Burrowing preferences of Atlantic ghost crab, Ocypode quadrata, in relation to sand compaction in Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Abstract

It is well understood that human activities can have a negative effect on the flora and fauna of sensitive coastal environments. Small invertebrates, in particular, are susceptible to damage from anthropogenic causes. This paper examines the burrowing preferences of the ghost crab Ocypode quadrata, a small, semi-terrestrial crustacean commonly found in sandy beach/tidal zone environments along the United States’ Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In particular, the effects of beach sand compaction caused by both pedestrian trampling and vehicular traffic at Padre Island National Seashore in Texas (USA) is examined with respect to ghost crab burrowing locations. A mixed method analysis of field-collected data explored the effects of sand compaction on ghost crab burrows located in both high and low traffic beach zones. Both size and number of burrows were larger at those study sites where human disturbance has been greatest. The findings suggest that, though human action does have a measurable effect on both the number and size of burrows, ghost crabs have demonstrated resilience to the effects of human traffic.