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Holcomb, K. L., Goode, E. V., Kiester, R. A., & Beck, D. , Discovery of an unusual population of colima wood turtles (rhinoclemmys rubida perixantha), with natural history notes - 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 Unpublished paper presented at Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles.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 18:22:52 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: Holcomb2012 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Geoemydidae, Habitat - habitat, Nordamerika - North America, Rhinoclemmys rubida, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises Creators: Beck, Goode, Holcomb, Kiester Collection: Program and Abstracts of the Tenth Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles |
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A first step towards conserving any species is its identification and subsequent life history description. Rhinoclemmys rubida is currently classified as a single species, with two subspecies, that inhabit lowland habitats from southern Jalisco to Oaxaca, Mexico. The continuity and extent of this range are not well documented. Here we present morphometric data that suggests a possible paradox in the classification of R. rubida. Additionally, we present diet data and seasonal activity patterns, which will inform future conservation and research efforts. R. rubida was collected opportunistically between April 15 – August 15, 2011 and March 15 – March 25, 2012 at the Estacion de Biologia Chamela (EBCH). Morphometric data and a fecal sample were collected from each individual. Observed marginal flare (MF) and humeral: gular ratios (H:G) data were compared to published data of both R. r. rubida and R. r. perixantha. Male R. rubida inhabiting EBCH had significantly shorter straight line carapace lengths relative to females (median= 9.5 and 12.6; range= 8.95 to 9.58 and 10.61 to 12.72, n=9, males and females, respectively). Furthermore, MF and H:G distributions agreed with published R. r. rubida, the southernmost subspecies, not with R. r. perixantha, the northern subspecies, its expected closest relative. Isopods and drupe seeds constituted a percentage-based majority of fecal material, though cactus tissue was found in 7 of 9 fecal samples. R. rubida was absent from April, May, and June surveys—the peak of an 8 month drought season. The first observation of this species was made 20 days after the onset of the wet-season (4 month monsoon season), and continued at a rate of 2.2 observations/ week. Two additional individuals were observed during March of 2012. The novel observation of sexual dimorphism as well as morphometric data that agrees with R. r. rubida suggests two hypotheses: 1) R. rubida exists as a single species with extensive phenotypic plasticity and NO subspecies; or 2) R. rubida has experienced a greater degree of divergence than previously observed. A close examination of the phylogenetic history and distribution of this genus must now be the focus of future research.
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