Amity Bass and John L. Carr

A telemetry study of Macrochelys temminckii hatchlings was conducted at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in northeastern Louisiana. Nineteen turtles were outfitted with transmitters and tracked during 2006. Ten turtles hatched in the fall of 2005 were released during the spring of 2006, and nine 2006 hatchlings were released during the fall of 2006. Transmitters had an expected battery life < 90 days because of the small size. Daily distance moved and angle moved were recorded. Habitat features at each location were noted. Turtles were relocated an average of 13.8 times, with a range between 5 and 46. The number of times relocated varied due to factors such as premature transmitter failure and possible predation events. Average total distance moved by each hatchling during the tracking period was 1.43 meters. Turtle locations were associated with both emergent and submergent vegetation, as well as fallen woody debris. Hatchlings frequented the base and roots of Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush), Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo), Planera aquatica (water elm), and Taxodium distichum (bald cypress).

Macrochelys Session: Oral (Student)

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