To examine the model that patterns in the abundance of crabs and environmental
variables at Buffalo Creek are general in other similar mangrove forests with boardwalks,
a second location was sampled at Homebush Bay. Only environmental variables
found to show significant differences at Buffalo Creek were sampled at Homebush Bay.
Two patches (435 m) located next to and 20 m away from the boardwalk were sampled
on each side of the boardwalk. Each patch was sampled with 10 light readings (between
2 1 and 2 pm on a sunny day) and 3 replicate 0.25 m quadrats in which crabs and
pneumatophores were counted and the cover of algae and leaf litter estimated. Within
each quadrat, a small core was taken to estimate the proportion of root material. The
hardness of the substratum was measured in all patches using 5 replicates of the method
used at Buffalo Creek.