Ecological Characterization of Aquatic Refugia in the Arthu R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Mazzotti F, Brandt L, Rice K, Borkhataria R, Martin G, Minkowski K. 2004. Ecological Characterization of Aquatic Refugia in the Arthu R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative. RES01-8. Everglades National Park/South Florida Natural Resources Center
Final Report. The American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, has long been considered a keystone species in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, largely for its role in the creation and/or maintenance of aquatic refugia. Alligator holes have historically been viewed as critical habitat for a wide range of aquatic species, particularly during the dry season. This study aims to clarify both the spatial and structural extent of alligator holes in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Furthermore, the study helps clarify the ecological function of such refugia, and ties their existence to localized increases in plant diversity. Mazzotti, Frank J. , Laura A. Brandt, Kenneth G. Rice, Rena R. Borkhataria, Gayle Martin, Karen Minkowski. 2004. Ecological characterization of aquatic refugia in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Final Report submitted to the National Park Service (NPS) and Critical Ecosystems Studies Initiative. NPS Cooperative Agreement with University of Florida. Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Mazzotti, Frank; Brandt, Laura; Rice, Kenneth; Borkhataria, Rena; Martin, Gayle; Minkowski, Karen
- Date of Issue
- 2004-02
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Assessment, CESI Refugia, everglades, Research, Restoration, Ridge and Slough
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Communities , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Freshwater Invertebrates , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Fishes