Effects of mud fiddler crabs (Uca pugnax) on the recruitment of halophyte seedlings in salt marsh dieback areas of Cape Cod (Massachusetts, USA)

Abstract

AbstractThe effects of bioturbation by the mud fiddler crab (Uca pugnax) on salt marsh seedling recruitment were investigated experimentally in this study. Burrowing and foraging activity caused a large amount of soil disturbance, which in turn negatively impacted the establishment of seedlings. Either seeds did not germinate or seedlings were uprooted or buried. Although the majority of the published literature suggests a positive influence of Uca spp. on salt marsh plant growth, at high densities they have the potential to hinder the re‐colonization of areas made bare by previous disturbance. This study illustrates the perhaps underappreciated role that bioturbators can have on vegetation patterns in salt marshes and other ecosystems.