Camera Trap Comparison: How Shoreline Restoration Affects Vertebrate Behavior and Abundance

Affiliations: College of Sciences
Team Leader:
Tara Blanchard
tara.blanchard@ucf.edu
Integrative and Conservation Biology PhD
Faculty Mentor:
Linda Walters, PhD
Team Size:
1
Open Spots: 0
Team Member Qualifications:
Description:
Mangrove shorelines provide essential ecosystem services, yet they are increasingly in decline due to habitat loss and shoreline erosion caused by intensified storm events and boat wakes. To stabilize and protect these areas, restoration methods have been introduced that involve planting mangroves and marsh grasses behind wave break materials. Although many studies evaluate the effectiveness and durability of these materials, they often overlook interactions with non-target species such as birds and mammals. This study investigates vertebrate behavior and abundance across shorelines restored with different restoration materials using camera traps. By focusing on wildlife responses, this project highlights the broader ecological importance of shoreline restoration efforts.