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- 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.
Show less - 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
- Origins, movements, and foraging behavior of Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in Palm Beach County waters, Florida, USA.
- Creator
- Wood, Lawrence D., Milton, Sarah L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
This dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex...
Show moreThis dissertation examined the natal origins, home-range, and in-situ foraging behavior of an aggregation of sub-adult hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) found off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida. Surveys were conducted on approximately 30 linear km of reef between 15 and 30 m in depth. Tissue samples were retrieved from 112 turtles for mtDNA haplotype determination. GPS-linked satellite transmitters were deployed on six resident sub-adults, resulting in both minimum convex polygon (MCP) and 95%, 50%, and 25% kernel density estimates (KDE) of home-range size. A foraging ethogram was developed, and sequential analysis performed on thirty videos (141 total minutes) of in-situ foraging behavior. Seventeen total haplotypes were identified in this aggregation, the majority (75%) of which represented rookeries on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Other sources, from most to least important, include Barbados, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004339
- Subject Headings
- Animal behavior, Animal orientation, Hawksbill turtle -- Ecology, Predation (Biology), Sea turtles -- Habitat, Wildlife conservation, Wildlife management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Electrogenic metals for elasmobranch bycatch mitigation.
- Creator
- Smith, Kieran Thomas., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Commercial longline fishing results in large amounts of incidental bycatch of elasmobranch fishes (sharks, skates, and rays). Teleost species lack electrosensory systems and development of technologies which target the ampullary organs of sharks provides an avenue to selectively deter elasmobranchs without affecting the catch rate of target teleosts. Electric field measurements and a controlled scientific longline study were conducted testing whether the lanthanide metal neodymium or zinc...
Show moreCommercial longline fishing results in large amounts of incidental bycatch of elasmobranch fishes (sharks, skates, and rays). Teleost species lack electrosensory systems and development of technologies which target the ampullary organs of sharks provides an avenue to selectively deter elasmobranchs without affecting the catch rate of target teleosts. Electric field measurements and a controlled scientific longline study were conducted testing whether the lanthanide metal neodymium or zinc/graphite might reduce elasmobranch catch per unit effort (CPUE). Baited longline hooks were treated with neodymium and zinc/graphite and catch rates were compared to that of controls. Shark CPUE decreased by 60% on neodymium treated hooks and 80% on zinc/graphite treated hooks. The effectiveness of both treatments varied among species with significant reductions shown for Atlantic sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon terranovae) but less dramatic differences for others. Zinc/graphite is potentially a viable tool for reduction of shark bycatch in a commercial longline fishery.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361053
- Subject Headings
- Fishery conservation, Sharks, Conservation, Lanthanide shift reagents, Wildlife management
- 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.
Show less - 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
- Development of a remote sensing technique for woody vegetation in Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
- Creator
- Franklin, Sarah., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool....
Show moreThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool. Selection was performed with a bias toward over classification, as project objectives required identifying as many trees as possible. Classified pixels in Time 1 within 4 feet (2 pixels) of classified pixels from Time 2 were considered the same canopy. Overall accuracy for the study was 98%.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3175018
- Subject Headings
- Environmental monitoring, Remote sensing, Vegetation dynamics, Ecosystem management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Hydrologic and topographic gradient effects on woody vegetation of tree islands in the Everglades Wildlife Management Area.
- Creator
- Anderson, Michael Robert., Florida Atlantic University, Volin, John C.
- Abstract/Description
-
Water management in the Everglades has been a challenge for managing agencies for quite some time. Presently, restoration efforts are underway to reestablish natural hydrological patterns such as flow, depth, and hydroperiod. Tree island health is of particular concern because of its importance to the functional integrity of the greater Everglades ecosystem. This study was designed to determine the effects of different hydrological patterns and elevations on native woody vegetation on tree...
Show moreWater management in the Everglades has been a challenge for managing agencies for quite some time. Presently, restoration efforts are underway to reestablish natural hydrological patterns such as flow, depth, and hydroperiod. Tree island health is of particular concern because of its importance to the functional integrity of the greater Everglades ecosystem. This study was designed to determine the effects of different hydrological patterns and elevations on native woody vegetation on tree islands. The study site was the Everglades Wildlife Management Area (EWMA) in the north central Everglades. The study site was broken up into two hydrological zones: dry zone and moderately wet zone. It was found that both hydrology and relative elevation were important predictors of woody species diversity and density. Average hydroperiod and ponding depth were the best sole predictors explaining up to 50% of the woody vegetation variability found within the tail and fringe community as well as the whole tree island.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2000
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12709
- Subject Headings
- Ecosystem management--Florida--Everglades, Woody plants--Florida--Everglades, Everglades Wildlife Management Area (Fla )
- 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.
Show less - 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.
Show less - 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
- Invasion-mediated recovery following managed disturbance in the northern Everglades.
- Creator
- Lange, James J., Benscoter, Brian, Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2013-04-12
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361942
- Subject Headings
- Melaleuca quinquenervia, Invasive plants, Wetland management, Wetland ecology, Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Fla.)
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Avifauna in a suburban environment.
- Creator
- Blair, Courtney., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Habitat fragmentation causes the isolation of groups of individuals within species by producing a new landscape that is uninhabitable for many species, including birds. I surveyed the John D. MacArthur campus of FAU in the Fall of 2005 and Spring of 2006 to assess the use of the campus by birds. Throughout the campus trees are lined in rows along the sidewalks and around buildings, in contrast to the pine flatwoods environment that existed prior to development. The birds observed were found...
Show moreHabitat fragmentation causes the isolation of groups of individuals within species by producing a new landscape that is uninhabitable for many species, including birds. I surveyed the John D. MacArthur campus of FAU in the Fall of 2005 and Spring of 2006 to assess the use of the campus by birds. Throughout the campus trees are lined in rows along the sidewalks and around buildings, in contrast to the pine flatwoods environment that existed prior to development. The birds observed were found performing various activities on the campus, including foraging, perching, and building nests. Individuals were concentrated around or near buildings with the most diverse vegetation. Through assessing these campus uses I suggest that there are ways we can help increase bird diversity in promoting their use of urban environments. Such solutions can help decrease the number of individuals and species lost to the destructive force of habitat fragmentation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/40269
- Subject Headings
- Birds, Ecology, Wildlife management, Birds, Habitat
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A test of factors affecting the foraging success of scarlet ibis.
- Creator
- Stanek, Rebecca A., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Wading bird foraging success is influenced by many different factors. From January to March 2008, I conducted a small-scale experiment with three captive Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) at the Palm Beach Zoo, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prey density and the presence of conspecifics were manipulated to test for a response by ibis in terms of prey capture rate. Mixed model analysis, when one prey type was available, showed that capture rate increased significantly with prey density and...
Show moreWading bird foraging success is influenced by many different factors. From January to March 2008, I conducted a small-scale experiment with three captive Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber) at the Palm Beach Zoo, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prey density and the presence of conspecifics were manipulated to test for a response by ibis in terms of prey capture rate. Mixed model analysis, when one prey type was available, showed that capture rate increased significantly with prey density and decreased with the presence of conspecifics. When two prey types were available, prey density and the presence of conspecifics had no effect on the capture rates of either prey type. Selectivity analysis revealed that ibis always selected for crayfish in mixed treatments. I hypothesize that the number of prey types available in a treatment played an important role in determining how fish density and the presence of conspecifics affected ibis foraging success.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2009
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/215288
- Subject Headings
- Scarlet ibis, Food, Birds, Ecology, Birds, Behavior, Wildlife management, Predation (Biology)
- 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.
Show less - 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
- Home Range and Activity Patterns in a South Florida Population of the Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus on Savannas Preserve State Park.
- Creator
- Davis, Jennifer L., Wyneken, Jeanette, Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) lives in upland habitats throughout its life. Recent rapid urbanization of coastal Florida is resulting in large scale habitat fragmentation that negatively affects this and other upland species. Losses of upland habitats result in regulatory actions that include mitigation programs and animal relocations which currently occur in the absence of understanding region-specific behavior and habitat needs. Gopher Tortoise populations are similar to one...
Show moreThe Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) lives in upland habitats throughout its life. Recent rapid urbanization of coastal Florida is resulting in large scale habitat fragmentation that negatively affects this and other upland species. Losses of upland habitats result in regulatory actions that include mitigation programs and animal relocations which currently occur in the absence of understanding region-specific behavior and habitat needs. Gopher Tortoise populations are similar to one another in that males have larger home ranges than females, males defend burrows and mates during the breeding season, all have a high degree of home range overlap, and forage on similar vegetation types. This study shows that Southeastern Florida Gopher Tortoises differ from those elsewhere in that they maintain relatively small home ranges, forage throughout the year, engage in social interactions yearround, and have a bimodal (late winter-spring and late summer-fall) breeding season. My study identifies differences in activity, behavior, and home ranges in a South Florida population that may refine management strategies that include reconsideration of restocking Northern populations with individuals from South Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000739
- Subject Headings
- Gopher tortoise--Habitat--Florida, Wildlife management--Florida, Environmental impact analysis--Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Wolf perception and policy in the United States: an analysis of two red wolf reintroduction programs.
- Creator
- Rouse, Sarah., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Abstract/Description
-
Throughout the course of North American history, wolves have been persecuted with a vengeance. Negative wolf perceptions have in the past created and continue to create controversial policies and views towards wolves. While most of these attitudes are geared towards gray wolves, as gray wolves are the most common and prominent, unfavorable perceptions have also extended to the less well-known red wolf. This study compares two red wolf reintroduction programs, one in the Tennessee-Kentucky...
Show moreThroughout the course of North American history, wolves have been persecuted with a vengeance. Negative wolf perceptions have in the past created and continue to create controversial policies and views towards wolves. While most of these attitudes are geared towards gray wolves, as gray wolves are the most common and prominent, unfavorable perceptions have also extended to the less well-known red wolf. This study compares two red wolf reintroduction programs, one in the Tennessee-Kentucky area and the other in North Carolina, as well as the Yellowstone Gray Wolf Reintroduction program. After analyzing these three programs, it can be concluded that the perceptions towards wolves regardless of the type of wolf or location remain largely negative and that wolves continue to face persecution.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3359331
- Subject Headings
- Wildlife reintroduction, Gray wolf, Reintroduction, Red wolf, Reintroduction, Wolves, Reintroduction, Social aspects, Endangered species, Wildlife management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Hotspot analysis of wildlife vehicle collisions of BR-262, Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil and recommendations for mitigation efforts.
- Creator
- Dougherty, Rebecca R., Berry, Leonard, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
- Abstract/Description
-
Road networks have significant impacts on ecosystems through deforestation, rapid land conversion and wildlife-vehicle collisions. Road ecology seeks to analyze the spatial and biological patterns of collisions to understand the effect of roadways and best inform transportation planning in mitigating these threats. 215 km of roadway BR-262, that bisects critical habitat of the Brazilian Cerrado and Pantanal in southwest Brazil, was analyzed between April 2011 and June 2012 to assess how...
Show moreRoad networks have significant impacts on ecosystems through deforestation, rapid land conversion and wildlife-vehicle collisions. Road ecology seeks to analyze the spatial and biological patterns of collisions to understand the effect of roadways and best inform transportation planning in mitigating these threats. 215 km of roadway BR-262, that bisects critical habitat of the Brazilian Cerrado and Pantanal in southwest Brazil, was analyzed between April 2011 and June 2012 to assess how biological, physical and landscape characteristics affect clustering of collisions. 518 collisions, representing 40 species, were found to be seasonally clustered between the unimodal rain and flood pulse in a February-March-April window and were spatially clustered over the study area in relation to cash crop and cattle ranching land-use and the rural low-lying Pantanal floodplain. Mitigation seeks to work with local communities and transportation agencies to facilitate fauna safe crossing through the roadway that do not conflict with drivers.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004363
- Subject Headings
- Wildlife crossings--Brazil, Wildlife management--Brazil, Habitat conservation--Brazil, Animals, Effect of roads on, Roads--Brazil--Environmental aspects
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Climate change and the molecular ecology of arctic marine mammals.
- Creator
- O'Corry-Crowe, Gregory
- Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1055929
- Subject Headings
- Marine mammals --Arctic regions., Wildlife management --Arctic regions., Mammal populations --Arctic regions., Molecular ecology., Climatic changes --Arctic regions.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- The effects of water depth and vegetation on wading bird foraging habitat selection and foraging succes in the Everglades.
- Creator
- Lantz, Samantha., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Successful foraging by avian predators is influenced largely by prey availability. In a large-scale experiment at the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment project within the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, I manipulated two components of prey availability, water depth and vegetation density (submerged aquatic vegetation and emergent vegetation), and quantified the response by wading birds in terms of foraging habitat selection and foraging success. Manly's...
Show moreSuccessful foraging by avian predators is influenced largely by prey availability. In a large-scale experiment at the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment project within the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, I manipulated two components of prey availability, water depth and vegetation density (submerged aquatic vegetation and emergent vegetation), and quantified the response by wading birds in terms of foraging habitat selection and foraging success. Manly's standardized selection index showed that birds preferred shallow water and intermediate vegetation densities. However, the treatments had little effect on either individual capture rate or efficiency. This was a consistent pattern seen across multiple experiments. Birds selected for certain habitat features but accrued little benefit in terms of foraging success. I hypothesize that birds selected sites with shallow water and intermediate vegetation densities because they anticipated higher prey densities, but they did not experience it here because I controlled for prey density.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2788592
- Subject Headings
- Water birds, Habitat, Wetland ecology, Habitat selection, Avian ecology, Wildlife management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Contested spaces: NTFPS, livelihoods, and conservation planning.
- Creator
- Mitchell, Christine M., Esnard, Ann-Margaret, Ivy, Russell L., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
This research examines tensions between Latino/a farmworkers, who rely on the seasonal harvest of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [W. Bartram] Small) berries for increased livelihood security, and conservationists and land-managers who view harvesting as detrimental for wildlife. Informal harvesting occurs on public and private lands, sometimes without permission. Berries, though ubiquitous on the landscape, have become a contested resource. The rapid conversion of rural wildlife habitat into...
Show moreThis research examines tensions between Latino/a farmworkers, who rely on the seasonal harvest of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens [W. Bartram] Small) berries for increased livelihood security, and conservationists and land-managers who view harvesting as detrimental for wildlife. Informal harvesting occurs on public and private lands, sometimes without permission. Berries, though ubiquitous on the landscape, have become a contested resource. The rapid conversion of rural wildlife habitat into suburban development has increased State urgency to bring natural areas into protection along the Florida Ecological Greenways Network. Habitat infringement and associated pressures on wildlife by development has led to the promotion of the state-wide Florida Wildlife Corridor, based on the FEGN. This corridor would connect isolated Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) populations and Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) with other populations. The scale of the commercial berry industry is unknown, but is estimated at millions of pounds annually. State and wildlife conservationists are increasingly concerned with the perceived scale of the harvest and its possible associated effects on wildlife, particularly Florida black bears.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004308, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004308
- Subject Headings
- Agriculture -- Economic aspects, Agriculture -- Environmental aspects, Biodiversity conservation, Land use -- Environmental aspects, Land use -- Planning, Non timber forest products -- Government policy, Non timber forest products -- Management, Wildlife management
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Characteristics Affecting Prey Vulnerability and Avian Habitat Selection in the Florida Everglades.
- Creator
- Harris, Rachael L., Gawlik, Dale E., Florida Atlantic University
- Abstract/Description
-
The vulnerability of prey to capture plays a fundamental role in determining overall prey availability for wading birds. Structural complexity can act to decrease prey vulnerability and influence foraging habitat selection. To determine how structural complexity can affect habitat selection I conducted a use vs. availability study throughout the Florida Everglades in 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that wading birds chose foraging sites that had less emergent vegetation and a thicker...
Show moreThe vulnerability of prey to capture plays a fundamental role in determining overall prey availability for wading birds. Structural complexity can act to decrease prey vulnerability and influence foraging habitat selection. To determine how structural complexity can affect habitat selection I conducted a use vs. availability study throughout the Florida Everglades in 2005 and 2006. Results indicated that wading birds chose foraging sites that had less emergent vegetation and a thicker flocculent layer relative to random sites. Submerged vegetation, and the height of emergent vegetation did not affect wading bird site selection. A difference in habitat selection between years was evident due to hydrological conditions. Ideal hydrological conditions are probably the most important parameter to wading bird success. Other factors affecting prey vulnerability became increasingly important in years of poor hydrology, probably because the penalty for choosing low quality foraging habitat would be greater than in years of more optimal conditions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000754
- Subject Headings
- Everglades (Fla), South Florida Water Management District (Fla ), Wildlife management--Florida--Everglades, Bird populations--Florida--Everglades, Water birds--Florida--Everglades, Wetland ecology--Florida--Everglades
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- A retrospective analysis of sea turtle nest depredation patterns at Canaveral National Seashore, Florida.
- Creator
- Welicky, Rachel., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Nest predation can significantly reduce hatchling recruitment in sea turtle populations. This study uses 20 years of data from Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, which has pristine and altered beaches. Chi-square tests were used to determine if secondary predation events were related to the nest's primary depredation event. To determine if human beach use and nest predation are spatially or temporally linked, we ranked human beach use and examined predation frequency across all screened...
Show moreNest predation can significantly reduce hatchling recruitment in sea turtle populations. This study uses 20 years of data from Canaveral National Seashore, Florida, which has pristine and altered beaches. Chi-square tests were used to determine if secondary predation events were related to the nest's primary depredation event. To determine if human beach use and nest predation are spatially or temporally linked, we ranked human beach use and examined predation frequency across all screened and marked nests (n=40,441). Lastly, I quantified nest predation risk spatially and temporally. I found that primary predation increases the chance of a nest suffering subsequent predation. Primary and multiple predation events occurred with greater frequency in limited use areas and with lowest frequency in moderate use areas. Predation risk decreased by an average of 29.5% from 2000-2008. Nests deposited midseason were 9.8% more likely to be predated than nests deposited early or late.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2683130
- Subject Headings
- Predation (Biology), Wildlife managment, Sea turtles, Sea turtles, Nests
- Format
- Document (PDF)