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Compression of home ranges in ghost crabs on sandy beaches impacted by vehicle traffic

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Abstract

Animal movement is a pivotal element of many ecological processes, and on ocean-exposed sandy shores, ghost crabs (genus Ocypode) undertake extensive nocturnal forays on the beach surface. Because crab populations are also threatened by vehicle traffic, indicators that can detect sublethal effects before population declines are manifest are important. To this end, we tested on a barrier island in Eastern Australia whether movement patterns of crabs respond predictably to disturbance by vehicles; this was done by tracking (using the spool-and-line technique) crabs at night in beach sections open and closed to traffic. Beach traffic not only halved population densities of crabs on the unvegetated beach seawards of the dunes, but it also fundamentally changed crab behaviour and movement: individuals from beach areas rutted by tyre tracks travelled shorter distances in a more erratic zigzag pattern, and they had significantly compressed home ranges. Such behavioural changes linked to human pressures could be well suited as an early warning signal for wider negative ecological impacts (as demonstrated by reduced abundances). They also emphasize the need to incorporate sublethal effects into the assessment and management of ecological changes resulting from beach recreation.

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Acknowledgments

This study was possible thanks to our spirited volunteers who spent many nights and very early mornings tracking crabs: ‘crab whisperer’ Tara Nielsen, Stewart Lloyd, Rudolf deJager, Kevin Nielsen, Bernadette Mueller, and Isabella Schlacher. Scott Burnett gave valuable advice on spool-and-line tracking technique. Sanjeev K. Srivastava helped with GIS analysis, and Pete Laver provided very useful insights into the correct use of ABODE in ArcGIS. The Local Government Authority (Redland Shire Council), who manages beach traffic on North Stradbroke Island, supported the study logistically and financially, particularly Dan Carter. S. Lucrezi was supported by a PhD scholarship by the University of the Sunshine Coast.

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  1. Faculty of Science, Health & Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia

    Thomas A. Schlacher & Serena Lucrezi

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  1. Thomas A. Schlacher
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  2. Serena Lucrezi
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Correspondence to Thomas A. Schlacher.

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Communicated by S. D. Connell.

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Schlacher, T.A., Lucrezi, S. Compression of home ranges in ghost crabs on sandy beaches impacted by vehicle traffic. Mar Biol 157, 2467–2474 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-010-1511-8

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