Spatial ecology and diet of Maryland endangered Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in an altered river system: Implications for conservation and management
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Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2012-04-19
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Department
Towson University. Department of Biological Sciences
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Citation of Original Publication
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Copyright protected, all rights reserved.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
There are no restrictions on access to this document. An internet release form signed by the author to display this document online is on file with Towson University Special Collections and Archives.
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Abstract
Riverine turtle species are declining worldwide and many populations have been extirpated due to anthropogenic impacts. Last officially recorded in Maryland in the early-1990's, the Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) is listed as state endangered and is currently only known from the lower Susquehanna River in northern Maryland with a few records from nearby waterways (Elk and Bush Rivers). The Susquehanna River is divided by a hydroelectric dam, is used for recreation, and has increasing shoreline development, all of which may negatively impact this population. Given the absence of basic ecological data of map turtles in Maryland, I used trapping and radio-telemetry techniques to examine home range, movement patterns, and diet of G. geographica. My data will assist biologists, managers, and others interested in conserving this species in Maryland as well as provide insights for riverine turtles facing similar threats.