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Article
Descriptive ecology of a turtle assemblage in an urban landscape
American Midland Naturalist
  • Conner C A
  • B A Douthitt
  • Travis J. Ryan, Butler University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2005
Disciplines
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1674/0003-0031(2005)153%5B0428:DEOATA%5D2.0.CO;2
Abstract

We studied turtle populations inhabiting a canal and a lake (both man-made) within a heavily disturbed, urban setting. Six aquatic and semi-aquatic turtle species were collected in both habitats: spiny softshell turtle (Apolone spinifera), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), common map turtle (Graptemys geographica), common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) and red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta). While G. geographica was the most common species in the canal habitat, T. scripta was most common in the lake habitat. We describe patterns of sexual size dimorphism and sex ratios for the three most abundant species (G. geographica, T. scripta and S. odoralus). We discuss our data in light of problems facing turtle assemblages in urban settings.

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This article was archived with permission from the University of Notre Dame. Document also available from American Midland Naturalist.

Citation Information
Conner, C. A.*, B. A. Douthitt*, and T. J. Ryan. 2005. Descriptive ecology of a turtle assemblage in an urban landscape. American Midland Naturalist 153:426-435.