Literaturdatenbank
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Oliva, M. , Evaluation of the distribution, population abundance, and habitat characterization of the central american river turtles (dermatemys mawii) in sarstún river, guatemala - 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 Unpublished paper presented at Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.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 18:23:02 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: anon2012.14624 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Dermatemydidae, Dermatemys mawii, Ernährung - nutrition, Habitat - habitat, Mittelamerika - Central America, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises Creators: Oliva 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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The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) is fully aquatic and herbivorous. They range from southern Mexico to the northeast of Guatemala and Belize. Currently wild populations have greatly declined due to over exploitation, hunting, and habitat loss. The main objective of this study was to obtain data from the current population status, their distribution and the amount and quality of available habitat for this turtles, in Sarstún River. This was done by observations and the use of trammel nets to capture and mark individuals throughout the entire study area. It was found that the population is young (mainly juveniles) and comprised mostly of females. Habitat characterization was also made by observation on vegetation, a complete water analysis (that includes biological, chemical and physical aspects), and an underwater monitoring using diving techniques and a modification of the Reef Check methodology. The water analysis shows that Sarstún River is a mesotrophic environment, with an intermediate productivity (average level of nutrients), clear water, and beds of submerged aquatic plants. Water is cooler and more oxygenated on the top than on the bottom. Water conditions indicate that this turtles have high tolerance to oxygen deprivation and they prefer to stay at the warm bottom, but still are forced to come to the surface in search for food. It was found that water and habitat conditions are strongly correlated with the amount of captures in a site. A distribution map was generated showing the areas that require more protection. It was based on the density of turtles that inhabit them and because the area functions as potential refuge, nesting and feeding site. A feces analysis was also held, were plant material (leaves and fruit) was mostly found from the fig tree (Ficus sp.), ice cream bean tree (Inga vera), river grass (Paspalum sp.), and some algae. The feces analysis and notes on behavior patterns observed in turtles were part of the study on the natural history of this specie. The information generated in this study served to make recommendations to develop a future conservation strategy were both; turtles and local people are benefited.
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