selected projects

Rare & Endangered Wildlife Studies

In Massachusetts, rare species are protected on three different levels, Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern, listed from most imperiled in descending order. Oxbow has worked on many projects throughout the Commonwealth to investigate site specific ecology of populations of rare species to assist project planning to minimize or avoid adverse impacts to the target population. Oxbow staff has extensive experience with rare amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates in the northeast.

Vernal Pool Certification
In Massachusetts, if a vernal pool is documented to contain obligate vernal pool species (i.e., always use ephemeral wetlands for breeding), and/or evidence of breeding by these species, the pool can be certified with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). Oxbow has certified many vernal pools throughout Massachusetts, but does not practice, or advocate, vernal pool certification on private property without the owner's permission.

We use a variety of search and trapping techniques to investigate potential vernal pool habitat including the use of these pools by rare and endangered species.

Drift Fence Studies
We use drift fence and pit-fall traps to monitor breeding activity of obligate vernal pool and/or rare amphibian species. This technique allows us to monitor the number of adult salamanders or frogs moving to and from specific breeding pools and to assess directional trends and proportional (upland) habitat use. In addition, we can monitor the number of juvenile amphibians emigrating from the pool after undergoing metamorphosis.

Oxbow has also used a three mile long drift fence to monitor Blanding's and eastern box turtle movement and nesting activity near a large construction project. The drift fence excluded the turtles from accessing the construction area and allowed us to locate new individuals, previously not found on the site. Oxbow was subcontracted on this project to assist with implementing the biological monitoring associating with a Conservation Permit issued by NHESP under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA).

Rare Invertebrates
We have recorded the presence of Mystic Valley Amphipod, a rare aquatic invertebrate found in red maple swamps with seasonal standing water, in many localities throughout their range. Oxbow has worked with project engineers and NHESP to minimize any impacts to these species.

Oxbow conducted a rare freshwater mussel recovery during a lake drawdown project. We were at the site during the drawdown to relocate the triangle floater (Alasmidonta undulata) to minimize impacts to the local population of rare mussels.

Oxbow has recorded the presence of the elderberry borer beetle at many localities throughout eastern Massachusetts.

Oxbow identified a population of Intricate Fairy Shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis), a state listed species of special concern, in two kettle ponds in eastern Massachusetts. Intricate Fairy Shrimp can be differentiated from the more common species of fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis) by examining the heads of mature males under a microscope or hand lens.