Keywords

Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Bayesian mixed stock analysis, loggerhead, green turtle, hawksbill, juvenile recruitment, nested clade analysis, coalescense

Abstract

Marine turtle conservation is most successful when it is based on sound data incorporating life history, historical population stability, and gene flow among populations. This research attempts to provide that information through two studies. In chapter I, I identify historical patterns of gene flow, population sizes, and contraction/expansion during major climatic shifts. In chapter II, I reveal a life history characteristic of loggerhead turtles previously undocumented. I identify a pattern of juvenile recruitment to foraging grounds proximal to their natal nesting beach. This pattern results in a predictable recruitment pattern from juvenile foraging ground aggregations to local rookeries. This research will provide crucial information to conservation managers by demonstrating how sensitive marine turtles are to global climate change. In the second component of my research, I demonstrate how threats posed to juvenile foraging grounds will have measurable effects on rookeries proximal to those foraging grounds. The addition of this basic life history information will have dramatic effects on marine turtle conservation in the future, and will serve as the basis for more thorough, forward-looking recovery plans.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2005

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Parkinson, Christopher

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Biology

Degree Program

Biology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0000341

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0000341

Language

English

Release Date

January 2010

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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