Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Fragoso, Jose M. V.

Abstract

Florida wetlands are subject to alteration of ecological function by draining, dredging, filling, and hydrologic modification. Unlike other sources, detecting an ecological response to hydrologic alterations can be subtle and difficult to quantify. To develop wetland hydrologic protection criteria, a hydrologically sensitive indicator species was needed. Everglades crayfish (Procambarus alleni), a trophically critical element of southern Florida wetlands, were evaluated as a potential indicator species. P. alleni excavates temporary burrows to survive Florida's dry season. Burrow lengths were measured through a dry season. Regression analysis was used to determine if burrow depths changed as water levels changed. The relationship was significant (p < .0002, R = -0.93, R2 = 0.86). P. alleni's burrowing provides a direct measurement of biotic response to hydrologic fluctuations. This response will be used to detect the survival threshold of crayfish to hydrologic alteration. Extrapolating this threshold will assist in providing an index of ecosystem response to hydrologic alterations.

Extent

43 p.

Comments

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2001.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2001.

Identifier

FADT12766

Format

pdf

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