Current Search: Sea turtles--Florida (x)
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- Title
- Nest placement by three species of sea turtles in southeast Florida, USA.
- Creator
- Wood, Lawrence D., Florida Atlantic University, Koch, Marguerite
- Abstract/Description
-
Studies of loggerhead, leatherback and green turtle nest distribution across beaches (between water and dune) have revealed conflicting random versus non-random patterns of nest placement. I examined nest placement on a southeast Florida beach (Juno and Jupiter) with average beach widths of 30 (natural) and 90 m (nourished beach) and tested slope as a proximal cue for nesting using long-term data sets and GPS technology. All three species had similar species-specific crawl lengths and nest...
Show moreStudies of loggerhead, leatherback and green turtle nest distribution across beaches (between water and dune) have revealed conflicting random versus non-random patterns of nest placement. I examined nest placement on a southeast Florida beach (Juno and Jupiter) with average beach widths of 30 (natural) and 90 m (nourished beach) and tested slope as a proximal cue for nesting using long-term data sets and GPS technology. All three species had similar species-specific crawl lengths and nest sites relative to distance from water, regardless of beach width. Loggerheads and leatherbacks crawled and nested significantly shorter median distances (8--14 m) relative to the water compared to greens (15 m), corresponding to sites of maximum productivity measured as percent hatchling success. The observed consistencies of crawl distance across all beach profiles suggest a strong evolutionary selection for a non-random crawl length at this study site, regardless of beach width and slight shifts in slope.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13185
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Florida--Palm Beach County, Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Sea turtles--Nests--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Nest caging as a sea turtle management strategy: Do the benefits outweigh the costs on urban beaches?.
- Creator
- Adamany, Stephanie Lynne., Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
- Abstract/Description
-
Caging of sea turtle nests has used by City of Boca Raton's sea turtle conservation program to deter terrestrial predators and reduce human disturbance. The juxtaposition of nest cages and artificial lighting may pose serious threats to hatchlings. I addressed possible negative effects of cages on sea turtle hatchlings' seafinding abilities and potential "cage-trapping" under natural and artificially illuminated conditions. Cages did not effect hatchling orientation on artificially...
Show moreCaging of sea turtle nests has used by City of Boca Raton's sea turtle conservation program to deter terrestrial predators and reduce human disturbance. The juxtaposition of nest cages and artificial lighting may pose serious threats to hatchlings. I addressed possible negative effects of cages on sea turtle hatchlings' seafinding abilities and potential "cage-trapping" under natural and artificially illuminated conditions. Cages did not effect hatchling orientation on artificially illuminated or dark beaches. Hatchlings did not experience any delay in cage escape on dark beaches, but a significant number were trapped inside the cages on artificially illuminated beaches. The highest incidence of trapping occurred on nights surrounding a new moon. Disoriented hatchlings exited cages either after city lighting was reduced (past midnight) or as natural levels of illumination increased shortly before sunrise. When cages were darkened all turtles escaped but many still exhibited signs of disorientation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15312
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Florida, Sea turtles--Nests
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The use of wire cages to protect sea turtle nests: Are there better alternatives?.
- Creator
- Mroziak, Melissa Lynn, Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
- Abstract/Description
-
The beaches of Boca Raton, Florida serve as a rookery site for three species of sea turtles, all of whom are considered either federally threatened (loggerhead) or endangered (green turtle, leatherback). At this beach, nest security was though to be compromised by both human visitors and increasing mammalian predators populations. Since 1988, the City has employed the use of square wire cages to protect the nests from both factors. Cage effectiveness was questioned due to high predation rates...
Show moreThe beaches of Boca Raton, Florida serve as a rookery site for three species of sea turtles, all of whom are considered either federally threatened (loggerhead) or endangered (green turtle, leatherback). At this beach, nest security was though to be compromised by both human visitors and increasing mammalian predators populations. Since 1988, the City has employed the use of square wire cages to protect the nests from both factors. Cage effectiveness was questioned due to high predation rates, despite caging. Evaluations to determine the effectiveness of this method were conducted. Pairs of caged (control) and uncaged (experimental) nests were established in zones reflecting high/low traffic and high/low predator attacks and monitored on a daily basis. Following emergence, nest fate comparisons were made. Decoy cages were used to determine predator efficiency. Data suggest that cages are not needed in areas of low traffic or predator attacks. Additional data suggest that cages actually attract, rather than deter, mammalian predators.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1997
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15441
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Florida, Sea turtles--Nests--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Home range and movements of juvenile Atlantic green turtles (Chelonia mydas L.) on shallow reef habitats in Palm Beach, Florida, United States of America.
- Creator
- Makowski, Christopher, Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
- Abstract/Description
-
This study's objectives were to determine if coastal (shallow-water, oceanic reef) aggregations of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas L.) in Palm Beach, Florida occupied distinct home ranges and how these home ranges compared in size and resource availability with those studied elsewhere. Six immature green turtles were captured, measured, and subjected to esophageal lavage to determine diet. Each turtle was returned to its initial capture site within 24 h with an ultrasonic transmitter...
Show moreThis study's objectives were to determine if coastal (shallow-water, oceanic reef) aggregations of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas L.) in Palm Beach, Florida occupied distinct home ranges and how these home ranges compared in size and resource availability with those studied elsewhere. Six immature green turtles were captured, measured, and subjected to esophageal lavage to determine diet. Each turtle was returned to its initial capture site within 24 h with an ultrasonic transmitter used to track movements. All turtles were <65 cm SCL, had ingested similar macroalgae, and occupied markedly small home ranges (mean = 2.38 +/- 1.78 km 2), largely restricted to the reef itself. Diving and feeding activity peaked during the day; at night, activity was minimal. The food and sleeping site resource distribution at this specific location coincides with the turtles' home range size and shape, with considerable overlap of core areas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13160
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Florida--Palm Beach, Animal behavior, Wildlife conservation, Green turtle--Florida--Palm Beach
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Identifying mating systems of imperiled marine turtles nesting in southern Florida through exclusion analysis to estimate the breeding sex ratio.
- Creator
- Lasala, Jacob A., Wyneken, Jeanette, Hughes, Colin, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The reproductive behavior of migratory organisms is difficult to characterize as the mating behavior can be difficult to observe. For some species, one sex can be readily observable, but the other may remain hidden, confounding attempts to assess population demographics. For such species, it can be difficult to determine the sex ratio of the population. Without accurate accounts of the numbers of males and females, conservation methods may be insufficient and their performance unclear....
Show moreThe reproductive behavior of migratory organisms is difficult to characterize as the mating behavior can be difficult to observe. For some species, one sex can be readily observable, but the other may remain hidden, confounding attempts to assess population demographics. For such species, it can be difficult to determine the sex ratio of the population. Without accurate accounts of the numbers of males and females, conservation methods may be insufficient and their performance unclear. Alternative methods of measuring sex ratios therefore must be used to estimate the number of individuals and assess breeding behavior. Here I identified breeding sex ratios (BSR) measured using paternity analysis of offspring through exclusion analysis to quantify the numbers of males contributing. Here I discuss the mating behavior of three species of marine turtle that nest in southern Florida: the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) at three beaches (Boca Raton, Juno Beach, and Sanibel Island) from 2013-2017; over 400 nesting females were identified and genotyped and almost 7,000 hatchlings were collected and genotyped. Females from all three species successfully mated with more than one male in all years analyzed demonstrating multiple paternity of clutches. For loggerheads, many male genotypes were identified, suggesting that females likely mate en route to their nesting grounds, inducing a male-biased BSR. Examination of females that were sampled more than once per season (repeats), evidence of sperm storage was found for all nests and some turtles might mate in between nesting events. Leatherback females displayed a higher rate of multiple paternity than was previously published for other Caribbean nesting sites; I hypothesize that this result may be due to a mainland nesting beach effect. The leatherback BSR over all years was approximately 1:1, and one male was identified fathering than two different females’ nests (polygyny). For green turtles, multiple paternity was found and there was evidence of polygyny. Across all three species, evidence for indirect benefits of mating multiply (hatching success or larger hatchlings) was weak or not supported. Together, the four studies contribute to the overall body of reproductive behavior studies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013161
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Florida, Mating behavior, Sex ratio
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effects of beach renourishment on the nesting behavior and hatching success of the loggerhead sea turtle on Jupiter Island, Florida: A seven year study.
- Creator
- Steinitz, Mary Julie., Florida Atlantic University, Salmon, Michael
- Abstract/Description
-
Jupiter Island is a barrier Island on the central East Coast of Florida whose beaches are subject to severe erosion. At intervals of several years, lost sand is replaced by the addition of sand ("renourishment") from other locations. In this study, I determined the effect of sand replacement on sea turtle nesting activity, and on the survival of nests placed on renourished and an adjacent natural beach. Renourishment caused a reduction in nesting activity by the turtles, which lasted about...
Show moreJupiter Island is a barrier Island on the central East Coast of Florida whose beaches are subject to severe erosion. At intervals of several years, lost sand is replaced by the addition of sand ("renourishment") from other locations. In this study, I determined the effect of sand replacement on sea turtle nesting activity, and on the survival of nests placed on renourished and an adjacent natural beach. Renourishment caused a reduction in nesting activity by the turtles, which lasted about two years. Thereafter, turtle nesting on renourished and control beaches was similar. There were no differences in nest survival between the two sites. Renourishment prevents the loss of beach and shoreline property, but is not necessarily beneficial to sea turtles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1996
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15292
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle, Sea turtles--Florida--Jupiter Island, Beach nourishment
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The risk of hatchling loss to nearshore predators at a high-density loggerhead nesting beach in southeast Florida.
- Creator
- Stewart, Kelly Rhoda., Florida Atlantic University, Wyneken, Jeanette
- Abstract/Description
-
It has been recognized that mortality is high for juvenile stages of long-lived vertebrates such as sea turtles, however few studies have quantified mortality rates. The objective of this study was to assess the relative risk that hatchlings face in their first few minutes in the water, at the commencement of their offshore migration from a natural high-density nesting beach (Juno/Jupiter, FL). I followed 217 hatchlings at night by kayak, as they left the beach and documented the proportion...
Show moreIt has been recognized that mortality is high for juvenile stages of long-lived vertebrates such as sea turtles, however few studies have quantified mortality rates. The objective of this study was to assess the relative risk that hatchlings face in their first few minutes in the water, at the commencement of their offshore migration from a natural high-density nesting beach (Juno/Jupiter, FL). I followed 217 hatchlings at night by kayak, as they left the beach and documented the proportion surviving the initial 15 minutes in the water. Of these, 206 survived for an empirical survival rate of 95%. Tarpon were the most common predator observed. This survival rate is much higher than that previously observed at a hatchery (72%); this may be due to temporal and spatial variation in nest location at the natural beach. Juno and Jupiter beaches are therefore highly productive sea turtle rookeries.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2001
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12822
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Sea turtles--Mortality
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- IMPACT OF DEVELOPED COASTLINE ON NESTING AND HATCHLING SEA TURTLES IN SOUTHEASTERN FLORIDA.
- Creator
- MANN, THOMAS MASON, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
The impact of coastline development on nesting sea turtles, nest contents, and hatchlings was investigated in southeastern Florida. There were 95-128 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nests per mile on six miles of beach. Seventeen green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests were found. Nesting females did not avoid lighted, developed beaches in favor of undeveloped beaches. Hatchling emergence bearings were measured at 397 nests, and ambient light intensities were correlated with the incidence of...
Show moreThe impact of coastline development on nesting sea turtles, nest contents, and hatchlings was investigated in southeastern Florida. There were 95-128 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) nests per mile on six miles of beach. Seventeen green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nests were found. Nesting females did not avoid lighted, developed beaches in favor of undeveloped beaches. Hatchling emergence bearings were measured at 397 nests, and ambient light intensities were correlated with the incidence of misorientation. Most hatchlings emerging where artificial light sources were visible were misoriented inland. From 0-96% of misoriented hatchlings were killed by automobiles, ghost crabs, or dessication. Mortality was greatest where hatchlings were able to enter roadways, and lowest where barriers prevented this. Analysis of post-emergence contents of 422 nests revealed that mortality within nests was greater on soft beaches with large-grained sand than on fine-grained, firmer beaches, and was increased by human footfalls and beach-cleaning machinery.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1977
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13839
- Subject Headings
- Sea turtles--Florida--Palm Beach County, Sea turtles--Florida--Broward County, Green turtle, Loggerhead turtle
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Surveying Antibiotic Resistance of Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from Wild-Caught and Rehabilitated Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta) of Florida.
- Creator
- Cortes, Christina M., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Marine Science and Oceanography, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern due to the improper use of antibiotics. Not only is antibiotic resistance increasingly occurring in human populations, but it appears to be spreading in wildlife populations too due to drug overuse and misuse in medicine, farming, and industrial settings, and the subsequent release into watersheds. This project examined the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the hindgut microbiome of green (Chelonia mydas) (n=60) and loggerhead (Caretta...
Show moreAntibiotic resistance is a growing concern due to the improper use of antibiotics. Not only is antibiotic resistance increasingly occurring in human populations, but it appears to be spreading in wildlife populations too due to drug overuse and misuse in medicine, farming, and industrial settings, and the subsequent release into watersheds. This project examined the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the hindgut microbiome of green (Chelonia mydas) (n=60) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) (n=57) sea turtles. Hindgut swabs were cultured for gram negative bacteria and exposed to 6 antibiotics. 83.3% of samples were resistant or intermediately resistant to at least one antibiotic, and 27.7% of samples were resistant or intermediately resistant to three antibiotics. This study provides more information regarding the relationship between turtle characteristics and the presence of antibiotic resistance in the hindgut of Florida sea turtles, as well as examine the types of bacteria found in the hindgut.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2024
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014489
- Subject Headings
- Green sea turtles, Loggerhead sea turtles, Sea turtles--Florida, Drug Resistance, Bacterial
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Measuring Nest-to-Surf Mortality of Florida’s East and West Coast Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Hatchlings.
- Creator
- Villegas Vindiola, Brianna, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and quickly crawl to the surf. During the crawl, hatchlings may encounter threats, biotic and abiotic, which can affect their ability to successfully reach the surf. The impact of these threats on hatchling survival during that crawl is largely undocumented. Current methods used to estimate cohort recruitment rely heavily on nest inventory data. This method, however, does not account for post-emergent hatchling mortality that occurs during the...
Show moreSea turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and quickly crawl to the surf. During the crawl, hatchlings may encounter threats, biotic and abiotic, which can affect their ability to successfully reach the surf. The impact of these threats on hatchling survival during that crawl is largely undocumented. Current methods used to estimate cohort recruitment rely heavily on nest inventory data. This method, however, does not account for post-emergent hatchling mortality that occurs during the crawl. During the 2017-2018 nesting seasons, I quantified the fates of 1,379 loggerhead (Caretta caretta) hatchlings from 26 nest emergences during their crawl from the nest to the surf on the east and west coasts of Florida. I documented hatchling fates at 5 Florida nesting beaches: Wabasso, Boca Raton, Keewaydin Island, Naples, and Anna Maria Island. Overall, 6.5% of all emergent hatchlings died during the crawl from the nests to the surf. Ghost crabs, night herons, foxes, and coyotes killed hatchlings and photopollution and barriers on the beach (both abiotic threats) caused hatchling mortality. Anthropogenic (abiotic) threats accounted for more mortality than did predators. In order to assess how beach urbanization impacts hatchling mortality, I categorized each study site as urban (Wabasso and Naples), intermediate (Anna Maria Island and Boca Raton), or natural (Keewaydin Island) based on the relative levels of shoreline development and human activity at each beach. Sites with intermediate levels of urbanization accounted for greater levels of hatchling mortality than at other beaches due to the absolutely larger numbers of hatchlings lost to a disorientation event and to a beach barrier. Given the small numbers of emergences, at all sites, only a small proportion of the hatchlings mortalities (e.g., between 3 and 12 percent), site type could not be rigorously used as a discriminator. My results provide a better understanding of how specific environmental threats contribute to hatchling mortality. While nest-to-surf mortality is relatively low, its cumulative costs add up to several hundreds of thousands of hatchlings. Armed with this information, nesting beach managers can assess risks and focus their efforts to implement the most effective management practices to minimize losses of this imperiled species.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013277
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Caretta caretta, Sea turtles--Nests, Sea turtles--Mortality
- 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.
Show less - 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
- 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.
Show less - 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
- 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.
Show less - 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
- NESTING AND IN-WATER HABITAT-USE OF LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLES (CARETTA CARETTA) AT A GLOBALLY IMPORTANT ROOKERY IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA, USA.
- Creator
- Hirsch, Sarah, Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Despite decades of conservation efforts, population recovery remains elusive for the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in Florida, the largest aggregation globally. Limited studies exist regarding reproductive strategies and in-water habitat use of loggerheads in southeastern Florida. I used satellite telemetry to track the movements of 17 nesting loggerheads on Juno and Jupiter Beaches during the 2020 and 2021 nesting seasons. The majority of females displayed high nest-site...
Show moreDespite decades of conservation efforts, population recovery remains elusive for the loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting in Florida, the largest aggregation globally. Limited studies exist regarding reproductive strategies and in-water habitat use of loggerheads in southeastern Florida. I used satellite telemetry to track the movements of 17 nesting loggerheads on Juno and Jupiter Beaches during the 2020 and 2021 nesting seasons. The majority of females displayed high nest-site fidelity. Inter-nesting intervals ranged from 10–19 days and were negatively correlated with water temperatures. Core inter-nesting areas ranged from 3.7–805.8 km2 and were located a mean 1.6 km from land. Mean clutch frequency was 5.9 nests/female, the highest reported for any loggerhead population worldwide. These findings suggest the number of females in the southeastern Florida population may be over-estimated due to an underestimated clutch frequency. Protective measures should target high-use coastal areas to maximize conservation benefits.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013882
- Subject Headings
- Loggerhead sea turtles, Loggerhead turtle--Florida, Turtles--Conservation, Biotelemetry
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Beach dynamics, beachfront development, and climate change: Interactions that impact sea turtle nesting beaches.
- Creator
- Bladow, Rachel A., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Climate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality, and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher...
Show moreClimate change will expose sea turtle nests to higher temperatures and more storms; both may negatively impact sea turtle nest success. In this study, unhatched eggs were collected from the Boca Raton, Florida beach and developmental stage at embryonic death determined. Elevated nest temperatures increased embryonic mortality, and the most significant relationship was between mortality and the percent of time embryos were exposed to temperatures above 34°C. Loggerhead turtles exhibited higher rates of mortality compared to green turtles at temperatures above 34°C. Only loggerhead nests were exposed to inundation, but embryonic mortality did not differ from noninundated nests. Beach profiles across the nesting season were also determined. A major storm altered the beach more in areas of coastal development; however, this was impacted by a nourishment project and the presence of a structured inlet. Future management strategies may need to protect sea turtle nests from extended periods at elevated temperatures.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005926
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Sea turtles--Ecology., Loggerhead turtle--Florida., Sea turtles--Nests., Climate change
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Growth rates and body condition of juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Dry Tortugas National Park and Marine Protected Area.
- Creator
- Reintsma, Nicole, Baldwin, John D., Hart, Kristen, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) consists of 261.8 km2 in the Gulf of Mexico and provides protection to marine species facing a multitude of threats. Among the many species that utilize DRTO is the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). I examined seven years of capture-recapture data to determine how the body condition (using Fulton’s equation, K = M/L3) and growth rate for juvenile green turtles vary within, and among size classes in DRTO, and how those rates compare to similar populations in...
Show moreDry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) consists of 261.8 km2 in the Gulf of Mexico and provides protection to marine species facing a multitude of threats. Among the many species that utilize DRTO is the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). I examined seven years of capture-recapture data to determine how the body condition (using Fulton’s equation, K = M/L3) and growth rate for juvenile green turtles vary within, and among size classes in DRTO, and how those rates compare to similar populations in other locations. Body conditions ranged from 0.77 to 1.71 (mean 1.3 SD ± 0.16). Growth rates ranged from 2.5 to 9.9cm/yr (mean 5.5 cm/yr SD ± 1.25), which is a high growth rate for green turtles. Establishing growth rates and body condition for a specific population can provide insight into life history and health of that population, as well as important data for comparison to populations in other areas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004462, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004462
- Subject Headings
- Dry Tortugas National Park (Fla.), Green turtle -- Florida, Sea turtles -- Florida -- Dry Tortugas National Park, Wildlife conservation -- Research
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Impact of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta ) on two species of sea turtle hatchlings.
- Creator
- Krahe, Holly B., Florida Atlantic University, Wetterer, James K.
- Abstract/Description
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Although the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta ) is known to kill sea turtle hatchlings, little research has focused on sub-lethal effects of ant attacks on hatchlings emerging from nests. Sea turtle hatchlings of two species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) exposed to fire ants during incubation and emergence were collected on Juno Beach, Florida. Hatchlings were maintained for ten days in a common saltwater outdoor pool at the Marinelife Center, Juno Beach. Hatchlings showing...
Show moreAlthough the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta ) is known to kill sea turtle hatchlings, little research has focused on sub-lethal effects of ant attacks on hatchlings emerging from nests. Sea turtle hatchlings of two species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) exposed to fire ants during incubation and emergence were collected on Juno Beach, Florida. Hatchlings were maintained for ten days in a common saltwater outdoor pool at the Marinelife Center, Juno Beach. Hatchlings showing pustules diagnostic of S. invicta stings were compared to non-stung controls in terms of survival, growth (mass and SCL) and initial crawling strength. Loggerhead hatchlings showed a significant decrease in survival, growth, and crawling strength when stung by fire ants. In contrast, no significant differences were seen in the survival, growth, and crawling strength of green turtle hatchlings when stung by fire ants.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13252
- Subject Headings
- Fire ants--Venom--Physiological effect, Loggerhead turtle--Mortality, Green turtle--Mortality, Sea turtles--Florida
- 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
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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.
Show less - 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)