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- Title
- Bacterial Community Analysis of Soil Samples Beneath Decomposing Sus scrofa Carcasses.
- Creator
- Brown, Spencer, Ebanks, Ryan, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed from the time of death until the discovery of a decomposing body, which forensic scientists utilize to decipher how and when a death occurred. Much of decomposition is attributable to bacterial activity. Identifying a net change in bacterial composition throughout the PMI of a decomposing carcass helps to explain the mechanism of decomposition. Carcasses of four feral swine were placed in cages in direct sunlight, whereby soil samples were...
Show moreThe post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed from the time of death until the discovery of a decomposing body, which forensic scientists utilize to decipher how and when a death occurred. Much of decomposition is attributable to bacterial activity. Identifying a net change in bacterial composition throughout the PMI of a decomposing carcass helps to explain the mechanism of decomposition. Carcasses of four feral swine were placed in cages in direct sunlight, whereby soil samples were taken prior to and following seven days of decomposition. Bacterial DNA was then isolated from the soil samples and amplified via polymerase-chain reaction. Further metagenomic analysis was conducted by an outside agency using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplicon sequencing to determine the composition of the bacterial community. A relationship between the stages of decomposition and the anatomy of bacterial communities involved was determined, which helps to elucidate the process of decomposition.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005178
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A comparative survey of Gopherus polyphemus hemoparasites in two differing South Florida habitats.
- Creator
- Cooney, Brian, Elhassani, Dana, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species which affects the biodiversity that shares its burrow. Habitat fragmentation has led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges. Haemogregarina (intracellular parasites) have been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises, possibly due to the lack of prescribed fires which are known to kill ticks. However, little is known about their health significance. Two study sites, Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), and Pine Jog Preserve (PJP), differ in their management. The goal of this study is: (1) determine, if any, haemogregarina parasitemia levels of the gopher tortoise population in each site and (2) detect any additional hemoparasite species. We hypothesize that paristemia will be higher in BSP due to increased overcrowding and lack of prescribed fires. This study will benefit current conservation and management practices for gopher tortoises and provide a baseline study for intracellular parasites.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005182
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A forensic entomological and anthropological investigation into the decomposition rates in South Florida: the insecta that colonize sus scrofa.
- Creator
- Ebanks, Ryan, Schuss, Stephen, Unger, Jeremy, Frazier, Evelyn
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-05
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361080
- Subject Headings
- Decomposition (Biology), Biodegradation, Sus scrofa
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Comparative survey of hemoparasites in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
- Creator
- Elhassani, Dana, Caruso, Joseph P., Graduate College, Frazier, Evelyn
- Abstract/Description
-
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened keystone species of the Southeastern United States. Increasing urban encroachment and tortoise translocation increases the risk of disease transmission. Prior work at Florida Atlantic University suggested resident gopher tortoises had high tick burdens. To investigate ticks as potential disease vectors, two sites were examined. The Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP); managed by mowing and herbicides and Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP); managed by fire. We hypothesized that gopher tortoises in the FAUP will be infected by heavier hemoparasite loads, potentially causing anemia, when compared to JDSP. To detect hemoparasites, blood was collected from tortoises at FAUP and JDSP. Blood smears revealed intracellular parasites and inclusions at both sites. Packed cell volumes were done to assess whether tortoises were anemic; results found tortoises were not anemic during that sampling period. This study will provide baseline data for blood-borne infections in two south Florida gopher tortoise populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005145
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Molecular Characterization of Hepatozoon (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) Blood Parasite within the Threatened Gopherus Polyphemus Species.
- Creator
- Eusse, Johanna, Cooney, Brian, Frazier, Evelyn
- Abstract/Description
-
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a threatened burrowing chelonian endemic to the Southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are classified as a keystone species due to their construction of extensive burrows, providing shelter to approximately 362 commensal species. Haemogregarines are the most common hemoparasite species found within reptiles. The genus Hepatozoon sp. (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) has been discovered within gopher tortoises at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Jupiter, Florida). Our research focus is to conduct molecular analysis on the 18S rRNA region of Hepatozoon sp. within blood samples and to determine how this species found is related to other known Hepatozoon species. This molecular characterization study will provide us a better understanding of the existing Hepatozoon blood parasite species within gopher tortoises in South Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAU_SR00000035
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An identification and comparison of intestinal parasites found within Gopherus polyphemus at two differing Southeastern Florida habitats.
- Creator
- Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Graduate College, Caruso, Joseph P.
- Abstract/Description
-
Gopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) in a higher quality habitat. We hypothesized there would be higher intestinal parasite loads in FAUP tortoises than JDSP tortoises, due to overcrowding. Several methods were used to determine parasite species and infection intensities. Fecal flotations revealed moderate to high Strongyle and Hookworm intensities in FAUP tortoises; in contrast, low Hookworm and moderate Strongyle intensities were seen in JDSP tortoises. Comparing infection intensities to degree of crowding is important to optimize management strategies of these threatened species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005150
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A comparison of the red fire ant and gopher tortoise burrow distribution within the FAU preserve.
- Creator
- Nenkova, Anzehla, Frazier, Evelyn
- Abstract/Description
-
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is considered a threatened species throughout much of its range. Their decline is mainly attributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction. These habitat disturbances commonly favor invasive species such as the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The red fire ant has been detected on aprons of gopher tortoise burrows at the FAU preserve and we would like to evaluate whether the distribution of red fire ants overlaps with that of the tortoises burrows...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is considered a threatened species throughout much of its range. Their decline is mainly attributed to habitat fragmentation and destruction. These habitat disturbances commonly favor invasive species such as the red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The red fire ant has been detected on aprons of gopher tortoise burrows at the FAU preserve and we would like to evaluate whether the distribution of red fire ants overlaps with that of the tortoises burrows. Ant distribution was accessed at the FAU preserve by running 10 random 100m transect lines and placing sardine baits at every 20m interval. Preliminary data suggests that red fire ants were abundant in 70% of the transects; however, we were unable to establish a direct correlation between the distribution of gopher tortoise burrows and that of red fire ants. The ants were tentatively identified to subfamilies and further identification will be performed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0005031
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- An Analysis of Gopherus polyphemus Reproduction at the Florida Atlantic University Preserve.
- Creator
- Nguyen, Thuymi, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
- Abstract/Description
-
Gopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened keystone species whose burrows benefit over 350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010- 2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of nests. To update the demographic survey and to examine the population’s reproduction and health, we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to locate...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened keystone species whose burrows benefit over 350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010- 2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of nests. To update the demographic survey and to examine the population’s reproduction and health, we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to locate burrows and measurements were taken to determine population structure. Wire-probing was used to locate nests and feces were tested for endo-parasites. From a total of 261 marked burrows and fecal sampling, results indicated a continuous age range, one nest, and presence of intestinal parasites. Future work will focus on health and reproductive behavior that will improve our understanding of the FAUP gopher tortoise population and may ultimately aid in future conservation methods.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005631
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Analysis of Cuban treefrog (osteopilus septentrionalis) predation on native Florida treefrog species.
- Creator
- Planas, Anthony, Cunningham, Miranda, Frazier, Evelyn
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-05
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361165
- Subject Headings
- Cuban treefrog--Florida, Osteopilus septentrionalis, Predation (Biology)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Home Range and Social Interactions of a South Florida Gopherus Polyphemus Population.
- Creator
- Rodriguez, Andrea, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn
- Abstract/Description
-
Gopherus polyphemus is a threatened reptile native to the southeastern USA. Previous research suggests the South Florida (SF) climate may allow tortoises to reproduce year-round. Our goal was to evaluate the social interactions and home range of the Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) tortoise population, with an emphasis on reproductive behavior since minimal information is available. In this study, 12 FAUP tortoises had radio-transmitters attached and game cameras placed at their...
Show moreGopherus polyphemus is a threatened reptile native to the southeastern USA. Previous research suggests the South Florida (SF) climate may allow tortoises to reproduce year-round. Our goal was to evaluate the social interactions and home range of the Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) tortoise population, with an emphasis on reproductive behavior since minimal information is available. In this study, 12 FAUP tortoises had radio-transmitters attached and game cameras placed at their burrows. We hypothesized, 1) Gopher tortoise home ranges would differ between males and females, and between vegetation types and 2) Intraspecific gopher tortoise interaction frequencies would differ between vegetation types. Movement data has been mapped for 10 tortoises to reveal home ranges differ between sex and vegetation type. Camera data illustrates mounting as the most frequent interaction in the scrub vegetation. This research can be used to improve conservation efforts for the FAUP population.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAU_SR00000052
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Baseline Study for the Identification of Intestinal Parasites in Gopher Tortoises Found in Blazing Star and Pine Jog.
- Creator
- Shanker, Rachel, Haizlett, Kent, Huffman, Jessica, Frazier, Evelyn, Caruso, Joseph P., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing...
Show moreGopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing canopy cover and killing parasite eggs. The lack of fire in Blazing Star can lead to overgrowth of vegetation, forcing tortoises to crowd where lower vegetation is found. We hypothesize that tortoises from Blazing Star will have a higher degree of intestinal parasites, when compared to those from Pine Jog due to potential crowding. Data is currently being collected, and may provide insight to improve future management and conservation practices.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005209
- Subject Headings
- College students --Research --United States.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fecundity of the gopher tortoise (gopherus polyphemus) in a degraded and fragmented southeastern Florida scrub habitat.
- Creator
- Zeiger, Ariel, Frazier, Evelyn
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-05
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361241
- Subject Headings
- Gopher tortoise, Fecundity, Habitat fragmentation, Gopher tortoise--Florida--Reproduction
- Format
- Document (PDF)