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- Title
- Factors Affecting Wading Bird Prey Concentrations in the Everglades During the Dry Season.
- Creator
- P. Brian Garrett, Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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One factor that potentially controls the distribution and density of wading bird prey within open-water marsh habitats during seasonal drying events is the amount of available aquatic habitat, which is partly a function of the amount of microtopographic relief at a given location. To determine how microtopographic relief affects prey concentrations during dry-downs a simulation model was developed and run using empirical microtopographic data collected from the Everglades. The simulation...
Show moreOne factor that potentially controls the distribution and density of wading bird prey within open-water marsh habitats during seasonal drying events is the amount of available aquatic habitat, which is partly a function of the amount of microtopographic relief at a given location. To determine how microtopographic relief affects prey concentrations during dry-downs a simulation model was developed and run using empirical microtopographic data collected from the Everglades. The simulation suggests that those locations within the marsh with higher levels of microtopographic relief concentrate prey earlier during the dry-down period and potentially to greater densities overall. In addition, a model selection analysis was performed on field data to determine which set of factors displayed the greatest effects upon prey concentrations during drydown events. When examining the best selected a priori model it appears that the amount of available aquatic habitat, water depth, and macrophyte density have the strongest affects upon concentrations of prey during a seasonal drying event.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000769
- Subject Headings
- Water birds--Florida--Everglades, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades, Bird populations--Climatic factors--Florida--Everglades
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation.
- Creator
- Dunker, Kristine J., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
- Abstract/Description
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This study documented assemblages of native and non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands within the Big Cypress Swamp. Within the restored wetland, non-indigenous fishes constituted only a minor component of the entire fish community in the restored wetland, although large fish assemblages were dominated by non-indigenous fishes. Among assemblages of species with similar ecologies, nonindigenous species may impact native species in the restored wetland. Within the natural...
Show moreThis study documented assemblages of native and non-indigenous fishes in restored and natural wetlands within the Big Cypress Swamp. Within the restored wetland, non-indigenous fishes constituted only a minor component of the entire fish community in the restored wetland, although large fish assemblages were dominated by non-indigenous fishes. Among assemblages of species with similar ecologies, nonindigenous species may impact native species in the restored wetland. Within the natural wetlands, non-indigenous fishes became more conspicuous during the second year of this study. Hydroperiod and water depth were important factors influencing fish communities in both study habitats. Attempts to block access of non-indigenous fishes from canals into the restored wetland appeared to limit invasions of non-indigenous species, although it did not entirely exclude them. Two new non-indigenous fish species in the Big Cypress Swamp, Hoplosternum littorale and Belonesox belizanus were also documented.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13055
- Subject Headings
- Nonindigenous aquatic pests--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp, Pest introduction--Prevention, Wetland ecology--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Mechanisms Controlling Distribution of Cosmopolitan Submerged Aquatic Vegetation: A Model Study of Ruppia maritima L. (widgeongrass) at the Everglades-Florida Bay Ecotone.
- Creator
- Strazisar, Theresa, Koch, Marguerite, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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Aquatic plants and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) are some of the most wide-ranging species and create important habitat for fish and wildlife in many ecosystems, including highly variable coastal ecotones. Mechanistically understanding factors controlling current distributions of these species is critical to project future distribution and abundance under increasing variability and climate change. I used a population-based approach to quantify the effects of spatial and temporal...
Show moreAquatic plants and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) are some of the most wide-ranging species and create important habitat for fish and wildlife in many ecosystems, including highly variable coastal ecotones. Mechanistically understanding factors controlling current distributions of these species is critical to project future distribution and abundance under increasing variability and climate change. I used a population-based approach to quantify the effects of spatial and temporal variability on life history transitions of the SAV Ruppia maritima L. (widgeongrass) in the highly dynamic Everglades-Florida Bay ecotone as a model to (1) examine which life history stages were most constrained by these conditions and (2) determine how management can promote life history development to enhance its distribution, an Everglades restoration target. Ruppia maritima life history transitions were quantified in a series of laboratory and field experiments encompassing a ra nge of abiotic and biotic factors known to affect seagrass and SAV (salinity, salinity variability, temperature, light and nutrients and seed bank recruitment and competition). These studies revealed that R. maritima life history varied east to west across the Everglades ecotone, driven by multiple gradients in abiotic factors that constrained different life history transitions in distinct ways. Based on this examination, persistence of SAV populations from dynamic coastal environments is highly dependent on large reproductive events that produce high propagule densities for recruitment. Large productive meadows of SAV also depend on high rates of clonal reproduction where vegetation completely regenerates in a short amount of time. Therefore, in hydrologically variable systems, maintenance or increases in SAV reproduction is required for population persistence through recruitment. However, SAV communities that do not experience high rates of sexual reproduction are dependent on successful seed germination, seedling and adult survival and clonal reproduction for biomass production and maintenance. Seedling survival and to a lesser extent, adult survival, are bottlenecks that can limit life history transitions under highly variable hydrological conditions. To ensure long-term survival in these communities, management activities that increase survival and successful life history development through these critical stages will be beneficial. If not, SAV populations may become highly reduced and ephemeral, providing less productive habitat.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004549, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004549
- Subject Headings
- Coastal zone management, Ruppia maritima -- Ecology -- Everglades National Park (Fla.), Ruppia maritima -- Ecology -- Florida Bay (Fla.), Seagrasses -- Everglades National Park (Fla.), Seagrasses -- Florida Bay (Fla.), Wetland ecology -- Everglades National Park (Fla.), Wetland ecology -- Florida Bay (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Amount and economic valuation of feral hog damage to a unique basin marsh wetland in Florida.
- Creator
- Engeman, Richard M., Smith, Henry T., Severson, Robert G., Severson, Mary Ann M., Schwiff, Stephanie A., Constantin, Bernice, Griffin, Daniel
- Date Issued
- 2003-10
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/11532
- Subject Headings
- Ecosystem management--Florida, Wild Swine--United States, Swine--Economic aspects, Swine--Ecology, Wetlands--Economic Aspects, Florida. Dept. of Environmental Protection--Evaluation, Wetland mitigation banking--Florida--Evaluation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Body Condition of Juvenile Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock, 1828) in Anthropogenic Refuges on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation during the 2006 Dry Season.
- Creator
- Ramdin, Gianna, Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
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This study investigated variations m body condition of brown hoplos (Hoplosternum littorale) refuging in ponds in the Big Cypress region of southern Florida. During the dry season environmental parameters fluctuated, water depth and dissolved oxygen decreased, while temperature and conductivity increased. Standard lengths and wet weights of 675 juvenile brown hoplos were measured from seven populations. Body condition was compared between populations and through time (early vs. late dry...
Show moreThis study investigated variations m body condition of brown hoplos (Hoplosternum littorale) refuging in ponds in the Big Cypress region of southern Florida. During the dry season environmental parameters fluctuated, water depth and dissolved oxygen decreased, while temperature and conductivity increased. Standard lengths and wet weights of 675 juvenile brown hoplos were measured from seven populations. Body condition was compared between populations and through time (early vs. late dry season) using length-weight relationship and Fulton's condition factor. The only significant spatia-temporal variations in body condition occurred in the deepest refuges. One population demonstrated an unexpected positive change in body condition, while another (a deep culvert pond) showed negative changes in body condition over time. Smaller fish (≤S65mmSL) found in these deep-water refuges demonstrated the most change in body condition. Almost all populations exhibited isometric growth but the culvert pond population had variable regression slopes (slopes ≠ 3 for both samples).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000817
- Subject Headings
- Seminole Tribe of Florida, Big Cypress Swamp (Fla )--Environmental aspects, Wetland ecology--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp (Fla ), Ecosystem management--Florida--Big Cypress Swamp (Fla)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Characteristics Affecting Prey Vulnerability and Avian Habitat Selection in the Florida Everglades.
- Creator
- Harris, Rachael L., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
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The vulnerability of prey to capture plays a fundamental role in determining overall prey availability for wading birds. Structural complexity can act to decrease prey vulnerability and influence foraging habitat selection. To determine how structural complexity can affect habitat selection I conducted a use vs. availability study throughout the Florida Everglades in 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that wading birds chose foraging sites that had less emergent vegetation and a thicker...
Show moreThe vulnerability of prey to capture plays a fundamental role in determining overall prey availability for wading birds. Structural complexity can act to decrease prey vulnerability and influence foraging habitat selection. To determine how structural complexity can affect habitat selection I conducted a use vs. availability study throughout the Florida Everglades in 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that wading birds chose foraging sites that had less emergent vegetation and a thicker flocculent layer relative to random sites. Submerged vegetation, and the height of emergent vegetation did not affect wading bird site selection. A difference in habitat selection between years was evident due to hydrological conditions. Ideal hydrological conditions are probably the most important parameter to wading bird success. Other factors affecting prey vulnerability became increasingly important in years of poor hydrology, probably because the penalty for choosing low quality foraging habitat would be greater than in years of more optimal conditions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000754
- Subject Headings
- Everglades (Fla), South Florida Water Management District (Fla ), Wildlife management--Florida--Everglades, Bird populations--Florida--Everglades, Water birds--Florida--Everglades, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effect of hydroperiod on the growth of the crayfish species Procambarus alleni and Procambarus fallax: Two keystone species in the Florida Everglades.
- Creator
- Gardner, Matthew D., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
- Abstract/Description
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The Everglades ecosystem is home to two species of freshwater crayfish: the Everglades crayfish Procambarus alleni and the slough crayfish Procambarus fallax. These species play a key ecological role by transporting energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels. Understanding the factors that regulate crayfish growth is an essential step in restoring their productivity in the Everglades ecosystem. In order to determine the effect of hydroperiod on crayfish growth, I collected...
Show moreThe Everglades ecosystem is home to two species of freshwater crayfish: the Everglades crayfish Procambarus alleni and the slough crayfish Procambarus fallax. These species play a key ecological role by transporting energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels. Understanding the factors that regulate crayfish growth is an essential step in restoring their productivity in the Everglades ecosystem. In order to determine the effect of hydroperiod on crayfish growth, I collected crayfish from the Florida Everglades and subjected them to one of three hydroperiod treatments. The growth of both crayfish species in reduced hydroperiod treatments was significantly less than those in long hydroperiod treatments. Procambarus alleni had a significantly faster initial growth rate than P. fallax, which may give it a competitive advantage in shorter hydroperiod marshes and help explain the distributions of these two species. The results of this study indicate that lengthening hydroperiods in the Everglades ecosystem may have a positive effect on crayfish productivity.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2006
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13361
- Subject Headings
- Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades National Park, Everglades National Park (Fla ), Crayfish--Habitat--Florida--Everglades National Park, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades National Park
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Development, evaluation, and application of spatio-temporal wading bird foraging models to guide everglades restoration.
- Creator
- Beerens, James M., Noonburg, Erik G., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
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In south Florida, the Greater Everglades ecosystem supports sixteen species of wading birds. Wading birds serve as important indicator species because they are highly mobile, demonstrate flexible habitat selection, and respond quickly to changes in habitat quality. Models that establish habitat relationships from distribution patterns of wading birds can be used to predict changes in habitat quality that may result from restoration and climate change. I developed spatio-temporal species...
Show moreIn south Florida, the Greater Everglades ecosystem supports sixteen species of wading birds. Wading birds serve as important indicator species because they are highly mobile, demonstrate flexible habitat selection, and respond quickly to changes in habitat quality. Models that establish habitat relationships from distribution patterns of wading birds can be used to predict changes in habitat quality that may result from restoration and climate change. I developed spatio-temporal species distribution models for the Great Egret, White Ibis, and Wood Stork over a decadal gradient of environmental conditions to identify factors that link habitat availability to habitat use (i.e., habitat selection), habitat use to species abundance, and species abundance (over multiple scales) to nesting effort and success. Hydrological variables (depth, recession rate, days since drydown, reversal, and hydroperiod) over multiple temporal scales and with existing links to wading bird responses were used as proxies for landscape processes that influence prey availability (i.e., resources). In temporal foraging conditions (TFC) models, species demonstrated conditional preferences for resources based on resource levels at differing temporal scales. Wading bird abundance was highest when prey production from optimal periods of wetland inundation was concentrated in shallow depths. Similar responses were observed in spatial foraging conditions (SFC) models predicting spatial occurrence over time, accounting for spatial autocorrelation. The TFC index represents conditions within suitable depths that change daily and reflects patch quality, whereas the SFC index spatially represents suitability of all cells and reflects daily landscape patch abundance. I linked these indices to responses at the nest initiation and nest provisioning breeding phases from 1993-2013. The timing of increases and overall magnitude of resource pulses predicted by the TFC in March and April were strongly linked to breeding responses by all species. Great Egret nesting effort and success were higher with increases in conspecific attraction (i.e., clustering). Wood Stork nesting effort was closely related to timing of concurrently high levels of patch quality (regional scale) and abundance (400-m scale), indicating the importance of a multi-scaled approach. The models helped identify positive and negative changes to multi-annual resource pulses from hydrological restoration and climate change scenarios, respectively.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004078, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004078
- Subject Headings
- Everglades National Park (Fla.) -- Environmental conditions, Restoration ecology -- Florida -- Everglades National Park, Water birds -- Florida -- Geographical distribution, Water birds -- Habitat -- Florida -- Everglades National Park, Wetland restoration -- Florida -- Everglades National Park
- Format
- Document (PDF)