Presentation
Stopped in Their Tracks: Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Barriers on Gopherus polyphemmus
38th Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting
(2017)
Abstract
Roads are known to hinder gene flow and fragment habitat for terrestrial organisms, including Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). However, railroad tracks may cause similar problems as tortoises often become trapped in the tracks and face mortality from overheating and dehydration. To test the effect railroad tracks have on Gopher Tortoises, 12 adult tortoises familiar with the tracks and 12 unfamiliar with the tracks were placed in a 20 meter stretch of inactive track at the Kennedy Space Center. Additionally, 12 tortoises were placed in a control area of equal size. Behavior and crossing attempts were recorded for one hour and differences among were compared using a principle component analysis. No tortoises placed within railroad tracks were able to successfully cross within the allotted time. Additionally, radio-telemetry was used to determine the frequency at which tortoises cross the tracks by comparing actual movement to randomized pathways created in the package adehabitatLT in R. We found that railroad tracks are hindering Gopher Tortoise movement, therefore, we conclude by suggesting a management option to lessen the effect railroad tracks have on Gopher Tortoises.
Keywords
- railroad,
- ecology,
- Gopher tortoise,
- behavior
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring January 14, 2017
Location
Palatka, FL
Citation Information
Bridget Vincent, Katelyn S. Lanctot, Rhett M. Rautsaw, Scott A. Martin, et al.. "Stopped in Their Tracks: Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Barriers on Gopherus polyphemmus" 38th Gopher Tortoise Council Meeting (2017) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bridget-vincent/1/
Creative Commons License
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