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Quantifying wading bird resource selection and nesting effort: a tool for the restoration of pulsed ecosystems
Title
Quantifying wading bird resource selection and nesting effort: a tool for the restoration of pulsed ecosystems.
Creator
Petersen, Michelle L., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Understanding the link between indicator species and their environment is imperative to managing and conserving anthropogenically-altered ecosystems. Seasonally-pulsed wetlands are uniquely complex ecosystem where water-level fluctuations shape trophic interactions. Anthropogenic manipulation of water-level fluctuation threatens the integrity of these systems worldwide. Wading birds, a group of species sensitive to landuse changes and fluctuating habitat conditions, serve as important...
Show moreUnderstanding the link between indicator species and their environment is imperative to managing and conserving anthropogenically-altered ecosystems. Seasonally-pulsed wetlands are uniquely complex ecosystem where water-level fluctuations shape trophic interactions. Anthropogenic manipulation of water-level fluctuation threatens the integrity of these systems worldwide. Wading birds, a group of species sensitive to landuse changes and fluctuating habitat conditions, serve as important indicators for wetland health. I used wading birds in the Everglades, as a model system to address the challenges of environmental restoration within an ecosystem heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities. Specifically, I 1) identified the nesting response of Great Egret (Ardea alba), White Ibis (Eudocimus albus), and Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) to hydrologically-mediated changes in food availability and 2) quantified spatiotemporal foraging-habitat selection of Great Egrets, White Ibis, and Wood Storks to fluctuating hydrologic conditions. Collectively, model selection results suggest food availability, generated through dynamic hydrological conditions, is a strong predictor of the abundance of nesting birds in a given year. Great egret and white ibis produce the highest nests numbers in years when the frequency of days of rising water is low. Wood stork nest numbers are the highest in years with high prey production coupled with continuous prey availability. My study of resource selection indicated wading birds select foraging sites based on similar hydrologic parameters, but the response varies by species. Wood storks are more likely to forage in shallow cells (< 10 cm) drying with high recession rates (0.5-1.5 cm/day), and long time since last drydown (600 days). White ibises selected foraging cells with relatively shallow water depths (0-15 cm), intermediate recession rates (0.5-1.0 cm/day), and long time since drydown (600 days). Great egrets selected foraging cells with a wider range of water depths (0-20 cm) where recession rates were lower (0.5 cm/day). All species are more likely to forage in cells where water has not increased by more than 3 cm in the previous two weeks. These differences in resource selections correspond to morphological and behavioral differences in the species, whereby wood storks were more constrained hydrologically and would be more affected by water-level manipulation.
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Date Issued
2017
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004852
Subject Headings
Wetland biodiversity conservation--Florida--Everglades., Wetland conservation., Water birds., Wood stork., White ibis., Egretta alba.
Format
Document (PDF)
A formative evaluation of the grassy waters preserve aquatic connections and watershed awareness (acwa) environmental education program
Title
A formative evaluation of the grassy waters preserve aquatic connections and watershed awareness (acwa) environmental education program.
Creator
Hopler, Sarah, Meltzer, Carol, Graduate College
Date Issued
2011-04-08
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164541
Subject Headings
Environmental sciences --Study and teaching, Environmental education, Wetland conservation
Format
Document (PDF)
Effects of fish on reptile and amphibian community assemblages in wetlands of variable permanence
Title
Effects of fish on reptile and amphibian community assemblages in wetlands of variable permanence.
Creator
Holbrook, Joshua D., Dorn, Nathan, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Many herpetofaunal species are imperiled, and the causes of this are often a synergy of multiple factors. In wetlands specifically, two of the possible determinants of species occurrence and faunal community assemblage are fish presence and wetland permanence, which are not always correlated. Twenty wetlands were sampled in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida, USA to observe how wetland herpetofaunal communities vary with fish, wetland permanence and other environmental factors....
Show moreMany herpetofaunal species are imperiled, and the causes of this are often a synergy of multiple factors. In wetlands specifically, two of the possible determinants of species occurrence and faunal community assemblage are fish presence and wetland permanence, which are not always correlated. Twenty wetlands were sampled in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Florida, USA to observe how wetland herpetofaunal communities vary with fish, wetland permanence and other environmental factors. Herpetofaunal communities with and without fish were significantly different from one another and differences between herpetofaunal communities were primarily due to the contribution of four species of frogs, two generalist ranids and two specialist hylids. Wetland permanence had no observable effect on community structure. Fishless wetlands were significantly more species-rich and possessed higher numbers of individuals even for species that occurred in both fishless and fish wetlands, regardless of their permanence. These findings have implications for wetlands restoration and herpetofaunal conservation.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004203, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004203
Subject Headings
Amphibian surveys -- Florida -- Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Amphibians -- Conservation, Amphibians -- Ecology, Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Fla.), Reptiles -- Conservation, Reptiles -- Ecology, Wetland ecology, Wetlands -- Environmental aspects
Format
Document (PDF)
Influences of mosquito control impoundments on Rhizophora mangle initial propagule establishment and growth
Title
Influences of mosquito control impoundments on Rhizophora mangle initial propagule establishment and growth.
Creator
Coldren, Glenn A., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description
Rotational Impoundment Management (RIM) is a commonly used method of mosquito control in Florida involving seasonal flooding during mosquito breeding season and allowances for natural tidal variations during summer flooding. My study looks at the effects of this impoundment strategy on the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., recruitment. Primary productivity of mangroves in these impoundments has been found to be similar to that of natural areas, although nutrient levels have been found to...
Show moreRotational Impoundment Management (RIM) is a commonly used method of mosquito control in Florida involving seasonal flooding during mosquito breeding season and allowances for natural tidal variations during summer flooding. My study looks at the effects of this impoundment strategy on the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., recruitment. Primary productivity of mangroves in these impoundments has been found to be similar to that of natural areas, although nutrient levels have been found to differ greatly. R. mangle is a completely viviparous species, and as such, maternal conditions have a strong effect on propagules. My study compares the initial establishment and growth of R. mangle propagules collected from and planted in both impounded and non-impounded sites.
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Date Issued
2007
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11618
Subject Headings
Red mangrove, Mangrove ecology, Wetland conservation, Mosquitos, Control
Format
Document (PDF)
Establishing Spatiotemporal Linkages Between Hydrological and Soil Physical Characteristics and Vegetation on an Ecological Preserve: Boca Raton, FL.
Title
Establishing Spatiotemporal Linkages Between Hydrological and Soil Physical Characteristics and Vegetation on an Ecological Preserve: Boca Raton, FL.
Creator
Leung, Tania, Root, Tara L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
Abstract/Description
In recent decades, ecohydrology has received renewed attention because of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on ecosystems. Growing population and urban expansion in Palm Beach County, FL. place pressure to eradicate natural areas, such as Florida scrub habitats, and increase groundwater withdrawal. This study presents preliminary results of soil and hydrological characterization of an ecological preserve surrounded by changing land use. Soil moisture and water levels were monitored to...
Show moreIn recent decades, ecohydrology has received renewed attention because of the impacts of groundwater withdrawal on ecosystems. Growing population and urban expansion in Palm Beach County, FL. place pressure to eradicate natural areas, such as Florida scrub habitats, and increase groundwater withdrawal. This study presents preliminary results of soil and hydrological characterization of an ecological preserve surrounded by changing land use. Soil moisture and water levels were monitored to assess the effects of precipitation as influenced by plants and soil analysis determined the suitability of current soil conditions for hosting native vegetation habitats. Hydrologic and soil conditions on the preserve fall within values expected for native Florida scrub habitats. Hydrologic response to precipitation varied due to factors including antecedent conditions and vegetation types. These results provide a better understanding of the interactions between soil proper ties, hydrologic cycle, and plants, and assist with establishing a baseline to monitor changes over time.
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Date Issued
2015
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004516
Subject Headings
Ecosystem management, Environmental geography -- Florida -- Boca Raton, Hydrodynamics, Wetland conservation -- Florida -- Boca Raton
Format
Document (PDF)
Limitations on macroinvertebrate populations in South Florida weltands
Title
Limitations on macroinvertebrate populations in South Florida weltands.
Creator
Knorp, Natalie E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
It can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly ...
Show moreIt can be difficult to disentangle the factors that determine population success in freshwater systems, particularly for organisms with disturbance-resistant life stages like aquatic invertebrates. Nevertheless, the effects of environmental variation and habitat structure on animal population success in wetlands are important for understanding both trophic interactions and biodiversity. I performed two experiments to determine the factors limiting crayfish (Procambarus fallax) and dragonfly (Family: Libellulidae) populations in wetland environments. A simulation of a dry-disturbance and subsequent sunfish (Family: Centrarchidae) re-colonization revealed that crayfish populations are sensitive to sunfish, while dragonfly naiads seemed to be limited by other drying-related factors. A second manipulation revealed that small-bodied fishes and habitat structure (submerged vegetation) shaped dragonfly communities primarily through postcolonization processes.
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Date Issued
2013
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362485
Subject Headings
Wetland ecology, Wildlife conservation, Freshwater invertebrates, Ecology, Predation (Biology), Marine ecosystem management
Format
Document (PDF)
Wading bird prey production and prey selection in a dynamic wetland
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)
Postglacial expansion of Rhizophora Mangle l. In the Caribbean Sea and Florida
Title
Postglacial expansion of Rhizophora Mangle l. In the Caribbean Sea and Florida.
Creator
Kennedy, John Paul, Devlin, Donna, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show...
Show moreThe Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was a period of massive range contraction for numerous taxa, including the water-dispersed mangrove species, Rhizophora mangle L. Following the LGM, R. mangle expanded poleward via propagule transport by ocean currents. In this study, we use microsatellite loci to characterize the genetic structure of nine R. mangle populations and compare potential expansion pathways that resulted in the colonization of the Florida peninsula and Caribbean islands. Results show comparatively greater genetic connectivity between the Caribbean mainland and Florida, a similar pattern between West Africa and Caribbean islands, and substantial admixture on the island of San Salvador, the Bahamas. We conclude that Florida and Caribbean island R. mangle populations were likely recolonized via different expansion pathways. Estimates of recent migration rates are low and populations are structured into three regions (Caribbean mainland, Caribbean islands, Florida). These findings provide insight for future management and conservation initiatives.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004206, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004206
Subject Headings
Mangrove ecology -- Caribbean Sea, Mangrove ecology -- Florida, Marine ecology -- Caribbean Sea, Marine ecology -- Florida., Red mangrove, Shore protection -- Florida, Wetland conservation
Format
Document (PDF)