Abstract
Terrestrial movements of turtles are of interest due to the conservation implications for this imperiled group and the general lack of information on this topic, particularly in wide-ranging species. The snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, is one of the most broadly distributed chelonians in the world; they occur from southeastern Canada westward to Alberta and throughout the eastern half of the United States and into Central America. Most research on this species has been focused on populations in the northern portion of the range. In this study, we radio-tracked five turtles in southwestern Georgia, where published data on spatial ecology and movements are lacking. Turtles exhibited extensive overland movements which we suspect occurred in response to drought.
Recommended Citation
Steen, David A.; Sterrett, Sean C.; Heupel, Aubrey M.; and Smith, Lora L.
(2010)
"Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, Overland Movements Near the Southeastern Extent of its Range,"
Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 68, No. 2, Article 11.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol68/iss2/11