Vertebrate use of nontidal wetlands on Galveston Island, Texas.

Date

1985

Authors

Mueller, A.J.

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Abstract

The nontidal wetlands of Galveston Island, Texas, depend on local rainfall for freshwater, and many dry out during the summer. Evaporation and innundation by storm tides cause salinities to rise; they decline when heavy rainfalls flush out the saltwater. Aquatic emergents are the dominant vegetation. Nontidal marshes provide important habitat for many kinds of wildlife, especially birds. In a comparison of two wetlands, one natural and the other man-made, the natural area received equal or greater use by all aquatic bird groups except the black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and American coot (Fulica americana). Nontidal wetlands are the only available habitat on Galveston Island for may amphibians and reptiles.

Description

p. 215-225.

Keywords

wetlands, habitat, vertebrate zoology, vegetation cover, ornithology, herpetology

Citation