Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Boglioli, M. D., Michener, W. K., & Guyer, C. (2000). Habitat selection and modification by the gopher tortoise, gopherus polyphemus, in georgia longleaf pine forest. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 3(4), 699–705.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:40:32 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Boglioli2000 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Gopherus, Gopherus polyphemus, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae Creators: Boglioli, Guyer, Michener Collection: Chelonian Conservation and Biology |
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| Abstract |
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Testudinidae Gopherus polyphemus Gopher tortoise burrows in longleaf pine forest in an ecological reserve in Georgia were associated with sparse overstory canopy cover (30%), low shrub density, and positive slope. Gopher tortoises modified the habitat surrounding their burrows by compacting soils and by selective foraging. Wiregrass was equally abundant at burrows and control points, but the abundance of (fleshy) fruit-bearing plants and non-Aristida grasses (Poaceae), two documented food items, was significantly lower near active tortoise burrows. Fabaceae (legumes), another preferred food, were 3 times more abundant near burrows. Seeds of many native legumes in the study area have extremely thick seed coats that may benefit from scarification for successful germination. The dispersion pattern of all burrows in the study area was clumped, whereas active burrows were randomly dispersed. The random distribution of active burrows is likely related to the distribution of optimal habitat patches, whereas the clumped pattern for all burrows probably reflects use of multiple burrows by single tortoises. Our data suggest that gopher tortoises play an important role in shaping the structure of longleaf pine forests. Because adult tortoises can occupy burrows for decades, soil compaction and alteration of vegetation composition around burrows are likely to have lasting impacts on the vegetation community.
Added by: Admin |