DOCSLIB.ORG

Conservation of Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Conservation of Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys Conservation of Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys marmorata) on the Lower American River Milo William Kovet Sr. ENVS 190; Senior Thesis California State University, Sacramento November 14, 2018 1 Table of Contents: Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 3 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 4 Study Area……………………..……………………………………………………………...pg. 4 Background…………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 6 Classification.…………………………………………………………………………pg. 6 Description……………………………………………………………………………pg. 7 Diet……………………………………………………………………………………pg. 9 Habitat………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 9 Aquatic Habitat………………………………………………………………………. pg. 9 Basking……………………………………………………………………………….pg.11 Terrestrial Habitat………………………………………….…………………….......pg. 13 Overwintering………..…………………………………………………………........pg. 13 Nesting………..………………………………………………………………….......pg. 14 Clutch Size..…..…………………………………………………………….……......pg. 15 Survival and Recruitment………………………………………………………………….pg. 16 Predators…………………………………………………………….……………….pg. 16 Hatchling Survival………………………………………………….………………..pg. 17 Other Threats……………………………………………………………………………….pg. 19 Habitat Loss…………………………………………………………….……………pg. 19 Disease………………………………………………………………….……………pg. 19 Road Mortality…………………………………………………………….…………pg. 20 Invasive species……………………………………………………………………...pg. 20 Recreational disturbance………………………………………………………….….pg. 22 Climate Change………………………………………………………………………pg.23 Conservation Status……………………………………………………………………...…pg. 24 Methods……………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 26 Visual Encounter Surveys …………………………………………...……………...pg. 26 Results…………………………………………………………………………………….…pg. 28 Discussion……………………………………………………………………………….…..pg. 29 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….….pg. 31 Figures………………………………………………………………………………..….….pg. 33 Literature Cited………………………………………………………………………….…pg. 40 2 Abstract Western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) (WPT) are found along the western coast of North America. The western pond turtle is the only remaining freshwater turtle species native to California. The western pond turtle faces increasing pressure from habitat loss due to urban and agricultural development of wetland ecosystems. Habitat degradation and persistent drought, in combination with competition with invasive species, has reduced the population of western pond turtles. Western pond turtle populations have declined in abundance in parts of their range due to lack of juvenile recruitment, a result of elevated nest and hatchling predation (Rosenburg et al. 2013). The western pond turtle is now listed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as a species of concern in California (Jennings et al. 1994). The Stevens Laboratory has been working to restore crucial habitat for western pond turtles along the lower American River. The western pond turtle study at Bushy Lake has begun preliminary research, monitoring the health and recruitment of western pond turtles. 3 I. INTRODUCTION Study Area In 1976 the California legislature passed the Bushy Lake Preservation Act. This was done in part by local organizations such as The Save The American River Foundation (SARA) that rallied to save the land from development by Cal-Expo and the City of Sacramento, who had plans to turn the area into a golf course. Instead of a golf course, the land was set aside as a nature preserve. In section 1 #5832 (C) of the legislation the United States Fish and Wildlife Service determined that “…this riparian habitat is of vital importance and an integral part of the American River” (Section 5832 of the Public Resources Code). Since that time, 1976, bike trails have been built and signs have been put up explaining the importance of the riparian corridor on the lower American River. The land is currently owned by Cal Expo and managed by Sacramento County parks, however little if any restoration work had been done until 2014. Bushy Lake is a small lake located in the American River Parkway at 38.5889279°N, 121.4345277°W in Sacramento County, California (Fig. 1). The area consists of a riparian habitat along the American River and the adjacent flood plain. Bushy Lake is approximately 700 meters from the American River. During very large precipitation events, such as in 2016, the American River floods its banks and covers the entire space, connecting into Bushy Lake. The Bushy lake preservation area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Native trees and shrubs such as the blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii), and many other species are found at Bushy Lake. The animals in the study area include a wide variety of native and non- native animal species including western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata), red eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), river otters (Lontra canadensis), crayfish, and numerous other species, including many birds such as great blue 4 herons (Ardea herodias), numerous waterfowls, and raptors such as red-shouldered hawks (Buteo lineatus). Western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) have been observed at Bushy Lake by researchers. Western pond turtles are either endangered or threatened throughout their range which extends from southern Washington down to Baja California (Fig. 1) (Bury et al. 2008). In California, western pond turtles are a species of concern (Jennings et al. 1994; Bury et al. 2008). The lower American River parkway is among the last remaining strongholds for western pond turtles along the American River, making it a key area for conservation and management efforts. This habitat has been going through the process of adaptive restoration by the Stevens lab. A monitoring study was setup and the adaptive management of the western pond turtle population was included in the overarching restoration plan at Bushy Lake. The adaptive management of the western pond turtle population at Bushy Lake started in 2016. We began doing visual encounter surveys with binoculars and it appeared that most of the turtle population consisted of western pond turtles. It became apparent that there was another species of turtle in the restoration site, the invasive species of turtle known as the red eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). My initial hypothesis was that there were more western pond turtles than red eared sliders at Bushy Lake. It was hypothesized that recruitment of hatchling turtles into the population may be low due to no visual encounters with small turtles being recorded. Only after a full year of visual encounter surveys and monitoring did researchers find small juvenile turtles, though only very rarely have they been scene. No nesting location have been found, making the recruitment of hatchlings into the Bushy Lake population unknown. 5 However, later in the study the initial hypothesis was rejected as it was discovered that most of the turtle population consisted of red eared sliders based on further visual encounter surveys. In 2018, my hypothesis was that the western pond turtles have been pushed to the fringes of the available habitat and are being outcompeted by the red eared sliders, and, that recruitment of juvenile turtles into the population is still very low. In 2018 more evidence of recruitment was found, yet it has been difficult to identify the juvenile turtles to the species level based on visual encounters. Many unanswered questions about the ecology of the western pond turtles at Bushy Lake remain. The site itself is a crucial refugia, the last along the lower stretches of the American River, the western turtle population found here are extremely important to the conservation of the species (Fig. 2). The Stevens lab plans on conducting further studies in the spring of 2019 with the hopes of starting a mark and recapture program that will help to calibrate the visual encounter survey data already recorded. Lack of juvenile recruitment due to elevated nest and hatchling predation has been cited as the largest reason for the decline of the western pond turtle and researchers are working to locate nesting sites and protect them from predation. Through continued experimentation and adaptive management, researchers hope to conserve the western pond turtles found at Bushy Lake. Background Classification There has been somewhat recent discrepancy on the classification of the western pond turtle. The species has been classified as Actinemys marmorata based on genetic and taxonomic analysis (Bury et al. 2008). Previously the western pond turtle was classified as Clemmys marmorata or as Emys marmorata with the hypothesis that two distinct subspecies existed 6 (marmorata marmorata and marmorata pallida) (Holland 1994). This was based on morphological differentiation, yet, when DNA analysis was done to confirm the populations genetic variation it was concluded that the western pond turtle comprises four genetically and geographically distinct clades rather than two subspecies (Spinks et al. 2005). Description The western pond turtle is a medium sized semiaquatic freshwater turtle that has a broad, smooth carapace that usually reaches a maximum length of 8 inches (Rosenberg et al. 2013). The carapace color tends to be drab olive and reticulated, and the plastron is generally a light yellow. Males usually have varying degrees of pale yellow on the neck and chin, but otherwise the turtle’s skin is gray to almost black and is often mottled (Rosenberg et al. 2013) (Fig. 3). The male western pond turtles have a concave plastron whereas the female’s plastron is generally flat (Fig. 4). The thickness of the tail is also markedly greater in males. Juveniles
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Life History Account for Western Pond Turtle
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group WESTERN POND TURTLE Actinemys marmorata Family: EMYDIDAE Order: TESTUDINES Class: REPTILIA R004 Written by: S. Morey Reviewed by: T. Papenfuss Edited by: R. Duke Updated by: CWHR Program Staff, March 2000 DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY The western pond turtle is uncommon to common in suitable aquatic habitat throughout California, west of the Sierra-Cascade crest and absent from desert regions, except in the Mojave Desert along the Mojave River and its tributaries. Elevation range extends from near sea level to 1430 m (4690 ft) (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Associated with permanent or nearly permanent water in a wide variety of habitat types. SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: This species is considered omnivorous. Aquatic plant material, including pond lilies, beetles and a variety of aquatic invertebrates as well as fishes, frogs, and even carrion have been reported among their food (Stebbins 1972, Nussbaum et al. 1983). Cover: Pond turtles require basking sites such as partially submerged logs, rocks, mats of floating vegetation, or open mud banks. Turtles slip from basking sites to underwater retreats at the approach of humans or potential predators. Hibernation in colder areas is passed underwater in bottom mud. Reproduction: Storer (1930) suggested that two distinct habitats may be used for oviposition. Along large slow-moving streams, eggs are deposited in nests constructed in sandy banks. Along foothill streams, females may climb hillsides, sometimes moving considerable distances to find a suitable nest site. Nussbaum et al. (1983) reports a nest in a clover field 100 m (325 ft) from water.
    [Show full text]
  • Competing Generic Concepts for Blanding's, Pacific and European
    Zootaxa 2791: 41–53 (2011) ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2011 · Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) Competing generic concepts for Blanding’s, Pacific and European pond turtles (Emydoidea, Actinemys and Emys)—Which is best? UWE FRITZ1,3, CHRISTIAN SCHMIDT1 & CARL H. ERNST2 1Museum of Zoology, Senckenberg Dresden, A. B. Meyer Building, D-01109 Dresden, Germany 2Division of Amphibians and Reptiles, MRC 162, Smithsonian Institution, P.O. Box 37012, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012, USA 3Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract We review competing taxonomic classifications and hypotheses for the phylogeny of emydine turtles. The formerly rec- ognized genus Clemmys sensu lato clearly is paraphyletic. Two of its former species, now Glyptemys insculpta and G. muhlenbergii, constitute a well-supported basal clade within the Emydinae. However, the phylogenetic position of the oth- er two species traditionally placed in Clemmys remains controversial. Mitochondrial data suggest a clade embracing Actinemys (formerly Clemmys) marmorata, Emydoidea and Emys and as its sister either another clade (Clemmys guttata + Terrapene) or Terrapene alone. In contrast, nuclear genomic data yield conflicting results, depending on which genes are used. Either Clemmys guttata is revealed as sister to ((Emydoidea + Emys) + Actinemys) + Terrapene or Clemmys gut- tata is sister to Actinemys marmorata and these two species together are the sister group of (Emydoidea + Emys); Terra- pene appears then as sister to (Actinemys marmorata + Clemmys guttata) + (Emydoidea + Emys). The contradictory branching patterns depending from the selected loci are suggestive of lineage sorting problems. Ignoring the unclear phy- logenetic position of Actinemys marmorata, one recently proposed classification scheme placed Actinemys marmorata, Emydoidea blandingii, Emys orbicularis, and Emys trinacris in one genus (Emys), while another classification scheme treats Actinemys, Emydoidea, and Emys as distinct genera.
    [Show full text]
  • Redalyc.MORPHOLOGY and CONSERVATION of the MESOAMERICAN SLIDER (Trachemys Venusta, Emydidae) from the ATRATO RIVER BASIN, COLOMB
    Acta Biológica Colombiana ISSN: 0120-548X [email protected] Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Bogotá Colombia CEBALLOS, CLAUDIA P.; BRAND, WILLIAM A. MORPHOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE MESOAMERICAN SLIDER (Trachemys venusta, Emydidae) FROM THE ATRATO RIVER BASIN, COLOMBIA Acta Biológica Colombiana, vol. 19, núm. 3, septiembre-diciembre, 2014, pp. 483-488 Universidad Nacional de Colombia Sede Bogotá Bogotá, Colombia Available in: http://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=319031647014 How to cite Complete issue Scientific Information System More information about this article Network of Scientific Journals from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal Journal's homepage in redalyc.org Non-profit academic project, developed under the open access initiative SEDE BOGOTÁ ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS DEPARTAMENTO DE BIOLOGÍA ARTÍCULO DE INVESTIGACIÓN MORPHOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE MESOAMERICAN SLIDER (Trachemys venusta, EMYDIDAE) FROM THE ATRATO RIVER BASIN, COLOMBIA Morfología y conservación de la tortuga hicotea Mesoamericana (Trachemys venusta, Emydidae) del río Atrato, Colombia CLAUDIA P. CEBALLOS1, Ph. D.; WILLIAM A. BRAND2, Ecol. 1 Grupo Centauro. Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de Antioquia. Carrera 75 n.º 65-87, of. 47- 122, Medellín, Colombia. [email protected] 2 Corpouraba. Calle 92 n.º 98-39, Turbo, Antioquia, Colombia. [email protected] Author for correspondence: Claudia P. Ceballos, [email protected] Received 20th February 2014, first decision 14th May 2014, accepted 05th June 2014. Citation / Citar este artículo como: CEBALLOS CP, BRAND WA. Morphology and conservation of the mesoamerican slider (Trachemys venusta, Emydidae) from the Atrato River basin, Colombia. Acta biol. Colomb. 2014;19(3):483-488 ABSTRACT The phylogenetic relationships of the Mesoamerican Slider, Trachemys venusta, that inhabits the Atrato River basin of Colombia have been controversial as three different names have been proposed during the last 12 years: T.
    [Show full text]
  • Movement and Habitat Use of Two Aquatic Turtles (Graptemys Geographica and Trachemys Scripta) in an Urban Landscape
    Urban Ecosyst DOI 10.1007/s11252-008-0049-8 Movement and habitat use of two aquatic turtles (Graptemys geographica and Trachemys scripta) in an urban landscape Travis J. Ryan & Christopher A. Conner & Brooke A. Douthitt & Sean C. Sterrett & Carmen M. Salsbury # Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2008 Abstract Our study focuses on the spatial ecology and seasonal habitat use of two aquatic turtles in order to understand the manner in which upland habitat use by humans shapes the aquatic activity, movement, and habitat selection of these species in an urban setting. We used radiotelemetry to follow 15 female Graptemys geographica (common map turtle) and each of ten male and female Trachemys scripta (red-eared slider) living in a man-made canal within a highly urbanized region of Indianapolis, IN, USA. During the active season (between May and September) of 2002, we located 33 of the 35 individuals a total of 934 times and determined the total range of activity, mean movement, and daily movement for each individuals. We also analyzed turtle locations relative to the upland habitat types (commercial, residential, river, road, woodlot, and open) surrounding the canal and determined that the turtles spent a disproportionate amount of time in woodland and commercial habitats and avoided the road-associated portions of the canal. We also located 21 of the turtles during hibernation (February 2003), and determined that an even greater proportion of individuals hibernated in woodland-bordered portions of the canal. Our results clearly indicate that turtle habitat selection is influenced by human activities; sound conservation and management of turtle populations in urban habitats will require the incorporation of spatial ecology and habitat use data.
    [Show full text]
  • The Western Pond Turtle: Habitat and History
    THE WESTERN POND TURTLE: HABITAT AND HISTORY FINAL REPORT Prepared by: Dan C. Holland, PhD Wildlife Diversity Program Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Portland, OR Prepared for: U. S. Department ofEnergy Bonneville Power Administration Environment, Fish and Wildlife P. O. Box 3621 Portland, OR 97208-3 62 1 Project Number 92-068 Contract Number DE-BI79-92BP62 137 August 1994 TABLE OF CONTENTSf1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter Pat,:e Chapter 1 A Brief Overview of the Evolution of the Willamette-Puget Sound Hydrographic Basin Introduction .1-3 The Biotic Landscape ofthe Willamette Valley in the Holocene .1-7 The Historical Appearance of the Willamette Valley ca: 18 10- 1860 .1-15 The Influence ofHumans on the Biotic Landscape ofthe Willamette Valley .1-19 Changes in the Biotic Landscape: 1840's-1940' .1-22 Literature Cited .1-31 Chapter 2 A Synopsis of the Natural History of the Western Pond Turtle Taxonomy 2-3 Description , 2-3 Range 2-4 Distribution-Oregon 2-4 Behavior 2-5 Diet 2-5 Home Range 2-6 Activity '" 2-6 Habitat Requirements--Aquatic Habitats .2-7 Habitat Requirements--Terrestrial Habitats .2-8 Overland Movements 2-9 Reproduction 2-9 Growth and Survivorship .2-11 Predation and Mortality 2-11 Disease 2-13 Parasites 2-14 Drought. .2-14 Literature Cited .2-15 Chapter 3 Methods 3-1 Chapter 4 Status of the Western Pond Turtle in the Willamette Drainage Historical Background 4-3 Recent Studies 4-4 Survey Effort Goals 4-4 Overall Results 4-5 Other Studies 4-5 Locality Data 4-6 Population Structure 4-6 Population Size 4-8 TABLE OF CONTENTS/2
    [Show full text]
  • ( Malaclemys Terrapin Littoralis) at South Deer Island in Galveston Bay
    DistrictCover.fm Page 1 Thursday, May 20, 2004 2:19 PM In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Occurrence of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin littoralis) at South Deer Island in Galveston Bay, Texas, April 2001–May 2002 Open-File Report 03–022 TEXAS Galveston Bay GULF OF EXICO M U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Cover: Drawing of Diamondback terrapin by L.S. Coplin, U.S. Geological Survey. U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Occurrence of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin littoralis) at South Deer Island in Galveston Bay, Texas, April 2001–May 2002 By Jennifer L. Hogan U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Open-File Report 03–022 In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Austin, Texas 2003 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Gale A. Norton, Secretary U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Charles G. Groat, Director Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. For additional information write to District Chief U.S. Geological Survey 8027 Exchange Dr. Austin, TX 78754–4733 E-mail: [email protected] Copies of this report can be purchased from U.S. Geological Survey Information Services Box 25286 Denver, CO 80225–0286 E-mail: [email protected] ii CONTENTS Abstract ................................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys
    Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in the Central Appalachians A dissertation presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Steven P. Krichbaum May 2018 © 2018 Steven P. Krichbaum. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in the Central Appalachians by STEVEN P. KRICHBAUM has been approved for the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences by Willem Roosenburg Professor of Biological Sciences Robert Frank Dean, College of Arts and Sciences 3 Abstract KRICHBAUM, STEVEN P., Ph.D., May 2018, Biological Sciences Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in the Central Appalachians Director of Dissertation: Willem Roosenburg My study presents information on summer use of terrestrial habitat by IUCN “endangered” North American Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta), sampled over four years at two forested montane sites on the southern periphery of the species’ range in the central Appalachians of Virginia (VA) and West Virginia (WV) USA. The two sites differ in topography, stream size, elevation, and forest composition and structure. I obtained location points for individual turtles during the summer, the period of their most extensive terrestrial roaming. Structural, compositional, and topographical habitat features were measured, counted, or characterized on the ground (e.g., number of canopy trees and identification of herbaceous taxa present) at Wood Turtle locations as well as at paired random points located 23-300m away from each particular turtle location.
    [Show full text]
  • EMYDIDAE P Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles
    REPTILIA: TESTUDINES: EMYDIDAE P Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. Pseudemysj7oridana: Baur, 1893:223 (part). Pseudemys texana: Brimley, 1907:77 (part). Seidel, M.E. and M.J. Dreslik. 1996. Pseudemys concinna. Chrysemysfloridana: Di tmars, 1907:37 (part). Chrysemys texana: Hurter and Strecker, 1909:21 (part). Pseudemys concinna (LeConte) Pseudemys vioscana Brimley, 1928:66. Type-locality, "Lake River Cooter Des Allemands [St. John the Baptist Parrish], La." Holo- type, National Museum of Natural History (USNM) 79632, Testudo concinna Le Conte, 1830: 106. Type-locality, "... rivers dry adult male collected April 1927 by Percy Viosca Jr. of Georgia and Carolina, where the beds are rocky," not (examined by authors). "below Augusta on the Savannah, or Columbia on the Pseudemys elonae Brimley, 1928:67. Type-locality, "... pond Congaree," restricted to "vicinity of Columbia, South Caro- in Guilford County, North Carolina, not far from Elon lina" by Schmidt (1953: 101). Holotype, undesignated, see College, in the Cape Fear drainage ..." Holotype, USNM Comment. 79631, dry adult male collected October 1927 by D.W. Tesrudofloridana Le Conte, 1830: 100 (part). Type-locality, "... Rumbold and F.J. Hall (examined by authors). St. John's river of East Florida ..." Holotype, undesignated, see Comment. Emys (Tesrudo) concinna: Bonaparte, 1831 :355. Terrapene concinna: Bonaparte, 183 1 :370. Emys annulifera Gray, 183 1:32. Qpe-locality, not given, des- ignated as "Columbia [Richland County], South Carolina" by Schmidt (1953: 101). Holotype, undesignated, but Boulenger (1889:84) listed the probable type as a young preserved specimen in the British Museum of Natural His- tory (BMNH) from "North America." Clemmys concinna: Fitzinger, 1835: 124.
    [Show full text]
  • Surveys for Western Pond Turtle Actinemys Marmorata on The
    Surveys for Western pond turtle Actinemys marmorata On the Siuslaw National Forest Cynthia G. Burns, Wildlife Biologist U. S. Forest Service Siuslaw National Forest October 29, 2010 SUMMARY Surveys were contracted to establish presence of the western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) on lands within or adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest’s (SNF) Hebo and Central Coast/ODNRA (Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area) Ranger Districts during the summer of 2010. Portions of 5 rivers and 1 lake were surveyed on or near the Central Coast/Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA) Ranger District and 3 lakes were surveyed on the Hebo District. Surveys were conducted by kayak and at fixed points. Two Red-eared Sliders Trachemys scripta elegans were confirmed during contracted surveys. No western pond turtles were found. Habitat and invasive species data were also collected as part of the survey effort. INTRODUCTION The western pond turtle occurs along the Pacific states from Baja California to Puget Sound of Washington. Western pond turtles are listed as endangered in Washington, sensitive critical in Oregon and are a species of concern in Region 6 of the Forest Service (WA & OR). It was proposed for Federal listing in 1991 but was precluded due to lack of supporting evidence on its population trends. In 2010 the Siuslaw National Forest continued surveys of lands within or adjacent to its boundaries in an effort to determine where individuals or populations may still exist. In Oregon, the western pond turtle occurs primarily within the drainages of the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Klamath Rivers but has also been documented in lowland aquatic habitats throughout western Oregon (Rosenberg, 2009).
    [Show full text]
  • In AR, FL, GA, IA, KY, LA, MO, OH, OK, SC, TN, and TX): Species in Red = Depleted to the Point They May Warrant Federal Endangered Species Act Listing
    Southern and Midwestern Turtle Species Affected by Commercial Harvest (in AR, FL, GA, IA, KY, LA, MO, OH, OK, SC, TN, and TX): species in red = depleted to the point they may warrant federal Endangered Species Act listing Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) – AR, GA, IA, KY, MO, OH, OK, SC, TX Florida common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina osceola) - FL Southern painted turtle (Chrysemys dorsalis) – AR Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) – IA, MO, OH, OK Spotted turtle (Clemmys gutatta) - FL, GA, OH Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) – FL Western chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) – AR, FL, GA, KY, MO, OK, TN, TX Barbour’s map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) - FL, GA Cagle’s map turtle (Graptemys caglei) - TX Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) – FL Common map turtle (Graptemys geographica) – AR, GA, OH, OK Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) – AR, GA, OH, OK, TX Sabine map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis) – TX False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) – MO, OK, TX Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseuogeographica kohnii) – AR, TX Alabama map turtle (Graptemys pulchra) – GA Texas map turtle (Graptemys versa) - TX Striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii) – FL, GA, SC Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) – OK, TX Common mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) – AR, FL, GA, OK, TX Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) – AR, FL, GA, LA, MO, TX Diamond-back terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) – FL, GA, LA, SC, TX River cooter (Pseudemys concinna) – AR, FL,
    [Show full text]
  • Western Pond Turtle Summer Habitat Use in a Coastal Watershed
    San Jose State University SJSU ScholarWorks Master's Theses Master's Theses and Graduate Research Spring 2010 Western Pond Turtle Summer Habitat Use in a Coastal Watershed Jae Abel San Jose State University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses Recommended Citation Abel, Jae, "Western Pond Turtle Summer Habitat Use in a Coastal Watershed" (2010). Master's Theses. 3741. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.bp29-6fvm https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/3741 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Master's Theses and Graduate Research at SJSU ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of SJSU ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WESTERN POND TURTLE SUMMER HABITAT USE IN A COASTAL WATERSHED A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Biology San Jose State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Jae Abel May 2010 i © 2010 Jae Abel ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii The Designated Thesis Committee Approves the Thesis Titled WESTERN POND TURTLE SUMMER HABITAT USE IN A COASTAL WATERSHED By Jae Abel APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY May 2010 Dr. Jerry J. Smith Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Nishanta Rajakaruna Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Paula Messina Department of Geology Dr. Sean Hayes NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service iii ABSTRACT WESTERN POND TURTLE SUMMER HABITAT USE IN A COASTAL WATERSHED by Jae Abel Western pond turtle ( Actinemys marmorata ) habitat use was studied in a coastal pond, lagoon, and stream system during the summer of 1995 and 1996 at Waddell Creek, Santa Cruz County, California.
    [Show full text]
  • Three New Subspecies of Trachemys Venusta (Testudines: Emydidae) from Honduras, Northern Yucatán (Mexico), and Pacific Coastal Panama
    Three New Subspecies of Trachemys venusta (Testudines: Emydidae) from Honduras, Northern Yucatán (Mexico), and Pacific Coastal Panama By William P. McCord1, Mehdi Joseph-Ouni2, Cris Hagen3, and Torsten Blanck4 1East Fishkill Animal Hospital, Hopewell Junction, NY, USA; 2EO Wildlife & Wilderness Conservation, Brooklyn NY, USA; 3Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC, USA; 4Forstgartenstr 44, Deutschlandsberg, Austria Abstract. Upon examination of live and preserved specimens from across the species range, several unnamed distinct forms of Trachemys venusta (Gray, 1855) were recognized, leading to the description here of three biogeographically isolated, morphologically distinct subspecies: Trachemys venusta uhrigi ssp. nov., Trachemys venusta iversoni ssp. nov., and Trachemys venusta panamensis ssp. nov. Head and neck stripes, along with cara- pacial and plastral patterns are critical to identification in this group. Formal descriptions and diagnoses are given herein. Other Central American Trachemys are also discussed for comparison. Keywords: Turtle, emydid, Trachemys venusta uhrigi ssp. nov., Trachemys venusta iversoni ssp. nov., Trachemys venusta panamensis ssp. nov., Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Meso-America. Slider turtles of the genus Trachemys GRAY (1855) declared eight syntypes for his “Venus- Agassiz, 1857, range from north and east of like” Emys without designating a holotype. However, the Rio Grande in the United States, in 1873 he referred to only one syntype as “Emys through Mexico, Central America, the venusta”: stuffed specimen “e” (1845.8.5.26) in the West Indies, and South America as far as British Museum of Natural History, labeled “Charming northeastern Argentina. IVERSON (1985) resurrect- Emys” for its beautiful pattern — this reference led ed Trachemys from synonymy with Pseudemys (Gray, SMITH and SMITH (1979) to designate BMNH 1855).
    [Show full text]