Download or read book Cascading Effects of Predator Removal on the Ecology of Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches written by Brandon T. Barton and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Traditional views of food web dynamics have characterized species interactions as linear and direct. However, modern food web theory suggests that interactions can also be nonlinear and indirect, so that disturbance at one trophic level is transmitted throughout the community. Many previous studies have demonstrated that the removal of top predators from terrestrial ecosystems can have broad-scale impacts on community ecology. I examined the direct and indirect effects of raccoon removal from sea turtle nesting beaches in east-central Florida during the summers of 2003 and 2004. Raccoon and ghost crab predation are among the highest causes of egg mortality for sea turtles in Florida and raccoons are intraguild predators of ghost crabs. Because of the damage done to sea turtle nests, raccoons have been removed from some beaches during the sea turtle nesting season. I compared the diet and demography of a raccoon population that had experienced two decades of raccoon removal to a population that had previously been unmanipulated. I found that long-term raccoon removal had created a significantly male-biased sex ratio in that population. I also examined the indirect effects of raccoon removal by comparing the abundances of raccoons and ghost crabs at four study sites using passive tracking plots. My data suggest intraguild predation by raccoons limits ghost crab abundance and that reduced raccoon abundance allowed ghost crab abundance to increase, resulting in a net increase in sea turtle egg predation. These results support my hypothesis that intraguild predation of ghost crabs by raccoons is an influential interaction on sea turtle nesting beach community dynamics.
Download or read book Trophic Cascades written by John Terborgh and published by Island Press. This book was released on 2013-06-25 with total page 487 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Trophic cascades—the top-down regulation of ecosystems by predators—are an essential aspect of ecosystem function and well-being. Trophic cascades are often drastically disrupted by human interventions—for example, when wolves and cougars are removed, allowing deer and beaver to become destructive—yet have only recently begun to be considered in the development of conservation and management strategies. Trophic Cascades is the first comprehensive presentation of the science on this subject. It brings together some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers to explain the importance of large animals in regulating ecosystems, and to relate that scientific knowledge to practical conservation. Chapters examine trophic cascades across the world’s major biomes, including intertidal habitats, coastal oceans, lakes, nearshore ecosystems, open oceans, tropical forests, boreal and temperate ecosystems, low arctic scrubland, savannas, and islands. Additional chapters consider aboveground/belowground linkages, predation and ecosystem processes, consumer control by megafauna and fire, and alternative states in ecosystems. An introductory chapter offers a concise overview of trophic cascades, while concluding chapters consider theoretical perspectives and comparative issues. Trophic Cascades provides a scientific basis and justification for the idea that large predators and top-down forcing must be considered in conservation strategies, alongside factors such as habitat preservation and invasive species. It is a groundbreaking work for scientists and managers involved with biodiversity conservation and protection.
Download or read book Reduction of Raccoon Predation on Sea Turtle Nests at Canaveral National Seashore Florida written by Jennifer D. McMurtray and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 70 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Decline of the Sea Turtles written by National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Sea Turtle Conservation and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1990 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A report submitted by the Committee on Sea Turtle Conservation, addresses threats to the world's sea turtle populations to fulfill a mandate of the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1988. It presents information on the populations, biology, ecology, and behavior of five endangered or threatened turtle species: the Kemp's ridley, loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtle. The report includes an examination of the relationship between sea turtle and human activity for the purpose of providing information for an assessment of the effectiveness of and need for regulations requiring the use of turtle excluder devices (TED's) by commercial shrimp trawlers. The sources of turtle mortality investigated include activities involving fisheries, dredging, boat collisions, removal of oil platforms, and plastics and debris. Conservation measures are analyzed that seek to protect sea turtle habitat. The report includes the rationale and objectives of a recovery plan, and discussion about education and technology transfer. Appendices are as follows: (1) Endangered Species Act Amendment of 1988; (2) interim report, committee on sea turtle conservation; (3) illustrations of TEDs; (4) aerial survey data of sea turtles in fishing zones; (5) sea turtle stranding data; (6) shrimp fishing efforts; (7) annotated and chronological list of educational efforts on TEDs for fishermen by the National Marine Fisheries Service; (8) annotated and chronological list of educational efforts on TEDs for fishermen by Sea Grant; (9) newsletters and notices pertaining to TEDs; and (10) biographies of committee members. The conclusions drawn from the study suggest conservation measures including the use of TED's, and increased protection for the turtles. Recommendations are also made to improve data bases, establish long-term population surveys, and initiate experimental programs to increase population sizes. (319 references) (MCO)
Download or read book The Effects of Beach Nourishment on Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting on Bald Head Island NC written by Clark S. Rushing and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ecology Abstracts written by and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 444 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Coverage: 1982- current; updated: monthly. This database covers current ecology research across a wide range of disciplines, reflecting recent advances in light of growing evidence regarding global environmental change and destruction. Major ares of subject coverage include: Algae/lichens, Animals, Annelids, Aquatic ecosystems, Arachnids, Arid zones, Birds, Brackish water, Bryophytes/pteridophytes, Coastal ecosystems, Conifers, Conservation, Control, Crustaceans, Ecosyst em studies, Fungi, Grasses, Grasslands, High altitude environments, Human ecology, Insects, Legumes, Mammals, Management, Microorganisms, Molluscs, Nematodes, Paleo-ecology, Plants, Pollution studies, Reptiles, River basins, Soil, TAiga/tundra, Terrestrial ecosystems, Vertebrates, Wetlands, Woodlands.
Download or read book Assessment of Sea Turtle Status and Trends written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2010-09-07 with total page 175 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: All six species of sea turtles found in U.S. waters are listed as endangered or threatened, but the exact population sizes of these species are unknown due to a lack of key information regarding birth and survival rates. The U.S. Endangered Species Act prohibits the hunting of sea turtles and reduces incidental losses from activities such as shrimp trawling and development on beaches used for nesting. However, current monitoring does not provide enough information on sea turtle populations to evaluate the effectiveness of these protective measures. Sea Turtle Status and Trends reviews current methods for assessing sea turtle populations and finds that although counts of sea turtles are essential, more detailed information on sea turtle biology, such as survival rates and breeding patterns, is needed to predict and understand changes in populations in order to develop successful management and conservation plans.
Download or read book The Nesting Ecology of Sea Turtles written by Kathryn Ann Mascovich and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An effective beach management plan (BMP) must focus on the beach habitat, infrastructure, and users (people). Here we studied how a BMP for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) can be shaped. We looked at the factors influencing sea turtle nest success, finding that erosional habitats and maximum nest temperatures influence hatch success. We additionally investigated how to work with the beachfront infrastructure to minimize the threat that lights pose to nesting and hatching sea turtles. We found that an educational rack card designed to promote sea turtle-friendly lighting choices for hotel guests was not effective. Finally, we looked at two different types of education programs to determine their effectiveness at changing participants' behaviors to be more environmentally friendly. With no difference in the short-term outcomes, we recommend that organizations consider the cost and feasibility of these two program delivery methods when choosing between program types.
Download or read book Turtles of the United States written by Carl H. Ernst and published by . This book was released on 1972 with total page 396 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Ecology written by Charles J. Krebs and published by Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company. This book was released on 2001 with total page 695 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This best-selling majors ecology book continues to present ecology as a series of problems for readers to critically analyze. No other text presents analytical, quantitative, and statistical ecological information in an equally accessible style. Reflecting the way ecologists actually practice, the book emphasizes the role of experiments in testing ecological ideas and discusses many contemporary and controversial problems related to distribution and abundance. Throughout the book, Krebs thoroughly explains the application of mathematical concepts in ecology while reinforcing these concepts with research references, examples, and interesting end-of-chapter review questions. Thoroughly updated with new examples and references, the book now features a new full-color design and is accompanied by an art CD-ROM for instructors. The field package also includes The Ecology Action Guide, a guide that encourages readers to be environmentally responsible citizens, and a subscription to The Ecology Place (www.ecologyplace.com), a web site and CD-ROM that enables users to become virtual field ecologists by performing experiments such as estimating the number of mice on an imaginary island or restoring prairie land in Iowa. For college instructors and students.
Download or read book Water Resources Research Catalog written by United States. Office of Water Research and Technology and published by . This book was released on 1969 with total page 1536 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beginning with vol. 9, only new and continuing but modified projects are listed. Vols. 8- should be kept as a record of continuing but unchanged projects.
Download or read book Mongoose Predation on Sea Turtle Nests written by Patrick Alexander Leighton and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Sea turtles in the Mediterranean Distribution threats and conservation priorities written by Paolo Casale and published by IUCN. This book was released on 2010 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Leatherback Turtle written by James R. Spotila and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2015-10-30 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The most comprehensive book ever written on leatherback sea turtles. Weighing as much as 2,000 pounds and reaching lengths of over seven feet, leatherback turtles are the world’s largest reptile. These unusual sea turtles have a thick, pliable shell that helps them to withstand great depths—they can swim more than one thousand meters below the surface in search of food. And what food source sustains these goliaths? Their diet consists almost exclusively of jellyfish, a meal they crisscross the oceans to find. Leatherbacks have been declining in recent decades, and some predict they will be gone by the end of this century. Why? Because of two primary factors: human redevelopment of nesting beaches and commercial fishing. There are only twenty-nine index beaches in the world where these turtles nest, and there is immense pressure to develop most of them into homes or resorts. At the same time, longline and gill net fisheries continue to overwhelm waters frequented by leatherbacks. In The Leatherback Turtle, James R. Spotila and Pilar Santidrián Tomillo bring together the world’s leading experts to produce a volume that reveals the biology of the leatherback while putting a spotlight on the conservation problems and solutions related to the species. The book leaves us with options: embark on the conservation strategy laid out within its pages and save one of nature’s most splendid creations, or watch yet another magnificent species disappear.
Download or read book Carnivore Conservation written by John L. Gittleman and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2001-06-28 with total page 696 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Carnivores are the focus of intense attention and resources in conservation biology. It is often argued that, because carnivores are at the top of the food chain, if they are protected, then other taxa will also be afforded adequate protection. Carnivores are also charismatic and compete with humans for dwindling space and environmental resources. In the past 10 years, theoretical and empirical studies on carnivores have developed very quickly. This volume reviews and summarises the current state of the field, describes limitations and opportunities for carnivore conservation, and offers a conceptual framework for future research and applied management. As such it will be of interest to students and researchers of conservation biology, mammalogy, animal behaviour, ecology and evolution.
Download or read book Wildlife Research written by and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Trophic Cascade in Lakes written by Stephen R. Carpenter and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1996-07-13 with total page 404 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This 1993 book documents the importance of trophic cascades in aquatic ecology.
