About This Project

This project proposes the first study of its kind to track movement/migration patterns of freshwater turtles within the Florida springs, using the Florida Peninsula Cooter and Florida Red-belly Turtle at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The objective of my study is to determine migratory patterns and habitat use/requirements of the turtle populations. We will capture and tag 48 turtles in July, follow them for one year and publish and share the discovered migratory patterns.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The Florida Peninsula Cooter and the Florida Red-belly Turtle are seemingly common species found in Florida freshwater environments. However, little information is available about the habitat requirements and movement patterns of these turtle species. The Peninsula Cooter and the Florida Red-belly populations, among other turtle species, have been monitored at Wekiwa Springs State Park since 1999 by a group which began as an undergraduate research experience and is now the North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group, a part of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA). These population studies have spanned more than 18 years. Though the turtles have been monitored, the movement of these species has never been recorded quantitatively only observed qualitatively.

What is the significance of this project?

Turtles play an integral part in the ecosystem. However, life history traits of the turtle make it hard for turtles to rebound when faced with adversities such as habitat destruction/alterations, road mortality, decreased water quality or harvesting. With no information regarding the extent and range of movements for these species, there is no way to ensure protection for them as they migrate. This study will be the first of its kind to track the movements/migrations of these freshwater turtles for one year, thereby providing vital information to determine habitat requirements and specific critical habitats required to maintain these species. This information is crucial for managing wildlife areas and for those who set policy and regulations that affect both turtles and humans.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of this study are to determine breeding/nesting areas, discover extent of movements, and assess the migratory nature of our observations.

In July, we will hand capture turtles and bring them to a central area for processing and tracking device mounting. We record sex, size and more quantitative measurements. We will tag 48 turtles with radio transmitters in a sampling group including both species (12 males and 12 females/species) using approved attachment methods. We can track the turtle movements using a Yagi antenna attached to a receiver. We will track the turtles for 12 months.

In addition to radio transmission, 4-8 turtles will be outfitted with satellite tags. Location points will be determined by GPS and data loaded into ArcGIS for migration pattern analysis.