LONG-TERM RECAPTURE OF WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE (CHRYSEMYS PICTA BELLII): LONGEVITY IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Abstract Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) are 1 of only 2 native turtles in the Pacific Northwest. In October 2021, we recaptured an adult male 21 y after it was initially marked. In 2000, it had at least 9 annuli, indicating an age of at least 30 y in 2021. This approximates only half the maximum known age for the larger C. picta species complex east of the continental divide (61 y). Further, in 2000, this adult male was 37–43 mm larger than the largest or oldest males recorded from eastern populations of C. p. bellii, which suggests that fundamental differences may exist in growth between eastern and western populations that may reflect different age-size relationships. These relationships, along with longevity data, are foundational to conservation that seeks to understand demography and survival in western populations. Study of eastern populations shows that determination of age limits may span decades, so collaboration for data-sharing over long timelines to understand the patterns in western populations will be crucial.