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Title: Effects of mid-incubation egg movement on loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtle hatch success and embryo development.
Creator: Ahles, Natasha M., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Due to an emergency status dune restoration project following Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007 on Singer Island, Florida, nests needed to be moved during early to mid-incubation. Nesting success was compared between those moved mid-incubation, moved within 12h to either a native sand incubation area or a renourished sand incubation area, and those left in-situ. Nests moved within 12h to the native sand had a significantly larger proportion of pipped hatchlings. Nests moved mid-incubation had...
Show moreDue to an emergency status dune restoration project following Subtropical Storm Andrea in 2007 on Singer Island, Florida, nests needed to be moved during early to mid-incubation. Nesting success was compared between those moved mid-incubation, moved within 12h to either a native sand incubation area or a renourished sand incubation area, and those left in-situ. Nests moved within 12h to the native sand had a significantly larger proportion of pipped hatchlings. Nests moved mid-incubation had a significantly lower proportion of hatched eggs as well as emergent hatchlings. The stage in which embryonic development was arrested corresponded to the stage the embryos were in during the time of movement; indicating movement was the cause of death. When comparing nests moved within the initial 2.5 weeks of development to those moved after 2.5 weeks of development, there was no significant difference in hatching success.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/221948
Subject Headings: Sea turtles, Embryology, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Does participation in the It’s Not Easy Being Green Camp Program at the Miami Seaquarium lead to improvement in student’s knowledge of endangered animals and marine habitats as well as their attitudes towards conservation and preservation.
Creator: Scarlatelli, Summer, Meltzer, Carol, Graduate College
Date Issued: 2011-04-08
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164792
Subject Headings: Wildlife conservation --Florida --Public opinion, Marine resources conservation, Environmental education
Format: Document (PDF)

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: Niche adjustment of the brown anoles after introduction of the curlytail lizard.
Creator: Jameson, Meghan R., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The effects of the recently introduced species, the curlytail lizard, on the Florida ecosystems are relatively unknown. Previous research conducted in the Bahamas showed that brown anole lizards, once introduced to curlytail lizards, became arboreal to evade the threat of the curlytail lizards. To attempt to see if such a niche shift in the brown anole population is occurring in Florida, data were collected using two areas located on the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. One area was...
Show moreThe effects of the recently introduced species, the curlytail lizard, on the Florida ecosystems are relatively unknown. Previous research conducted in the Bahamas showed that brown anole lizards, once introduced to curlytail lizards, became arboreal to evade the threat of the curlytail lizards. To attempt to see if such a niche shift in the brown anole population is occurring in Florida, data were collected using two areas located on the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of FAU. One area was inhabited by only brown anoles whereas the other area was inhabited by brown anoles and curlytail lizards, the latter which newly invaded this site in 2006. Observations were made by walking through the selected area, and counting and recording all lizards that were visible. Data were collected at specific times during the day, four times a day. After comparing the two locations, it was found that the brown anoles have become arboreal when sharing an environment with curlytail lizards.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11610
Subject Headings: Anoles, Lizards, Physiology, Wildlife conservation, Curlytail lizards
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat structure and the dispersion of gopher tortoises on a nature preserve.
Creator: Stewart, Mary Catherine., Florida Atlantic University, Austin, Daniel F.
Abstract/Description: Environmental parameters were quantified to develop a physiognomically-based system for describing and predicting gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) habitat on the Florida Atlantic University Nature Preserve. There were significant correlations among gopher tortoise densities and all physiognomic features except saw palmettos. The only feature with predictive usefulness was bare ground as indicated by a multiple regression. Burrows were regularly dispersed and the highest densities...
Show moreEnvironmental parameters were quantified to develop a physiognomically-based system for describing and predicting gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) habitat on the Florida Atlantic University Nature Preserve. There were significant correlations among gopher tortoise densities and all physiognomic features except saw palmettos. The only feature with predictive usefulness was bare ground as indicated by a multiple regression. Burrows were regularly dispersed and the highest densities occurred in wet prairie associations. Tortoises located burrows in areas with less canopy and shrub cover but greater herbaceous cover and more extensive bare ground. This physiognomically-based system for predicting location of gopher tortoise habitats should prove useful in the relocation of displaced tortoises as required by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
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Date Issued: 1991
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/14720
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoise, Reptiles--Florida, Wildlife conservation--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The influence of public access on raccoon predation on sea turtle nests in Boca Raton, Florida.
Creator: VanDam, Andrea., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: In the Eastern United States, the Florida coastline provides 85% of all nesting sites for the green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Palm Beach County beaches experience some of the highest nesting frequencies, but recreational use of the beaches has increased threats like raccoon predation. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (GLNC) in Boca Raton (founded in 1984) keeps records of nests and predators to the nests. I analyzed 4554...
Show moreIn the Eastern United States, the Florida coastline provides 85% of all nesting sites for the green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles. Palm Beach County beaches experience some of the highest nesting frequencies, but recreational use of the beaches has increased threats like raccoon predation. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (GLNC) in Boca Raton (founded in 1984) keeps records of nests and predators to the nests. I analyzed 4554 GLNC nest records from 2002-2007 to examine whether raccoon predation of turtle nests was most prevalent in areas of high human impact. I found that raccoon predation occurred at significantly higher rates in areas with public access to the beach than in areas without such access (high access: 50.8%, low access: 14.4%, overall: 36.4%). This suggests the necessity of increased protection of nests in areas of high access for the preservation of nesting populations.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77697
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Sea turtles, Mortality, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) removal on native Florida hyla populations.
Creator: Cunningham, Miranda, Moore, Jon, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Invasive species are one of the major threats to biodiversity and understanding the effects any one invasive species has on members of its new ecosystem can help land managers decide how to best use their limited resources. This study attempted to show the effect Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) were having on native Florida hylids. For a year, Cuban Treefrogs were removed from three cypress domes and monitored in three other cypress domes, a change in the native population in the...
Show moreInvasive species are one of the major threats to biodiversity and understanding the effects any one invasive species has on members of its new ecosystem can help land managers decide how to best use their limited resources. This study attempted to show the effect Cuban Treefrogs (Osteopilus Septentrionalis) were having on native Florida hylids. For a year, Cuban Treefrogs were removed from three cypress domes and monitored in three other cypress domes, a change in the native population in the experimental domes was the eventual desired effect. Due to weather issues and low native hylid numbers no effect was shown, however due to environmental constraints an effect could not be ruled out either.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004359, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004359
Subject Headings: Conservation biology, Cuban Treefrog -- Florida, Hylidae, Predation (Biology), Wildlife management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ecological correlates of the abundance of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia Mydas) on nearshore reefs in southeast Florida.
Creator: Stadler, Melanie, Salmon, Michael, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) abundance differs among nearshore reefs, but why some sites are preferred over others is unknown. My study had two objectives: to quantify differences in abundance over time (one year) and to determine what ecological factors were correlated with those differences. I conducted quarterly surveys on reefs in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and compared reef sites with respect to (i) water depth, (ii) algal abundance and composition, and (iii) changes in...
Show moreJuvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) abundance differs among nearshore reefs, but why some sites are preferred over others is unknown. My study had two objectives: to quantify differences in abundance over time (one year) and to determine what ecological factors were correlated with those differences. I conducted quarterly surveys on reefs in Palm Beach and Broward Counties and compared reef sites with respect to (i) water depth, (ii) algal abundance and composition, and (iii) changes in reef area (caused by sand covering) through time (11 years). Turtles were most abundant on shallow reefs exposed to high light levels that remained stable (uncovered by sand) for long periods of time. These reefs had the highest diversity of algal species, in part because cropping by the turtles prevented any one species from becoming dominant. My results suggest that both physical and biological factors make some reefs more attractive to turtles than others
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004064
Subject Headings: Conservation biology -- Florida, Ecology -- Statistical methods, Sea turtles -- Ecology -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Breeding season and fecundity of Gopherus polyphemus in South Florida.
Creator: Strattan, Melody., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, is a threatened species native to the southeastern United States. The breeding season of G. polyphemus is reportedly from April to June. However, out of season hatchlings in Jupiter, Florida, suggest that in South Florida, the very southernmost part of the gopher tortoise's range, the warmer climate allows a longer period of reproduction or a year-round breeding season. My research sought to find evidence for an extended breeding season and to collect...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise, Gopherus polyphemus, is a threatened species native to the southeastern United States. The breeding season of G. polyphemus is reportedly from April to June. However, out of season hatchlings in Jupiter, Florida, suggest that in South Florida, the very southernmost part of the gopher tortoise's range, the warmer climate allows a longer period of reproduction or a year-round breeding season. My research sought to find evidence for an extended breeding season and to collect fecundity data on the South Florida tortoises by capturing female tortoises and X-raying them at different times of the year to check for the presence of eggs. Although I found no conclusive proof of an extended breeding season, I present additional circumstantial evidence for it, as well as information regarding the fecundity of tortoises in the spring.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11604
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoise, Reproduction, Gopher tortoise, Breeding, Wildlife conservation, Wildlife management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Occurrence and demographics of upper respiratory tract disease in the Abacoa Greenway gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus).
Creator: Mendoza, Tatiana Alexandra., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD) is a highly contagious illness, caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma agassazii. URTD has affected the gopher tortoise population in the Abacoa Greenway, and is believed to have a high mortality rate. In this study, 18 samples of tortoise blood were collected from this location. Fifteen of the 18 samples were collected from previously tested individuals. Comparisons between the previously tested tortoises were made. According to this study there is no...
Show moreUpper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD) is a highly contagious illness, caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma agassazii. URTD has affected the gopher tortoise population in the Abacoa Greenway, and is believed to have a high mortality rate. In this study, 18 samples of tortoise blood were collected from this location. Fifteen of the 18 samples were collected from previously tested individuals. Comparisons between the previously tested tortoises were made. According to this study there is no documented mortality rate with URTD in Abacoa. Results show that four tortoises have continued to test positive for the antibodies for several years, suggesting a chronic state of the disease. Four other tortoises have gone from positive results to negative results indicating that their immune systems' production of antibodies has tapered off, suggesting the ability to recover from the disease.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77679
Subject Headings: Greenways, Gopher tortoise, Diseases, Mycoplasm diseases in animals, Wildlife management, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of upper respiratory tract disease on the demographics of a gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) population in south Florida.
Creator: Karlin, Melissa Lynn, Florida Atlantic University, Moore, Jon, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Upper Respiratory Tract Disease is a highly contagious bacteria observed in gopher tortoise populations in Florida as early as 1989. In this study, 40 plasma samples were collected from a population to determine the effects on different age classes and genders. Results suggest adults are more susceptible to the disease and there is not a significant difference in the number of infected males and females. All subadults tested in this population were free of the disease. The effect on growth...
Show moreUpper Respiratory Tract Disease is a highly contagious bacteria observed in gopher tortoise populations in Florida as early as 1989. In this study, 40 plasma samples were collected from a population to determine the effects on different age classes and genders. Results suggest adults are more susceptible to the disease and there is not a significant difference in the number of infected males and females. All subadults tested in this population were free of the disease. The effect on growth rate was negligible; seropositive and seronegative individuals did not exhibit statistically significant differences in growth rates. In addition, an analysis of home range size reveals that adult males have the greatest home range size, which may provide a route for disease transmission to other adults. The long-term effects of URTD are still unknown; however, this data suggests a zero known mortality rate due to URTD over a four-year period.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13258
Subject Headings: Gopher tortoise--Diseases, Mycoplasma diseases in animals--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: The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis...
Show moreThe red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a South American native introduced in Alabama in the early 20th century. This predatory species has rapidly spread throughout the southeastern US and parts of the West Indies, inflicting great ecological and economic damage. For example, Solenopsis invicta is known to attack the eggs and hatchlings of ground nesting birds and reptiles. The ants swarm into the nests attacking hatchlings and diminishing their chance for survival. My thesis research aimed to survey the distribution of ants on sea turtle nesting beaches in South Florida and St. Croix, USVI, and to evaluate the possible threat of Solenopsis invicta and other predatory ants to sea turtle hatchlings.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004052
Subject Headings: Biological invasions, Fire ants -- Venom -- Physiological effect, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Florida -- Mortality, Sea turtles -- St. Croix -- Mortality, Wildlife conservation -- Florida, Wildlife conservation -- St. Croix
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Territory size of the Florida Scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) at Savannas Preserve State Park.
Creator: Smith, Theresa E., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The Florida Scrub-jay is the only bird endemic to the state of Florida, and is entirely restricted to pyrogenic xeric oak scrublands. The species is listed as Threatened, and all populations throughout the state are in decline. The major causes of decline are habitat modification due to development and fire suppression. Preservation and proper fire management is crucial for the continued survival of the species. The territories of three families of Florida Scrub-jays at Savannas Preserve...
Show moreThe Florida Scrub-jay is the only bird endemic to the state of Florida, and is entirely restricted to pyrogenic xeric oak scrublands. The species is listed as Threatened, and all populations throughout the state are in decline. The major causes of decline are habitat modification due to development and fire suppression. Preservation and proper fire management is crucial for the continued survival of the species. The territories of three families of Florida Scrub-jays at Savannas Preserve State Park were delineated, and the area calculated using 100% MVCP analysis and compared to work previously published by Cowan (2005). The results of this study show that Savannas Preserve State Park oak scrub habitat is deteriorating, but that aggressive fire management can restore the scrub to optimal Florida Scrub-jay habitat.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11599
Subject Headings: Savannas Preserve State Park (Fla.), Florida Scrub-jay, Distribution, Bird populations, Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Status of the imperiled Gull-billed Tern in Florida.
Creator: Lucas, Stephanie N., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: The Gull-billed Tern is a globally distributed species. Distribution in the United States is limited, however, with the majority of breeding birds being found in Texas. The remainder can be found scattered throughout the southeastern states. Florida has a mere 1.6% of the breeding birds in the U.S. This study has accumulated all breeding records of the Gull-billed Tern in Florida since 1973, and distribution trends were analyzed. Since 1973 the population of these birds has fluctuated widely...
Show moreThe Gull-billed Tern is a globally distributed species. Distribution in the United States is limited, however, with the majority of breeding birds being found in Texas. The remainder can be found scattered throughout the southeastern states. Florida has a mere 1.6% of the breeding birds in the U.S. This study has accumulated all breeding records of the Gull-billed Tern in Florida since 1973, and distribution trends were analyzed. Since 1973 the population of these birds has fluctuated widely and experienced an alarming decline of about "95% between 1975 and 1999" (Smith, in press.). I determined that the current status of this bird in Florida mandates that further conservation efforts occur rapidly in order to protect its diminishing population. This study examines those conservation measures already in place, and those pending, such as my petition to list this species as "threatened" under the endangered species provisions of the Florida Wildlife Code (Chap. 39 F.A.C.).
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/77675
Subject Headings: Gull-billed Tern, Reproduction, Birds, Wildlife conservation, Endangered species
Format: Document (PDF)

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

Title: Observations of immature sea turtles at a nearshore hardbottom developmental habitat in Palm Beach, Florida.
Creator: Garrido, Katharine., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Nearshore sabellariid worm rock reefs tracts along Florida's east cost provide developmental habitat for many juvenile green turtles.
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/41004
Subject Headings: Sea turtles, Ecology, Adaptation (Biology), Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Plant and ant communities in the northern Everglades.
Creator: Carroll, Camille Darby., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Environmental Studies Program
Abstract/Description: I examined the impact of the exotic, invasive plant Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Brown, on tree island plant and ant communities in the northern Everglades. I selected 15 tree islands representing four groups: non-Lygodium islands, islands with low levels of Lygodium, islands with high levels of Lygodium, and disturbed islands impacted by people. I used a variety of diversity indices to compare plant and ant data among habitats. The ant communities studied included...
Show moreI examined the impact of the exotic, invasive plant Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Brown, on tree island plant and ant communities in the northern Everglades. I selected 15 tree islands representing four groups: non-Lygodium islands, islands with low levels of Lygodium, islands with high levels of Lygodium, and disturbed islands impacted by people. I used a variety of diversity indices to compare plant and ant data among habitats. The ant communities studied included native and exotic species typical of south Florida. Tree island plant communities were consistent with descriptions from previous studies. Plant species richness decreased with the level of L. microphyllum in the ground and midstory layers. Abundance of native plants decreased with level of L. microphyllum in the ground, midstory, and overstory layers. Lygodium microphyllum did not affect ant communities suggesting that although it negatively impacts plant communities it can provide habitat for ants.
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Date Issued: 2009
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186675
Subject Headings: Insect-plant relationships, Ants, Ecology, Wildlife conservation, Environmental conditions
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.
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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: 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: Effects of prescribed burning on native and exotic herpetofauna in Florida pine flatwoods in Savannas Preserve State Park.
Creator: Goethel, Carrie Ann., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Florida's pine flatwoods are pyrogenic ecosystems that require frequent fires to regenerate the herbaceous layer and suppress crowding vegetation. Human development has hindered these natural fires and consequently affected the herpetofauna (amphibian and reptile) species. Anthropogenic encroachment, in addition to fire suppression, has also provided ideal habitats for invasive species within native environments. Exotic species are often found in developed areas around buildings and roads,...
Show moreFlorida's pine flatwoods are pyrogenic ecosystems that require frequent fires to regenerate the herbaceous layer and suppress crowding vegetation. Human development has hindered these natural fires and consequently affected the herpetofauna (amphibian and reptile) species. Anthropogenic encroachment, in addition to fire suppression, has also provided ideal habitats for invasive species within native environments. Exotic species are often found in developed areas around buildings and roads, and it is likely this pattern continues into the park. This eight-month coverboard survey focuses on the effects various fires may have on herpetofauna in the area and explores the level of intrusion exotic species exhibit within the communities. Minimal differences among herpetofauna composition between transects were found. However, a convincing percentage of exotic species were found only within the first ten meters of the transects while all native species were at least 25 meters into a transect.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11611
Subject Headings: Prescribed burning, Environmental aspects, Reptiles, Habitat, Scrub pine, Ecology, Savannas Preserve State Park (Fla.), Wildlife conservation
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (14)	+ -
Honors Student Theses (10)	+ -
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