Inventory of the Mammals of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Barataria and Chalmette Battlefield units(Cooperative Agreement H2115 03 0001)

This report describes a inventory of mammal species occurring in the Barataria and Chalmette Battlefield units of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (JLNHPP) located in southeastern Louisiana, conducted from September 2003 to June 2006. Small and medium-sized mammals were observed using live trapping, motion-triggered cameras, study of owl pellets and field observations of tracks and sign. Large mammals were observed using motion-triggered cameras, study of NPS trapping records, and field observations of tracks and sign. Bats were documented using mist nets and electronic bat detectors. Field work included 8,820 trap-nights (live trapping), 1,462 camera-days (motion-triggered cameras), 88 net-nights (bat netting), and 50 detector-nights (bat electronic detection). In the Barataria unit, 26 species of mammals were documented as occurring in the marsh, swamp, hardwood bottomland forests, and on the natural and man-made spoil banks of waterways (bayous and canals). The following were especially noteworthy findings: 1) first documentation of bats at Barataria (7 species), including Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and the southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparious both of which are considered uncommon in SE Louisiana. 2) discovery of a maternity colony of the evening bat, Nycticeius humeralis, using bridge supports at Kenta Canal/Bayou Coquille. 3) documentation of a large population of resident coyotes (Canis latrans), and armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in all areas of Barataria. Both coyotes and armadillos have only recently extended their range into SE Louisiana. 4) documentation of a large population of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) that has the potential for presenting natural resource management concerns into the future. In the Chalmette Battlefield unit, 11 species of mammals were documented as occurring in the herbaceous field (the battlefield site) and the wooded park boundaries (at fence lines). The natural habitat of Chalmette Battlefield is so limited and tourist activity so strong that it is not surprising that only a few mammals would be documented or observed. The following noteworthy findings are: 1) first documentation of bats at Chalmette Battlefield (4 species). 2) presence of the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), and 3) lack of resident rodents in the wooded areas at the boundaries of the park unit.

Inventory of the Mammals of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Barataria and Chalmette Battlefield units(Cooperative Agreement H2115 03 0001)

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