Mandi Gordon, David R. Bontrager, Jason E. Watson, Terry Corbett, Carla Crawford, Carlyle Franklin, Bill Kirby, Eric C. Munscher, Viviana Ricardez, Arron Tuggle
{"title":"Using Local Ecological Knowledge to Document Distribution and Temporal Patterns of Macrochelys temminckii in Texas","authors":"Mandi Gordon, David R. Bontrager, Jason E. Watson, Terry Corbett, Carla Crawford, Carlyle Franklin, Bill Kirby, Eric C. Munscher, Viviana Ricardez, Arron Tuggle","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1211","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Long-term studies on long-lived species are rare, as is the case for the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). Here, we developed a database of historical accounts drawing spatial and temporal data from local ecological knowledge (LEK) and non-LEK sources. Across all sources, we compiled 215 spatial and 263 temporal records. To test applicability of LEK, we conducted field surveys at sites selected based on LEK accounts, non-LEK accounts, and habitat. Our surveys yielded occupancy rates of 66.7%, 68.8%, and 40%, respectively, while detectability models estimated proportion of occupied sites to be 58–77%. Catch per unit effort did not vary when compared to previous assessments in Texas. Turtles were most active from February to September. Incorporation of LEK when developing study designs will ultimately enhance communication between researchers and local experts.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"25 1","pages":"171 - 196"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74317192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Biology and Conservation of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys): General Acknowledgments","authors":"","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp12ii","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp12ii","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"1 1","pages":"ii - iii"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85825161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nesting Behavior and Ecology in a Captive Population of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii)","authors":"Denise M. Thompson, D. B. Ligon","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1217","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - We investigated nesting behavior and terrestrial activity in a captive population of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) housed outdoors in semi-natural environmental conditions in Oklahoma. The nesting season lasted from 12 May to 15 June 2012, and turtles were most active between the hours 2300–0300. Nesting duration averaged 182.5 min. Over 50% of nest construction time was spent excavating the cavity, whereas covering the eggs accounted for ∼28% of the total duration. Individual females averaged 25 non-nesting emergences before successfully depositing eggs. Terrestrial activity was positively correlated with increasing average nighttime temperature. We found thermal profiles generated by temperature data loggers affixed to females useful for studying terrestrial activity during nesting.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"1 1","pages":"275 - 296"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82123913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"New Location Records for Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) Captured during Fishery Surveys in Alabama","authors":"S. Rider, T. R. Powell, Gregory T. Miles","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1206","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) is classified as a species of moderate conservation concern by the State of Alabama and is proposed for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Using the most up-to-date and best available distribution and biological data is paramount in the decision-making process for any petitioned or proposed-listed species. We provide an additional 21 Alligator Snapping Turtle records from Alabama collected as bycatch during fishery surveys. We incidentally captured 19 Alligator Snapping Turtles from the Alabama (n = 12), Tombigbee (n = 6), and Conecuh (n = 1) rivers and observed 2 additional specimens from the Tallapoosa River drainage. For both the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers combined, 89% of our Alligator Snapping Turtle captures were in backwater areas (i.e., off channel), which are new location records in these river drainages. Researchers and managers should consider contacting and collaborating with colleagues across scientific disciplines to compile and provide the best available data for current species assessments.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"30 1","pages":"100 - 108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85144871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David Rosenbaum, D. Rudolph, Daniel Sáenz, L. Fitzgerald, R. Nelson, Christopher S. Collins, Toby J. Hibbitts, Ricky W. Maxey, Paul S Crump, C. Schalk
{"title":"Distribution and Demography of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Texas: A 20-Year Perspective","authors":"David Rosenbaum, D. Rudolph, Daniel Sáenz, L. Fitzgerald, R. Nelson, Christopher S. Collins, Toby J. Hibbitts, Ricky W. Maxey, Paul S Crump, C. Schalk","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1212","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Texas contains the southwestern range edge of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle), but there is relatively little published information on this species within the state. To document its range and assess temporal changes in its distribution and demography, we sampled 23 sites from 1999 to 2001. We then resurveyed 22 of these sites and sampled 29 additional sites in 2020–2021. Detection outcomes were consistent between 18 of the 22 resurveyed sites. Sex ratios and body-size distributions were similar across surveys. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was lower in areas with trotlines, corroborating known interactions between turtles and fishing gear. Patterns in CPUE indicate Gulf of Mexico-draining watersheds are important systems for the species, while CPUE was lower in Mississippi-draining watersheds.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"156 1","pages":"197 - 220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"85462491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. L. Carr, Jen Terry, D. B. Ligon, Kevin M. Enge, Caleb J. Krueger, Travis M. Thomas, Greg Brashear, Gerald R. Johnston, Mandi Gordon, Gina Lloyd, E. P. Hill, Dirk J. Stevenson, D. A. Steen
{"title":"Nesting Emergences and Other Terrestrial Movements of Macrochelys (Testudines: Chelydridae)","authors":"J. L. Carr, Jen Terry, D. B. Ligon, Kevin M. Enge, Caleb J. Krueger, Travis M. Thomas, Greg Brashear, Gerald R. Johnston, Mandi Gordon, Gina Lloyd, E. P. Hill, Dirk J. Stevenson, D. A. Steen","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1222","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1222","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Alligator snapping turtles (genus Macrochelys) are the largest freshwater turtles in North America. Despite strong interest in their conservation, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of their natural history, including behaviors associated with terrestrial activity. We reviewed the literature and solicited unpublished observations of terrestrial movements of these highly aquatic turtles. We compiled 206 observations of terrestrial activity from 9 states. The majority of observations were associated with nesting behavior. Observations expanded our knowledge regarding the spatial extent and timing of terrestrial movements and the nesting season. In addition, we compiled observations of terrestrially foraging animals, as well as males and juveniles traveling overland and crossing roads. Collectively, this information clarifies the extent of terrestrial movement by Macrochelys, behaviors that should be considered in conservation plans.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"464 1","pages":"378 - 387"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83010995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mathew J. Denton, Gerald R. Johnston, Travis M. Thomas, J. H. Waddle, Susan C. Walls, Kristen M. Hart
{"title":"Dietary Niche of Three Omnivorous Turtle Species in a Northern Florida River: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis","authors":"Mathew J. Denton, Gerald R. Johnston, Travis M. Thomas, J. H. Waddle, Susan C. Walls, Kristen M. Hart","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1221","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Macrochelys suwanniensis (Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle) coexists with 2 other native large omnivorous turtle species (Chelydra serpentina [Snapping Turtle] and Trachemys scripta scripta [Yellow-bellied Slider]) in a 9-km section of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida. A major shift in dominant submersed aquatic vegetation prompted us to quantify trophic position and niche overlap among these 3 species. Here, we examine carbon and nitrogen isotopic values of these turtles and their potential food resources within the changing riverine system. We provide evidence of low isotopic niche overlap between M. suwanniensis and C. serpentina, whereas T. s. scripta occupied a discrete niche having lower carbon and nitrogen values.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"19 1","pages":"359 - 377"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88512702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nest Success of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Louisiana, with Comments on Sources of Mortality","authors":"Samuel Holcomb, J. L. Carr","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1218","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1218","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - We report nest success for 16 Alligator Snapping Turtle nests oviposited at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in 2008 and 2009. We split each clutch into 2 portions for field and laboratory incubation. The field portion was protected from mammalian depredation. For each nest, we report both pipping and hatching success. Our total observed levels of pipping and hatching success were 55.9% and 47.7%, respectively. We obtained a hatching success rate of 85.8% in the lab. Reasons for the difference in hatching success between the field and lab included both abiotic and biotic factors in the nest environment, such as flooding, temperature, and invertebrate predators.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"12 1","pages":"297 - 310"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73890048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Home Range and Habitat Use of Translocated Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in an Extensive River System","authors":"Rebecca A. Cozad, Derek B. Breakfield, M. Aresco","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1224","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1224","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) occurs at low densities in the Choctawhatchee River system in Florida. Translocation could help bolster the population, but its effectiveness for this species is not well studied. We released 9 adults into a cutoff of the Choctawhatchee River and radio-tracked them from Sept 2017 to May 2019 to monitor movements and habitat use. Turtles had significantly larger home-range distances than previously reported (12,882.8 ± 8781.5 m for males and 10,621.6 ± 6020.4 m for females), but all established a home range overlapping with 1 or more individuals. On several occasions turtles were found together, suggesting interaction and potential mating opportunities. This study suggests that translocation may be an effective strategy for augmenting populations of this species.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"452 1","pages":"393 - 409"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89325077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nesting Ecology of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) along the Lower Apalachicola River, Florida","authors":"D. R. Jackson, M. Ewert","doi":"10.1656/058.022.0sp1219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1656/058.022.0sp1219","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract - We studied nesting ecology and sex determination in a population of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) inhabiting the lower Apalachicola River in western Florida. During 1990–1991, we located 105 nests (63 intact, 42 depredated); 83% occurred on prominent dredged spoil substrates. Coupled with data from additional years, mean clutch size of 130 nests was 35.1 (min–max = 17–52). Most nesting occurred from 20 April to 18 May, with about a week annual variation. Hatching extended throughout August. In nests that we protected from predators, hatching success averaged 78% (24 nests) in 1990 and 66% (26 nests) in 1991. Overall sex ratios were roughly 1 male: 2 females, although individual nests varied from all males to all females in conjunction with solar exposure.","PeriodicalId":49490,"journal":{"name":"Southeastern Naturalist","volume":"24 1","pages":"311 - 334"},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2023-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81490040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}