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Developing methods for quantifying the apparent abundance of fiddler crabs (Ocypodidae: Uca) in mangrove habitats

Nobbs, Madeleine O. and McGuinness, Keith A. (1999). Developing methods for quantifying the apparent abundance of fiddler crabs (Ocypodidae: Uca) in mangrove habitats. Austral Ecology,24(1):43-49.

Document type: Journal Article
Citation counts: Scopus Citation Count Cited 25 times in Scopus Article | Citations

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Title Developing methods for quantifying the apparent abundance of fiddler crabs (Ocypodidae: Uca) in mangrove habitats
Author Nobbs, Madeleine O.
McGuinness, Keith A.
Journal Name Austral Ecology
Publication Date 1999
Volume Number 24
Issue Number 1
ISSN 1442-9985   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-17944377015
Start Page 43
End Page 49
Total Pages 7
Place of Publication Australia
Publisher Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Field of Research ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Abstract Counting the number of individuals emerging from burrows is the most practical method for estimating the apparent abundance of Australian Uca species living in mangrove habitats. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect on counts of quadrat design, distance of observer, quadrat size, recovery time and observational technique. Significant differences in the apparent abundance of one species were found when the subjects were within 2 m of the observer, and when a conspicuous quadrat was used. The largest quadrat tested provided the least variability in counts but an intermediate size (0.56 m2) was more practical. Most Uca active within a 30-min period emerged during the first 10 min regardless of site, species, sex or season. There was a linear correlation between scanning and continuous observation indicating that the former method could be useful when sampling time was limited. Temporal changes in the apparent abundance of Uca suggest that long-term sampling and more detailed studies will be worthwhile.
Keywords Darwin Harbour
Sampling methods
Uca elegans
Uca flammula
Uca mjobergi
Uca signata
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-9993.1999.00945.x   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Fri, 29 Aug 2014, 19:58:57 CST by Anthony Hornby