Reproduction

Persistent, anthropogenic contaminants collectively known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), are considered to be potential threats to wildlife reproductive fitness (Wingfield, 2002). The modes by which EDCs act on the reproductive system, and establishment of steroid profiles in wildlife, are important areas of study. Two means of performing an endocrine snapshot profile from dolphin tissues (serum and urine) were tested on samples, comparing a novel high performance liquid chromatography method to newly-validated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Serum and urine samples were obtained from two marine parks, and from free-ranging dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Charleston Harbor (CHS) systems. Relative binding affinities of steroids versus putative EDCs to steroid receptors were compared in dolphin reproductive tissues, obtained by the Georgia Aquarium's Dolphin Conservation Field Station (GADCFS) from strained bottlenose dolphins (four male, three female) during 2010 and 20ll.........I conclude that endocrine disruptors are tissue and receptor specific, and both legacy and emerging contaminants are of concern to dolphin stocks, particularly those facing other significant environmental stressors.

In light of exceptionally delayed reproductive senescence exhibited by a 64 year old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) housed in Florida, endocrinal analyses meant to determine the state of her current reproductive viability were conducted. Urine was collected from the study subject for a period of 88 days spaced within an interim of roughly 6 months and the specimens were sent to the Hominoid Reproductive Ecology Laboratory for assessment. Additional data was collected from three control females in order to provide a basis of comparison against the hormonal markers present in the geriatric study animal. Results indicate that the geriatric female does not presently appear to be cycling, but nor does she exhibit signs of complete reproductive cessation. This could signify that Pan troglodytes adheres to a pattern of reproductive aging not necessarily shared by Homo sapiens, which has further implications for the evolutionary trajectory of menopause in the human female.

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 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.).

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 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.