Anne Readel*, Christopher Phillips, and Rebecca Holberton

Habitat degradation is one of the primary causes for reptile declines. In the United States, over 53% of original wetlands have been destroyed due to human encroachment. Terrestrial areas adjacent to aquatic habitats are critical for many reptiles to complete their life cycles, yet these habitats are often not protected. In turtles, terrestrial habitat degradation has been shown to lead to abnormal population structures, reduced population size, and lower genetic variability, however, the effects on turtle health remain largely unstudied. The goal of this project is to examine the effects of habitat degradation on turtle glucocorticoid levels, and ecto- and hemo-parasite loads. During the summer of 2005, we trapped 433 turtles from 44 ponds with varying levels of terrestrial habitat degradation in Illinois. Baseline and stress-induced levels of corticosterone were measured from 200 slider turtles (Trachemys scripta). Additionally, we examined leech and hemoparasite prevalence and intensity on spiny softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera), snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), stinkpot turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), and slider turtles (T. scripta). The overall prediction is that habitat degradation will be associated with reductions in turtle health.
Graduate Research Oral, Student

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