Foraging Ecology and Habitat Use of the Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin Terrapin) in Southern Chesapeake Bay

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Foraging Ecology and Habitat Use of the Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin Terrapin) in Southern Chesapeake Bay W&M ScholarWorks Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects Theses, Dissertations, & Master Projects 2013 Foraging ecology and habitat use of the northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in southern Chesapeake Bay Diane C. Tulipani College of William and Mary - Virginia Institute of Marine Science Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd Part of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Fresh Water Studies Commons, and the Oceanography Commons Recommended Citation Tulipani, Diane C., "Foraging ecology and habitat use of the northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in southern Chesapeake Bay" (2013). Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. Paper 1539616884. https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.25773/v5-tfhj-v826 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses, Dissertations, & Master Projects at W&M ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects by an authorized administrator of W&M ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Foraging ecology and habitat use of the northern diamondback terrapin [Malaclemys terrapin terrapin ) in southern Chesapeake Bay A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty of the School of Marine Science The College of William and Mary in Virginia In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy by Diane C. Tulipani 2013 APPROVAL SHEET This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Diane C. Tulipani Approved, by the Committee, August 2013 Romuald N. Lipcius, Ph.D. Committee Chairman/Advisor RandoififDM. Chambers, Ph.D. Eric J. Hilton, Ph.D. Drew LaMar, Ph.D. Rochelle D. Seitz. Ph.D Willem M. Roosenburg, Ph.D. Ohio University Athens, Ohio ^ DEDICATION To the loving memory of my grandmother, Mary Burns Hunt. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.........................................................................................................VI LIST OF TABLES..................................................................................................................VIII LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................XII ABSTRACT...........................................................................................................................XIV AUTHOR'S NOTE.................................................................................................................. XV CHAPTER 1............................................................................................................................. 3 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................4 LITERATURE CITED..........................................................................................................10 CHAPTER 2: FORAGING BY NORTHERN DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS {MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN TERRAPIN) IN SEAGRASS BEDS AND SALT MARSHES OF LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY: VARIATION BY SIZE AND HABITAT..............................................................................14 ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................ 15 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................16 MATERIALS AND METHODS............................................................................................. 20 RESULTS........................................................................................................................... 25 DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................31 LITERATURE CITED......................................................................................................... 40 TABLES.............................................................................................................................45 FIGURES............................................................................................................................53 CHAPTER 3:.SELECTIVE FORAGING AND SEARCH SUCCESS OF NORTHERN DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS 0MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN TERRAPIN) IN LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY..............60 ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................61 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 62 MATERIALS AND METHODS............................................................................................. 66 RESULTS........................................................................................................................... 77 DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................87 LITERATURE CITED......................................................................................................... 95 TABLES............................................................................................................................ 99 FIGURES..........................................................................................................................112 APPENDICES...................................................................................................................121 CHAPTER 4: TRACKING DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS (MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN) USING ULTRASONIC TELEMETRY: RANGE AND HABITAT USE IN SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION BEDS IN SOUTHERN CHESAPEAKE BAY......................................................130 ABSTRACT......................................................................................................................131 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 132 MATERIALS AND METHODS........................................................................................... 136 RESULTS.........................................................................................................................144 iv DISCUSSION....................................................................................................................151 LITERATURE CITED........................................................................................................156 TABLES...........................................................................................................................160 FIGURES.......................................................................................................................... 167 APPENDICES................................................................................................................... 171 CHAPTER 5: EELGRASS [ZOSTERA MARINA) SEED DISPERSAL BY NORTHERN DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS {MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN TERRAPIN) IN LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY...............................................................................................................177 ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................... 178 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................179 MATERIALS AND METHODS........................................................................................... 183 RESULTS......................................................................................................................... 189 DISCUSSION....................................................................................................................192 TABLES...........................................................................................................................204 FIGURES..........................................................................................................................210 APPENDICES................................................................................................................... 213 CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION.................................................................................................................. 217 LITERATURE CITED....................................................................................................... 222 VITA....................................................................................................................................224 V ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of this dissertation research certainly could not have been completed without the support and guidance of many individuals. In particular, I want to thank my advisor. Dr. Romuald Lipcius, whose suggestion it was that 1 attend the diamondback terrapin symposium in 2007 that led me to tackling this project. I am also grateful to Dr. Randy Chambers for answering my questions while I learned about all things terrapin. I want to acknowledge the depth and expertise of my remaining committee, Drs. Rochelle Seitz, Willem Roosenburg, Eric Hilton, and Drew LaMar for reminding me of the reality of competitive research, and encouraging me to keep moving forward. I would also express my deep appreciation to the entire faculty in the School of Marine Science for their dedication and willingness to impart their experiences and knowledge with all of us graduates students. I would like to
Recommended publications
  • 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]
  • The Ecology and Evolutionary History of Two Musk Turtles in the Southeastern United States
    The University of Southern Mississippi The Aquila Digital Community Dissertations Spring 2020 The Ecology and Evolutionary History of Two Musk Turtles in the Southeastern United States Grover Brown Follow this and additional works at: https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations Part of the Genetics Commons Recommended Citation Brown, Grover, "The Ecology and Evolutionary History of Two Musk Turtles in the Southeastern United States" (2020). Dissertations. 1762. https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/1762 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by The Aquila Digital Community. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of The Aquila Digital Community. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF TWO MUSK TURTLES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES by Grover James Brown III A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate School, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Approved by: Brian R. Kreiser, Committee Co-Chair Carl P. Qualls, Committee Co-Chair Jacob F. Schaefer Micheal A. Davis Willian W. Selman II ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Dr. Brian R. Kreiser Dr. Jacob Schaefer Dr. Karen S. Coats Committee Chair Director of School Dean of the Graduate School May 2020 COPYRIGHT BY Grover James Brown III 2020 Published by the Graduate School ABSTRACT Turtles are among one of the most imperiled vertebrate groups on the planet with more than half of all species worldwide listed as threatened, endangered or extinct by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature.
    [Show full text]
  • RCN NE Terrapin Conservation Strategy
    The Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in the Northeast United States: A Regional Conservation Strategy Prepared by: Stephanie Egger, Wildlife Biologist Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, Inc. with Contributions from the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group Prepared for: Northeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Northeast Regional Conservation Needs Grant Program 2016 Made possible by State Wildlife Grants and funded by the Northeast Regional Conservation Needs Grant Program. REGIONAL CONSERVATION NEEDS GRANT PROGRAM The Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) in the Northeastern United States: A Regional Conservation Strategy was supported by State Wildlife Grant funding awarded through the Northeast Regional Conservation Needs (RCN) Grant Program (RCN Grant 2013-02). The RCN Grant Program joins thirteen northeast States, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a partnership to address landscape-scale, regional wildlife conservation issues. Progress on these regional issues is achieved through combining resources, leveraging funds, and prioritizing conservation actions identified in the State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs). See http://RCNGrants.org. COVER IMAGE: Female Northern diamondback terrapin © Brian Tang i STATE AGENCY PROJECT LEADS AND/OR CONTRIBUTORS New Hampshire (for technical support) Michael Marchand, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Concord, New Hampshire Massachusetts Dr. Jonathan Regosin, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
    [Show full text]
  • Saving the Diamondback Terrapin
    Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Allows Teachers to Broaden Awareness of the Plight of the Diamondback Terrapin Maggie Dugan: Upper Township Elementary School Jane Krajewski: Quinton Township School Mary Lyons and Lynn Tyskas: Millville Public Schools Our Mission • Gain greater insight into the Terrapin Conservation Project through direct participation with scientists/interns at the Wetlands Institute • Create lessons and activities that can be used throughout the state (and beyond ) to help enlighten others about the terrapin crisis • Provide instruction about the diamondback terrapin at upcoming conferences and disseminate our units to help enhance core standard teaching by incorporating terrapin education within objectives that are already in place in the classroom SAVING THE DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN Jane Krajewski Quinton Township Elementary School ISN’T SHE CUTE? Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles that live in brackish (a mix of salt and fresh) water. Terrapin Fast Facts! • Females are usually bigger than males. Do you know why? •Females are larger because they are responsible for carrying the eggs. •They also have smaller tails that don’t get in the way when laying the eggs. • Females leave the water to nest above the high tide line. • They lay about 8-12 eggs. • Females will dig a nest with their back leg. • This plaster mold shows the size and shape of a nest. Egg chamber WHY IS THE FEMALE TERRAPIN MORE ENDANGERED? • Most turtles that cross the road are females. • Females enter the roadway because they are looking for suitable nesting sites. Because males do not have to do this, they are usually not the ones to get hit by cars.
    [Show full text]
  • The Systematics and Ecology of the Mangrove-Dwelling Littoraria Species (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) in the Indo-Pacific
    ResearchOnline@JCU This file is part of the following reference: Reid, David Gordon (1984) The systematics and ecology of the mangrove-dwelling Littoraria species (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) in the Indo-Pacific. PhD thesis, James Cook University. Access to this file is available from: http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/24120/ The author has certified to JCU that they have made a reasonable effort to gain permission and acknowledge the owner of any third party copyright material included in this document. If you believe that this is not the case, please contact [email protected] and quote http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/24120/ THE SYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY OF THE MANGROVE-DWELLING LITTORARIA SPECIES (GASTROPODA: LITTORINIDAE) IN THE INDO-PACIFIC VOLUME I Thesis submitted by David Gordon REID MA (Cantab.) in May 1984 . for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Zoology at James Cook University of North Queensland STATEMENT ON ACCESS I, the undersigned, the author of this thesis, understand that the following restriction placed by me on access to this thesis will not extend beyond three years from the date on which the thesis is submitted to the University. I wish to place restriction on access to this thesis as follows: Access not to be permitted for a period of 3 years. After this period has elapsed I understand that James Cook. University of North Queensland will make it available for use within the University Library and, by microfilm or other photographic means, allow access to users in other approved libraries. All uses consulting this thesis will have to sign the following statement: 'In consulting this thesis I agree not to copy or closely paraphrase it in whole or in part without the written consent of the author; and to make proper written acknowledgement for any assistance which I have obtained from it.' David G.
    [Show full text]
  • WMSDB - Worldwide Mollusc Species Data Base
    WMSDB - Worldwide Mollusc Species Data Base Family: TURBINIDAE Author: Claudio Galli - [email protected] (updated 07/set/2015) Class: GASTROPODA --- Clade: VETIGASTROPODA-TROCHOIDEA ------ Family: TURBINIDAE Rafinesque, 1815 (Sea) - Alphabetic order - when first name is in bold the species has images Taxa=681, Genus=26, Subgenus=17, Species=203, Subspecies=23, Synonyms=411, Images=168 abyssorum , Bolma henica abyssorum M.M. Schepman, 1908 aculeata , Guildfordia aculeata S. Kosuge, 1979 aculeatus , Turbo aculeatus T. Allan, 1818 - syn of: Epitonium muricatum (A. Risso, 1826) acutangulus, Turbo acutangulus C. Linnaeus, 1758 acutus , Turbo acutus E. Donovan, 1804 - syn of: Turbonilla acuta (E. Donovan, 1804) aegyptius , Turbo aegyptius J.F. Gmelin, 1791 - syn of: Rubritrochus declivis (P. Forsskål in C. Niebuhr, 1775) aereus , Turbo aereus J. Adams, 1797 - syn of: Rissoa parva (E.M. Da Costa, 1778) aethiops , Turbo aethiops J.F. Gmelin, 1791 - syn of: Diloma aethiops (J.F. Gmelin, 1791) agonistes , Turbo agonistes W.H. Dall & W.H. Ochsner, 1928 - syn of: Turbo scitulus (W.H. Dall, 1919) albidus , Turbo albidus F. Kanmacher, 1798 - syn of: Graphis albida (F. Kanmacher, 1798) albocinctus , Turbo albocinctus J.H.F. Link, 1807 - syn of: Littorina saxatilis (A.G. Olivi, 1792) albofasciatus , Turbo albofasciatus L. Bozzetti, 1994 albofasciatus , Marmarostoma albofasciatus L. Bozzetti, 1994 - syn of: Turbo albofasciatus L. Bozzetti, 1994 albulus , Turbo albulus O. Fabricius, 1780 - syn of: Menestho albula (O. Fabricius, 1780) albus , Turbo albus J. Adams, 1797 - syn of: Rissoa parva (E.M. Da Costa, 1778) albus, Turbo albus T. Pennant, 1777 amabilis , Turbo amabilis H. Ozaki, 1954 - syn of: Bolma guttata (A. Adams, 1863) americanum , Lithopoma americanum (J.F.
    [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]
  • ( 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]
  • Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys Terrapin Contributors: Dubose Griffin, David Owens and J
    Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin Contributors: DuBose Griffin, David Owens and J. Whitfield Gibbons DESCRIPTION Taxonomy and Basic Description The diamondback terrapin is a small, long-lived estuarine turtle endemic to coastal marshes, estuarine bays, lagoons and creeks ranging from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to the Gulf Coast of Texas. Currently, there are five (Hartsell 2001) or seven (Ernst et al. 1994) subspecies. More recently, Hart (2004) identified six management units. The subspecies found in South Carolina is Malaclemys terrapin centrata. Terrapins have varied coloration from black to spotted patterns on the soft tissue and dark or light-colored scutes with strong concentric layers on the carapace. The hind margin of the carapace curls up instead of flaring. Hind legs are large and toes have extensive webs. These turtles are strong, fast swimmers that feed on a variety of mollusks, crustaceans and other invertebrates. In South Carolina, salt marsh periwinkles (Littoraria irrorata) and blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are among the terrapin’s primary food sources (Tucker et al. 1995; Levesque 2000). Terrapins are sexually dimorphic. Females are much larger than males and reach 15 to 18 cm (6 to7 inches) in length; males reach 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 inches) in length. Adult females also have enlarged heads. Terrapins hibernate in the mud during winter and mate in the spring. Eggs are laid May through early August and clutches have 5 to 12 eggs (Pritchard 1979). The number of clutches laid per female in South Carolina is undocumented; however two clutches may be common (David Owens, College of Charleston, pers.
    [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]
  • 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]
  • Malaclemys Terrapin) in South Carolina
    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228984250 Demographic and Ecological Factors Affecting Conservation and Management of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) in South Carolina Article in Chelonian Conservation and Biology · January 2001 CITATIONS READS 117 843 5 authors, including: Jeff Lovich Anton D. Tucker United States Geological Survey Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions 149 PUBLICATIONS 3,369 CITATIONS 103 PUBLICATIONS 1,701 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE Nancy N FitzSimmons Griffith University 116 PUBLICATIONS 2,693 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Western pond turtles in the Mojave River View project Applied population modeling of imperiled vertebrates View project All content following this page was uploaded by Jeff Lovich on 17 May 2014. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. 66 CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY, Volume 4, Number 1 – 2001 Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 2001, 4(1):66–74 © 2001 by Chelonian Research Foundation Demographic and Ecological Factors Affecting Conservation and Management of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) in South Carolina J. WHITFIELD GIBBONS1, JEFFREY E. LOVICH1,2, ANTON D. TUCKER1,3, NANCY N. FITZSIMMONS1,3, AND JUDITH L. GREENE1 1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802 USA [Fax: 803-725-3309; E-mail: [email protected]]; 2Present Address: U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 7801 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 101, Sacramento, California 95826 USA; 3Present Address: Conservation Strategy, Freshwater Turtle Research, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage, P.O. Box 1735, Bundaberg, Queensland 4670 Australia ABSTRACT.
    [Show full text]