Note
Includes bibliography.
Member of
Contributors
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Date Issued
2008
EDTF Date Created
2008
Description
From 2004 - 2007, the beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (St. Croix,
USVI) experienced low summer erosion, which allowed native pioneer vegetation to
spread seaward and invade leatherback-nesting areas. The encroachment of vegetation
reduced nest survival. Here I describe the results of an experimental assessment of
vegetation control methods and of the effects of native vegetation on leatherback
hatching and emergence success. I tested four treatments: (i) naturally vegetated, (ii)
herbicide treated vegetation, (iii) mechanically removed above ground vegetation, and
(iv) non-vegetated (control) plots. Nests were relocated into each of the plot types then
left to incubate naturally. Hatching and emergence success was reduced when vegetation
was present. Vegetation was not adequately controlled by any of the methods tested. The
results identify future research needs for the development of appropriate management to
control the native vegetation and enhance leatherback nest productivity.
USVI) experienced low summer erosion, which allowed native pioneer vegetation to
spread seaward and invade leatherback-nesting areas. The encroachment of vegetation
reduced nest survival. Here I describe the results of an experimental assessment of
vegetation control methods and of the effects of native vegetation on leatherback
hatching and emergence success. I tested four treatments: (i) naturally vegetated, (ii)
herbicide treated vegetation, (iii) mechanically removed above ground vegetation, and
(iv) non-vegetated (control) plots. Nests were relocated into each of the plot types then
left to incubate naturally. Hatching and emergence success was reduced when vegetation
was present. Vegetation was not adequately controlled by any of the methods tested. The
results identify future research needs for the development of appropriate management to
control the native vegetation and enhance leatherback nest productivity.
Language
Type
Form
Extent
56 p.
Subject (Topical)
Identifier
FA00000736
Additional Information
Includes bibliography.
Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Date Backup
2008
Date Created Backup
2008
Date Text
2008
Date Created (EDTF)
2008
Date Issued (EDTF)
2008
Extension
FAU
IID
FA00000736
Organizations
Attributed name: Florida Atlantic University
Person Preferred Name
Conrad, Jeremy R.
Graduate College
Physical Description
application/pdf
56 p.
Title Plain
The Effect of Vegetation (Ipomoea pes-caprae) on Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) Nest Productivity
Use and Reproduction
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Origin Information
2008
2008
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Location
Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Place
Boca Raton, Fla.
Sub Location
Digital Library
Title
The Effect of Vegetation (Ipomoea pes-caprae) on Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) Nest Productivity
Other Title Info
The Effect of Vegetation (Ipomoea pes-caprae) on Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) Nest Productivity