Graduate Student: Kirsten Hunt
My research focuses on the movements and home ranges of three freshwater turtle species in an urban Minnesota lake.
We are using radio-telemetry to track 25 painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), 25 common snapping turtles (Chelydra
serpentina), and 25 spiny softshell turtles (Apalone spinifera) for three years (2016-2018) at Medicine Lake in
Plymouth, Minnesota. Our objectives are to determine the home range size of each species and interspecific home
range overlap. Understanding the movements and home ranges of turtles will allow us to identify core habitat areas
where management strategies can be focused. This research will be important for future management of urban turtle
populations.
Funding provided by:
Three Rivers Park District, University of St. Thomas
Collaboration with:
Three Rivers Park District, University of St. Thomas
|
