Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
|
 |
|
Gibbons, J. W., Lovich, J. E., Tucker, A. D., FitzSimmons, N. N., & Greene, J. L. (2001). Demographic and ecological factors affecting conservation and management of the diamondback terrapin (malaclemys terrapin) in south carolina. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 4(1), 66–74.
Added by: Admin (17 Aug 2008 17:23:48 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Gibbons2001 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Habitat = habitat, Malaclemys, Malaclemys terrapin, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: FitzSimmons, Gibbons, Greene, Lovich, Tucker Collection: Chelonian Conservation and Biology |
Views: 4/644
Views index: 11% Popularity index: 2.75% |
| Abstract |
|
We used mark-recapture data from 1274 original captures and 1131 recaptures during a 16-year population study of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in a South Carolina, USA, salt marsh to examine demography and ecological factors critical for management recommendations and conservation. Adult females were significantly larger but less numerous than adult males. Most of the terrapins captured in the tidal creeks were sexually mature, first- and second-year individuals being absent and third- and fourth-year individuals being scarce, suggesting the use of a different habitat by juveniles. Most individuals exhibited high site fidelity, remaining in the same creek from year to year, although similar creeks were nearby. The observation that individuals rarely moved between adjacent tidal creeks and remained in one small area as adults is of particular significance to management considerations for the species. Terrapin numbers in one creek were high during the 1980s and declined steadily after 1990, with only a single individual being present after 1993. The combination of high site fidelity and limited dispersal by terrapins from other creeks and the onset of recreational crab trapping and other human activities are presumed to have been responsible for the disappearance of the population. Without the implementation of strong measures to assure sustainability of terrapin populations throughout the range, continued population declines are likely.
Added by: Admin |