Spatial Behavior and Population Estimation of the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys Temminckii)

<p>The alligator snapping turtle (<em>Macrochelys </em><em>temminckii</em>) is the largest freshwater turtle species in North America. Populations have been subjected to over a century of commercial and recreational harvest, causing large scale population declines. Additionally, their aquatic habitat has been subjected to largescale anthropogenic degradation. Very few robust populations have been identified or investigated by researchers. Recent population surveys in Mississippi located two populations whose demography and abundance suggest that they either escaped commercial harvest or have environmental conditions that have led to rapid population growth since harvest ended. The goals of this study were to (1) investigate the linear range and habitat selection of these populations and (2) to estimate the size of these populations using novel methods for the species. I found that <em>M. temminckii </em>selected different habitats based on water level, indicating shifts in habitat importance throughout the season. The linear range of <em>M. temminckii </em>was significantly affected by site, sex, weight, and body condition of individuals, indicating that localized habitat quality and population demography may have strong influences on space use. I estimated the total number of <em>M. temminckii </em>using both spatially explicit capture recapture and a novel plot sampling model using time lapse photography. The results of this study give valuable insights into the habitat preferences of <em>M. temminckii </em>which may provide guidance to managers and policy makers in the region. This work will also give managers and researchers new tools to investigate <em>M. temminckii</em> population sizes which has the potential to broaden the scope of surveys beyond only habitats accessible by boat.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Delisle, Patrick

Contributors dc:contributor

• Carl Qualls
• Luke Pearson
• Kayla Stan

• Behavior and Ethology
• Other Animal Sciences
• Population Biology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1132

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-2237