Physical and Health Assessment of a Population of Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Northeastern Florida

The purpose of this research was to study the potential negative effects that mesopredators have on their environment and to promote control of mesopredator populations. Overabundant predatory species such as the raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) can have significant pernicious effects on populations of autochthonous prey species, particularly when super predators such as the red wolf (Canis rufus) and Florida panther (Felis concolor coryii) are absent. These overabundant species, coined as mesopredators, are often responsible for extreme levels of predation on prey species and/or their young. The mesopredator release hypothesis involves the release or increased density of a generalist/opportunistic consumer species. This release hypothesis has two main predictions: first the absence of top predators lowers nest success of prey populations; the second there is a subsequent positive relationship between hyperabundant mesopredators and nest/prey predation. This phenomenon occurs because super predators such as the wolves and big cats have been driven to extinction or extirpation. To study the effects of mesopredators I used several approaches. Overabundant raccoons (29) were removed from a known diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin centrata) nesting beach to evaluate the reduction in terrapin nest predation. Next, I studied age structure, stomach content, and parasite load of the removed raccoons to determine several criteria. By determining the negative impacts such as over-predation of listed and ecologically important species and mesopredator potential to spread infectious diseases and parasites, I hope to promote population control of these animals. Analysis of sex ratios showed that adult males dominant (6/23). Gut content analysis showed that raccoons partook in over 11 different prey items including terrapin hatchlings. The parasite load included five nematode species, one acanthocephalan, and one cestode, and two protozoan parasites. Several parasites found pose a threat to human health and the control of such species is a concern. By studying mesopredator life history traits (population age, diet, and parasite population) we hope to understand the various negative effects it may place upon its environment. With this knowledge, further research and possible control methods may be proposed

The Turtle Head Immobilization System (THIS): A Tool for Faster and Safer Handling and Processing of Aggressive Turtle Species

The turtle head immobilization tool (THIS) is an efficient and cost effective tool to aid in the processing of large, aggressive turtles such as the Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). THIS aids in the reduction of aggressive behaviors by calming the animal during processing and minimizing injuries to the turtle and handlers. This simple tool also streamlines the processing itself, by allowing researchers to focus on measurements and markings, instead of having to maintain the constant vigilance often needed to work safely around these animals

The Turtle Head Immobilization System (THIS): A Tool for Faster and Safer Handling and Processing of Aggressive Turtle Species

The turtle head immobilization tool (THIS) is an efficient and cost effective tool to aid in the processing of large, aggressive turtles such as the Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). THIS aids in the reduction of aggressive behaviors by calming the animal during processing and minimizing injuries to the turtle and handlers. This simple tool also streamlines the processing itself, by allowing researchers to focus on measurements and markings, instead of having to maintain the constant vigilance often needed to work safely around these animals

The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG): An undergraduate research experience (URE) and citizen scientist project

Researchers today understand the importance of incorporating undergraduate research experiences (URE) and citizen-science methods into data collection and long-term research projects. The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) is an example of a project in which both methods are implemented. The NAFTRG conducts long-term studies on turtle populations in seven state park springs in Florida and the largest freshwater spring in Texas. Although the study began as an undergraduate biology class, it has expanded throughout the years into a study that many parks and researchers rely upon for important data on turtle populations and for information that helps manage the stability of ecosystems. Through the use of UREs, the research investigators are enabling undergraduates to gain valuable research experiences while maintaining a volunteer base that has a vested interest in the study itself. Students from Pennsylvania State University, University of North Florida, Peninsula College, Freed-Hardeman University, and Western Washington University have chosen to participate in the study. Many of these students have volunteered additional time and efforts during subsequent research trips. A project of this nature enables students to see the importance of ecosystem awareness. Through the use of citizen science, investigators can form a large volunteer base while incorporating sophisticated ecological methodologies and furthering coonservation efforts. Many participating citizen scientists have jobs unrelated to the sciences; they volunteer their time because they understand the importance of the group’s objectives and are willing to support them with their time and energy. Our current volunteer base receives further support from local zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and the public. Based on standardized values for volunteer work, citizen scientists and donations from governmental and non-governmental organizations have contributed approximately one million dollars to this project. Citizen science is helping to bridge the gap between the general public and the scientific community by allowing the two to work together in monitoring, managing, maintaining, and understanding the ecological issues around us. &nbsp

The Turtle Head Immobilization System (THIS): A Tool for Faster and Safer Handling and Processing of Aggressive Turtle Species

The turtle head immobilization tool (THIS) is an efficient and cost effective tool to aid in the processing of large, aggressive turtles such as the Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). THIS aids in the reduction of aggressive behaviors by calming the animal during processing and minimizing injuries to the turtle and handlers. This simple tool also streamlines the processing itself, by allowing researchers to focus on measurements and markings, instead of having to maintain the constant vigilance often needed to work safely around these animals

Decreased nest mortality for the Carolina diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin centrata) following removal of Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from a nesting beach in Northeastern Florida

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) can account for \u3e 90% of nest failures of the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) in some areas. Previous studies have demonstrated that predator removal can decrease predation of turtle nests, thus increasing nest survivorship. We removed Raccoons from an island beach used by Diamondback Terrapins for nesting in northeastern Florida. Prior to predator removal, Raccoons depredated 53.5% of monitored nests and 80% of all nests found in 1997 and 50.9% of monitored nests and 76.0% of all nests found in 2000 on this island beach. We removed 29 Raccoons between February and September 2005 and monitored Diamondback Terrapin nesting from 25 April to 31 October 2005. Nest predation by Raccoons dropped to 12.0% and the overall predation rate fell to 17.2%. We again monitored the nesting beach in 2006 without predator removal. Nest predation by Raccoons was once again very high, claiming 86.7% of monitored nests and over 70.0% of all the nests found. © 2012. Eric C. Munscher. All Rights Reserved

The First Turtle Survey Of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Reveals More Than Mermaids

During a survey of turtles in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida, USA, in March 2015, we captured, marked, and released 182 turtles representing 11 species, including Florida Softshell (Apalone ferox), Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Florida Chicken Turtle (Dierochelys reticularia), Striped Mud Turtle (Kinosternon baurii), Suwannee River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis), Florida Red-bellied Cooter (P. nelsoni), Peninsula Cooter (P. peninsularis), Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), Loggerhead Musk Turtle (S. minor), Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans), and Yellow-bellied Slider (T. s. scripta). Five of these (A. ferox, P. nelsoni, S. minor, T. s. elegans, T. s. scripta) are new county records. The most abundant species was S. odoratus with 101 individuals captured and a relative abundance of 55.49. Among the three Pseudemys species, the presence of P. c. suwanniensis is important, since this is a species of special concern in Florida. Weeki Wachee Springs had the highest species richness (11 species) and the second highest diversity (H’ = 1.34) of turtles among five Florida springs we surveyed