A Unique Barrier Wall and Underpass to Reduce Road Mortality of Three Freshwater Turtle Species

Copeia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul C. Heaven ◽  
Jacqueline D. Litzgus ◽  
M. Tim Tinker
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Barrier Wall

Assessment of Road Mortality in the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Shacker ◽  
Nick Scrivens ◽  
Jason Tupper ◽  
Katherine Witherspoon
Keyword(s):  
Direct Result ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Spotted Turtle ◽  
Public And Private Sector

The Spotted Turtle (Clemmy guttata), a small freshwater turtle species, prefer shallow wetland habitats, and are restricted to eastern North America, predominantly in southern Ontario along the southern shores of the Great Lakes. However, the Spotted Turtle has been classified as ‘vulnerable’ (a species of special concern) by COSEWIC since 1991, owing to the 35% decline of the population throughout the past century. This is primarily of concern regarding reductions of ecosystem biodiversity, and further anthropogenic pressures will drive the species towards further endangerment. High rates of road mortality are considered a key actor in facilitating a decline in the Spotted Turtle population. A study by Ashley and Robinson (1996) found that approximately 25% of annual Spotted Turtle deaths are a direct result of roadway incidents, around the Long Point Causeway, bordering Lake Erie. By utilizing data from Long Point, the extent of road mortality of the Spotted Turtle will be characterized by analyzing the proportions of deaths in high-density versus low-density roadways. There is varied response to the effectiveness of various solutions to minimize road mortality, including a vegetation management approach boarding roadways, subterranean passages, barriers along roadsides, and influencing and informing in decision-making processes. With the Sandy Pines Wildlife Center, Napanee, reductions in roadway mortality rates will decline along the 401 by increasing both public and private sector awareness regarding the issue of Spotted Turtle road mortality. Recommendations to communities and government entities will be made to facilitate the improvement of the status of Spotted Turtle.

scholarly journals Plastic ingestion by freshwater turtles: a review and call to action

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam G. Clause ◽  
Aaron J. Celestian ◽  
Gregory B. Pauly
Keyword(s):  
Marine Species ◽  
Marine Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Implementation Quality ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Marine Turtles ◽  
Conservation Concern

AbstractPlastic pollution, and especially plastic ingestion by animals, is a serious global issue. This problem is well documented in marine systems, but it is relatively understudied in freshwater systems. For turtles, it is unknown how plastic ingestion compares between marine and non-marine species. We review the relevant turtle dietary literature, and find that plastic ingestion is reported for all 7 marine turtle species, but only 5 of 352 non-marine turtle species. In the last 10 years, despite marine turtles representing just 2% of all turtle species, almost 50% of relevant turtle dietary studies involved only marine turtles. These results suggest that the potential threat of plastic ingestion is poorly studied in non-marine turtles. We also examine plastic ingestion frequency in a freshwater turtle population, finding that 7.7% of 65 turtles had ingested plastic. However, plastic-resembling organic material would have inflated our frequency results up to 40% higher were it not for verification using Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, we showcase how non-native turtles can be used as a proxy for understanding the potential for plastic ingestion by co-occurring native turtles of conservation concern. We conclude with recommendations for how scientists studying non-marine turtles can improve the implementation, quality, and discoverability of plastic ingestion research.

11. Mitigation of Wildlife Collision Mortality at Little Cataraqui Creek Wetland

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Keenan ◽  
Jeffy Henderson ◽  
Lauren Malo ◽  
Diana Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Coastal Wetland ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Coastal Marsh ◽  
Road Mortality ◽  
Wetland Ecosystems ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Wetland Species ◽  
Specific Species

               Our research team is concerned with potential reptile and amphibian road mortality through Little Cataraqui Creek wetland along Front Rd. and Bath Rd. in Kingston, Ontario. The coastal marsh is a provincially significant wetland that supports species of migrating and breeding waterfowl, wetland dependent reptiles and amphibians, and may support some of Ontario’s threatened turtle species. The coastal wetland also provides a protected nesting area for a migrating species within Lake Ontario. Specific species of turtles, salamanders and frogs will be investigated.  Our team will identify general breeding, nesting and migratory behavior patterns of associated wetland species, and establish potential indirect effects on the wetland ecosystem due to population decline. Traffic volume and speed limits of Front Rd. and Bath Rd. at Little Cataraqui Creek Wetland will be identified, and any current wildlife crossing systems in place will be evaluated. Based on this research, our team will establish the significance of wildlife road mortality within Little Cataraqui Creek Wetland at Front Rd. and Bath Rd., and propose suitable mitigation techniques. These techniques may include implementing structural design solutions such as road barriers, culverts, etc., as well as increasing public awareness of wildlife crossing on Bath Rd. and Front Rd. by proposing appropriate traffic laws in the area. Themes include wetland species breeding and nesting behavior, and urban/traffic development issues surrounding wetland ecosystems.

scholarly journals The influence of a new water infrastructure development on the relative abundance of two Australian freshwater turtle species

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie J. Clark ◽  
Courtenay E. Mills ◽  
Nicolette A. Osborne ◽  
Kerry M. Neil
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Water Infrastructure ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Australian Freshwater ◽  
The Impact

Development of water infrastructure benefits water security and agriculture but poses risks to habitat and aquatic fauna. Wyaralong Dam was constructed on Teviot Brook in 2010 to provide future urban water supplies for South East Queensland, Australia. Construction of the dam created a large impoundment area and environmental impact assessment predicted significant impacts upon resident freshwater turtle species and their habitats. Differences in habitat requirements, life-history characteristics and sensitivity to change between the Macquarie River turtle (Emydura macquarii macquarii) and the common saw-shelled turtle (Myuchelys latisternum) were expected to influence the impact of the dam on the spatial and temporal abundance of these species. The relative abundance of each species was monitored at sites located within, upstream and downstream of the impoundment across wet and dry seasons during the dam’s first five years of operation. The results of this monitoring program indicate that spatial and temporal variability in the relative abundance of E. macquarii macquarii and M. latisternum occurred during the study but not all expected impacts were realised. Contrary to expectation, the relative abundance of E. macquarii macquarii did not increase over time within, upstream or downstream of the dam. M. latisternum showed greater temporal variability at some sites; however, no clear relationship between relative abundance and operational years was observed during the monitoring program. Spatial variability in relative abundance between sites was dependent upon season, with trends generally consistent across both turtle species. Where differences between species were observed, these are suspected to have resulted from the influence of environmental conditions on species-specific movement behaviours. The monitoring program confirmed the use of the upper limits of the impoundment and the plunge pool below the dam wall by both turtle species but relative abundance within the main body of the impoundment remained low throughout monitoring. The results of the study allow for consideration of the suitability of predefined management measures and the development of recommendations for future monitoring programs prescribed for water infrastructure developments.

scholarly journals Population status and distribution of freshwater turtles in Taiwan

Oryx ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tien-Hsi Chen ◽  
Kuang-Yang Lue
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Chinese Market ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Mauremys Mutica ◽  
Effective Conservation

AbstractBecause of burgeoning demand in the Chinese market and extensive habitat loss more than half of the freshwater turtle and tortoise species in Asia are categorized as Endangered or Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. To investigate the distribution and status of the native freshwater turtle species of Taiwan a trapping programme was conducted during 2001–2007, yielding a total of 1,828 individuals of four native species at 103 sites. Mauremys sinensis was the most abundant and widely distributed species; it was collected from 70 sites and accounted for 78.6% of all turtles captures. Mauremys mutica comprised 17.8% at 46 sites. Pelodiscus sinensis were captured in low numbers at 19 sites. No Mauremys reevesii were collected on the main island of Taiwan but the species was found on Kinmen Island near mainland China. Capture success was low at most sites and overall sex ratios were significantly male-biased in all species, suggesting that the freshwater turtles have suffered from the negative effects of habitat disturbance and extensive exploitation. Effective conservation measures are urgently required to ensure the viability of the native freshwater turtle species of Taiwan.

scholarly journals A drone-based survey for large, basking freshwater turtle species

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257720
Author(s):  
Amy P. Bogolin ◽  
Drew R. Davis ◽  
Richard J. Kline ◽  
Abdullah F. Rahman
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Species Occurrence ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Population Counts ◽  
Detailed Protocol

Conservation concerns are increasing for numerous freshwater turtle species, including Pseudemys gorzugi, which has led to a call for more research. However, traditional sampling methodologies are often time consuming, labor intensive, and invasive, restricting the amount of data that can be collected. Biases of traditional sampling methods can further impair the quality of the data collected, and these shortfalls may discourage their use. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, drones) for conducting wildlife surveys has recently demonstrated the potential to bridge gaps in data collection by offering a less labor intensive, minimally invasive, and more efficient process. Photographs and video can be obtained by camera attachments during a drone flight and analyzed to determine population counts, abundance, and other types of data. In this study we developed a detailed protocol to survey for large, freshwater turtle species in an arid, riverine landscape. This protocol was implemented with a DJI Matrice 600 Pro drone and a SONY ILCE α6000 digital camera to determine P. gorzugi and sympatric turtle species occurrence across 42 sites in southwestern Texas, USA. The use of a large drone and high-resolution camera resulted in high identification percentages, demonstrating the potential of drones to survey for large, freshwater turtle species. Numerous advantages to drone-based surveys were identified as well as some challenges, which were addressed with additional refinement of the protocol. Our data highlight the utility of drones for conducting freshwater turtle surveys and provide a guideline to those considering implementing drone-mounted high-resolution cameras as a survey tool.

scholarly journals Impacts of dams on freshwater turtles: a global review to identify conservation solutions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Barcenas-Garcia ◽  
Fernanda Michalski ◽  
William H. Morgan ◽  
Rebecca K. Smith ◽  
William J. Sutherland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Life History Stage ◽  
Freshwater Turtles ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Dam Impacts ◽  
The Impact

Dams create many impacts on freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity. Freshwater turtles are at direct and indirect risk due to changes caused by damming including the loss of terrestrial and aquatic nesting and feeding habitats, changes to resource availability and reduced dispersal. We reviewed the global scientific literature that evaluated the impact of dams on freshwater turtles, and carried out additional searches of literature published in seventeen languages for studies evaluating actions to mitigate the impact of dams. The search produced 43 published articles documenting dam impacts on 29 freshwater turtle species from seven families (Chelidae, Chelydridae, Emydidae, Geoemydidae, Kinosternidae, Podocnemididae and Trionychidae) in 13 countries. More than a third of studies (41.9%, n = 18) focused on nine North American species of the Emydidae. Few studies were found from Europe and Asia and none from Africa. The number of studies, life-history stage studied and threat status differed significantly between temperate and tropical latitudes. Most studies were from temperate latitudes, where studies focused more on adults and less threatened species compared with tropical latitudes. Studies evaluated dam impacts as barriers and changes to water flow and quality, but no studies were found that assessed turtles and changes to land cover or mercury caused by dams. More than half of the studies (59%, n = 24) suggested actions to help mitigate dam impacts. Yet, only four studies on three temperate and one tropical species documented the effect of interventions (dam removal, flow management, artificial pond maintenance and community-based action). These findings demonstrate a lack of documented evidence evaluating dam impacts on freshwater turtles particularly in tropical regions. This lack of evidence reinforces the importance of strengthening and maintaining robust long-term studies of freshwater turtles needed to develop effective conservation actions for this group of vertebrates.

scholarly journals An Examination of Limiting Factors of Chrysemys picta bellii (Western painted turtles) in the Lower Willamette River Basin, Oregon

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
James Holley ◽  
Keyword(s):  
River Basin ◽  
Chrysemys Picta ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Freshwater Turtle ◽  
Willamette River ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Chrysemys Picta Bellii ◽  
Nesting Activity ◽  
Willamette River Basin ◽  
The Impact

Oregon’s two native freshwater turtle species, Chrysemys picta bellii (Western painted turtle) and Actinemys marmorata (Northwestern pond turtle), have seen significantly reduced population sizes since the founding of Portland in 1845, with estimates of up to 90% for A. marmorata. This project examined turtle nesting activity at 25 sites across a range of turtle populations and habitats around the Lower Willamette River Basin. All discovered turtle nesting activity was found in areas of high solar exposure. We found 93% of over 400 nest attempts to have been depredated across the 25 sites, well above most other reported rates. At several sites, many aborted nest attempts were found atop gravel roadbeds, indicating that lack of appropriate substrate is potentially limiting nesting success. The presence of greater than five pedestrians per hour at turtle nesting areas was correlated with a substantial decrease in nesting attempts suggesting that management of recreational activities may play a role in the amount of nesting activity occurring. Hence, site-specific solutions, such as importing substrate, alteration of path locations or seasonal trail closures to lessen human foot traffic disturbance of turtle nesting attempts, are likely to improve recruitment rates of native turtles in the Lower Willamette Basin. Further studies that improve knowledge of population demographics, the impact of human activities on turtles, and habitat needs of juvenile turtles are needed to support long-term self-sustaining turtle populations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document