Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Wetterer, James K.
Abstract
Each June, surveys are conducted at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in order to monitor the population status of the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the only avian species endemic to the state of Florida. These birds are limited to the rare oak scrub community, a habitat that is under constant threat due to human development. Florida Scrub-Jays are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and all of Florida’s populations are in decline. Jonathan Dickinson State Park organizes surveys that collect vital information about the species to better understand how to conserve the fire-dependent oak scrub that they inhabit. The results of this study indicate that efforts to restore the scrub habitat through prescribed burning have been successful at JDSP since the population of Florida Scrub-Jays has stabilized and the birds have dispersed into new areas of the park.
Recommended Citation
Morton, Emily M.N., "Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) Population Changes at Jonathan Dickinson State Park" (2016). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 274.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/274
Extent
26 p.
Identifier
FA00003683
Comments
Includes bibliography.