Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
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.
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