Assessment of Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Activity and Faunal Diversity Associated with Tortoise Burrows Using Trail Cameras at Three South Florida Natural Areas
Abstract
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a protected keystone species found in our area. The excavated burrows they create are shelter for hundreds of commensal species during wildfires and extreme heat. Nine motion-activated trail cameras (three at each site) were mounted outside burrows in three local natural areas (Fern Forest (FF), Military Trail (MT), and Deerfield Island Park (DI)). Pictures and videos of animals were recorded at burrow entrances intermittently over an 11-month period between January 2022 and November 2022. Cameras were left in the field between 15-30 days at a time before retrieval and exchange of SD cards took place. Fern Forest had the highest total species richness with eighteen, despite having half the number (123) of camera days (cd), followed by MT with 14 species (245 cd) and DI with nine species (242 cd). Gopher tortoises were captured in a total of 12.7%, 18.0% and 18.3% of photos at FF, MT, and DI, respectively. Mating was captured at all three sites, but at different times. Deerfield Island mating was observed in March, MT in April and May, and FF in September. This study provides insight into the activity and use of dens by the protected gopher tortoise and associated commensals.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Paul Arena
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Assessment of Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Activity and Faunal Diversity Associated with Tortoise Burrows Using Trail Cameras at Three South Florida Natural Areas
Alvin Sherman Library
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a protected keystone species found in our area. The excavated burrows they create are shelter for hundreds of commensal species during wildfires and extreme heat. Nine motion-activated trail cameras (three at each site) were mounted outside burrows in three local natural areas (Fern Forest (FF), Military Trail (MT), and Deerfield Island Park (DI)). Pictures and videos of animals were recorded at burrow entrances intermittently over an 11-month period between January 2022 and November 2022. Cameras were left in the field between 15-30 days at a time before retrieval and exchange of SD cards took place. Fern Forest had the highest total species richness with eighteen, despite having half the number (123) of camera days (cd), followed by MT with 14 species (245 cd) and DI with nine species (242 cd). Gopher tortoises were captured in a total of 12.7%, 18.0% and 18.3% of photos at FF, MT, and DI, respectively. Mating was captured at all three sites, but at different times. Deerfield Island mating was observed in March, MT in April and May, and FF in September. This study provides insight into the activity and use of dens by the protected gopher tortoise and associated commensals.
