Michael J. Dreslik*, Andrew R. Kuhns, and Whitney J. Banning

Rapid development across northeastern Illinois has left a complex network of protected lands juxtaposed in an urban matrix. Regionally these protected lands often harbor the highest species diversity of fauna and flora and many species of conservation concern. As prominently observed animals within protected lands, turtles are also an integral component of freshwater ecosystems. Their longevity, coupled with low biomass productivity, results in the retention of nutrients for decades. Although their role within communities is integral, many factors relating to turtle assemblage structure and composition remain poorly understood. Therefore, we examined relative abundance and diversity of turtle assemblages in northeastern Illinois. Species diversity ranged from 0.30 to 1.26 (two to eight species), with Chrysemys picta comprising from 50% to 91% of the assemblages. Two of the most disturbance tolerant species, C. picta and Chelydra serpentina, accounted for 78% to 100% of each assemblage. Our results will be discussed in terms of habitat characteristics and emphasize the importance of maintaining diverse communities in this rapidly developing region.
General Session Poster

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