Study

A test of substrate sweeping as a strategy to reduce raccoon predation of freshwater turtle nests, with insights from supplemental artificial nests

  • Published source details Geller G.A. (2015) A test of substrate sweeping as a strategy to reduce raccoon predation of freshwater turtle nests, with insights from supplemental artificial nests. Chelonian Conservation and Biology, 14, 64-72.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Protect nests and nesting sites from predation by camouflaging nests

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Protect nests and nesting sites from predation by camouflaging nests

    A replicated, controlled study in 2013–2014 at two riverbank sites in Wisconsin, USA (Geller 2015) found that sweeping the surface of Ouachita map turtle Graptemys ouachitensis nests or artificial nests with a broom did not reduce nest predation by racoons Procyon lotor. Turtle nest predation by racoons was the same for swept (16 of 16, 100% nests predated) and unswept (19 of 20, 95% nests predated) nests. Almost all artificial nests that were swept or unswept were also dug up by racoons (swept: 18 of 19, 95%; unswept: 20 of 20, 100%). Two nesting sites (112 m2 and 157 m2) were divided into four adjacent, alternating areas of swept (total of 16 natural and 19 artificial nests) and unswept (total of 20 natural and 20 artificial nests) nests (2 swept and 2 unswept areas/site). A three-headed broom was dragged across the surface substrate of swept areas daily from the beginning of the monitoring period until ≥7 days after the last observed nesting event during May–July 2013–2014. In addition, artificial nests were constructed by hand and made to resemble natural nests (20 nests) or swept nests (19 nests). Predation of nests by racoons was monitored with four trail cameras at each site.

    (Summarised by: William Morgan)

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