Current Search: Wetlands (x)
Pages
-
-
Title
-
INVESTIGATING THE TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF CANALWETLAND EXCHANGE AT LOXAHATCHEE SLOUGH NATURAL AREA, FL.
-
Creator
-
Hooler, Skylar, Johanson, Erik, Root, Tara, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
-
Abstract/Description
-
Wetlands are an essential part of the water management system in South Florida, providing many ecosystem services. However, the hydrologic connections of many wetlands, including Loxahatchee Slough in Florida, are poorly understood. Loxahatchee Slough is Palm Beach County’s most diverse natural area and a site of ongoing restoration. The primary objective of this research was to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of surface-groundwater exchange at Loxahatchee Slough. The...
Show moreWetlands are an essential part of the water management system in South Florida, providing many ecosystem services. However, the hydrologic connections of many wetlands, including Loxahatchee Slough in Florida, are poorly understood. Loxahatchee Slough is Palm Beach County’s most diverse natural area and a site of ongoing restoration. The primary objective of this research was to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of surface-groundwater exchange at Loxahatchee Slough. The Magnitude of groundwater seepage to the canal varied spatially. Little seasonal variability in exchange was identified in this study. Canal stage had a strong relationship with groundwater levels and slough stage indicating its important influence. This study provides more insight into the heterogeneous nature of wetland-canal exchange and the need for site-specific evaluation at wetlands for successful management.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2021
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013797
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetlands, Canals, Wetland hydrology--Florida
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
A rapid assessment procedure for determining the functionality of wetlands in South Florida.
-
Creator
-
Miller, Raymond E., Jr., Florida Atlantic University, Austin, Daniel F.
-
Abstract/Description
-
The Wetland Rapid Assessment Procedure (WRAP) is a process developed to assist the regulatory evaluation of mitigation sites (created, restored, enhanced or preserved). These areas are permitted through the South Florida Water Management District's Management and Storage of Surface Waters or Environmental Resource Permit Process. WRAP evaluation is designed for the limited timeframes of the regulatory process. The objectives of WRAP are: (1) to establish an accurate, consistent, and timely...
Show moreThe Wetland Rapid Assessment Procedure (WRAP) is a process developed to assist the regulatory evaluation of mitigation sites (created, restored, enhanced or preserved). These areas are permitted through the South Florida Water Management District's Management and Storage of Surface Waters or Environmental Resource Permit Process. WRAP evaluation is designed for the limited timeframes of the regulatory process. The objectives of WRAP are: (1) to establish an accurate, consistent, and timely regulatory tool; (2) to track changes in wetland sites over time (i.e., baseline data); and (3) to offer guidance for environmental site plan development. Test results of the WRAP procedure showed it to be a repeatable and effective training tool for biologists. Although some general trends were observed regarding land use and variable scores, additional data will need to be collected to establish more conclusive relationships between land use and wetland function.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
1998
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15614
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetlands--Florida--Evaluation
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
EFFECTS OF WET SEASON HYDRO-PATTERN ON CRAYFISH (PROCAMBARUS FALLAX) POPULATION DENSITY AND JUVENILE MORTALITY RISK.
-
Creator
-
Sommer, Jeffrey L., Dorn, Nathan J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
-
Abstract/Description
-
Distribution and abundance of water impacts population dynamics and habitat structure within a wetland ecosystem. It is known that drought can interfere with trophic dynamics and temporarily free crayfish from the threat of predation by population limiting fish predators in seasonal freshwater wetlands. Less is known about wet season water depths, and their effect on predator prey interactions. In order to address this, I conducted a two-and-a-half-year study in which I experimentally...
Show moreDistribution and abundance of water impacts population dynamics and habitat structure within a wetland ecosystem. It is known that drought can interfere with trophic dynamics and temporarily free crayfish from the threat of predation by population limiting fish predators in seasonal freshwater wetlands. Less is known about wet season water depths, and their effect on predator prey interactions. In order to address this, I conducted a two-and-a-half-year study in which I experimentally manipulated the wet season water depth in four 8 ha replicate wetlands of the central Everglades, allowing two wetlands to be flooded as natural rainfall patterns would allow (unconstrained hydro-pattern) and two wetlands to experience a constrained hydro-pattern in which the maximum depths to which they were flooded was limited. I discovered that crayfish, small marsh fish, and large bodied predatory fish populations were unaffected by the water depth difference between the hydro-pattern treatments. Unlike fauna, flora did respond to the hydro-pattern treatments with stem densities increasing in the wetlands under the constrained hydro-pattern treatment.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2021
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013738
-
Subject Headings
-
Crayfish, Procambarus, Wetland ecology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
The influence of hydrologic variations onphosphorus cycling and retention in a swamp stream ecosystem.
-
Creator
-
Yarbro, Laura A., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
-
Date Issued
-
1983
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007431
-
Subject Headings
-
Swamp ecology, Phosphorus cycle (Biogeochemistry), Wetland hydrology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Heavy metals removal with water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) inconstructed wetland.
-
Creator
-
Wang, Tsen C., Ramesh, G., Weissman, J. C., Varadarajan, R., Benemann, J. R., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
-
Date Issued
-
1995
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007339
-
Subject Headings
-
Heavy metals, Haloragaceae, Myriophyllum, Constructed wetlands
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
A biological mechanism for enhanced wading bird foraging patches in seasonally-pulsed wetlands.
-
Creator
-
Faughnan, Thomas J., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
-
Abstract/Description
-
In tropical wetlands, breeding wading birds rely on concentrations of aquatic fauna during the dry season to meet increased energetic demands. Wetland microtopography increases aquatic fauna concentration levels. Crocodilians modify the landscape creating deep-water refugia but their role as a mechanism for aquatic fauna concentration is unknown. I sampled alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) abundance and slough microtopography to examine correlation between the two measures. Despite...
Show moreIn tropical wetlands, breeding wading birds rely on concentrations of aquatic fauna during the dry season to meet increased energetic demands. Wetland microtopography increases aquatic fauna concentration levels. Crocodilians modify the landscape creating deep-water refugia but their role as a mechanism for aquatic fauna concentration is unknown. I sampled alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) abundance and slough microtopography to examine correlation between the two measures. Despite increased microtopography in high alligator use sloughs, the differences were not significant. Using an in situ experimental approach, I quantified the magnitude, timing, and spatial extent of aquatic fauna concentrations within simulated alligator depressions and the surrounding marsh. Aquatic fauna density and biomass were greater within simulated depressions, thus enhancing wading bird foraging habitat. Further understanding the mechanisms creating microtopography, thus enhancing wading bird habitat, is critical to facilitate restoration and prevent declines of wading bird populations in seasonally pulsed wetlands worldwide.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2018
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013060
-
Subject Headings
-
Wading birds., Wetland ecology., American alligator.
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
MONITORING WADING BIRD COLONIES USING ACOUSTIC SAMPLING AND REGIONAL SHIFTS IN WADING BIRD NEST ABUNDANCES IN A PULSED WETLAND SYSTEM.
-
Creator
-
Larson, Rachel C., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
-
Abstract/Description
-
Wetland loss and degradation have led to the development of restoration programs worldwide, many of which monitor wading bird populations as indicators of wetland quality. Therefore, efficient, standardized monitoring is integral to restoration progress. I tested the use of passive acoustic monitoring to estimate nest abundances and provisioning rates in wading bird colonies and examined regional nesting dynamics in the Florida Everglades, where a long monitoring record enables analysis of...
Show moreWetland loss and degradation have led to the development of restoration programs worldwide, many of which monitor wading bird populations as indicators of wetland quality. Therefore, efficient, standardized monitoring is integral to restoration progress. I tested the use of passive acoustic monitoring to estimate nest abundances and provisioning rates in wading bird colonies and examined regional nesting dynamics in the Florida Everglades, where a long monitoring record enables analysis of nesting patterns relative to hydrologic changes. I found that call rates can serve as indices of colony nest abundances and begging call rate and timing are indicative of provisioning events. Nesting dynamics suggested that resource availability is asynchronous between regions of the Everglades, but the degree of asynchrony varies with species. The conclusions of this study will facilitate the long-term monitoring of wading bird nesting trends, which are important measures of wetland restoration in Florida and worldwide.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2021
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013771
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetland restoration, Wading birds, Everglades (Fla.), Acoustics
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
The invasion of Sphaeroma terebrans, a marine isopod, on pond apple (Annona glabra) trees in a tidally influenced freshwater forested wetland.
-
Creator
-
Taylor, Molly Kathleen., Florida Atlantic University
-
Abstract/Description
-
Saltwater intrusion is threatening coastal wetlands through alteration of the natural communities leading to native species loss. In southern Florida, the Pond Apple Slough is experiencing tidally driven saltwater intrusion, which is thought to be responsible for the invasion of a marine isopod, Sphaeroma terebrans, into the native, dominant pond apple trees. The isopod appears to be responsible for the death of pond apple trees in the site. The isopod's distribution on trees within the...
Show moreSaltwater intrusion is threatening coastal wetlands through alteration of the natural communities leading to native species loss. In southern Florida, the Pond Apple Slough is experiencing tidally driven saltwater intrusion, which is thought to be responsible for the invasion of a marine isopod, Sphaeroma terebrans, into the native, dominant pond apple trees. The isopod appears to be responsible for the death of pond apple trees in the site. The isopod's distribution on trees within the slough appears to be controlled by the period of inundation and distance from the source of saltwater. Restriction of tidal water entering the site may limit the isopod's distribution on the pond apple trees.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2001
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12818
-
Subject Headings
-
Sphaeroma, Annona, Saltwater encroachment, Wetland ecology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
EFFECTS OF WATER FLOW ON A WETLAND MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITY.
-
Creator
-
Hansen, Chris, Dorn, Nathan, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
-
Abstract/Description
-
Macroinvertebrates make up a large fraction of secondary production in wetlands and are strongly influenced by hydrologic alterations. However, little is known of the effect flow has on macroinvertebrate production and community composition in wetlands. Reintroducing measurable water velocities (1-5 cm/s) to the oligotrophic (phosphoruslimited) Everglades has the potential to affect macroinvertebrate production and community structure by increasing the supply of phosphorus (P) to periphyton,...
Show moreMacroinvertebrates make up a large fraction of secondary production in wetlands and are strongly influenced by hydrologic alterations. However, little is known of the effect flow has on macroinvertebrate production and community composition in wetlands. Reintroducing measurable water velocities (1-5 cm/s) to the oligotrophic (phosphoruslimited) Everglades has the potential to affect macroinvertebrate production and community structure by increasing the supply of phosphorus (P) to periphyton, changing basal food quality, and physically altering the habitat. In Chapter 2, I investigated the potential effects of flow-mediated nutrient-loading on the growth rate of herbivorous grazers, apple snails (Pomacea maculata), by growing periphyton on standard substrates, in four sloughs within a landscape-scale flow addition experiment; two sloughs received elevated flow velocities (2.9-5.2 cm/s) and two control sloughs (0.3-0.4 cm/s). Snails fed periphyton from the flowing sloughs gained more than 3.7-fold greater total mass than snails fed periphyton from the control sloughs. The highest velocity slough produced the greatest snail growth. Snail growth was correlated with P accumulation and C:P ratios in the periphyton. Water column nutrients were low and the water column TP differences among sloughs could not fully explain differences in periphyton nutrients or snail growth. Increasing flow above background conditions by as little as 2.4 cm/s in this oligotrophic wetland altered periphyton food quality by flow loading, which subsequently increased growth rates of primary consumers. In Chapter 3, I investigated potential changes in macroinvertebrate standing stock biomass and community composition caused by flow by conducting two sweep net surveys. Surveys were conducted within two groups of sloughs, flow sloughs (6 sloughs) and control sloughs (12 sloughs), within the same landscape-scale flow addition experiment as the growth experiment. Surveys were conducted from January to March in 2018 and 2021. Biomass was compared between the flow sloughs and control sloughs using generalized linear models. Community composition was analyzed at the slough level using Bray-Curtis similarity. Biomass of macroinvertebrates was similar among transects in 2018 but higher in the flow sloughs in 2021 with the highest biomasses further from the L67A (velocities <2cm/s). The two highest flowing sloughs (typically >3cm/s) had a different community composition from the other 16 sloughs in both 2018 and 2021 with a predator resistant non-native snail appearing in 2021. The results of the surveys show an increase in macroinvertebrate production in the flow sloughs possibly related to increased nutritional value of food, however, with higher biomass further from the L67A and the invasion of a predator resistant snail at the high flow sloughs, it also appears that there is increased top-down pressure on the macroinvertebrates at the sloughs closer to the L67A (were cover from predation has been reduced). The overall results of these studies indicate flow produces more nutritional food for herbivorous macroinvertebrates and increases standing stock biomass but can change the community composition when periphyton cover is reduced.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2021
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013873
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetland ecology, Everglades (Fla.), Invertebrate communities
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Salt marsh mitigation: An example of the process of balancing mosquito control, natural resource, and development interest.
-
Creator
-
O’Bryan, P. D., Carlson, D. B., Gilmore, R. G., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
-
Date Issued
-
1990
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3183160
-
Subject Headings
-
Salt marshes--Florida, Wetlands--Florida, Wetland management, Mosquitoes --Control --Florida, Salt marsh ecology --Florida
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Invasion-mediated recovery following managed disturbance in the northern Everglades.
-
Creator
-
Lange, James J., Benscoter, Brian, Graduate College
-
Date Issued
-
2013-04-12
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361942
-
Subject Headings
-
Melaleuca quinquenervia, Invasive plants, Wetland management, Wetland ecology, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Fla.)
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
The avian community characteristics of constructed treatment wetlands of South Florida.
-
Creator
-
Beck, Tyler J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
-
Abstract/Description
-
This study compared the avian communities of treatment wetlands in South Florida called Stormwater Treatment Wetlands (STAs) to those in natural marshes and crop lands, and examined factors that influenced the size and structure of the avian communities within the STAs. The STAs contained a more abundant, rich and distinct avian community compared to reference land types. The STAs were dominated by wintering waterfowl, and therefore community patterns fluctuated more seasonally other land...
Show moreThis study compared the avian communities of treatment wetlands in South Florida called Stormwater Treatment Wetlands (STAs) to those in natural marshes and crop lands, and examined factors that influenced the size and structure of the avian communities within the STAs. The STAs contained a more abundant, rich and distinct avian community compared to reference land types. The STAs were dominated by wintering waterfowl, and therefore community patterns fluctuated more seasonally other land types. Within the STAs, density and richness in the fall and winter were much greater in the submerged aquatic vegetation than in the mixed emergent vegetation when waterfowl were present. The STAs maintain two vegetation treatments which enhanced their biodiversity value by supporting distinct avian communities with different migratory strategies This suggests the increase in treatment wetlands could partially offset the loss of natural wetlands, but avian communities in treatment wetlands are not surrogates for natural wetlands.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2013
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362327
-
Subject Headings
-
Constructed wetlands, Wetland hydrology, Watershed management, Habitat (Ecology), Birds, Ecology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Quantifying wading bird resource selection and nesting effort: a tool for the restoration of pulsed ecosystems.
-
Creator
-
Petersen, Michelle L., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
-
Abstract/Description
-
Understanding the link between indicator species and their environment is imperative to managing and conserving anthropogenically-altered ecosystems. Seasonally-pulsed wetlands are uniquely complex ecosystem where water-level fluctuations shape trophic interactions. Anthropogenic manipulation of water-level fluctuation threatens the integrity of these systems worldwide. Wading birds, a group of species sensitive to landuse changes and fluctuating habitat conditions, serve as important...
Show moreUnderstanding the link between indicator species and their environment is imperative to managing and conserving anthropogenically-altered ecosystems. Seasonally-pulsed wetlands are uniquely complex ecosystem where water-level fluctuations shape trophic interactions. Anthropogenic manipulation of water-level fluctuation threatens the integrity of these systems worldwide. Wading birds, a group of species sensitive to landuse changes and fluctuating habitat conditions, serve as important indicators for wetland health. I used wading birds in the Everglades, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, I 1) identified the nesting response of Great Egret (Ardea alba), White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), and Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) to hydrologically-mediated changes in food availability and 2) quantified spatiotemporal foraging-habitat selection of Great Egrets, White Ibis, and Wood Storks to fluctuating hydrologic conditions. Collectively, model selection results suggest food availability, generated through dynamic hydrological conditions, is a strong predictor of the abundance of nesting birds in a given year. Great egret and white ibis produce the highest nests numbers in years when the frequency of days of rising water is low. Wood stork nest numbers are the highest in years with high prey production coupled with continuous prey availability. My study of resource selection indicated wading birds select foraging sites based on similar hydrologic parameters, but the response varies by species. Wood storks are more likely to forage in shallow cells (< 10 cm) drying with high recession rates (0.5-1.5 cm/day), and long time since last drydown (600 days). White ibises selected foraging cells with relatively shallow water depths (0-15 cm), intermediate recession rates (0.5-1.0 cm/day), and long time since drydown (600 days). Great egrets selected foraging cells with a wider range of water depths (0-20 cm) where recession rates were lower (0.5 cm/day). All species are more likely to forage in cells where water has not increased by more than 3 cm in the previous two weeks. These differences in resource selections correspond to morphological and behavioral differences in the species, whereby wood storks were more constrained hydrologically and would be more affected by water-level manipulation.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2017
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004852
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetland biodiversity conservation--Florida--Everglades., Wetland conservation., Water birds., Wood stork., White ibis., Egretta alba.
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Biogenic gas dynamics in peat soil blocks using ground penetrating radar: a comparative study in the laboratory between peat soils from the Everglades and from two northern peatlands in Minnesota and Maine.
-
Creator
-
Cabolova, Anastasija., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
-
Abstract/Description
-
Peatlands cover a total area of approximately 3 million square kilometers and are one of the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Most traditional methods used to estimate biogenic gas dynamics are invasive and provide little or no information about lateral distribution of gas. In contrast, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an emerging technique for non-invasive investigation of gas dynamics in peat soils. This thesis establishes a direct comparison...
Show morePeatlands cover a total area of approximately 3 million square kilometers and are one of the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Most traditional methods used to estimate biogenic gas dynamics are invasive and provide little or no information about lateral distribution of gas. In contrast, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is an emerging technique for non-invasive investigation of gas dynamics in peat soils. This thesis establishes a direct comparison between gas dynamics (i.e. build-up and release) of four different types of peat soil using GPR. Peat soil blocks were collected at peatlands with contrasting latitudes, including the Everglades, Maine and Minnesota. A unique two-antenna GPR setup was used to monitor biogenic gas buildup and ebullition events over a period of 4.5 months, constraining GPR data with surface deformation measurements and direct CH4 and CO2 concentration measurements. The effect of atmospheric pressure was also investigated. This study has implications for better understanding global gas dynamics and carbon cycling in peat soils and its role in climate change.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2010
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2974433
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetland ecology, Wetland ecology, Wetland ecology, Gas dynamics, Soil permeability, Ground penetrating radar, Porous materials, Fluid dynamics
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
A formative evaluation of the grassy waters preserve aquatic connections and watershed awareness (acwa) environmental education program.
-
Creator
-
Hopler, Sarah, Meltzer, Carol, Graduate College
-
Date Issued
-
2011-04-08
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164541
-
Subject Headings
-
Environmental sciences --Study and teaching, Environmental education, Wetland conservation
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Wading Bird Reproductive and Physiological Responses to Environmental Disturbance in a Managed Lake Ecosystem.
-
Creator
-
Chastant, Jennifer E., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
-
Abstract/Description
-
Wetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Water-level fluctuations determine the ecological function of shallow lakes and wetlands. Currently, anthropogenic modification to water-level fluctuations is the leading source of ecological degradation in lake and wetland ecosystems worldwide. I used wading birds nesting in Lake Okeechobee, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic...
Show moreWetlands are some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on earth. Water-level fluctuations determine the ecological function of shallow lakes and wetlands. Currently, anthropogenic modification to water-level fluctuations is the leading source of ecological degradation in lake and wetland ecosystems worldwide. I used wading birds nesting in Lake Okeechobee, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, I 1) identified environmental factors most important for predicting the number of wading bird nests, 2) tested the assumptions of both the match-mismatch and the threshold hypothesis by modeling the relationship between nesting success and prey density with foraging habitat availability, and 3) measured the stress response of Great (Ardea alba) and Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) to hydrologically-mediated changes in food availability. Collectively, the results suggest that the number of nests was greatest when area of nesting substrate was high and water-levels were moderate (3.9 - 4.4 m). Nest numbers dropped when either nesting substrate or foraging habitat was limited. My investigation into the predictions of the match-mismatch and threshold hypotheses found that indeed, prey density can reduce or intensify the effects of a mismatch event. The interaction of prey density and foraging habitat availability was significant and positive in both models. Saturation thresholds existed for both fledging success (147 prey (m^2)^-1) and total productivity (189 prey (m^2)^-1), above which high concentrations of prey could sustain nesting when foraging habitat availability was low. Finally, my studies of the stress response support the hypothesis that hydrologic factors associated with prey availability play an important role in regulating nesting patterns, although the level of food limitation the birds experience at the lake was not as severe as expected. Model selection identified foraging habitat availability as most influential to the nestling Great Egret stress response, whereas foraging habitat availability and prey density both influenced nestling Snowy Egret stress response. Moreover, the Snowy Egret stress response was more sensitive to changes in prey availability than was the Great Egret stress response. Temperature and foraging conditions influenced yolk corticosterone concentrations for both egret species.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2016
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004779
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetland ecology., Estuarine ecology., Water birds--Habitat., Predation (Biology)
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Wading bird use of geographically isolated wetlands in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain.
-
Creator
-
Herteux, Camille E., Gawlik, Dale E., Smith, Lora L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
-
Abstract/Description
-
Geographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) within the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain have been increasingly recognized for their importance in providing ecosystem services. These wetlands serve as valuable foraging and breeding habitat for wetland-dependent species, including wading birds. I quantified wading bird presence in GIWs in southwestern Georgia and determined the relative importance of factors influencing their use of these wetlands. I also examined the diet of a nesting colony of...
Show moreGeographically isolated wetlands (GIWs) within the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain have been increasingly recognized for their importance in providing ecosystem services. These wetlands serve as valuable foraging and breeding habitat for wetland-dependent species, including wading birds. I quantified wading bird presence in GIWs in southwestern Georgia and determined the relative importance of factors influencing their use of these wetlands. I also examined the diet of a nesting colony of Little Blue Herons; a species experiencing population declines throughout most of the Southeast. I found that wetland-specific parameters were important factors in predicting wading bird use of GIWs, and wading birds utilized agricultural and natural wetlands differently depending on hydrological seasonality. Little Blue Herons were primarily consuming large anurans and anuran larvae, which are characteristic of agriculturally modified wetlands. The seasonal process of receding water levels in GIWs and subsequent concentration of
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2018
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013012
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetlands--Georgia, Wading birds, Herons--Ecology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
The impact of willow encroachment on water and carbon exchange in the vegetation of a subtropical wetland.
-
Creator
-
Budny, Michelle L., Benscoter, Brian, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
-
Abstract/Description
-
Shortened periods of inundation due to water management have led to the encroachment and expansion of Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana) in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) marsh communities. Morphologic and physiologic differences between sawgrass and willow have potential consequences for microhabitat conditions and ecosystem function such as a reduction in temperatures and light availability and changes in primary productivity. Since it is a woody shrub, willow is often assumed to exhibit...
Show moreShortened periods of inundation due to water management have led to the encroachment and expansion of Carolina willow (Salix caroliniana) in sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense) marsh communities. Morphologic and physiologic differences between sawgrass and willow have potential consequences for microhabitat conditions and ecosystem function such as a reduction in temperatures and light availability and changes in primary productivity. Since it is a woody shrub, willow is often assumed to exhibit higher rates of transpiration than non woody plants, which in turn can affect photosynthesis and carbon exchange and ultimately wetland water management. In this study willow was found to have higher rates of stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthesis (Anet) than sawgrass. However, sawgrass had greater intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE) than willow. This suggests that willow is capable of greater gas exchange and carbon assimilation than sawgrass but requires more water. Understanding the implications of willow expansion will improve landscape models of wetland water and carbon exchange and inform water management decisions.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
2015
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004350, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004350
-
Subject Headings
-
Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem management, Surfaces (Technology) -- Measurement, Vegetation dynamics, Wetland ecology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Determination of wetland impact due to groundwater drawdown: The application of aerial photo-interpretation, GIS analysis, and groundwater modeling.
-
Creator
-
Hindle, Tobin, Florida Atlantic University, Marsh, G. Alex
-
Abstract/Description
-
Aerial photo-interpretation, GIS analysis, and groundwater modeling were employed to determine the impact of permitted groundwater withdrawal, primarily for agricultural irrigation, on protected wetland communities within Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP), Martin County Florida. Since 1952, much of the wetland habitat has succeeded to terrestrial pine flatwoods in the southwestern section of the wilderness preserve of JDSP. The drying trend can not be linked to natural hydrologic impact,...
Show moreAerial photo-interpretation, GIS analysis, and groundwater modeling were employed to determine the impact of permitted groundwater withdrawal, primarily for agricultural irrigation, on protected wetland communities within Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP), Martin County Florida. Since 1952, much of the wetland habitat has succeeded to terrestrial pine flatwoods in the southwestern section of the wilderness preserve of JDSP. The drying trend can not be linked to natural hydrologic impact, but strongly correlates to groundwater drawdown calculated using a three-dimensional groundwater computer model.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
1997
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15465
-
Subject Headings
-
Groundwater flow--Computer simulation, Geographic information systems, Wetland hydrology
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
-
-
Title
-
Fractal dimensions of Florida wetlands.
-
Creator
-
King, Stephen James., Florida Atlantic University, Shaw, Shih-Lung, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
-
Abstract/Description
-
Application of fractal concepts to geographic problems is reviewed. The basics of fractals are presented. Scale, self-similarity and their effects on natural phenomena are discussed. Eight sites (six wetland and two non-wetland) are studied. Using Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner data, the fractal dimensions of the surface reflectance of the sites are calculated by the contour method. Values obtained are related to the type of wetland and the structure and processes that characterize that type...
Show moreApplication of fractal concepts to geographic problems is reviewed. The basics of fractals are presented. Scale, self-similarity and their effects on natural phenomena are discussed. Eight sites (six wetland and two non-wetland) are studied. Using Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner data, the fractal dimensions of the surface reflectance of the sites are calculated by the contour method. Values obtained are related to the type of wetland and the structure and processes that characterize that type of wetland. Forested wetlands were found to have the lowest fractal dimension. Mixed forested and non-forested had the highest. Marshy non-forested sites were higher than expected. Conclusions drawn are that physical characteristics of different wetlands result in measurable differences in fractal dimension. Fractals will be valuable in computer aided wetland identification in the future.
Show less
-
Date Issued
-
1993
-
PURL
-
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14892
-
Subject Headings
-
Wetlands--Florida, Fractals, Geography--Mathematical models
-
Format
-
Document (PDF)
Pages