Development and Application of a Physiological-based Framework for Assessing the Biological Significance of Military Activities on Threatened and Endangered Animal Species
Abstract
This main objective of this SERDP project was to develop and apply an integrated multivariate bioindicator approach for assessing effects of military activities and other environmental factors on TER-S and to serve as an operational framework for resource managers at military sites to evaluate the fitness of TER-S. Both level of military activity and habitat quality were influential factors in dictating the magnitude and nature of health responses in gopher tortoises at Camp Shelby, MS. with habitat apparently having the greater (relative) effect. The fitness of tortoise populations is primarily related to habitat quality because habitat quality influences population size and population size is directly related to genetic fitness and therefore to overall health of tortoises. A multivariate discriminant analysis revealed that a reduced set (7-8) of bioindicators from a total set of about 40 measured variables effectively predicted tortoise health. Using multiple response variables at different levels of biological organization is necessary in helping to understand causal relationships between environmental factors, organism response, and the biological relevance of such responses. Results provide by this study suggest that some effective environmental management options are available for mitigating or minimizing any effects due to military activity on sensitive TER-S such as the gopher tortoise. Identification of those specific actions and environmental variables responsible for injury to TER-S should reduce the uncertainty of environmental management and regulatory decisions resulting in an increased ability to predict the consequences of specific actions or activities on military ranges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 17, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA606754
Entities
People
- M. G. Hinderliter
- M. J. Peterson
- S. C. Richter
- S. M. Adams
Organizations
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory