VEGETATIVE ANALYSIS AND GOPHER TORTOISE MONITORING (2)
VEGETATION ANALYSIS AND GOPHER TORTOISE MONITORING
OF THE SAND PINE PRESERVE
AT QUANTUM PARK, BOYNTON BEACH
SIXTH QUARTERLY REPORT
25 September 1988
by
Ecological Consultants
7301 Summerbridge Drive
Tampa, Florida 33614
2
VEGETATION ANALYSIS AND MONITORING
OF THE
QUANTUM PARK SAND PINE PRESERVE
SIXTH QUARTERLY REPORT.
INTRODUCTION
Prior to any development of the Quantum Park properties
(DRI), approximately 40 acres of sand pine scrub habitat was set
aside as a nature preserve.
The intent was to preserve through
management, a portion of the scrub ecosystem, both plant and
ani mal s pe c i e s .
At the request of the Treasure Coast Regional
Planning Council, one large contiguous parcel was established as
a preserve north of N.W. 22nd Avenue (Figure 1).
Since the existing preserve contained approximately 33 acres
of sa nd pi ne scrub, 4-7 add i t ional acres of scrub were created
using a topsoil overburden mulching technique used by the
phosphate industry, in order to meet the acreage as required by
the Development Order.
The entire parcel was fenced off from
outside encroachment and extant populations of gopher tortoise,
Florida mice and Florida scrub lizards were relocated from other
scrub areas into the preserve for future management.
Methods
A checklist of the vascular flora of the preserve was
prepared by sampling permanent quadrats, line transects, and
ground truthing the site on two week intervals between December
1985 and June 1987.
Special attention was given to the
occurrence of obligate scrub species which may be an indication
-----
3
of past disturbance and/or recovery potential.
Two permanent survey lines (designated east and west for
loca t ion purposes) were establ i shed in a north- so u th d i r ec t ion
within the preserve. Reference points were established every 100
feet along each of the survey lines. These points would be
important for the location of gopher tortoise burrows within the
preserve and permanant location of selected vegetation quadrats.
Four (4) nested quadrats were randomly located throughout the
preserve within the canopied areas (Figure 2). The size of the
quadrats varied with the strata of the forest to be sampled.
Trees were measured using a 20 x 20 m quadrat; shrubs using a 5 x
5 m quadrat; and herbaceous species using a 1 x 1 m quadrat. The
5 x 5 m shrub quadrat was nested in the northeast corner of each
tree quadrat. Two I x 1 m quadrats were nested within the shrub
quadrat in the northeast and southeast corners. The number of
stems or individuals were determined for each measured species.
Average height was indicated for shrubs and % cover was
determined for herbs. For all trees within the 20 x 20 m
quadrat, dbh and basal area were measured.
A permanent l00-meter line transect along the west survey
line was establ i shed. I n each area, the vegetation was sampl ed
using the line-intercept method; recording the length of the
transect I ine intercepted by each plant shoot encountered.
Dens i ty, domi nance, frequency and importance val ues (as the sum
of the rela t i ve measures) were calculated for herbs and s hr ubs
along the transect.
4
Results
VEGETATION
Disturbances to plant communities have long been viewed as
an outside threat to the normal functioning of the community. In
the san d pin e s c rub co mm un i t y, the res i 1 en c y 0 f m 0 s t 0 f the
indicator species has been attributed to recovery via sprouting
from preexisting root stocks, as very few species in the scrub
recover via seed (Ceratiola ericoides, pinus clausal
In contrast to other mature sand pine scrubs in the area,
the preserve has a total of 123 species of which 40% are obligate
to sand pine scrub (Table 1). The vegetation of the preserve
area is cha r acter i zed as young or early success ional sand pi ne
scrub with scattered areas of dry prairie. Although clearing of
the understory and thinning of the sand pine occurred prior to
1983, community recovery is rapidly occurring.
The overstory trees are dominated by widely spaced sand pine
(Pinus clausa) (138 trees per acre) of at least two different age
classes (l0-20 years and 20-30 years). Tree core data from
established permanent plots indicates that the average age of
sand pine is l8.34 years old, with the oldest trees (19-26 years)
in the northeastern corner of the preserve (Table 2). There were
no trees greater than 31 years, however, hundreds of young
sapling are scattered throughout the preserve. Trees vary in
size from 2.7-36.7 cm dbh, reaching heights of 37-46 feet.
There has been considerable speculation regarding what seems
to be the formation of even-aged stands of sand pine in central
5
and south Florida due to the presence of serotinous cones on the
Ocala variety of sand pine (pinus clausa var. clausa). In
northern Florida, Choctawhatchee sand pine (Pinus clausa var.
immuginata) exits in stands of several age classes because most
of the cones open on the trees throughout the year and seed
release occurs annually. In contrast, the Ocala sand pine have
serotinous cones which only open following severe fires,
resulting in what appears to be even-aged stands. However, a
closer look at south Florida scrubs indicates that many of the
Ocala sand pine have open cones or in fact, some suggest that
some of the sand pines in south Florida may be the Choctawhatchee
variety.
Therefore, 150 randomly located sand pines were sampled
within the preserve for open vs closed cones. The data indicates
that 46% of the cone bearing trees have open cones. The data
also shows that most of the trees with open cones are greater
than 20 years of age. The fact that the older sand pines have
open cones may be attributed to age of the cones and the effect
of summer temperatures on cone opening or that a low intensity
ground fire swept through the site several years ago with
sufficient heat to open the cones. This may also explain some of
the regeneration observed within the preserve.
During the fifth quarter of sampling, 3 mature sand pines
have died within the preserve and more than 30 have died in the
disturbed areas south of the fence. Since then, only one
additional sand pine appears to have been attacked by beetles and
6
may die. It appears that the summer drought had weakened many
pines which have fallen prey to beetles. This situation occurs
naturally in most east coast populations of sand pine, however,
if more trees begin to die, the site may have to be sprayed for
the beetle pests.
The shr ub 1 ayer is dom i na ted by widely spaced scrub oaks
(Quercus myrtifolia, Quercus geminata), Palafoxia feayi,
jointweed (polygonella polygama) and scrub mint (Conradina
grandiflora). During the fourth quarter, average stem densities
were highest for myrtle oak (93.8 stems per 5 x 5 m quadrat) and
sand live oak (79.8 stems per 5 x 5 m quadrat), while average
height was 2l.3 - 68.5 cm (Table 3). Due to the slow change
associated with scrub vegetation, no quadrat monitoring for
shr ubs or herbs was conducted dur ing the sixth quarter. Final
data collection on these plots will occur during the eighth
quarter of sampling.
During the fourth quarter, stem densities slightly decreased
for both species of oaks, but showed some increase for jointweed
(Polygonella polygama) and Palafox ia feayi. Average height also
showed an increase of l3% and 17% for Plots land 2,
respect i vely, but decreased sl ightly for plot #4 (2 %). Plot #3
increased in stem densities by ll4% over last years sampling.
Changes in shrub stem densities over time for the Quantum
Park scrub communities is consistent wit~ other scrubs in south
Florida Recent data collected from l0 year field plots at
Jonathan Dickinson state Park indicate that scrub species
-~,
7
composition remains fairly constant in mature scrub, however,
stem densities in oaks shows a 2-3 fold increase. Changes in
shrub densities within the preserve may not change much over the
next few years since most of the understory was reduced to the
ground surface in 1983. Seed inputs from existing oaks will
require longer intervals before new seedlings can be detected.
The overall diversity is much higher than compared with
other mature scrubs or other areas within Quantum Park
(Richardson et ale 1986) Except for the oaks, other
characteristic shrubs have begun to germinate in the open areas
of the preserve. These shrubs include rosemary (Ceratiola
ericoides), rusty lyonia (Lyonia ferruginea), scrub mint
(Conradina canescens), tallowwood (Ximenia americana), and
jointweed (Polygonella ciliata and ~ gracilis) .
probably the most interesting observation concerns the
establ ishment of Ceratiola. Rosemary often does not germinate
until 2-5 years postfire, and its seedlings do not reach
reproductive maturity for 10 to 15 years. To date, more than 35
2 -3 year old shrubs have been observed throughout the preserve
area. Johnson (1986) has shown that stand biomass increases
slowly from 2 to 4 years, rapidly from 4 to l0 years and less
rapidly between l0 and 35 years.
Love vine (Cassytha filiformis) is found throughout the
preserve on most of the shrubs and some herbs. However, the
parasitic nature of this species has eliminated several hundred
Conradina and polygonella shrubs. In cases where the vine is
.I
8
removed from the shrub, new growth beg ins to appear rapidly.
These observations indicate the need for a monitoring program to
assess the rate at which Conradina and other shrubs become
parasitized by love vine.
The herbaceous component of the preserve area is represented
by 95 species, including a large proportion (3l%) of weed species
that have colonized disturbed areas (Le., brush piles, trails
and even gopher tortoise mounds). The most common herbs include
broomsedge grass (Andropogon virginicus), Cyperus retrorsus,
Dichanthelium sabulorum, silkgrass (pityopsis graminifolia),
innonence (Euphorbia polyphylla), and hairsedge (Bulbostylis
ciliatifolia). Average percent cover for the 8 permanent 1 x 1
m2 plots was 34% in 1987 and 3l% in 1988, showing a slight
decrease which was largely attr ibuted to a loss of broomsedge
grass from the plots (Tables 4a and 4b). Even though the percent
cover decreased from 1987 to 1988, the number of species within
the 4 sampling plots increased from l5 to 19. This change was
due to an increase in the number of scrub endemics that have
ger m i n a ted thr 0 ug ho ut the preserve. Some of the more notable
species include Bulbostylis, Lechea, Euphorbia, Dichanthelium,
Aristida, Croton, and Liatris. Since no visual change in species
composition was observed during the fifth quarter, so no actual
quadrat sampling was conducted. Since community change is a slow
process in scrub, quadrat sampling will not occur until the 8th
quarter monitoring period
Ruderal components have invaded the margins of the preserve
9
due to past disturbance from livestock. Several horses and goats
from the adjacent property have periodically entered the
preserve This has resulted in some areas being completely
denuded from horses rolling in the sand for insect protection.
Also the adjacent properties have been disturbed for such a long
time that the ruderal components are well established and
potential seed banks are high.
SCRUB FINGERS
To date, scrub reclamation is currently in
There is little information or current research
its infancy.
on the site-
specific, edaphic, biological and meteorological circumstances
that may ultimately determine the types of xeric ecosystems (sand
pine scrub, sandhill, pine flatwoods) that can evolve on
disturbed lands (i.e., pastures, mined lands, mechanically
altered sites).
Studies have been conducted to determine the structure and
composition of the major components of scrub pinelands (Austin
1976; Kurz 1942; Laessle 1958 and others). The vegetative
component is easily assessed, easily quantified and, therefore,
relatively well-documented. The hydrological component (rainfall
and ground water levels) also is assessable, but requires long-
term monitoring efforts to document adequately. The edaphic
component likewise is measurable, but the interaction of these
three components in the text of restoration is not well known.
The purpose of this preliminary report is to evaluate the
recolonization success of the newly created scrub fingers.
l0
Three separate scrub areas were created on the northern
boundary of the existing sand pine scrub within the preserve at
Quantum Park. An area of approximately 4-7 acres (16,000-18,000
cubic yards) was created to become an extension of the already
existing sand pine scrub ridge. The reclaimed scrub was created
not to exceed the natural elevations found within the existing
sand pine scrub. Approximately 24 inches of St Lucie fine sand
was used as base material for the harvested topsoil, rich in seed
material, root sprouts and local mycorrhizal populations. To
further enhance the recruitment of scrub species, clumps of scrub
vegetation were removed from the harvest sites and placed on all
mitigated scrub areas. A watering truck was provided for the
first week to stimulate root sprouting of scrub oaks and local
seed banks.
Monitoring of species establishment within the mitigated
scrub areas will be accomplished by creating at least l6
permanent 1 x 1 meter plots along an established north-south
transect. Species richness, species diversity, and % cover will
be monitored quarterly, if necessary.
As of 11 September 1988, a combined total of 83 species have
been observed on the three scrub fingers. This represents an
increase of only three species over a 6 month period. Ruderal
species, such as, Cyperus retrorsus, Urena lobata, Scoparia
dulcis, phytolacca americana, and Catharanthus roseus are still
prevalent on the scrub fingers and in some areas along the
western and northern borders may pose a problem for native
11
establishment. Observations from mined sites in central Florida
using this mulching technique showed similar results but at
somewhat decreased densities.
However, the results from Quantum Park do show that 40% of
the total number of species present were indicator or early
successional scrub species (Table 5). The most notable scrub
species included Froelichia floridana, Bulbostylis ciliatifolia,
Lechea cernua, Palafoxia feayi, Euphorbia polyphylla, Quercus
gemi na ta, and Quercus chapman i i . The occurrence of these scrub
species were the result of root sprouts associated with live
harvested plant materials. A few species, such as Lechea cernua,
Liatris chapmanii and Commelina erecta, have come up in open
areas from seed that was released last year or from local seed
banks
Average percent cover for herbs within the western 8 m2
plots was 51% at the end of the 3rd quarter, but had increased to
92 % by the end of the 6 th quarter. The eastern plots were
slightly higher (59%) at the end of the 3rd quarter, but nearly
93% by the end of the 6th quarter (Table 6). The substantial
increase in percent cover was largely attributed to Dichanthelium
sabulorum, Paspalum notatum, and Cyperus retrorsus.
During the winter months of the first year, several thousand
young pine seedlings had been observed throughout the scrub
preserve in areas that have been enhanced by topsoil from the
donor sites. However, most of these seedlings had disappeared by
late winter early spring due to low soil moisture conditions. To
12
It<'!.
date, several small sand pine seedlings appear to have reached
the minimum critical height for survival and should respond
favorably over the next few months.~
During the months of March and April, hundreds of Lechea
cernua seedlings germinated in the open areas of the fingers. It
is interesting to find this species in such large numbers since
many scrubs are lacking.
Mant of the March seedlings have grown
to several inches and many have flowered and set seed.
Most of
the young oak seedlings or resprouts have died due to the lack of
soil moisture.
Of the woody species, Palafox ia feayi and
Polygonella polygama seem to be the most drought resistant and
abundant on the fingers.
It seems that many of the woody species
reach about 12-20 inches in height and then begin to show signs
of wilt, which may be a longtern problem without irrigation~
Although the overall species establishment of indicator
scrub species has increased steadily, several pest species have
caused some problems within the newly created sand fingers.
Caesar-weed (Urena lobata) and Sida cordifolia have become a
threat, forming large stands several feet in diameter.
Probably
the most troublesome species has been the invasion of bahia qrass
from the surrounding pasture.
This species tends to dominate
disturbed soils and will probably out-compete the scrub plants
without a maintenance program.
~n the next several months,
the
~
areas of dense bahia grass will be herbicided and burned as per
the proposed management plan for the 40 acres of sand pine scrub.
This program has not been implemented earlier because of agency
13
approvals and concerns about the management plan.
o n c e the
growth of this species has been curtailed, the entire area may be
mulched with scrub topsoils from donor sites within the
development depending upon the success of the burning program~
Animal species have also been observed on the scrub fingers.
Two gopher tortoise have taken up residency within the scrub
fingers
One tortoise has occupied a burrow along the eastern
edge of scrub finger #3 for about 9 months. During last quarter,
a new burrow appeared in the northeast corner of finger #1 and is
st ill occupied.
Bi-weekly observations of the scrub fingers has
yielded as many as 51 scrub lizards per visit during the summer
months and about 8-12 individuals in the winter months. However,
the presence of bahia grass has reduced the summer counts to less
than 30 on any given daY.~~he open nature of the fingers in the
first 6 months was prime habitat for ground foraging by scrub
lizards, however, open forage areas have been severely reduced~
The results, to date, indicate that recovery of the sand
pine scrub fingers is a slow process that will probably require
some installation of nursery grown stock, such as sand live oaks,
scrub mint and rosemary. ~0n an effort to increase scrub
densities, approximately 250 one year old sand pines were planted
~
in late February or early March on each of the 3 scrub fingers.
To date, all except 4 or 5 seedlings have died as a result of low
moisture levels. Overhead irrigation would have probably
~
increased overall survival, but the expense may not be justified~
Most of the clumps of vegetation that were added by the front-end
14
loader during the construction phase have died due to root damage
to the plants and lack of water initially. Past research efforts
indicate that most scrub species germinate in the winter when
soil temperatures are reduced and moisture levels marginal. It
appears that species such as sand pine remain dormant until soil
moisture levels approach 1-2% before germinating. Delayed
germination guarantees that some of the emerging seedlings will
survive into the summer months when soil temperatures reach
1400F
Other endemic scrub species such as Ceratiola ericoides and
Lechea cernua have also germinated from seed sources wi thin the
soil Germination of these early successional species indicates
that soil conditions are favorable for scrub recovery.
Ins u mm a r y , the 0 v era II r e co v e r y 0 f t he sand pi n e s c rub
fingers is far better than we expected for only 15 months after
co n s t r uc t ion. Recrui tmen t of scrub endemics has occurred over
most of the newly created areas. Several species such as
Palafoxia and Liatris have produced seed during the 1987-88
season and new seedlings have appeared in the bare areas. We
will continue to monitor the viability of these new seed inputs.
As indicated above, pest and pasture species prove to be the
biggest concern to date. The establishment of Bahia grass on
finger #1 has occurred much more rapidly than expected and will
require some type of short and long-term maintenance.
FLOWERING AND FRUITING
To further evaluate the overall success of the preserve
15
area, a bi-weekly monitoring program was established to document
the seasonal response of flowering and fruiting of the vascular
flora (Table 6). This data would provide information which could
be used to harvest nat i ve seed for replanting selected areas or
to determine what proportion of the recruitment within the
preserve is from seed germination vs root sprouts.
EXOTIC SPECIES REMOVAL
~ crhe invasion of exotic species into the preserve could have
very serious effects on the native vegetation if not controlled
and monitored on a regular basi~ Several exotic plant species
have been observed within the preserve: Brazilian pepper (Schinus
terebinthifolius), punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia), and
earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculaeformis).
Efforts for their
eradication were initiated on the 20 May 1987 by treating the
base of each shrub or tree with herbicide (Garlon 4). Within 10
days following appl icat ion of the herbicide, symptoms of
chlorosis, leaf loss, and wilting were evident on most treated
individuals.
In some cases, a second application was needed to
prod uce the des i red effects.
Approximately 47 trees or shrubs
were treated with the herbicide within the preserve.
To date,
about 75% of the treated shrubs have been killed by the
treatments.
We anticipate that the eradication process will be
extended to all non-scrub species throughout the preserve in
order to reduce unwanted seed banks which may affect the long-
term survival of the scrub community.
16
Figure 1. Location of the Sand pine Scrub Preserve
at Quantum Park, Boynton Beach.
Figure 2. Location of the permanent vegetation quadrats
within the Sand pine Preserve at Quantum Park,
Boynton Beach.
17
18
Table 1. Checklist of the vascular flora for the Sand pine
Preserve at Quantum Park, Boynton Beach.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Trees
Acacia auriculaeformis
Ficus aurea
Ilex cassine
Melaleuca quinquenervia
pinus clausa
pinus elliottii
Sabal palmetto
Earleaf Acacia
Strangler fig
Dahoon holly
Punk tree
Sand pine
Slash pine
Cabbage palm
Shrubs
Asimina obovata
Asimina reticulata
Befaria racemosa
Ceratiola ericoides
Conradina grandiflora
Gelsemium sempervirens
Ilex glabra
Lantana camara
Licania michauxii
Lyonia ferruginea
Lyonia lucida
Palafoxia feayi
Quercus chapmanii
Quercus geminata
Quercus myrtifolia
Rubus trivialis
Sabal etonia
Schinus terebinthifolius
Serenoa repens
Vaccinium myrsinites
Ximenia americana
PawPaw
PawPaw
Tarflower
Rosemary
Scrub mint
Yellow jassamine
Gallberry
Lantana
Gopher plum
Rusty lyonia
Staggerbush
Palafoxia
Chapman's oak
Sand live oak
Myrtle oak
Blackberry
Scrub palm
Brazilian pepper
Saw palmetto
Huckleberry
Tallowwood
Herbs
Abrus precatorius
Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Andropogon virginicus
Aristida gyrans
Aristida spiciformis
Aristida stricta
Asclepias curtissii
Aster tortifolius
Balduina angustifolia
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia
Roasary pea
Ragweed
Broomsedge grass
Wiregrass
Bottlebrush threeawn
Wiregrass
Curtiss milkweed
White-topped aster
Yellow buttons
Hair sedge
9
Cassia chamaecrista
Cassia nictitans
Cassia occidentalis
Cassytha filiformis
Catharanthus roseus
Cenchrus incertus
Centrosema virginianum
Chrysopsis scabrella
Commelina erecta
Conyza canadensis
Crotalaria rotundifolia
Croton glandulosus
Crotonopsis linearis
Cuthbertia ornata
Cynodon dactylon
Cyperus haspan
Cyperus planifolius
Cyperus retrorsus
Dalea feayi
Dichanthelium dichotomum
Dichanthelium sabulorum
Digitaria serotina
Diodia teres
Eclipta alba
Emilia fosbergii
Eragrostis atrovirens
Eragrostis scaligera
Eupatorium capillifolium
Euphorbia mil i i
Euphorbia polyphylla
Euthamia minor
Froelichia floridana
Galactia regularis
Gelsemium sempervirens
Gnaphalium pensylvanicum
Hedyotis procumbens
Helianthemum nashii
Heliotropium polyphyllum
Heterotheca subaxillaris
Indigofera hirsuta
Lechea cernua
Lechea deckertii
Liatris chapmanii
Linaria canadensis
Mollugo verticillata
Momordica charantia
Opuntia humifusa
paspalum notatum
paspalum setaceum
paspalum urvillei
Phytolacca americana
pityopsis graminifolia
Partr idge-pea
Wild sensitive plant
Coffee senna
Love vine
Periwinkle
Sand spur
Butterfly-pea
Goldenaster
Dayflower
Dwarf horseweed
Rabbit-bells
Croton
Rushfoil
Roseling
Bermudagrass
Nutsedge
Blanket crabgrass
Poor Joe
Cupid's shavingbrush
Dogfennel
Crown-of-thorns
Spurge
Cottonweed
Yellow jassamine
Cudweed
Innocence
Heliotrope
Camphorweed
Hairy indigo
Blue toadflax
Indian chickweed
Wild balsam apple
Prickly-pear cactus
Bahia grass
Thin paspalum
Vaseygrass
Pokeweed
Silkgrass
20
polanisia tenuifolia
Polygala incarnata
Polygonella ciliata
Polygonella fimbriata
Polygonella gracilis
Polygonella polygama
Polypremum procumbens
Portulaca pilosa
pterocaulon virgatum
Rhynchelytrum repens
Rhynchospora megalocarpa
Richardia brasiliensis
Schrankia uncinata
Scoparia dulcis
Selaginella arinicola
Setaria geniculata
Seymeria pectinata
Sida cordifolia
Sisyrinchium solstitiale
Smilax auriculata
Solanum americanum
Solidago chapmanii
Solidago stricta
Spartina bakeri
Spermacoce assurgens
Spermacoce verticillata
Stipulicida setacea
Tillandsia recurvata
Tillandsia usneoides
Tillandsia utriculata
Trichostema dichotomum
Urena lobata
Vitis munsoniana
Procession flower
Wi reweed
Sandhill wireweed
Wireweed
Jointweed
Rustweed
Pink purslane
Rabbit tobacco
Natal grass
Scrub sedge
Sensitive briar
Sweetbroom
Sand spike moss
Foxtail grass
Blue-eyed grass
Sawbriar
Common nightshade
Goldenrod
Goldenrod
Sand cordgrass
Ball moss
Spanish moss
Wild pine
Forked blue-curls
Caesar weed
wild grape
21
Table 2. The number of sand pine and average age per
20 x 20 meter tree quadrat for the sand pine
scrub preserve at Quantum Park, Boynton Beach.
Quadrat # Density ReI Dom Rel Avg. Avg.
# Den. Basal Dom. dbh Age
1 6 l3 0 2054 15.8 18.7 l8.6
2 18 39.l 3322 25.6 14.5 17.8
3 13 28.2 2703 20.7 15.7 16.3
4 9 19.5 4947 37.9 25.6 21.8
Total 46 100.0 131326 11313.13 18.6 18.3
22
Table 3. Number of shrub stems per each 5 x 5 m2 quadrat
sampled in 1987 and 1988 within the Sand Pine
Preserve at Quantum Park.
plot Number Totals
1 2 3 4
Species ( Yea r ) 87 88 87 88 87 88 87 88 87 88
Quercus myrtifolia 298 288 1 3 26 2 50 38 375 331
Quercus geminata 195 216 84 96 14 6 26 19 319 337
Palafoxia feayi 14 l4 1 2 4 8 4 4 23 28
polygonella polygama 12 9 10 17 22 26
Opuntia humifusa 7 3 2 2 3 3 12 8
Smilax auriculata 2 6 1 8 1
Quercus chapmanii 1 6 4 6 5
Vitis munsoniana 1 4 5
pinus clausa 2 3 1 3 3
Solodago stricta 3 2 3 2
Conradina grandiflora 2 2 2 2
Serenoa repens 1 1 1 1
Commelina diffusa 1 1
Total # Species 3 3 8 6 9 9 7 6
Average Height ( cm) 36 41 59 69 21 45 69 67
23
Table 4a. Number of stems and percent cover per 1 x 1 m2
herbaceous quadrats within the Sand Pine Preserve
at Quantum Park, 1987.
Species plot Number Totals
1 2 3 4
a b a b a b a b
Andropogon virginicus 153 101 14 3 6 277
Selaginella arenicola 8 21 1 6 1 10 47
Dichanthelium sabulorum 2 29 4 4 3 1 1 1 44
Cyperus retrorsus 7 6 1 7 21 2 44
Euphorbia polyphylla 19 6 3 28
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia 1 I 11 14
Polygonella polygama 2 3 1 3 3 12
Sisyrinchium solstitiale 11 11
Palafoxia feayi 2 2 3 7
Sm i 1 a x auriculata 3 1 4
Helianthemum corymbosum 3 3
Quercus geminata 2 2
Opuntia hunifusa 1 1 2
Pinus clausa (seedling) 1 1 2
Stipulicida setacea 1 1
Number of Species 6 4 5 4 4 8 10 8 l5
% Coverage 54 49 33 14 6 54 30 32 34%
24
Table 4b. Number of stems and percent cover per 1 x 1 m2
herbaceous quadrats within the Sand Pine Preserve
at Quantum Park, 1988.
Species plot Number Totals
1 2 3 4
a b a b a b a b
Andropogon virginicus 63 43 1 l07
Selaginel1a arenicola 3 1 10 1 4 8 27
Dichanthelium sabulorum 1 l3 6 3 2 4 1 1 31
Euphorbia polyphylla 8 1 1 1 11
po1ygonel1a gracilis 1 6 2 1 l0
Aristida gyrans 6 2 8
palafoxia feayi 4 2 2 8
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia 3 2 2 7
Polygonella polygama 1 2 3 1 7
Cyperus retrorsus 2 1 2 5
Sm i 1 a x auriculata 5 5
Sisyrinchium solstitiale 1 3 4
Liatris tenuifolia 2 2 4
Helianthemum corymbosum 3 3
Stipulicida setacea 2 2
Quercus geminata 1 1
Serenoa repens 1 1
Opuntia humifusa 0
pinus clausa (seedling) 0
Number of Species 7 5 5 4 5 9 7 7 19
% Coverage 59 61 34 18 6 26 14 20 30%
----~----~_. ---..---------
25
Table 5. Plant Species colonizing the Sand Pine Scrub Fingers.
1987
Scientific Name D J F M A M
Trees
pinus clausa + + + + + +
pinus elliottii +
Schinus terebinthifolius + +
Shrubs
Befaria racemosa
Ceratiola ericoides + + + + + +
Ilex cassine + + + + + +
Ilex glabra + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + + + + +
Lyonia lucida + + + + + +
palafoxia feayi + + + + + +
Polygonella polygama + + +
Quercus chapmanii + + + + +
Quercus geminata + + + + + +
Quercus myrtifolia + + + + +
Rubus trivialis + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + +
Herbs
Asclepias curtisii
Ambrosia artemisiifolia + + +
Andropogon virginicus + + + + + +
Aristida gyrans
Aristida spiciformis
Aristida stricta + + + + + +
Balduina angustifolia + + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + + + +
Cassytha filiformis
Catharanthus roseus + + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + + +
Chrysopsis scabrella +
Commelina erecta + + + + + +
Conyza canadensis
Crotolaria rotundifolia + + + +
Croton glandulosus + + +
Crotonopsis linearis +
Cuthbertia ornata + + +
Cynodon dactyl on
Cyperus haspan + + + + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + + + +
Dalea feayi + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + + + +
Digitaria serotina + + + +
Eclipta alba + + +
26
Table 5. cont.
Em il i a fosbergii + + + +
Eragrostis atrovirens
Eupatorium capillifolium + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + + + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + + +
Galactia regularis + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + + + +
Helianthemum nashii +
Heterotheca subaxillaris + + +
Lechea cernua + + + +
Lechea deckertii
Liatris chapmanii + + +
Linaria canadensis + + + +
Mollugo verticillata + + + +
Momordica charantia + +
Opuntia humifusa + + + + + +
Paronychia americana
Paspalum notatum + + + + + +
Paspalumurv illei
Phytolacca americana + + + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + +
Polygonella gracilis
Polypremum procumbens + + + + +
Portulaca pilosa + +
pterocaulon virgatum + + +
Rhynchleytrum repens + + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + + + + +
Richardia brasiliensis +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + + +
Serenoa repens + + + + + +
Setaria geniculata + + + + + +
Sida cordifolia + + + + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale
Smilax auriculata + + + + +
Solidago stricta + + + + + +
Spermacoce assurgens + + + +
stipulicida setacea + + +
Trichostema dichotomum
Urena lobata + + + + + +
Vitis munsoniana + + + + + +
27
Table 5. cont.
1987
Scientific Name J J A S 0 N D
Trees
pinus clausa + + + + + + +
pinus elliottii + + + + + + +
Schinus terebinthifolius + + + + + + +
Shrubs
Befaria racemosa + + + +
Ceratiola ericoides + + + + + + +
Ilex cassine + + + + + + +
Ilex glabra + + + + + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + + + + + +
Lyonia lucida + + + + + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + + + + +
Polygonella polyqama + + + + + + +
Quercus chapmanii + + + + + + +
Quercus geminata + + + + + + +
Quercus myrtifolia + + + + + + +
Rubus trivialis + + + + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + + + + + +
Herbs
Asclepias curtisii +
Ambrosia artemisiifolia + + + + + + +
Andropogon virginicus + + + + + + +
Aristida gyrans + + + +
Aristida spiciformis + + + + + +
Aristida stricta + + + + + + +
Balduina anqustifolia + + + + + + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + + + + + +
Cassytha filiformis
Catha ran thus roseus + + + + + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + + + + +
Chrysopsia scabrella + + + + + + +
Commelina erecta + + + + + + +
Conyza canadensis + + + +
Crotolaria rotundifolia + + + + + + +
Croton glandulosus + + + + + + +
Crotonopsis linearis + + + + + + +
Cuthbertia ornata + + + + + + +
Cynodon dactyl on
Cype rus haspan + + + + + + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + + + + +
Dalea feayi + + + + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + + + + + +
28
Table 5. cont.
Digitaria serotina + + + + + + +
Eclipta alba + + + + + + +
Emilia fosbergii + + + + + + +
Eragrostis atrovirens +
Eragrostis scaligera
Eupatorium capillifolium + + + + + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + + + + + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + + + + +
Galactia regularis + + + + + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + + + + + +
Helianthemum nashii + + + + + + +
Heterotheca subaxillaris + + + + + + +
Lechea cernua + + + + + + +
Lechea deckertii + + + +
Liatris chapmanii + + + + + + +
Linaria canadensis + + + + + + +
Mollugo verticillata + + + + + + +
Momordica charantia + + + + + + +
Opuntia humifusa + + + + + + +
Paronychia americana + + + + + + +
paspalum notatum + + + + + + +
Paspalum urvillei
Phytolacca americana + + + + + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + + + + + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + + + + +
Polygonella gracilis + + + + +
polypremum procumbens + + + + + + +
Portulaca pilosa + + + + + + +
pterocaulon virgatum + + + + + +
Rhynchleytrum repens + + + + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + + + + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + + + + +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + + + +
Serenoa repens + + + + + + +
Setaria geniculata + + + + + + +
Sida cordifolia + + + + + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale + + + +
Smilax auriculata + + + + + + +
Solidago stricta + + + + + + +
Spermacoce assurgens + + + + + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + + + + + +
Trichostema dichotomum + + + +
Urena lobata + + + + + + +
Vitis munsoniana + + + + + + +
29
Table 5 . continued
1988
Scientific Name J F M A M J J A S
Trees
pinus clausa + + + + + + + + +
pinus elliottii + + + + + + + + +
Schinus terebinthifolius + + + + + + + + +
Shrubs
Befaria racemosa + + + + + + + + +
Ceratiola ericoides + + + + + + + + +
Ilex cassine + + + + + + + + +
Ilex glabra + + + + + + + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + + + + + + + +
Lyonia lucida + + + + + + + + +
palafoxia feayi + + + + + + + + +
Polygonella polygama + + + + + + + + +
Quercus chapmanii + + + + + + + +
Quercus geminata + + + + + + + + +
Quercus myrtifolia + + + + + + + + +
Rubus trivialis + + + + + + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + + + + + + + +
Herbs
Asclepias curtisii
Ambrosia artemisiifolia + + + + + + + + +
Andropogon virginicus + + + + + + + + +
Aristida gyrans + + + + + + + + +
Aristida spiciformis + + + + + + + + +
Aristida stricta + + + + + + + + +
Balduina angustifolia + + + + + + + + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + + + + + + + +
Cassytha f ili formis + + + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + + + + + + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + + + + + + +
Chrysopsis scabrella + + + + + + + + +
Commelina erecta + + + + + + + + +
Conyza canadensis + + + + + + + + +
Crotolaria rotundifolia + + + + + +
Croton glandulosus + + + + + + + + +
Crotonopsis linearis + + + + + + + + +
Cuthbertia ornata + + + + + + + + +
Cynodon dactyl on + + + + + +
Cyperus haspan + + + + + + + + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + + + + + + +
Dalea feayi + + + + + + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + + + + + + + +
Digitaria serotina + + + + + + + + +
Eclipta alba + + + + + + + + +
Em il i a fosbergii + + + + + + + +
30
Table 5 . cont.
1988
Scientific Name J F M A M J J A S
Eragrostis a tr ov i rens + + + + + + + + +
Eragrostis scaligera + + + + + + +
Eupatorium capillifolium + + + + + + + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + + + + + + + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + + + + + + +
Galactia sp. + + + + + + + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + + + + + + + +
Helianthemum nashii + + + + + + + + +
Heterotheca subaxillaris + + + + + + + + +
Lechea cernua + + + + + + + + +
Lechea deckertii + + + + + + + + +
Liatris chapmanii + + + + + + + + +
Linaria canadensis + + + + + + + + +
Mollugo verticillata + + + + + + + + +
Momordica charantia + + + + + + + + +
Opuntia humifusa + + + + + + + + +
Paronychia americana + + + + + + + + +
Paspalum notatum + + + + + + + + +
Paspalum urvillei + + + + + + +
Phytolacca americana + + + + + + + + +
pityopsis graminifolia + + + + + + + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + + + + + + +
polygonella gracilis + + + + + + + + +
Polypremum procumbens + + + + + + + + +
Portulaca pilosa + + + + + + + + +
pterocaulon virgatum + + + + + + + + +
Rhynchleytrum repens + + + + + + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + + + + + + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + + + + + + +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + + + + + +
Serenoa repens + + + + + + + + +
Setaria geniculata + + + + + + + + +
Sida cordifolia + + + + + + + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale + + + + + + + + +
Smilax auriculata + + + + + + + + +
Solidago stricta + + + + + + + + +
Spermacoce assurgens + + + + + + + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + + + + + + + +
Trichostema dichotomum + + + + + + + + +
Urena lobata + + + + + + + + +
Vitis munsoniana + + + + + + + + +
I' co
~~ ~~LOM ~ N
lSl '"
lSl CO"'~ lSl
LO r:Ll ~NN\O ~ \0 M lSl
~ lSl
~
I' \0 lSl
r:Ll ~ I' ~M ~ I'" 1 M ~ 1 N '"
lSl co
lSl M I' ~
LO r:Ll LO ~ 1 1 ~N ~ 1 N~ LO
~ co
lSl \0 \0 lSl M
~~ \ONNN ~ \0 ~ ~\OM I'
lSl '"
..0 lSl LO I' lSl lSlLO
~ ~ r:Ll M~~N ~N co ~NI'\ON ~
I-l I-l ~ '"
0 U
4-1 1Il lSl M '" lSl lSl
r:Ll ~ NCO ~ ~ ~~~ LO qt~ NN N M N
I-l Q) lSl '"
Q) C lSl '" I'lSl MM M
:> .... qt r:Ll ~ I ~M lSl lSl I~N CO I qtN ~
0 0.. ~ '"
U
'C I'LO
+J C ~~ LOMN M Iqtqt N\O M LO lSl
C 10 lSl '"
Q) 1Il lSl I'CO I'
U N r:Ll qtMI' I' ~~ I I N 1 ~
I-l Q) ~ '"
Q).s::::
0..+J \0 ("I"l N
r:Ll ~ LOqt~ N~~ \0
'C C lSl '"
C 0 lSl N\O \0
10 N r:Ll LOqt CO 1 ~ 1 qt
1Il ~ '"
Q) Q)
U .... \Oqt lSl
C U r:Ll ~ MM~CO ~~ ~ I ~ N lSl
Q) Q) lSl ~
I-l 0.. lSl ~~ N
I-l 1Il ~ r:Ll ~ \0 N'" ~LO I lSl
~ ~ lSl
U +J ~
U C LO qt ~ lSl
0 10 ~~ qtM"'CO MM LO ~N M '"
~ lSl I'
4-1 0.. lSl I'\OI'N
0 ~ r:Ll qtLO~~ I ~ I' ~
0' ~ CO
>tC 10 1Il
U.... Q) 1Il .... III
C N 1Il 1Il 10 U ~ .f"l e C
Q) 'f"l I-l e ~ +J 10 1Il Q) I-l'f"l C
~ C Q) ~ 1Il 1O.f"l 10 1Il +J 0 ~O+J 0
0"0 0\ +J I-l r-t>t .... C Q)~ ~4-I0 ~
Q) r-t C 10 0 10 10 ~ 10 1Il 10 r-t 10 1Il ~ ........ I-l 10 >t I-l
I-l 0.... e +J I-l .... ~UQ)~~ 0 I-l 'C :>~Q) C IO+J Q)
~U4-I ~ 0 +J ~ C .... 4-1 U r-t 10 4-1 >tIOC I-l.... 1Il 10 +J U :>
I-l C Q) 0 I-l I-l .... >t e .... 0\ 'C 10 ~4-I .f"l 10 10 0
0 I-l ". 4-1 Q) ~ 10 c.s:::: 1O.f"l +J .... r-t 1Il IOC..o'C U
r-t e .... U 10 .... .... 0.. O\.f"l 10 10 U 0\ C e 1O.f"l o 0
\0 CI) ~ ~ 1Il e ~ >< 0\ >t >t.s:::: .f"l 'C .f"l Q) ~.s:::: I-l 1Il~ C dP
r:Ll ..o~ ~ ~ C 10 >< 0 I-l ~ ~ 1Il r-t 'f"l ~ C 0.. ~ +J 10 C 0
Q) 1-4 10 10 I-l U Q) Q) 10 4-1 .f"l 0 0 10 .... +J ~ 0 Q) 10 >t +J ~IO'C ~
r-t U 1Il 0.. Q) .... +J.s::::r-tIO:>o..o..CUlIlo..+Jl-lo..lIl-e C 0 10
..0 r:Ll 1Il o..C U .... r-t .....f"l0 1Il1ll0\ Q) C +J
10 0.. . 10 >t1O Q) e 10 . . . I-l +J I-l 10 10.... . I-l >t 0
E-< CI) Oo..Uo..o..~CI)o..~r:Llo..X~~CI)U~o..UO>PU E-<
32
32
Table 7. Flowering and fruiting response of the vascular flora
within the sand pine scrub preserve at Quantum Park,
Boynton Beach.
Species Dec.86 Jan.87 Feb.87
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Asclepias curtissii
Abrus precatorius
Andropogon virginicus + + +
Aristida gyrans + + +
Asimina reticulata +
Befaria racemosa + + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia
Cassia nictitans
Cassia chamaecrista
Cassia occidentalis
Cassytha filiformis + + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + +
Cenchrus incertus + +
Centrosema virginianum
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Commelina diffusa + +
Conradina grandiflora + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia
Croton glandulosus
Crotonopsis linearis
Cuthbertis ornata
Cyperus retrorsus + +
Cynodon dactylon
Dalea feayi + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + +
Emil i a fosbergii
Euphorbia polyphylla + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum
Helianthemum nashii
Heliotropium polyphyllum
Heterotheca subaxillaris + +
Ilex glabra
Indigofera hirsuta + +
Lechea deckertii + + +
Liatris chapmanii +
Licania michauxii
Linaria floridana
Lyonia lucida + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + +
Mollugoa verticillata + + +
-----,
-------------
33
Species Dee.87 Jan.87 Feb.87
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Momordica charantia
Opuntia humifusa + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + + +
Paronychia americana
Phytolacca americana
Pinus clausa + + + + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + + + +
Poinsettia cyathophora
polanisia tenuifolia + + +
polygonella ciliata + + +
polygonella gracilis
polygonella polygama + + +
polypremun procumbens + +
Portulaca pilosa
pterocaulon virgatum + +
Quercus chapmanii
Quercus geminata +
Quercus myrtifolia
Rhynchelytrum repens + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + +
Ricinus communis +
Schinus terebinthifolius + +
Scoparia dulcis + + +
Setaria geniculata + + + +
sida cordifolia
Sisyrinchium solstitiale + + + +
Smilax auriculata + + +
Solanum americanum + + + + + +
solidago stricta + +
Spermococe assurgens
Spermococe verticillata
Stipulicida setacea +
Trichostema dichotomum +
Urena lobata + + + + +
vaccinium myrsinites + + + +
Vitis munsoniana
Ximenia americana
34
Table 7 . continued for March, Apr il , and May, 1987.
Species Mar.S7 Apr.8? May.87
Flw. Frt Flw. Frt. Flw Frt.
Asclepias curtissii
Abrus precatorius + + + +
Andropogon virginicus
Aristida gyrans
Asimina reticulata +
Befaria racemosa + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + +
Cassia nictitans +
Cassia chamaecrista + + + +
Cassia occidentalis + + + +
Cassytha filiformis + + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + + +
Centrosema virginianum + + +
Chenopodium ambrosioides +
Commelina diffusa + + +
Conradina grandiflora + + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia + + +
Croton glandulosus + + +
Crotonopsis linearis + + + +
Cuthbertis ornata + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + +
Cynodon dactylon + +
Dalea feayi + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + +
Emilia fosbergii + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + +
Froelichia floridana + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum + +
Helianthemum nashii + + +
Heliotropium polyphyllum + +
Heterotheca subax illar is + + + +
Ilex glabra + + + + +
Indigofera hirsuta + + +
Lechea deckertii
Liatris chapmanii + + +
Licania michauxii + +
Linaria floridana + +
Lyonia lucida + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + +
Mollugoa verticillata + + +
Momordica charantia + + + + +
opuntia humifusa + + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + +
35
Species Mar.87 Apr.87 May.87
Flw Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Paronychia americana
Phytolacca americana + + + +
pinus clausa + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + +
poinsettia cyathophora + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + + + +
Polygonella ciliata + + +
polygonella gracilis +
polygonella polygama
polypremun procumbens +
Portulaca pilosa + + + +
pterocaulon virgatum + + +
Quercus chapmanii +
Quercus geminata + +
Quercus myrtifolia +
Rhynchelytrum repens + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + + +
Ricinus communis + + + +
Schinus terebinthifolius + +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + + +
setaria geniculata + + +
Sida cordifolia + + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale
Smilax auriculata + +
Solanum americanum + + + + + +
Solidago stricta + +
Spermococe assurgens + + + +
Spermococe verticillata + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + + +
Trichostema dichotomum
urena lobata + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + +
vitis munsoniana + + + +
ximenia americana + +
36
Table 7 . continued for June, July, and August 1987.
Species Jun.87 Jul.87 Aug.87
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Asclepias curtissii + +
Abrus precatorius + + +
Andropogon virginicus + + + +
Aristida gyrans + + +
Asimina reticulata
Befaria racemosa + + + + + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + +
Cassia nictitans + + + + +
Cassia chamaecrista + + +
Cassia occidentalis + + + +
Cassytha filiformis + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + +
Centrosema virginianum + +
Chenopodium ambrosioides + + + +
Commelina diffusa + + +
Conradina grandiflora + + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia + +
Croton glandulosus + + + +
Crotonopsis linearis + + + +
Cuthbertia ornata + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + +
Cynodon dactylon + + +
Dalea feayi + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + +
Em i1 i a fosberg i i + + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + + + + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum + + +
Helianthemum nashii + + +
Heliotropium polyphyllum
Hetherotheca subaxillaris + + + + + +
Ilex glabra + + + +
Indigofera hirsuta + + + + +
Lechea cernua + + +
Lechea deckertii + + +
Liatris chapmanii + + + + + +
Licania michauxii + + +
Linaria floridana + +
Lyonia lucida + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + + +
Mollugoa verticillata + +
Momordica charantia + + + +
Opuntia humifusa + + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + + +
--'
37
Species Jun.87 Jul. 87 Aug.87
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Paronychia americana + + + +
Phytolacca americana + + + +
pinus clausa + + +
pityopsis graminifolia + + + +
Poinsettia cyathophora + + + + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + + + +
polygonella ciliata + + + +
Polygonella gracilis + + + +
polygonella polygama + + + + + +
polypremun procumbens + + + +
Portulaca pilosa + + +
pterocaulon virgatum +
Quercus chapmanii + + +
Quercus geminata + + +
Quercus myrtifolia + + +
Rhynchelytrum repens + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + +
Ricinus communis + +
Sabal etonia + + +
Schinus terebinthifolius + + + +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + +
Setaria geniculata + + + +
Sida cordifolia + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale + +
Smilax auriculata + + +
Solanum americanum + + +
Solidago stricta + + + + +
Spermococe assurgens + + + +
Spermococe verticillata + + + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + +
Trichostema dichotomum + +
Urena lobata + + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + +
Vitis munsoniana + + +
Ximenia americana + + +
38
Table 7 . continued for September, October, and
November, 1987.
Species Sep.87 Oct.S7 Nov.87
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Asclepias curtissii
Abrus precatorius +
Andropogon virginicus + + +
Aristida gyrans + + +
Asimina reticulata
Befaria racemosa +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + +
Cassia nictitans + + +
Cassia chamaecrista + + + + + +
Cassia occidentalis +
Cassytha filiformis + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + +
Centrosema virginianum + +
Chenopodium ambrosioides +
Commelina diffusa + +
Conradina grandiflora + + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia
Croton glandulosus + + + +
Crotonopsis linearis + + + +
Cuthbertis ornata
Cyperus retrorsus + + +
Cynodon dactyl on + + + +
Dalea feayi + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + +
Emilia fosberg i i + + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum +
Helianthemum na s hi i +
Heliotropium polyphyllum +
Hetherotheca subaxillaris + + + + + +
Ilex glabra + + +
Indigofera hirsuta + + + + +
Lechea cernua + + + + +
Lechea deckertii + + +
Liatris chapmanii + + +
Licania michauxii
Linaria floridana
Lyonia lucida +
Lyonia ferruginea +
Mollugoa verticillata
Momordica charantia + + +
Opuntia humifusa + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + + +
39
Species Sep.87 Oct.87 N ov . 8 7
Flw Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Paronychia americana +
Phytolacca americana + + +
pinus clausa
Pityopsis graminifolia + + + + +
Poinsettia cyathophora + + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + +
polygonella ciliata + + + + +
Polygonella gracilis + + + +
Polygonella polygama +
Polypremun procumbens +
Portulaca pilosa + + +
pterocaulon virgatum
Quercus chapmanii
Quercus geminata
Quercus myrtifolia
Rhynchelytrum repens + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + +
Ricinus communis
Schinus terebinthifolius + + +
Scoparia dulcis + + +
Setaria geniculata + + +
Sida cordifolia + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale + + + + +
Smilax auriculata + + +
Solanum americanum +
Solidago stricta + + + + +
Spermococe assurgens + + +
Spermococe verticillata + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + + +
Trichostema dichotomum + + + + +
Urena lobata + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + +
Vitis munsoniana + +
Ximenia americana
40
Table 7 . continued for December, 1987 and January and
Februa ry, 1988.
Species Dec.87 Jan.88 Feb.88
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Asclepias curtissii
Abrus precatorius + +
Andropogon virginicus + + +
Aristida gyrans + + +
Aristida speciformis + + +
Asimina reticulata
Befaria racemosa + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia
Cassia nictitans
Cassia chamaecrista + +
Cassia occidentalis
Cassytha filiformis + + + + +
Catha ran thus roseus + + +
Cenchrus incertus +
Centrosema virginianum
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Commelina diffusa +
Conradina grandiflora + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia
Croton glandulosus + +
Crotonopsis linearis
Cuthbertis ornata
Cyperus retrorsus + + +
Cynodon dactyl on
Dalea feayi + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + +
Emilia fosbergii
Eragrostis atrovirens + +
Eupatorium capillifolium +
Euphorbia polyphylla + +
Froelichia floridana + + + +
Galactia regularis + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum
Helianthemum nashii + + +
Heliotropium polyphyllum
Hetherotheca subaxillaris + + + + +
Ilex glabra
Indigofera hirsuta + +
Lechea cernua + + +
Lechea deckertii + + +
Liatris chapmanii +
Licania michauxii
Linaria floridana
Lyonia lucida + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + + +
Mollugoa verticillata + +
41
Species Dec.87 Jan.88 Feb.88
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Momordica charantia +
Opuntia humifusa + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + +
Paronychia americana
paspalum notatum
Phytolacca americana +
pinus clausa + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + + + + +
poinsettia cyathophora
polanisia tenuifolia + +
Polygonella ciliata + + +
Polygonella gracilis + +
polygonella polygama +
Polypremun procumbens + + + +
Portulaca pilosa
pterocaulon virgatum +
Quercus chapmanii
Quercus geminata
Quercus myrtifolia
Rhynchelytrum repens + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa +
Richardia brasiliensis +
Ricinus communis +
Schinus terebinthifolius
Scoparia dulcis + +
Setaria geniculata + + +
Sida cordifolia
Sisyrinchium solst i tiale + + + + +
Smilax auriculata + +
Solanum americanum + +
Solidago stricta + + +
Spermococe assurgens + + + +
Spermococe verticillata
Stipulicida setacea + +
Trichostema dichotomum +
Urena lobata + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + +
Vitis munsoniana
Ximenia americana
42
Table 7. continued for March, April, and May, 1988.
Species Mar.88 Apr.88 May.88
Flw. Frt Flw. Frt. Flw Frt.
Asclepias curtissii
Abrus precatorius + + + +
Andropogon virginicus
Aristida gyrans
Asimina reticulata +
Befaria racemosa + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + +
Cassia nictitans +
Cassia chamaecrista + + + +
Cassia occidentalis + + + +
Cassytha filiformis + + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + + +
Centrosema virginianum + + +
Chenopodium ambrosioides +
Commelina diffusa + + +
Conradina grandiflora + + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia + + +
Croton glandulosus + + +
Crotonopsis linearis + + + +
Cuthbertis ornata + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + +
Cynodon dactylon + +
Dalea feayi + + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + +
Em il i a fosbergii + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + +
Froelichia floridana + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum + +
Helianthemum nashii + + +
Heliotropium polyphyllum + +
Heterotheca subaxillaris + + + +
Ilex glabra + + + + +
Indigofera hirsuta + + +
Lechea deckertii
Liatris chapmanii + + +
Licania michauxii + +
Linaria floridana + +
Lyonia lucida + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + +
Mollugoa verticillata + + +
Momordica charantia + + + + +
Opuntia humifusa + + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + +
43
Table 7 . continued for March, Apr il and May, 1988.
Species Mar.88 Apr.88 May.88
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Paronychia americana
Phytolacca americana + + + +
pinus clausa + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + +
Poinsettia cyathophora + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + + + +
polygonella ciliata + + +
Polygonella gracilis +
polygonella polygama
polypremun procumbens +
Portulaca pilosa + + + +
pterocaulon virgatum + + +
Quercus chapmanii +
Quercus geminata + +
Quercus myrtifolia +
Rhynchelytrum repens + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + + +
Ricinus communis + + + +
Schinus terebinthifolius + +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + + +
Setaria geniculata + + +
Sida cordifolia + + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale
Smilax auriculata + +
Solanum americanum + + + + + +
Solidago stricta + +
Spermococe assurgens + + + +
Spermococe verticillata + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + + +
Trichostema dichotomum
Urena lobata + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + +
Vitis munsoniana + + + +
Ximenia americana + +
--
44
Table 7 . continued for June, July, and August, 1988.
Species Jun.88 Jul.88 Aug.88
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Asclepias curtissii + +
Abrus precatorius + + +
Andropogon virginicus + + + +
Aristida gyrans + + +
Asimina reticulata
Befaria racemosa + + + + + +
Bulbostylis ciliatifolia + + +
Cassia nictitans + + + + +
Cassia chamaecrista + + +
Cassia occidentalis + + + +
Cassytha filiformis + + + +
Catharanthus roseus + + +
Cenchrus incertus + + + +
Centrosema virginianum + +
Chenopodium ambrosioides + + + +
Commelina diffusa + + +
Conradina grandiflora + + + +
Crotalaria rotundifolia + +
Croton glandulosus + + + + .
Crotonopsis linearis + + + +
Cuthbertis ornata + +
Cyperus retrorsus + + + +
Cynodon dactylon + + +
Dalea feayi + + +
Dichanthelium sabulorum + + + +
Em il i a fosbergii + + +
Euphorbia polyphylla + + + + + +
Froelichia floridana + + + +
Gelsemium sempervirens + + +
Helianthemum corymbosum + + +
Helianthemum nashii + + +
Heliotropium polyphyllum
Heterotheca subaxillaris + + + + + +
Ilex glabra + + + +
Indigofera hirsuta + + + + +
Lechea c ern ua + + +
Lechea deckertii + + +
Liatris chapmanii + + + + + +
Licania michauxii + + +
Linaria floridana + +
Lyonia lucida + + +
Lyonia ferruginea + + + +
Mollugo vert ic illa ta + +
Momordica charantia + + + +
Opuntia humifusa + + + +
Palafoxia feayi + + + + +
45
Table 7 . continued for June, July and August, 1988.
Species Jun.88 Jul.88 Aug.88
Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt. Flw. Frt.
Paronychia americana + + + +
Phytolacca americana + + + +
pinus clausa + + +
Pityopsis graminifolia + + + +
Poinsettia cyathophora + + + + + +
polanisia tenuifolia + + + + + +
polygonella ciliata + + + +
polygonella gracilis + + + +
polygonella polygama + + + + + +
polypremun procumbens + + + +
Portulaca pilosa + + +
pterocaulon virgatum +
Quercus chapmanii + + +
Quercus geminata + + +
Quercus myrtifolia + + +
Rhynchelytrum repens + + + +
Rhynchospora megalocarpa + + +
Richardia brasiliensis + + + +
Ricinus communis + + +
Sabal etonia + + +
Schinus terebinthifolius + + + +
Scoparia dulcis + + + + +
Setaria geniculata + + + +
Sida cordifolia + + +
Sisyrinchium solstitiale +
Smilax auriculata + + +
Solanum americanum + + +
Solidago stricta + + + + +
Spermococe assurgens + + + +
Spermococe verticillata + + + + +
Stipulicida setacea + + +
Trichostema dichotomum + +
Urena lobata + + + + +
Vaccinium myrsinites + + +
vitis munsoniana + + +
Ximenia americana + + + +
46
GOPHER TORTOISE MONITORING
OF THE
'QUANTUM PARK SAND PINE PRESERVE
INTRODUCTION
Because of the general loss of habitat due to urban growth
and predation of this species by humans, the numbers of gopher
tortoise (Gopher us polyphemus) has declined in south Florida. As
part of the development plan for Quantum Park, an improved
habitat (preserve #1) was established and a concerted effort was
made to maintain a viable population on-site.
The entire 560 acres of the project was first surveyed for
location of active and inactive burrows, then each animal was
relocated to a holding pen, and later released into the fenced
preserve area.
Almost half of the tortoises (25) were fitted
with telemetry and followed on a weekly basis for the first four
months, and then twice a month for a year and monthly thereafter,
to evaluate the relocation project.
Methods
with regard to the initial survey for gopher tortoise, line
transects were visually established every 10 meters for a
systematic search, with the objective of locating all burrows on
the 560 acres of the Quantum site. Each burrow encountered along
or near the transect line was flagged for field identification
and located on an aerial map.
Every burrow was also classified
as either act i ve, inact i ve, or abandoned (Auffenbe rg and Franz,
1982) .
A total of l19 burrows were located of which 66 were
47
classified as active, 12 as inactive, and 37 as abandoned. Four
of the burrows located in the northeast corner of the project had
been previously poached by humans. within this total, there were
approximately 43 burrows within the preserve (31 active, 1
inactive and 11 abandoned). Since gopher tortoise utilize
multiple burrows, an estimate of the population could be made
using a multiplier of 0.6 x active and inactive burrows
(Auffenberg and Franz, 1975). This represented a theoretical
population of 46 8 or 47 gopher tortoise or 1.17 tortoise per
acre of preserve.
When the actual capture and removal of the tortoises was
i nit i a t ed , a tot a 1 0 f 4 2 tor to i s e (1 . ~ 5 per a c reo f pre s e r v e )
were found. Most of these animals were hand captured using a
professional "puller" with others being bucket trapped using
pitfall traps placed in the mouth of the burrow. Each captured
to r to i s e was perm anent 1 y mar ked by d rill i n g sma II ( 2 - 3 mm
diameter) holes in the marginal scutes according to an
established numbering system. Thus, each animal was individually
marked for later identification. In addition, each tortoise was
also measured and weighed following the procedure as outlined in
McRae et. al. (1981). When it could be determined cl earl y, the
approximate age was recorded using the annuli of the abdominal
scutes. For many of the large animals, the annuli had been worn
smooth and age estimates could not be accurately determined.
In order to reduce their homing instincts, it was necessary
to maintain the tortoise in capivity for approximately six weeks.
48
This was accomplished on-site using a specially designed pen
constructed by the developer. The pen had a concrete floor with
several inches of sand over it, and a shallow depression in one
corner to hold water. The complex was enclosed with a chain
linked fence and three sides, as well as the top, were covered
with shade cloth to provide security and shelter from direct
sunlight. Supplemental food (e.g., lettuce, apples, bananas,
etc.) was prov ided every three days by the local catering
company. Large clumps of wiregrass were also planted in the sand
as an additoional source of food. For added security, the pen
was locked and built within an enclosed maintenance facility.
As directed by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission, radio transmitters were to be used to track 25 of the
tortoise in order to monitor their survival and movement for a 2
year period The transmitters were mounted on the marginal
scutes of the carapace just behind the head on both males and
females. They were attached to the tortoise by a wire loop on
each side of the transmitter which was inserted from the
underside of the carapace in holes predrilled through the
marg inal scutes. After the wi re was firmly secured through the
base plate of the transmitter, both the wire and the edges of the
plate were covered and smoothed over with florist's clay. The
area was then covered with a clear Orthodontic resin (L.D. Caulk
- Dentsply, Milford, Delaware).
This protected the tortoise from abrasions on the underside
of the carapace and reduced the probability of the transmitter
I
49
catching on obstructions. The antenna of each transmitter
extended posteriorly around the left side of the carapace and was
attached with the resin. All telemetry equipment was obtained
from Wildlife Materials, Inc., Carbondale, Illinois. The
receiver was a Model TRX-1000S and was used with a folding Yagi
antenna.
Of the original 42 tortoise, 25 were radio-tagged and
released, mainly at the south end of the preserve, 9 were
released after being measured, 6 were released shortly after
capture without being measured because they appeared to be in
poor condition and 2 died in captivity.
All the tortoise equipped with transmitters were followed on
a weekly basis for 4 months commencing November 15, 1986. At the
end of that time period, they were then followed bi-monthly for
one yea rand therea fter once a month. On each da ta collect i ng
day in the field, the exact location was determined for each
tortoise using the two permanent survey lines that had been
previously established within the preserve (previously described
in the vegetation report) A compass reading and a measured
straight line distance was taken with a 165 foot tape from the
nearest reference point that was established every 100 feet along
the survey line. This data was then plotted directly onto an
ind i vidual aer ial photogr aph for each torto i se. I n add i t ion to
monitoring the radio tagged tortoises, other relocated animals
without radios were recorded as to their location whenever they
were observed in the field.
50
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Because of the general decline of gopher tortoise in south
Florida, there is widespread interest in preserving established
sites, as well as creating new, favorable environments for these
animals. Also, there is concern by environmental agencies
reg ard i ng whe re to place conf iscated torto ises and what to do
with individuals that are displaced from land that is being
developed.
Currently, Quantum Park is unique as a research site for
relocated tortoise in that all animals are enclosed in a fenced
preserve. In other research dealing with gopher tortoise
relocation, the measure of a successful project is the number of
tortoise who established residency on the site as many often move
to other locations which may be off-site. This is usually the
case in marginal or poor habitat. Because of the fence, the
success of the Quantum Park project will have to be measured
differently, but like other sites, it will ultimately be
determined if their movement and range are not atypical, if
burrow usage by different individuals is normal, and most
importantly, are the tortoise gaining weight and reproducing.
During the first three months after release of the tortoise,
some of the data that was gathered on the individuals, while they
were in captivity was analyzed and the first field reports were
systematically collected. The data was first complied as to
carapace length (Table 1) to determine if there were any juvenile
tortoises based on a size of under 150 mm (McRae et. ale 1981).
51
All 25 tortoise were found to be adults. Initial body weight was
also collected for each tortoise as a baseline to determine gain
or loss at future captures in the field (Table 2), plus body size
relationship was studied in order to assist in determining sex
(Table 3)
Because of the need to measure reproductive success of the
relocated tortoises and to predict home ranges of certain
individuals based on sex, an effort was made to determine the
sexuality of each tortoise using the discriminant function (McRae
et. al 1981) and plastral concavity size (Table 4). Of the 25
individuals, only 14 correlated positive in both categories as
either male or female. This lack of confirmation will make it
more difficult to determine the sexual maturity of individuals.
In general, males having carapaces over 240 rom and females having
ones over 250 rom were considered mature (Landers et. ale 1981).
For the first 4 months after release, the tortoise were
tracked on a weekly basis. However, no attempt was made to
consider their wanderings as their home range until the second
mont h of data collect i ng. Then for the nex t three months, the
total linear distances traveled and total home ranges were
reco rded weekly, and therea fter, on a bi mon th 1 Y ba s is for the
fir st year and thereafter monthly (Appendix 1). The ranges of
the tortoise were computed using a planix Digital planimeter that
measured minimum polygon or triangle traveled, plus a distance of
30 meters (98', 51/4") from the burrow being used for the feeding
radius (McRae et. ale 1981) (Table 5).
52
Lastly, shared ranges of individual gopher tortoise were
computed using each of the separate range maps (Table 6) and co-
occupancy of burrows as noted in the field was tabulated (Table
7). The latter situation is not common under natural field
conditions, and once the male, female, mature, immature data
develops a better confidence level, it may prove to be one of the
more interesting aspects of this relocation study.
I n any reI 0 cat ion e f for t, s u c c e s s i s 0 f ten bas ed 0 nth e
reproductive success and the overall health of the relocated
species.
One parameter that is important in evaluating the
suitability of a species to its new envrionment is net weight
loss or gain over a long time period.
Twelve telemetry gopher
tortoise from the preserve were captured and weighed from July
1987 to present (Table 8).
The data indicate that all twelve
showed substantial increases in body weight.
These preliminary
findings indicate that the habitat within the preserve is
suitable to support the relocated gopher tortoise, especially on
a short term basis. Gurther measurements will be taken to
determine weight loss or gain for the remaining tortOise')
During the past 9 months, 9 transmitter failures have
occurred within the gopher tortoise population at Quantum Park
(Table 9).
The Flor ida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
suggested that replacement was not necessary at this point in the
mon i tor i ng progr am si nce other proj ects were not be ing requ ired
to replace failures.
The agency did indicate that if a large
number of transmitters failed over a short time interval, that it
53
may be necessary to terminate data collection on the population
or replace some of the transmitters.
54
Table 1
Drilled number, carapace length, and body weight of
25 gopher tortoises radio-tagged at Quantum Park,
Palm Beach County, October-November 1986.
Tortoise No.
Carapace Length (mm)
Weight (gm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
113
l2
l3
14
l5
l6
l7
l8
19
20
2l
22
23
24
25
26
229.9
289.0
235.13
3l5.0
261.0
228.0
302.0
298.13
258.0
258.0
270.0
285.0
3131.13
262.5
265.5
266.0
226.0
237.0
244.13
246.0
252.5
25l.13
236.0
242.0
229.13
2,300
3,450
2,0513
4,900
3,9013
2,l00
4,500+
4,4513
3,900
2,750
2,800
3,1130
4,4513
2,7130
3,650
3,000
2,050
2,450
2,4013
2,600
3,300
2,600
2,5130
2,450
2,1513
Note Due to apparent poor physical health, No. 11 was released
after measurements were recorded without waiting for the
installation of a transmitter (Carapace length-188 rom and weight-
1 , 15 0 gm).
55
Table 2. Drilled number and body weight in decreasing order of
25 gopher tortoises radio-tagged at Quantum Park,
Palm Beach County, October-November 1986
Tortoise No.
Weight (gm)
4
7
B
14
5
9
16
2
22
13
17
l0
l5
2l
23
24
19
25
20
1
26
6
3
lB
l2
4,900
4,500
4,450
4,450
3,900
3,900
3,650
3,450
3,300
3,100
3,000
2,7513
2,700
2,600
2,600
2,500
2,450
2,450
2,400
2,300
2,150
2,100
2,050
2,050
2,13130
56
Table 3. Body size (body size being carapace length x body
width x body thickness x l0-6) of 25 gopher
tortoise radio-tagged at Quantum Park.
Tortoise No.
Body Size
4
7
8
14
2
16
l3
9
5
10
15
12
l7
22
23
21
25
19
20
3
24
1
6
26
18
9.602775
9.208584
8.968608
8.l00587
7.812248
6.451650
6.431880
6.4l4912
6.344388
5.911812
5.733000
5.473710
5.464704
5.225613
4.588531
4.537224
4.411902
4.045353
4.005504
3.856326
3.848806
3.761274
3.689496
3.649344
3.5139893
Note Generally, females have a significantly greater body size
than males.
57
Table 4. Determination of sex of 25 gopher tortoise radio-
tagged at Quantum Park.
Tortoise
No.
Discriminant
Function
Plastral
Concavity
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
l3
l4
l5
16
17
l8
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
M (D = +.05l7984)
M (D = +.64613587)
M (D = +1.5246019)
M (D = -.375l9)
M (D = +.4739639)
M (D = -.074569l)
M (D = -.6258847)
M (0 = +l.06075l1)
M (D = +1.5920093)
M (D = +.22ll698)
M (D = +l.2826248)
M (D = -.1038598)
M (D = -.6814224)
M (D = +.8926564)
M (D = -.3135151)
M (D = -.7414258)
M (D = +.6746097)
M (D = +.3306382)
M (D = +.559293)
M (D = +1.056)
M (D = +.l4697)
M (D = +.559l513)
M (D = +.2844289)
M (D = +.32583139)
M (D = +.6725629)
F (PC = 2)
M (PC = l0)
M (PC = 7)
F (PC = 4)
M (PC = 10)
F (PC = 2)
M (PC = 8)
M (PC = 19)
M (PC = l2)
F (PC = 6)
M (PC = 9)
F (PC = 5)
F (PC = 6.5)
M (PC = 9.5)
F (PC = 5)
F (PC = 2)
F (PC = 3.5)
F (PC = 3)
F (PC = 4)
M (PC = 9)
F (PC = 5.5)
F (PC = 6)
F (PC = 4)
F (PC = 4)
F (PC = 4)
Sex
?
M
M
F
M
F
?
M
M
?
M
F
F
M
F
F
?
?
?
M
?
?
?
?
?
Note Discriminant function is based on the ratios of plastral
concavity/body volume, anal width/anal notch, and anal
thickness/body volume to determine sex of individual tortoises (D
= 3.44963 + 0.88423 (PC/V) + 0.96566 (AW/AN) + 0.62822 (AT/V). A
positive value usually denotes a male and a negative value a
female. Plastral concavity is a factor in determining the sex in
tortoises with a measurement greater than 6.8 rom usually a male
and less usually a female
58
Table 5. Total linear distances and range size for each of the
25 gopher tortoises radio-tagged at Quantum Park from
December 19, 1986 to August 30, 1988.
Tortoise No. Linear Distance (Ft. ) Range Size (Acre)
1 130 0.87
2 5180 7.64
3 1680 2.59
4 1100 2.82 Radio dead
5 3330 5.3l
6 850 2.3l Radio dead
7 2700 5.35 Radio dead
8 7000 9.78
9 7430 7.78
113 1900 1.75
12 940 1.62 Radio dead
l3 480 2.07 Radio dead
l4 2030 7.28 Radio dead
l5 1400 3.15
l6 370 1.69
17 2170 3.55
18 98 0.81 Radio dead
19 11213 2.99
20 475 2.63 Radio dead
21 1780 4.32
22 2870 6.23
23 l535 2.95 Radio dead
24 1300 3.68
25 2865 5.08
26 l350 2.54
59
Table 6. Shared ranges of 25 gopher tortoises radio-tagged at
Quantum Park as recorded from December 19, 1986 to
August 30, 1987.
Tortoise No.
Shared Range
23
24
25
2,5,l0,12,l7,21,22
1,4,5,7,8,9,10,l2,13,14,17,20,21,22,23,24,25,26
6,7,8,9,l4,19,21,23,24
l,2,5,8,10,12,l3,14,22,24
1,2,4,7,8,9,10,12,14,16,17,20,21,22,23,24,25,26
3,8,14,15,19,2l,23,24,25
2,3,5,8,9,l3,l4,l6,l7,l9,20,21,22,23,24,2S,26
2,3,4,5,6,7,9,l3,14,15,17,18,19,20,2l,22,23,24,
25,26
2,3,4,5,7,8,l3,14,16,17,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26
l,2,5,12,l7,2l,22,25
l,2,5,l13,17,20,21,22,25
2,4,7,8,9,14,22,23,24,25
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,13,15,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26
6,8,l4,l9
5,7,9,17,20,22,25,26
1,2,5,7,8,9,l0,l2,l6,20,21,22,24,25,26
8,l4,2S
3,6,7,8,9,14,15,21,24,25,26
2,5,7,8,9,l2,14,l6,l7,22,23,24,25,26
l,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,14,16,17,19,22,23,24,25,26
l,2,4,S,6,7,8,9,l0,l2,13,l4,l6,17,20,2l,23,24,25,
26
2,3,5,6,7,8,9,l3,14,20,21,22,24,25,26
2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,13,14,l7,19,20,21,22,23,25,26
2,3,5,6,7,8,9,l0,l2,l3,14,16,17,18,19,20,2l,22,23,
24,26
2,5,7,8,9,l4,16,l7,19,20,21,22,23,24,25
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
l2
l3
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
2l
22
26
60
Table 7. Co-occupancy of burrows of 25 gopher tortoises
radio-tagged at Quantum Park, Plam Beach County,
from December 19, 1986 to August 30, 1988.
Date Checked Burrow Number Co-Occupancy Tortoises
12/19/86 5 8 & 14
l2/l9/86 44 12 & 21
12/27/86 12 10 & 17
l2/27/86 21 3 & 19
l2/27/86 44 l2 & 21
l2/27/86 45 8 & 25
0l/03/87 2 10 & l7
0l/03/87 21 3 & 19
01/03/87 44 12 & 2l
0l/03/87 45 9 & 25
01/08/87 2 10 & 17
01/08/87 42 9 & 22
01/17/87 6 7 & 24
0l/l7/87 6 25 & 26
0l/l7/87 II 9 & l6
0l/22/87 20 25 & 26
01/22/87 5l 9 & Unmarked
0l/31/87 43 2,4 & 8
02/24/87 6 2 & 24
03/l9/87 43 4,14 & 22
03/19/87 44 10 & l2
03/l9/87 52 15 & Unmarked
04/15/87 45 7 & 9
04/29/87 36 10 & 17
04/29/87 43 4 & 22
04/29/87 56 8 & 14
05/09/87 l0 7 & 8
05/30/87 43 8 & 22
07/11/87 62 9 & 26
07/23/87 8 5 & 9
07/23/87 50 15 & 19
61
Table 7. Cont.
Date Checked Burrow Number Co-Occupancy Tortoises
08/09/87 67 5 & 16
08/29/87 60 2 & 22
09/26/87 20 9 & 23
l0/17/87 20 23 & 25
lf3/17/87 30 1 & Unmarked
ll/l4/87 8 5 & 26
ll/14/87 16 3 & 23
ll/14/87 44 10 & 12
ll/l4/87 48 15 & 19
1/23/88 48 15 & 19
l/23/88 59 17 & 22
l/23/88 70 23 & 25
2/l3/88 70 23 & 25
3/12/88 64 8 & 14
3/12/88 50 15 & 19
3/26/88 55 2 & 4
3/26/88 64 8 & 14
4/l6/88 60 2 & 4
4/l6/88 64 8 & 14
4/16/88 41 9 & l3
4/16/88 513 15 & 19
5/11/88 53 2 & 25
5/ll/88 64 8 & l4
5/l1/88 48 15 & 19
6/25/88 78 8 & l4
62
Table 8
Body weight of radio-tagged gopher tortoises when
first measured (October-November 1987) compared
to weight measured at last capture.
Tortoise No. Weight (gm) when Date last Weight (gm) at
Radio-tagged Weighed last capture
2 3450 09/24/1988 5100
4 4900 l0/l7/1987 60130
7 03/l2/1988 6250
9 3900 06/25/l988 4050
10 2750 ll/14/1987 3600
12 2800 06/25/19S8 3750
l5 2700 07/11/1987 3650
l6 3650 06/25/1988 4150
19 2450 04/16/1988 3100
20 2400 09/24/1988 3150*
23 2600 06/25/1988 3300
24 25130 134/16/1988 371313
* Gopher tortoise reweighed without radio.
63
Table 9. List of individual tortoise and date of
transmitter failure.
Tortoise Number Date of Failure
4 05/11/1988
6 0l/23/1988
7 0l/23/198S
12 09/26/1987
l3 07/30/1988
14 11/14/1987
18 01/23/1988
20 05/11/1988
23 07/30/1988
24 07/30/1988
64
Appendix 1
Linear Distances Traveled
by Gopher tortoise without
regard to Home Range
,.~
Gopher Tortoise #1
1(, I ,,,
'I'
r
''-
7/,'51 ,111.9
/10 ,Q
13
Gopher Tortoise #2
3lg/,a
G
Gopher Tortoise #3
~/'I 5/7
"
Gopher Tortoise #4
7
3
Gopher Tortoise #S
~~----- ---
3
?J't
Gopher Tortoise #6
i
CJ
"
Gopher Tortoise #7
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
...
...
...
'3
fQ I 1'3
:1.'8
Gopher Tortoise 08
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
..
~
'3
0/'3/1/'1/11
~
Gopher Tortoise #9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
..
Gopher Tortoise #10
/
-
-
..
-
-
-
-
-
-
..
.
, /3/'6/~
~ fc..,...
Gopher Tortoise #12
-
-
-
-
-
-
.
-
-
-
..
Jt
7-~
'/"1,
Gopher Tortoise #13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
.
<.
5
i--
3
Gopher Tortoise #14
-
-
-
-
..
..
..
-
..
..
~
~
11'0111-
~/,J 8111/'3
5/7
3
(:)
Gopher Tortoise #15
-
-
-
-
.
.
-
-
-
-
,.,'f
~~:
Gopher Tortoise #16
..
..
..
..
-
-
..
-
..
-
11
f
.reW\'~
Gopher Tortoise #17
-
-
-
-
.
.
-
-
-
..
Gopher Tortoise 018
__L~_~_
.,
.'
....
.".
.".
""
""
""
""
.-
.-
/b 111,
"1'6/8
3
Gopher Tortoise #19
.,
,.
..
III
III
III
III
..
III
..
J.I
I
Gopher Tortoise #20
J
..
-
-
..
-
-
-
-
-
-
..
&
CcJ
7
:3
Gopher Tortoise #21
-
-
-
-
..
-
..
-
..
..
-
,
cr
Gopher Tortoise 022
..
..
..
..
..
..
-
..
..
..
..
'/'J/r'
'+/,
7
Gopher Tortoise #23
-
..
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
'tIc. ~/1
-#
1.
I
Gopher Tortoise #24
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
'-
, '3/15
,
Gopher Tortoise #25
-
..
..
..
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
3
'I J./ I~
:L
Gopher Tortoise 026
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
APPENDIX 2
Home ranges for marked tortoises
..
..
..
..
..
-
..
..
..
-
..
Tortoise 11
------------
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
/
Tortoise #2
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Tortoise 13
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 14
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 15
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 16
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 17
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
~
Tortoise 18
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 19
--
--
..
..
--
--
--
..
--
--
"
Tortoise 110
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
(
fence
Tortoise 112
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 113
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 114
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 115
....
--
--
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 116
-
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tortoise 117
Tortoise 118
big I
Tortoise 119
Tortoise 120
---- ---- ---~---~-------------~----~
.t~c.e.
Tortoise 121
.~-_._--------------
Tortoise 122
Tortoise '23
Tortoise 124
Tortoise 125
l
Tortoise '26
------.._----
-- -------------