AUTHORS: Jean-Baptiste Johnson, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Bruce Kingsbury. Purdue University Fort Wayne.
ABSTRACT: This study’s goal is to understand the ecology and dynamics of a population of Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle) in an urban riverine environment. Wildlife evolving in an urban environment may encounter challenges and disturbances due to anthropogenic activities and infrastructure such as bridges, levees, or boat ramps. It is important to understand the interactions between wildlife and infrastructure in order to limit the impact of development on the local ecosystems.
To collect data for this study, hoop net traps are used to catch turtles. Each turtle is processed which means various types of morphological data is recorded, and the shell is marked for future identification during re-capture.
Select individual Common Snappers are fitted with a VHF transmitter in order to be tracked for a year. Tracking data will provide info on preferred locations for foraging, nesting, and overwintering. Once enough tracking data is obtained, probability of occurrence can be mapped based on the characteristics of the habitat.
Habitat characteristics may include density of vegetation, type of soil on shore, slope of the shore, presence of infrastructure, etc. which may impact turtle movements and behavior.
I expect to find that turtles avoid areas where infrastructure is present due to reduced cover for hiding and foraging, and poor quality substrate. I also expect to find that turtles spend more times in locations offering dense vegetation cover and natural basking sites such as downed trees.
