identification of native species at risk of predation. To understand the spatial ecology of non-native Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus), now well-established in Everglades National Park and much of South Florida USA, we radio...
Authors
Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Brian J. Smith, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ikuko Fujisaki, Ray W. Snow, Michael E. Dorcas
Largest breeding aggregation of Burmese Pythons and implication for potential development of a control tool Largest breeding aggregation of Burmese Pythons and implication for potential development of a control tool
No abstract available.
Authors
Brian J. Smith, Michael R. Rochford, Matt Brien, Michael S. Cherkiss, Frank Mazzotti, Skip Snow, Kristen M. Hart
Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile). Long distance juvenile movement Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile). Long distance juvenile movement
Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile) is the most widely distributed New World crocodilian species with its range extending from Peru in the south to the southern tip of peninsular Florida in the north. Crocodylus acutus occupies primarily coastal brackish water habitat, however it also occurs in freshwater to hypersaline habitats (Thorbjarnarson 2010. In Crocodiles. Status Survey and
Authors
Rafael Crespo, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Frank Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss
Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat
Background Understanding movement patterns of free-ranging top predators throughout heterogeneous habitat is important for gaining insight into trophic interactions. We tracked the movements of five adult American alligators to delineate their estuarine habitat use and determine drivers of their activity patterns in a seasonally-fluctuating environment. We also compared VHF- and...
Authors
Ikuko Fujisaki, Kristen M. Hart, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Autumn R. Sartain-Iverson, Brian M. Jeffery, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Mathew J. Denton
Homing of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida: evidence for map and compass senses in snakes Homing of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida: evidence for map and compass senses in snakes
Navigational ability is a critical component of an animal's spatial ecology and may influence the invasive potential of species. Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are apex predators invasive to South Florida. We tracked the movements of 12 adult Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, six of which were translocated 21–36 km from their capture locations. Translocated snakes...
Authors
Shannon E. Pittman, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Ray W. Snow, Ikuko Fujisaki, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael E. Dorcas
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 52
Large reptiles and cold temperatures: Do extreme cold spells set distributional limits for tropical reptiles in Florida? Large reptiles and cold temperatures: Do extreme cold spells set distributional limits for tropical reptiles in Florida?
Distributional limits of many tropical species in Florida are ultimately determined by tolerance to low temperature. An unprecedented cold spell during 2–11 January 2010, in South Florida provided an opportunity to compare the responses of tropical American crocodiles with warm-temperate American alligators and to compare the responses of nonnative Burmese pythons with native warm...
Authors
Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Mark Parry, Jeff Beauchamp, Mike Rochford, Brian J. Smith, Kristen M. Hart, Laura A. Brandt
Spatial and temporal variability in estuary habitat use by American alligators Spatial and temporal variability in estuary habitat use by American alligators
Estuarine habitat occupied by Alligator mississippiensis, a primarily freshwater species, is spatially and temporally heterogeneous largely due to a salinity gradient that fluctuates. Using long-term night light survey data, we examined seasonal patterns in alligators’ habitat use by size classes in midstream and downstream estuary zones of Shark River, Everglades National Park, in...
Authors
Ikuko Fujisaki, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Frank J. Mazzotti, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Brian M. Jeffery, Laura A. Brandt
Betrayal: radio-tagged Burmese pythons reveal locations of conspecifics in Everglades National Park Betrayal: radio-tagged Burmese pythons reveal locations of conspecifics in Everglades National Park
The “Judas” technique is based on the idea that a radio-tagged individual can be used to “betray” conspecifics during the course of its routine social behavior. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is an invasive constrictor in southern Florida, and few methods are available for its control. Pythons are normally solitary, but from December–April in southern Florida, they form breeding
Authors
Brian J. Smith, Michael S. Cherkiss, Kristen M. Hart, Michael R. Rochford, Thomas H. Selby, Ray W Snow, Frank J. Mazzotti
Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a spatio-temporal perspective Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a spatio-temporal perspective
Somatic growth dynamics are an integrated response to environmental conditions. Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are long-lived, major consumers in coral reef habitats that move over broad geographic areas (hundreds to thousands of kilometers). We evaluated spatio-temporal effects on hawksbill growth dynamics over a 33-yr period and 24 study sites throughout the West...
Authors
Karen A. Bjorndal, Milani Chaloupka, Vincent S. Saba, Carlos E. Diez, Robert P. van Dam, Barry H. Krueger, Julia A. Horrocks, Armando J.B. Santos, Claudio Bellini, Maria A.G. Marcovaldi, Mabel Nava, Sue Willis, Brendan J. Godley, Shannon Gore, Lucy A. Hawkes, Andrew McGowan, Matthew J. Witt, Thomas B. Stringell, Amdeep Sanghera, Peter B. Richardson, Annette C. Broderick, Quinton Phillips, Marta C. Calosso, John A.B. Claydon, Janice Blumenthal, Felix Moncada, Gonzalo Nodarse, Yosvani Medina, Stephen G. Dunbar, Lawrence D. Wood, Cynthia J. Lagueux, Cathi L. Campbell, Anne B. Meylan, Peter A. Meylan, Virginia R. Burns Perez, Robin A. Coleman, Samantha Strindberg, Vicente Guzman-H, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Zandy Hillis-Starr, Ian Lundgren, Ralf H. Boulon, Stephen Connett, Mark E. Outerbridge, Alan B. Bolten
Fluctuating water depths affect American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) body condition in the Everglades, Florida, USA Fluctuating water depths affect American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) body condition in the Everglades, Florida, USA
Successful restoration of wetland ecosystems requires knowledge of wetland hydrologic patterns and an understanding of how those patterns affect wetland plant and animal populations.Within the Everglades, Florida, USA restoration, an applied science strategy including conceptual ecological models linking drivers to indicators is being used to organize current scientific understanding to...
Authors
Laura A. Brandt, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Brian M. Jeffery, Michael S. Cherkiss, Frank J. Mazzotti
Hawksbill satellite-tracking case study: Implications for remigration interval and population estimates Hawksbill satellite-tracking case study: Implications for remigration interval and population estimates
Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are circumtropically distributed and listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN (Meylan & Donnelly 1999; NMFS & USFWS 1993). To aid in population recovery and protection, the Hawksbill Recovery Plan identified the need to determine demographic information for hawksbills, such as distribution, abundance, seasonal movements, foraging areas...
Authors
Autumn R. Sartain-Iverson, Kristen M. Hart, Ikuko Fujisaki, Michael S. Cherkiss, Clayton Pollock, Ian Lundgren, Zandy Hillis-Starr
Factors affecting individual foraging specialization and temporal diet stability across the range of a large “generalist” apex predator Factors affecting individual foraging specialization and temporal diet stability across the range of a large “generalist” apex predator
Individual niche specialization (INS) is increasingly recognized as an important component of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. However, most studies that have investigated INS have focused on the effects of niche width and inter- and intraspecific competition on INS in small-bodied species for short time periods, with less attention paid to INS in large-bodied reptilian predators...
Authors
Adam E. Rosenblatt, James C. Nifong, Michael R. Heithaus, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Brian M. Jeffery, Ruth M. Elsey, Rachel A. Decker, Brian R. Silliman, Louis J. Guillette, Russell H. Lowers, Justin C. Larson
Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Background Studies on the spatial ecology of invasive species provide critical information for conservation managers such as habitat preferences and identification of native species at risk of predation. To understand the spatial ecology of non-native Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus), now well-established in Everglades National Park and much of South Florida USA, we radio...
Authors
Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Brian J. Smith, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ikuko Fujisaki, Ray W. Snow, Michael E. Dorcas
Largest breeding aggregation of Burmese Pythons and implication for potential development of a control tool Largest breeding aggregation of Burmese Pythons and implication for potential development of a control tool
No abstract available.
Authors
Brian J. Smith, Michael R. Rochford, Matt Brien, Michael S. Cherkiss, Frank Mazzotti, Skip Snow, Kristen M. Hart
Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile). Long distance juvenile movement Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile). Long distance juvenile movement
Crocodylus acutus (American Crocodile) is the most widely distributed New World crocodilian species with its range extending from Peru in the south to the southern tip of peninsular Florida in the north. Crocodylus acutus occupies primarily coastal brackish water habitat, however it also occurs in freshwater to hypersaline habitats (Thorbjarnarson 2010. In Crocodiles. Status Survey and
Authors
Rafael Crespo, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Frank Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss
Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat
Background Understanding movement patterns of free-ranging top predators throughout heterogeneous habitat is important for gaining insight into trophic interactions. We tracked the movements of five adult American alligators to delineate their estuarine habitat use and determine drivers of their activity patterns in a seasonally-fluctuating environment. We also compared VHF- and...
Authors
Ikuko Fujisaki, Kristen M. Hart, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Autumn R. Sartain-Iverson, Brian M. Jeffery, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Mathew J. Denton
Homing of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida: evidence for map and compass senses in snakes Homing of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida: evidence for map and compass senses in snakes
Navigational ability is a critical component of an animal's spatial ecology and may influence the invasive potential of species. Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are apex predators invasive to South Florida. We tracked the movements of 12 adult Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, six of which were translocated 21–36 km from their capture locations. Translocated snakes...
Authors
Shannon E. Pittman, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Ray W. Snow, Ikuko Fujisaki, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael E. Dorcas