Literaturdatenbank
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Peyton, M. M. , Size, structure and habitat of a population of ornate box turtles in fragmented grasslands in nebraska. Paper presented at Third Box Turtle Conservation Workshop.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:33:46 UTC) |
| Resource type: Proceedings Article BibTeX citation key: Peyton2007 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Terrapene, Terrapene ornata Creators: Peyton Collection: Third Box Turtle Conservation Workshop |
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| Abstract |
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The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (Central) purchased 1,821 ha along the Platte River in Nebraska to be enhanced as habitat for endangered species. The area, known as the Jeffrey Island Habitat Area, is fragmented grassland bordered by channels of the Platte River and riparian cottonwood/ash forest. Beginning in 2001 Central cleared 121 ha of the riparian forest in an attempt to develop a riparian grassland interspersed with temporary and permanent wetlands. The purpose of the work was to develop and enhance habitat for migrating birds, specifically the federally endangered whooping crane (Grus americana) and interior least tern (Sternula antillarum) and the threatened piping plover (Charadrius melodius). In addition other groups of animals, specifically small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians have been monitored to determine if they also utilized the developed areas. Of the reptiles and amphibians present in nearby native riparian grasslands all have been collected in the newly developed areas with the sole exception of the ornate box turtle (Terrapene o. ornata). In 2006 ornate box turtle surveys were initiated in the nearby grasslands to determine range of occupation in these grasslands, size of the population, age structure of the population, and to determine the various components of the habitat utilized by the turtles. To date the surveys and mark-and-recapture work have shown a much larger and multi-structured population than was first suspected. While work is on-going, at this time it appears the habitat of the turtles in the native grasslands of the Jeffrey Island Habitat Area is confined to the transitional area between the riparian forest and grasslands. Habitat components that appear to be the most likely indicators of box turtle presence are mulberry trees and the burrows of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ordi) and/or pocket gophers (Geomys bursarius). Work to be completed in 2008 is to utilize the data collected in the native grasslands during 2007 to evaluate the newly cleared area as potential habitat for ornate box turtles. Because of barriers to immigration, box turtles may never colonize the newly cleared area, even if suitable habitat is available. Therefore, the final task of this study will be to evaluate the feasibility of transplanting individual box turtles into the cleared area in order to establish a self-sustaining population.
Added by: Admin |