Computer Simulation Modeling of Intermediate Trophic Levels for ATLSS of the Everglades/Big Cypress Region

This project includes models for primary food bases; the functional group of small fishes, upon which many of the wading birds depend, and the main reptile and amphibian functional groups, which constitute much of the diet of the American alligator. In addition, population models for several important species have been developed. These include a model for the snail kite population of Florida, models for the key wading bird species, and a model of the American crocodile population, all focusing on the effects of hydrology.

This project has the goal of developing models for key components of the Everglades landscape as part of the overall Across Trophic Level System Simulation (ATLSS) program. The proposed work has four major objectives: 1. Provide rapid support for CERP by producing output and interpretation of requested runs of ATLSS models. 2. Complete an ATLSS model for the American crocodile that is in the final stage of work. 3. Validate models of the snail kite and the Cape Sable seaside sparrow. 4. Providing field work and habitat quality indices for effects of hydrology on selected small mammal and amphibian species.