Effects of roads on the structure of freshwater turtle populations

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Steen, David A.; Gibbs, James P.

Source:

Conservation Biology, Society for Conservation Biology and Wiley-Blackwell, Volume 18, p.1143-1148 (2004)

Call Number:

A04STE01IDUS

URL:

http://noss.cos.ucf.edu/papers/Steen%20and%20Gibbs%202004.pdf

Keywords:

Chelydra serpentina, Chrysemys picta, Painted Turtle, Snapping Turtle

Abstract:

Road mortality can potentially alter the structure of turtle populations because these populations are highly sensitive to additive sources of adult mortality. To address the issue, in 2002 the authors captured painted turtles (Chrysemys picta; n = 174) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentine; n = 56) in 18 wetlands surrounded by low road density (</= 1.5 km roads/km2 of landscape) and 17 wetlands surrounded by high road density (>1.5 km/km2) in central New York. High road density was associated with male-biased sex ratios in painted turtles (74% vs. 54% males; p = 0.01) and snapping turtles (95% vs. 74% males; p = 0.08), whereas turtle morphology and abundance were not associated with road density. Disproportionate road mortality of females on nesting migrations is the most likely cause of skewed sex ratios.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology