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Title: Long-term analyses (1986-2018) of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting data from Keewaydin Island, Florida.
Creator: Hoover, Shelby R., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Few studies on marine turtles focus on the variation in reproductive performance of individual females. I use a long-term nesting data set (1986 – 2018) of individual loggerheads including information on 1,854 individuals, of which 853 were seen nesting multiple times. During this time, emergence success has declined while the number of females nesting, and the number of nests deposited has increased. Declining emergence success can be linked to an increase in predation in most recent years;...
Show moreFew studies on marine turtles focus on the variation in reproductive performance of individual females. I use a long-term nesting data set (1986 – 2018) of individual loggerheads including information on 1,854 individuals, of which 853 were seen nesting multiple times. During this time, emergence success has declined while the number of females nesting, and the number of nests deposited has increased. Declining emergence success can be linked to an increase in predation in most recent years; however, this does not fully explain the decline in emergence success over all years. Females were found to vary in productivity. Successful females were larger and deposited more eggs in nests. This study shows that an increasing in nesting numbers does not mean that productivity is increasing proportionally and that recovery efforts are uniformly successful. This study is also a powerful tool for understanding the reproductive strategies of individual female loggerheads.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013381
Subject Headings: Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Reproduction, Sea turtles--Nests, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Limitations on macroinvertebrate populations in South Florida weltands.
Creator: Knorp, Natalie E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: It can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly ...
Show moreIt can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly (Family: Libellulidae) populations in wetland environments. A simulation of a dry-disturbance and subsequent sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) re-colonization revealed that crayfish populations are sensitive to sunfish, while dragonfly naiads seemed to be limited by other drying-related factors. A second manipulation revealed that small-bodied fishes and habitat structure (submerged vegetation) shaped dragonfly communities primarily through postcolonization processes.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362485
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation, Freshwater invertebrates, Ecology, Predation (Biology), Marine ecosystem management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Snapping shrimp protect host anemones from predators.
Creator: McCammon, Amber., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A....
Show moreThe sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A. armatus is an important anemone associate providing protection to the anemone from predators such as Hermodice carunculata, in laboratory and field trials. H. carunculata can completely devour or severely damage prey anemones. Here I show that anemones hosting symbiotic alpheid shrimp are extremely less likely to sustain damage by predators than solitary anemones. The role of protector may be reciprocally provided by anemone and decapod associates.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930494
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Animal behavior, Coral reef ecology, Sea anemones, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Migratory Behavior of Hatchling Sea Turtles: Evidence for Population-Specific Divergence in the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.).
Creator: Madrak, Sheila Veronica, Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Migratory bird and insect populations show differences in orientation direction, timing, and distances moved depending upon where they reside in relation to their migratory goals. These differences presumably occur because of selection for behavioral responses that promote the most efficient migratory strategies among members of each population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether migratory behavior in loggerhead hatchlings differs between populations that exit nesting beaches...
Show moreMigratory bird and insect populations show differences in orientation direction, timing, and distances moved depending upon where they reside in relation to their migratory goals. These differences presumably occur because of selection for behavioral responses that promote the most efficient migratory strategies among members of each population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether migratory behavior in loggerhead hatchlings differs between populations that exit nesting beaches on the East and West coast of Florida. When the turtles emerge from the nests, they initially show a swimming "frenzy" that serves to distance individuals from shallow coastal waters, displacing them toward oceanic currents that are used to transport the turtles to the North Atlantic Gyre. On the East coast of Florida, turtles swim eastward toward the Florida Current (western portion of the Gulf Stream) located relatively close to the shoreline (on average, 2 km offshore at Miami to 33 km offshore at Melbourne Beach). On the West coast of Florida, turtles swim westward toward the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico, which is located farther offshore (150 km offshore at St. Petersburg to over 200 km offshore at the Everglades National Park). In a previous study, we demonstrated that for East coast loggerheads, the frenzy consists of continuous swimming for - 24 h, followed over the next 5 days by postfrenzy (diurnal, with little nocturnal) swimming activity. No comparable data exist that characterize the frenzy period of loggerheads from the West coast ofFlorida. We used identical methods to quantify the migratory activity of hatchlings from the West coast of Florida. Hatchlings were captured as they emerged from nests located between Venice and Sarasota, Florida. They were then tethered in water-filled pools under laboratory conditions, where temperature and photoperiod could be controlled to duplicate conditions used when studying the East coast turtles. Activity was continuously recorded over the next six days. The data were analyzed to determine the proportion of time the turtles spent swimming every day, and the proportion of that swimming activity that occurred during the light and dark period of each day. Turtl~s from each coast showed no statistical difference in the proportion oftime spent swimming each day. However, after day 1, West coast hatchlings showed statistically lower levels of swimming activity during the day and statistically higher levels of swimming activity at night than did turtles from the East coast. We hypothesize that these differences may reflect a more diffuse period of active "searching" for appropriate oceanic currents by the West coast turtles, under conditions where greater predation pressures might select for more movement under conditions of darkness. Such a response may be appropriate when migratory goals are located at greater distances, and when turtles must migrate farther from the coast to reach deeper, and presumably less predator-rich, waters.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000792
Subject Headings: Animal migration--Florida, Sea turtles--Migration--Florida, Predation (Biology), Animal orientation--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Estimating predation levels and site-specific survival of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from south Florida beaches.
Creator: Whelan, Christie L., Florida Atlantic University, Wyneken, Jeanette
Abstract/Description: Few studies document mortality rates for hatchling sea turtles during their migration away from the nesting beach. This study quantifies and compares nearshore predation rates on loggerhead hatchlings (Caretta caretta) at several locations in southern Florida. Hatchlings were followed by observers in kayaks during the first 15 min of the migration away from the beach. The overall observed predation rate (4.6%) is similar to a previous estimate (5%) from a natural high density Florida nesting...
Show moreFew studies document mortality rates for hatchling sea turtles during their migration away from the nesting beach. This study quantifies and compares nearshore predation rates on loggerhead hatchlings (Caretta caretta) at several locations in southern Florida. Hatchlings were followed by observers in kayaks during the first 15 min of the migration away from the beach. The overall observed predation rate (4.6%) is similar to a previous estimate (5%) from a natural high density Florida nesting beach, and lower than at a hatchery site. Predation rates were higher on Florida's southeast coast than the southwest coast. Predation increased towards the end of the hatching season. Results suggest that currently, hatchling mortality rates are relative low in Florida's shallow nearshore waters. Given the lack of growth by loggerhead populations, the cumulative mortality must be high after hatchlings depart shallow coastal waters.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13259
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Florida--Atlantic Coast, Loggerhead turtle--Mortality, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mechanisms that generate resource pulses and drive wading bird nesting in a fluctuating wetland.
Creator: Botson, Bryan A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Variation in the seasonal water level fluctuations of tropical and subtropical wetlands controls the production and concentration of aquatic fauna that support breeding wading birds. However, little is known about how particular components of the annual hydrologic cycle affect processes that control food availability and reproduction. This thesis identifies specific mechanisms responsible for transforming wet season prey standing stock into dry season prey concentrations, links landscape...
Show moreVariation in the seasonal water level fluctuations of tropical and subtropical wetlands controls the production and concentration of aquatic fauna that support breeding wading birds. However, little is known about how particular components of the annual hydrologic cycle affect processes that control food availability and reproduction. This thesis identifies specific mechanisms responsible for transforming wet season prey standing stock into dry season prey concentrations, links landscape hydrological patterns to wading bird nesting, and presents a predictive model of Wood Stork nesting. I examined the supoort for several a priori hypotheses of factors affecting wading bird prey concentrations and wading bird nest effort. Factors affecting the concentration and vulnerability of prey were important for transferring secondary production to higher trophic levels. Receding water levels, microtopographic variation, and high standing stocks of prey were critical for generating pulses of food availabiltiy to meet the high energy requirements of breeding predatory birds.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358281
Subject Headings: Wetland ecology, Restoration ecology, Wood stork, Habitat, Predation (Biology), Water birds, Habitat
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Risk assessment of the nonnative Argentine black and white Tegu, Salvator merianae, in South Florida.
Creator: Barraco, Liz Anne, Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae, is a nonnative species that has invaded parts of Florida. The potential impacts of this species on native Florida wildlife are not yet known. This study looks at the stomach contents of 169 S. merianae captured between 2011 and 2013 in south Florida to infer potential impacts of S. merianae and spatial or seasonal shifts in diet. Analysis of 169 GI tracts showed that S. merianae is an omnivorous, terrestrial forager with a broad dietary...
Show moreThe Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae, is a nonnative species that has invaded parts of Florida. The potential impacts of this species on native Florida wildlife are not yet known. This study looks at the stomach contents of 169 S. merianae captured between 2011 and 2013 in south Florida to infer potential impacts of S. merianae and spatial or seasonal shifts in diet. Analysis of 169 GI tracts showed that S. merianae is an omnivorous, terrestrial forager with a broad dietary range which includes insects, fruits, plants, snails, crayfish, carrion, birds, small mammals, turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs and eggs. S. merianae diet composition varied with capture habitat, the fattest tegus were collected from disturbed/agricultural areas and these samples contained, primarily, gastropods and insects. Tegu dietary habits threaten local endangered and state listed species such as the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, and the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis. Dedicated funds and efforts need to be focused on this species to limit its further spread and future impact on native species.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004344, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004344
Subject Headings: Adaptation (Biology), Ecological risk assessment -- Florida, Introduced reptiles -- Florida -- Identification, Lizards -- Florida -- Identification, Nonindigenous pests -- Geographical distribution, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Experimental studies of decapod and fish predation on seagrass macrobenthos.
Creator: Nelson, Walter G., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1981
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3350839
Subject Headings: Decapoda (Crustacea), Predation (Biology), Lagodon rhomboids, Blue crab, Palaemonetes, Penaeus duorarum, Seagrasses --Ecology, Indian River (Fla.: Lagoon)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nutrition and habitat driven foraging of wild dolphins in the Bahamas: a recipe for prey.
Creator: Malinowski, Christopher R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Two sympatric dolphin species, Stenella frontalis and Tursiops truncatus, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas were found to mostly forage independent of one another, but occasionally foraged in mixed groups. Analysis of over 20 years of data revealed the degree of overlap to be minimal with spatially distinct regions identified for both species, environmental segregation based on depth, bottom type, temperature, and time of day. Results based on observational data indicated significant...
Show moreTwo sympatric dolphin species, Stenella frontalis and Tursiops truncatus, resident to Little Bahama Bank, Bahamas were found to mostly forage independent of one another, but occasionally foraged in mixed groups. Analysis of over 20 years of data revealed the degree of overlap to be minimal with spatially distinct regions identified for both species, environmental segregation based on depth, bottom type, temperature, and time of day. Results based on observational data indicated significant differences in group size and selected prey. For S. frontalis, lactating females had the most distinct diet, which differed from that of non-reproductively active (NRA) females. Pregnant females had ambiguous prey use results, but diet differences were revealed through nutritional analysis. Lactating females had a higher intake of all nutrients (% moisture, % lipid, % protein, and calories) than pregnant females but lower than NRA females. Mother and calf pairs selected prey for caloric and moisture values. The influence of calves on foraging groups was reflected through discrete differences in all nutrients. Males and females appeared to select the same major prey, but female prey use was much more diverse.
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Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3318668
Subject Headings: Dolphins, Habitat, Predatory marine animals, Ecology, Marine ecosystem management, Predation (Biology), Aquatic mammals, Behavior
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Physiological Effects of Disorientation in Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) Sea Turtle Hatchlings.
Creator: Pankaew, Karen, Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Following nest emergence, sea turtle hatchling dispersal can be disrupted by artificial light or skyglow from urban areas. Mis- or disorientation increases exposure to predation, thermal stress, and dehydration, could consume valuable energy, and thus influence the likelihood of survival. This study utilized laboratory simulations of extended crawl distances and field observations to investigate the energy cost of disorientation crawling on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia...
Show moreFollowing nest emergence, sea turtle hatchling dispersal can be disrupted by artificial light or skyglow from urban areas. Mis- or disorientation increases exposure to predation, thermal stress, and dehydration, could consume valuable energy, and thus influence the likelihood of survival. This study utilized laboratory simulations of extended crawl distances and field observations to investigate the energy cost of disorientation crawling on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle hatchlings and the impact on the subsequent swim frenzy. Extended crawls increased oxygen consumption, decreased plasma glucose, and reduced green hatchling swim performance following a 200m crawl. Surprisingly, plasma lactate concentrations did not increase with crawl distance, likely due to frequent rest periods that would, however, increase time on the beach and thus exposure to predators. This research may provide managers with physiological data to determine best practices for sea turtle conservation and adds to the biological knowledge of these animals.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004619
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Sea turtles--Life cycles., Sea turtles--Nests--Protection., Wildlife conservation., Exterior lighting--Environmental aspects.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of air and waterborne odors in orientation and food detection in three species of marine turtles.
Creator: Kedzuf, Stephanie C., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors...
Show moreThe cues used by marine turtles to locate foraging areas in the open ocean are largely unknown though some species (especially the green turtle [Chelonia mydas], the loggerhead [Caretta caretta], and the leatherback [Dermochelys coriacea]) somehow locate areas of high productivity. Loggerheads can detect airborne odors, but a capacity to orient has not yet been investigated. In this comparative study, tethered loggerheads and leatherbacks were exposed to dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or food odors in a laminar flow of air. Turtles did not orient into the air current. Free-swimming loggerheads and green turtles were also exposed to air- or waterborne food (squid) odor plus a neutral visual stimulus. Both species showed increases in swimming activity and biting behavior to both stimuli. These results suggest that airborne odors are likely not used to locate distant areas, but that they are used in localized food searching efforts.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004296
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Population genetics, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Sea turtles -- Life cycles, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Wading bird prey production and prey selection in a dynamic wetland.
Creator: Klassen, Jessica A., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Anthropogenic impacts, such as habitat destruction and spread of exotic species, are contributing to the sixth major extinction event in Earth’s history. To develop effective management and conservation plans, it is important to understand the ecological drivers of at-risk populations, assess the ability of a population to adapt to environmental change, and develop research methods for long-term ecosystem monitoring. I used wading birds nesting in the Florida Everglades, USA as a model system...
Show moreAnthropogenic impacts, such as habitat destruction and spread of exotic species, are contributing to the sixth major extinction event in Earth’s history. To develop effective management and conservation plans, it is important to understand the ecological drivers of at-risk populations, assess the ability of a population to adapt to environmental change, and develop research methods for long-term ecosystem monitoring. I used wading birds nesting in the Florida Everglades, USA as a model system to address the challenges of managing and monitoring populations within an ecosystem greatly impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, my project investigated 1) the prey selection of wading bird species, and the role of prey and foraging habitat availability on annual nesting numbers, 2) the ability of using diet change to predict species adaptability to a rapidly changing environment, and 3) the use of sensory data to provide low-cost, long-term monitoring of dynamic wetlands. I found that tricolored herons, snowy egrets, and little blue herons consumed marsh fish larger than those generally available across the landscape. Additionally, number of nests initiated by tricolored herons, snowy egrets, and little blue herons was strongly correlated with the annual densities of large fish available within the Everglades landscape. Conversely, number of nests initiated by wood storks, great egrets, and white ibises was more correlated with the amount of foraging habitat availability across the nesting season. Wood stork diets changed considerably since the 1960’s, consisting of mainly sunfish and exotic fish as opposed to marsh fishes dominant in historical diet studies. Storks also consumed more exotic fish species than they did historically. This diet plasticity and the species’ ability to exploit anthropogenic habitats may be conducive to maintaining population viability as storks experience widespread human-induced changes to their habitat. Sensory-only data models generated complementary results to models that used site-specific field data. Additionally, sensory-only models were able to detect different responses between size classes of fish to the processes that increase their concentrations in drying pools. However, the degree to which sensory variables were able to fit species data was dependent upon the ability of sensors to measure species-specific population drivers and the scale at which sensors can measure environmental change.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004716
Subject Headings: Charadriiformes -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades, Ciconiiformes -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades, Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions, Predation (Biology), Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fire ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida, USA, and ST. Croix, USVI.
Creator: Romais, Danielle K., Wetterer, James K., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis research aimed to survey the distribution of ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI, and to evaluate the possible threat of Solenopsis invicta and other predatory ants to sea turtle hatchlings.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004052
Subject Headings: Biological invasions, Fire ants -- Venom -- Physiological effect, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Florida -- Mortality, Sea turtles -- St. Croix -- Mortality, Wildlife conservation -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- St. Croix
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Aggressive Behaviors Of Adult Male Atlantic Spotted Dolphins (Stenella frontalis) During Intraspecific And Interspecific Aggressive Interactions.
Creator: Volker, Cassandra L., Herzing, Denise L., Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting,...
Show moreAtlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are two sympatric species resident to the Bahamas. The visibility of the Bahamian water provided a unique opportunity to study spotted dolphin communication during aggression. This study’s main focus was to decipher any similarities or differences in the behaviors used by spotted dolphins during interspecific and intraspecific aggression. Both similarities and differences were discovered. Biting, following, and chasing behavioral events were used more during interspecific aggression, while the display behavioral class was used more than the contact behavioral class during intrabut not interspecific aggression. This study showed that spotted dolphins use more energy intensive and risky behaviors when fighting interspecifically. This could result from having to fight and defend females from a larger species, trying to avoid sexual harassment from bottlenose males, or needing to use behaviors that are more overt and easily understood during interspecies communication.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004638
Subject Headings: Atlantic spotted dolphin--Bahamas., Aggressive behavior in animals., Social behavior in animals., Aquatic mammals--Behavior., Predation (Biology), Predatory marine animals--Ecology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of freshwater discharges and habitat architecture on oyster reef community development and diversity.
Creator: Salewski, Elizabeth a., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Oyster reefs support diverse estuarine communities and food webs. Factors controlling oyster reef community development were studied on restored reefs in the St. Lucie Estuary. Freshwater discharges create stresses that cause oyster mortality, habitat loss and reduction in reef community diversity. Using structural equation modeling, it was demonstrated that salinity, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a gradients influence oysters and some reef invertebrate species, but did not support the...
Show moreOyster reefs support diverse estuarine communities and food webs. Factors controlling oyster reef community development were studied on restored reefs in the St. Lucie Estuary. Freshwater discharges create stresses that cause oyster mortality, habitat loss and reduction in reef community diversity. Using structural equation modeling, it was demonstrated that salinity, turbidity, and chlorophyll-a gradients influence oysters and some reef invertebrate species, but did not support the predictions of the Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis. In contrast, diversity and species richness were greatest at low stress sites. A field experiment showed that topographic relief and architectural complexity enhanced colonization and growth of reef-building species (e.g.oysters and mussels). The relief by complexity interaction had a higher order, synergistic effect on oyster abundance. When considered separately, increasing relief further enhanced dominant sessile taxa (cirripeds and ascideans) ; while, increasing complexity supported greater species richness and the abundance of cirripeds.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355881
Subject Headings: American oyster, Reef ecology, Habitat conservation, Predation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A retrospective analysis of sea turtle nest depredation patterns at Canaveral National Seashore, Florida.
Creator: Welicky, Rachel., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Nest predation can significantly reduce hatchling recruitment in sea turtle populations. This study uses 20 years of data from Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, which has pristine and altered beaches. Chi-square tests were used to determine if secondary predation events were related to the nest's primary depredation event. To determine if human beach use and nest predation are spatially or temporally linked, we ranked human beach use and examined predation frequency across all screened...
Show moreNest predation can significantly reduce hatchling recruitment in sea turtle populations. This study uses 20 years of data from Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, which has pristine and altered beaches. Chi-square tests were used to determine if secondary predation events were related to the nest's primary depredation event. To determine if human beach use and nest predation are spatially or temporally linked, we ranked human beach use and examined predation frequency across all screened and marked nests (n=40,441). Lastly, I quantified nest predation risk spatially and temporally. I found that primary predation increases the chance of a nest suffering subsequent predation. Primary and multiple predation events occurred with greater frequency in limited use areas and with lowest frequency in moderate use areas. Predation risk decreased by an average of 29.5% from 2000-2008. Nests deposited midseason were 9.8% more likely to be predated than nests deposited early or late.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683130
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Wildlife managment, Sea turtles, Sea turtles, Nests
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Nest-to-surf mortality of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchlings on Florida’s east coast in 2016.
Creator: Erb, Victoria, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Worldwide, sea turtles are especially vulnerable immediately after emerging from nests. Many monitoring programs measure hatchling production from nest inventories. These inventories rarely account for mortality occurring post-emergence, leaving an incomplete estimate of hatchling production. This study addresses the nest-to-surf data gap for Florida’s east coast nesting assemblages of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Five locations were surveyed during the 2016 nesting season by...
Show moreWorldwide, sea turtles are especially vulnerable immediately after emerging from nests. Many monitoring programs measure hatchling production from nest inventories. These inventories rarely account for mortality occurring post-emergence, leaving an incomplete estimate of hatchling production. This study addresses the nest-to-surf data gap for Florida’s east coast nesting assemblages of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Five locations were surveyed during the 2016 nesting season by using infrared time-lapse imagery, night vision optics, and track maps. Over all beaches, 7.6% of the observed hatchlings did not survive to reach the water. Mortality sources varied by location. Observed predators included: foxes, bobcats, yellow-crowned night herons, ghost crabs, and gulls. Hatchling disorientation and misorientation occurred more frequently in urban areas than natural areas. Factors including number of hatchlings emerging, nest-to-surf distance, and urbanization may help managers estimate nest-to-surf mortality. This study will improve life history models that serve as foundations of conservation management.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004934, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004934
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Mortality--Florida., Loggerhead turtle--Mortality., Predation (Biology), Sea turtles--Orientation., Animal navigation., Fire ants--Venom--Physiological effect.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The hawksbill rookery at Antigua, W.I.: nest success, hatchling behavior, and hatchling survival during offshore migration.
Creator: Reising, Megan, Salmon, Michael, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The younger life history stages of marine turtles (eggs, hatchlings) often fail to survive. To compensate, sea turtles nest several times/season and produce large clutches of eggs. The hawksbill produces the largest clutches (150 eggs) and the smallest hatchlings of any marine turtle. My study, done at Jumby Bay in Antigua, West Indies, was designed to determine whether they did so to compensate for loss in the nest, hatchling loss in the water, or both factors. I found that most of the eggs ...
Show moreThe younger life history stages of marine turtles (eggs, hatchlings) often fail to survive. To compensate, sea turtles nest several times/season and produce large clutches of eggs. The hawksbill produces the largest clutches (150 eggs) and the smallest hatchlings of any marine turtle. My study, done at Jumby Bay in Antigua, West Indies, was designed to determine whether they did so to compensate for loss in the nest, hatchling loss in the water, or both factors. I found that most of the eggs (79 %) survived to become hatchlings that left the nest and entered the sea. However, 88 % of the hatchlings swimming offshore were taken by predators within minutes after they began their migration. These results suggest that at Jumby Bay, large clutch size is favored in hawksbills because of predation pressures on the hatchlings.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004049
Subject Headings: Animal migration -- Antigua -- Jumbo Bay, Animal orientation -- Antigua -- Jumbo Bay, Hawksbill turtle -- Research -- Antigua -- Jumbo Bay, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Research -- Antigua -- Jumbo Bay, Wildlife conservation -- Antigua -- Jumbo Bay
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The distribution of predaceous fire ant species on important sea turtle nesting beaches in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Creator: Balkaran, Kavita, Wetterer, James K., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata is a New World species with a wide native range including South America as well as several Caribbean islands. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta is native to parts of South America. Both species are known for preying on sea turtles’ eggs and hatchlings. The objectives of this thesis research were to conduct follow-up and baseline ant species distribution surveys on four sea turtle nesting beaches in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. Tuna...
Show moreThe tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata is a New World species with a wide native range including South America as well as several Caribbean islands. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta is native to parts of South America. Both species are known for preying on sea turtles’ eggs and hatchlings. The objectives of this thesis research were to conduct follow-up and baseline ant species distribution surveys on four sea turtle nesting beaches in St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. Tuna baits were set out at beaches; specimens were collected, frozen, preserved then identified. Results show that there was a significant change in the fire ants’ distribution at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (SPNWR) while none were found at Jack Bay. Fire ants were also present on the other two baseline surveyed nesting beaches. The displacement of S. geminata by S. invicta was observed at SPNWR, which also was presumed by previous surveys.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004077, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004077
Subject Headings: Biological invasions, Fire ants -- St. Croix -- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands) -- Geographical distribution, Predation (Biology), Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands), Sea turtles -- Nests -- St. Croix -- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands)
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (43)	+ -
HBOI Faculty Contributions (30)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (4)	+ -
FAU Graduate Student Research (1)	+ -
FAU Undergraduate Student Research (1)	+ -

Predation (Biology) (78)	+ -
Animal behavior (7)	+ -
Ecology (7)	+ -
Wildlife conservation (7)	+ -
Sea turtles (5)	+ -

Animal feeding (4)	+ -
Behavior (4)	+ -
Decapoda (Crustacea) (4)	+ -
Marine ecology (4)	+ -
Mortality (4)	+ -
Wetland ecology (4)	+ -
Adaptation (Biology) (3)	+ -
Animal orientation (3)	+ -
Blue crab (3)	+ -
Camouflage (Biology) (3)	+ -
Ctenophora (3)	+ -
Marine ecosystem management (3)	+ -
Reproduction (3)	+ -
Seagrasses (3)	+ -
Shrimps (3)	+ -
Wildlife management (3)	+ -
American oyster (2)	+ -
Ants (2)	+ -
Ascidians (2)	+ -
Barnacles (2)	+ -
Biological invasions (2)	+ -
Biomass (2)	+ -
Copepoda (2)	+ -
Coral reef ecology (2)	+ -
Fishes (2)	+ -

Florida (5)	+ -
Atlantic Coast (U.S.) (1)	+ -
Bahamas (1)	+ -
Boca Raton (1)	+ -
Canaveral National Seashore (Fla.) (1)	+ -

Little Bahama Bank (1)	+ -
St. Lucie River Estuary (1)	+ -
West Palm Beach (1)	+ -

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