Decline of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas spiny softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Donald J. Brown; Amanda D. Schultz; James R. Dixon; Brian E. Dickerson; Michael R. J. Forstner

doi:10.2744/CCB-0928.1

Treesearch

Decline of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas spiny softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Donald J. Brown, Amanda D. Schultz, James R. Dixon, Brian E. Dickerson, Michael R. J. Forstner

Year:

2012

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2744/CCB-0928.1

Source:

Chelonian Conservation and Biology. 11(1): 138-143.

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Abstract

In 2009, we repeated a freshwater turtle survey first conducted in 1976 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas to determine whether the abundance of freshwater turtles in the LRGV has changed over the past three decades. We captured significantly fewer red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas spiny softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in 2 recently urbanized counties (Cameron and Hidalgo), and more red-eared sliders and Texas spiny softshells in a nonurbanized county (Willacy). Landuse changes, increased urbanization, and commercial turtle harvest are likely responsible for the decline of freshwater turtles in the LRGV.

Keywords

red-eared sliders, Trachemys scripta elegans, Texas spiny softshells, Apalone spinifera emoryi, Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV)

Citation

Brown, Donald J.; Schultz, Amanda D.; Dixon, James R.; Dickerson, Brian E.; Forstner, Michael R. J. 2012. Decline of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Texas spiny softshells (Apalone spinifera emoryi) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Chelonian Conservation and Biology. 11(1): 138-143.