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Title: Movement, dispersal and interpreting health assessment parameters for free-ranging raptors and a reptile in a compromised estuarine ecosystem.
Creator: Mealey, Brian K., Baldwin, John D., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This investigation compared statistical parameters for the blood serum chemistries of free ranging Osprey nestlings from Florida Bay and an Osprey population from Lake Istokpoga, in Central Florida (Chapter 1). Florida Bay Ospreys showed higher mean rank values for alanine aminotransferase (H=6.79, P=.009), alkaline phosphatase (H=6.48, P=.011), and sodium (H=5.7, P=.017), and Central Florida had higher mean rank values potassium (H=13.19, P=.000) and carbon dioxide (H=6.23, P=.013). Serum...
Show moreThis investigation compared statistical parameters for the blood serum chemistries of free ranging Osprey nestlings from Florida Bay and an Osprey population from Lake Istokpoga, in Central Florida (Chapter 1). Florida Bay Ospreys showed higher mean rank values for alanine aminotransferase (H=6.79, P=.009), alkaline phosphatase (H=6.48, P=.011), and sodium (H=5.7, P=.017), and Central Florida had higher mean rank values potassium (H=13.19, P=.000) and carbon dioxide (H=6.23, P=.013). Serum chemistries values were also compared between free-ranging Bald Eagle and Osprey nestling in Florida Bay estuary in southern Florida (Chapter 2). There were significant differences between serum values of Bald Eagle and Osprey nestlings. Bald Eagle serum values were higher for total protein (H=17.833, P=.00002), Albumin (H=7.449, P=.006), Aspartate aminotransferase (H=113.153, P =.0001), and Calcium (H=7.148, P = 008). Osprey serum values were higher for alanine aminotransferase (H=11.824, P = 0.0005), alkaline phosphatase (H=105.5, P =.0001), creatine kinase (H=13.465, P = 0.0002), carbon dioxide (H=4.443, P = 0.035) and cholinesterase (H=99.3, P=.0001). Sixteen nestling Bald Eagles were fitted with satellite platform transmitter terminal (PTT) or VHF radio transmitter package for a duration of six years (Chapter 3)= to identify their movement and dispersal. One of the 15 eagles migrated to North Carolina, whereas the other 14 (93%) confined their movements to Florida. Tracking duration per individual ranged from 82 to 1,531 days. We estimated first-year survival as 52% and 67% for the period from 1.5 to 3 years. Diamondback Terrapins (Chapter 4) were evaluated by an integrated assessment of physical, chemical, and physiological parameters. Extreme site fidelity of the turtles to mangrove habitat was evident along with a strong female biased sex ratio. There was a significant difference in the total number of individuals collected at the two sites (P =. 01) despite the total size and shorelines of the two sites being very nearly the same. Total recapture rate was 70% for combined population (TLK = 80% and CKW = 48%). We provide blood serum values and microbial cultures as baselines from these turtles in the wild.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004217
Subject Headings: Bald eagle -- Habitat -- Conservation, Biogeography, Habitat (Ecology), Wildlife conservation -- Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Oculina coral banks of Florida:conservation and management of a deep-water reserve.
Creator: Reed, John K.
Date Issued: 2000
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007354
Subject Headings: Deep sea corals, Oculinidae, Habitat conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: RESOLVING HABITAT GAPS FOR BONEFISH CONSERVATION ACROSS FLORIDA AND THE BAHAMAS.
Creator: Lombardo, Steven Michael, Ajemian, Matthew J., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Bonefish Albula vulpes are an economically important sport fish that has historically bolstered the recreational flats fisheries of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas; an industry with an annual economic impact of US$465 million and US$169 million, respectively. Analyses of fishing guide logbooks and guide interviews indicate that the population of bonefish in south Florida has declined. Due to the economic and cultural importance of these fisheries, protection of spawning and nursery habitats...
Show moreBonefish Albula vulpes are an economically important sport fish that has historically bolstered the recreational flats fisheries of the Florida Keys and The Bahamas; an industry with an annual economic impact of US$465 million and US$169 million, respectively. Analyses of fishing guide logbooks and guide interviews indicate that the population of bonefish in south Florida has declined. Due to the economic and cultural importance of these fisheries, protection of spawning and nursery habitats is integral to population recovery and stability. However, knowledge gaps persist in how abiotic and biotic habitat factors influence reproduction and recruitment. Without clear delineation of spawning and recruitment habitats, bonefish populations remain vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. Bonefish partake in a unique three-point spawning migration, migrating from shallow-water home flats to form nearshore pre-spawning aggregations (PSA) before moving offshore to spawn. Using active acoustic telemetry, sonar imagery, and CTD profiles, the first complete account of offshore spawning movements and novel deep diving behavior was accomplished. Bonefish reached depths of 137.9 m and spawned at 67.3 m, a depth associated with the pycnocline/thermocline. Previous efforts show spatiotemporal plasticity in spawning, a behavior counter to other aggregation forming fishes.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013899
Subject Headings: Bonefish, Bonefish fisheries, Habitat conservation, Florida, Bahamas
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mapping, habitat characterization, and fish surveys of the deep-water Oculina coral reef Marine Protected Area: a review of historical and current research.
Creator: Reed, John K., Shepard, Andrew N., Koenig, Christopher C., Scanlon, Kathryn M., Gilmore, R. G.
Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172802
Subject Headings: Oculinidae, Marine biodiversity conservation, Marine resources conservation, Mapping, Habitat conservation, Fish surveys
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of fish populations and habitat on Oculina Bank, a deep-sea coral marine protected area off eastern Florida.
Creator: Harter, Stacey, Ribera, M. M., Shepard, Andrew N., Reed, John K.
Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3183810
Subject Headings: Marine protected areas, Marine habitat conservation, Fish populations, Oculinidae
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Proposed HAPC/MPA for deepwater Lophelia coral habitat and essential fish habitat in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Presented to GOMFC- Coral Group Meeting Webinar, Dec. 4, 2014.
Creator: Brooke, S. D., Etnoyer, P., Reed, John K., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007519
Subject Headings: Marine habitat conservation, Lophelia, Marine parks and reserves Mexico
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: Assessment of a nearshore and an offshore queen conch (Strombus gigas) habitat in the Florida Keys using field and laboratory techniques.
Creator: Kowalik, Gretchen A., Davis, Megan, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Queen conch in the Florida Keys are slowly recovering from overfishing. This study assessed habitat characteristics, metamorphosis and postlarval growth of queen conch in a nearshore and an offshore habitat. The nearshore habitat was dominated by macroalgae while the offshore habitat was dominated by areas of open coarse sediment and seagrass. There was a significant difference among the top six diatom families at each habitat (p 0.05). Larvae metamorphosed when exposed to sediment from...
Show moreQueen conch in the Florida Keys are slowly recovering from overfishing. This study assessed habitat characteristics, metamorphosis and postlarval growth of queen conch in a nearshore and an offshore habitat. The nearshore habitat was dominated by macroalgae while the offshore habitat was dominated by areas of open coarse sediment and seagrass. There was a significant difference among the top six diatom families at each habitat (p < 0.001). The diatom family Naviculaceae was dominant at both sites. No difference in microbial populations was observed (p>0.05). Larvae metamorphosed when exposed to sediment from nearshore and offshore locations (10-40%). Larvae exposed to offshore sediment at 27°C exhibited the highest metamorphic response (~40%). There was no significant difference in growth rate of post larvae fed the food present in the sediment from nearshore and offshore locations. This study may help explain aggregation differences between a nearshore and an offshore queen conch habitat.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000783
Subject Headings: Fisheries--Environmental aspects, Fish habitat improvement--Florida Keys, Conservation biology--Research, Gastropoda--Habitat--Florida Keys
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Effect of Vegetation (Ipomoea pes-caprae) on Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) Nest Productivity.
Creator: Conrad, Jeremy R., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: From 2004 - 2007, the beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (St. Croix, USVI) experienced low summer erosion, which allowed native pioneer vegetation to spread seaward and invade leatherback-nesting areas. The encroachment of vegetation reduced nest survival. Here I describe the results of an experimental assessment of vegetation control methods and of the effects of native vegetation on leatherback hatching and emergence success. I tested four treatments: (i) naturally vegetated, (ii...
Show moreFrom 2004 - 2007, the beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (St. Croix, USVI) experienced low summer erosion, which allowed native pioneer vegetation to spread seaward and invade leatherback-nesting areas. The encroachment of vegetation reduced nest survival. Here I describe the results of an experimental assessment of vegetation control methods and of the effects of native vegetation on leatherback hatching and emergence success. I tested four treatments: (i) naturally vegetated, (ii) herbicide treated vegetation, (iii) mechanically removed above ground vegetation, and (iv) non-vegetated (control) plots. Nests were relocated into each of the plot types then left to incubate naturally. Hatching and emergence success was reduced when vegetation was present. Vegetation was not adequately controlled by any of the methods tested. The results identify future research needs for the development of appropriate management to control the native vegetation and enhance leatherback nest productivity.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000736
Subject Headings: Vegetation dynamics, Wildlife habitat improvement, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (United States Virgin Islands), Leatherback turtle--Habitat--Conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Utilization distribution as a predictor in modeling black rhino (Diceros bicornis) habitat in Africa's southern Rift Valley.
Creator: van der Heiden, Craig., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
Abstract/Description: An innovative technique of evaluating resource selection for black rhino (Diceros bicornis) was used to assess the population utilization distribution (PUD) within a rhino sanctuary in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. The PUD enabled an evaluation of responses to habitat variables over a spatial gradient of resource selection. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was constructed using vegetation, browse availability, roads, rivers, water holes and satellite imagery. Linear models were...
Show moreAn innovative technique of evaluating resource selection for black rhino (Diceros bicornis) was used to assess the population utilization distribution (PUD) within a rhino sanctuary in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. The PUD enabled an evaluation of responses to habitat variables over a spatial gradient of resource selection. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was constructed using vegetation, browse availability, roads, rivers, water holes and satellite imagery. Linear models were developed to quantify habitat variables within the black rhino sanctuary and park. The sanctuary model was calibrated within a known core area (R^2=0.42, P<0.001), validated in a second area (R^2=0.56, P<0.001) within the sanctuary and, subsequently, used to predict potential black rhino habitat within the remaining sanctuary boundaries. The model for the entire Liwonde National Park predicted additional black rhino habitat (R^2=0.25, P<0.05). Population utilization distribution was found to be a powerful conservation tool for determining suitable black rhino habitat.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13296
Subject Headings: Habitat selection--Statistical methods, Liwonde National Park (Malawi), Rift Valley Province (Kenya), Wildlife conservation--Africa, Habitat (Ecology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Proposal to Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council: Proposed Pulley Ridge HAPC Extension. Presented to GOMFC- Coral Group Meeting Webinar, Dec. 4, 2014.
Creator: Reed, John K., Farrington, Stephanie, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007520
Subject Headings: Pulley Ridge, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, Marine habitat conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of multiple paternity for the queen conch, Strombus gigas.
Creator: Harris, Chris., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The commercially important queen conch, Strombus gigas, has been observed copulating with multiple partners and laying multiple egg masses during a reproductive season (Randall, 1964). While multiple paternity has been confirmed using microsatellite based genetic analysis for a variety of other gastropods, this technique has not been employed for S. gigas. Determining whether or not this species is capable of multiple paternity is important to understanding and maintaining genetic diversity...
Show moreThe commercially important queen conch, Strombus gigas, has been observed copulating with multiple partners and laying multiple egg masses during a reproductive season (Randall, 1964). While multiple paternity has been confirmed using microsatellite based genetic analysis for a variety of other gastropods, this technique has not been employed for S. gigas. Determining whether or not this species is capable of multiple paternity is important to understanding and maintaining genetic diversity of natural and captive populations. While an assessment of multiple paternity is the ultimate goal of this study, for my thesis, I have completed preliminary work which includes perfecting methods of tissue collection, DNA extraction, and DNA amplification with six non-labeled polymorphic microsatellite molecular markers, using cultured Strombus gigas animals. In addition, I collected tissue and extracted DNA from three wild S. gigas adult females and their egg masses from Pelican Shoal in the Florida Keys.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77671
Subject Headings: Gastropoda, Habitat, Queen conch, Conservation, Biological diversity, Marine biology, Mariculture
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ecosystem health and environmental influences on innate immune function in the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtle.
Creator: Sposato, Patricia L., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles recruit to nearshore environments as juveniles. These often degraded habitats are associated with emerging diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP), however there are few studies on immune function in sea turtles. The objective of this research was to quantify phagocytosis of the innate immune system by flow cytometry and compare levels between animals from a degraded habitat (the Indian River Lagoon, FL) to a...
Show moreLoggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles recruit to nearshore environments as juveniles. These often degraded habitats are associated with emerging diseases such as green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP), however there are few studies on immune function in sea turtles. The objective of this research was to quantify phagocytosis of the innate immune system by flow cytometry and compare levels between animals from a degraded habitat (the Indian River Lagoon, FL) to a more pristine environment (the Trident Basin, Port Canaveral, FL), and across a range of temperatures. While in vitro temperatures did not alter rates of phagocytosis, it was higher in samples obtained in the summer than winter. Rates of phagocytosis in sea turtles with GTFP and from degraded environments with increased prevalence of GTFP were low compared to animals from the more pristine environment, suggesting that the environment can alter innate immunological function and thus contribute to the development of disease.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004333, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004333
Subject Headings: Developmental biology, Ecosystem management -- Florida, Loggerhead turtle -- Habitat -- Environmental aspects, Marine biodiversity conservation, Sea turtles -- Immunology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR ENERGY FACILITIES, FLORIDA PANTHER HABITAT CONNECTIVITY, AND DISPERSAL CORRIDORS.
Creator: Leskova, Olena V., Markwith, Scott, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The objective of this research was to study the impacts of large USSE facilities on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity in Florida to identify important habitat patches and movement corridors significant for potential Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dispersal, conservation, and recovery. Large carnivores (such as Florida panther) have often been examined as conservation umbrellas for large-scale connectivity planning due to their extensive spatial requirements (Beier et...
Show moreThe objective of this research was to study the impacts of large USSE facilities on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity in Florida to identify important habitat patches and movement corridors significant for potential Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) dispersal, conservation, and recovery. Large carnivores (such as Florida panther) have often been examined as conservation umbrellas for large-scale connectivity planning due to their extensive spatial requirements (Beier et al., 2006, Thorne et al., 2006). In addition, Florida panther is relatively well-studied species that have been listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act for over 40 years, due to habitat fragmentation and reduction. Habitat suitability was compared before and after the installation of the USSE facilities using RandomForest model developed by Frakes and Knight (in prep). The connectivity study focused on comparing current density and effective resistance (resistance distance) before and after the installations of USSE facilities and was conducted using Circuitscape 4.0. The impacts on habitat connectivity were the most substantial in the areas where the USSE facilities were installed on or around wildlife corridors, near focal areas, and in large clusters. The study has identified important linkages and new pathways that animals may try to take in order to bypass the facilities. The study has also shown that installation of USSE facilities in areas not suitable as habitat for Florida panthers, but still permeable or semi-permeable (e.g., agricultural lands), can substantially impact connectivity between focal areas.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013500
Subject Headings: Florida panther, Puma concolor coryi, Habitat conservation, Solar energy--Environmental aspects, Solar energy--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Activity and Habitat Selection by Loggerhead (Caretta caretta L.) and Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas. L.) Hatchlings: A Laboratory and Field Study.
Creator: Smith, Morgan M., Salmon, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Loggerhead and green turtle neonates migrate from Florida's coast during a 24-36 h frenzy. Post-frenzy loggerheads are often found in flotsam (Sargassum), while postfrenzy green turtles "disappear." This study compared the frenzy and post-frenzy activity of each species, their response to flotsam (in the laboratory and field), and the role of experience in habitat selection. Both species were most active during day I; activity thereafter declined (especially in loggerheads). Inactive...
Show moreLoggerhead and green turtle neonates migrate from Florida's coast during a 24-36 h frenzy. Post-frenzy loggerheads are often found in flotsam (Sargassum), while postfrenzy green turtles "disappear." This study compared the frenzy and post-frenzy activity of each species, their response to flotsam (in the laboratory and field), and the role of experience in habitat selection. Both species were most active during day I; activity thereafter declined (especially in loggerheads). Inactive loggerheads occupied Sargassum and open water (day or night) whereas inactive green turtles occupied Sargassum by day and both habitats at night. Exposure to Sargassum had no effect on the later habitat choices ofloggerheads, while exposed green turtles preferred Sargassum over plastic plants. In the field, both species preferred flotsam to open water, but occupied distinct microhabitats. Loggerheads preferred the mat surface while green turtles hid within the mat. Differences in activity and habitat selection likely reflect species-specific migratory and anti-predator strategies.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000832
Subject Headings: Sea turtles--Ecology--Case studies, Wildlife conservation--Case studies, Habitat partitioning (Ecology), Adaptation (Biology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Origins, movements, and foraging behavior of Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Palm Beach County waters, Florida, USA.
Creator: Wood, Lawrence D., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: This dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex...
Show moreThis dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex polygon (MCP) and 95%, 50%, and 25% kernel density estimates (KDE) of home-range size. A foraging ethogram was developed, and sequential analysis performed on thirty videos (141 total minutes) of in-situ foraging behavior. Seventeen total haplotypes were identified in this aggregation, the majority (75%) of which represented rookeries on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Other sources, from most to least important, include Barbados, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004339
Subject Headings: Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Hawksbill turtle -- Ecology, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Wildlife conservation, Wildlife management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS PRODUCE HIGH HATCHING AND EMERGENCE SUCCESS IN NORTHWEST ATLANTIC LOGGERHEADS (CARETTA CARETTA).
Creator: Gravelle, Jessica, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Sea turtle nest success, defined as the number of eggs in a nest that successfully hatch and emerge, is closely linked to environmental conditions. Interacting biotic and abiotic factors influence hatching and hatchling emergence success. To date, combinations of multiple factors interacting together, which result in highly successful sea turtle nests are not well understood. Using 25-years of historic nest data and local expert experience, I identified five historically successful loggerhead...
Show moreSea turtle nest success, defined as the number of eggs in a nest that successfully hatch and emerge, is closely linked to environmental conditions. Interacting biotic and abiotic factors influence hatching and hatchling emergence success. To date, combinations of multiple factors interacting together, which result in highly successful sea turtle nests are not well understood. Using 25-years of historic nest data and local expert experience, I identified five historically successful loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nesting beaches (hotspots) along the Florida (USA) Atlantic coast and measured nest environments along with nest success. Principal component analysis was used to reduce 12 environmental variables so that the relative contributions of sand characteristics, nest temperature, sand moisture, and nest location were considered. The nest environments differed among nesting beaches and were broadly segregated into two distinct climates: subtropical (hot and humid) and warm-temperate (warm and dry). I found that nests at subtropical sites, compared with the warm-temperate sites, were characterized by environmental gradients in contrasting ways. Nest locations were predominantly mid-beach in subtropical sites but clustered at higher elevations and closer to the base of the dune at warm-temperate climate sites. Collectively, highly successful nest hotspots represent a mosaic of abiotic factors providing conditions that promote successful hatching and emergence. This new perspective on consistently successful loggerhead nesting beach traits demonstrate that the key traits of sea turtle nesting habitat vary with prevailing climate type and should be managed accordingly.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013900
Subject Headings: Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Sea turtles--Nests, Caretta caretta, Sea turtles--Habitat--Conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Using Normal Color, Six Inch Resolution Digital Ortho-Photographs In Mapping Pomacea paludosa Habitat in Grassy Waters Preserve as a Natural Resource Management Tool for the Endangered Florida Raptor, Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus.
Creator: Peters, Amy Lynn, Roberts, Charles, Florida Atlantic University
Abstract/Description: Normal color digital ortho-photos with six inch resolution were used to test the feasibility of mapping the habitat of the Florida apple snail, the exclusive food source of the Endangered Florida snail kite. Several remote sensing techniques such as unsupervised and supervised classifications are evaluated and accuracy assessed. While the overall ability to classify apple snail habitat is significant, sparse areas of emergent vegetation which are preferred foraging areas for the kite were...
Show moreNormal color digital ortho-photos with six inch resolution were used to test the feasibility of mapping the habitat of the Florida apple snail, the exclusive food source of the Endangered Florida snail kite. Several remote sensing techniques such as unsupervised and supervised classifications are evaluated and accuracy assessed. While the overall ability to classify apple snail habitat is significant, sparse areas of emergent vegetation which are preferred foraging areas for the kite were excluded by the classification and needed to be re-introduced for further analysis. The methodology can be repeated to measure change over time since the NC imagery of Grassy Waters Preserve is acquired frequently. Additionally, three spectral levels of density abundance of wetland graminoid species that denote apple snail habitat were examined for mapping potential on the imagery. A site suitability analysis using a weighed overlay tool in ArcGIS is suggested as a means to include numerous other key factors influencing habitat selection by the snail kite in a mapping project.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000807
Subject Headings: Natural areas--Florida, Ecosystem management--Florida, Everglade kite--Habitat--Florida, Digital mapping, Habitat conservation--Geographic information systems--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Anurans of Abacoa.
Creator: Vuong, Wei Mien., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The construction of Abacoa included an attempt to conserve the wildlife in a Greenway, a set of habitats separated from the residential and commercial areas. All of the wetlandswith in Abacoa represent artificially constructed ponds, canals, and streams first created from 1998-2004. The present study focuses on the anuran (i.e., frog and toad) populations and looks at the number of different species that have naturally colonized six differnet sites around Abacoa. Each of these sites varies in...
Show moreThe construction of Abacoa included an attempt to conserve the wildlife in a Greenway, a set of habitats separated from the residential and commercial areas. All of the wetlandswith in Abacoa represent artificially constructed ponds, canals, and streams first created from 1998-2004. The present study focuses on the anuran (i.e., frog and toad) populations and looks at the number of different species that have naturally colonized six differnet sites around Abacoa. Each of these sites varies in qualities that may affect the probability of breeding in that section. The quality of water is known to be less ideal as the water flows away from the headwaters and mixes with water from other sources. This study aims to determine which anuran species are found at each of these sites after nearly a decade of colonization, and how both anuran diversity and abundance correlates with water and habitat quality.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359327
Subject Headings: Wildlife conservation, Amphibian populations, Restoration ecology, Anura, Habitat, Amphibians, Ecology, Amphibians, Conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Feeding behavior of loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles:a study to better understand longline bycatch.
Creator: Warraich, Natasha, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Two species of sea turtle, loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) are caught frequently as bycatch in longline fisheries. These fisheries use hooks baited with fish or squid. Yet, leatherbacks feed on gelatinous prey while loggerheads are carnivores. I investigated the responses of these two species to bait odors in controlled laboratory experiments to better understand their feeding behavior and why they interact with longlines. Both species initiated feeding...
Show moreTwo species of sea turtle, loggerheads (Caretta caretta) and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) are caught frequently as bycatch in longline fisheries. These fisheries use hooks baited with fish or squid. Yet, leatherbacks feed on gelatinous prey while loggerheads are carnivores. I investigated the responses of these two species to bait odors in controlled laboratory experiments to better understand their feeding behavior and why they interact with longlines. Both species initiated feeding behavior in the presence of squid bait odors and just C. caretta showed feeding behavior with sardine odors; neither responded to mackerel odors. The turtles are hooked differently on longlines. Loggerheads are usually hooked in the mouth while leatherbacks are usually hooked in the shoulder or flippers. Comparisons of prey attack behavior and accuracy in apprehending a stimulus in the presence of waterborne food odors identified speciesspecific differences that may predispose the turtles to particular kinds of hooking.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004171, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004171
Subject Headings: Bycatches (Fisheries) -- Prevention, Longlining (Fisheries) -- Bycatches -- Prevention, Longlining (Fisheries) -- Environmental aspects, Sea turtles -- Effect of fishing on, Sea turtles -- Habitat -- Conservation, Sea turtles -- Mortality, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

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