A comparative survey of Gopherus polyphemus hemoparasites in four different South Florida habitats

Abstract

Abstract The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species, for its burrows house more than 300 species of animals. Habitat destruction and its consequent fragmentation have led to a decline in populations within southeastern ranges of the United States. Haemogregarina (intracellular protozoan parasites) have previously been identified in the blood of gopher tortoises. High levels of blood parasitaemia have shown to be a potential indication of stress resulting from overcrowding. The goals of this study are: (1) to characterize hemoparasite species through the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from tortoise blood samples and the ticks attached to tortoises and (2) to determine if free ranging gopher tortoises that live in poorly maintained habitats exhibit higher prevalence and parasitaemia levels within their blood when compared to tortoises inhabiting better maintained sites with prescribed fires. Research goals will be examined at four sites: Blazing Star Preserve (BSP), Pine Jog Preserve (PJP), Florida Atlantic University Preserve (FAUP), and Johnathan Dickinson State Park (JDSP), to determine both hemoparasite prevalence and parasitaemia levels. PJP and JDSP are sites currently practicing fire management and herbicides, whereas FAUP utilizes mechanical and chemical management while BSP is not managed. We hypothesize that parasitaemia will be higher in poorly managed sites as a result of crowding, when compared to well managed sites. This study will benefit current conservation and management practices for gopher tortoises in South Florida and help provide a baseline study for reptile hemoparasites.