Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Litzgus, J. D., & Mousseau, T. A. (2004). Home range and seasonal activity of southern spotted turtles (clemmys guttata): implications for management. Copeia, 2004(4), 804–817.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:37:18 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Litzgus2004 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Clemmys, Clemmys guttata, Emydidae, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: Litzgus, Mousseau Collection: Copeia |
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| Abstract |
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Information about animal movement patterns is critical to understanding their ecology, and such information is essential to the design of conservation plans for threatened species. Using radio telemetry, GPS, and ArcView GIS software, we examined seasonal activity, habitat use, movements, and home-range size of a southeastern population of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata), a declining species. Data collected over three years revealed an annually repeated pattern of seasonal activity. Habitat use differed annually, seasonally, and between the sexes. Home ranges overlapped, and there was an area of concentrated overlap in early spring, indicating an aggregation of turtles, likely for breeding. Individuals showed annual fidelity to home-range areas. Home-range size (calculated using three methods) for males was smaller (5 ha) than that of gravid females (16 ha). Movement data did not fully support the reproductive strategies hypothesis. As predicted, gravid females moved greater distances than males during the nesting season. In contrast to the hypothesis, males did not move their greatest distances in spring at which time mating mainly occurs. That males did not make the predicted movements in spring can be explained by the fact that turtles aggregated at this time of year; thus, males do not need to travel to find mates. The current study is important because it provides information on the role of natural (“hurricane-tip-ups”) and anthropogenic (powerline rights of way, clearcuts) disturbances in maintaining habitat heterogeneity and the early-successional vegetative communities preferred by Spotted Turtles. A set of management recommendations is presented.
Added by: Admin |