Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Wyneken, Jeanette

Abstract

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.

Extent

56 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00000736

Format

pdf

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