Mathew Denton (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Stable carbon (C13) and nitrogen (N15) isotopic values of American alligators within the Florida Everglades (2013-2020) Stable carbon (C13) and nitrogen (N15) isotopic values of American alligators within the Florida Everglades (2013-2020)
This dataset contains morphometric and isotopic data for American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) that were sampled from within four freshwater (FW) wetlands and one estuarine (EST) wetland within the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Due to their compartmentalization and varied habitat and water regimes, there were multiple sampling sites within two of the FW wetlands. The five...
Capture histories and body size data for a population of mangrove diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, 2001-2019 Capture histories and body size data for a population of mangrove diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, 2001-2019
We used an 18-year dataset (2001 to 2019) incorporating year, sex, hurricane occurrence and sampling effort to estimate survival using Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) models in Program Mark. Annual survivorship estimates were high from 2001-2003 for both sexes (91-96%) and variable from 2006-2014 (77-92%). Beginning in 2015 survival estimates exhibited a steeper decline (females: 65%, males 75...
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values from three omnivorous turtles, vegetation, and potential prey resources in the Santa Fe River, Florida sampled 2019-2020 Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values from three omnivorous turtles, vegetation, and potential prey resources in the Santa Fe River, Florida sampled 2019-2020
All samples were collected within a 9km stretch of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida, USA. In 2019 and 2020 we sampled claw tissue from Macrochelys suwanniensis, Chelydra serpentina, and Trachemys scripta scripta, from three different sampling locations. We collected Vegetation and potential prey tissue samples within close proximity of turtle captures from two of the three capture...
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of Diamondback terrapin tissues, vegetative, and benthic invertebrate resources within Barnegat Bay, New Jersey during 3 sampling sessions between 2011-2019 Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of Diamondback terrapin tissues, vegetative, and benthic invertebrate resources within Barnegat Bay, New Jersey during 3 sampling sessions between 2011-2019
This dataset represents stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic information from tissue samples collected from diamondback terrapins, potential prey items, and vegetation from 6 salt marsh sites (4 mainland, 2 island) within a 30 km section of southern Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, USA. Red blood cells were collected from terrapins in 2011 (mature females), and whole blood samples were collected...
Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen from diamondback terrapins and resources within Southern Everglades and Key West National Wildlife Refuge, sampled 2012-2013 Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen from diamondback terrapins and resources within Southern Everglades and Key West National Wildlife Refuge, sampled 2012-2013
This study was initiated to provide baseline data and to determine the utility of stable isotope analysis to evaluate the foraging strategies of an opportunistic reptile predator. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were evaluated from multiple tissues from terrapin populations to determine spatial or temporal variations in resource use within mangrove habitats in Southern...
Isotopic niche plasticity of American alligators within the southern Everglades Isotopic niche plasticity of American alligators within the southern Everglades
Hydrologic alterations within the Everglades have degraded American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) habitat, reduced prey base, and increased physiological stress. Alligator body condition declined across many management areas from 2000 through 2014, prompting us to investigate the relationship between their intraspecific isotopic niche dynamics and body condition. Alligators...
Authors
Mathew Denton, Michael Cherkiss, Frank J. Mazzotti, Laura A. Brandt, Sidney T. Godfrey, Darren Johnson, Kristen Hart
Interpreting a sudden population decline in a long-lived species (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) Interpreting a sudden population decline in a long-lived species (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum)
Long-term ecological studies are critical for providing insight into population dynamics and detecting population declines, particularly for species of conservation concern. However, spatiotemporal variation and logistical challenges make the identification of sudden population declines difficult. We conducted an in-water capture-mark-recapture study of mangrove diamond-backed terrapins
Authors
Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Brian J. Smith, Mathew Denton, Michael Cherkiss, David Roche, Andrew G. Crowder, Kristen Hart
Dietary niche of three omnivorous turtle species in a northern Florida river: Insights from stable isotope analysis Dietary niche of three omnivorous turtle species in a northern Florida river: Insights from stable isotope analysis
Macrochelys suwanniensis (Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle) coexists with 2 other native large omnivorous turtle species (Chelydra serpentina [Snapping Turtle] and Trachemys scripta scripta [Yellow-bellied Slider]) in a 9-km section of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida. A major shift in dominant submersed aquatic vegetation prompted us to quantify trophic position and niche...
Authors
Mathew Denton, Gerald R. Johnston, Travis M. Thomas, Hardin Waddle, Susan Walls, Kristen Hart
Isotopic niche of New Jersey terrapins suggests intraspecific resource partitioning, and little variability following a major hurricane Isotopic niche of New Jersey terrapins suggests intraspecific resource partitioning, and little variability following a major hurricane
Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are sexually dimorphic generalist turtles that inhabit salt marshes and estuaries along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. On October 29th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, USA, directly impacting terrapin populations inhabiting central and southern Barnegat Bay. To examine potential food web mediated impacts...
Authors
Mathew Denton, Kristen Hart, John Wnek, Sarah A. Moss, Harold W. Avery
Stable isotope analysis enhances our understanding of diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin foraging ecology Stable isotope analysis enhances our understanding of diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin foraging ecology
Dietary studies on generalist predators may provide valuable information on spatial or temporal changes in the structure of ecological communities. We initiated this study to provide baseline data and determine the utility of stable isotope analysis (SIA) to evaluate the foraging strategies of an opportunistic reptilian predator, the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), which...
Authors
Mathew J. Denton, Amanda W.J. Demopoulos, John D. Baldwin, Brian Smith, Kristen M. Hart
Diet of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in subtropical mangrove habitats in South Florida Diet of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in subtropical mangrove habitats in South Florida
Unique among turtles as the only exclusively estuarine species, the diamondback terrapin’s (Malaclemys terrapin) life history predisposes it to impacts from humans both on land and in the near-shore environment. Terrapins are found in salt marshes and mangroves along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Massachusetts to Texas. Whereas previous dietary studies have elucidated terrapins’ role...
Authors
Mathew J. Denton, Kristen M. Hart, Amanda W.J. Demopoulos, Anton Oleinik, John N. Baldwin
Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum (mangrove diamond-backed terrapin) Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum (mangrove diamond-backed terrapin)
MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN RHIZOPHORARUM (Mangrove Diamond-backed Terrapin). DIET. Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum, one of seven subspecies of M. terrapin, inhabits subtropical mangrove habitats in South Florida, USA. In temperate climates M. terrapin is largely carnivorous, feeding primarily on gastropods, bivalves, and decapod crustaceans (Tucker et. al. 1995. Herpetologica 51:167–181...
Authors
Mathew J. Denton, Kristen M. Hart, Anton Oelinik, Roger Wood, John N. Baldwin
Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat
Background Understanding movement patterns of free-ranging top predators throughout heterogeneous habitat is important for gaining insight into trophic interactions. We tracked the movements of five adult American alligators to delineate their estuarine habitat use and determine drivers of their activity patterns in a seasonally-fluctuating environment. We also compared VHF- and...
Authors
Ikuko Fujisaki, Kristen M. Hart, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Autumn R. Sartain-Iverson, Brian M. Jeffery, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Mathew J. Denton
Non-USGS Publications**
Johnston, G.R., J.C. Johnston, M. Denton. 2008. Ecology of a freshwater turtle guild in a southern Florida canal system. Florida Scientist. 71(4): 360-369.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Stable carbon (C13) and nitrogen (N15) isotopic values of American alligators within the Florida Everglades (2013-2020) Stable carbon (C13) and nitrogen (N15) isotopic values of American alligators within the Florida Everglades (2013-2020)
This dataset contains morphometric and isotopic data for American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) that were sampled from within four freshwater (FW) wetlands and one estuarine (EST) wetland within the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Due to their compartmentalization and varied habitat and water regimes, there were multiple sampling sites within two of the FW wetlands. The five...
Capture histories and body size data for a population of mangrove diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, 2001-2019 Capture histories and body size data for a population of mangrove diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, 2001-2019
We used an 18-year dataset (2001 to 2019) incorporating year, sex, hurricane occurrence and sampling effort to estimate survival using Cormack–Jolly–Seber (CJS) models in Program Mark. Annual survivorship estimates were high from 2001-2003 for both sexes (91-96%) and variable from 2006-2014 (77-92%). Beginning in 2015 survival estimates exhibited a steeper decline (females: 65%, males 75...
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values from three omnivorous turtles, vegetation, and potential prey resources in the Santa Fe River, Florida sampled 2019-2020 Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values from three omnivorous turtles, vegetation, and potential prey resources in the Santa Fe River, Florida sampled 2019-2020
All samples were collected within a 9km stretch of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida, USA. In 2019 and 2020 we sampled claw tissue from Macrochelys suwanniensis, Chelydra serpentina, and Trachemys scripta scripta, from three different sampling locations. We collected Vegetation and potential prey tissue samples within close proximity of turtle captures from two of the three capture...
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of Diamondback terrapin tissues, vegetative, and benthic invertebrate resources within Barnegat Bay, New Jersey during 3 sampling sessions between 2011-2019 Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis of Diamondback terrapin tissues, vegetative, and benthic invertebrate resources within Barnegat Bay, New Jersey during 3 sampling sessions between 2011-2019
This dataset represents stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic information from tissue samples collected from diamondback terrapins, potential prey items, and vegetation from 6 salt marsh sites (4 mainland, 2 island) within a 30 km section of southern Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, USA. Red blood cells were collected from terrapins in 2011 (mature females), and whole blood samples were collected...
Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen from diamondback terrapins and resources within Southern Everglades and Key West National Wildlife Refuge, sampled 2012-2013 Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen from diamondback terrapins and resources within Southern Everglades and Key West National Wildlife Refuge, sampled 2012-2013
This study was initiated to provide baseline data and to determine the utility of stable isotope analysis to evaluate the foraging strategies of an opportunistic reptile predator. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were evaluated from multiple tissues from terrapin populations to determine spatial or temporal variations in resource use within mangrove habitats in Southern...
Isotopic niche plasticity of American alligators within the southern Everglades Isotopic niche plasticity of American alligators within the southern Everglades
Hydrologic alterations within the Everglades have degraded American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) habitat, reduced prey base, and increased physiological stress. Alligator body condition declined across many management areas from 2000 through 2014, prompting us to investigate the relationship between their intraspecific isotopic niche dynamics and body condition. Alligators...
Authors
Mathew Denton, Michael Cherkiss, Frank J. Mazzotti, Laura A. Brandt, Sidney T. Godfrey, Darren Johnson, Kristen Hart
Interpreting a sudden population decline in a long-lived species (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) Interpreting a sudden population decline in a long-lived species (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum)
Long-term ecological studies are critical for providing insight into population dynamics and detecting population declines, particularly for species of conservation concern. However, spatiotemporal variation and logistical challenges make the identification of sudden population declines difficult. We conducted an in-water capture-mark-recapture study of mangrove diamond-backed terrapins
Authors
Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Brian J. Smith, Mathew Denton, Michael Cherkiss, David Roche, Andrew G. Crowder, Kristen Hart
Dietary niche of three omnivorous turtle species in a northern Florida river: Insights from stable isotope analysis Dietary niche of three omnivorous turtle species in a northern Florida river: Insights from stable isotope analysis
Macrochelys suwanniensis (Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle) coexists with 2 other native large omnivorous turtle species (Chelydra serpentina [Snapping Turtle] and Trachemys scripta scripta [Yellow-bellied Slider]) in a 9-km section of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida. A major shift in dominant submersed aquatic vegetation prompted us to quantify trophic position and niche...
Authors
Mathew Denton, Gerald R. Johnston, Travis M. Thomas, Hardin Waddle, Susan Walls, Kristen Hart
Isotopic niche of New Jersey terrapins suggests intraspecific resource partitioning, and little variability following a major hurricane Isotopic niche of New Jersey terrapins suggests intraspecific resource partitioning, and little variability following a major hurricane
Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are sexually dimorphic generalist turtles that inhabit salt marshes and estuaries along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. On October 29th, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey, USA, directly impacting terrapin populations inhabiting central and southern Barnegat Bay. To examine potential food web mediated impacts...
Authors
Mathew Denton, Kristen Hart, John Wnek, Sarah A. Moss, Harold W. Avery
Stable isotope analysis enhances our understanding of diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin foraging ecology Stable isotope analysis enhances our understanding of diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin foraging ecology
Dietary studies on generalist predators may provide valuable information on spatial or temporal changes in the structure of ecological communities. We initiated this study to provide baseline data and determine the utility of stable isotope analysis (SIA) to evaluate the foraging strategies of an opportunistic reptilian predator, the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), which...
Authors
Mathew J. Denton, Amanda W.J. Demopoulos, John D. Baldwin, Brian Smith, Kristen M. Hart
Diet of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in subtropical mangrove habitats in South Florida Diet of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in subtropical mangrove habitats in South Florida
Unique among turtles as the only exclusively estuarine species, the diamondback terrapin’s (Malaclemys terrapin) life history predisposes it to impacts from humans both on land and in the near-shore environment. Terrapins are found in salt marshes and mangroves along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Massachusetts to Texas. Whereas previous dietary studies have elucidated terrapins’ role...
Authors
Mathew J. Denton, Kristen M. Hart, Amanda W.J. Demopoulos, Anton Oleinik, John N. Baldwin
Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum (mangrove diamond-backed terrapin) Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum (mangrove diamond-backed terrapin)
MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN RHIZOPHORARUM (Mangrove Diamond-backed Terrapin). DIET. Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum, one of seven subspecies of M. terrapin, inhabits subtropical mangrove habitats in South Florida, USA. In temperate climates M. terrapin is largely carnivorous, feeding primarily on gastropods, bivalves, and decapod crustaceans (Tucker et. al. 1995. Herpetologica 51:167–181...
Authors
Mathew J. Denton, Kristen M. Hart, Anton Oelinik, Roger Wood, John N. Baldwin
Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat Home range and movements of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an estuary habitat
Background Understanding movement patterns of free-ranging top predators throughout heterogeneous habitat is important for gaining insight into trophic interactions. We tracked the movements of five adult American alligators to delineate their estuarine habitat use and determine drivers of their activity patterns in a seasonally-fluctuating environment. We also compared VHF- and...
Authors
Ikuko Fujisaki, Kristen M. Hart, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss, Autumn R. Sartain-Iverson, Brian M. Jeffery, Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Mathew J. Denton
Non-USGS Publications**
Johnston, G.R., J.C. Johnston, M. Denton. 2008. Ecology of a freshwater turtle guild in a southern Florida canal system. Florida Scientist. 71(4): 360-369.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.