Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Frazier, Evelyn
Abstract
The gopher tortoise is a keystone species that creates networks of underground burrows that are home to an additional 350 species, where 60 are vertebrates. Vertebrates have been shown to differ between habitat types and seasonally, but limited information is known about vertebrate associates in our region. This study was one of the first to investigate this in our region of south Florida. This study was designed to investigate factors that may affect the presence of vertebrates at gopher tortoise burrows. Camera data was collected to determine vertebrate presence and if specific vertebrate groups elicit a territorial response from the tortoise, while habitat vegetation surveys and weather data were collected to evaluate seasonality. Statistical analysis showed variation in vertebrate presence both seasonally and by habitat type. Few territorial interactions were observed overall. This study acts as a starting point to increase our understanding of local tortoise populations.
Extent
99 p.
Recommended Citation
Melanson, Lauren, "Investigating vertebrate relationships of the south Florida gopher tortoise: a study of vertebrate species within scrub, pine rockland, coastal hammock and grassland habitats" (2021). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present. 757.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/757
Identifier
FA00013776
Comments
Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2021.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.