Refuge provides highlights of monthly biology activities
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge biological science technician Avery Renshaw recently reported on the Sanibel refuge’s following biology activities for the month of July:
– Researchers from Louisiana State University conducted research at the refuge using terrestrial laser scanning to assess the role of red mangroves in reducing storm surge and wave energy. The team will use the research to develop a model that estimates the coastal protection potential of red mangroves. The model will be a tool for working with private industries, such as land development firms and real estate agencies, and public entities like local governments to promote the preservation of red mangroves by quantifying their value.
– Least tern and Wilson’s plover chicks continue to hatch at the refuge. Because least terns are a state-designated threatened species, observing the shorebird babies and their nesting sites is an important part of monitoring their population status.
– The colonial wading and water bird nesting season is winding down. This year, the refuge recorded the highest number of tricolored heron nests in the last decade. The nest monitoring effort in Charlotte Harbor is a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Staff from the FDEP have been accompanying the refuge team on this season’s surveys to train it, so that it has a consistent survey protocol among partners. Surveys consist of one boat day per month from February to July. Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, are important indicator species, which means their presence, absence or abundance can tell a lot about the health of the ecosystem.