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JOINT ANNUAL MEETING OF THE TURTLE SURVIVAL ALLIANCE AND

IUCN TORTOISE & FRESHWATER TURTLE SPECIALIST GROUP

7TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

ON THE CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY OF TORTOISES AND FRESHWATER TURTLES

PROGRAM AND ABSTRACTS

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, USA

AUGUST 5-8, 2009

CONFERENCE SPONSOR

CONFERENCE HOST

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT GENEROUSLY PROVIDED BY BRETT AND NANCY STEARNS, CHELONIAN

RESEARCH FOUNDATION, REPTILES MAGAZINE AND CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL

Burmese roof turtle painting commemorates one of TSA’s signature conservation programs

This is the second in a series of turtle paintings by noted reptile artist Tell Hicks that commemorate TSA programs to save critically endangered species. The Burmese roof turtle print is timely in that it comes on the heels of two significant milestones in this program’s history: the Species Recovery Plan workshop held January 2009 and the first worldwide captive breeding for this species in 2008, both occurring in Mandalay, Myanmar. The enigmatic Burmese roof turtle, Batagur (Kachuga) trivittata, had not been recorded by scientists since the 1930’s and was “rediscovered” in 2002 when specimens turned up in a Hong Kong market and in a Mandalay temple pond. Gerald Kuchling is credited with recognizing the specimens - a male and two females - in the temple pond and took decisive action to move them to the Yadanabon Zoo to start a captive breeding program. His efforts to locate remnant wild populations were successful and he was able to further expand the captive population. Gerald Kuchling’s landmark effort to save B. trivittata is just one of the reasons that he was selected as the recipient of the 2009 John Behler Chelonian Conservation Award. Today this program is managed jointly by the TSA and WCS and has made enormous strides in the seven years since rediscovery. The headstarting program at Yadanabon currently manages 243 juvenile B. trivittata, collected from wild nests on the Upper Chindwin River from 2006 – 2009. Additional captive facilities are being designed and the field recovery program is expanding. Efforts to save this species in nature are jeopardized by the impending dam construction that would inundate all known nesting beaches. Sites up river from the dam are being evaluated for the establishment of translocated populations. Despite these heroic efforts, B. trivittata is still regarded as one of the most at - risk vertebrate species on earth, though the extinction risk is certainly much lower than it was previously. Limited-edition prints of this painting are available for purchase here in St. Louis to raise funds to support the TSA’s programs for Burmese roof turtle conservation. The original painting will be offered at the live auction on Friday night.

Seventh Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles 1


From the Program Co-chairs Welcome to this, the Seventh Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles, generously hosted by the renowned St Louis Zoo. From relatively humble beginnings, this has grown beyond any expectation. It has become more than just a simple turtle conference; it has grown into the Joint Annual meeting of the Turtle Survival Alliance, the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and the Turtle Conservation Fund. It has matured into the largest non-marine chelonian gathering in the world. Each year, we welcome more groups and hope to continue and expand upon past progress. This year, we return once again to St. Louis, the site of what is arguably the best of our symposia. It’s hard to say if it was chemistry, time and place, the right price, or one of so many other variables, but we believe it was the perfect mix of cheloniophiles. With seven being such an auspicious and lucky number, we’ll be kicking it off with the icebreaker on the night of the full moon which should make things even more interesting. For another year, we have the opportunity to slow down a bit from our hectic schedules, exchange ideas, make new acquaintances and hoist a few to friends old and new, to those attending, and the ones who couldn’t make it this year. It’s an occasion to mix with a diverse group of attendees from around the world who come together here to share thoughts and address the problems of the chelonians from around the globe. Where else on earth would one find the academic world merging with zoo professionals, NGOs with field researchers, conservationists with biologists, private keepers and breeders, all raising glasses and talking turtle. Although coming from humble roots, this unlikely experiment began as a relatively small meeting which was convened just a few short years ago by the Turtle Survival Alliance, it has continued to grow and mature. Each year, we have been treated to more and better oral and poster presentations, videos, icebreaker, barbeque, and banquet addresses. Once again to encourage our future, the Chelonian Research Foundation is supporting a special award and prize for the best student papers and posters. For without bringing the next wave of chelonian researchers on board, the symposium would stagnate as so many others have done. And the prestigious John Behler Turtle Conservation Award, which recognizes the other end of the spectrum, will also be presented at the Symposium. Its time to pay attention to the “man (men and women) behind the curtain” who need to be recognized for they are the ones who truly make this event sink or swim. There are a multitude of supporting players who volunteer, provide support, and give generously of their time and resources to make it all happen. Conference Committee Chair Lonnie McCaskill of Disney’s Animal Kingdom once again moved heaven and earth to find the perfect venue, and at a bargain price (under $100/night –it even includes breakfast! ). So many conferences have simply priced themselves out of our reach. When you consider the price tag of just over $100 for registration, it’s not just a good value; it’s a major bargain, even without taking into account the three nights of food and drinks at the icebreaker, barbeque, and banquet. Other conferences charge more than that for just for the meals. But in the event that it was too reasonable, we have a wonderful group of vendors again this year to relieve us of our disposable income. And we would be remiss to not thank the program committee, who provided guidance and support. In addition to the two of us, a number of those on the committee were especially generous with their time and energy to also organize sessions and act as session chairs. So, special thanks go out to Ander Rhodin, Elizabeth Walton, Will Selman, Ray Saumure, Jim Harding, J. Daren Riedle, Glen Jacobsen, and Dave Manser. We look forward to next year’s symposium, no longer just the best place to see chelonian presentations, but an annual event where the opportunity to exchange ideas and greet friends (old and new) is as important as what happens in the front of the room. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the presenters, session moderators, and of course you, the attendees. Thanks for coming. And enjoy. Chuck Schaffer and Andrew Walde Program Co-chairs, Seventh Annual Symposium on Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles

From the Turtle Survival Alliance Welcome to the Seventh Annual Symposium on Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. We are excited to return to St. Louis and to the combination of a great host city, a generous host institution and an impressive slate of presentations. Once again, this meeting offers the opportunity to network with the world’s leading chelonian conservation biologists as well as sessions targeting all aspects of chelonian conservation and biology. The past year has been a busy one for the TSA and there has been serious progress towards protecting endangered species and populations in Asia as well as Madagascar. Field teams have been hard at work in China, Myanmar, India and Malaysia and Gerald Kuchling will provide an update on our ongoing efforts to breed the last known captive pair of Yangtze giant softshell turtles, Rafetus swinhoei, at the Suzhou Zoo in China. In Myanmar, a Plan was drafted for saving the Burmese roofed turtle (Batagur trivittata) and


the first captive breeding of this species was documented at Mandalay’s Yadanabon Zoo. Once again an original painting has been commissioned from famed wildlife artist Tell Hicks to sell at auction. Prints will be available for purchase during the conference and all of the proceeds will go to support ongoing program expenses. TSA’s new Madagascar Program is collaborating with the Behler Chelonian Center and the San Diego Zoo to raise funds to protect the last wild populations of the Ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora).. The TSA is also supporting captive enclosure improvements for spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides) at the Village des Tortues in Ifaty. We look forward to productive partnerships as we join forces to address the needs of Madagascar’s increasingly imperiled tortoises. As most of you have probably heard, the TSA underwent a major restructuring in 2009 and has emerged as a full-fledged non-profit conservation NGO that now operates outside of the IUCN structure. With a new Board of Directors and expanded committees that better reflect the global composition of TSA, our new structure allows us to be more accountable to donors and supporters and more responsive to the needs of our members and the challenges of turtle conservation. The new Board shares the vision of the TSA as the “Go To” organization for turtle and tortoise conservation. Look for our Board members here in St. Louis. As always, this meeting would not happen without the heroic efforts of a handful of people who devote countless hours to conference planning and execution. We owe a particular debt of gratitude to Lonnie McCaskill, who has chaired the Conference Committee for the past seven years and whose experience and dedication has been critical to the success of this (and every) TSA conference. Chuck Schaffer and Andrew Walde, Program Co-Chairs, along with Beth Walton, have put together an exciting set of talks and posters. Heather Lowe, in her new role as TSA Program Coordinator, has been instrumental in organizing meeting registration, travel and logistics, in addition to her other duties with membership, newsletters, donor correspondence, etc. Be sure to say hello to her at the registration desk and let her know whether or not you will attend the awards on banquet Saturday night. Jennifer Poindexter of the St Louis Zoo has been invaluable in handling our local arrangements, and her ability to secure price breaks at a number of venues has allowed, us to offer the greatest possible value for your registration dollar. Special thanks go to City Museum, for allowing us to tour their remarkable exhibits at no charge, to the St. Louis Zoo for hosting our Banquet and to the St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark for sponsoring our opening icebreaker. One of our biggest expenses is speaker travel, and we are grateful to Sheena Koeth, Brett and Nancy Stearns, Anders Rhodin (CRF) and Conservation International for their generous support. Finally, we are extremely grateful for the continued support of our title sponsor, ZooMed, Inc., and we urge you to support them by buying their products. As you interact with your colleagues, and sit through presentations and workshops, take notice of how diverse the TSA network has become. This unique partnership – the alliance – continues to be our core strength that sets us apart from other organizations. We must maintain our shared vision and commitment to zero turtle extinctions and remember to always let our passion for turtles drive our work for their survival. Scott Davis, Executive Director Rick Hudson, President

From the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group Echoing the welcoming remarks from Rick Hudson and Scott Davis of the Turtle Survival Alliance, I also extend my enthusiastic welcome to all participants and presenters at this 7th Annual Turtle and Tortoise Symposium. Welcome especially to all members of the TFTSG, the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The TFTSG is honored and pleased to share this symposium venue with the Turtle Survival Alliance and most appreciative of the opportunity to help develop an increasingly collaborative approach to global turtle conservation efforts between these leading turtle conservation organizations and others. The presence and participation at this symposium also of other key global turtle conservation groups, such as the Turtle Conservation Fund (TCF), the Behler Chelonian Center and Turtle Conservancy (BCC/TC), the World Chelonian Trust (WCT), Chelonian Research Foundation (CRF), Chelonian Research Institute (CRI), and representatives from Conservation International (CI), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and other turtle-focused organizations, creates a welcome summit-like opportunity for networking, planning, and the strengthening of our joint commitment to a global and unified approach to chelonian conservation. For those symposium participants representing academic, zoo-based, and herpetoculturist turtle expertise and interest, welcome to this growing network of organizations making a difference. We welcome your participation and contributions and appreciate your presence and support. Thank you all for attending. Anders Rhodin Chair, TFTSG; Director, CRF; Co-Chair, TCF

Table of Contents Burmese Roof Turtle Painting Available ……………………….………………………………………………………1 Welcome Letters ………………………………………………….………………………………………………………2 Table of Contents / Note to Presenters…………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Daily Schedule Wed-Thurs……………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Video Night ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Daily Schedule Fri-Sat…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Workshop, Non-profit tables, Posters…………………………………………………………………………………... 8 Conference Notes and Social Activities…………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Abstracts.............................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Presenting? Please turn in your talks (power point files, etc.) at the Information Table (Foyer) on the day before you present. Someone will be available to load your talk from 4:30-6:00 pm on Wednesday and during breaks on Thursday and Friday. To all student presenters: You MUST sign in at the Information Table (Foyer) at registration to be considered for a student award.

Contents should be cited as: Author. 2009. Title. In C. Schaffer, A. Walde, E. Walton, and R. Schaffer (eds.) Program and Abstracts of The Seventh Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Turtle Survival Alliance, St. Louis. pp. xx-xx.

Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle from:

Jonston, J. 1660. Beschryving Van De Natuur Der Viervoetige Dieren. Amsterdam.



Daily Schedule

Tuesday August 4 Wednesday August 5 Thursday August 6

900 Opening Remarks /TSA & TFTSG Rick Hudson, Scott Davis, Anders Rhodin

Keynote Moderator: TBA 920 Red List workshop for the turtles of the MidWest /

Mississippi Basin region (9:30 - ???)

TCF Board and Animal Management Committees (8:00 – 12:00)

KEYNOTE The Volcan Wolf tortoises

P PRITCHARD 940

“

1000 The Chelonians of the Romanian Dobrogeia

T BLANCK 1020 Break & Posters Community Conservation Moderator: TBA 1040 Turtle tales – Local beliefs and legends helping to

conserve the Pig-nosed turtle * C EISEMBERG

1100 Turtles, a river, people – a symbiosis – an Australian package

M CONNELL 1120 Community based conservation monitoring of

the Radiated tortoise T RAFELIARISOA

1140 Community based ecosystem conservation approach to preserve Sri Lankan Testudines

T KAPURUSINGHE 1200 Conference and Program Committees

(12:00-14:00) TSA BOD (12:00 – 16:00) An overview of efforts to conserve Pakistan’s

freshwater turtles U NOUREEN

1220 Lunch Southwestern Kinosternids Chair: D Riedle

1320 TSA Advisory and Field Conservation Committees (13:00-16:40)

Life history & evolution J IVERSON AND

Status & threats P ROSEN 1340 Evolutionary history of the turtle family

Kinosternidae C INGRAM

1400 Texas panhandle yellow mud turtle: Age Structure & survival

R KAZMAIER 1420 Texas panhandle yellow mud turtle: sex ratio,

reproduction & growth M LANGE

1440 Orientation in juveniles of a semi-aquatic turtle, K. flavescens

J IVERSON 1500 Break & Posters Southwestern Kinosternids Chair D. Riedle

1520 Natural history and conservation status of the Chihuahuan mud turtle

S PLATT 1540 Demography, terrestrial behavior, & growth of

Sonoran mud turtles F HENSLEY

1600 TFTSG Steering Committee (16:00 – 17:40) Reproductive ecology of Sonora mud turtles at Montezuma Well

J LOVICH 1620 Anthropogenic factors affecting Sonoran mud

turtles P STONE

1640 Population status of a geographically isolated Kinosternid

D RIEDLE 1700 Integration of the declining Sonoyta mud turtle

into modern Sonora P ROSEN


Thursday – Video Night Thursday 19:02:30 – Video Night

7:00

The John L Behler Chelonian Conservation Center: Update and Field Work ERIC GOODE & MAURICE RODRIGUES

7:30

Loneliest Animals SCOTT DAVIS

8:00

Sidenecks of Gondwanaland PETER PRITCHARD

8:30

Two Videos T KAPURUSINGHE

9:00

A Passion for Turtles In Search of…

JEFF LOVICH

9:15 Nesting Eastern Box Turtles

CHUCK LANDREY

9:25 Asian Turtle Crisis film for law enforcement Tam Biet Turtle

Rafetus Rescue News [email protected]

DOUG HENDRIE

9:45 Tracking Cuora mccordi in southern China

TORSTEN BLANCK

Pizza will be provided to those attending the video night presentation. Donations will be accepted to offset the cost of food. A cash bar will be available for

beverages. We hope you can join us!


Daily Schedule

Friday August 7 - A Friday August 7 - B Saturday August 8

Graptemys Chair: Will Selman Captive Studies/Genetics Chair:G Jacobsen Clemmys Chairs:Andrew Walde & Ray Saumure

820 Introduction to the Graptemys Session

P LINDEMAN

Genetic Diversity in the Chicken Turtle, Deirochelys reticularia *

N HILZINGER

Conservation of a habitat generalist & seasonal activity specialist:

J LITZGUS 840 Conservation Assessment of the Map

Turtles & Sawbacks P LINDEMAN

Captive husbandry and successful reproduction of black-breasted leaf turtles *

J DAWSON

Seasonal Habitat Selection by Spotted Turtles in Ontario *

M RASMUSSEN 900 Population Structure & Trends: Map

turtles in the Choctawhatchee * C LECHOWICZ

Eastern European turtle farms: a look inside H PHILIPPEN

Status & Conservation of the Wood Turtle in Virginia & the George Washington National Forest

S KRICHBAUM 920 Anthropogenic disturbances: Impacts on

Canadian Map Turtle populations * A BENNETT

More on options to oxytocin M FELDMAN

Habitat Use and Seasonal Movements of the Bog Turtle in Eastern Pennsylvania

R FARRELL 940 Life History Ecology & Status of the

Ringed Sawback R JONES

Does M. emys exhibit subspecific variation in growth? A morphometric analysis *

R SCHAFFER

Nesting Ecology and Hatching Success of Bog Turtles at Five Study Sites in Eastern Pennsylvania

R ZAPPALORTI 1000 Conservation Genetics of the Yellow-

blotched Sawback * W SELMAN

Alternative energy & water sources for turtle and tortoise habitats

G JACOBSEN

Historical Perspective: Bartram’s “Clemmys”

C SCHAFFER 1020 Break/Posters/Hands-on Demos Break/Posters/Hands-on Demos Break/Posters/Hands-on Demos Translocation/Field Studies

Moderator:TBA Genetics Moderator:TBA Biology of the Chelonia Chairs: C Schaffer & A

Rhodin 1040 Reintroduction as a Conservation Tool

for Blanding’s Turtles KURT BUHLMANN

Update on the Chrysemys picta bellii genome project

P MINX

Variability of gonadal differentiation in juvenile turtles of different species & implications for

endoscopic sexing G KUCHLING 1100 European pond turtle headstarting:

approach & management plan M ZUFFI

Comparative phylogeography: molecular data can answer ecological questions *

K HODGES

Comments on Comparative Feeding Behavior Between Hybrid Turtles and Their Parental Species

J HARDING 1120 Health, Behavior, and Survival of

Translocated during the First 15 Months T GOWAN

Population Genetic Study of the Baly Bay Ploughshare Tortoise*

A MANDIMBIHASINA

Partitioning Contemporary & Historical Components of Global Turtle Diversity

T AKRE 1140 Retention rate of hard released

translocated Egyptian tortoises O ATTUM

Genetic diversity in the chicken turtle, Deirochelys reticularia *

N HILZINGER

Form and function of patterns of skeletal growth in turtles

A RHODIN 1200 Alligator snapping turtle reintroduction

and translocation: highs and lows D LIGON

Coupling genetic data and ecological-niche modeling for turtle conservation *

K HODGES

The Turtle Shell P PRITCHARD

1220 Lunch Lunch Lunch – Student Awards Committee Africa/Field Studies Moderator:TBA Genetics/Field Studies Chair: G Jacobsen Chelonian Conservation Chairs: C Schaffer & E

Walton 1320 Status of the northern

Madagascar spider tortoise* R WALKER

Mitochondrial DNA variation of Testudo complex in Turkey

O TÜRKOZAN

Status and conservation of the soft-shell turtle, Trionyx triunguis, in Turkey

O TÜRKOZAN 1340 How much immigration is needed to

sustain hunted Hingeback Tortoises? * N SMOLENSKY

Mitochondrial Phylogeography of the Central American river turtle

G SYED

Eight years of conserving wild Mary River turtles in Australia

M CONNELL 1400 TSA Africa:

First steps T DIAGNE

Assessment of Trachemys gaigeae: molecular methods in turtle conservation*

J JACKSON

Conservation of Endangered Indian Turtles: Achievements and Challenges

S SINGH 1420 Epidemiology of Upper Respiratory Tract

Disease in Desert Tortoises K BERRY

Turtle community structure in an urban Ozark stream *

B ANDERS

Last of the giant Asian hardshells; searching for remnant populations

B HORNE 1440 Demography and Habitat Conversion in

the Three-toed Box Turtle A KIESTER

Mercury contamination in turtles and implications for human health *

A GREEN

Present status of Sri Lankan Testudines

T KAPURUSINGHE 1500 Break/Posters/Hands-on Demos Break/Posters/Hands-on Demos Break/Posters/Hands-on Demos Genetics Moderator: TBA Field Studies Moderator: TBA Field Studies Moderator:TBA 1520 Population characteristics and growth

rate of the Alligator Snapping Turtle * C HOWEY

Variation in musk turtle size & catch frequency *

N RUHL

The Chelonian Fauna of Sardinia and Corsica - Part I

T BLANCK 1540

TFTSG Update

NO SESSION

The Chelonian Fauna of Sardinia and Corsica - Part II

T BLANCK 1600

TFTSG Update

NO SESSION

Onboard “Tortoise-Cam” Applications in Ethological and Ecological Research

A KIESTER


Hands-on Workshop

Complete Habitat Set Up – From A to Z DAVE MANSER

AT ALL BREAKS IN THE POSTER/VENDOR ROOM

Non-Profit Tables

Marilyn Connell - Tiaro Landcare Group/Mary River Turtle Program Thushan Kapurusinghe - Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) Sri Lanka

Omar Attum - Egyptian Tortoise Program Carla Eisemberg – Pig Nose Turtle Project

Doug Hendrie - Asian Turtle Conservation Network

AT ALL BREAKS IN THE POSTER/VENDOR ROOM

Posters

Movements and Home Range of Eastern Box

Turtles in a Forested Habitat & Future Impacts of Timber Harvests *

A CURRYLOW

Effect of Egg-Incubation & Acclimation Temperature on Selected Temperature by Painted

Turtles * A CYR

Status & distribution of Terrapins & Tortoises in

Ghana, Togo and Benin T DIAGNE

Testing the Reliability of Age Determination in the

Egyptian Tortoise* K DUFFY

Let’s Save Piggy–Grassroots Environmental

Education and the Pig-nosed Turtle * C EISEMBERG

Does Gender Affect Seasonal Microhabitat

Selection by Wood Turtles? J. HAMMEN

Turtle Races: The Environmental Impacts of

Using Turtles for Amusement * A HEEB

Community awareness & capacity building to advance testudine conservation in Sri Lanka

T KAPURUSINGHE

Preliminary Results on the Molecular Phylogeography of Terrapene sp.

B MARTIN

Population Ecology of Turtles on Missouri Western State University’s Campus: A

Preliminary Report * M MILLS

Does Acclimation Temperature Affect Growth

Rates & Movement of Juvenile Diamond-backed Terrapins? *

V MORAN

Experiences 2009: the Asian Scholarship Program for in-situ Chelonian Conservation

U NOUREEN

Spatial ecology of adult Alligator Snapping Turtles in northern Louisiana *

M RAY

Effect of Age and Acclimation Temperature on

Selected Temperature by Juvenile Diamondback Terrapins * E RIESBERG

Population Biology of a gopher tortoise population

on an island in southwest Florida * JULIE ROSS

Niche-partitioning of sympatric map turtles in the

Sabine River * S SANDERS

Does annuli count reflect age in captive Manouria emys? With analysis of three evaluation methods*

RICK SCHAFFER

Gopher tortoise juvenile activity patterns in southern Mississippi

A SCHNEIDER

First assessment of mitochondrial DNA diversity within the endangered Nile Softshell turtle in

Mediterranean & Africa C ULGER


Conference Notes and Social Activities Wednesday, August 5 Registration 4:30-6:00 (Foyer) Auction item drop-off 4:30-6:00 (Foyer) Icebreaker 6:00 Registration 6:30-8:30 (Icebreaker – pre-registration pick-up only, please) Post Icebreaker Talk: Visits at Chinese Turtle Farms and a sea turtle head starting facility TORSTEN BLANCK Thursday, August 6 Registration 8:00-3:00 (Foyer) Auction item drop-off 8:00-1:30 (Foyer) Video night 7:00 Friday, August 7 Registration 8:00-2:30 (Foyer) Silent auction 8:00-2:40 (Poster room) Silent auction payment / pick-up 3:00-4:30 (Foyer) First bus leaves for City Museum 5:15 (Main hotel entrance) Last bus leaves for City Museum 5:45 Free time at City Museum 5:30-7:00 Dinner 7:00 Live Auction 8:00 Saturday, August 8 Registration 8:00-1:00 (Foyer) *last chance to purchase a TSA t-shirt or other souvenir! First bus leaves for St. Louis Zoo 5:00 (Main hotel entrance) Last bus leaves for St. Louis Zoo 5:30 Pre-event “mix and mingle” at the park 5:30-6:00 Tour St. Louis Herpetarium 6:15 Banquet dinner and awards presentation 7:00 Support the TSA! Be sure to visit the merchandise tables while you are here! Purchases of t-shirts, prints, turtle sculptures and other items benefit the TSA and its conservation programs. A cashier is available for TSA merchandise purchases anytime that registration is open, in the foyer. Visa, MasterCard, checks or cash are accepted. Auction Notes The silent and live auctions are always a fun part of the TSA conference, plus they generate funds to help support the TSA’s conservation programs. The silent auction will take place on Friday in the poster room. Live auction will be held at our BBQ on Friday night, at City Museum. Thanks to all of you who have items that you are donating to this cause. If you were not able to download an auction donation form from the website, copies are available in the foyer, at the auction drop-off table. Please note: no auction items will be accepted without an accompanying form! Auction items will be accepted from 4:30-6:00 pm on Wednesday and from 8:00-1:30 pm on Thursday. It is very important that you get your items turned in during this time! This will allow our volunteers to catalog each donation and make sure that everything runs smoothly. To our lucky winners: silent auction items may be paid for and picked up at the registration table from 3:00-4:15 pm on Friday. Live auction items can be paid for at City Museum. A cashier’s table will be set up at the event site. Questions? Check with one of our volunteers the Information Table in the foyer during breaks. A message board will be posted there as well with up-to-date information or changes.


Abstracts πPresenting author *Student Paper

Partitioning Contemporary and Historical Components of Global Turtle Diversity THOMAS S. B. AKRE

1, JOHN B. IVERSON2, AND BRADFORD HAWKINS

3 1Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Longwood University, Farmville VA 23909, U.S.A. [[email protected]]

2Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond IN 47374, U.S.A. [[email protected]] 3School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine CA 92697, U.S.A. [[email protected]]

The latitudinal richness gradient is well established for many taxonomic groups, and numerous explanations have been proposed. However, the relationship between contemporary and historical factors and their influence on a richness gradient in Testudines has not been examined. We used projected range maps, environmental and historical predictors, and a concatenated phylogeny of extant tortoise and freshwater turtle species to 1) examine patterns of richness and evolutionary development and 2) explain contributions of contemporary climate and historical processes. As expected, richness was greater in lower latitudes and relatively high in Neotropical and Oriental regions. Richness was relatively low in the Afrotropics and highest in large river basins of southeastern North America and the eastern Indian subcontinent. Contemporary climate was the most strongly supported hypothesis for the richness gradient: four environmental variables explained 59% of variance. A secondary historical effect was apparent: biogeographic region explained 37.8% of variance. When considered independently, climate accounted for seven times more variance than region. There was no global geographical pattern in evolutionary development other than a tendency to be higher in the Palearctic and Oriental regions and lower in the Gondwanaland continents, especially Australia. Neither the climate nor historical hypothesis was well supported, but historical processes likely played a larger role in evolutionary development. Just 6.5% of variance was explained by contemporary climate, and 30.5% could be attributed to biogeographic region. Considered independently, region accounted for seventeen times more variance than climate. Furthermore, species richness and evolutionary development were poorly correlated (r = 0.04), suggesting that contributions of contemporary climate and historical processes were largely independent. We suggest that phylogenetic niche conservatism and poor dispersal, along with time for speciation effect and extinction, may best explain a regionally contingent pattern of species richness and evolutionary development. Biology of the Chelonia: Oral

Turtle Community Structure in an Urban Ozark Stream * BEN ANDERS

1π AND DON MOLL2

1Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Box 19498, Arlington, TX 76019-0498 [[email protected], [email protected]]

2Department of Biology, Missouri State University, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897

Freshwater turtles are among the most ubiquitous aquatic fauna in North America, but data on their actual abundance is often lacking, and we can find ourselves wondering “How much turtle is in that water?” Turtles were trapped from a South Creek impoundment at Darr Agricultural Center in Springfield, MO from June through July of 2007. One hundred twenty-six turtles (six species) weighed a total of 189.03 kg, the most abundant of which were slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) (64% total specimens, 33% total mass) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) (28% total specimens, 63% total mass). These data suggest that the turtle community contributes a significant proportion of the stream's biomass and imply that its ecological role within this greatly altered ecosystem is of considerable importance. Field and Captive Studies: Oral (Student)

Retention Rate of Hard Released Translocated Egyptian Tortoises OMAR ATTUM

1, WISSAM E. FARAG2, SHERIF M. BAHA EL DIN

3 1 Department of Biology, Indiana University Southeast, 4201 Grant Line Rd., New Albany, IN 47150, USA [[email protected]]

2 Omayed Protectorate, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Cairo-Helwan Agricultural Rd., 1 Maadi, Cairo, EGYPT 3 Scientific Advisor, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, 30 Cairo-Helwan Agricultural Rd., 1 Maadi, Cairo, EGYPT

We examined the suitability of using translocations as a method to create a new population of Egyptian tortoises, Testudo kleinmanni, in an area where the species historically occurred. One hundred and nine tortoises were released, comprising 57 males, 48 females, and 4 juveniles. Twenty-one individuals (19.3 %: males n=7, 12.3 %; females n=14, 29.2 %) were found during post release surveys approximately two years later. Our results suggest that dispersal from the release site may influence survival and relocation success. The number of times a tortoise was re-located decreased as the minimum distance it was found from the release site increased. In addition, live tortoises were significantly more likely to be found at shorter minimum distances than dead tortoises. The sex ratio of pre-released tortoises tended to be different from the sex ratio of tortoises found during later surveys, with females significantly more likely to be found than males. Pre-release body mass was not a significant predictor of an individual tortoise being re-located. We then discuss the implications and benefits of this study to restoring Egyptian tortoise populations and in situ conservation. Translocations: Oral

mailto:[email protected]


Anthropogenic Disturbances: Impacts on the Health and Demography of Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) Populations in Canada *

AMANDA M. BENNETTΠ, MATTHEW G. KEEVIL, AND JACQUELINE D. LITZGUS

Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, CANADA [[email protected]] The Northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica) is a highly aquatic freshwater turtle species, listed as being of special concern in Canada. Their distribution is limited to several large waterways in Ontario and the extreme South-western edge of Quebec. The impact of anthropogenic disturbances on map turtles has been little studied in Canada, despite the fact that their habitats are often shared with a number of human recreational and commercial practices. We examined the impacts of human disturbances, specifically the presence of locks and dams, as well as recreational boating, on the health and demography of map turtles (n = 310) on the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario, Canada. Approximately 20% of map turtles in our populations displayed a wide array of injuries and health concerns, some of which were directly attributable to impacts with boat propellers, while other causes remain unknown. Possible and confirmed sources of mortality included accidental trapping of turtles in water treatment facility and hydroelectric generating station inflows, subsidized predation, and systemic infection by a naturally occurring bacterium post-hibernation. Turtles in populations fragmented by locks and dams were significantly smaller in both mass and shell size than turtles from intact habitats, had a significantly female biased sex ratio (1: 1.81, male: females), and a high proportion of juveniles (39-45%) in the population. We hypothesize that a combination of niche divergence between the age/sex classes, coupled with a loss of shallow water habitat in fragmented areas, is driving these demographic differences. Further research should focus on immediate mitigation of injury and mortality sources, as well as long term studies to determine what the demographic differences mean to the persistence of these populations. Graptemys: Oral (Student)

Epidemiology of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (Mycoplasmosis) in Desert Tortoises at the Daggett Study Area: 2007-09 KRISTIN H. BERRY, JEREMY MACK, AND TIM GOWAN

U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 USA [[email protected]]

The Daggett Epidemiology of Upper Respiratory Tract Disease project in the southern Mojave Desert is in its third year. Funded by Ft. Irwin as supporting research for the Ft. Irwin Translocation Plan, the project was designed to quantify the disease dynamics of an on-going epidemic while developing a landscape epidemiology risk model that could be applied to future translocation efforts. Tortoises were located, transmittered, and were evaluated biannually (spring and fall) for health and disease. Since 2007, we have transmittered 144 tortoises. An additional 34 tortoises were located and evaluated, but not transmittered. In total, we have collected 465 blood samples from 178 tortoises. The samples were collected from tortoises located in the three major search bands (core, middle and outer). The percentage of tortoises with suspect or positive ELISA tests for mycoplasmosis has increased each season since 2007. For the 2007-2009 spring samplings, 15.6%, 21.7% and 24.3% of the tortoises tested positive or suspect for M. agassizii. Likewise, for M. testudineum, 12.2%, 16.3% and 24.3% of the tortoises have had positive or suspect tests. In the fall, the percentage of tortoises testing positive or suspect increased from 10.8% to 25.0% for M. agassizii and 12.2% to 45.2% for M. testudineum. The spatial distribution of M. agassizii and M. testudineum was band dependent in 2007 and 2008. Tortoises with positive and suspect M. agassizii ELISA tests were predominantly in the core in spring (p<0.001) and fall (p<0.001). Tortoises with positive and suspect M. testudineum tests were present in all bands, but primarily in the middle and core bands in spring (p<0.05) and fall (p≤0.001). We expect similar patterns in 2009. We have observed high levels of mammalian predation on the plot. As of spring 2009, 83 of the 144 transmittered tortoises were alive, 40 were dead, 14 were missing, 6 had their transmitters detached and 1 was salvaged for necropsy. The majority of the shell-skeletal remains have shown evidence of predation. In addition, the 6 recovered transmitters showed signs of chewing. The heterogeneous nature of the Daggett study plot provides opportunities to compare differences in abiotic and biotic attributes from a single location. Furthermore, the opportunity also exists to understand how the variability in these features affects the spatial distribution and transmission of disease. Future analyses are proposed to quantify additional abiotic (topography, surficial geology, man-made obstructions) and biotic (home range, contact rates, past population demographics) variables that can be included in this model. The incorporation of one or more of these variables will improve the ability of a risk model to predict the potential for disease outbreaks in tortoise populations and ultimately contribute to recovery efforts for the Mojave population. Translocations: Oral

The Chelonian Fauna of Sardinia and Corsica TORSTEN BLANCK

Forstgartenstr. 44, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, AUSTRIA [[email protected]] The islands of Sardinia and Corsica, both located in the Thyrrenian Sea are the second and fourth largest islands of the Mediterranean and form one of the last strongholds of the highly endangered Testudo hermanni hermanni, which is disappearing quickly throughout its range on the European mainland. Sardinia is one of the European hotspots for Chelonians, the only area, where four different species of turtles and tortoises can be found, these are the endemic Emys orbicularis capolongoi, Testudo hermanni hermanni, Testudo graeca and Testudo marginata. While the former two are considered to be native to the island, as substantiated by prehistoric excavations, Testudo marginata is certainly introduced and Testudo graeca is suspected to be of human release too, even though it is


still unknown when these species arrived on the island. But several speculations like a release of Testudo marginata during the Roman Empire and of Testudo graeca by the Phoenicians or Carthagans is favored by most European authors. The morphotype of Testudo marginata was described as an own subspecies, Testudo marginata sarda, but was shown to be genetically identical to specimens from Greece. The same is true for Testudo graeca, described as Testudo graeca sarda, and T.g.sardinia, genetically identical to Testudo graeca nabeulensis from Tunisia. Considering the suspected, rather recent (i.e. 2000-3000 year) introductions of these two species into this island, it appears astonishing, that both species occur in large numbers and rather large areas of the island, especially Testudo graeca occurring throughout the western and southern part of the island, sometimes sympatrically with Testudo hermanni. Corsica, located only 12km north of Sardinia, is home to the endemic Emys orbicularis lanzai and Testudo hermanni hermanni. Interestingly, no Testudo marginata is found in the south, despite the occurrence of this species in the sand dunes of northern Sardinia. While Testudo hermanni on Sardinia prefers the higher Maccia and forests, on Corsica it is found in almost every type of landscape, from the low Garrigue to the oak forests and in fairly higher numbers than on Sardinia. Sardinian Emys orbicularis are found in all kinds of water accumulation, even in brackish water; its sister subspecies is far more specialized on Corsica. Once considered to only inhabit ponds, it is also found in slow moving, densely vegetated streams. The populations of Testudo hermanni hermanni on both islands are hypothesized by most European researchers to form new subspecies due to their exceptionally large size and several traits non-typical in other T.h.hermanni populations but rather T.h.boettgeri and T.h.hercegovinensis, this is also partly substantiated by haplotype differentiation. The main threats for the species on these islands are the increasing numbers of wild boar, illegal collection, habitat destruction for touristic areas and roads through the habitats. Despite this, the populations of all species observed appear to be still in a healthy state. Field Studies: Oral

The Chelonians of the Romanian Dobrogeia TORSTEN BLANCK

Forstgartenstr. 44, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, AUSTRIA [[email protected]] Romania, located in Eastern Europe, offers highly variable landscape from the high mountains with a harsh continental climate in the west to the delta of the Danube and the Dobrogeia located at the black sea in the east. Only a few herpetologists have studied the chelonian species occurring in this country to date. Romania is the terra typica of Testudo hermanni boettgeri, which is generally considered to only occur in a small remote area in the southwest of the country at the Iron Gate along the Serbian boundary. However, recent findings of two specimens in the southeastern part of the country (i.e. in the Dobrogeia delta region) required a visit of this area, which led to the finding of further specimens substantiating its natural occurrence in the area. The Dobrogeia is generally the home of Testudo graeca ibera, which is found in significant numbers throughout this province, from the lowland areas along the sea coast to the mountainous peaks up to 460m elevation. The climate in the Dobrogeia is dominated by cold winters (down to -30°C and 2m of snow in January) and hot and dry summers (30-40°C from June-September) and thus forms one of the rather extreme areas for chelonians in Europe. Testudo graeca ibera is found in dense forests, sand dunes and even on the hardly vegetated mountainside, showing a high level of morphologic and phenotypic variability. Testudo hermanni boettgeri is only found in and along forested areas, occurring sympatrically with T.g.ibera in its southern Dobrogeian habitat, but is much rarer than the latter. Emys orbicularis orbicularis “Danube Variety” will probably soon be described as a new subspecies and occurs in most areas of Romania, including in the delta of the Danube, but is rare in the rest of the Dobrogeia, with the exception of the Braila peninsula, a relic of the communist agricultural history. The species is found in irrigation channels there and reaches considerably larger sizes than in other areas of its distribution. Testudo hermanni boettgeri must be considered highly endangered in the Dobrogeia since most of its habitat has been turned into agricultural landscape during the last century. Emys orbicularis, and especially Testudo graeca, ibera are not yet endangered, the latter showing population densities that are pretty unique in European Testudo populations. Field Studies: Oral

Tracking Cuora mccordi in Southern China

TORSTEN BLANCK Forstgartenstr. 44, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, AUSTRIA [[email protected]]

In August 2008, the habitat of Cuora mccordi was revisited for a one month lasting field survey to study the natural history of Cuora mccordi and sympatric species. Unique video footage of Platysternon megacephalum, Sacalia quadriocellata, Geoemyda spengleri and Cuora mouhotii (forming the first record of the species on the Chinese mainland) among with new data on Cuora mccordi are presented. Video Night

Visits at Chinese Turtle Farms and a Sea Turtle Head Starting Facility TORSTEN BLANCK

Forstgartenstr. 44, 8530 Deutschlandsberg, AUSTRIA [[email protected]]

China has a long and demanding history in the consumption of turtles for medical and food purposes which has led to the near extirpation of most Asian turtle species. While the captive cultivation of turtles in China has been practicised for centuries, during the 1980’s, several large turtle farms were established to provide large scale breeding of the higher valued species, especially Cuora

http://dict.tu-chemnitz.de/english-german/astonishing.html


trifasciata, Cuora cyclornata, Mauremys sinensis, Mauremys reevesi and Mauremys mutica. Nowadays, nearly 20000 hectares in southern China are covered with turtle farms, ranging from 0.5-66 hectares each. During 2005 and 2009, eight turtle farms in the Chinese provinces of Hongkong, Guangdong, Guangxi and Zhejiang were visited by the author (some several times); among them the largest mainland farms for hard-shelled turtles, located in Guangdong and Guangxi and the largest Cuora trifasciata/Cuora cyclornata farm, located in Guangdong. Apart from Asian species, many farms also produce specifically United States species (e.g. Chelydra serpentina and Trachemys scripta) but also more exotic species like Hydromedusa, Phrynops and even Centrochelys sulcata. More than 6000 hatchlings of Cuora trifasciata, one of the most endangered and high priced species of China’s endemic turtle species, are produced by these farms, along with 21 other species, producing more than 30 million hatchlings each year. While captive bred specimens do not yet satisfy the Chinese demand and most farms still frequently restock their farms with wild caught specimen, these farms form an important part in taking away pressure from the remaining wild populations. Nesting beaches for sea turtles are sparse in China and only one seems to have remained on the mainland, namely near Gangkou, Guangdong Province. This area is strictly protected and the Gangkou national sea turtle natural reserve has been created which includes a head-starting facility for Chelonia mydas, where more than 1000 specimens are raised and released into the sea each year. Post Icebreaker Address:

Reintroduction as a Conservation Tool for Blanding’s Turtles KURT A. BUHLMANN

1, TRACEY D. TUBERVILLE 1, STEPHANIE KOCH

2 , BRIAN BUTLER

3 , VERONICA PALMERO

3, JASON ST. SAUVER

2, EILEEN MCGOURTY 2

1 University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Lab, Aiken, South Carolina, USA [[email protected], [email protected]]

2 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sudbury, Massachusetts, USA 3 Oxbow Associates, Inc., Boxborough, Massachusetts, USA

The use of reintroduction as a conservation tool for amphibians and reptiles has been debated in the literature and among scientists and conservation biologists. We constructed a decision-making tree to help resource managers and conservation biologists determine if reintroduction or population augmentation might be an appropriate tool in certain circumstances. Using the Blanding’s turtle as our target species we have a designed a reintroduction protocol that involves identification of a suitable recipient site given the landscape needs of this species, genetic concerns, and evaluation of threats that may have caused the species local extirpation initially. We identified an appropriate donor population for reintroduction stock with consideration given to that population’s demography and potential impacts to that population. We evaluated various life stages (i.e., hatchlings, head-started hatchlings, juveniles) to be considered or rejected for use. Using life history traits of Blanding’s turtles we also modeled the numbers of animals required and over how many years to achieve the eventual goal of a viable, self-sustaining population on the recipient site. Results of a pilot reintroduction project based on the findings above will also be presented. Translocations: Oral

Turtles, a River, People – a Symbiosis – an Australian Package

MARILYN CONNELL Tiaro Landcare Group

P O Box 95, Tiaro. 4650 Queensland AUSTRALIA [[email protected]] In the late 1990’s, a Masters student who was researching the ecology of Elusor macrurus, alerted Tiaro & District Landcare group to the presence and plight of this endangered, monotypic turtle which lived ‘in our backyard.’ It was ‘our’ responsibility to increase its chances of survival. Threats include egg predation, low recruitment, changes in hydrology and streamflow, instream and terrestrial habitat loss and degradation, invasive aquatic weeds reducing water quality. Water quality affects the length of time hatchlings can remain submerged. Hatchlings can remain underwater for 2.5 days without the need for surfacing. Throughout the past eight years, our Landcare Group has initiated a range of conservation actions. These encompass monitoring nesting banks, predator control, water quality monitoring, a public awareness campaign and funding a support scholarship for a tertiary student. This association with the University of Queensland brings mutual benefits to both organisations. Through concern for the Mary River Turtle, people have embraced the value in caring for the country and the benefits of caring for the river. It has been a catalyst to link science, conservation and farming. For a viable population of this ecological specialist to be maintained, we must continue to protect the river and its associated habitat, and most importantly, keep consuming chocolate turtles. Community Conservation: Oral

Eight years of conserving wild Mary River turtles in Australia MARILYN CONNELL

Tiaro Landcare Group, P O Box 95, Tiaro. 4650 Queensland AUSTRALIA [[email protected]] Since 2001, Tiaro Landcare has been involved with protecting Mary River turtle nests. The Mary River turtle exhibits high nest site fidelity and returns to the same pool each season. Historical records indicate they nested en masse. Nesting occurs from October to January each year. As a first line of protection, the main nesting banks are fenced to help keep out unwanted animals, such as cattle, foxes, dogs and goannas. In the early hours of the morning, nesting banks are monitored to identify all nests which are tagged and


individually protected. Over the past eight years results have been quite varied with the number of nests recorded annually ranging from 17 to 79. Sex of the hatchling is not determined by temperature during incubation. Climatic conditions have a significant impact on nesting and hatching and the data we are able to collect. In the 2003—04 season, only 3 nests were found at the end of the season due to some being covered by up to half a metre of deposited sediment. In 2004 05 season, many nests were inundated by flood waters resulting in 207 unhatched eggs and 136 undeveloped eggs. Over 1,500 eggs have successfully hatched as a direct result of this project. Chelonian Conservation: Oral

Movements and Home Range of Eastern Box Turtles in a Forested Habitat and Future Impacts of Timber Harvests * ANDREA CURRYLOW, BRIAN MACGOWAN, AND ROD N. WILLIAMS

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University Purdue University, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 USA [[email protected]]

Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) are geographically widespread throughout the eastern forests, yet many locations are experiencing precipitous population declines. Many aspects of their biology have been studied, but little is known regarding habitat use, dispersal, and home range size following timber harvests. We tracked the movements of adult eastern box turtles using radio telemetry from 2007-08 as part of the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment in south-central Indiana. Transmitters were attached to 23 (15♂:8♀) and 27 (18♂:9♀) turtles in six pre-treatment (harvest) areas. Each year turtles were tracked intensively during annual activity periods (May-October). Home ranges were calculated as Minimum Convex Polygons (MCP) using Hawth’s Analysis Tools for ArcGIS. Home range sizes for sedentary adults ranged from 0.8 to 19.0 hectares. Home range size did not significantly vary between the sexes with averages of 3.55 hectares for sedentary males and 2.89 hectares for sedentary females. During the autumn and winter of 2008-09, timber harvests were implemented to treatment areas in which box turtles were tracked. Intensive radio-tracking of eastern box turtles will continue for a minimum two years post-harvest. Behavioral responses to the harvest treatments in addition to home range shifts will be recorded and analyzed. This experimental design using radio telemetry data and direct observation of a wild turtle population prior to and in response to anthropogenic habitat alteration is the first of its kind. Ultimately, the results of this research can influence management decisions to enhance box turtle habitat on forested lands. Poster: Student

Effect of Egg-Incubation and Acclimation Temperature on Selected Temperature by Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) from Grundy County, Iowa *

ANDREW B. CYR AND JEFFREY W. TAMPLIN Department of Biology; University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421 USA [email]

Effective thermoregulation and the ability to select preferred temperature is an important factor influencing fitness in hatchling turtles. Treatment groups of hatchling Chrysemys picta incubated at either 27.5°C or 30.0°C and acclimated to either 20°C or 25°C selected different temperatures in an aquatic thermal gradient of 14 – 34°C. Turtles visited fewer chambers and switched chambers in the gradient tank less frequently when the gradient was present than during control tests. Acclimation temperature affected movement; 25°C-acclimated turtles moved more frequently than 20°C-acclimated turtles in both control and gradient tests. Acclimation temperature also affected temperature selection; 20°C-acclimated turtles selected preferred temperatures, whereas 25°C-acclimated turtles did not. Incubation temperature affected selected temperature in 20°C-acclimated turtles only; turtles incubated at 27.5°C selected the warmest temperature available (34°C); turtles incubated at 30°C selected the two coldest temperatures available (14°C, 18°C). Poster: (Student)

Loneliest Animals SCOTT DAVIS

Video Night

Captive husbandry and successful reproduction of black-breasted leaf turtles (Geoemyda spengleri) *

JEFF DAWSON Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., P. O. Box 400, Powell, OH 43065 USA

Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, NE 68849 USA [[email protected]]

The Black-breasted Leaf Turtle (Geoemyda spengleri) is a small, terrestrial chelonian native to mountainous regions of Vietnam and China. Currently, this species is listed as endangered by the IUCN. While the first known captive reproduction of this species occurred during the 1980s, ex situ reproduction often still remains problematic. In 2004, I acquired 4.3 adult G. spengleri for my private collection. This group consisted of long-term captives with all of the individuals having been with the previous owner for at least six years. However, although the turtles laid eggs regularly, none had successfully hatched. In 2005, I had my first successful hatchlings and have produced offspring every year since. Most (85%) clutches consist of a single egg, but each female may lay up to three clutches per year. Mean dimensions of the eggs are 37 mm by 20 mm (n = 5) and mean mass is 8.9 g (n = 8). Overall hatching


success has been 83% (15 of 18). Hatchlings average 6.5 g (n = 4) in mass and may take several weeks after hatching before they begin to eat. Juveniles are housed individually and require high humidity in order to prevent shell deformities. I attribute my success with G. spengleri to: 1) keeping the adults in relatively spacious, planted enclosures with high humidity and cool temperatures; 2) feeding a varied diet; and 3) incubating the eggs in moist conditions at cool temperatures (mean 23.9 ± 0.5°C, range 21.5 - 28.0 °C) with good air exchange. WCT Captive Studies: Oral (Student)

Turtle Survival Alliance Africa, First Steps TOMAS DIAGNE

Nature Tropicale Senegal PO Box 657, Rufisque 25022 SENEGAL [[email protected]] The Africa section of TSA was created for the study and conservation of African tortoises and terrapins. It is composed of 11 members; regional advisors and nationals from all the regions of the continent. It is a new group with big ambitions. In order to achieve the work objectives, the first priority is capacity building for the members. Another important objective is the production and dissemination of field manuals for species identification in three languages: English, French and Portuguese. Africa: Oral

Status and Distribution of Terrapins and Tortoises in Ghana, Togo and Benin, West Africa TOMAS DIAGNE

Nature Tropicale Senegal PO Box 657, Rufisque 25022 SENEGAL [[email protected]] During two months from October to December 2008, a field survey to evaluate the presence and status of tortoise and terrapin species was conducted by the author across three western African countries. The fieldwork permitted confirmation of the presence and conservation status of three species of tortoises and six other species of freshwater terrapins, including the famous giant African softshell turtle Cyclanorbis elegans. The principal threats identified were habitat loss and consumption of turtles as food by local human populations. Poster

Testing the Reliability of Age Determination in the Egyptian Tortoise * KATHRYN DUFFY

Π AND OMAR ATTUM

Indiana University Southeast, School of Natural Sciences, 4201 Grant Line Road, New Albany, Indiana 47150 USA [[email protected]]

The Egyptian tortoise is one of the smallest, most endangered, and the least studied tortoises in the world. Their numbers are declining rapidly due to habitat loss and trade as pets. Counting shell growth rings is a popular method for aging tortoises, but the accuracy must be validated for each species. Age estimation is valuable because it can be used for population modeling and population viability analysis, which can help scientists to determine what measures to take to reduce a population’s likelihood of going extinct. The objective of this research is to determine if the age of Egyptian tortoises can be reliably estimated by counting the growth rings on their shells, and how age and maturity affect accuracy. Poster: (Student) Turtle Tales – Local Beliefs and Legends Helping to Conserve the Pig-nosed Turtle on the Kikori River, Papua New Guinea*

CARLA C. EISEMBERG1, MARK ROSE

2, ARTHUR GEORGES1

1 Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA; 2 Fauna & Flora International, Jupiter House, 4th Floor, Station Road, Cambridge UK; [[email protected]]

Freshwater turtles have been an important source of protein for indigenous communities for many centuries, and the people of the Kikori region, Papua New Guinea, are no exception. One species, the pig-nosed turtle, Carettochelys insculpta, is of great concern because of its special status as the sole survivor of a once widespread family of turtles, its restricted distribution and high harvest pressure. Six major tribes live in our study area: Kasere, Rumu, Porome, Kibiri, Kerewo and Urama. These groups are further subdivided into networks of clans and lineages, each of which has their own territorial estates. Each tribal group has their own beliefs and legends on the Pig-nosed turtle. Their stories usually explain aspects of biology, but some convey traditional practices that have coincident consequences for harvest practices. These beliefs may moderate harvest of the pig-nosed turtle where they forbid the major age group, children and young people, from consuming turtle meat. Changes in harvest practices in the last 30 years, together with the increase in the human population, are leading to declining pig-nosed turtle abundances. Conservation and management programs in this area need to recognize the differences between tribes and regions in their cultural perspectives if opportunities for effective conservation action are to be identified and put into action. Community Conservation: Oral (Student)


Let’s Save Piggy – Grassroots Environmental Education and the Pig-nosed Turtle of the Kikori River, Papua New Guinea * CARLA C. EISEMBERG

1, FERNANDO A. PERINI2, ARTHUR GEORGES

1 1 Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA [[email protected]]

2 Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BRAZIL The pig-nosed turtle, Carettochelys insculpta, is a valuable source of protein for many communities in Papua New Guinea. Although many consider the populations an unlimited resource, they are keen to ensure its future. We present two successful endeavours to bring awareness regarding the pig-nosed turtle conservation in the Kikori district, Papua New Guinea. During 2008 and 2009, we distributed five thousand copies of a book “The Adventures of Piggy in the Kikori River” to the schools and villages around the Kikori region. This book tells the story of Piggy, a pig-nosed turtle, and shows its life cycle and threats. We employed cartoons and games to make the information more accessible. We also produced a radio program called “Piku on Radio”, consisting of six scripts performed by the Kopi and Kikori primary and secondary school students. It was broadcast weekly on the local CDI-FM radio station for one month. The main goal of the book and radio-play was to teach basic concepts about pig-nosed turtle biology and conservation. These activities demonstrate the great potential for targeted community action on the ground in villages to increase awareness of the issues surrounding turtle conservation and sustainability of harvest. Such programs assist the communities to decide on what actions should be taken, build constituency and build ownership over those decisions, and to agree and implement interventions in aid of conservation. Poster: (Student)

Habitat Use and Seasonal Movements of the Bog Turtle Glyptemys (Clemmys) muhlenbergii in Eastern Pennsylvania

RAY FARRELL AND ROBERT ZAPPALORTI Herpetological Associates, Inc. - Plant and Wildlife Consultants, 575 Toms River Road, Jackson, New Jersey 08527, USA

[[email protected]]

The purpose of this study was to identify winter hibernacula and nesting sites, seasonal movements, and habitat use among three wetlands for the Bog Turtle, Clemmys (Glyptemys) muhlenbergii in northeastern Pennsylvania. We radio-tracked twelve adult turtles (6 males and 6 females) between April 2001 and October 2002, and an additional nine turtles in 2002 (3 males and 6 females). Radio transmitters were not removed until each turtle had ceased surface activity and entered its hibernacula for at least two weeks, usually in mid to late October. The average activity/home range was determined by the Minimum Convex Polygon method for all of the twenty-one turtles. The activity/ home range varied between 0.13 - 0.71 hectares for those turtles tracked for both years and 0.04 - 0.53 for those turtles tracked for only one year. It is possible that the home ranges for the radio tracked turtles could have been greater since the turtles were only tracked once a week. The combined home range of the turtles from wetland one was 0.35 hectares, wetland two 0.41 and wetland three was 0.12. Radio-tracking revealed some interesting behavior and movement patterns that were previously not reported in the literature. These included foraging in upland habitats, shifting hibernacula from year to year, movements between wetland habitats, crossing a three to four meter wide trout stream a meter deep, adjusting to habitat flooding caused by the creation of a beaver dam;use of underground tunnels as movement corridors and the use of Phragmites as foraging habitat. Radio-tracking also revealed limited long distant movements, small activity range size, and use of the same habitat for those turtles radio-tracked for both years. Although radio-tracked turtles were active from mid-April to early October, they were mostly hidden under vegetation, water or mud for 70% of the observations. May was the only month during their active season where turtles were more often found visible on the surface. The Genus formerly known as Clemmys: Oral

More on Options to Oxytocin MARK FELDMAN

Π AND ELIZABETH FELDMAN

PO Box 285, Kerikeri, NEW ZEALAND [[email protected]] Last year we reported to the conference on our efforts to find an agent that induces turtles to lay their eggs with greater efficacy, but without the side-effects known to occur with oxytocin. This year we returned to the Concordia Turtle Farm so we could again have access to a large number of animals in order to continue quantitative studies. We have also included larger (common snappers) and smaller (painted) animals into the evaluation. We have been able to confirm that a combination of oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 alpha (Lutalyse) is about twice as effective as oxytocin alone. Similar results were obtained with dosage ranges of 5-10 units/kg of oxytocin combined with 1.0-1.5 mg/kg of Lutalyse. Staggering the agents had no advantage over a simple mix. Once mixed, the combination can be left at room temperatures for up to 48 hours without losing its potency. This characteristic enables researchers to prepare the mix in the lab ahead of time and then take it into the field. Experiments with the alpha 2 blocker medetomidine (Domitor) in various combinations have not offered any increased effect. Results with ketamine should be available for the conference. A post-induction follow-up study with marked turtles suggests, but does not prove, that the use of the oxytocin/Lutalyse combination prevents the delays in ovulation and aberrant nest behavior caused by oxytocin alone. WTC Captive Studies: Oral


The John L Behler Chelonian Conservation Center: Update and Field Work E. GOODE AND M. RODRIGUES

Video Night

Health, Behavior, and Survival of 158 Tortoises Translocated from Ft. Irwin During the First 15 Months

TIM GOWAN, KRISTIN H. BERRY, AND JEREMY S. MACK U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553 USA

[[email protected]] Since the late 1980s, new and emerging diseases have been identified as contributors to the decline of some desert tortoise populations. When tortoises are translocated, their health status and overall condition at the time of translocation are likely to be factors influencing later well-being and survival. We designed a research project to determine potential effects of translocation on four groups of adult tortoises with differing health status: 1) healthy or control tortoises, without moderate to severe clinical signs of infectious disease, trauma, or shell disease; 2) tortoises with moderate to severe clinical signs of past trauma; 3) tortoises with moderate to severe clinical signs of shell disease; and 4) tortoises with moderate to severe clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), but with negative laboratory tests and no evidence of nasal discharge. Tortoises were placed on one of four study plots and subsequently monitored on a regular basis. We are studying whether or not translocatees in each of the four health categories develop new disease, more severe clinical signs of URTD, more severe cases of shell disease, or new trauma after translocation. Examples of other factors include differences in survivorship and causes of death among tortoises in the four health status categories, and differences in the pathogenesis of mycoplasmosis among size classes and sexes. We will summarize the responses of 158 tortoises (82 females, 76 males) to translocation, from late March of 2008 through June 2008. Health evaluations, which included length and weight measurements, field observations for clinical signs of disease and trauma, and laboratory testing for disease, were conducted in spring of 2008 and 2009 and fall of 2008 after translocation. In spring of 2008, after translocation, 4 of 142 tortoises (2.8%) had positive or suspect ELISA tests for Mycoplasma agassizii and 3 tortoises had positive or suspect ELISA tests for M. testudineum. We conducted preliminary analyses of movement patterns of translocated tortoises. The distances moved varied significantly among sexes, study plots, and months following translocation, but not among health groups. We also evaluated how far the tortoises dispersed from their release points, fidelity to cover sites, and aberrant behaviors. We present our findings in the context of mortality, differences among sexes, and habitat characteristics. This project will provide useful information for design and management of future translocation projects. Translocations: Oral

Mercury Contamination in Turtles and Implications for Human Health * AALIYAH D. GREEN

Π, KURT A. BUHLMANN, CRIS HAGEN, CHRISTOPHER ROMANEK, AND J. WHITFIELD GIBBONS Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29802 USA [[email protected], [email protected],

[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]] Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy, 1858 Lock & Dam Rd., Augusta, GA 30906 USA

Mercury contamination threatens many ecosystems worldwide. Methyl mercury bioaccumulates at each trophic level and biomagnifies within individuals over time. Long-lived turtles often occupy high trophic positions and are likely to accumulate mercury in contaminated habitats. Millions of turtles worldwide are sold in Asia for human consumption, and consumers may be at risk if turtles contain high levels of mercury. We dissected 71 turtles from 14 food trade species and analyzed their tissues (liver, kidneys, muscle, claws, and scutes) for total mercury content. Mercury was generally highest in carnivores, and lowest in herbivores. Liver and scutes had the highest concentrations. We compared mercury concentrations with consumption limits developed by the US EPA and FDA to evaluate mercury in fish tissue. Several samples exceeded the recommended 1900 ppb consumption threshold, indicating that consumers who eat certain turtle species frequently may be at risk for mercury-related health problems. Field Studies: Oral (Student)

First Assessment of Mitochondrial Diversity within the Endangered Nile Softshell Turtle (Trionyx triunguis) in Turkey and Africa

ÖZGÜR GÜCLÜ1, CELAL ULGER

1, OĞUZ TURKOZAN1, MICHAEL REIMANN

2, YANIV LEVY3,

RICHARD GEMMEL4, SERAP ERGENE

5, AŞKIN UCARR5, CEMIL AYMAK5

1Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, 09010 Aydın, TURKEY; 2 Neuweg 1, D-55595 Braunweiler, GERMANY; 3 Israel's Sea Turtle Rescue Center, Isreal National Nature & Parks Authority, Mevoot Yam, Mikhmoret

40297, ISRAEL; 4 Naturhistorisches Museum Wien Herpetologische Sammlung Burgring, 7 A-1010 Wien, AUSTRIA; 5 Mersin University, Faculty of Science and Arts, Department of Biology, Mersin, TURKEY.

Trionyx triunguis is the type and only species of Trionyx, the genus from which the Linnean family name Trionychidae is formed. T. triunguis populations have been heavily exploited because of its meat and their habitats have been degraded. The Mediterranean subpopulation of T. triunguis has been listed by IUCN-The World Conservation Union as critically endangered and estimated less


than 1,000 adults. However, conservation biology of the declining populations prompts us to initiate applied studies that can help guide the management and survival of the species. The aim of this study is to provide a preliminary assessment of the genetic variation of T. triunguis. We screened T. triunguis 26 specimens from Mediterranean coast of Turkey Dalyan (n=3), Dalaman (n=6), Anamur (n=4), Kazanlı (n=3), Israel Alexander river (n=6) and Africa continent (n=4) using partial 805 bp Cytochorome b (Cytb) and 732 bp NAD 4 genes of mitochondrial DNA. Five mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were found, four of which are reported here for the first time. The nucleotide divergence between Mediterranean basin and African continent populations was 1.5% ± 0.7%. Poster

Does Gender Affect Seasonal Microhabitat Selection by Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in Butler County, Iowa? JEREMY J. HAMMEN AND JEFFREY W. TAMPLIN

Department of Biology; University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421 USA [[email protected]] We used radio telemetry to study wood turtles at two field sites along the West Fork Cedar River in Butler County, Iowa, to determine if gender-specific differences occur in seasonal habitat usage, activity patterns, and thermoregulation. We recorded geographic location, microhabitat type, activity, visibility, turtle body and environmental temperature, light exposure of each individual and available environmental light intensity for 226 observations on 13 turtles (8 females, 5 males) from March through June, 2005. Habitat usage differed between males and females in May and shifted from strictly aquatic to aquatic and riparian to terrestrial habitats in both sexes from March to June. Mean distance from water increased monthly from 0.6 ± 2.9m (March) to 22.1 ± 37.3m (June), but was not related to gender. Mean monthly body temperature increased from March to June, and was significantly higher than mean environmental temperatures during April-May. In May, as egg development occurred, females maintained a significantly higher body temperature than males. In April and May, both males and females selected microhabitats that resulted in exposure to significantly higher levels of light intensity than environmental averages for terrestrial microhabitats. Poster

Comments on Comparative Feeding Behavior between Hybrid Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta and Emydoidea blandingii) and Their Parental Species

JAMES H. HARDING Michigan State University, 103 Museum, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA [[email protected]]

We might reasonably hypothesize that inter-specific or inter-generic chelonian hybrids could either exhibit specific behavioral traits of one or the other parental species, or could exhibit blended behavioral traits that may either enhance or decrease the efficiency of a given behavior. In this paper I describe typical aquatic and terrestrial feeding behaviors in Glyptemys insculpta and Emydoidea blandingii, and then subjectively describe feeding behaviors noted in hybrids of these species. These hybrids do display feeding behaviors that appear to be a compromise between those of the parentals; this result in less efficient terrestrial feeding, while efficiency of aquatic feeding is apparently unaffected. Biology of the Chelonia: Oral

Turtle Races: The Environmental Impacts of Using Turtles for Amusement * ALEX B. HEEB

Chaffee, MO 63740 [[email protected]] Turtle races are events held at fairs and festivals, primarily in the Midwest and Eastern States. Typically, races are conducted by placing turtles in the middle of a large circle, with the first turtle exiting the circle being the winner. Although these events have previously been viewed as sporadic or isolated occurrences, this study documented a grouping of over 430 turtle races in the Midwest (>520 nationally) which are responsible for the collection of >27,000 wild turtles annually. A total of 14 turtles species were observed at races, including Terrapene, as well as Glyptemys and Emydoidea at Northeastern races. I discuss issues associated with turtle races, including captive conditions, release and disease transmission. Also discussed are the results of a two year radio telemetry study on the fate of box turtles used for turtle races. Another issue, and one of great importance, is the impact turtle racing has on attitudes towards turtles. Finally I discuss potential solutions that could alleviate many problems caused by turtle races. Poster: (Student)

Demography, Terrestrial Behavior, and Growth of Sonoran Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) in an Extreme Habitat

FRANK R. HENSLEY1, THOMAS R. JONES

2, MANDI S. MAXWELL3, LISA J. ADAMS

4, NICOLE STEVENSON NEDELLA5

1 Department of Biology, Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463, USA

[[email protected]] 2 Nongame Branch, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA 3 Department of Mathematics, Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, IL 60463, USA

4 Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA 5 Phoenix Baptist Hospital, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85015, USA


We studied the population biology of Sonoran mud turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) for 10 y (402 sampling trips) in an extremely hot and dry desert stream habitat in central Arizona. Adults made up 34.4% of the population. Modeling with Program MARK indicated that both age-class (adult vs. juvenile-hatchling) and season contributed significantly to the probability of capture. The presence of exotic crayfish (Orconectes virilis) and age class were significant contributors to turtle survival, supporting the hypothesis that exotic crayfish are important predators on hatchlings. Population density estimates indicated extremely low density over the range of water availability. Both adults and juveniles made long-distance movements along the dry stream bed between pools of water. Males and females were both likely to make long-distance movements and were sometimes absent from the study site for years at a time. In addition to terrestrial estivation in foresummer drought, turtles apparently estivated on land in winter when standing water was available. Growth fit a von Bertalanffy model extremely well. We report the first growth rates for hatchling K. sonoriense. Growth rates estimated from shell annuli were consistent with similar estimates for older turtles in other studies. Measured growth rates, however, were much higher than annuli-based estimates. In contrast to other populations, we determined that hatchlings and juveniles in our study added 1— 3 plastron annuli each year, making age estimation from annuli difficult. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Genetic Diversity in the Chicken Turtle, Deirochelys reticularia * NATHANAEL HILZINGER AND DAVID STARKEY

Department of Biology, University of Central Arkansas, 72035 Arkansas, USA [[email protected]]

The Chicken Turtle, Deirochelys reticularia ranges across most of the southeastern United States and is currently divided into three subspecies based on morphological data. However, a recent molecular study, using restriction site data, indicated the current taxonomic classification of the subspecies may not accurately reflect the genetic diversity among chicken turtle populations. In this study, we conducted a genetic analysis of D. reticularia samples from throughout the extant range of this species using 2 mitochondrial genes (ND4 and control region) and a single anonymous nuclear locus. Ten unique haplotypes were recovered among the individuals examined and phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum parsimony, Bayesian, and maximum likelihood analyses. All analyses produced similar trees with strong bootstrap support for each unique clade that was recovered. Overall, two primary clades were recovered that corresponded well to an east/west divide between two of the currently recognized subspecies: D. r. reticularia and D. r. miaria. The third subspecies, D. r. chrysea, showed little genetic diversity when compared to the eastern subspecies, D. r. reticularia. Overall, the genetic diversity recovered in this preliminary analysis of D. reticularia suggests that chicken turtles exhibit similar levels of genetic structure to those reported for other chelonians in the southeastern United States. Genetics: Oral (Student)

Comparative Phylogeography of Two Australian Long-necked Turtle Species

Demonstrate how Molecular Data can Answer Ecological Questions * KATE HODGES

Π1, ARTHUR GEORGES1, STEVEN DONELLAN

2 1 Wildlife Genetics Lab, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA

2 South Australian Museum, Adelaide SA 5001, AUSTRALIA [[email protected]]

Comparative phylogeography across co-distributed taxa can explain changes in biogeographic regions and species distributions over space and time. Two Australian longnecks; the broad-shelled turtle Chelodina expansa, and the common longneck turtle Chelodina longicollis are co-distributed throughout Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) and in some east coast river systems. Using a 1.2kb fragment of the mitochondrial ND4 and control region genes, comparisons of phylogenetic structure between the two species revealed that Chelodina expansa has a very shallow gene tree and very little diversity within the MDB, while C. longicollis has two major mtDNA lineages each also with little diversity within the MDB. This may be indicative of recent and rapid population expansions in the MDB. Moreover in the MDB both species have substantially less diversity compared with coastal rivers of south eastern QLD and NSW. The pattern of phylogeographic structure in these two species suggests historical barriers to gene flow and possible colonisation routes for the MDB, which during the Pleistocene ice-ages is likely to have been largely unsuitable for these turtles. Comparisons of phylogeographic structure also suggest that the source of expansions are likely to be catchments in north eastern NSW and south east QLD. Results drawn from this comparative approach also demonstrate the power of molecular markers in addressing ecological questions. Throughout its temperate zone range the broad-shelled turtle characteristically nests in autumn and winter, a pattern more typical of warm-temperate and tropical turtles. If the broad-shell turtle population in the MDB was originally founded by populations in south east Queensland, such an expansion from ancestral sub-tropical waters into the cool-temperate MDB could explain why this species exhibits such an unusual nesting ecology. The expansion may have been characterised by a strong founder effect, which could have limited genetic variation in nesting behaviour and physiology and thus the potential to evolve spring nesting which is more typical of cool-temperate climate turtles. Genetics: Oral (Student)


Coupling Genetic Data and Ecological-Niche Modeling for Turtle Conservation * KATE HODGES

1, 1 Wildlife Genetics Lab, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA

[[email protected]] Knowledge of a species’ distribution is central to ecology, evolution and conservation science. The predictive modeling of ecological-niches and species distribution has surged in recent years with increasing access to digital occurrence records in museums, greater availability of detailed environmental and climatic data, and inexpensive and powerful computing. Ecological-niche modelling is important in understanding the impact of past and future climatic fluctuations on species’ distributions. It can shed light on divergences accompanying Pleistocene glacial cycles, and inform conservation management for populations under threat of future global warming. Ecological-niche models are recently being coupled with molecular genetic population data to link the geographic configuration of population distributions with analysis of genetic differentiation. Reconstructed historical distributions can inform and validate testable phylogeographic hypothesis, improving on traditional approaches that have been heavily criticized for their liability to over-interpretation. Further, predictive models of future distributions can direct conservation efforts by highlighting populations at risk of loosing genetic diversity, and managing these populations to mitigate a loss in diversity at the species level. The coupling of genetic data and ecological-niche modeling is a powerful new association that allows a stronger examination of the geographic component of genetic variation. Genetics: Oral (Student)

Population Characteristics and Growth Rate of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) * CHRISTOPHER HOWEY

1 AND STEVEN DINKELACKER

2 1Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, 45701 USA [[email protected]]

2Department of Biology, University of Central Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, 72031 USA [[email protected]] Prior to gaining protection in 1993, the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) was commercially harvested in Arkansas. However, basic demographic statistics are still unknown. We conducted a mark-recapture study from 2005-2007 on a population of M. temminckii. We captured turtles in the East Fork Cadron Creek, which is a slow-moving stream in central Arkansas. We marked each turtle and recorded morphometrics, mass, and age. The majority of our turtles were younger than 25 y (84%) and average carapace length was 302 ± 10 mm (mean ± SE). In fact, we believe that most turtles in this population have only recently reached sexual maturity (ca. 16 y; 300-mm CL). We caught approximately 1 adult for every juvenile and sex ratios were highly female biased (1:6). As a result of the low number of males captured, sexual size dimorphism was barely detected for our population (P = 0.047). Based on the current demographics, we suggest that it is plausible that this population was commercially harvested, and the effects of harvest are still highly present within the current population. However, we also suggest that this population could recover given that there is a high survivorship rate for both adults (Sx = 0.98) and juveniles (Sx = 0.71). Although exploitation (i.e., harvest) may explain the present state of this population’s demographics, other factors (e.g., habitat destruction) may have influenced this population’s demography. Field Studies: Oral (Student)

Last of the giant Asian hardshells; searching for remnant populations BRIAN D. HORNE

Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), Zoological Society of San Diego, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California, 92027 USA [[email protected]]

Populations of large Asian River turtles have plummeted to levels verging on ecological extinction. There are approximately five nesting Myanmar roof turtles (Batagur trivittata) left in the wild. In 2009, a single female Cambodian river terrapin (Batagur affinis) nested along the Sre Ambel River after no nesting was reported in 2008. And, no populations of the mangrove terrapin (Batagur baska) have been documented in the last ten years with only a dozen animals in captivity that are not reproducing. In 2009, I surveyed new localities in Cambodia and Myanmar in hopes of finding unknown remnant turtle populations. In Cambodia, I was able to verify that juveniles of Batagur affinis were occurring outside the Sre Ambel River; and in Myanmar, I was able to extend the historical range of Batagur trivittata into the Huakang Valley. Yet, even with great strides being made to penetrate the black market trade of turtles in West Bengal, India we have yet to locate a population of Batagur baska. Herein, I will detail our expeditions into some of the remotest river systems of Asia in hopes of finding the last of the giant Asian hardshells. Chelonian Conservation: Oral

Evolutionary History of the Turtle Family Kinosternidae COLLEEN INGRAM, MINH LE, AND JOHN B. IVERSON

Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374 USA [[email protected]] The turtle family Kinosternidae comprises about 25 living species of mud and musk turtles confined to the New World, but reaching its greatest diversity on northern Mesoamerica. Previous attempts to reconstruct a phylogenetic history of the group have employed morphological, isozyme, and mitochondrial DNA sequence data (separately and in combination), but have not been successful in


producing a well-resolved phylogeny. With tissues from every recognized species and most subspecies (as well as geographic sampling for most of taxa), we sequenced a total of over 4000 bp of DNA representing three mitochondrial (cytb, ND4, 12S) and three nuclear DNA genes (Cmos, R35, Rag1, Rag2). Phylogenetic analysis of these data resolved the evolutionary relationships of most taxa and provided insight into the zoogeographic history of the group. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Orientation in Juveniles of a Semiaquatic Turtle, Kinosternon flavescens

JOHN B. IVERSON, REBECCA L. PROSSER, AND EVAN N. DALTON Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374 USA [[email protected]]

Hatchling orientation has been widely studied among marine turtle species, but much less studied in non-marine turtles. Yellow mud turtles (Kinosternon flavescens) exhibit an unusual semiaquatic life history with terrestrial estivation or hibernation in summer through winter and aquatic mating and feeding in spring and early summer. Hence, these turtles migrate between wetlands and uplands at least twice each year, along the same migration path. To understand the orientation methods used by these turtles as well as their acquisition in juveniles, hatchling and second-year mud turtles emerging from hibernation were captured before reaching the water and released in one of two circular arenas placed out of sight of and on the opposite side of the wetland. Recapture locations of turtles along the perimeter of the arenas suggested that hatchlings used visual cues (probably polarized light) to orient toward water. However, second-year turtles maintained the same compass bearing used prior to initial capture, suggesting that they employed an internal compass mechanism that was not overridden by light cues. Our results imply that this compass mechanism is acquired during the first year of life, but not during the initial migration to water. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Life History Evolution in the Turtle Family Kinosternidae

JOHN B. IVERSON, REBECCA L. PROSSER, AND EVAN N. DALTON Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374 USA [[email protected]]

The mud and musk turtles of the family Kinosternidae exhibit a surprising diversity of life history traits, from north temperate to tropical, from rain forest to grasslands to desert, from totally aquatic to semi-terrestrial, from adult body sizes of 10 to 38 cm, from those capable of submerged fully aquatic respiration to those capable of estivating underground for more than nine months a year, from those with a greatly reduced plastron to those capable of completely closing the shell, from spring nesters to summer nesters to nearly year-round nesters, from those with direct embryonic development to those with early embryonic diapause and/or late embryonic estivation (incubation times from 56 to over 366 days), from those with genetic sex determination to those with temperature-dependent sex determination, and from those producing one or two relatively huge eggs to those producing ten or more relatively tiny eggs. The availability of a well-resolved phylogeny for this family now permits an examination of the evolution of this life history diversity for the first time. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Assessment of Population Structure and Hybridization in Extant Trachemys gaigeae Populations in the Rio Grande: an Application of Molecular Methods in Turtle Conservation *

J. JACKSONΠ1, M.R.J. FORSTNER

1, J.R. DIXON2

1Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos TX, USA [[email protected]] 2Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection, Texas A&M University, College Station TX, USA

Trachemys gaigeae is a freshwater turtle endemic to the Rio Grande/Rio Conchos basin in the Chihuahuan desert. Much of this species’ historic range has been greatly affected by irrigation withdrawals, impoundment, and exotic vegetation. T. gaigeae is considered by many to have been extirpated from 1/3 or more of its range for quite some time. No recent information is available on the distribution of this species in the Rio Conchos. Introduction of a non-native congener, Trachemys scripta elegans, within the range of T. gaigeae has resulted in hybridization of the two species in some areas. We have employed contemporary molecular methods (microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA) to evaluate the current status and structure of T. gaigeae populations, as well as the extent of and potential threat from hybridization with introduced species. Our results have demonstrated that population substructure is present in extant T. gaigeae populations, and that hybridization has occurred. Genetics: Oral (Student)

Overview of Alternative Energy Resources for Turtle and Tortoise Husbandry GLEN M. JACOBSEN

World Chelonian Trust, Minnesota Herpetological Society

Whether you are tired of paying high electricity bills, are conservation minded or just don’t have ready access to power where you need it, there are solutions that will work in your situation. These might include wind powered air pumps to keep water aerated and circulating, solar cells for general electrical generation and wind turbines from small to large. WCT Captive Studies: Oral


Life History, Ecology, and Status of the Ringed Sawback, Graptemys oculifera R.L. JONES

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Museum of Natural Science, 2148 Riverside Drive, Jackson, Mississippi 39202 USA [[email protected]]

Graptemys oculifera is restricted to the Pearl River system of Mississippi and Louisiana, where it is found primarily in the main channel of the Pearl River and its largest tributary, the Bogue Chitto River. Most of what is known about this species is a result of research conducted over the last 30 years. The ringed sawback is most abundant in larger streams with moderate currents, sandbars, and basking structure in the form of deadwood. Males mature between two and four years of age, and females between 10 and 16 years. Nesting occurs primarily on sandbars from May to July, average clutch size is 3.66 eggs, modal clutch size is three, and clutch size range is from 1- 10 eggs. Most females produce only one clutch each year, but some individuals may produce two or perhaps three clutches in a season. Nest predation is relatively high, with approximately 86% destroyed by vertebrate predators, usually raccoons, fish crows, or armadillos. Invertebrates can also be significant predators of hatchlings. The diet is composed primarily of aquatic insects. Density estimates range from 90 to over 340 turtles per river km. Some G. oculifera of both sexes marked as adults over 20 years ago are still alive, so they are minimally approximately 24 (males) and 31 (females) years old. Primary threats to the species appear to be habitat modification, fragmentation, and sedimentation. Graptemys: Oral

Onboard “Tortoise-Cam” Applications in Ethological and Ecological Research JAMES JUVIK

1, ROSALINDA PALOMO RAMOS2, A. ROSS KIESTER

1Π, MICHEALENE LAUKEA-LUM

3 AND PETER PRASCHAG

1 1John L. Behler Chelonian Center, P.O. Box 1289, Ojai, CA. 93023 USA [[email protected], [email protected],

[email protected]] 2Turner Endangered Species Fund, Ladder Ranch, HCR 31, Box 95, Caballo, NM 87913 USA [[email protected]]

3Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Hawaii-Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720 USA [[email protected]]

Recent commercial availability of technologically advanced miniature, digital video “Spy”, “Nanny” and “Critter” cameras presents a suite of new generation recording equipment that can be deployed directly on the backs of turtles and tortoises for field data collection in support of ethological and ecological research. Recording video and audio cameras are now available in sizes as small as 15 x 22 x 32 mm (9 gm + 33 gm for battery pack). These cameras either use wireless data transmission (typical range to 100 m) or onboard digital storage in Micro-SD cards (1-8 Gb) that allow 2-4 hours of continuous recording. Some models offer motion detection “on-off” capability, recording only when movement occurs in the field-of-view, that stores up to 20 hours of interrupted video and audio data. Waterproof housings are also available for some models. In ongoing studies at the Behler Chelonian Center of audible and possibly low frequency infrasound communication between tortoises of the genus Manouria, we needed to capture time-coded behaviors that could be potentially linked to specific and distinct audio calls. Because tortoises move, fixed “long-shot” video cameras or the continuous presence of a camera operator to follow tortoise movements were found unsuitable for monitoring subtle, continuous behavioral interactions. In a short video montage we illustrate examples of tortoise-cam applications in support of research on simple behavioral interaction (Astrochelys radiata), audio call-response (Manouria emys), intra-specific combat (Manouria impressa), and feeding preferences in a natural desert environment (Gopherus flavomarginatus). Field Studies: Oral

Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach in Preserving the Testudines of Sri Lanka THUSHAN KAPURUSINGHE

Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) - Sri Lanka, 11, Perera Mw, Madakumbura, Panadura, Western - LK SRI LANKA [[email protected]; [email protected]]

Eight species of native Testudines inhabit Sri Lankan terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These include five species of sea turtles namely the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). In addition, two species of fresh water turtles and one species of land tortoises are also found in Sri Lanka. These include Asian pond turtle or black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Flap shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) and Star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). All species of turtles and tortoises are threatened due to factors such as indiscriminate exploitation for meat and eggs, degradation of natural habitats, road kills, water pollution, turtle by-catch and man-made fires, etc. The Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) established in 1993 with the aim of protecting marine turtle conservation realized the chain connection between the coastal communities and coastal resources, which heavily depend on each other. As a solution, TCP has developed an innovative concept which is referred as the ‘Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach’ (CBECA) to address the problems described. Community of Rekawa (a small fishing village located in southern Sri Lanka) was heavily exploiting marine and coastal resources including all species of testudines due to poverty and lack of awareness. TCP has implemented an innovative concept which is referred as the CBECA in the conservation of marine and coastal resources and poverty alleviation, a multi-pronged approach with seven main components: 1). community livelihood development, 2). community infrastructure development, 3). environmental restoration and management, 4). community awareness/capacity development, 5).


partnership building/networking, 6). knowledge management and sharing (current & traditional knowledge), 7). utilization of local culture. TCP has improved the socioeconomic conditions and well being of the community through CBECA. There, TCP implemented various community based projects at the same time, through different CBOs. TCP has formed CBOs such as community Batik group, Fish breeding group, sewing, coir mat, bee keeping, agro farming etc and provided alternative livelihood development skills training for these CBO members. TCP also provided the equipment and initial stocks of material/raw material. Further, initial capital needs were met through the revolving fund scheme. TCP has implemented infrastructure development programs such as renovation of rural roads in order to facilitate local tourism and other businesses. In addition, TCP has established a public library, public bus halting places and drinking water facilities. TCP has also implemented community skills development programs such as primary school programs, computer classes, free English language classes, swimming training and disaster preparedness training. Children’s clubs were established in order to involve children in the coastal eco-system conservation and management process, providing them with necessary awareness through various educational programs. TCP has also implemented community health programs such as, medical clinics, free herbal drinks for school children, community welfare services and first aid training.The TCP developed multiple partnerships in order to make the project a success. TCP facilitated networking of CBOs into an umbrella organization/consortium of CBOs. Later this was linked to relevant government institutions, local business organizations, and international organizations such as the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), UN Volunteer Program, SCOTIA- USAID, UNDP GEF SGP, MercyCorps, etc. for necessary training, business links, marketing opportunities etc. For example, SCOTIA-USAID helped the community Batik Group, by financing a production facility in Rekawa. Mercy Corps helped both the Batik and Coir Groups by financing for kiosks at 10 large hotels in Tangalle, to display and sell community products. The Wildlife Conservation Department has been invited and involved in the project to enforce the law and also to declare the Rakawa beach as Sri Lanka’s first Marine Turtle Sanctuary. Community Conservation: Oral

Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach in Preserving the Testudines of Sri Lanka THUSHAN KAPURUSINGHE

Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) - Sri Lanka, 11, Perera Mw, Madakumbura, Panadura, Western - LK SRI LANKA [[email protected]; [email protected]]

Eight species of native Testudines inhabit Sri Lankan terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These include five species of sea turtles namely the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). In addition, two species of fresh water turtles and one species of land tortoises are also found in Sri Lanka. These include Asian pond turtle or black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Flap shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) and Star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). All species of turtles and tortoises are threatened due to factors such as indiscriminate exploitation for meat and eggs, degradation of natural habitats, road kills, water pollution, turtle by-catch and man-made fires, etc. The Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) established in 1993 with the aim of protecting marine turtle conservation realized the chain connection between the coastal communities and coastal resources, which heavily depend on each other. As a solution, TCP has developed an innovative concept which is referred as the ‘Community Based Ecosystem Conservation Approach’ (CBECA) to address the problems described. Community of Rekawa (a small fishing village located in southern Sri Lanka) was heavily exploiting marine and coastal resources including all species of testudines due to poverty and lack of awareness. TCP has implemented an innovative concept which is referred as the CBECA in the conservation of marine and coastal resources and poverty alleviation, a multi-pronged approach with seven main components: 1). community livelihood development, 2). community infrastructure development, 3). environmental restoration and management, 4). community awareness/capacity development, 5). partnership building/networking, 6). knowledge management and sharing (current & traditional knowledge), 7). utilization of local culture. TCP has improved the socioeconomic conditions and well being of the community through CBECA. There, TCP implemented various community based projects at the same time, through different CBOs. TCP has formed CBOs such as community Batik group, Fish breeding group, sewing, coir mat, bee keeping, agro farming etc and provided alternative livelihood development skills training for these CBO members. TCP also provided the equipment and initial stocks of material/raw material. Further, initial capital needs were met through the revolving fund scheme. TCP has implemented infrastructure development programs such as renovation of rural roads in order to facilitate local tourism and other businesses. In addition, TCP has established a public library, public bus halting places and drinking water facilities. TCP has also implemented community skills development programs such as primary school programs, computer classes, free English language classes, swimming training and disaster preparedness training. Children’s clubs were established in order to involve children in the coastal eco-system conservation and management process, providing them with necessary awareness through various educational programs. TCP has also implemented community health programs such as, medical clinics, free herbal drinks for school children, community welfare services and first aid training.The TCP developed multiple partnerships in order to make the project a success. TCP facilitated networking of CBOs into an umbrella organization/consortium of CBOs. Later this was linked to relevant government institutions, local business organizations, and international organizations such as the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), UN Volunteer Program, SCOTIA- USAID, UNDP GEF SGP, MercyCorps, etc. for necessary training, business links, marketing opportunities etc. For example, SCOTIA-USAID helped the community Batik Group, by financing a production facility in Rekawa. Mercy Corps helped both the Batik and Coir Groups by financing for kiosks at 10 large hotels in Tangalle, to display and sell community products. The Wildlife Conservation Department has been invited and involved in the project to enforce the law and also to declare the Rakawa beach as Sri Lanka’s first Marine Turtle Sanctuary. Community Conservation: Oral


Community Awareness and Capacity Building to Advance Testudine Conservation in Sri Lanka THUSHAN KAPURUSINGHE

Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) - Sri Lanka, 11, Perera Mw, Madakumbura, Panadura, Western -LK SRI LANKA [[email protected]; [email protected]]

The TCP’s community awareness programs and capacity development programmes turned egg poachers into nest protectors. 32 former egg poachers are being now employed as nest protectors in Kosgoda and Rekawa villages. Furthermore, with the assistance of Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB), TCP trained these locals and licensed them as eco tour guides. Thus the villagers joined hands with TCP in protecting the environment for sustainable livelihoods giving up their destructive practices. TCP formed small community groups or Community Based Organizations (CBOs) such as the Community Batik Group, Community Sewing Group, Community Ornamental Fish Breeding Group and Turtle Nest Protector Group in Kosgoda and Rekawa villages in order to implement various community livelihood development projects. Working through these CBOs facilitated the implementation of various projects. Through the projects, TCP was able to develop infrastructure facilities such as primary school, bus halting places, which can be considered strengths in implementing projects (both present and future) in these villages. The varied benefits local community received (both direct and indirect) in Kosgoda and Rekawa villages initiated a positive attitude towards TCP within the community. This was a positive feature when implementing the latter phase of the project and will be so in implementing future projects. In addition, TCP has also implemented community skills development programs such as primary school programs, computer classes, free English language classes, sewing training and disaster preparedness training. Children’s clubs were established in order to involve children in the coastal eco-system conservation and management process, providing them with necessary awareness through various educational programs. Poster

Present Status of Sri Lankan Testudines THUSHAN KAPURUSINGHE

Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) - Sri Lanka, 11, Perera Mw, Madakumbura, Panadura, Western -LK SRI LANKA [[email protected]; [email protected]]

Sri Lanka is considered as one of the ‘hot spots’ for the biodiversity. Eight species of native Testudines inhabit in Sri Lankan terrestrial and aquatic habitats. These include five species of sea turtles namely the Green turtle (Chelonia mydas), Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). In addition, two species of fresh water turtles and one species of land tortoises are also found in Sri Lanka. These include Asian pond turtle or black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Flap shell turtle (Lissemys punctata) and Star tortoise (Geochelone elegans). Furthermore, Red-eared terrapin or Red-eared Slider (Trachelmys scripta) has been introduced to Sri Lanka as a pet and currently widely found in pet trade industry. Two subspecies of Asian pond turtle or black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga) have been described in Sri Lanka. They are the Parker’s black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga parkeri), which is bigger in size and found in Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, and the smaller hard-shelled terrapin or the Black turtle (Melanochelis trijuga thermalis), which is found in Wet Zone of the island. All Testudines are protected by the Sri Lankan Fauna and Flora Protection Act since 1972, and the seventh amendment made to the act (No. 49 of 1993) provided full range of protection. Despite the protection by government legislation since 1972, and amendment made in 1993, their future is one in jeopardy, with many turtle & tortoise populations declining to the point where they are no longer significant resources either materially or culturally. This is due mainly to the indiscriminate exploitation largely for their meat and eggs. In addition, degradation of natural habitats, road kills, water pollution, turtle by-catch and man-made fires are major threats to Testudines of Sri Lanka. Research studies on Sri Lankan Testudines have not been conducted adequately in order to understand the local turtle and tortoise populations. Public awareness in Testudine conservation must be further strengthened in order to preserve Sri Lankan Testudines. Chelonian Conservation: Oral

Demography of the Yellow Mud Turtle in the Texas Panhandle I: Age Structure and Survival RICHARD T. KAZMAIER AND MARK J. LANGE

Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas 79015, USA [email protected]

The yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) can be relatively common throughout much of the southwestern Great Plains, where it seems to be able to handle extreme variation in climatic conditions despite its semiaquatic nature. We began characterizing populations of yellow mud turtles with the intent of better describing how demography might vary across the region. In 2007, we began trapping yellow mud turtles at two sites that are approximately 200 km apart, with Matador Wildlife Management Area (WMA) being near the southeastern corner and Gene Howe WMA being near the northeastern corner of the Texas Panhandle. All turtles were marked, sexed, and measured before release. Additionally, we counted annuli to estimate age and made plastral impressions to provide a permanent date-specific record of the annuli and to assist with validation of the annuli technique. We compared age structure between sites using chi-square analyses and calculated annual survival rates using the regression technique on age-structured data. As of May 2009, we made 269 captures of 139 individuals at Gene Howe WMA and 141 captures of 98 individuals at Matador WMA. We detected a pronounced bias towards adults in our Matador WMA sample, but our ratio of adults to juveniles at Gene Howe WMA approached 1:1. Preliminary estimates revealed higher annual survival rates at Gene Howe WMA (S4-9 = 0.878) than at Matador


WMA (S4-9 = 0.798). Our initial observations suggest pronounced regional variation in the demography of yellow mud turtles and comparisons to other sites should be particularly revealing. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Demography and Habitat Conversion in the Three-toed Box Turtle A. ROSS KIESTER

John L. Behler Chelonian Center, P.O. Box 1289, Ojai, CA. 93023 USA [[email protected]]

A 35-year study of demography, movement and habitat conversion of Terrapene carolina triunguis in central Missouri shows a long pattern of population variation about a relatively high level followed by a steep decline. A high degree of movement pattern variability combined with a dynamic patchy landscape appears to allow box turtles to persist in the face of much environmental variation. However, once the population becomes fragmented so that different meta-populations are no longer connected extinction of small local populations is likely. Stated in this way, our results are not particularly surprising, but analysis of the details of the population decline provide some evidence of a threshold of meta-population structure above which the population persists. If such a threshold exists, it could have important conservation implications. This study further underscores the problems of studying box turtle population dynamics on time scales that are long to human scientists but short to box turtles. Field Studies: Oral

Mitochondrial DNA Variation of Testudo Complex in Turkey FERHAT KIREMIT, OĞUZ TÜRKOZAN

Π, AND FEVZI BARDAKCI Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Adnan Menderes University, 09010 Aydın, TURKEY

[[email protected]] The wide ranging Testudo graeca has been split into as many as 28 taxa based on morphometrical and morphological variations. However, recent molecular studies on this complex have revealed inconsistencies between molecular and morphological groupings. In Turkey, 6 taxa were described based on morphological and morphometrical data. We tied to morphology based names and studied the ND4 region of (850bp) of mitochondrial DNA on 241 specimens in order to detect mitochondrial DNA variation of this complex across Turkey. Furthermore, 34 sequences (topotypes) were added to our original data set from genbank in order to compare our dataset. A total of 50 haplotypes were found in 275 sequences. The data of aligned haplotypes were analyzed by PAUP 4.0b10 and the evolutionary trees put forward six well supported monophyletic lineages described namely terrestris, ibera, buxtoni, armeniaca, zarudnyi and africa. Of these lineages, the first four range in Turkey. Morphology based “anamurensis” and “antakyensis” shared common haplotypes with “terrestris” and located in the same clade called terrestris. Morphology based perses also shared common haplotypes with buxtoni (type locality Iran), thus clustered with buxtoni clade. Genetic s: Oral

Status and Conservation of the Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in Virginia and the George Washington National Forest STEVEN KRICHBAUM

1 AND THOMAS S. B. AKRE

2 1412 Carter St., Staunton VA 24401, USA [[email protected]]

2Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Longwood University, Farmville VA 23909, USA [[email protected]] The southernmost populations of the wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) are found in the Potomac River watershed of Virginia and West Virginia. Most populations there are known from private lands but many are found on the George Washington National Forest. The Northern Virginia landscape is among the most rapidly changing in the region and accordingly, threats to population viability include habitat degradation and destruction from development and agriculture, poaching, road kill, and depredation. Recent research reveals that Virginia populations continue to decline and undergo range contraction while surveys on the Forest reveal a limited and disjunct distribution with perhaps a half dozen population centers, demonstrating the significance of public lands as population refugia. The species was listed as “Threatened” in Virginia in 1992 and is now considered a tier one species for conservation action. It is essential that the current recovery plan addresses multi-scale habitat fragmentation and metapopulation dynamics. In addition, further research is imperative as there is much to elucidate on habitat use, reproductive success, and behavior. However, it is equally imperative that current uncertainties not be used to legitimize inaction. In addition, state wildlife agencies and the US Forest Service are developing a conservation strategy for the Forest. It is critical that this strategy implement strict and expansive proscriptions to protect and buffer core habitat and maintain the ecological integrity of occupied watersheds on the Forest. This may take the form of designated “special biological areas” and/or Turtle emphasis areas with specific standards and guidelines. The Forest Plan revision currently in process offers the opportunity for conservationists and the interested public to affect meaningful improvements for wood turtle conservation on our George Washington National Forest. The Genus Formerly Known as Clemmys: Oral

Variability of gonadal differentiation in juvenile turtles of different species & implications for endoscopic sexing GERALD KUCHLING

Chelonia Enterprises, Crawley, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA [[email protected]]


Over the last decade I visualized by endoscopy gonads of series of live juvenile turtles of the following species: Aldabrachelys gigantea, Amyda cartilaginea, Astrochelys yniphora, Batagur affinis, Batagur borneoensis, Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Erymnochelys madagascariensis, Gopherus agassizii, and Malayemys macrocephala. In addition I dissected a series of juvenile Chitra chitra which had died during captive rearing. The main purpose of these studies was the sexing of juveniles. There are interesting differences among species in the developmental changes of the gonads and accessory structures with juvenile age and size. On one end are Chelonia mydas in which gonads appear relatively undifferentiated in turtles up to 1000g body mass, on the other end Malayemys macrocephala in which 35g juveniles already show well developed testes and epididymes reminiscent of subadults. In other species, e.g. Erymnochelys madagascariensis, the differentiation of male gonads and accessory ducts seem to lag behind that of females in juveniles of similar age and size. As a general rule hatchlings or juveniles which are only a few weeks old are much more difficult to sex by endoscopy than older juveniles. A further aspect is the occurrence of inter-sex gonads. In small juveniles some testicular tissue can be quite often seen in obvious ovaries. When checked again some years later all those animals turn into normal females during further development. Only rarely can equally well developed testis and ovaries be seen side by side in juveniles (observed by me in Aldabrachelys gigantea, Astrochelys yniphora, and Batagur affinis). The Biology of the Chelonia: Oral

Conservation Breeding of the Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle Rafetus swinhoei GERALD KUCHLING

1 AND LU SHUNQING

2 1Chelonia Enterprises, Crawley, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA [[email protected]]

2Reptile Program Coordinator, Wildlife Conservation Society China Program. Life and Environment College, Huangshan University, No. 9, Jilingshan Road, Huangshan 245041, Anhui Province, P. R. CHINA [[email protected]]

The Yangtze giant softshell (Rafetus swinhoei) is arguably the largest freshwater turtle in the world, and the most critically endangered. A major threat for its survival is exploitation for food. By 2008 only two live individuals of R. swinhoei, originating from Lake Tai Hu, remained in China, a male that was already in Suzhou Zoo in 1949 and a female that lived in Changsha Zoo since 1949. Surveys in Yunnan in 2007 and 2008 did not find indications that any wild specimens were recorded since the turn of the century. In May 2008 the female was transported from Changsha to Suzhou to attempt to breed the last two known specimens in China to recover this species. After some mating activity the female produced two clutches of a total of more than 100 eggs in May and June 2008. Even though many of the eggs were fertile, a proportion was not properly shelled and all fertile eggs died during early development. Due to an insufficient diet of the female (mainly pork and chicken meat) some yolk components may have been inadequate to allow the completion of the embryonic development. This was not unexpected and after repeated advice the diet of the turtles was gradually improved. The breeding attempts continue in 2009. The goal is to establish a captive assurance colony with any progeny before planning will start to re-introduce the Yangtze giant softshell turtle back into the wild. Poster

Demography of the Yellow Mud Turtle in the Texas Panhandle II: Sex Ratio, Reproduction and Growth * MARK J. LANGE AND RICHARD T. KAZMAIER

Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas 79015 USA The Texas Panhandle is a semi-arid region with a wide variation in amount and frequency of precipitation. During these periods of fluctuating rainfall, water levels in rivers, streams, ponds, and other impoundments can vary drastically. Despite this climatic variation, the semi-aquatic yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) appears to thrive in this region. We began sampling two locations in the Panhandle of Texas beginning in 2007: Matador Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Cottle County and Gene Howe WMA in Hemphill County. Upon each capture, we marked, measured, and sexed each individual. As of May 2009, we have made 269 captures of 139 individuals at Gene Howe WMA and 141 captures of 98 individuals at Matador WMA. Preliminary analyses of growth rates suggest little difference between males at the two sites, but female growth rates appeared to decline faster with age at Gene Howe WMA than at Matador WMA. Sex ratio did not differ between Matador WMA and Gene Howe WMA (P = 0.838). Radiographs revealed an average clutch size of 3.7 (range = 1-6) across both sites. Although these sites are only 200 km apart, growth differences suggest differential effects of reproduction on females and further exploration is justified. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral (Student)

Population Structure and Trends in Barbour’s Turtles (Graptemys barbouri), Escambia Map Turtles (Graptemys ernsti) and the Hybrid (Graptemys barbouri x ernsti) in the Choctawhatchee River System in Alabama and Florida *

CHRIS LECHOWICZ 1,2

1Florida Gulf Coast University, Department of Biology, Fort Myers, FL 33965 USA [[email protected]] 2Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation3333 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. Sanibel, FL 33967 USA [[email protected]]

Map turtles (Genus: Graptemys) conform to predictable population structures in major Gulf Coast drainages. The success of more than one Graptemys species in a river drainage can be justified by food partitioning of adult female turtles by head width. In numerous river systems of the Gulf Coast United States, no more than two species of map turtles are known to coexist sympatrically below the fall line. The discovery of G. barbouri, G. ernsti and G.barbouri x G. ernsti hybrids (all macrocephalic) in the Choctawhatchee River system adds a layer of complexity to the typical macrocephalic/microcephalic (broad-headed/narrow-headed) sympatry found in


southeastern river systems. Very little was known about the abundance, distribution and morphology of G. barbouri x G. ernsti hybrids in this drainage. Results found that hybridization appears to be localized in the lower Pea River, a tributary of the Choctawhatchee River, while G. ernsti seems to be limited to down river expansion due to a water retention structure to the north. G. barbouri has the largest range in the drainage and may be slowly encroaching north in the Pea River, therefore increasing instances of hybridization in areas that were known to be strongly G.ernsti. Sex ratios of pure G. barbouri, in sections of the river known to only comprise that species, were similar to that of sections with pure G. ernsti, however, areas with hybrids showed skewed ratios. Morphological characters differentiating G. barbouri from G. ernsti have been found to be intermediary or random in turtles identified, phenotypically, as hybrids. Graptemys : Oral (Student)

Alligator Snapping Turtle Reintroduction and Translocation: Highs and Lows DAY B. LIGON

1, DAN MOORE2, BRIAN FILLMORE

3, STANLEY F. FOX2

1Department of Biology, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897 USA [[email protected]] 2Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078 USA

3Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, Tishomingo, OK 73460 USA Efforts to reestablish alligator snapping turtle populations in western portions of the species’ range include: 1) a captive propagation and head-start program that was initiated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1999; and 2) translocation of 237 adult turtles to southern Oklahoma in 2007. Similar strategies have been employed for several other threatened and endangered turtles world-wide, but the efficacy of these conservation tools has been variable. Therefore, we orchestrated post-introduction monitoring of released snapping turtles using trap-mark-recapture and radio telemetry. Translocated turtles were released into six semi-impounded oxbow lakes in the Washita River drainage in southern Oklahoma. Sixteen adult turtles in one oxbow were equipped with radio transmitters. In addition, 16 captive-hatched juveniles were similarly outfitted with transmitters and released. Two years of monitoring indicate that individual turtles made substantial movements upon first introduction to the novel environment but quickly established somewhat smaller core home ranges. Additionally, mortality among adults was high initially but appeared to decline within months after release. Growth rates of captive-hatched juveniles that were released kept pace with growth of turtles maintained in captivity and fed ad libitum. Finally, successful recruitment of offspring from translocated turtles was confirmed. Support for this research was provided by the Turtle Survival Alliance, DELTA Foundation, and Oklahoma State University. Translocation: Oral

Conservation Assessment of the Map Turtles and Sawbacks: The Historical Record and Prospects for the Future PETER V. LINDEMAN

Department of Biology and Health Services, 150 Cooper Hall, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA 16444 USA [[email protected]]

Three main techniques have been used to assess the population status of the map turtles and sawbacks (Graptemys): visual surveys of basking individuals (with reporting of both relative and absolute abundance), trapping (typically reported via relative abundance, less commonly with catch-per-unit-effort reported), and mark-recapture estimation of population size (most commonly via mark-resight with closed-population estimators). Decisions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding federal listing have relied most heavily on basking surveys. I review for each of the 13 species of the genus the historical record of visual surveys, trapping records, and mark-recapture estimates of abundance. Looking forward, there is a need for standardization of techniques used for gathering and reporting data, particularly from basking surveys. In addition, because basking surveys are such a cost- and time-efficient technique, there is a need for increased understanding of how basking density relates to population abundance, with analysis of how basking density varies with climatic or hydrological variation and the extent to which it varies among species. Finally, an additional aspect of improved conservation assessment will concern increased attention to map turtle and sawback occurrence in smaller tributaries, river backwaters, and oxbow lakes. Graptemys: Oral

Conservation Implications of Being a Habitat Generalist and a Seasonal Activity Specialist: A Case Study using Clemmys guttata

JACQUELINE D. LITZGUS Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, CANADA [[email protected]]

The more I study Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata), the more I realize that there is still much to learn about this Species at Risk. My students and I have been studying and visiting various populations in Canada and the USA for the past 19 years, and I am frequently amazed by the differences in ecology among sites. Based on our observations, I was recently struck by two facts regarding spotted turtle habitat and activity patterns: on a global scale, the species is a generalist, but at the local scale, individual populations are specialists. Across the North American range, we have found populations in cypress-tupelo swamp forests, alder swamps, sphagnum and fern swamps, open-canopy fens, bogs, flowing streams, stagnant beaver ponds, ditches, and even small pools on rocky islands. Given such diversity, how does one quantify or predict the species’ habitat preference? Locally, spotted turtles display predictable seasonal shifts in activity and habitat use, and show temporal fidelity to specific sites. These activity patterns vary geographically


among populations with earlier activity peaks in the south, and longer hibernation and shorter nesting seasons in the north. Protection of endangered species requires description of critical habitats, and this generalist-and-specialist dichotomy in spotted turtles presents an obvious challenge for creating and implementing conservation plans that focus on habitat protection. The data suggest that each population must be treated separately in assessments of critical habitat and seasonal activity, which in turn can present financial and logistical obstacles for management agencies. These obstacles must be overcome because, clearly, both site-specific and range-wide ecological data are essential for recovery strategies that aim to maintain the global population of spotted turtles. The Genus formerly known as Clemmys: Oral

A Passion for Turtles; In Search of… J LOVICH

Video Night

Reproductive Ecology of Sonora Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) at Montezuma Well, Arizona: Optimal Egg Size in a Suboptimal but Stable Environment

JEFF E. LOVICH1, SHEILA V. MADRAK

1, CHARLES DROST1, ANTHONY J. MONATESTI

1,2, DENNIS CASPER3,

AND MOHAMMED ZNARI4

1 U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, 2255 North Gemini Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001 USA [[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]]

2 Present address National Park Service, Environmental Compliance, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005 USA [[email protected]]

3 National Park Service, Montezuma Castle National Monument 527 South Main Street, Camp Verde, Arizona 86322 USA [[email protected]]

4 Laboratory “Biodiversity & Ecosystem Dynamics”, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science - Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University, Avenue Prince Moulay Abdellah, P.O. Box 2390, 40000, Marrakech, MOROCCO [ [email protected]]

We studied the reproductive ecology of female Sonora mud turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) for two years (2007-2008) at Montezuma Well in central Arizona near the northern limit of distribution for the species. Females matured between 115.5-125 mm carapace length and the proportion that produced eggs ranged from 35.7-53.8%/yr. Eggs were detected in x-radiographs from 23 April-28 September and the highest proportion of adult females with eggs occurred in July. Clutch size ranged from 1-8 with a mean of 5.0 and did not differ significantly between years. Clutch size was only weakly correlated with body size and some females produced more than one clutch per year. X-ray egg width ranged from 17.8-21.7 mm (mean 19.4 mm) and varied more among clutches than within. Mean x-ray egg width (MXREW) of a clutch did not vary with carapace length of females, although the slope of x-ray pelvic aperture width (XRPAW) increased allometrically with the same measure of body size. The heterogeneity of the two slopes demonstrates a lack of morphological constraint by the XRPAW on MXREW in this small species. In addition, greater variation in clutch size, relative to egg width, provides support for the hypothesis that egg size is optimized in this hydrologically stable but chemically-challenging habitat. Nesting and hatchling emergence are coincident with the onset of summer rains, the latter facilitated by embryonic diapause and development totaling almost one year. The reproductive strategy of this species, and its ability to survive elsewhere in ephemeral desert streams and tanks, appear to be relatively recent adaptations to the desert climate in the region. The adaptive value of this strategy in the hydrologically stable environment of Montezuma Well is perplexing but may be maintained by genetic exchange with a nearby population in a less stable hydrologic regime. Our data differ from earlier predictions regarding the existence of morphological constraints on egg size in small turtles. We suggest that the diversity of architectures exhibited by the turtle pelvis, and the associated lack of correspondence to taxonomic or behavioral groupings, explains much of the variation observed in egg size of turtles and whether or not egg size is constrained or optimized. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Population Genetic Study of the Ploughshare Tortoise, Astrochelys yniphora, from Baly Bay National Park, Madagascar * ANGELO RAMY MANDIMBIHASINA

Responable du Projet Daie de Baly. USA Addresss: Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107; Madagascar Address: Durrell Wildlife Conaservation Trust. 401 Solalala MADAGASCAR [[email protected] or

[email protected]] The Ploughshare tortoise, Geochelone yniphora, one of four endemic tortoises found in Madagascar, is known as the rarest tortoise in the world. Poaching and habitat loss (human-made brush fires) threatens many species, including the ploughshare tortoise (Astrochelys yniphora), endemic to Madagascar’s Baly Bay National Park. We initiated a conservation genetics study of the five Ploughshare tortoises populations in the Baly Bay National Park, North-West of Madagascar, using mitochondrial DNA sequences and genotypes from microsatellite DNA. Diversity within each population seems to be low and gene flow is very low among populations. Inbreeding occurs in the populations of Cape Sada and Ambatomainty possibly due to isolation and fragmentation. We also have detected that substructure occurs in the subpopulations of Andrafiafaly, along with evidence of translocations (natural or human-related) of individuals from Andrafiafaly to Beheta. Analysis of mtDNA sequences show that there is no subspecific evidence between the populations of Angonoka. To maintain and increase genetic diversity and for a better conservation of this species, conservation efforts


should be addressed to its habitat. Despite an ongoing captive breeding program for the tortoise, the genetic information of individuals involved in this program remains uncertain. The current study has focused on all 17 founders and some of the offspring of this breeding program regarding the existing diversity, origin of founders, effective population size, kinship and relatedness. In addition to the captive breeding program individuals, we also have included individuals recently confiscated from Mayotte and Mampikony in this study. Our results indicate that diversity in confiscated animals is higher than what exists in captive breeding, and the diversity in this assurance colony is also greater than in any natural population. The 17 founders were determined to be from four different populations. This genetically diverse group can be utilized to create a new wild population with the ongoing releasing program in Beaboaly, one of the Angonoka’s natural habitats but abandoned in the early 1970s. Regarding the confiscated individuals, our results have detailed where these individuals were taken from and that the population at Beheta is the most poached of ploughshare tortoise. These confiscated individuals appear to have high diversity which, when added to the breeding program, can help Ampijoroa founders to maintain genetic diversity. Genetics: Oral (Student)

Preliminary Results on the Molecular Phylogeography of the North American Box Turtle (Terrapene sp.) and a Request for Tissue Samples *

BRADLEY MARTIN, JIM KOUKL, AND JOHN PLACYK University of Texas at Tyler, Department of Biology, 3900 University Boulevard, Tyler TX 75775 USA [[email protected]] Declines in North American box turtle (Terrapene sp.) populations are currently occurring across their range. In order to apply successful conservation strategies, the underlying genetics and evolutionary history of this taxa is needed. In this preliminary study, we examined mtDNA and nuclear sequence data in an attempt to support or reject current classification schemes for the North American box turtles and to determine if any population-level differences can be detected using these markers. The data we present is a subset from the database that we are currently working with and includes individuals representing populations from the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, and New England. We provide evidence that sequence data will be useful in understanding the phylogeny of North American box turtles and plan to add to this pilot data with sequence data from every state that box turtles occur in. To that end, we solicit the participants of The 7th Annual TSA Symposium and offer prepackaged tissue sample collection kits to all that may be interested. Poster: (Student)

Population Ecology of Turtles on Missouri Western State University’s Campus: A Preliminary Report * MARK S. MILLS

1, TERESA AUSBERGER1, KRISTEN SHEENAN

2, AND COLTON ZIRKLE3

1Department of Biology, Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO 64507, USA; 2Benton High School, St. Joseph, MO 64504, USA; 3Central High School, St. Joseph, MO 64501, USA; ([email protected])

We have initiated a proposed long-term study of the population ecology of turtles in nine ponds on the campus of Missouri Western State University as part of this institution’s Summer Research Institute (SRI). The SRI program brings together faculty, undergraduates, and high school students to work together on research projects across campus and elsewhere. Our goals for the summer of 2009 were as follows: 1) to determine species composition in all nine campus ponds, 2) to permanently mark all individuals in order to initiate studies on population dynamics, growth, and movement of turtles among ponds or nearby water bodies (e.g., Otoe Creek), 3) to relate physical and biological properties of the ponds to turtle species composition and abundance. To date we have marked 42 turtles representing four species: 21 Chelydra serpentina, 13 Chrysemys picta, 7 Trachemys scripta, and 1 Apalone spinifera. The ponds differ in their size, depth, temperature, composition of bottom sediments (e.g., hard clay vs. silt), amount and make-up of vegetation in and surrounding the ponds, and presence and abundance of fishes among other factors. The ponds also vary greatly in their relative impact from this urban environment. For example, Pond 1 receives nearly all of its water from parking lot run-off and Pond 8 is spring fed. We have captured 2 snapping turtles in Pond 1 compared with 9 turtles of three species in Pond 8. We will test to determine if correlations exist between any of these pond attributes and turtle species composition or abundance. Poster: (Student)

Whole Genome Shotgun and Assembly of Chrysemys pict bellii with Next Generation Sequencing Platforms PATRICK MINX, WES WARREN, AND RICK WILSONI

The Genome Center, Department of Genetics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO USA [[email protected]]

The whole genome sequencing of the Western Painted Turtle, Chrysemys p. bellii is part of the NHGRI Evolution of the Human Proteome Initiative. The purpose is to complete the genome sequence coverage of all major nodes of chordate evolution with at least two sequenced species. This will provide data for the second reptilian node, after Anolis carolinensis. The turtle genome will assist researchers in reconstructing human gene evolution and in determining the genes and gene expansions that have been essential steps in our evolution. Turtles and other reptilian genomes will allow characterization of highly conserved regions in proteins to provide insights into human protein function, which the mammalians genomes do not. The turtle genome represents one of the first large genomes (over 1Gb) sequenced with next generation sequencing platforms. Here we describe coverage targets and strategies for assembling the estimated 2.8Gb genome with 454 and Illumina sequencing data. What will be the impact of the turtle genome and


accompanying resources on the chelonian community? Will it be valuable in turtle conservation? How to access the genome and the genome's practical applications will be discussed. Genetics: Oral

Does Acclimation Temperature Affect Growth Rates and Movement of Juvenile

Diamond-backed Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin)? * VICTORIA F. MORAN AND JEFFREY W. TAMPLIN

Department of Biology, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421 [[email protected]]

Temperature profoundly affects reptiles, particularly rapidly growing juveniles. We tested the effects of acclimation/maintenance temperature on growth rates and movement patterns in 14 – 19 juvenile diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) from hatching to 10 months of age. Hatchling Malaclemys terrapin were maintained at 20 ppt S at either 22°C or 27°C and 8 growth parameters from each turtle were measured monthly. Movement patterns were analyzed at 4 – 5 and 8 – 9 months of age in control and temperature gradient tests in an aquatic thermal gradient of 14 – 34°C. Acclimation/maintenance temperature did not affect growth; 22°C- and 27°C-acclimated turtles grew at similar rates and were of similar body size at 10 months of age. Acclimation temperature did affect movement; 27°C-acclimated turtles moved more frequently than 22°C-acclimated turtles in both control and gradient tests at 4 – 5 and 8 – 9 months of age. In both age groups, turtles visited fewer chambers and switched chambers in the gradient tank less frequently when the gradient was present than during control tests. Poster: (Student)

An Overview of Efforts to Conserve Pakistan’s Freshwater Turtles

UZMA NOUREEN AND MASOOD ARSHAD Pakistan Wetlands Programme (WWF-P), House # 3, Street # 4, Sector F 7/3, Islamabad, PAKISTAN [[email protected]]

Eight species of both soft and hardshell freshwater turtles are found in Indus River system, representing two families and six genera. Turtle capture on commercial scale, being a major threat to their survival, has resulted in significant population decline. A series of investigative surveys were conducted to explore turtle capture and trade through questionnaires, field surveys and asking information from local communities, dealers and representatives of the relevant government agencies. Surveys revealed that three softshell turtle species (Aspideretes gangeticus, Aspideretes hurum, and Chitra indica) are in great demand by turtle dealers for export to east-Asian countries for use as traditional medicines and other food sources. Fisherfolk and other riverine communities dependent on water resources for their subsistence were involved in trade businesses. Turtle trade network, national and local markets, trade routes and communities engaged in this business were uncovered. It was assessed that turtle capture has declined significantly since the year 2000. Due to a substantial decrease in turtle supply from other countries, the pressure to support international market has shifted to Pakistan. Efforts are being made to revise national legislations in conformity with international set of laws to protect wildlife, especially freshwater turtles. It is recommended that the target groups need to be addressed through community based-conservation, provided with better livelihood opportunities in addition to education, and awareness to help protect turtles effectively. There is also a need to address this issue at international level through CITES, IUCN-Turtles and Tortoises Specialist Group, TRAFFIC International and other concerned organizations. Community Conservation: Oral

Experiences from the Asian Scholarship Programme for in-situ Chelonian Conservation, 2009

UZMA NOUREEN Pakistan Wetlands Programme (WWF-P), House # 3, Street # 4,Sector F 7/3, Islamabad, PAKISTAN [[email protected]]

This poster will outline the experiences and opportunities afforded through partipation in the Asian Scholarship Program by this year’s participant. It will detail the training opportunites, experiences, and observations from the participant. The Asian Scholarship Program for in-situ Chelonian Conservation (ASPin-situCC) provides training and real life experiences to individuals with a research interest in turtles and tortoises. Of the many great ways to conserve wildlife, and particularly that of chelonians, the ASPin-situCC chooses to enable individuals with a vested community interest for their local chelonian fauna. The focus area is Asia, the focus chelonians are freshwater and brackish water inhabitants. The ASPin-situCC relies on donations and the kind support offered by partnering organizations. Poster

Eastern European Chelonian Farms: a Look Inside HANS - DIETER PHILIPPEN

Natur & Tier Verlag, Senior editor MARGINATA, Kuhlertstr. 154, D-52525 Heinsberg Germany; [email protected]

There are lots of rumors and fictions about the character of eastern European chelonian farms. I had the opportunity to visit farms in three different countries: Slowenia, Czech Republic and Turkey. All these farms are mainly producing Testudo spp. in big numbers,


but also other species, such as other Testudinidae, Emydidae and Geoemydidae. From what I have seen during my visits, there have been no indications of collected, wild caught specimens, which than have been offered as "captive bred". The different approaches of the different farms are shown as well as numbers of offspring they produce every year. Captive Studies: Oral

Status of the Chihuahuan Mud Turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes) in Presidio County, Texas

STEVEN G. PLATT1 AND DENNIS MILLER

2

1Department of Biology, Box C-64, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas, 79832 [[email protected]] 2Small Business Development Center, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas, 79832

The Chihuahuan mud turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes Wagler, 1830) is a poorly studied species of Kinosternid turtle that occurs from the Big Bend region of Texas, southwards into northern Mexico. The only populations of K. hirtipes in the United States are found at a few widely scattered sites in the Alamito Creek drainage of Presidio County, Texas. Virtually nothing is known about the life history, ecology, and conservation status of K. hirtipes in Texas, and such data are urgently needed to develop effective management plans. To address these deficiencies, we began an ecological and demographic study of K. hirtipes in a cluster of four small ponds near Plata, Texas during 2007. To date, we have captured and marked 68 K. hirtipes, including 33 males, 22 females, and 13 juveniles. Analysis of fecal samples indicates adults feed largely on aquatic vegetation. At least five adult K. hirtipes succumbed as a result of drought conditions during the winter of 2007-08 when low water levels exposed dormant turtles to raccoon (Procyon lotor) and feral hog (Sus scrofa) predation. Preliminary data from a limited number of recaptured turtles suggest rapid growth among juveniles. We are also attempting to assess the conservation status of K. hirtipes throughout the Alamito Creek drainage. Populations remain at several isolated ponds where K. hirtipes were recorded during a survey in the 1980s. We regard the conservation status of K. hirtipes in Texas as tenuous owing to habitat fragmentation and loss due to long-term, natural and anthropogenic desertification in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

The Turtle Shell PETER C. H. PRITCHARD

Chelonian Research Institute, 402 South Central Avenue, Oviedo, Florida 32765 USA; [email protected] Abstract not available Biology of the Chelonia: Oral

The Volcan Wolf Tortoises PETER C. H. PRITCHARD

Chelonian Research Institute, 402 South Central Avenue, Oviedo, Florida 32765 USA; [email protected] Abstract not available Keynote Address

Sidenecks of Gondwanaland PETER C.H. PRITCHARD

Video Night

Community Based Conservation Monitoring of the Radiated Tortoise

(Astrochelys radiata) at Lavavolo Classified Forest, Madagascar * TSILAVO HASINA RAFELIARISOA

Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68107 USA; Lot VR79 Ambanidia – Ankadibevava, MADAGASCAR [[email protected]; [email protected]]

Exploitation of the worlds’ tortoises for the local and foreign markets has decimated natural populations, including Madagascar’s radiated tortoise (Astrochelys radiata). Protection of hotspots, where small populations still remain, is critical for these tortoises’ survival. Given the current political uncertainty in Madagascar and the extreme poverty levels of southern Madagascar, long term community based research can potentially improve the radiated tortoise status where this species remains largely unprotected. Still, not surprisingly, radiated tortoise populations continue to struggle as evidenced by reports detailing the multiple confiscations of hundreds of individuals both in Madagascar and in Asia. The Henry Doorly Zoo’s Madagascar Biodiversity and Biogeography Project (HDZ-MBP) has initiated a multifaceted program to address the plight of the Malagasy tortoise beginning in 2007. This project utilizes molecular genetics to increase basic knowledge on ecology and reproduction in their natural habitat in Lavavolo Classified Forest. Additionally, nest site parameters were recorded through the use of HOBO devices and population monitoring by local field


assistants will provide a better understanding of the natural history of this species in the wild. Individual radiated tortoises have been monitored from 2007 to present, providing data on individual territorial patterns. All data that has been collected will be utilized to augment existing information on the conservation status of this tortoise for Malagasy wildlife agencies and other conservation organizations. Since the success of this program depends on the commitment and active participation of all parties involved, but most importantly, the local communities of Itampolo, several community based programs have been initiated based on information acquired through community survey questionnaires. In 2009, the HDZ-MPB implemented an educational community based program to improve awareness while implementing effective conservation strategies and designating a reptile, the radiated tortoise, as a flagship species in the Lavavolo Classified Forest and surrounding area. Community Conservation: Oral (Student)

Seasonal Habitat Selection by Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) in Ontario, Canada * MEGAN RASMUSSEN

Π AND JACQUELINE LITZGUS

Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6 CANADA [[email protected]] The understanding of habitat use and selection is vital to identifying the full complement of habitats required for life processes and therefore the protection of turtle populations. Seasonal changes in habitat use can confound descriptions of habitat selection when temporal scales are not considered. Spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) are an endangered species in Ontario, Canada. The intent of this study was to determine seasonal habitat selection by individuals in a healthy population on the shore of Lake Huron in order to assess habitat requirements. Fifteen individuals (10 females, 5 males) were followed using radio telemetry for two consecutive years. Compositional analyses of seasonal ranges (minimum convex polygon of locations during each season) indicated selection for habitat types throughout the annual cycle, with preference for meadow marshes and open wetlands during the active season, and shrub dominated wetlands during the winter. Assessment of microhabitats chosen by turtles does not indicate seasonal shifts in selection during the active season; however, females were more likely than males to choose sites with greater cover during the nesting and post-nesting periods. Overall, individuals preferred sites with shallow (10 cm) water and low vegetation during the active season. Overwintering turtles chose locations with structural protection in aquatic and semi-terrestrial habitats averaging 0°C. Site-specific activities, including nesting and overwintering, showed a mix of habitat fidelity and plasticity. The influence of turtle identity on microhabitat selection indicates the need for fairly large sample sizes to accurately predict population trends and thereby make effective management recommendations. The Genus formerly known as Clemmys: Oral (Student)

Spatial Ecology of Adult Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Northern Louisiana * MITCHELL J. RAY AND JOHN L. CARR

Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 700 University Ave., Monroe, Louisiana 71209 USA [[email protected]]

The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a secretive aquatic turtle found in swamps, rivers, and lakes of Gulf Coast drainages in the southeastern United States. We are conducting a radio-telemetry study of adult M. temminckii at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana. We have attached external ATS radio-transmitters to 14 adult M. temminckii (10 male, 4 female) captured in Black Bayou Lake. Relocations have been recorded since April 13, 2008 and are on-going. Temperature was measured at each relocation site; however, habitat measurements are difficult because the margins of the lake where the turtles spend the majority of their time are covered in floating vegetation mats, comprised primarily of Egeria sp., Eichornia sp., and Ceratophyllum demersum. As a consequence, relocations were triangulated using Locate III software in the field. Currently, 305 position fixes have been recorded. Data will be presented on the seasonal pattern of movement for males and females. In addition, we hypothesize that adult turtles occupy certain core areas and that male and female home ranges differ in size. Poster: (Student)

Population Status of a Geographically Isolated Kinosternid

J. DAREN RIEDLE1, RICHARD T. KAZMAIER

1, PHILIP C. ROSEN2, AND PETER HOLM

3 1Dept. of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX, USA [[email protected]]

2School of Natural Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 3Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ajo, AZ

The Sonoyta Mud Turtle, Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale, is a southwestern Kinosternid that is only known from one population in Arizona, USA. In Sonora, Mexico, it exists in several seasonally isolated populations along the Rio Sonoyta and another isolated population farther south at Quitovac. The United States population occurs within a man-made pond at Quitobaquito Springs (QBQS) in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Regular monitoring was conducted at QBQS from 1982-1996 and again from 2001-2006. Population estimates have ranged from 68 to 246, and sex ratios have trended from strongly male biased in early sampling periods to a 1:1 ratio in later periods. Age-based annual survival rates were estimated as 0.72 for juveniles (ages 2-6), 0.83 for adult males (ages 7-12), and 0.89 for adult females (ages 7-12). A three stage population model based on female survivorship was constructed in RAMAS Metapop. Stage structure was based on turtles in hatchling to one year, 2 to 6 year, and 7 to 12 year age classes. Initial abundances were loosely based on current population structure. The model results suggested a stable population with


0% extinction risk and an estimated minimum abundance for all females at 64. The QBQS population is facing threats in the form of habitat loss at the pond itself due to declining water levels in the pond. Adult turtles are being removed until construction is complete, but preliminary recovery models show that a wider range of age classes may be needed in order to adequately recover the population after construction. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Effects of Age and Acclimation Temperature on Selected Temperature by Juvenile Diamond-backed Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) *

EMILY J. RIESBERG AND JEFFREY W. TAMPLIN Department of Biology; University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0421 USA[[email protected]]

Effective thermoregulation and the ability to select preferred temperature is an important factor influencing fitness in juvenile turtles. Juvenile Malaclemys terrapin acclimated to either 22°C or 27°C were tested in an aquatic thermal gradient of 14 – 34°C at 4 – 5 and 8 – 9 months of age. Age affected temperature selection; 4 – 5 month old turtles did not select specific temperatures while 8 – 9 month old turtles selected the two warmest temperatures available (30°C, 34°C). Acclimation temperature did not affect selected temperature; 22°C- and 27°C-acclimated turtles both chose the two warmest temperatures available (30°C, 34°C), although 22°C-acclimated turtles were more efficient at choosing the warmest temperature in the gradient. The ability of juvenile diamond-backed terrapins to thermoregulate and select warm temperatures may not develop until at least 6 months of age and may be better developed in older hatchlings. Poster: (Student)

How do Leatherbacks Grow So Big So Fast? Form and function of Patterns of Skeletal Growth in Turtles ANDERS G.J. RHODIN

Chelonian Research Foundation, 168 Goodrich St., Lunenburg, MA 01462 USA [Rhodin [email protected]] The morphology of bone and cartilage growth in turtles has evolved as two separate and distinct patterns, reflecting the functional significance of different growth rates and physiological requirements of different turtle species. Nearly all turtle species have slow bone growth with avascular cartilage, reflecting their slow metabolism and slow growth. A few large living and fossil marine turtles have developed a specialized pattern of rapid bone growth with vascularized cartilage, reflecting rapid growth and higher metabolism. The leatherback turtle is the only extant species with rapid bone growth and vascularized cartilage, and has also developed a suite of other morphological specializations which makes it unique among living turtles and reptiles. Biology of the Chelonia: Oral

Integration of the Declining Sonoyta Mud Turtle into Modernization of Municipal Sonoyta, Sonoran, Mexico PHILIP C. ROSEN

School of Natural Resources, and USGS Sonoran Desert Research Station, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA [[email protected]]

The Sonoyta Mud Turtle, Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale, is an endemic subspecies declining due to historic erosion and ongoing groundwater depletion in the isolated Rio Sonoyta oasis of arid southwestern Arizona and Northwestern Sonora. It persists in two sewage-maintained populations at Sonoyta, at isolated Quitovac Oasis nearby, at Quitobaquito Oasis in the United States at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (ORPI), and 2 km S of Quitobaquito in the last natural reach of Rio Sonoyta. The multi-agency, international Rio Sonoyta Conservation Team (RSCT) anticipated the trend of this decline, and is working with private groups, schools, conservation lands, and local government to preserve this turtle along with co-occurring, long-isolated native fishes. It would appear that for this subspecies to persist, it must live in close association with human facilities and communities. Recognizing this, the federal agency SEMARNAT (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente Y Recursos Naturales) issued a legal finding in December 2008 requiring Sonoyta to provide for the turtle during much-needed modernization of its public health infrastructure. The RSCT is seeking means to enforce this finding while preserving the necessary progress in public health. Complex cultural and financial issues remain to be resolved by RSCT working with U.S. EPA and the Border Environmental Cooperation Commission. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Status of and Threats Facing Mud Turtles (Kinosternon) in Arid Southwestern North America PHILIP C. ROSEN

School of Natural Resources, and USGS Sonoran Desert Research Station, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA [[email protected]]

Mud turtles (Kinosternon, 13 taxa) dominate the unique chelonian fauna of 32 taxa in the desert and semiarid regions of the southwestern United States and central and northwestern Mexico. Local assemblages typically contain two Kinosternon species, one in ephemeral, summer rain pools, and one in largely perennial waters such as springs and streams. As in amphibians, the ephemeral water species appear to be persisting robustly, while the perennial water taxa may be declining significantly. The only known global extinction of a non-insular chelonian taxon, the Viesca mud turtle (Kinosternon hirtipes megacephalum) occurred in this regional


fauna; a result of anthropogenic habitat desiccation. Desiccation produced by groundwater withdrawal and surface water diversion for agriculture appears to be the most widespread severe threat to aridlands Kinosternon. However, in Arizona there is evidence that non-native crayfish may be decimating populations of the perennial water-inhabiting Sonoran mud turtle, K. sonoriense. Generally, little attention has been paid to this unique and diverse (speciose) New World assemblage, and other unrecognized threats are likely in operation. Status survey for the group - especially the perennial water taxa in the K. hirtipes (rough-footed mud turtle) complex, as well as several other, highly endemic species - should be recognized as a biodiversity conservation priority. These surveys are needed in context of a broad, marked threat facing the entire aquatic vertebrate fauna of this region. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Population Biology of a Gopher Tortoise Population on an Island in Southwest Florida * JULIE ROSS AND PHIL ALLMAN

Florida Gulf Coast University, Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Myers, FL USA [[email protected]] Species existing in discrete populations over a broad geographic range often display extensive variation in life history patterns due to local adaptation in response to different environmental features. Variation in many life history traits have been documented in gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and is typically explained by environmental features associated with habitat quality. In this study, we report standard demographic data from a native island-population from the southwestern tip of their range in Florida. The mean adult carapace length is 298 mm (n=198) with a mean mass of 5.3 kg. The relatively large body sizes attained in this population is likely explained through environmental features that may influence the amount, or quality, of foraging material available to individuals. To explore this further, we are developing a project that will quantify the habitat structure and the foraging material available to the tortoises. The population has been fragmented and pushed into high density plots (# torts/acre) due to the development of private homes on the island. However, recapture data indicate there is some movement between the developed and undeveloped lots suggesting tortoises are moving through unsuitable habitat to meet additional requirements such as acquiring mates and food resources. Poster: (Student)

Variation in Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) Size and Catch Frequency within a Small Reservoir * RUHL NΠ, BRAUN D, ROOSENBURG WM, AND CURRIE WJS

Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens OH 45701 USA [[email protected]] Reservoirs can be divided into three limnological zones: the fluvial, lacustrine, and transitional zones. However, the effect of this zonation is often overlooked due to the similarities reservoirs share with lakes. Here, the effect of zonation and time on adult musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) catch-frequency and size was monitored in a small reservoir during the summer months when zonation is most pronounced. Turtles caught in the fluvial zone were significantly larger than those caught in other zones. Catch frequency was significantly higher in the fluvial zone regardless of time, but males were significantly more common than females in late August compared to previous time periods. The observation that musk turtles are larger and more common in the fluvial zone is likely in response to increased habitat availability and quality, but the temporal shift in sex-ratio is likely in response to a flood-mediated increase in temperature reservoir-wide. The physiological and life history implications of this result on turtles inhabiting reservoirs are discussed. Field Studies: Oral (Student)

Niche-partitioning of Sympatric Map Turtles in the Sabine River * SANDERS, S.,Π C. HIVELY, J. KOUKL AND J. PLACYK

University of Texas at Tyler, Department of Biology, 3900 University Boulevard, Tyler TX 75775 USA [[email protected]]

The Sabine Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis) and the Mississippi Map Turtle (G. pseudogeographica kohnii) are found sympatrically in the Sabine River Watershed. Until the mid-ninties, the two species were classified as subspecies of G. pseudogeographia. Because of their close relationship and overlapping range, the two species must exhibit some level of niche partitioning according to the ecological species concept. Additionally, morphological differences are shaped by differential habitat use. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of successful trapping locations for the two species indicates a Sabine Map Turtle tendency toward wider, deeper, faster flowing rivers (p = 0.001). Cluster and Multi Response Permutation Procedure (MRPP) analyses support divergent morphology between the two groups (T = -2.702, p = 0.018). Not only does this support the niche partitioning in the Sabine River, but this information will prove useful as baseline divergence data for future investigation of other sympatric Graptemys species, as demonstrated by G. o. ouachitensis pilot data. Poster: (Student)

Historical Perspective: Bartram’s “Clemmys”

CHUCK SCHAFFER Turtle and Tortoise Newsletter, 13811 Tortuga Point Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32225, USA [[email protected]]


Known primarily as an explorer, naturalist, artist, and author, William Bartram was the first native born American to receive international acclaim in the field of natural history. Many chelonians received coverage in his writings and illustrations. Some detective work (and imagination) is required to match up Bartram’s names with those we might recognize. His father, John, was well known in British scientific circles. William’s entrée to this field opened through one of his father's English patrons, Peter Collinson, who had been receiving illustrations of turtles and mollusks and indigenous plants samples from William. Some of which Collinson published in the Gentleman’s Magazine. William’s illustrations were also shared with Dr. John Fothergill, another prominent Quaker naturalist and collector. By 1772, Fothergill provided William with annual stipend of 50 pounds, and his career as a commissioned naturalist and explorer had commenced. He then left for Florida to gather natural history material and to document the travels in illustrations and written commentary. The two main sources of information were Bartram’s correspondence with Collinson and Fothergill. Letters to Collinson provided illustrations and descriptions of the spotted turtle (Clemmys gutatta) and themud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum), both executed about 1756 or 1757 and later published by Collinson 1758 in the Gentleman’s Magazine. Reports to Fothergill yielded images and information on the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), the “Redbellied Turapin” (Florida Redbelly Cooter - Pseudemys nelsoni), “the little muskey Tortoise” (musk turtle - Sternotherus sp.), and the spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata). Travels (1791) has somewhat broader coverage and incorporates natural history, behavioral, and locality data on the large “fresh-water tortoise” (likely the Florida cooter - Pseudemys concinna floridana), the small “fresh-water tortoises” (Pseudemys species or the chicken turtle - Deirochelys reticularia), the “Gopher” or “Great land -tortoise” (Gopher tortoise - Gopherus polyphemus), the “small land tortoise” box turtle (Terrapene Carolina), and the “Great soft shelled tortoise” “Testudo naso cylindracea elongato, truncate” Florida softshell (Apalone ferox). Lord Derby’s collection includes illustrations of “The great Mud Tortoise from Pennsylvania - called the snaping Turtle” (Snapping turtle - Chelydra serpentina), a Pond slider (probably Trachemys scripta), and the Painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). Botanical and zoological drawings 1756-1788, Bartram’s work in The Natural History Museum, London (compiled from the images sent to “Dr. John Fothergill and others”) include the spotted turtle (Clemmys gutatta), the “Soft Shell Tortoise' of East Florida” (Apalone ferox), and the “Soft Shell’d Tortoise' of Georgia” (A. spinifera). The American Philosophical Society’s collection includes a pen and ink drawing of “Testudo caelata” (wood turtle - Glyptemys insculpta) with the illustrations including the carapace, plastron, head, and neck together the verso containing Barton's 19-line description of the turtle. Also in their collection are two extra plates from Travels of the gopher tortoise (G. polyphemus). The Genus formerly known as Clemmys: Oral

Does Manouria emys Exhibit Subspecific Variation in Growth? A Morphometric Analysis * RICK SCHAFFER

1 Stanton College Preparatory School, 13811 Tortuga Point Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32225, USA [[email protected]] Manouria emys, the Asian mountain tortoise, is disappearing in the wild. One way to ensure their survival is ex-situ breeding. Growth curve data will be instrumental in the success of an assurance colony program. It would provide helpful guidelines to the growth of the tortoises and set guidelines for repatriated hatchlings. It was hypothesized that M. e. phayrei would grow faster and achieve a larger size than its southern counterpart. A secondary hypothesis is that the tortoises would exhibit a linear growth. The subjects of this study were a group of 96 M. emys (39 M. e. emys and 57 M. e. phayrei). There were a total of six age cohorts for M. e. emys and eleven for M. e. ephayrei. Each of these tortoises was measured for their straight carapace length (SCL), straight carapace width (SCW), height (Ht), weight (Wt), and length and width of the fourth vertebral Scute (4VH and 4VW). From the growth curves, it is apparent that these tortoises exhibit an exponential growth pattern with a strong relationship between age and morphometric measurements. The M. e. phayrei grow faster and to a larger size. These tortoises are wider at a given carapace length while M. e. emys are longer for a given width. These data support the hypothesis of subspecific variation in growth. This lends support to Bergman’s theory of increasing body size within a species with increasing latitude or decreasing environmental WTC Captive Studies: Oral (Student)

To What Degree Does Annuli Count Reflect Age in Manouria emys? An Analysis Comparing Three Methods of Evaluation.

A comparison of three evaluation methods * RICK SCHAFFER

1 Stanton College Preparatory School, 13811 Tortuga Point Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32225, USA [[email protected]] Manouria emys is a critically endangered species Southeast Asian tortoise. Assurance colonies are needed to breed them in a captive setting, later to be repatriated when conditions improve. During this process, more knowledge of their growth is necessary to ensure the viability of founder stock and offspring. Fifty Manouria emys were studied. Tortoise’s shells were thouroughly cleaned to optimize accuracy. Annuli were counted from tortoises via direct physical examination (PE), cast analysis (CA), and digital photographic analysis (DPA) for the second through fourth vertebral scutes. Data from observations were then analyzed, graphed, and correlation calculated. The correlation between age and individual scutes was stronger in the fourth vertebral scute (R2 = 0.8852 for PE and 0.9652 for DPA) than the second vertebral scute (R2=0.883 PE and 0.9642 DPA) or the third vertebral scute (R2 =0.8801 PE and 0.9576 P). The value for the average of the three scutes was strongest (R2 = 0.8943 PE and 0.9676 DPA). A good correlation existed between age and annuli count, strongest in the middle age cohorts (3 to 5 years) because the annuli are well defined, yet not obscured by wear. Fourth vertebrals had slightly better correlation over the second and third. The average of the three scutes yielded the most accurate representation of age, likely because it diminished individual scute differences. Digital photography was the most accurate method to determine age due to the ability to zoom and examine in greater detail than other methods. This technique also provides a


portable and easily reproduceable, yet durable permanent record. Casting was the least effective due to the difficulty to produce and read the casts, particularly for the oldest and youngest tortoises. Poster: (Student)

Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Juvenile Activity Patterns in Southern Mississippi AMY SCHNEIDER AND MATT HINDERLITER

The Nature Conservancy, Camp Shelby Field Office. CSJFTC-ENV Building 622, Camp Shelby, MS 39407 USA [[email protected]]

Gopher tortoise surveys in southern Mississippi show a low percentage of hatchling, juvenile, and sub-adult burrows which could suggest low recruitment. Previous studies in and around the edge of their geographic range have shown that hatchlings suffer over 90% mortality rate in the first 2 years but very little is known about juvenile survivorship. In order to study this and other aspects that may affect juvenile tortoises, a head-starting project was started at the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center (CSJFTC) in southern Mississippi. Hatchlings, yearlings, and 2 year olds from four sites were fitted with radio transmitters, released at their source burrow in September 2007 and 2008, and followed until their demise. Observational occurrences were documented and analyzed for age class and site. Hatchlings, yearlings, and two year olds with less than one year in the field were active for most of the study period (September-January of 2008-09) with minimal activity in January. 2 year olds with 2 years in the field were active year round with the most activity occurring in September and October. Comparisons between sites, age classes, and activity of adult tortoises will be discussed. Poster

Conservation Genetics of the Yellow-blotched Sawback, Graptemys flavimaculata * W. SELMAN

1Π, B. KREISER1, AND C. QUALLS

1 1Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 USA

[[email protected]]

Population genetic data are becoming an important aspect of conservation planning in a variety of imperiled taxa. Turtles within the genus Graptemys are increasingly being recognized as conservation priorities, especially since many are endemic to single Gulf of Mexico river drainages and vulnerable to human alterations of rivers and surrounding habitats. The yellow-blotched sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata) is a federally threatened, riverine turtle that is endemic to the Pascagoula River system of southeastern Mississippi (USA), which is one of the last major free-flowing river systems in the Lower United States. We used microsatellite data to analyze population genetic structure and assess the historical demography of several populations throughout the drainage, including one disjunct population from the lower Escatawpa River. These populations exhibited a low degree of population structure as measured by FST and assignment tests. The Escatawpa River population had a higher degree of genetic differentiation which is likely a result of a historical separation from main river populations. Considerable allelic diversity was found in each of the population and two demographic analyses failed to find evidence of recent or historical bottlenecks. Several populations possessed one or more private alleles and the levels of genetic differentiation between populations did not correlate with river distance between sampled populations. In conclusion, despite the relatively small contiguous river distances separating each population, some of the genetic data indicates that these populations are not necessarily panmictic within this free-flowing river system. Graptemys: Oral (Student)

Conservation of Endangered Indian Turtles: Achievements and Challenges SHAILENDRA SINGH

1,4, BRIAN D HORNE2, ASHUTOSH TRIPATHI

1, RISHIKESH SHARMA3 AND RANA P SINGH

4

1Center for Herpetology/Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, INDIA [[email protected]] 2San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation and Research, USA [[email protected]]

3Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, INDIA [[email protected]] 4 School of Environment Science, BBA (Central) University, Lucknow, INDIA [[email protected]]

We have been designing and implementing various conservation actions for different endangered chelonians listed in “Conservation Action Plan for Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises of India” since 2005 under the auspices of TSA India Program. The actions are population habitat surveys, in-situ and ex-situ research and recovery programs, community education, participation and livelihood development projects. This communication critically reviews the conservation actions taken so far and attempts to objectively assess their impacts on the target species and their habitats and describes some of the challenges in chelonian conservation in India. Chelonian Conservation: Oral

How Much Immigration from Source Populations is Needed to Sustain Hunted Populations of Hingeback Tortoises? * NICOLE SMOLENSKY

Texas A&M University, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, 215 Herman Heep Bldg 2258, College Station, TX 77843-2258 USA [[email protected]]


It is well understood from previous models that populations of long-lived organisms like tortoises cannot bear sustained hunting at even moderate levels. In a landscape of protected and unprotected areas, how much immigration is needed to sustain the hunted population? To gain insight into this question, I constructed a hypothetical model using Kinixys erosa and K. homeana, two species of hingeback tortoises consumed in West Africa. I modeled one population under varying harvest levels, and another with one level of harvest but also with positive growth rates of 0.0%, 1.0%, and 2%. I assumed fixed density, and surplus subadults were allowed to disperse to the hunting area. In one hunted population scenario with no immigration, survivorship of 47.2% and 82.7% for hatchling and adult stages result in a stable population. However, results showed a difference of 2% annual survivorship of adults and < 1% annual survivorship of hatchlings can dramatically alter the population growth rate from stability to extirpation or exponential increase. Moreover, vital rates are highly variable in organisms like Kinixys, meaning constant harvest of these tortoises would be very difficult to sustain because of periods of poor recruitment. I found that moderate to high levels of immigration from source populations are required for persistence of hunted populations. No quotas or management regimes exist for these species. I suggest that tortoise management may depend on reserve areas where take is strictly prohibited and management for high population recruitment is needed in regions where Kinixys tortoises, are hunted. Field Studies: Oral (Student)

Anthropogenic Factors Affecting Distribution and Abundance of Sonoran Mud Turtles in the Peloncillo Mountains. PAUL A. STONE, BRIAN D. STANILA, AND MARIE E. STONE

Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034 USA [[email protected]] Early in the 20th century, construction of artificial stock tanks transformed aquatic habitats in several canyons in the Peloncillo Mountains, New Mexico. Before this, the only water likely available outside of the monsoon season was a few small but permanent seeps. Otherwise, canyons in the Peloncillos were ephemeral, experiencing flow only during monsoon floods in September, leaving behind intermittent pools that usually dried completely by May. After stock tanks were built, there was a permanence gradient of aquatic habitats, including: canyons without stock tanks, canyons with stock tanks, and permanent stock tanks (converted seeps) not associated with canyons. All five canyons with stock tanks we sampled harbored large populations of Sonoran mud turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense). Although individuals were sometimes captured in pools in canyons without stock tanks, low water availability may preclude the establishment of large populations of mud turtles in this habitat. All three permanent stock tanks we sampled had small populations of mud turtles and large populations of exotic fish, suggesting a negative interaction between turtles and fish. Thus, canyons with stock tanks appear to be optimal habitat for mud turtles in the study area. However, since the construction of stock tanks, silt has been accumulating relatively unchecked. As a result, stock tanks in several canyons are completely silted in and currently do not harbor large populations of mud turtles. Conservation efforts aimed at silt removal should increase population densities of mud turtles in the Peloncillos. In addition, fish removal might bolster populations in permanent stock tanks. Southwestern Kinosternids: Oral

Mitochondrial Phylogeography of the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) * GRACIA PATRICIA SYED

1, 2 AND JESUS MALDONADO

1 1Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics, NZP/NMNH, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20008, USA

2Facultad de Ciencias Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) MEXICO [[email protected]] The Central American river turtle, Dermatemys mawii, is the last surviving species of the family Dermatemydidae. It is also the most endangered turtle in Mexico. Today their distribution is limited to remote areas inaccessible to humans. Significant assurance colonies exist but most do not meet minimum requirements for maintaining genetically viable populations. To date, no genetic characterization exists for the species, and a genetic management plan for wild and captive populations is desperately needed. For this purpose we conducted a phylogeographic analysis by sequencing fragments of the mt-DNA Cytochrome b and ND4 genes. Our survey of 130 D. mawii individuals from 15 different localities from throughout its range yielded 16 different haplotypes. These haplotypes were not distributed according to localities and showed very low levels of phylogeographic structure. The arrangement of haplotypes derived from a TCS network suggests that, in some areas, D. mawii has undergone a recent radiation while others, exhibit very ancient divergences. This pattern can be explained by extinctions, bottlenecks or other demographic forces. In addition, these patterns may have been influenced, in part, by long-range movements by humans. For centuries, D. mawii has been consumed by ancient Mayans and other Middle American cultures. The archeological record shows evidence of long distance movement by humans between villages and far away from their natural range of distribution. Therefore, these human-mediated-movements could also have influenced the unusual patterns of haplotype distribution and the lack of phylogeographic concordance that we observe. Genetics: Oral (Student)

Status and Conservation of the Soft-shell Turtle, Trionyx triunguis, in Turkey OĞUZ TÜRKOZAN

Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Adnan Menderes University, 09010 Aydın, TURKEY [[email protected]]

Trionyx triunguis is one of the least known chelonian species about its biology. The distribution range covers the Mediterranean, Middle East, and the southern and northwestern part of Africa. Around the eastern Mediterranean the strongest populations are found


in Turkey. The Mediterranean population of this species was previously listed as “critically endangered” (IUCN, 1996, 2000). Present work is aimed to review the current status of Trionyx triunguis population in Turkey based on published and unpublished reports, together with the personal observation of the author. Chelonian Conservation: Oral

Current Global Population Status of the Critically Endangered Northern Madagascar Spider Tortoise Pyxis arachnoides brygooi *

RYAN CJ WALKER1, 2

1Nautilus Ecology, 1 Pond Lane, Greetham, Rutland, LE15 7NW, United Kingdom 2Department of Life Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, United Kingdom [[email protected]]

Virtually nothing is known of the remaining population size and status of the Critically Endangered northern Madagascar spider tortoises (Pyxis arachnoides brygooi). P. a. brygooi is endemic to the coastal Mikea forests of south west Madagascar and is considered to be the rarest of the three subspecies of Pyxis arachnoides, as a result of inhabiting the smallest range and threats from habitat destruction and poaching for food and the pet trade. Surveying P. a brygooi is problematic due to its small size, cryptic colouration and behavior, limited seasonal activity and dense spiny forest habitat. Therefore, a line transect survey was designed allowing for these challenges and was systematically implemented across the subspecies’ range. Throughout the survey the detection rate ranged from 0-66 individuals per km transect (mean 1.52 per km, SD ± 8.25), with most individuals confined to one small area of marginal habitat. The resulting data were analysed with Program DISTANCE 5.0. Presents/absence data were also analysed spatially with forest cover data using ArcGIS 9.0 software. Polygons of forest habitat containing tortoises were delineated and this range was then compared against the suspected area of occurrence described in the published literature. The survey revealed a significant overall reduction of the subspecies range. However, populations of P.a. brygooi were recorded south of the current published limits of the subspecies, inhabiting areas currently thought to be the sole domain of Pyxis arachnoides arachnoides. The results of this survey are currently being applied to management plans for two new proposed protected areas for the region, in an effort to safeguard these small remaining populations. Field Studies: Oral (Student)

Nesting Ecology and Hatching Success of Bog Turtles (Glyptemys “Clemmys” muhlenbergii) at Five Study Sites in Eastern Pennsylvania

ROBERT ZAPPALORTI AND RAY FARRELL Herpetological Associates, Inc. - Plant and Wildlife Consultants, 575 Toms River Road, Jackson, New Jersey 08527, USA

[[email protected]]

Bog turtle (Glyptemys“Clemmys” muhlenbergii) surveys and research was conducted for The Nature Conservancy at five study sites in Pennsylvania between 1992 and 2002. Unlike most other semi-aquatic chelonians, C. muhlenbergii does not leave their wetland habitat and travel to dry, upland areas to deposit their eggs. Instead, they select slightly elevated sites, generally on various Carex species, Sphagnum or other moss covered tussocks for nesting within their marshy habitat. Nesting areas typically have limited canopy closure, support an array of moisture tolerant, low vegetation, and provide ample solar exposure. Population estimates at one site in 1993 were strikingly lower than those calculated 25 years earlier by Carl Ernst. Ninety-three percent of the population structure was strongly skewed towards old adults in favor of females (sex ratio = 0.38:0.62). Of these, 63.6% had worn smooth shells, a characteristic typical of older turtles. The only non-adults found during the study period were an empty shell of a dead juvenile and 3 hatchlings. The adult-skewed age structure of bog turtle at Marsh I suggests that there is a reduction in natural recruitment, possibly due to excessive mortality of eggs, hatchlings and young. Another possibility was the disruption of one or more stages of their reproduction. However, we observed mating activity, the presence of gravid females, oviposition (eggs in nests), and egg-hatching; all of which are stages of reproduction within the population. The successful completion of these life stages would rule out low reproduction as the major cause for failure of natural recruitment. This may suggest excessive mortality of eggs and young turtles as the more likely cause. Efforts to collect information on nest site selection, nesting behavior, egg-laying, clutch-size and hatching success were made at Marsh I, where 31 eggs were found. Of these, 12 were taken to the laboratory for artificial incubation and replaced with actual-size, paraffin and bees wax eggs in an attempt to identify a predator by its teeth bite marks. Of the 19 eggs left undisturbed in the field at 7 different nests, only 6 (28.6%) were not taken by predators and successfully hatched. Four of the wax eggs were also taken by a small, unknown mammal, but the eggs were not found. Ten real eggs were removed by predators (47.6%), 2 (9.5%) were broken by the nesting females, and 3 (14.3%) did not hatch. All of the 12 eggs removed from the field were artificially incubated and hatched in the laboratory (100%). These hatchling turtles were marked and released back into the nesting area. Follow-up nesting and hatching studies were conducted with 131 eggs from five different study sites. Of the 62 unprotected eggs in nests that were allowed to incubate under natural conditions, only 17 (27%) hatched, 21 (34%) did not hatch, 4 (6%) were destroyed, 19 (31%) were removed by a predator and 2 (3%) were abnormal (pea sized). In 1997 we began using predator excluder cages to protect eggs from predation. Overall, the 131 eggs that were studied (incubated in the laboratory, or naturally with or without protection of a predator excluders), 57 (44%) hatched and 74 (56%) did not hatch for various reasons. Between the 5 populations studied, hatching success varied from 14% to 59% for eggs left in the field, and 40% to 100% for eggs incubated in laboratory. If eggs are fertile, protecting them with predator excluder cages would result in a higher hatchling survival in the nest. Predation rates varied from 12% to 57%, indicating that egg predation is a detrimental limiting factor to hatching success. Natural hatching success is also reduced by


infertility, developmental problems, destruction of eggs, adverse weather conditions (i.e., flooding, early frost), and other unknown factors. The unique nesting habits of C. muhlenbergii are believed to reduce high predation usually associated with turtles who deposit their eggs in upland situations. In most turtles, and generally other K-selected vertebrates, the period of greatest vulnerability is during the early stages of life. We found an adult-skewed age structure in most bog turtle populations we studied. This may suggest that there is a reduction in natural recruitment at these habitats. This phenomenon is possibly due to excessive mortality of eggs, hatchlings and juveniles, or a disruption of one or more stages of their reproduction. Mating activity, presence of gravid females, oviposition and egg-hatching were stages of reproduction we documented at our five-study areas. These activities are measures of the recruitment potential within a bog turtle population. The successful completion of these life history stages would rule out low reproduction as the major cause or failure of recruitment. This may suggest excessive mortality by unknown predators upon eggs, hatchlings and juvenile bog turtles may be the more likely cause. More information is clearly needed to evaluate the impacts of nest and hatchling predation on the recruitment of this "endangered" species. The Genus formerly known as Clemmys: Oral

Headstarting in the European Pond Turtle, Emys orbicularis: a Computational Approach and a Proposed Model for Management Plans

MARCO A.L. ZUFFI 1, AURELIANO RAMA

2, PAOLO MILAZZO 2, ANDREA MAGGIOLO SCHETTINI

2, ROBERTO BARBUTI 1, 2

1Museum of Natural History and Territory, University of Pisa, via Roma 79, I-56011 Calci (Pisa) ITALY [[email protected]] 2Department of Informatics, University of Pisa, via Buonarroti 2, I-56127 Pisa, ITALY

The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, is among the most widespread species among Emydidae and Bataguridae of the Palaearctic area. Despite its wide range distribution, this species suffers in many countries from inadequate protection and management rules. It is reported as in danger or threatened in some European countries’ and regions’ red lists. In other countries, it is found in relatively good numbers, high occurrence in most habitats and well distributed in the whole area, even if possible causes of danger are still present (e.g. Ukraina, Poland). Almost surely and in recent years, it has been reported that E. orbicularis is susceptible to suffering from competition with the introduced red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta ssp., at least in most Mediterranean countries of southern Europe (e.g. Spain, France, Italy). It has been suggested that possible causes of its threatened and/or declining status are a function of loss, fragmentation or alteration of suitable and optimal habitats. We have attempted to underline the importance of approaching a suitable mathematical model for any incoming or further management plans and projects, especially when aimed at reinforcing or reintroducing European pond turtles’ natural habitats. First, we selected all available literature on Emys orbicularis galloitalica from central to southern Italy and all information on comparable habitat with different Emys orbicularis subspecies. Similar analysis was carried out on all possible data sets from other northern European countries in order to quantify the source of variation of target variables (i.e. demographic patterns, reproductive ecology and biology, movement patterns, etc.). We assumed most published data was a basic source, nevertheless understanding that complete knowledge of any species is impractical. A computational model was established at the Computer Science Department, University of Pisa, using an ad-hoc C# simulator. We ran independent trials with a starting population of 20, 50, 100 and 500 adult individuals, on a time span of 500 years, using i) literature and unpublished data (MALZ unpubl data) as a default input, ii) a supposed slightly higher survival rate in some age classes of a given population, and iii) a supposed slightly lower survival rate in some age classes of a given population. Three basic outputs have been obtained respectively: i) long term fluctuation with quite stable population dynamics, independent of population size, ii) explosion of population size in a short time-span (less than 25 years) with an asymptotic trend, and iii) a clear-cut decrease of animal population. Outputs obtained from smaller initial populations (20 and 50) are much more sensitive to long term fluctuation, thus resulting in the extinction of the population in a larger number of runs. Regardless of the input model selected, it would appear that management plans and subsequent surveys must be considered as valid or, however, quite suitable, only when considering a very long time span of human control and activity. Translocations: Oral

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