Literaturdatenbank
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Marchand, M. N., & Litvaitis, J. A. (2004). Effects of landscape composition, habitat features, and nest distribution on predation rates of simulated turtle nests. Biological Conservation, 117(3), 243–251.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (25 Jun 2011 12:41:46 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2003.07.003 BibTeX citation key: Marchand2004a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Chrysemys, Chrysemys picta, Emydidae, Fortpflanzung = reproduction, Fressfeinde = predators, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: Litvaitis, Marchand Collection: Biological Conservation |
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| Abstract |
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We investigated predation of simulated turtle nests in an effort to understand how land-use patterns and the availability of nesting habitat may affect turtle recruitment in a region where human populations and associated development are increasing. Simulated nests were patterned after those created by painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), a common aquatic turtle in our study area, and distributed in four patterns (clustered and near pond, scattered and near pond, clustered and far from pond, and scattered and far from pond) around 36 ponds. Landscape composition (500–2000 m from pond perimeters) and habitats surrounding pond edges (an area extending 250 m from the shore of each pond) were then compared with rates of predation at each pond. Nest-site characteristics also were compared to the fate of individual nests. Landscape composition and habitats surrounding ponds apparently had little influence on predation rates. Nest distribution and the immediate habitat features associated with each nest did affect vulnerability to predation. Clumped nests were preyed upon at a higher rate than scattered nests, and nests close to ponds (within 50 m) were more vulnerable to predators than those created far (100–150 m) from a pond. Counter to our expectations, proximity to edge habitats (other than the shore of a pond) reduced the probability that a nest would be detected by predators. Also, nests placed near roads and suburban lawns had a reduced likelihood of predation whereas those placed in agricultural areas or disturbed sites had a greater probability of being preyed upon. Our results suggest that predation of simulated turtle nests may be a consequence of their distribution and location relative to the foraging activities of common nest predators, especially raccoons (Procyon lotor). Efforts to enhance recruitment among declining populations of turtles should consider the abundance and distribution of nesting habitat. Providing additional nesting sites away from predator foraging habitats may reduce nest predation and increase the recruitment of hatchlings into a population.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |