Date of Award
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Briggs, Tiffany Roberts
Abstract
This study examined the environmental and anthropogenic factors that may influence loggerhead sea turtle nest site selection and how these factors vary between successful nesting attempts and false crawls on a high-density sea turtle nesting beach in Boca Raton, Florida. Beach morphology, sand texture, and nests’ proximity to artificial structures were measured using a combination of drone-based photogrammetry, traditional surveys with Real Time Kinematic Global Positioning System (RTK GPS), and sediment granulometry. Proximity to dune crossover stairs was significantly different between nests and false crawls, and the probability of a false crawl occurring decreased as proximity to dune crossover stairs increased. The results of this study will provide researchers with a new tool for nest monitoring and a better understanding of the microhabitat cues that may influence loggerhead sea turtle nest site selection and aid in guiding beach and sea turtle management decisions.
Extent
72 p.
Recommended Citation
Manestar, Summer, "Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and traditional methods to examine influences on loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nest site selection" (2023). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present. 1336.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/1336
Identifier
FA00014184
Comments
Includes bibliography.|Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2023.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.