Assessing the abundance of freshwater turtles in an Australian urban landscape |
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Authors: | Raymonde De Lathouder Darryl N Jones Stephen R Balcombe |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for Innovative Conservation Strategies and Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, 4111, Australia |
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Abstract: | Although interest in the ecological impacts of urbanisation has increased, very little is known about its impacts on freshwater
turtles in Australia. This study investigated the abundance and diversity of turtles in lakes in an urbanised subtropical
landscape, Brisbane, Australia. It was found that turtles were abundant throughout the lakes surveyed, with four native species
and one introduced species being detected. A total of 371 individuals were captured, 77.7% of which were Brisbane River turtle
(Emydura macquarii signata). The lakes surveyed were estimated to support a population of 63–269 individuals for all species combined with most lake
populations containing less than 100. Turtle demographics may be classed into three stages of population growth: recovery
or nascent; intermediate; and climax. Turtle reproductive success is a major concern for the survival of turtles in urban
areas. Continued monitoring is needed to establish if population declines are occurring. This study suggests that while turtles
are persisting in this urban environment of Australia the pressures of urbanisation, such as habitat loss, increased predation
on both nests and juveniles and pollution of waterways may pose on-going risks to their survival. |
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Keywords: | Freshwater turtles Urban landscape Urban lakes Abundances |
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