Literaturdatenbank
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Mifsud, D. , Assessing raccoon predation on turtle nests - abstract. Unpublished paper presented at Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.
Added by: Admin (06 Jan 2014 18:23:00 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: anon2012.14602 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Apalone spinifera, Chelydra serpentina, Chelydridae, Chrysemys picta, Emydidae, Fortpflanzung - reproduction, Fressfeinde - predators, Graptemys geographica, Habitat - habitat, Nordamerika - North America, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Trionychidae Creators: Mifsud Collection: Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles |
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| Abstract |
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Herpetological Resource and Management, LLC, conducted an intensive turtle nesting survey within Kensington Metropark, in conjunction with a raccoon culling effort conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services. The objective was to examine whether raccoon control could effectively reduce the substantial turtle nest destruction observed in previous turtle surveys along Kent Lake. In 2011, four turtle species were observed nesting: Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina serpentina), Eastern Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera spinifera), Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), and Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica). In total, 64 nests were located within the two study areas. All nests were predated within 3 days of construction, most within a few hours of completion. Egg predation appears to remain at or near 100% and no hatchling turtles were observed. Ninety-five raccoons were trapped and removed over the course of 24 days. The density of the raccoon population within the study areas appears to be very high. Previous work conducted by USDA – Wildlife Service supports this claim: in 2006, a mark-recapture study on raccoons at Kensington Metropark showed a density of at least 52 individuals per km2. If raccoon populations remain at such high levels, it is inevitable that turtle recruitment will be significantly reduced if not precluded by predation. Since they are long-lived, adult turtles may persist while their populations diminish over time if their offspring are unable to survive. This issue is not specific to Kensington Metropark, it is a problem wherever raccoon populations are unnaturally dense. This presentation will focus on the results of the 2011 and 2012 field season and provide discussion and recommendations to address low turtle nest success in urban areas.
Added by: Admin |