Assessment of Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Activity and Faunal Diversity Associated with Tortoise Burrows Using Trail Cameras at Two South Florida Natural Areas
Abstract
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an ecologically important organism distributed throughout the southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are a keystone species due to the burrows they create. These excavated habitats provide shelter for hundreds of commensal species that escape from wildfires and extreme heat during summer months. Six trail cameras (three at each site) were deployed at the entrance of gopher tortoise burrows in two natural areas (Fern Forest and Military Trail) in Broward County. Motion-activated cameras took pictures of animals at the burrow entrance over a 21-month period. Cameras were left in the field between 5-14 days at a time before retrieving and swapping out SD cards. Data collected thus far revealed a total of ten species recorded at dens in Fern Forest over a total of 104 camera days, while a total of six species were recorded at dens in Military Trail over a total of 135 camera days. Gopher tortoises were captured in a total of 339 pictures at Military Trail of a total of 864 pictures taken and 1,192 pictures at Fern Forest of a total of 7,154 pictures taken. This data will provide insight into the activity and use of dens by the protected Gopher Tortoise and associated animals in its habitat.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Paul Arena
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-6-2021 12:00 PM
End Date
4-9-2021 12:00 PM
Assessment of Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Activity and Faunal Diversity Associated with Tortoise Burrows Using Trail Cameras at Two South Florida Natural Areas
Alvin Sherman Library
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an ecologically important organism distributed throughout the southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises are a keystone species due to the burrows they create. These excavated habitats provide shelter for hundreds of commensal species that escape from wildfires and extreme heat during summer months. Six trail cameras (three at each site) were deployed at the entrance of gopher tortoise burrows in two natural areas (Fern Forest and Military Trail) in Broward County. Motion-activated cameras took pictures of animals at the burrow entrance over a 21-month period. Cameras were left in the field between 5-14 days at a time before retrieving and swapping out SD cards. Data collected thus far revealed a total of ten species recorded at dens in Fern Forest over a total of 104 camera days, while a total of six species were recorded at dens in Military Trail over a total of 135 camera days. Gopher tortoises were captured in a total of 339 pictures at Military Trail of a total of 864 pictures taken and 1,192 pictures at Fern Forest of a total of 7,154 pictures taken. This data will provide insight into the activity and use of dens by the protected Gopher Tortoise and associated animals in its habitat.
