The Effects of Simulated Peccary Extirpation on Leaf Litter Dynamics, Reptiles, and Amphibians in a Neotropical Forest

Authors

Kelsey Reider, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Maureen A. Donnelly

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Steven F. Oberbauer

Third Advisor's Name

Deron Burkepile

Keywords

Leaf litter, reptile, amphibian, peccary, Pecari tajacu, La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica

Date of Defense

11-10-2011

Abstract

Peccaries are known to play a significant role in shaping the diversity of habitats and structure of plants in rain forests. However, very little is known about their roles in regulating animal populations. I review the ways peccaries increase disturbance, create habitat diversity, provide resources, act as predators, and might otherwise directly and indirectly affect other animals. To determine effects of simulated peccary extirpation on the detrital food web, I examined the hypotheses that a reduction of peccary density on fenced exclusion plots would cause changes in the amount and quality of leaf litter as habitat for leaf litter reptiles and amphibians. I found that compared to open controls, exclusions had significantly deeper litter and more rapid cellulose decomposition. Exclusions were thus expected to provide more habitat and prey for litter amphibians and reptiles than control plots, but, paradoxically, encounters of reptiles and amphibians were greater on controls.

Identifier

FI11120506

Recommended Citation

Reider, Kelsey, "The Effects of Simulated Peccary Extirpation on Leaf Litter Dynamics, Reptiles, and Amphibians in a Neotropical Forest" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 483.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/483