Study

Effect of raccoon (Procyon lotor) reduction on Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) nest success

  • Published source details Urbanek R.E., Glowacki G.A. & Nielsen C.K. (2016) Effect of raccoon (Procyon lotor) reduction on Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) nest success. Journal of North American Herpetology, 1, 39-44.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Remove or control predators using lethal controls: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Remove or control predators using lethal controls: Tortoises, terrapins, side-necked & softshell turtles

    A before-and-after study in 2013–2014 in mixed sandy grassland, woodland and marsh habitats along the Illinois-Wisconsin state borders, USA (Urbanek et al. 2016) found that removing raccoons Procyon lotor led to less Blanding’s turtle Emydoidea blandingii nest predation in the first year, but not in the second year, of predator management. Results were not statistically tested. In 2013, one of seven (14%) Blanding’s turtle nests were partially predated and no nests were completely predated. In 2014, nine of 15 (60%) of turtle nests were predated (one partially, eight completely predated). The authors reported that before predator management, 12 of 13 (92%) of turtle nests and 88% of monitored artificial nests were predated (see original paper for details). In April-May 2013 and 2014, a total of 78 raccoons (an estimated 83–89% of the total population) were trapped and euthanized in a designated nature reserve and adjacent areas (338–389 ha). In 2013–2014, twenty-two gravid female turtles were captured and monitored closely until egg laying using radio-telemetry. Nests were marked and monitored daily for evidence of excavation or predation. Turtle nests were not protected.

    (Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)

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