[PDF] Overwinter Ecology Of Western Painted Turtles Chrysemys Picta Bellii In A Canadian Reservoir eBook

Author : Amy Diane Duncan
Publisher :
Page : pages
File Size : 33,37 MB
Release : 2016
Category :
ISBN :

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Overwintering is a critical life-history stage for species inhabiting temperate environments characterized by harsh, cold winters lasting up to half the year or longer. Ectotherms, such as herpetofauna, display behavioural adaptations in order to survive winters. During this period of their life history, those animals occupying fluctuating environments, such as reservoirs, may face additional challenges. I studied the overwinter ecology of a population of Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) in a hydroelectric reservoir in British Columbia, Canada. My study built upon a preliminary study on the general ecology and population demographics of this population. This preliminary study identified variation in overwintering tactics between two water bodies within the reservoir - congregated and dispersive hibernation. The specific goals of my research were to (1) document more closely the variation in overwintering tactics occurring across the different subpopulations, (2) determine if the turtles in the subpopulations were experiencing and/or selecting different conditions during hibernation, and (3) determine if changes in reservoir levels during winter elicited response(s) in the turtles, and if so, examine how this relationship contributed to the use of different tactics. I focused on two locations within the reservoir that supported the overwhelming majority of turtles, and also included a small, isolated pond not influenced by the reservoir. By using radio telemetry to track turtles over two winters, my research identified variation in the overwintering tactics used between water bodies and years, and determined that overwintering tactics did not vary with water depth, temperature or dissolved oxygen. Turtles in all locations buried in the reservoir substrate for winter. Turtles displayed longer movements in winter than those documented in similar studies; however, these movements could not be correlated to changes in water levels. Body condition was comparable between the reservoir and reference water bodies yet population density and turtle size were notably higher in the non-reservoir location. In conclusion, this population of turtles exhibited behavioural plasticity in their overwintering tactics, and did not appear to be impacted by water level fluctuations in winter.

Author : Kelsey Allison Marchand
Publisher :
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 31,59 MB
Release : 2017
Category :
ISBN :

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Understanding resource use is necessary to properly manage and conserve habitats for long-lived species, especially for populations residing urban settings. I studied habitat selection, space use, and isotopic resource use of an urban population of western painted turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) residing in Wascana Creek in Regina, Saskatchewan from May 2015 to April 2017. Using radio-telemetry to track movements, I determined habitat selection at multiple spatial (Johnson's second and third order habitat selection) and temporal scales (active season; encompassing emergence, nesting, and post-nesting) using compositional analysis. I found that turtles selected for shoreline habitat over urban/parkland and open water (second order). The characteristics of the selected shoreline (third order) varied between habitat areas; however, they did not substantially differ across the active season. Within creek habitat, turtles chose shoreline habitat randomly. Within marsh habitat, turtles selected for particular shoreline features, preferring treed shoreline across all three periods of the active season. Across the active season, both male and female turtles moved significantly more during emergence than during nesting and post-nesting periods and movements were larger in marsh habitat than creek habitat. Suitable overwintering locations were limited within the study area, and were warmer and deeper than those randomly available, likely ensuring that their overwintering locations did not freeze. There was no significant difference in the dissolved oxygen level between used and available overwintering sites. I measured stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen from nail samples to examine isotopic resource use within and among the populations in two habitats (marsh and creek). Isotopic niche size varied across the population as a result of variation in body size, sex, and location. Isotopic niches overlapped between 26-77%, with the least overlap between males and females. This indicates that although western painted turtles are generalist omnivores, there is indication of distinct isotopic resource use by subgroups. By comparing the isotopic values found in the turtles to those found in prey, I found that all turtles consumed low proportions of a wide variety of potential prey items, but there were differences among subgroups. Female and sub-adult turtles in the marsh consumed a higher proportion of crayfish and males consume a higher proportion of amphipods, whereas turtles in the creek consumed a higher proportion of chironomid larvae in comparison to the other available prey items. Turtles in this urban environment require aquatic systems with high productivity and diversity, vegetated shorelines to provide buffers from disturbance as well as provide suitable basking areas (i.e. banks with overhanging trees), and protected overwintering habitat that is at least 2 m deep. My findings indicate that turtles take advantage of a wide range of resources; however, there are particular requirements that are necessary to ensure their survival and long-term persistence in this environment.

Author : Adams Jeff Maurice
Publisher : Independently Published
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 46,36 MB
Release : 2024-07
Category : Juvenile Fiction
ISBN :

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Among turtle species kept as pets, Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) are among the most common. They are a desirable option for both inexperienced and seasoned reptile enthusiasts due to their striking colors, manageable size, and generally easy care requirements. This section offers a thorough introduction to these intriguing animals, including information on their appearance, behavior, native environment, and overall suitability as pets. Look Western Painted Turtles are distinguished by their eye-catching, vibrant coloration. Their upper shell, or carapace, is smooth and ranges in color from olive to black. The edges of the shell are striped with red and yellow. Their name comes from the elaborate dark lines on their plastron (bottom shell), which is usually red or yellow in color and resembles a painted design. Their head, neck, and legs are striped in red and yellow, and their skin ranges from olive to dark green. The carapace length of an adult Western Painted Turtle ranges from 4 to 10 inches, with females typically being bigger than males. Natural Distribution and Habitat Native to North America, Western Painted Turtles range in range from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They live in ponds, lakes, marshes, slow-moving rivers, and ditches, among other freshwater habitats. These turtles favor areas with lots of aquatic flora, places to sunbathe, and muddy, soft bottoms. Although they may survive in a variety of water conditions due to their remarkable degree of adaptability, they prefer clear, calm, or slowly moving water that receives lots of sunshine. Actions and Way of Life Due to their diurnal nature, Western Painted Turtles are active during the day. They spend a lot of time in the water and are proficient swimmers, but they also need regular access to areas where they may bask in the sun. Because it promotes metabolic processes and helps them maintain a healthy body temperature, basking is essential for their wellbeing. Although males may act territorially during the breeding season, these turtles are generally calm and can be kept in groups. Being omnivores, they consume a wide range of foods, such as algae, tiny fish, crabs, insects, and aquatic plants. It's interesting and intriguing to see how they forage.

Author : Andrew Hipp
Publisher : The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
Page : 28 pages
File Size : 34,75 MB
Release : 2004-12-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781404252073

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