Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2005
Publication Title
American Midland Naturalist
First Page
428
Last Page
435
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1674/0003-0031(2005)153%5B0428:DEOATA%5D2.0.CO;2
Abstract
We studied turtle populations inhabiting a canal and a lake (both man-made) within a heavily disturbed, urban setting. Six aquatic and semi-aquatic turtle species were collected in both habitats: spiny softshell turtle (Apolone spinifera), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), common map turtle (Graptemys geographica), common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) and red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta). While G. geographica was the most common species in the canal habitat, T. scripta was most common in the lake habitat. We describe patterns of sexual size dimorphism and sex ratios for the three most abundant species (G. geographica, T. scripta and S. odoralus). We discuss our data in light of problems facing turtle assemblages in urban settings.
Rights
This article was archived with permission from the University of Notre Dame. Document also available from American Midland Naturalist.
Recommended Citation
Conner, C. A.*, B. A. Douthitt*, and T. J. Ryan. 2005. Descriptive ecology of a turtle assemblage in an urban landscape. American Midland Naturalist 153:426-435.