INGESTION OF GASTROLITHS BY JUVENILE AND MALE GOPHER TORTOISES AT THE ABACOA GREENWAY AND JUNO DUNES
Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Moore, Jon
Abstract
Gravid gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in the Abacoa Greenway have been shown to opportunistically ingest gastroliths to supplement calcium in their diet during eggshell formation. This study aimed to see if juvenile and adult male gopher tortoises also exhibited the same behavior to supplement their calcium intake. Radiographs of the gastrointestinal tract of a number of juvenile and adult male gopher tortoises were taken and analyzed to check for the presence of gastroliths. Since the growth rate of juvenile gopher tortoises in Abacoa is almost twice that of other juveniles in northern areas, we hypothesized that the juvenile gopher tortoises here will also ingest gastroliths to meet the demands of rapid bone and carapace shell development. Since the growth rate of adult males is relatively static, they were not expected to ingest gastroliths.
Recommended Citation
Lucien, David, "INGESTION OF GASTROLITHS BY JUVENILE AND MALE GOPHER TORTOISES AT THE ABACOA GREENWAY AND JUNO DUNES" (2016). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 244.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/244
Extent
21 p.
Identifier
FA00012605
Comments
Includes bibliography.