By: Irina Tabacila
Introduction
Florida’s diverse reptile species, from the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) to the
green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), play essential roles in the state’s ecosystems. Unfortunately,
climate change threatens these species, affecting their habitats, behaviors, and even their
survival.
Rising Temperatures and Reproduction
Florida’s warming climate has profound effects on reptile reproduction, especially for species
like sea turtles, whose egg incubation temperature determines hatchlings’ sex. Warmer sands are
producing more female hatchlings, which can disrupt population balance and affect future
generations (What Causes a Sea Turtle to Be Born Male or Female?). Rising temperatures also
drive some reptiles to move to cooler regions, changing the structure of local ecosystems as
species are forced to adapt or relocate (Wildlife and Climate Change (U.S. National Park
Service)).
Source: “Record Breaking Number of Sea Turtle Nests in Boca Raton”
Sea-Level Rise and Habitat Loss
With rising sea levels, coastal habitats like mangroves and marshes, crucial for species such as
the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), are at risk. As saltwater intrudes, these reptiles lose
nesting and foraging grounds, pushing them inland where they face increased competition for
resources (Coastal Wetlands Geonarrative | U.S. Geological Survey). This habitat loss disrupts
the delicate balance of Florida’s coastal ecosystems, affecting not only reptiles but also the plants
and animals that depend on these areas.
Altered Food Webs
Reptiles play critical roles in Florida’s food webs but changing climate patterns impact their food
sources. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species, supports over 300
other species by creating burrows that offer shelter. However, shifts in rainfall and temperature
reduce vegetation availability, affecting the gopher tortoise and, consequently, all species relying
on its burrows (“Gopher Tortoise”).
Increased Storms and Nesting Disruption
More intense hurricanes due to climate change have devastating effects on coastal reptiles like
loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), whose nests are often destroyed by storms. Frequent
storms reduce hatchling success rates and challenge population recovery (What Causes a Sea
Turtle to Be Born Male or Female?).
Taking Action
To protect Florida’s reptiles, conservation efforts must address habitat preservation, especially
for nesting sites, and climate adaptation strategies. Restoring and safeguarding freshwater and
coastal habitats can help reptiles adapt to a rapidly changing environment (Wildlife and Climate
Change (U.S. National Park Service)).
Bibliography:
What Causes a Sea Turtle to Be Born Male or Female?
oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/temperature-dependent.html.
Wildlife and Climate Change (U.S. National Park Service).
www.nps.gov/articles/000/wildlife-climateimpact.htm.
“—.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission,
myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/gopher-tortoise.
Coastal Wetlands Geonarrative | U.S. Geological Survey. 14 Jan. 2022,
www.usgs.gov/tools/coastal-wetlands-geonarrative.
“Record Breaking Number of Sea Turtle Nests in Boca Raton.” Boca Raton, FL,
www.myboca.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1119.
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