Download or read book Species and Habitat Interactions of the Gopher Tortoise written by Christopher Paul Catano and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 57 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Species-species and species-habitat interactions have been demonstrated to be important in influencing diversity across a variety of ecosystems. Despite generalities in the importance of these interactions, appropriate mechanisms to explain them are absent in many systems. In sandhill systems of the southeast U.S., gopher tortoises have been hypothesized to be a crucial species in the maintenance of diversity and function. However, the mechanisms and magnitude in which they influence their communities and habitats have rarely been empirically quantified. I examined how habitat structure influences tortoise abandonment of burrows and how tortoise densities influence non-volant vertebrate community diversity. Tortoise burrow abandonment is directly influenced by canopy closure, with each percent increase in canopy cover relating to a ~2% increase in the probability of burrow abandonment. In addition, tortoise burrow density was positively correlated with diversity and evenness, but not species richness. This influence was directly proportional to burrow density, supporting a dominance role for this species and rejecting the commonly asserted keystone species mechanism. I also quantified the influence of tortoises in influencing diversity relative to other environmental and habitat variables. Through this research, I have demonstrated that disturbance and habitat structure are important, but diversity responds most to density of burrows in the habitat. These findings demonstrate the intricate relationships interacting to maintaining diversity in sandhill systems. In particular, habitat change leading to declines of gopher tortoises may have drastic negative impacts on vertebrate species diversity.
Download or read book The Gopher Tortoise written by Ray E. Ashton and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2014-08-28 with total page 73 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Full-color book for children ages 10 and up. Details the life of the gopher tortoise and how it is tied in with other animals. Also discusses how the encroachment into the gopher tortoise's habitat is affecting the environment and the tortoise.
Download or read book Gus the Gopher Tortoise A Tortoise Tells His Story written by Thomas Kibalo and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-03-20 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a children's book about Gus a Gopher tortoise. In this book Gus shares his life and story.The book contains custom art illustrations to help Gus in his discussions. Gus lives in a burrow located in sand dunes on the coast of Florida. He describes in first person how Gopher tortoises live and eat, and how they provide shelter to other creatures on the dunes.Gopher tortoises are recognized as a keystone species, in that their presence and activities are essential to the dunes ecology, and the well being of different animals in that habitat. Gus will introduced us to some of these animals. Gopher tortoises are some of the oldest living land species here in Florida and are now threatened. The threat comes mainly from humans that are competing with Gopher tortoises for their habitat.Gus lets us know how we can help.The book also describes conservation actions underway to help preserve the Gopher Tortoise population. Proceeds from sales of this book will go to the Friends of the Marine Science Center to support that center in their tortoise rescue efforts
Download or read book An Investigation of Habitat Suitability Factors and Their Interactions for Predicting Gopher Tortoise Habitat written by Abigail V. Lavallin and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 48 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thesis evaluates the interaction between four habitat factors vital to the gopher tortoise in Florida. Federally and state listed as threatened throughout its entire range, the gopher tortoise is vital to protect, not only for itself individually but its burrows provide an essential habitat to over 300 species making it a key stone species within its environment. Historic habitat modeling methods are reviewed for the gopher tortoise to highlight the gap on this topic. This research expanded on the methods utilized by Baskaran et al. (2006) evaluating the soil, landcover, percentage of canopy cover and the depth to water table habitat factors key to the gopher tortoise. Statistical analysis was used to establish the interactions using a regression type analysis of the presence/absence data relative to the four factors. A probability map for the study site was then computed from the results. The Analysis of Deviance results for the statistical model with land cover type as an independent variable and a 3-way interaction term for the other factors found that the land cover term was significant as an independent variable and the 3-way interaction of the other 3 habitat factors was significant. This result demonstrates that there is in fact an interaction between the habitat factors influencing the location of gopher tortoises. This finding is significant in future gopher tortoise research as it indicates that habitat factors evaluated individually may not be as important as the interactions between the factors. By understanding the interactions between the habitat factors, the FWC can work alongside other agencies to increase and improve these key habitat areas preventing them from destruction. The map results also help pinpoint those fragmented potential habitat sites which are most at risk from full destruction and loss allowing agencies the work on protecting and expanding the suitable habitat landscape in order to enhance and restore the gopher tortoise populations residing there, helping them to maintain the gopher tortoises function as a keystone species
Download or read book Gopher Tortoises written by Christopher Blomquist and published by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book was released on 2003-12-15 with total page 30 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Meet natures little bulldozer. Gopher tortoises specially designed front legs allow them to dig deep into the ground, creating homes for themselves and for dozens of other species that might not survive without them. These tortoises do immeasurable good to their habitat by sifting soil and moving minerals to the surface. They also help to spread seeds so that new plants can grow. As they read, kids will learn to appreciate this quiet, helpful creature.
Download or read book Environmental Effects on Gopher Tortoise Gopherus Polyphemus Burrows written by Ron Christian Sambeli and published by . This book was released on 2017 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species that provides a habitat for hundreds of other animal species. While environmental temperatures may fluctuate, gopher tortoise burrows maintain a fairly constant temperature. This study examines data collected from 50 burrows found in Abacoa Jupiter Greenway range VIa. Variables considered when analyzing the data include weather conditions, burrow location, and whether the temperature was measured from the air, the burrow's apron, or from within the burrow. The results were compared to previous research conducted on gopher tortoises.
Download or read book Gopher Tortoises Nature s Ecosystem Engineers written by Dr. Richard A. NeSmith and published by Applied Principles of Education & Learning. This book was released on 2021-07-28 with total page 59 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most people have never seen an endemic North American gopher tortoise. They have limited habits but can be found west and east of the Mississippi River. There are small regions in the American southwest, but the largest population is found in the "Deep South," particularly southeast Texas, southeast Lousiana, southern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, southeastern South Carolina, and most of Florida. These land tortoises are threatened and federally protected. Their importance in the ecosystem is vital. They have been identified as keystone species as many plants and more than 350 other animals, rely upon the gopher tortoises for survival. Ensuring that gopher tortoises do not lose their habitats ensures that the ecosystem is healthy and vibrant. At the current rate of change, gopher tortoises will lose 20 percent of their habitat in the next 40 years.
Download or read book Gopher Tortoise written by Dr David Mitchell and published by . This book was released on 2020-09-12 with total page 26 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Gopher tortoises specially designed front legs allow them to dig deep into the ground, creating homes for themselves and for dozens of other species that might not survive without them. These tortoises do immeasurable good to their habitat by sifting soil and moving minerals to the surface. They also help to spread seeds so that new plants can grow. As they read, kids will learn to appreciate this quiet, helpful creature.Why is the gopher tortoise called a "keystone species?" How can you tell if a newborn gopher tortoise will be male or female? How fast does a gopher tortoise travel? Why does the gopher tortoise sometimes need to drink water only once a week? The answer to these questions and more is found in this book full of pictures about the endangered gopher tortoise. The rhyming verses make it fun for children of all ages to learn about this wildlife species, that helps more than 360 other wildlife species to exist.
Download or read book Gopher Tortoise Gopherus Polyphemus Recovery Plan written by Wendell A. Neal and published by . This book was released on 1990 with total page 46 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book At Home with the Gopher Tortoise written by Madeleine Dunphy and published by Web of Life Children's Book. This book was released on 2012-10-21 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At Home with the Gopher Tortoise: The Story of a Keystone Species teaches young readers about the gopher tortoise and the more than 360 different kinds of animals that depend on it for survival. From owls to rabbits, from skunks to scorpions, the gopher tortoise provides creatures with shelter, food, or a place to raise their young. In this fascinating tale of ecological interdependency, glorious illustrations reveal the gopher tortoise's world both below and above ground, showing children how the fate of one species is important to so many others.
Download or read book At Home with the Gopher Tortoise written by Madeleine Dunphy and published by . This book was released on 2013-06-04 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discusses the habitat, physical characteristics, and behavior of the gopher tortoise, and describes its role as a keystone species and how over 360 other kinds of animals live in the burrows it builds.
Download or read book Determining Habitat Preferences of the Juvenile Gopher Tortoise Gopherus Polyphemus Using Spatially Modeled Vegetation on a Central Florida Sandhill written by Kristan Marie Nicole Raymond and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: Public and private conservation areas are becoming increasingly important to the continued survival of the gopher tortoise, making it imperative that land managers know the specific habitat requirements of juvenile gopher tortoises because recruitment is key to species persistence. Little is currently known about environmental factors that underlie hatchling and juvenile survival and recruitment in gopher tortoise populations. Because of the short duration and distance of juvenile tortoise foraging journeys, food availability, thermoregulatory conditions, and refugia near the burrow may considerably affect juvenile growth and survival. This two-year study of a central Florida sandhill examines the spatial relationship between juvenile gopher tortoise burrows and the surrounding habitat. Gopher tortoise burrow positions, activity, and width were recorded in four complete surveys of the 4-hectare study area. Coincident with three of the burrow surveys, vegetation and structural habitat characteristics, such as forb and canopy cover, were surveyed in a uniform grid design. Vegetation cover was reclassified using habitat suitability functions (HSFs) derived from qualitative literature values and combined into habitat suitability indices (HSIs) to model the relationships between habitat variables and the likelihood of juvenile gopher tortoise presence. Chi-squared tests and spatial point pattern analysis were used to validate and identify well-forming models. In general, the best performing HSI models for the juvenile gopher tortoise were those that incorporated all three gopher tortoise life requisites in a compensatory relationship (geometric mean): thermoregulation (total high canopy, bare ground, or litter), predation (oak mid-canopy), and food (forb or wiregrass). The models could be improved by using the observed relative abundance of juvenile burrows in each vegetation cover class to modify the HSFs. These methods will help identify habitat characteristics associated with active juvenile gopher tortoise burrows that can be used by public and private land managers to improve existing tortoise habitat and to identify high-quality habitat for future preserves.
Download or read book Burrow and Habitat Relationships of the Gopher Tortoise in Coastal Scrub and Slash Pine Flatwoods on Merritt Island Florida written by and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Role of Gopher Tortoise Burrows Gopherus Polyphemus in Shaping Herpetofaunal Diversity in the Sandhills of Southeast Georgia written by Amy Dawn Gaskell and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 53 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Author's abstract: Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are known to have large numbers of invertebrate and vertebrate species associated with their burrows. I compared herpetofaunal species diversity and richness at Gopher Tortoise burrows and random points not near burrows on a sandhill in Southeast Georgia. I also compared habitat structure between burrows and random arrays. Trapping took place from March 1, 2007 to August 30, 2007. Species richness for all months combined was significantly higher at Gopher Tortoise burrows than random arrays (Random = 3.60 " 0.43, Burrow = 5.20 " 0.57). Species diversity was not significantly different between burrow and random arrays; however, there was a trend showing higher diversity at burrows (Random = 0.67 " 0.08, Burrow = 0.78 " 0.06). Species diversity and richness were analyzed separately for each month. Species diversity and richness did not differ between months (March August) or between arrays. Percent canopy cover and plant species richness were significantly lower at Gopher Tortoise burrows, and there was a trend towards more ground cover at burrows as well. The results of this study show that species may take refuge in the burrow of the Gopher Tortoise, especially when temperatures are relatively low. This study has provided some evidence to support the status of the Gopher Tortoise as a keystone species in sandhill habitats.
Download or read book Vegetative Relationships Found in Gopher Tortoise Habitat and the Potential Effects of Regulatory Tortoise Management on Wood Availability written by Stacy Lynn Kinard and published by . This book was released on 1995 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Species Profile Gopher Tortoise Gopherus Polyphemus on Military Installations in the Southeastern United States written by and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 39 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is the only tortoise that occurs east of the Mississippi River. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has separated the species into two main populations. The western population (southwest Mississippi and southeast Louisiana) is Federally listed as threatened; the eastern population, which occurs in southern Alabama and Georgia, extreme southwestern South Carolina, and most of Florida, is a former candidate for listing as threatened. Gopher tortoises occupy a wide range of open, upland habitats with a well-drained, deep sandy substrate, primarily longleaf pine-xerophytic oak woodlands (sandhills). They have been documented on several military installations in the Southeast. This report is one of a series of 'Species Profiles' being developed for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species inhabiting southeastern United States plant communities. The work is being conducted as part of the Department of Defense (DoD) Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). The report is designed to supplement information provided in plant community management reports for major United States plant communities found on military installations. Information provided on the gopher tortoise includes status, life history and ecology, habitat requirements, impacts and cause of decline, management and protection, and inventory and monitoring.
Download or read book Biology of North American Tortoises written by National Biological Survey (U.S.) and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
