Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
|
 |
|
Meylan, P. A., & Moler, P. E. (2006). Apalone ferox – florida softshell turtle. In P. A. Meylan (Ed.), Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles Vol. 3, (pp. 160–168).
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (30 Jun 2012 22:01:36 UTC) |
| Resource type: Book Article BibTeX citation key: Meylan2006f View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Apalone, Apalone ferox, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Systematik = taxonomy, Trionychidae Creators: Meylan, Moler Collection: Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles |
Views: 2/852
Views index: 15% Popularity index: 3.75% |
| Abstract |
|
Trionychidae The Florida softshell turtle, Apalone ferox, is a large and often highly visible resident of many freshwater ecosystems in Florida. Softshells constitute a distinctive family of turtles that are easily recognized by their flat leathery shell and distinctive tubular snout. The Florida softshell is easily distinguished from the other two softshells found in Florida by its dull coloration as an adult and relatively dark coloration as a juvenile. The Florida softshell is the most heavily harvested turtle in Florida. Large numbers are taken in the central and southern peninsula every year to supply domestic and international food trade. In spite of this high level of use, the species remains remarkably abundant throughout much of its range, and it appears to flourish in highly modified habitats. It can be one of the most common turtles in the canal systems of south Florida and remains abundant in urbanized areas. Many tons of softshell turtle are removed from freshwater ecosystems in Florida on an annual basis. However, its population densities and ecological role are not well understood. Management for this species should consider both maintenance of the ecological role of this turtle as a large predatory species and the health of the fishery that depends on adequate populations for harvest. The level and impact of commercial use of this species are completely unmonitored at this time. An effort must be made to monitor the level of use of this important renewable resource.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |