Huffman, Jessica

Gopherus polyphemus is a threatened reptile native to the southeastern USA. Previous research suggests the South Florida (SF) climate may allow tortoises to reproduce year-round. Our goal was to evaluate the social interactions and home range of the Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP) tortoise population, with an emphasis on reproductive behavior since minimal information is available. In this study, 12 FAUP tortoises had radio-transmitters attached and game cameras placed at their burrows. We hypothesized, 1) Gopher tortoise home ranges would differ between males and females, and between vegetation types and 2) Intraspecific gopher tortoise interaction frequencies would differ between vegetation types. Movement data has been mapped for 10 tortoises to reveal home ranges differ between sex and vegetation type. Camera data illustrates mounting as the most frequent interaction in the scrub vegetation. This research can be used to improve conservation efforts for the FAUP population.

Gopherus polyphemus populations are diminishing throughout their range due
to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor management of habitats. Increased
population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease
transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown,
despite evidence these pathogens may pose health risks. This study provides a
baseline of gopher tortoise endoparasites across South Florida and reports on how
varying environmental and tortoise characteristics may affect endoparasite species
prevalence, approximate loads, and overall distributions. Tortoise fecal samples were
taken from five differing SF habitats. Seven species of intestinal parasites were
discovered from 123 tortoises. Identified parasites include endo-helminths such as
cyathostomes, pinworms, ascarids, flukes, and protozoans including Eimeria,
Cryptosporidium, and Amoeba species. Significant differences in parasite prevalence and loads were seen between sampling years, seasons, size classes, and sites,
however, overall parasite distributions suggest parasitism remains relatively
ubiquitous throughout most host and site characteristics.

Gopherus polyphemus (gopher tortoise) is a threatened
keystone species whose burrows benefit over
350 species. Surveys conducted throughout 2010-
2015 at Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP)
have found an age gap of ten years and a lack of
nests. To update the demographic survey and to
examine the population’s reproduction and health,
we conducted burrow and nest surveys from May
to September 2016 and collected fecal samples to
check for endo-parasites. Transects were used to
locate burrows and measurements were taken to determine
population structure. Wire-probing was used
to locate nests and feces were tested for endo-parasites.
From a total of 261 marked burrows and fecal
sampling, results indicated a continuous age range,
one nest, and presence of intestinal parasites. Future
work will focus on health and reproductive behavior
that will improve our understanding of the FAUP
gopher tortoise population and may ultimately aid in
future conservation methods.

Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are diminishing in South Florida due to habitat fragmentation in urban sites. As a keystone species, gopher tortoises have important ecological roles. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of intestinal parasites in two South Florida populations. One population resides in a fragmented and non-fire maintained site, Blazing Star, and the other in a fire maintained site, Pine Jog. Fire is a natural factor in these habitats reducing canopy cover and killing parasite eggs. The lack of fire in Blazing Star can lead to overgrowth of vegetation, forcing tortoises to crowd where lower vegetation is found. We hypothesize that tortoises from Blazing Star will have a higher degree of intestinal parasites, when compared to those from Pine Jog due to potential crowding. Data is currently being collected, and may provide insight to improve future management and conservation practices.

Gopherus polyphemus is a keystone terrestrial reptile, currently threatened in Florida due to habitat destruction. Overcrowded populations are associated with higher infectious disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown, despite growing evidence they may pose significant health risks. There is a large gopher tortoise population in the fragmented, poorly maintained Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP). A separate Martin County population is at Jonathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP) in a higher quality habitat. We hypothesized there would be higher intestinal parasite loads in FAUP tortoises than JDSP tortoises, due to overcrowding. Several methods were used to determine parasite species and infection intensities. Fecal flotations revealed moderate to high Strongyle and Hookworm intensities in FAUP tortoises; in contrast, low Hookworm and moderate Strongyle intensities were seen in JDSP tortoises. Comparing infection intensities to degree of crowding is important to optimize management strategies of these threatened species.