Term of Award
Fall 2007
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (restricted to Georgia Southern)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Biology
Committee Chair
Lance D. McBrayer
Committee Member 1
David C. Rostal
Committee Member 2
Lorne M. Wolfe
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Gaskell, Amy D., "The Role of Gopher Tortoise Burrows (Gopherus polyphemus) in Shaping Herpetofaunal Diversity in the Sandhills of Southeast Georgia" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1023.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/1023
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No