Meeting Abstract

P1-151   -    Demographics and habitat use of box turtles (Terrapene carolina) within a reduced forest on Grand Isle, Louisiana Alterman, A*; Clay, T; Nicholls State University ; Nicholls State University aalterman@nicholls.edu

Box turtle population declines have been observed in many areas, primarily due to habitat loss from human development. Grand Isle, a barrier island within Louisiana has a severely reduced chenier forest due to extensive development. To better understand the status of Grand Isles box turtle population, and the health of the chenier forest, I conducted a systematic mark-recapture study on this population from June to October 2020 and March to August 2021. Population estimates of survival (Phi), recruitment (f), capture (p) and recapture (c) rates, as well as abundance were obtained using a robust model framework, each month representing a primary capture session, and each survey within the month representing a secondary capture session. Canopy and understory cover measurements were also recorded to assess habitat use. There were 84 total box turtle captures and 40 recaptures, resulting in 44 marked individual box turtles (17 Females, 16 Males, and 11 Juveniles). Survival and recruitment were estimated to be 0.99 and 5.12 x 10-8, respectively, with the high survival rate indicating a stable population. Average abundance was estimated to be 90 ± 17 turtles, a reasonable estimate given the small size of the forest. Capture rate estimates varied between secondary periods (0.017-0.055), with higher rates during morning hours, likely due to the lower temperatures. Recapture rates varied between secondary periods (0.041-0.095), decreasing with each survey. Differences in canopy and understory usage were observed in respect to life stage, sex, activity, and season. Results from this study have added to our collective knowledge on the status of box turtle populations within developed settings. Additionally, habitat data from this study will provide useful guidance for future conservation and restoration efforts for chenier forests within Louisiana.