Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Edwards, M. L., & Ritland, D. B. , Population structure and behavioral ecology of eastern box turtles (terrapene c.carolina) in a fragmented habitat in south carolina. Paper presented at Third Box Turtle Conservation Workshop.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:33:42 UTC) |
| Resource type: Proceedings Article BibTeX citation key: Edwards2007 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Terrapene, Terrapene carolina Creators: Edwards, Ritland Collection: Third Box Turtle Conservation Workshop |
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| Abstract |
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A population of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) inhabiting an 8 ha woodland "fragment" in the piedmont of South Carolina (N34.5o, W82 o, 260m elev.) was monitored for 9 yrs (1993-2001). An estimated 110 turtles utilize the site (density=14 turtles/ha), consisting of 57% adults (~250 g), 14% subadults (131-249 g), and 29% juveniles (~130 g). Adult sex ratio is unbiased, and adult males and females show similar recapture rates, about 3 times that of juveniles. Unlike some T. carolina populations, our adult turtles exhibit no sexual size dimorphism in carapace length, carapace width, or mass. Most turtles at this site are active from late Mar until mid-Nov, spending the winter in underground hibernacula (sometimes exhibiting high site fidelity). Foraging areas are often quite distant from hibernacula and nesting sites; dietary items range from fruits and fungi to fossorial invertebrates and carrion. Nesting occurs during June and July, with clutch size averaging 3.7 eggs. Known mortality factors include drowning, predators, and pathogens. This study contributes to the knowledge of a widespread and once-"common" species, with the goal of developing management practices that more accurately reflect regionally variable needs of declining populations.
Added by: Admin |