Isotopic niche partitioning in a multi-species assemblage
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- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Data Release: USGS data release - Stable isotope data for sea turtles and prey items in St. Joseph Bay, FL (2011-2021) and comprehensive summary of sea turtle diet papers
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Abstract
Multi-species assemblages can help identify key resources in their habitat by evaluating how they are partitioning their resources. Here we used the isotopic niche of loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, and green sea turtles to assess their ecological niche within a Gulf of Mexico bay. Additionally, we assessed temporal and size-class variation in their diets by comparing the δ13C and δ15N values over various capture years and size classes. Based on the isotopic niche overlap results, interspecific competition occurs among loggerhead, Kemp’s ridley, and smaller green turtles. Green turtle and Kemp’s ridley diet varied by size class, while Kemp’s ridley diet also varied temporally. The three species partition resources by selecting different preferred diet items, although some overlap in diet, including between the herbivorous (green) and carnivorous (Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead) species, appears to occur. The high quality of this habitat may allow species co-existence and population recovery despite the possible use of shared resources.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Isotopic niche partitioning in a multi-species assemblage |
| Series title | Marine Biology |
| DOI | 10.1007/s00227-023-04317-x |
| Volume | 171 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Contributing office(s) | Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
| Description | 2, 13 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Other Geospatial | St. Joseph Bay |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |