23rd Annual Symposium Program

JULY 20–25, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE, USA

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Welcome to the 23rd Annual

Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles!

We’re thrilled to have you with us for a week of cutting-edge science, meaningful collaboration, and inclusive community in scenic Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Whether you’re here for the first time or returning, we’re confident this year’s gathering will be one to remember.

New this year are several exciting additions to enhance your experience: the Whova App to help you navigate the schedule and connect with others; a new platform for our popular Silent Auction; and a Mentor Breakfast, designed to foster connections between students and seasoned professionals.

2025 Symposium Highlights We’re also proud to host a book signing event featuring a diverse group of authors shaping the field of turtle conservation. Anthony Pierlioni will sign copies of his newest titles, Turtle Preservation: The Ultimate Guide to Turtle Husbandry (co-authored with Russ Gurley) and The Great American Turtle Chase, both released in 2024.

Other featured authors include Whit Gibbons and Jeffrey Lovich for the updated Turtles of the World; Whit Gibbons, Tracey Tuberville, and Kurt Buhlmann for Turtles of the Southeast; Whit and Parker Gibbons for Aquatic and Terrestrial Vertebrates of the Black River Cypress Reserve; and budding young conservationist Eli Mackey for Turtle Tales.

A true highlight of this year’s program is our keynote address, Working with Animals, delivered by Bradley Trevor Greive, a New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized wildlife advocate from Tasmania. His keynote promises a thought-provoking and entertaining take on the personal and professional challenges conservationists face today. Fittingly, this year’s global theme continues with our featured session, Down Under, which spotlights turtle research and conservation efforts across Australia, linking directly to Greive’s roots and reinforcing the international scope of our work.

2025 Symposium Program

This year’s theme, Resilience: Protecting Turtles in a Changing World, speaks to both the endurance of turtles in the face of mounting environmental threats and the determination of the people working to safeguard their future.

As threats such as habitat destruction, climate change, illegal trade, and emerging diseases continue to reshape the landscapes turtles inhabit, resilience becomes not just a trait of the species we study, but a quality that defines our conservation community as well.

During our Annual Awards Banquet, we’ll celebrate Arthur Georges, recipient of the 2025 Behler Turtle Conservation Award, for his pioneering work through the University of Canberra and across Australasia. We’ll also honor our 2025 Pritchard Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, including John Carr, Dave Collins, and Ross Kiester from the United States, and Tint Lwin from Myanmar, for their enduring contributions to turtle biology and conservation.

Don’t miss our special screening of The Last Spotted Turtles of New England, followed by a Q&A session with its acclaimed filmmaker Ari Taub. For hands-on learning, join our series of four back-to-back workshops led by Dave Collins, Scott Trageser, Nathan Haislip, and the Human Nature Group. And for those interested in field veterinary techniques, Zoe Mack and Bonnie Raphael will lead a wet lab on field necropsies and sample handling.

When it’s time to unwind, take a scenic walk through the Tennessee Aquarium’s River Journey or enjoy a Friday afternoon visit to the Chattanooga Zoo. And don’t forget to connect with colleagues old and new at the Icebreaker Social.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our presenting sponsor, the Tennessee Aquarium, as well as all of our sponsors and contributors. We’re also grateful to our host venues, the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown and the Chattanooga Convention Center, for helping make this gathering possible.

Here’s to a week of learning, connection, and conservation impact!

Program Table of Contents From the Hosts: Welcome to the 23rd Annual Symposium! ………………………………………………………………. 2 From the Program Committee: Welcome to Chattanooga! ………………………………………………………………... 3 Behler and Pritchard Turtle Conservation Awards 2025 …………………………………………………………………... 4 Annual Symposium Code of Conduct ……………………………………………………………………………………... 5

Symposium Notes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Symposium Navigation …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Schedule At-a-Glance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 12 Detailed Session Schedule ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14 Workshop & Film Abstracts ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18 Program Abstracts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20 Contents of this Program should be cited as:

Author. 2025. Title. In J. Gray and C. Rinn (Eds.). Program and Abstracts of the Twenty-third Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Turtle Survival Alliance, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA. pp. xx–xx.

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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From the Hosts: Welcome to the 23rd Annual Symposium!

2025 Symposium Program

Dear Symposium Participants, Welcome to the 23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles! We are delighted to have you join us for this dynamic gathering of conservation enthusiasts.

This symposium presents a unique opportunity for us to come together, share our research findings, exchange ideas, and build connections with experts and newcomers from across the globe. By integrating diverse perspectives and expertise, we aspire to inspire innovative approaches and collaborative efforts to address the critical challenges faced by turtles and tortoises. We encourage you to take full advantage of networking opportunities and engage in discussions with fellow participants.

Our Program Committee has curated an exceptional lineup of speakers, blending experienced authorities with promising young scholars to offer both established knowledge and fresh perspectives on research and conservation strategies. A highlight is the keynote address, Working with Animals, by New York Times bestselling author and wildlife advocate Bradley Trevor Greive. His presentation will explore the complex challenges conservationists face, including the personalities that shape, and at times test, our field.

Unexpected, but most welcome, this year’s symposium will have quite the “Aussie” influence, with ten oral presentations focusing on research and conservation efforts for Australia’s turtles. Among them is Conservation Ecology and Research Priorities for Australian Freshwater Turtles, co-presented by renowned Australian turtle biologists Deborah Bower and Arthur Georges. Furthermore, we are excited to host a book-signing event featuring an incredible lineup of authors, including renowned turtle conservationists Anthony Pierloni, Whit Gibbons, Jeffrey Lovich, Tracey Tuberville, and Kurt Buhlmann, alongside rising young advocates Parker Gibbons and Elijah Mackey. We’re confident you’ll want to seize this opportunity to add autographed copies of their books to your collection.

In addition to this year’s exciting lineup, the symposium features the newly released Turtles in Trouble: The World’s Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. Published by the Turtle Conservation Coalition, this global report, last released in 2018, spotlights species facing critical threats to their survival and serves as a powerful 2025 call to action for their conservation.

The Turtle Survival Alliance and IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all. Through efforts like our Travel Grants program, we aim to elevate diverse voices, especially those of women, students, and individuals from developing countries and underserved communities. We hope you enjoy the rich perspectives shared at this year’s Symposium.

As co-hosts, our goal is to ensure a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all attendees. If you have questions or need assistance, our team will be available throughout the symposium to support you. This event would not be possible without the dedication of the Turtle Survival Alliance contributors. We extend our sincere thanks to President and CEO Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux; Program Committee members Chelsea Rinn and Jordan Gray; the Turtle Survival Alliance staff; and Jennifer Gibbons and Lauren Groth for their invaluable logistical support.

Sincerely, Patricia Koval, Chair of the Board, Turtle Survival Alliance Craig Stanford, Chair, IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group

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From the Program Committee: Welcome to Chattanooga!

2025 Symposium Program

Dear Esteemed Guests and Colleagues, It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we extend a warm welcome to every one of you.

For the first time in the history of the Annual Symposium on the Biology and Conservation of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles, we gather in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the first city in North America to be designated a National Park City. Nestled along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians, Chattanooga is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and revitalized downtown. With scenic views from Lookout and Signal mountains, a rich history, and a thriving arts and tech scene, Chattanooga blends Southern charm with a progressive spirit.

For herpetologists, the Southern Appalachians are something of a mecca, especially for those hoping to glimpse its astonishing salamander diversity. Affectionately known as “the salamander capital of the world,” this region boasts the greatest species richness found anywhere on Earth. Tennessee itself is home to more than 60 species of salamanders across seven families, more than any other state in North America. If you're hoping to experience this incredible richness firsthand, numerous hiking trails lie just a stone’s throw from downtown Chattanooga. And as always, please follow all state and federal regulations when viewing native wildlife.

For more than two decades, the Symposium has stood as a testament to the enduring commitment and collective efforts of those who recognize the significance of protecting all chelonian species and their native environments. It provides a vital opportunity for dedicated conservationists to gather, share insights, and rejuvenate their spirits. This year’s theme, “Resilience: Protecting Turtles in a Changing World,” underscores our shared determination to confront the mounting challenges facing turtles and their habitats. In this collaborative environment, we hope you will find renewed energy and motivation, reaffirming your commitment to protecting our planet’s chelonian diversity and their habitats.

This year, we’re proud to present 127 unique presentations representing 15 countries from around the world. Alongside featured plenary presentations, topics include ecology, Kinosternids, status assessments, turtles of the southeastern United States, captive husbandry and breeding, detection techniques and technologies, the AZA SAFE: Radiated Tortoise program, and many others. Furthermore, this gathering offers an exceptional venue for skill-building and learning new techniques and advancements in our field. To foster this knowledge exchange, we are thrilled to offer four consecutive workshops on topics ranging from the care of confiscated turtles to wildlife photography to using social science to improve collaborations, as well as a wet lab on field necropsies and sample collection and handling.

As in the previous 22 years, we are eager to continue offering the Annual Symposium experience to our global community.

However, this unique gathering would not be possible without the support of many individuals and organizations. Please join us in thanking our sponsors and vendors, listed in alphabetical order: Adventure Time Eli, Kristin Berry, Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga Marriott Downtown, Chattanooga Zoo, Chelonian Research Foundation, Cold Blooded Caffeine Co., Holohil, John Iverson, Little Ray's Exhibitions, Michael Krick Books, Robert Krause, Anders Rhodin, Patricia & Stuart Salenger Foundation, Sonotronics, SWCA Environmental Consultants, Tennessee Aquarium, Turtle Conservancy, Visit Chattanooga, and our anonymous donors.

Together, let us embark on a transformative experience as we work towards a future of zero turtle extinctions.

Sincerely,

Jordan Gray​ Co-chair​ External Relations Manager​ Turtle Survival Alliance​ ​

Chelsea Rinn Co-chair​ Manager of Events and Partnerships​ Turtle Survival Alliance

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Behler and Pritchard Turtle Conservation Awards 2025

2025 Symposium Program

This year, the 20th annual Behler Turtle Conservation Award celebrates and honors Arthur Georges. Arthur is an Australian ecologist and herpetologist with the University of Canberra. Raised in Queensland, he studied mathematics at the University of Queensland until lured north by physicist Harry Messel as a volunteer on the crocodile research program in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. There, he discovered the delights of field herpetology. Under the influence of Graeme Webb, he changed fields in his honors year to study head-body temperature differences in skinks.

A Ph.D. on the turtles of Fraser Island cemented the transition, and there was no looking back. His research interests now lie in the evolution, ecology, and systematics of Australian reptiles and, in particular, freshwater turtles. A fundamental interest in these fascinating animals takes him into the field and the laboratory to learn more of their biology and to apply what he has learned in solving contemporary challenges for their conservation. His work has taken him to remote places, including Arnhem Land and the wilds of Papua New Guinea.

He has published over 200 papers and has served as Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of Canberra and as President of the Australasian Wildlife Management Society and the Australian Society of Herpetologists. For many years, he provided advice on threatened species and ecosystems to the Australian government as Chair of the ACT Scientific Committee. He is a founding Board Member of the Piku Biodiversity Network, which coordinates conservation work in Papua New Guinea, focused especially on freshwater turtles.

Arthur is also a member of the Advisory Review Board for the Turtle Taxonomy Fund, a member of the Turtle Taxonomy Working Group, and a co-author of recent editions of the Turtles of the World Checklist and Atlas. He was recently elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. He is a well-respected member of our global chelonian conservation and biology community, highly deserving of the Behler Turtle Conservation Award, and we are proud to honor him with this major recognition.

We also honor four Pritchard Turtle Conservation Lifetime Achievement Awardees this year, all for their outstanding long-term contributions to turtle conservation and biology: John Carr, for his long-term work on Latin American wood turtles and Alligator Snapping Turtles and for his dedication to teaching and mentoring many students; Tint Lwin, for his dedicated and long-time veterinary work with tortoises and turtles in Myanmar, including through the Turtle Survival Alliance’s collaborative rescue, assurance, and captive breeding programs; Dave Collins, for his long-term focus on turtle conservation and advocacy in the zoo community, and his work at the Tennessee Aquarium and Turtle Survival Alliance; and Ross Kiester, for his lifetime of turtle studies, student mentorship, and efforts to advance the conservation mission of the Turtle Conservancy. We thank all of you for your lifetimes of dedication, perseverance, and achievements in making a major difference for turtles.

We also remember and honor Anton (Tony) Tucker of the USA and Australia, who passed recently, with a Posthumous Turtle Conservation Appreciation Award for his long-term work on Diamondback Terrapins and on chelid turtles in Australia with his longtime partner, Nancy FitzSimmons.

The IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group and Turtle Survival Alliance are joined by the Turtle Conservancy and the Turtle Conservation Fund as co-presenters of the Behler and Pritchard awards, bringing together four turtle conservation organizations closely tied to both John Behler’s and Peter Pritchard’s legacies. Additional support for the Behler Award and its honorarium is also gratefully received from the following generous co-sponsors: Re:wild, Andrew Sabin Family Foundation, Chelonian Research Foundation, Congdon-Dickson Turtle Ecology Fund, George Meyer, Brett Stearns, Judith Behler Howells, Deb Behler, Whit Gibbons, and Patricia and Alan Koval.

Congratulations, Arthur, John, Tint, Dave, and Ross—and thank you all for your major efforts on behalf of turtles and their conservation. Your recognition as Behler and Pritchard honorees is highly deserved!

Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs, Behler/Pritchard Turtle Conservation Award Committee, Anders G.J. Rhodin, Rick Hudson, Vivian Páez, Peter Paul van Dijk, and Andrew Walde

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Code of Conduct

2025 Symposium Program

INTRODUCTION The Turtle Survival Alliance and the IUCN SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group (TFTSG) are committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all volunteers and Symposium participants at both in-person meetings and on virtual platforms. Individuals attending the Symposium and associated events have a right to an environment free from discrimination, bullying, inappropriate behavior, and harassment. These behaviors will not be tolerated at Symposium activities, including field trips associated with the Symposium (whether onsite or at a different venue), social events and those held at public or private facilities (including banquets). Each participant, including any speaker, poster presenter, exhibitor, or volunteer, any guest of a participant, any service provider and any Turtle Survival Alliance director, officer, employee, contractor or intern, and any TFTSG member will receive and must agree to abide by the terms of this Symposium Code of Conduct (Symposium Code) when registering for the Symposium. Participants may also be required to abide by any other policies or rules in furtherance of the Symposium Code announced at the Symposium.

Turtle Survival Alliance, the TFTSG, and the Symposium venue host reserve the right to change or alter the Symposium program or to remove a speaker, poster presenter, vendor and/or sponsor at any time. Anyone who has violated this Symposium Code in the past or who is violating this Symposium Code may be denied, or removed immediately from a speaking or presentation opportunity and may be subject to other sanctions set out in this Code.

This Symposium Code defines expected and unacceptable behavior at the Symposium and Symposium-associated events, both in-person and virtual, and the procedures for reporting and addressing unacceptable behavior (i.e., violations of the Symposium Code), including potential outcomes and consequences of unacceptable conduct. A violation of this Code may also constitute a violation of Turtle Survival Alliance’s Code of Ethics.

EXPECTED CONDUCT: Examples of expected and acceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Conduct yourself at the Symposium as you would at your place of work including, but not limited to, all Symposium-sponsored or affiliated presentations, workshops, socials, banquets, fundraising activities, and field trips.

Treat everyone with respect and consideration, and value a diversity of views, opinions, and cultural practices.

Communicate thoughtfully with others and be considerate of the multitude of views and opinions that are different than your own, in all situations including but not limited to: while presenting, in one-on-one conversations, at exhibitor tables, and within group discussions.

Assume good intentions of all participants.

Critique ideas rather than individuals and avoid personal attacks directed towards others.

Be mindful of your surroundings and sensitive to the experience of fellow participants.

Welcome new participants and value the diversity they bring to the Symposium.

Ask before initiating physical contact.

Engage in friendly, consensual interactions among individuals and avoid potentially non-consensual physical contact with others.

At Symposium events where alcoholic beverages are served, drink responsibly while also upholding the standards described in this Code.

Report any situation that violates this Symposium Code or someone in distress in the manner described below.

Comply with all applicable laws, including wildlife protection laws.

Respect the rules, policies, and property of the Symposium venue, hotels, or contracted facility.

Look out for the safety and comfort of your friends and colleagues.

Be proactive in addressing potential conflicts by addressing them in a timely and respectful manner.

UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT The Turtle Survival Alliance and TFTSG have zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, objectification, bullying or harassment, including without limitation sexual, sexual identity, and racial/ethnic harassment. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so participants in the Symposium and events must use discretion to ensure that their words and actions communicate respect for others. This is especially important for those in positions of

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Code of Conduct

2025 Symposium Program

seniority, as those in more junior or subordinate positions may be reluctant to express their objections or discomfort regarding unwelcome behavior due to a real or perceived imbalance of power.

Participation in, or facilitation or promotion of, harassment, intimidation, or discriminatory behaviors at the Symposium in person, on virtual platforms or social media associated with the Symposium, or during other associated activities organized

by Turtle Survival Alliance or TFTSG will not be tolerated. The Turtle Survival Alliance and TFTSG reserve the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including the immediate removal or blocking of individuals from virtual or social media platforms and the deletion of comments from the same, if comments or behavior are deemed to be unacceptable.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Physical, emotional, verbal abuse or threats against any attendee, speaker, volunteer, exhibitor, Turtle Survival Alliance director, officer or employee, TFTSG member, service provider or other Symposium or event guest.

Disruption of talks at the Symposium or other associated events/activities organized by Turtle Survival Alliance or TFTSG. For exhibitors and individuals: placement or removal of materials on exhibitors’ tables other than your own without permission.

Photographing/copying/sharing of presentation slides if the presenter includes a statement or image indicating confidentiality or copyright protection.

Publicly sharing the location or contact information of any other participant beyond information shared in the Symposium materials.

Public sharing of sensitive locality data which might create risk to those sites from illegal harvesting.

Making discriminatory comments.

Reporting an incident in bad faith.

HARASSMENT Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel uncomfortable. Harassment of any type, including sexual, sexual identity or racial/ethnic harassment, may also violate applicable US laws. Examples of behavior constituting sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: Non-verbal Conduct ● Unwelcome physical contact or inappropriate touching ● Physical violence, including sexual assault ● The use of threats or rewards to solicit sexual favors ● Display of sexually explicit or suggestive material or images ● Sending sexually explicit messages or images electronically or by phone ● Sexually suggestive gestures ● Whistling or “cat calling” Verbal Conduct ● Comments, jokes or insults based on appearance, age, private life, etc. ● Sexual comments, stories, or jokes ● Unwelcome sexual advances ● Repeated and unwanted invitations for dates or physical intimacy ● Condescending or sexist remarks REPORTING UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT Anyone reporting a violation or suspected violation of the Symposium Code must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code.

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Code of Conduct

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If you believe that you or anyone else is, or is about to be, a victim of conduct which is criminal in nature, please contact local law enforcement by calling 911 and immediately notify facility security. When time permits, please share your experience per the reporting procedure set forth below.

If you believe that you or anyone else is the subject of conduct of any sort that may violate this Symposium Code, whether or not it is conduct that may result, or did result, in notification of law enforcement or facility security, please report this by contacting the following individuals in person at the Symposium or via email or phone: Name: Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux, President and CEO of the Turtle Survival Alliance Email: marc@turtlesurvival.org​ ​ Mobile phone: 647-221-1929 Name: Heather Lambert, Senior Operations Director of the Turtle Survival Alliance Email: hlambert@turtlesurvival.org​​ Mobile phone: 863-317-5541 Name: Becca Cozad, TSA Board Member Email: racozad@gmail.com​

Mobile phone : 281-331-5551

Name : Craig Stanford, Chair, TFTSG Email: stanford@usc.edu​ ​

Mobile phone: 626-497-0699

If your complaint is made against anyone who is a director, officer or employee of Turtle Survival Alliance, you may file a report under Turtle Survival Alliance’s Whistleblower Policy, which is available on its website. The Turtle Survival Alliance representative who receives the report of the complaint or concern has the responsibility to ensure that it is investigated. The reporter may choose to remain anonymous.

Violations of the Symposium Code should be reported to one of the above-named persons as soon as possible after the violation has occurred. If the report is verbal, the representative contacted may later request a written report. The report should include all the pertinent documentation needed for Turtle Survival Alliance, on behalf of itself and TFTSG, to investigate the violation (including but not limited to date, time, misconduct observed, name of the person accused, and names of others who may have witnessed the misconduct, and any visual or audio evidence of the violation). Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation or to the extent allowed by law. All complaints will be treated seriously and responded to as promptly as possible. Actions to be taken will be discussed beforehand with the victim of the violation, wherever possible.

Complaints will be handled with respect for the privacy of the victim and the alleged violator and will be confidential to the extent practical, given the circumstances.

If a complainant believes that the violation is of a criminal nature, Turtle Survival Alliance will assist the victim, if requested, in notifying legal authorities. If the victim does not believe that the complaint is of a criminal nature, the Turtle Survival Alliance representative(s) receiving the complaint will contact and listen to the victim and discuss next steps.

Turtle Survival Alliance, on behalf of itself and TFTSG, will employ a “Two Strikes” policy for most Symposium Code violations depending on the severity of the offense. Individuals will receive a verbal and/or written warning as described below for a first violation. Following the second violation, more severe consequences may be levied. An exception to this Two Strikes policy will be made when an egregious violation occurs (including, but not limited to, one that requires intervention by venue security or law enforcement). In such instances Turtle Survival Alliance, on behalf of itself and TFTSG, may proceed directly to Removal, Rescission, or Barring Participation.

Two Strike Policy: Strike 1: Warning Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately; this strike will be considered a first “strike” warning.

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Code of Conduct

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A person who has engaged in unacceptable behavior may be warned of an alleged or actual Symposium Code violation at any time during the Symposium, or afterwards based on the timing of reporting and opportunity for an appropriate investigation.

Strike 2: Removal, Rescission, or Barring Participation Upon egregious violation, or following a second incident of unacceptable behavior which constitutes a violation (i.e., the second “strike”), authorized officers or employees of Turtle Survival Alliance or venue security may take any action which, in their discretion, is deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal of the violator from the Symposium without warning or refund of any amounts paid to attend the Symposium or associated field trips or events. Turtle Survival Alliance reserves the right to: ●

Prohibit attendance by the violator at any future Symposium or any other Turtle Survival Alliance-organized or hosted event, as well as at, or in, any Turtle Survival Alliance working group or other Turtle Survival Alliance-related activity.

●

Deny consideration of the violator for any award, endorsement, leadership role, or project assignment associated with Turtle Survival Alliance.

PERSONAL SAFETY Turtle Survival Alliance works with venue staff to make sure that meeting participants are safe. If you believe that you or anyone else is in immediate danger at any time, please contact local law enforcement by calling 911 and immediately notify facility security.

All participants should report any questionable activity to a Turtle Survival Alliance director, officer or employee, or to venue security, for immediate action. If you see something, say something. As a participant: ● ● ● ● ●

Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Regardless of where you are, use the buddy system when walking to and from the Symposium venue and networking events, especially during early or late hours.

Do not wear your Symposium badge on the street. Take it off as soon as you leave the venue.

Do not carry a lot of cash.

Do not leave personal property unattended anywhere at any time.

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Symposium Notes

2025 Symposium Program

Notes for Presenters Presenters, please submit NO LATER than the day before your scheduled presentation. Please upload your oral presentation here: https://bit.ly/TSA2025_Presentations. If you are unable to upload your presentation to the link provided, please contact Jordan Gray directly at jgray@turtlesurvival.org.

Photo Policy Photographers will be taking pictures at the conference, which may be used for promotional and educational purposes.

Registration or participation in the meeting and other activities constitutes an agreement to allow Turtle Survival Alliance to use and distribute attendees’ image or voice in photographs and recordings of the meeting—now and in the future.

Symposium Art & T-Shirt Design We’re excited to show off this year’s Symposium artwork, created

by Tennessee Aquarium’s Mike Shuleva. The design features the Painted Terrapin (Batagur borneoensis), a species that can be seen at the Tennessee Aquarium, and one that Turtle Survival Alliance and our partners actively work to protect.

Also depicted are the glass facade and architecture of the Tennessee Aquarium and this year’s Symposium theme, Resilience: Protecting Turtles in a Changing World.

This stunning design is showcased on our printed program, signage, and Symposium T-shirt.

This year’s shirt is a sage green unisex shirt sourced from Known Supply, chosen for its ethical and sustainable production using certified fair-trade organic materials, free from harmful chemicals.

Pre-ordered tees will be available at the registration desk and a limited supply will be available for purchase at the Turtle Survival Alliance vendor table.

Social Media Join the conversation!

Post photos and share your experiences at the Annual Symposium!

Tag @TurtleSurvival and use hashtags #TSA2025 #23rdAnnualSymposium when you post about the meeting or to follow along! Stay up to date on the latest in turtle conservation news by following Turtle Survival Alliance on social media.

Facebook / X / Instagram / LinkedIn — @TurtleSurvival

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Symposium Notes

2025 Symposium Program

Symposium App New this year: A free event app that allows Symposium attendees to check schedules digitally, select sessions and activities, and create a personalized agenda. The app also provides opportunities for participants to network and connect, and can be used for live updates and announcements via push notifications.

We’re excited about features that will make the event more interactive like live polling, mobile surveys, session feedback, and even a community board where attendees can discuss meet-ups, session topics, recent discoveries, and more.

And because the app is gamified, attendees can get competitive, tracking scores on a leaderboard and participating in photo contests throughout the week.

Silent Auction Notes We are also introducing a mobile silent auction platform to enhance accessibility and streamline the bidding process.

Attendees will be able to view auction items and place bids directly from their phones by going to the auction link or scanning a QR code.

The platform, hosted by BetterWorld, allows participants to receive automatic notifications if they are outbid. At the close of the auction, winners will be notified if they’ve won and contacted to arrange payment and pick-up. Receipts are issued automatically and all proceeds are sent directly to Turtle Survival Alliance to support ongoing conservation efforts.

We hope this new format makes participating in the silent auction more convenient and engaging for all.

Mentor Breakfast This year, we’re also happy to introduce a new way to learn and connect—over breakfast. Our Mentor Breakfast offers a fun opportunity for students and early-career professionals to engage with experienced conservationists in an informal, small-group setting, and will be offered the three days of sessions July 22 - 24.

Mentors have the opportunity to volunteer to host a breakfast table, welcoming up to three mentees for a sponsored meal and meaningful conversation. Whether you’re seeking career advice, guidance on research, or insight into the field, this is a great chance to learn from those who’ve walked the path before you.

We encourage students and anyone looking for mentorship to sign up, and we hope you’ll take full advantage of this special experience!

Workshops and Wet Lab We’re thrilled to offer a series of hands-on workshops designed to deepen your skills and expand your conservation toolkit.

From caring for confiscated turtles to harnessing cutting-edge technology, these sessions offer something for everyone—whether you're a student, a seasoned biologist, or simply curious to learn more.

Open to all attendees, these workshops will take place on Monday, July 21, at the Tennessee Aquarium. Learn from experts in the field as you explore the care and recovery of confiscated turtles, dive into wildlife photography techniques from essential to advanced, and discover how photogrammetry and 3D printing can support conservation goals.

You’ll also gain tools to drive meaningful behavior change in your own campaigns and take part in a wet lab focused on field necropsies and proper sample collection. These unique opportunities promise practical insight, engaging dialogue, and real-world applications you can take with you.

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Symposium Navigation

2025 Symposium Program

Symposium Map

The Symposium meetings, workshops, and sessions will take place between the Tennessee Aquarium’s (TNA) River Journey Building, the Chattanooga Marriott Downtown (CMD), and the Chattanooga Convention Center (CCC).

On July 22, during the plenary session, Banquet Rooms J/I/F/G will be combined and be accessed by the Front, Left, or Right entrances. The second and third days of sessions, the rooms will be separated by an air wall for concurrent sessions. Session A in rooms J/I can be accessed through the Left Entrance, and Session B in rooms F/G can be accessed through the Right Entrance.

Visit Our Vendors in the Banquet Room Foyer We invite you to stop by the vendor tables located in the Banquet Room Foyer throughout the week. We’re pleased to welcome vendors Adventure Time Eli, Cold Blooded Caffeine Co., Holohil, Little Ray's Exhibitions, Mike Krick Books, Sonotronics, Turtle Conservancy, and Turtle Survival Alliance, each offering unique products and resources aligned with our shared conservation values.

Be sure to visit the Turtle Survival Alliance table to explore our latest merchandise, including Drink Beer. Save Turtles.® apparel and items from the new Save the Sokake collection—a special collaboration between TSA and AZA SAFE featuring artwork by Aster Gridley.

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Schedule At-a-Glance

‭2025 Symposium Program‬

‭Sunday, July 20, 2025‬ ‭9 AM - 5 PM‬

‭Turtle Survival Alliance Board Meeting‬‭(‬‭invitation only‬‭) ……………… Tennessee River Room (CMD)‬

‭1 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Registration Open ……………………………………………………...‬‭North Information Booth‬‭(CCC)‬

‭1 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Silent Auction Item Drop-off …………………………………………..‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭3:30 PM - 5:30 PM‬

‭Group Experience: Chattanooga‬‭Duck Boat Tour ………………… Chattanooga Ducks, Ross’s Landing‬

‭Monday, July 21, 2025‬ ‭7:30 AM - 11 AM‬

‭Registration Open ……………………………………………………...‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭7:30 AM - 11 AM‬

‭Silent Auction Item Drop-off …………………………………………..‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭8 AM - 5:30 PM‬

‭Consecutive Workshops …………………………………………………………...‬‭Lupton Room (TNA)‬

‭8:30 AM - 11:30 AM‬

‭AZA SAFE Radiated Tortoise Meeting‬‭(‬‭invitation only‬‭) ………………. Tennessee River Room (CMD)‬

‭12 PM - 2:30 PM‬

‭Wet Lab: Field Necropsies and Sample‬‭Collection/Handling ……………………….. Auditorium (TNA)‬

‭1 PM - 2:30 PM‬

‭Turtle Conservation Fund Meeting‬‭(‬‭invitation only‬‭) …………………… Tennessee River Room (CMD)‬

‭1 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Registration Open ……………………………………………………...‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭1 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Silent Auction Item Drop-off ……………………………….………….‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭2 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Poster Hanging ………………………………………………………………...‬‭Northern Rotunda (CCC)‬

‭2 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Vendor Setup ……………………………………………………………….‬‭Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)‬

‭6 PM - 9 PM‬

‭Icebreaker Social ………………………………………………………... River Journey Building (TNA)‬

‭Tuesday, July 22, 2025‬ ‭7:30 AM - 11 AM‬

‭Registration Open ……………………………………………………...‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

7‭ :30 AM - 11 AM‬

‭Silent Auction Item Drop-off …………………….…………………….‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭7:30 AM - 5 PM‬

‭Exhibit Hall Open …………………………….……………………………‬‭Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)‬

‭7:30 AM - 5 PM‬

‭Poster Viewing ……………………………….………………………………..‬‭Northern Rotunda (CCC)‬

‭8 AM - 4 PM‬

‭Plenary Session ………………………………….………………...…….‬‭Banquet Rooms J/I/F/G (CCC)‬

‭10 - 10:15 AM‬

‭Morning Session Break ………………………………….…………..…….‬‭Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)‬

‭12 PM - 5 PM‬

‭Silent Auction Bidding Open ……………………………………………...‬‭Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)‬

‭12 PM - 1:15 PM‬

‭Lunch Break ……………………………………………………………….…….‬‭Plaza Ballroom (CMD)‬

‭1 PM - 4 PM‬

‭Registration Open ……………………………………………………...‬‭North Information Booth (CCC)‬

‭2:30 - 2:45 PM‬

‭Afternoon Session Break …………………………………………………..‬‭Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)‬

‭4 PM - 6 PM‬

‭AZA SAFE Radiated Tortoise Meeting continued‬‭(‬‭invitation only)‬‭…… Tennessee River Room (CMD)‬

‭6 PM - 10 PM‬

‭Drink Beer. Save Turtles.® Event ……………………………………... Naked River Brewing Company‬

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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Schedule At-a-Glance

2025 Symposium Program

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 8 AM - 11 AM​

​

Registration Open …………………………………………….……….. North Information Booth (CCC)

8 AM - 5 PM ​

Exhibit Hall Open ……………………………….…………………...……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

8 AM - 5 PM​

Silent Auction Bidding Open …………………………...…………...……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

8 AM - 7 PM​

Poster Viewing ………………………………………………………..………. Northern Rotunda (CCC)

8:30 AM - 4 PM ​ ​

Concurrent Sessions ………………………………………………….…. Banquet Rooms J/I/F/G (CCC)

10:15 - 10:30 AM

Morning Session Break ……………………………………………...……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

12 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch Break ………………………………………………………..……..…….. Plaza Ballroom (CMD)

12 PM - 1:15 PM

TFTSG Leadership Meeting (invitation only) ………………….………. Tennessee River Room (CMD)

2:30 - 2:45 PM​

Afternoon Session Break ……………………………………………….…. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

5 PM - 6 PM ​

Book Signings ……………………..…………………………………….……. Northern Rotunda (CCC)

5 PM - 7 PM ​

Poster Session Social ……………………….…………………………...……. Northern Rotunda (CCC)

8 PM - 9:30 PM

Movie Night Double Feature ……………………….…………………...……. Banquet Room J/I (CCC)

Thursday, July 24, 2025 8 AM - 11 AM​

Registration Open …………………………………………………….. North Information Booth (CCC)

8 AM - 12 PM ​

Exhibit Hall Open …………………………………………………...……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

8 AM - 12 PM​

Silent Auction Bidding Open ………………………………….…….……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

8 AM - 12 PM​

Poster Viewing …………………………………………………………..……. Northern Rotunda (CCC)

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM ​

Concurrent Sessions ……………………………………………..……… Banquet Rooms J/I/F/G (CCC)

10:15 - 10:30 AM ​

Morning Session Break ………………………………………………….... Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM

Lunch Break ……………………………………………………………...……... Plaza Ballroom (CMD)

12 PM​ ​

Silent Auction Bidding Closes ……………………………………….…… Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

12 PM - 2 PM​

​

Vendor Breakdown …………………………….…………………….……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

12 PM - 2 PM​

​

Poster Takedown ……………………………………..………………….……. Northern Rotunda (CCC)

12:30 PM - 3 PM​​

Auction Item Pick-up ……………………………….……………….…….. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

2:30 - 2:45 PM​

Afternoon Session Break …………………………………………….……. Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

​

5 PM - 6 PM ​

Behler Award Social (invitation only) ………………………………….. Tennessee River Room (CMD)

6 PM - 7 PM ​

Awards Banquet Cocktail Hour ……………………………………….…... Banquet Room Foyer (CCC)

7 PM - 9:30 PM ​ ​

Awards Banquet Dinner at Chattanooga Convention Center …..……….. Banquet Rooms J/I/F/G (CCC)

Friday, July 25, 2025 9 AM - 5 PM ​

Zoo Day ………………………………………………………………………….……. Chattanooga Zoo

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Detailed Session Schedule Sunday July 20

2025 Symposium Program

Monday July 21

Tennessee Aquarium

8:00 8:25

Workshop:

8:40

Care and Recovery of Confiscated Turtles

9:25

With David Collins

Tuesday July 22 Banquet A/B Chair: Jordan Gray

Welcome Address From the Tennessee Aquarium ANDREW WOOD Turtle Survival Alliance - Opening Address and Global Update MARC DUPUIS-DESORMEAUX TFTSG - Update CRAIG STANFORD Keynote Address: Working with Animals BRADLEY TREVOR GREIVE Myanmar Program Update (2024-25): Endeavoring to Persevere Amid Chaos STEVEN PLATT

9:45

2025: Potentially a Very Significant Year for Turtle Regulations PETER PAUL VAN DIJK

10:00

Break & Posters

10:15

The Atlas of Turtle Genomes for Conservation (ATGC): From Concept to Action NATALIA GALLEGO-GARCÍA

Workshop:

10:45

Wildlife Photography With Scott Trageser

11:15 12:00

Break

13:00 Wet Lab:

13:15

Field Necropsies and Sample Collection/ Handling

13:30 13:45

Workshop: 3D Printing and Photogrammetry With Scott Trageser and Nathan Haislip

Where Is This Turtle From (and Where Should I Release It)?

BRAD SHAFFER

Conservation Ecology and Research Priorities for Australian Freshwater Turtles DEB BOWER AND ARTHUR GEORGES

Lunch 12:00 - 13:15 A 2025 Monitoring Update on Reintroduced Radiated Tortoises in Southern Madagascar LANCE PADEN The National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan for Kenya: 2025-2035 DOMINIC MARINGA A Conservation Crisis: The Vallarta Mud Turtle TAGGERT BUTTERFIELD

14:15

Conservation Strategy for the Vallarta Mud Turtle at Guadalajara Zoo MARÍA MARTÍNEZ

14:30

Break & Posters

14:45

Workshop:

15:15 15:30 15:45 16:00

Group Experience with the Chattanooga Ducks

Behavior Change Campaigns for Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Conservation With Human Nature Group

Does a Lack of Juveniles Indicate a Threat? Understanding Body Size Distributions in Turtles DONALD MCKNIGHT Turtles on the Edge: Regional Action and Innovation for Critically Endangered Species in the Burnett Mary Rivers TOM ESPINOZA Wild, Rewilded, or Introduced? Defining Populations in IUCN Red List Assessments RICH BAXTER

Break

17:30

18:00

A Global Framework for Community-Led Conservation RICKY SPENCER

Icebreaker Social (Tennessee Aquarium) (18:00-21:00)

Drink Beer. Save Turtles.® Naked River Brewing Co. (18:00-22:00)

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA

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Detailed Session Schedule

2025 Symposium Program

Wednesday July 23 – Banquet A 8:30

Morning Announcements Down Under Chair: Deb Bower

8:45

Conservation of the Pig-Nosed Turtle in the Daly River, Australia SEAN DOODY

9:00

Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms on Australian Freshwater Turtles KYRA SULLY SULLIVAN* The Ecology of Gulf Snapping Turtles and Diamond Head Turtles at Lawn Hill Gorge DEB BOWER A Flood of Information: Impacts of Nest Inundation on Endangered Western Saw-Shelled Turtles ERIC NORDBERG Empowering the Next Generation: School-Based Turtle Conservation as a Scalable Model for Proactive Species Recovery RICKY SPENCER AND WILLEM ROOSENBERG Floating Islands, Basking Platforms, and Citizen Science Turtle Hubs as Next-Generation Monitoring Tools RICKY SPENCER

9:15 9:30 9:45 10:00 10:15 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:30

Break & Posters Kinosternid Investigations Chair: Grover Brown

Ecology and Demography of Small- and Large-Bodied Sonora Mud Turtles in Two Isolated Mountain Ranges PAUL STONE Life-History Trait Values of Small- and Large-Bodied Sonora Mud Turtles in Two Isolated Mountain Ranges JUSTIN CONGDON Somatic Growth of Musk Turtles Across North America ZACHARY SIDERS Deep in the Heart of depressus: A Bright Spot in a depressus Landscape SEAMUS O’BRIEN* A Phylogenetic-Comparative Approach to Reproductive Traits in the Kinosternidae Family FERNANDO DANIEL ANTELO BARBOSA*

11:45

Demography of Jalisco Mud Turtle in an Urban Environment RODRIGO MACIP-RÍOS

12:00

Lunch 12:00-13:15 Status Check Chair: Lauren Augustine

13:15 13:30 13:45 14:00 14:15 14:30 14:45 15:00 15:15 15:30 15:45 17:00 - 19:00

Wednesday July 23 – Banquet B Morning Announcements Ecology Under Pressure Chair: Michela Coury

Changes in Abundance of Three Turtle Species Associated With Degradation of a Spring-Fed River ETHAN HANCOCK Southern River Terrapin: Ecological Movements and Survivorship SITHA SOM Change in Habitat and Turtle Abundances on a Barrier Island After Consecutive Storm Surge Events in Southwest Florida CHRIS LECHOWICZ Ecological and Morphological Shifts in Eastern Musk Turtles in Response to Invasive Snail Species in a Central Texas Spring Ecosystem ETHAN OWEN* The Roles of Transient Dynamics and Environmental Variability in Persistence of Central American River Turtle Populations ROB KLINGER Evaluating the Wood Turtle as an Umbrella Species for Riparian Biodiversity in Massachusetts MICHELA COURY

Break & Posters Shell Science Chair: Patrick Baker

Problems in Current Morphological Character Selection in the Analysis of Turtle Phylogeny ASHER LICHTIG Multivariate Sexual Size Dimorphism in the Florida Softshell Turtle ERIC MUNSCHER Turtles are Pareto Distributed ROSS KIESTER Symbiotic Associations of Epizoic Autotrophs and Non-Marine Chelonians: Geography, Diversity, and Ecology PATRICK BAKER Shallow Lakes and Deep Gorges: Are Morphotypes of Kuchling’s SnakeNecked Turtle Related to Different Growth Patterns?

GERALD KUCHLING The Utilization of Functional Traits in Determining Dissimilarities Between Freshwater Turtle Taxa LILLIAN SELF*

Lunch 12:00-13:15 Form, Function, and Fate Chair: Cara McElroy

Assessing Population Structure and Conservation Priorities for the Western Pond Turtle on California Military Installations EMILY ASCHE* Investigations Into the Range and Population Dynamics of Five Species of Kinosternids in Guatemala LAUREN AUGUSTINE Wetland Occupancy of Western Chicken Turtles in Oklahoma ETHAN HOLLENDER* Conservation Priorities for the Continental Turtles of Central America PATRICK MOLDOWAN Assessing the Conservation Status of the Yucatan Box Turtle CARLOS MAURICIO DELGADO MARTÍNEZ*

Demographic, Dietary, and Growth Differentials of Two Blanding’s Turtle Populations ~20 km Apart in Eastern Massachusetts CARA MCELROY Ancestral State Reconstruction of Aestivation in Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises RAÚL LÓPEZ* Age Structure, Relatedness, and Patterns of Parentage in Sierra Box Turtle TAGGERT BUTTERFIELD Baby Got Bite: Defensive Kinematics of the Northern Giant Musk Turtle THOMAS ZAPLETAL* Tripolitanian Tortoise: A New Taxon Discovered in the Pet Trade STEPHEN POTERALA

Ecology of an Urban Population of Alligator Snapper Turtles ANDREW COLEMAN Capitalizing on Captivity: Insights From Years of Research on a Captive Breeding Population of Alligator Snapping Turtles DENISE THOMPSON Documenting Hook Ingestion and Clutch Size in the Alligator Snapping Turtle Using Metal Detector and Portable X-Ray LUKE PEARSON Oklahoma Alligator Snapping Turtle Distribution Surveys DEREK BATEMAN* Territoriality of Alligator Snapping Turtles PATRICK DELISLE*

The World Book of Turtle Conservation TONY MONAHAN Ranavirus (Frog Virus 3) Identified in Missouri Turtle Species, With a Focus on Three-Toed Box Turtles JAMIE PALMER Characterizing Current and Potential Turtle Consumers: Identifying Drivers of Demand in the United States ZOIE MCMILLIAN* Keeping Turtles and Conservation Karma: An Ethical Dilemma MICHAELA MULLEN Ten Years of Post-Mortem Analysis Results at A Cupulatta Park, France PIERRE MOISSON

Break & Posters Alligator Snapping Turtles Chair: Luke Pearson

20:00 - 21:30

Break & Posters Beyond Biology Chair: Jamie Palmer

Poster Session Social and Book Signings Movie Night: Turtle Documentary Screening

* Student Considered for Student Awards Competition

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA

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Detailed Session Schedule

8:30 8:45 9:00 9:15 9:30 9:45 10:00 10:15 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:30 11:45

2025 Symposium Program

Thursday July 24 – Banquet A

Thursday July 24 – Banquet B

Construction vs. Conservation: Hands-On Approach to Turtle Rescue OLIVIA LOBALBO Co-Development of Best Management Practices for Landowner Engagement With Eastern Box Turtle Conservation TOM AKRE Buddhist Monk Outreach for Turtle Conservation: Bridging Faith and Conservation CHRISTEL GRIFFIOEN Bringing Nature Back Into Business: Using Ecology to Enhance Economics Education RACHEL BEHRMANN Turtle Conservation Through Land Acquisition: The Case of Cuatro Ciénegas CRAIG STANFORD Chelonians of Jordan: Species Status and Threats to Their Habitats ABEER BILBEISI

Importance of Turtle Biodiversity in the Southeastern United States MICHAEL SKIBSTED* Ouacha” Doin’ Here? Distribution and Abundance of the Invasive Ouachita Map Turtle in the Coosa River GROVER BROWN The Status of Louisiana’s Reptile and Amphibian Regulations, With an Emphasis on Native Turtles KERI LEJUENE Preliminary Surveys of Eastern Chicken Turtles in Mississippi, and Future Study Goals DAVID POUNDERS* Gopher Tortoises Along Florida’s Roads: Pushed From Unsuitable Habitats or Spillover From Source Populations?

ELIJAH MCEUEN* Movements of Two Cooters (Pseudemys) in a Spring-Fed System TABITHA HOOTMAN AND ZACHARY SIDERS

Canine Conservationists: Tips on Training and Utilizing Detection Dogs to Protect Turtle Populations THOMAS WILSON Drones as a Viable Method of Conducting Basking Surveys and Collecting Habitat Data NOAH DEVROS* Knockin’ on Tortoise Doors: Coastal Gopher Tortoise Behavior and Community Ecology ALEXANDER JANSZEN AND BENJAMIN ATKINSON Assessing Española Giant Tortoise Introduction Impact on Santa Fe Island With Remote Sensing and Behavioral Models CHARLES LEHNEN* Quantifying the Largest Known Aggregation of Giant South American River Turtles with Drones and Mark-Resight Models GERMÁN FORERO-MEDINA

Assessing Silviculture Drainage Ditches as Viable Surrogates for Wetlands Supporting Turtle Diversity in the Southeastern U.S. JOEL MOTA* Chasing Swamp Ghosts: Investigating the Ecology of Spotted Turtles in the Deep South HOUSTON CHANDLER Land Cover Change Around Spotted Turtle Localities in North Carolina’s Piedmont Indicate Rapid Urbanization and Forest Loss EMMA WILSON*

Morning Announcements Integrated Approaches Chair: Christel Griffioen

Break & Posters Eyes in the Field Chair: Ben Atkinson

Morning Announcements Turtles of the Southeast Chair: Tabitha Hootman

Break & Posters Seeing Spots Chair: Michael Dreslik

Population Ecology of Spotted Turtles in Two Isolated Illinois Wetlands MICHAEL DRESLIK

Lunch 11:45 - 13:15

Lunch 11:45-13:15

Conservation in Captivity Chair: Steve Enders

13:15

Notes and Observations on Map Turtles (Graptemys) From Captivity STEVE ENDERS

14:00

Unlocking Development and TSD Parameters of Red-Headed Amazon River Turtle Under Oscillating Incubation Temperatures DAVID DRAJESKE Integrating Technology and Husbandry Innovations to Improve Overwintering Success in Rehabilitating Native Turtles LINDA NICHOLS AND TRAVIS WEBB Running Turtle Rescue Centre – Challenges and Chances THUY NGUYEN

14:15

Maintaining Confiscated Mexican Box Turtles in Southern New Jersey CHRIS LEONE

13:30 13:45

14:30 14:45 15:00 15:15 15:30

Break & Posters Conservation in Captivity Chair: Steve Enders

AZA SAFE: Radiated Tortoise Chair: Rick Hudson Overview of the AZA Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE): Radiated Tortoise Program STEPHEN NELSON TSA Madagascar: Advancing Sustainable Conservation by Building on Successes, Overcoming Challenges, and Embracing Opportunities HERY LOVA RAZAFIMAMONJIRAIBE Incorporating Pre-release Health Protocols in the Radiated Tortoise Reintroduction Program JAMIE PALMER A High Density of Tortoises: The Tortoise Reserve in Cap Sainte-Marie TOJOTANJONA PATRICK RAZANAPARANY Flood Response and Management at the Lavavolo Tortoises Center: What We Have Learned TSANTA FIDERANA RAKOTONANAHARY

Break & Posters

A Little-Known Tortoise of South Africa: Karoo Dwarf Tortoise LIBOR KOPECNY Uniting Conservation-Minded Private Keepers – Assurance Collaborative for Turtle Species (ACTS) ANTHONY PIERLIONI Integrating Strategies for the Conservation of the Egyptian Tortoise RYAN HOWARD Taxonomy of Turtle Lovers: Creating a Bigger Umbrella STEVE ENDERS

18:00 - 19:00

Cocktail Reception

19:00 – 21:30

Awards Banquet

* Student Considered for Student Awards Competition

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA

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Detailed Session Schedule

2025 Symposium Program

Poster Presentations (Convention Center Rotunda) Poster Session Social—Wednesday, July 23rd at 17:00 A Three-Year Review (2023–2025) of Mortality Patterns and Management Challenges for Confiscated Radiated and Spider Tortoises in Madagascar KOLOINA MITIA ANDRIANANTENAINA

Ten Years of Tortuga Crew: Reflecting on a Decade of Undergraduate Turtle Research BENJAMIN ATKINSON

A Comparison of Body Composition of Free-Ranging Wild and Head-Started Juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles DEREK L. BATEMAN*

Demographics and Population Viability Analyses of Several Freshwater Turtle Species in Mississippi KATHERINE BRANDEWIE*

Building a Collaborative Network to Enhance Conservation and Management of the Spotted Turtle in the Southeastern U.S. ANDREA COLTON

Modifying Spotted Turtle Standard Survey Protocol for Data Depauperate Systems in the Southeastern USA ELIZABETH HOWELL CULP*

Initial Survey of Freshwater Turtle Assemblages at Thirteen Nature Preserves in Northeastern Illinois CLAIRE E. DIETRICH

Comparative Analysis of Home Range Estimation Methods in the Chaco Tortoise MARÍA EUGENIA ECHAVE*

Movement Patterns of the Vallarta Mud Turtle UBALDO SEBASTIÁN FLORES-GUERRERO

Monitoring Accumulation and Potential Effects of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) in Diamondback Terrapins Along the Atlantic Coast DAVID LEE HASKINS

Look at All Those Chickens! The Search for Western Chicken Turtles in the Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas, USA ELIZABETH HAYS*

Microhabitat and Thermal Use of Eastern Box Turtles in Northeastern Georgia NATALIE HYSLOP

Distribution and Abundance of Ringed Sawbacks in the Pearl River Drainage of Mississippi, USA MCAULAY JAUNSEN*

High-Resolution GPS Data and CTMM Modeling Refine Estimates of Habitat Use in Eastern Box Turtles MARK S. KETNER

Physiological Indicators of Stress in the Chaco Tortoise: Seasonal Variations and Effects of Acute Stress ERIKA KUBISCH

Developing a Multi-faceted Approach to Long-Term Monitoring of Urban Turtle Populations at John Ball Zoo FAITH KUZMA

Turtles in Troubled Waters: Mapping Vessel Risk to Green Sea Turtles in an Industrialized Bay HOPE K. LOVICH*

Ruthless Dunes or Turtle Paradise: Gopher Tortoise Burrow Surveys in Northeast Florida SANDRA MARSHALL*

Changes to the Suitability of Wetland Habitats for Spotted Turtles in Ohio BRANDON T. MAWHINNEY* AND CALEB MCKEEGAN

Maximum Body Size in Central American River Turtles DONALD T. MCKNIGHT

Trap Size Preference and Temporal Capture Patterns of Freshwater Turtles in North Carolina, USA FENTON MCKOWN*

Monitoring Two Major Threats of the Critically Endangered Vallarta Mud Turtle: Road Kills and Poaching HECTOR ANDRÉS MEDINA-ANDRADE

Fecal Analysis of Eastern Box Turtles in Northeast Georgia Across Native and Invasive Dominated Habitats JENNIFER L. MOOK AND NATALIE HYSLOP

Growth of Captive Yellow-bellied Sliders Fed on a Natural Diet and Commercial Pellets HAI NGUYEN*

Monitoring Pathogens in Radiated Tortoise in Madagascar From 2023 to 2025 RINDRA NAVALONA RAKOTOBE

A Strategic Roadmap for the Conservation of Endangered Tortoises in Southern Madagascar, With a Focus on Enhancing Conservation Areas SEHENO RAMANANTSOA*

River-Reach Demography of the Southwestern Pond Turtle: Early Insights From a County-Wide Monitoring Program KYLIE RUDE

Documenting the History of and Personalities Behind Turtle Conservation and Research Through the CheloniaCast Podcast MICHAEL A. SKIBSTED AND PAUL CUNEO*

Nose to Knowledge: Wildlife Detector Dogs and Their Implementation in Turtle Conservation HUNTER SMITH

From Captivity to Independence: The Journey of Headstarted Eastern Box Turtles Undergoing Soft Release AVA SWEENEY*

Movement Ecology and Predation Risk: An Analysis of Co-occurring Raccoons and North American Wood Turtles in an Actively Managed Landscape ERIN TRIMPE*

Built to Feast: The Importance of Size in Foraging of the Northern Giant Musk Turtle THOMAS M. ZAPLETAL*

*Student Considered for Student Awards Competition

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA

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Workshop Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

Care and Recovery of Confiscated Turtles With David Collins This workshop will cover important aspects of the handling of turtle confiscations from the time of investigation through, ideally, the ultimate release of the turtle. Drawing from insights gained over eight years and more than 40 confiscations, our work through the AZA SAFE: American Turtle program, the Collaborative to Combat the Illegal Trade in Turtles, and partnerships with numerous state and federal wildlife agencies will explore lessons learned, unanswered questions, and insights in an interactive workshop.

Wildlife Photography With Scott Trageser Join photographer Scott Trageser for a hands-on workshop covering essential to advanced wildlife photography techniques.

Participants will learn how to optimize lighting, composition, and camera settings to suit field conditions, as well as how to ethically photograph wildlife in a way that minimizes disturbance. The session will conclude with a live demonstration, where attendees can observe and participate in photographing a turtle using non-invasive methods that prioritize both image quality and animal welfare.

3D Printing and Photogrammetry With Scott Trageser and Nathan Haislip This workshop explores how photogrammetry and 3D printing can be harnessed to support turtle conservation. Participants will follow the full digital-to-physical pipeline—from scanning a live animal to producing a 3D model for education, research, or outreach. Scott will cover the photogrammetry workflow, including setup, field techniques, and best practices for capturing high-fidelity models using non-invasive methods developed by The Biodiversity Group. Nathan will guide attendees through the 3D printing process for producing detailed replicas.

Shell Shock to Action: Behavior Change Campaigns for Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise Conservation With Human Nature Group This workshop describes evidence-based behavior change techniques for designing conservation campaigns and strategies, with a focus on freshwater turtles and tortoises. Attendees will explore key theories that guide behavior change strategies, learn the fundamentals of community-based social marketing, and gain practical tips for evaluating impact. We will bridge behavioral science and wildlife conservation to equip attendees with the tools needed to develop their own campaigns and drive meaningful change for turtles, tortoises, and their habitats.

Field Necropsy and Sample Collection Wet Lab With Zoe Mack and Bonnie Raphael Monitoring health status of free-ranging chelonians is an important component of conservation programs. Herpetologists handling many wild dead and live turtles as part of normal surveys represent a valuable resource for sample collection in order to establish baseline health status and early detection of disease outbreaks. This wet lab will present basic field necropsy techniques and sample handling which can be implemented during routine surveys by every herpetologist. Sources of supplies and laboratories/researchers to send samples to will be provided as well.

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

18

Film Abstracts

‭2025 Symposium Program‬

‭The Slowest Stampede on Earth‬ ‭With Tsanta Fiderana Rakotonahary‬ ‭The‬ ‭PBS‬ ‭Nature‬ ‭series‬ ‭In‬ ‭Her‬ ‭Nature‬‭,‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭episode‬ ‭titled‬‭“The‬‭Slowest‬‭Stampede‬‭on‬‭Earth,”‬‭showcases‬‭Turtle‬‭Survival‬ ‭ lliance’s‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭work‬ ‭to‬ ‭protect‬ ‭Madagascar’s‬ ‭critically‬ ‭endangered‬ ‭Radiated‬ ‭Tortoise‬ ‭(‬‭Astrochelys‬ ‭radiata‬‭).‬ ‭The‬ A ‭episode‬ ‭follows‬ ‭Tsanta‬ ‭Fiderana‬ ‭Rakotonahary,‬ ‭Head‬ ‭of‬ ‭Veterinary‬ ‭Support;‬ ‭K’oloina‬‭Ramahandrizafy,‬‭Lead‬‭Keeper;‬‭and‬ ‭Mitia‬‭Andrianantenaina,‬‭Veterinary‬‭Assistant,‬‭as‬‭they‬‭lead‬‭the‬‭release‬‭of‬‭1,000‬‭Radiated‬‭Tortoises‬‭into‬‭their‬‭native‬‭habitat—a‬ ‭major‬ ‭milestone‬ ‭in‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭Survival‬ ‭Alliance’s‬ ‭long-term‬ ‭effort‬ ‭to‬‭restore‬‭wild‬‭populations‬‭and‬‭combat‬‭the‬‭illegal‬‭pet‬‭trade‬ ‭threatening the species’ survival.‬

‭The Last Spotted Turtles of New England‬ ‭With Ari Taub‬ ‭The‬ ‭Last‬ ‭Spotted‬ ‭Turtles‬ ‭of‬ ‭New‬ ‭England‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭powerful‬ ‭new‬ ‭documentary‬ ‭by‬ ‭acclaimed‬‭filmmaker‬‭Ari‬‭Taub,‬‭making‬‭his‬ ‭ ebut‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭world‬ ‭of‬ ‭nature‬ ‭storytelling.‬ ‭This‬ ‭beautifully‬ ‭shot‬ ‭film‬ ‭explores‬ ‭the‬ ‭fragile‬ ‭future‬ ‭of‬ ‭Spotted‬ ‭Turtles‬ ‭in‬ d ‭southeastern Massachusetts and on Nantucket Island, weaving together science, passion, and the urgent call for conservation.‬ ‭After‬ ‭the‬ ‭film,‬‭stick‬‭around‬‭for‬‭a‬‭live‬‭Q&A‬‭with‬‭Ari‬‭and‬‭featured‬‭conservationists,‬‭as‬‭they‬‭discuss‬‭the‬‭making‬‭of‬‭the‬‭film,‬ ‭what‬ ‭makes‬ ‭these‬ ‭turtles‬ ‭so‬ ‭unique,‬ ‭and‬ ‭what‬ ‭we‬ ‭can‬ ‭all‬ ‭do‬‭to‬‭help‬‭protect‬‭them.‬‭Whether‬‭you’re‬‭a‬‭nature‬‭lover,‬‭wildlife‬ ‭advocate, or just curious about the hidden wonders of our local ecosystems, this is a night you won’t want to miss.‬

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

Co-development of Best Management Practices for Landowner Engagement With Eastern Box Turtle Conservation THOMAS S.B. AKRE1, MAXWELL EARLE, MARK KETNER, CHRIS POLINSKI, GRACE BAILEY, JOSEPH KOLOWSKI, AND BERT HARRIS 1 Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America [akret@si.edu] The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina) was formerly common and widespread across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but over the last 25 years, populations have declined rapidly in the developing landscapes that are increasingly common to the region. Meanwhile, as climate changes, little is known about how individuals and populations will respond at the local level or regional level, and poaching for the international turtle trade has emerged as a pressing threat in the region.

Therefore, Eastern Box Turtle populations in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed face many stressors (i.e., habitat loss, climate change, and poaching) at multiple scales. In 2023, the Northeast Eastern Box Turtle Working Group developed a status assessment and a conservation plan for the species. The reports identify that Virginia, Maryland, and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in general, are data deficient sub-regions of the species’ range. They also declare that there is an urgent need to identify (1) landscape and habitat features that promote abundance, density, and demographically robust populations - i.e. source populations and associated landscape features - and (2) land use practices that threaten these landscapes, habitats, and populations. The reports further indicate the need for scientific studies that assess long-term demography, individual and population responses to anthropogenic land use, and the effects of conservation management practices on Box Turtle populations. In 2024, we began a stakeholder-based project to address these needs through integration of key approaches to conservation science and practice: (1) comprehensive spatially-explicit capture-recapture surveys to estimate abundance and demography on multiple landscapes, (2) GPS-telemetry to investigate movements, home range and habitat use across the annual cycle, (3) regular workshops to engage stakeholders for co-development of best practices for land-management in support of Box Turtle conservation, (4) frequent outreach events to broadcast our message to multiple communities, and (5) engagement with students and interns to train the next generation in community-based conservation. Herein, we will present on the regional goals of this project, the development of methods in pursuit of these aims, the emergent results, lessons learned thus far, and next steps and future directions.

Oral A Three-Year Review (2023–2025) of Mortality Patterns and Management Challenges for Confiscated Radiated and Spider Tortoises in Madagascar KOLOINA MITIA ANDRIANANTENAINA1, JAMIE L. PALMER, KATE LEACH, BONNIE L. RAPHAEL, AINOA NIETO CLAUDIN, SEAN M. PERRY, RINDRA NAVALONA RAKOTOBE, SHARON L. DEEM, AND TSANTA RAKOTONANAHARY 1 Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar [amitia@turtlesurvival.org] The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) and the Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides), both endemic to Madagascar, are critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. In response to the increasing confiscation events, the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Madagascar has supported the care, rehabilitation, and rewilding of thousands of individuals.

This study presents a three-year review from 2023 to 2025 of post-confiscation mortality at TSA’s main facility in Antananarivo where many new confiscations initially present. Individuals often arrive in a weakened condition and may have experienced the physiological impact of long-distance transport and seasonal climatic stress. Here we share mortality data, identify key challenges, and discuss possible mortality risk factors that may help guide improved management protocols.

Between 2023 to 2025, 3408 tortoises were received at TSA Antananarivo from the illegal trade. The mortality rate for A. radiata was 1.7% in 2023 (6 /351), 15.7% in 2024 (207/1,316) and 38.7% in 2025 (469/1,211). The mortality rate for P. arachnoides was 2.6% in 2023 (7/266), 11.8% in 2024 (23/195), and 1.4% in 2025 (1/69). These findings emphasize the need for enhanced intake planning, timely triage, and improved management of post-confiscated animals. This is a daunting task but it is crucial to the long-term conservation of Madagascar’s tortoises.

Poster 23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Program Abstracts

‭2025 Symposium Program‬

‭Environmental Drivers of Life History Traits in Kinosternid Turtles: A Phylogenetic Comparative Approach‬ ‭D‬‭ANIEL‬ ‭A‬‭NTELO‬‭-B‬‭ARBOSA‬‭1‬‭, J‬‭ONH‬ ‭B. I‬‭VERSON‬ ‭AND‬ ‭R‬‭ODRIGO‬ ‭M‭A ‬ CIP‬‭-R‬‭ÍOS‬ ‭1‬ ‭National Autonomous University of Mexico, Morelia,‬‭Michoacán, México‬ ‭[‬‭1418399d@umich.mx‬‭]‬ ‭Life‬‭history‬‭traits‬‭are‬‭biological‬‭characteristics‬‭expressed‬‭by‬‭living‬‭organisms‬‭and‬‭are‬‭regulated‬‭through‬‭interactions‬‭with‬‭the‬ e‭ nvironment.‬‭Traits‬‭such‬‭as‬‭age‬‭at‬‭sexual‬‭maturity,‬‭offspring‬‭number‬‭and‬‭size,‬‭longevity,‬‭and‬‭reproductive‬‭strategies‬‭directly‬ ‭influence‬ ‭population‬ ‭dynamics‬ ‭and‬ ‭a‬ ‭species’‬‭capacity‬‭to‬‭adapt‬‭to‬‭environmental‬‭conditions.‬‭In‬‭this‬‭study,‬‭we‬‭investigated‬ ‭environmental‬‭determinants‬‭of‬‭clutch‬‭size‬‭and‬‭egg‬‭size‬‭in‬‭the‬‭freshwater‬‭turtle‬‭family‬‭Kinosternidae.‬‭Because‬‭larger‬‭turtles‬ ‭tend‬ ‭to‬ ‭produce‬ ‭more‬ ‭and‬ ‭larger‬ ‭eggs,‬ ‭we‬ ‭used‬ ‭phylogenetic‬ ‭residuals‬ ‭to‬ ‭control‬ ‭for‬ ‭body‬ ‭size‬ ‭effects.‬ ‭Phylogenetic‬ ‭generalized‬ ‭least‬ ‭squares‬ ‭(PGLS)‬ ‭models‬ ‭showed‬ ‭that‬ ‭clutch‬ ‭size‬ ‭residuals‬ ‭were‬ ‭positively‬ ‭associated‬‭with‬‭the‬‭maximum‬ ‭temperature‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭warmest‬‭month‬‭(estimate‬‭=‬‭2.6766,‬‭p‬‭=‬‭0.0260)‬‭and‬‭negatively‬‭with‬‭the‬‭mean‬‭temperature‬‭of‬‭the‬‭driest‬ ‭quarter‬ ‭(estimate‬ ‭=‬ ‭-0.6430,‬ ‭p‬ ‭=‬ ‭0.0210).‬ ‭For‬ ‭egg‬ ‭size‬ ‭residuals,‬ ‭UV-B‬ ‭seasonality‬ ‭was‬ ‭strongly‬ ‭negatively‬ ‭associated‬ ‭(estimate‬‭=‬‭-0.1686,‬‭p‬‭<‬‭0.001),‬‭while‬‭the‬‭peak‬‭UV-B‬‭radiation‬‭showed‬‭a‬‭marginal‬‭effect‬‭(estimate‬‭=‬‭-0.3518,‬‭p‬‭=‬‭0.0619).‬ ‭Moderate‬‭phylogenetic‬‭signals‬‭(λ‬‭=‬‭0.68‬‭for‬‭clutch‬‭size;‬‭λ‬‭=‬‭0.64‬‭for‬‭egg‬‭size)‬‭were‬‭detected,‬‭indicating‬‭partial‬‭evolutionary‬ ‭constraint.‬‭Our‬‭results‬‭demonstrate‬‭that‬‭reproductive‬‭traits‬‭in‬‭Kinosternidae‬‭are‬‭shaped‬‭not‬‭only‬‭by‬‭shared‬‭ancestry‬‭but‬‭also‬ ‭by‬‭environmental‬‭pressures.‬‭Specifically,‬‭thermal‬‭extremes‬‭and‬‭solar‬‭radiation‬‭seasonality‬‭act‬‭as‬‭significant‬‭selective‬‭forces.‬ ‭This‬ ‭environmental‬ ‭sensitivity‬ ‭suggests‬ ‭that‬ ‭freshwater‬ ‭turtle‬ ‭populations‬ ‭may‬ ‭exhibit‬ ‭adaptive‬ ‭responses‬ ‭to‬ ‭climate‬ ‭variability, but also underlines their potential vulnerability to ongoing climate change.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭Assessing Population Structure and Conservation Priorities for the Western Pond Turtle (‬‭Actinemys‬‭spp.) on‬ ‭California Military Installations‬ ‭1‬ ‭E‭M ‬ ILY‬ ‭A‭S‬ CHE‬ ‭, M‬‭ATTHEW‬ ‭P‭A ‬ RRY‬‭, M‬‭ICHAEL‬ ‭D‭R ‬ ESLIK‬‭, R‬‭OBERT‬ ‭L‭O ‬ VICH‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭T‭H ‬ OMAS‬ ‭A‭K ‬ RE ‭1‬ ‭Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research‬‭Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign,‬ ‭Illinois, United States of America‬ ‭[‬‭Eeasche@illinois.edu‬‭]‬ ‭The‬‭Western‬‭Pond‬‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Actinemys‬‭spp.)‬‭is‬‭currently‬‭under‬‭review‬‭for‬‭listing‬‭as‬‭a‬‭Threatened‬‭species‬‭under‬‭the‬‭Endangered‬ ‭ pecies‬‭Act.‬‭Widespread‬‭population‬‭declines‬‭driven‬‭by‬‭habitat‬‭loss,‬‭predation,‬‭and‬‭shell‬‭disease‬‭have‬‭led‬‭to‬‭its‬‭designation‬‭as‬ S ‭a‬ ‭Species‬ ‭of‬ ‭Special‬ ‭Concern‬ ‭in‬ ‭California,‬ ‭sensitive/critical‬ ‭in‬ ‭Oregon,‬ ‭and‬ ‭endangered‬ ‭in‬ ‭Washington.‬‭Despite‬‭regional‬ ‭protection,‬‭federal‬‭listing‬‭remains‬‭uncertain,‬‭emphasizing‬‭the‬‭urgent‬‭need‬‭for‬‭data‬‭to‬‭guide‬‭conservation.‬‭To‬‭address‬‭critical‬ ‭knowledge‬‭gaps,‬‭we‬‭conducted‬‭a‬‭two-year‬‭demographic‬‭study‬‭across‬‭13‬‭military‬‭installations‬‭spanning‬‭the‬‭species'‬‭California‬ ‭range.‬ ‭Standardized‬ ‭week-long‬ ‭trapping‬ ‭sessions‬ ‭yielding‬ ‭data‬ ‭on‬‭body‬‭size,‬‭life‬‭stage,‬‭and‬‭sex.‬‭The‬‭metrics‬‭were‬‭used‬‭to‬ ‭estimate‬‭local‬‭abundance‬‭to‬‭establish‬‭a‬‭baseline‬‭to‬‭inform‬‭population‬‭health‬‭and‬‭trajectory.‬‭Our‬‭analysis‬‭revealed‬‭variations‬‭in‬ ‭demographic‬ ‭composition,‬ ‭site-specific‬ ‭abundance,‬ ‭and‬ ‭growth‬ ‭dynamics‬ ‭across‬ ‭installations,‬ ‭identifying‬ ‭high-risk‬ ‭populations‬ ‭and‬ ‭areas‬ ‭with‬ ‭potential‬ ‭recovery.‬ ‭Our‬ ‭findings‬ ‭are‬ ‭essential‬ ‭for‬ ‭prioritizing‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭actions,‬ ‭informing‬ ‭managment of military lands, and contributing to range-wide assessments necessary for the species' recovery planning.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭Ten Years of Tortuga Crew: Reflecting on a Decade of Undergraduate Turtle Research‬ ‭B‭E‬ N‬ ‭A‬‭TKINSON‬‭1‬ ‭AND‬ ‭N‬‭ICHOLE‬ ‭D. B‬‭ISHOP‬ ‭1‬ ‭Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida, United States‬‭of America‬ ‭[‬‭BAtkinson@flagler.edu‬‭]‬

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

In 2015, eager faculty and enthusiastic students from Flagler College commenced efforts to conserve imperiled tortoises and freshwater turtles with partner agencies and institutions. For most undergraduates, these experiences have provided their first hands-on wildlife work. Our ever-changing lineup has conducted field research focused on Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in mangroves and salt marshes of Bermuda and both coasts of Florida, Central American River Turtles (Dermatemys mawii) in rainforests at Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), and Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in coastal dunes and longleaf pine savannahs of north Florida. Some alums have already gone on to earn graduate degrees and/or secured positions as professional biologists and natural resource managers. This poster highlights achievements of the “Tortuga Crew” to date.

Poster

Investigations into the Range and Population Dynamics of Five Species of Kinosternids in Guatemala LAUREN AUGUSTINE1, CHRIS BEDNARSKI, VALERIE CORADO GARCIA, AND DIANA VELÁSQUEZ 1 Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America [Augustine.lauren@phillyzoo.org] Baseline data on the populations of Guatemalan Kinosternids are critical for ensuring successful conservation action and results. A multi-institutional team has conducted surveys across Guatemala to collect baseline data critical to implementing successful conservation measures for freshwater turtles in this region. Trapping and visual encounter surveys in conjunction with locally collected or confiscated turtles kept as captives has resulted in 319 turtles representing ten species. In addition to demographic data, samples were collected for health and genetic evaluation. A total of 215 blood samples were collected for genetic evaluation in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance and we are currently analyzing 150 swabs for infectious diseases with the Epidemiology Lab at the University of Illinois. Further samples were collected to look at blood biochemistry, stable isotopes, and heavy metal concentrations. Herein, we will present some preliminary results on the distribution and health of the turtle populations in three Departments in Guatemala, Petén in the north, Izabal in the East, and Santa Rosa along the Pacific coast.

Oral

Symbiotic Associations of Epizoic Autotrophs and Non-Marine Chelonians: Geography, Diversity, and Ecology PATRICK BAKER United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, United States of America [patrick.baker@westpoint.edu] Algae and other phototrophic organisms that attach to the external surfaces of chelonians establish a symbiotic relationship that has a global distribution, involves most taxonomic groups, occurs in a variety of ecological settings, and may serve as an indicator of environmental quality. While the most conspicuous algal growth is attributed to filamentous algae (Cladophorales), there are numerous accounts of colonial algae and diatoms associating with the outer surface of chelonians.

Symbioses between these epizoic autotrophs and chelonians have been described in the scientific literature as parasitism, commensalism, or mutualism depending on the perceived impact to the chelonian host. For most chelonians, the relationship is best described as a phoresy, a temporary relationship where the phoront (algae) receives the benefits (e.g., favorable attachment site, movement to/from areas of greater insolation, access to nutrients in the water column) and the host neither gains a fitness benefit nor carries a cost from the interaction.

Oral

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

A Comparison of Body Composition of Free-ranging Wild and Head-Started Juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) DEREK L. BATEMAN1, KEVIN BABBITT, AND DAY B. LIGON 1 Department of Biology, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America [dlb2s@missouristate.edu] Because Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) have declined in the Mississippi River and its tributaries, a head-starting and reintroduction program was established at Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery in 1999 with the goal of reestablishing extirpated populations and augmenting those that are unlikely to recover without intervention. Head-started juveniles were released at a site in northeastern Oklahoma to augment an existing but depleted population, and recent survey efforts have demonstrated that both wild and introduced juveniles are present. Given the cooccurrence of both groups and their significant overlap in body size, this offered the opportunity to compare the body composition of the released and wild juvenile turtles to assess the potential for long-term effects of captivity. We used hoop nets baited with frozen carp to capture both wild and head-started juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles, which were then scanned using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DEXA) to estimate lean-tissue mass, fat mass, and bone-mineral mass. The turtles were then returned to their home river and released at the point of capture. This study provided insight into how wild and head-started juvenile Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) compare in body composition and will be used to inform the captive-rearing program at Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery.

Poster

Oklahoma Alligator Snapping Turtle Distribution Surveys DEREK L. BATEMAN1, TESSA N. IRVINE, KEVIN BABBITT, ALEXANDER EDMOND, AND DAY B. LIGON 1 Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America [dlb2s@MissouriState.edu] Assessing the geographical distribution and population status of the Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) is of great interest given the high historical—and present-day—hunting pressure the species has experienced. To this end, we conducted a two-year study to assess the current distribution of Alligator Snapping Turtles in Oklahoma. Survey efforts were conducted from May 2023 to October 2024. Surveys were restricted to months when water temperatures were moderate and were suspended during periods of both high and low temperatures that have been shown to suppress Alligator Snapping Turtle activity, and therefore detectability. Turtles were captured using both 0.9 and 1.2-m hoop nets baited daily with frozen carp. In total, we conducted 1454 net nights of survey effort distributed over 24 sites and captured 168 unique Alligator Snapping Turtles and 45 recaptures of previously marked turtles (captures per unit effort = 0.12 turtles per net-night). We identified 9 systems with low numbers of Alligator Snapping Turtles, 6 sites with apparently robust populations, and failed to detect the species at 9 sites. We conducted multiple bouts of trapping at one site with an especially robust population, using capture-mark-recapture methods to generate a population estimate of 137 (95% CI= 85–190). The patchy distribution pattern that we documented is likely due in part to segmentation of rivers by dams, which have had the effect of isolating populations and altering population source-sink dynamics. The results of our study provide insights into the effects of dams on the distribution of Alligator Snapping Turtles and have helped to inform subsequent surveys that were initiated in Arkansas in spring 2025.

Oral

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

Wild, Rewilded, or Introduced? Defining Populations in IUCN Red List Assessments RICH BAXTER Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance, Seychelles [rich@iotaseychelles.org] Human-mediated movements of species, including rewilding, reintroductions, and translocations, are increasingly important strategies in biodiversity conservation. However, the inclusion of such populations in IUCN Red List assessments requires strict evaluation against established criteria. This presentation examines how rewilded and translocated populations are currently considered within the Red List framework, focusing on the definitions of "wild populations," the treatment of ecological analogue species, and the implications of human-mediated dispersal. A wild population, as defined by the IUCN, must be self-sustaining, free-living, and not reliant on continuous human management. Translocated populations may contribute to Red List assessments if they meet these conditions and occupy ecologically suitable habitats within or adjacent to their historical range. Ecological analogue species, however, are not assessed as part of the original extinct or extirpated species. Case studies of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) and the Galápagos giant tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.) illustrate different outcomes: while rewilded Aldabra tortoise populations become viable and self-sustaining whilst functionally restoring lost ecological roles of extinct species, they are currently not included in the species’ range; the recovery and complex management of Galápagos tortoise populations demonstrate how restoration, hybridisation, and rewilding intersect with species-level risk assessments. These examples argue that the IUCN Red List assessment framework should more fully recognise the conservation value of self-sustaining, human-mediated giant tortoise populations, especially when they contribute significantly to ecosystem resilience, genetic diversity, and species recovery.

Oral

Bringing Nature Back Into Business: Using Ecology to Enhance Economics Education RACHEL BEHRMANN Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America [behrmannrachel@gmail.com] The intersection of ecology and economics remains underexplored in traditional academic settings, but understanding its importance is instrumental for public policy support and conservation funding. This presentation offers preliminary findings on how integrating ecological content—particularly animal behavior and species-specific facts—into undergraduate economics courses can improve student engagement and comprehension. These goals are achieved by linking fundamental economic concepts like trade, supply and demand, and elasticity to ecological examples such as anti-predation strategies, resource management, and symbiotic relationships in wildlife. This talk will share several of these classroom-tested examples and present early findings using student feedback on how this material affected attendance, enthusiasm for the course, and opinions on the relationship between economics and our environment. Furthermore, these in-class examples show that economic theory can be found across ecology and animal behavior and serve to garner interest in conservation and sustainability economics.

Oral

Chelonians of Jordan: A Review of Species Status and Threats to Their Habitats ABEER BILBEISI Jordan Society for the Conservation of Turtles & Tortoises (JSCT), Amman - Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan [chairman@jsctt.org] Jordan possesses four biotopes in a relatively small area characterized by a great variety of plant communities and climatic conditions as well as geomorphologic formations. Jordan is considered one of the richest and most heterogeneous natural

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

areas for reptiles in the temperate region of the world. Two species of Chelonians are reported in Jordan: Testudo graeca terrestris / Spur-thighed Mediterranean Tortoise (Family Testudinidae) known as Greek Tortoise, occurring in the Mediterranean region and the Jordan Valley, inhabiting forested areas, vegetated areas and agricultural areas. And Mauremys rivulata / Stripe-necked Terrapin (Family Bataguridae) known as Western Caspian Turtle, inhabiting wetlands such as: natural ponds, man-made ponds, creeks, slow streams, irrigation canals and dams in the Jordan valley. The both species face significant survival risks & challenges, recorded through numerous field visits & observations that covered various ranges of wild areas most notable: pollution, rapid population growth and urbanization, deforestation, grazing, desertification, pesticides used against crop pests in agriculture, climate change in the region, human attacks on natural habitats and commercial exploitation by illegal trade. Jordan Society for the Conservation of Turtles & Tortoises (JSCT) among its activities recorded a number of serious threats in the Brides Pond area that is located in the north of the kingdom and developed an action plan to preserve the pond by declaring it an environmentally important area. The importance of the declaration lies in the necessity of preserving it as a unique natural site being the only natural habitat for threatened freshwater turtle species existing in Jordan “Mauremys rivulata”, in addition to being considered an aquatic ecosystem and natural habitat for various forms of biological and plant diversity. Declaring the area also an opportunity to promote sustainable management of natural resources, and reduce the negative effects of unsustainable uses through a participatory methodology, based on the principles of integrated management of environmental systems. JSCT seeks to perform effectively through an integrated national network including government, related stakeholders and local community participation to ensure the survival of both chelonians species in Jordan, rescue them from extinction in the wild as they are in need of immediate action.

Oral

The Ecology of Gulf Snapping Turtles and Diamond-Head Turtles at Lawn Hill Gorge DEBORAH S. BOWER1, RUTH ALEXANDER, ERIC NORDBERG, DANIEL COLEMAN, PHIL SPARK, LEA EZZY, ALLISTAIR FREEMAN, SHAQUILLE CONNELLY, DAMIEN ANDREW, AND DONALD MCKNIGHT 1 University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia [deborah.bower@une.edu.au] Climate change is increasing the frequency of severe weather events throughout the Earth. Flooding can have a range of impacts on aquatic fauna which are partially influenced by life history characteristics of the biota. Therefore, gaining a better understanding of the responses of threatened taxa such as turtles is a priority. Populations of two turtle species in Lawn Hill Gorge in northern Australia experienced a major flood event in 2023. Scientists, undergraduate students and Indigenous rangers collaborated on a project using snorkelling and baited trapping for mark-recapture and stomach-flushing. We aimed to understand the population demography and dietary ecology of the Gulf Snapping Turtle (Elseya lavarackorum) and Diamond-head turtle (Emydura subglobosa worrelli) in October 2024. The size structure was similar before and after the flood and skewed towards larger adults in Gulf Snapping turtles but not Diamond-head Turtles. Gulf Snapping Turtles preferred traps with fruit bait whereas Diamond-head Turtles preferred meat. Large Gulf Snapping Turtles guarded bait and were extremely aggressive towards smaller individuals. Stomach contents from turtles caught by snorkelling included a range of items such as leaves, fruit, insects and mushrooms. The flood removed the riparian strip of vegetation which provides habitat structure and food for turtles. Ongoing population size estimates and dietary studies will enable us to quantify immigration and emigration at the site and determine how this population changes over the longer-term.

Oral

Demographics and Population Viability Analyses of Several Freshwater Turtle Species in Mississippi KATHERINE BRANDEWIE1, NOAH DEVROS, LUKE PEARSON, AND CARL QUALLS 1 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States of America [katherine.brandewie@usm.edu]

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‭ ississippi‬‭is‬‭situated‬‭within‬‭the‬‭second‬‭most‬‭diverse‬‭Chelonian‬‭hotspot‬‭in‬‭the‬‭world.‬‭Home‬‭to‬‭31‬‭turtle‬‭species,‬‭it‬‭is‬‭an‬‭ideal‬ M ‭location‬‭for‬‭long‬‭term‬‭population‬‭monitoring.‬‭Recent‬‭turtle‬‭community‬‭and‬‭demographic‬‭studies‬‭have‬‭been‬‭conducted‬‭at‬‭all‬ ‭major‬ ‭river‬ ‭drainages‬ ‭in‬ ‭Mississippi,‬ ‭laying‬ ‭a‬ ‭good‬ ‭foundation‬ ‭for‬ ‭continued‬ ‭research.‬ ‭This‬ ‭study‬ ‭aims‬ ‭to‬ ‭build‬ ‭on‬ ‭that‬ ‭foundation‬ ‭and‬ ‭monitor‬ ‭long-term‬ ‭demographic‬ ‭and‬ ‭population‬‭trends‬‭of‬‭turtle‬‭communities‬‭in‬‭mainstem‬‭sites,‬‭creeks‬‭and‬ ‭tributaries.‬ ‭We‬ ‭will‬ ‭be‬ ‭employing‬ ‭baited‬ ‭hoop‬ ‭traps,‬ ‭minnow‬ ‭traps,‬ ‭basking‬ ‭traps,‬ ‭and‬ ‭hand-capture‬ ‭methods‬ ‭at‬ ‭six‬ ‭sites‬ ‭within‬‭the‬‭Pearl‬‭River,‬‭Pascagoula‬‭River,‬‭Big‬‭Black‬‭River,‬‭and‬‭Yazoo‬‭River‬‭basins‬‭throughout‬‭Mississippi.‬‭Individual‬‭turtles‬ ‭will‬ ‭be‬ ‭identified,‬ ‭sexed,‬ ‭uniquely‬ ‭marked‬ ‭and/or‬ ‭PIT‬ ‭tagged‬ ‭for‬ ‭recapture‬ ‭identification.‬‭Morphometric‬‭data‬‭will‬‭also‬‭be‬ ‭collected‬ ‭on‬ ‭each‬ ‭turtle.‬ ‭We‬ ‭will‬ ‭calculate‬ ‭Capture‬ ‭Per‬‭Unit‬‭Effort‬‭(CPUE)‬‭for‬‭each‬‭species‬‭at‬‭each‬‭site,‬‭make‬‭population‬ ‭estimates,‬‭and‬‭calculate‬‭survival‬‭of‬‭age‬‭classes‬‭using‬‭mark-recapture‬‭data.‬‭Demographic‬‭data‬‭from‬‭mark-recapture‬‭methods‬ ‭and‬‭literature‬‭will‬‭be‬‭used‬‭as‬‭parameters‬‭to‬‭conduct‬‭projection‬‭matrix‬‭Population‬‭Viability‬‭Analyses‬‭(PVA)‬‭for‬‭species‬‭with‬ ‭high‬‭capture‬‭rates‬‭to‬‭estimate‬‭future‬‭population‬‭sizes.‬‭Results‬‭will‬‭contribute‬‭to‬‭established‬‭knowledge‬‭of‬‭Mississippi‬‭turtle‬ ‭communities while further identifying/describing population trends to inform potential future management.‬ ‭Poster‬

‭“Ouacha” Doin’ Here? Distribution and Abundance of the Invasive Ouachita Map Turtle‬‭(Graptemys ouachitensis‬‭)‬‭in‬ ‭the Coosa River‬ ‭G‭R ‬ OVER‬ ‭J. B‬‭ROWN‬‭1‬ ‭AND‬ ‭A‬‭BIGAIL‬ ‭W‭I‬LKINS‬ ‭1‬ ‭Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama,‬‭United States of America‬ ‭[‬‭gjbrown@jsu.edu‬‭]‬ ‭ he‬ ‭genus‬ ‭Graptemys‬ ‭is‬ ‭composed‬ ‭of‬ ‭14‬ ‭species‬ ‭of‬ ‭map‬‭turtles,‬‭making‬‭the‬‭group‬‭the‬‭most‬‭speciose‬‭group‬‭in‬‭the‬‭United‬ T ‭States.‬‭Most‬‭of‬‭these‬‭species‬‭are‬‭isolated‬‭to‬‭just‬‭a‬‭single‬‭river‬‭drainage.‬‭The‬‭Mobile‬‭River‬‭system‬‭is‬‭unique‬‭in‬‭that‬‭it‬‭has‬‭3‬ ‭species‬ ‭of‬ ‭map‬ ‭turtle:‬ ‭the‬ ‭Alabama‬ ‭Map‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭(‬‭Graptemys‬ ‭pulchra‬‭),‬ ‭Northern‬ ‭Map‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭(‬‭G.‬ ‭geographica‬‭),‬ ‭and‬ ‭Black-knobbed‬‭Sawback‬‭(‬‭G.‬‭nigrinoda‬‭).‬‭While‬‭the‬‭Black-knobbed‬‭Sawback‬‭and‬‭Northern‬‭Map‬‭Turtles‬‭are‬‭mostly‬‭allopatric,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Alabama‬ ‭Map‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭can‬ ‭be‬ ‭found‬ ‭throughout‬ ‭most‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭drainage.‬ ‭The‬ ‭species‬‭is‬‭undergoing‬‭evaluation‬‭for‬‭federal‬ ‭listing‬ ‭by‬ ‭the‬ ‭Endangered‬ ‭Species‬ ‭Act‬ ‭due‬ ‭to‬ ‭its‬ ‭similarity‬ ‭of‬ ‭appearance‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭Pearl‬ ‭River‬ ‭Map‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭(‬‭G.‬‭pearlensis‬‭).‬ ‭During‬ ‭surveys‬ ‭for‬ ‭G.‬ ‭pulchra‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭upper‬ ‭Coosa‬ ‭watershed,‬ ‭we‬ ‭discovered‬ ‭a‬ ‭reproductive‬ ‭population‬ ‭of‬ ‭Ouachita‬‭map‬ ‭turtles,‬ ‭a‬ ‭species‬ ‭native‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭Tennessee‬ ‭River‬ ‭drainage‬ ‭of‬ ‭Alabama,‬ ‭but‬ ‭not‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭Coosa‬ ‭River‬ ‭Drainage.‬ ‭We‬ ‭used‬ ‭capture-mark-resight‬‭surveys‬‭to‬‭estimate‬‭abundance‬‭and‬‭distribution‬‭of‬‭this‬‭species‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Coosa‬‭River‬‭drainage‬‭in‬‭Alabama.‬ ‭While‬‭the‬‭population‬‭seems‬‭confined‬‭between‬‭Weiss‬‭and‬‭Neely‬‭Henry‬‭reservoirs,‬‭we‬‭saw‬‭turtles‬‭of‬‭all‬‭age‬‭classes,‬‭and‬‭we‬ ‭recommend continued monitoring of this population.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭A Conservation Crisis: The Vallarta Mud Turtle (‬‭Kinosternon‬‭vogti‬‭)‬ ‭T‭A ‬ GGERT‬ ‭B‭U ‬ TTERFIELD‬‭1‬‭, H‬‭ECTOR‬ ‭A‬‭NDRÉS‬ ‭M‭E‬ DINA‬‭-A‬‭NDRADE‬‭,‬‭U‬‭BALDO‬ ‭S‭E‬ BASTIÁN‬ ‭F‬‭LORES‬‭-G‬‭UERRERO‬‭, A‬‭LEJANDRA ‭M‭O ‬ NSIVÁIS‬‭-M‬‭OLINA‬‭, J‬‭ORDAN‬ ‭G‭R ‬ AY‬‭, M‬‭ARÍA‬ ‭E‭U ‬ GENIA‬ ‭M‭A ‬ RTÍNEZ‬ ‭A‭R ‬ IZMENDI‬‭, R‬‭ICARDO‬ ‭D‬‭ÁVALOS‬ ‭S‬‭ÁENZ‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭A‭N ‬ DREW‬ ‭W‭A ‬ LDE‬ ‭1‬ ‭Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza A.C., Alamos,‬‭Sonora, Mexico‬ ‭[‬‭taggerbutterfield3@gmail.com‬‭]‬ ‭The‬ ‭Vallarta‬ ‭Mud‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭(‬‭Kinosternon‬ ‭vogti‬‭),‬ ‭described‬ ‭in‬ ‭2018,‬ ‭is‬ ‭endemic‬ ‭to‬ ‭the‬ ‭Ameca‬ ‭Valley‬ ‭delta‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭Bahía‬ ‭de‬ ‭ anderas‬ ‭region‬ ‭of‬ ‭Jalisco‬ ‭and‬ ‭Nayarit,‬ ‭Mexico.‬ ‭This‬ ‭area‬ ‭includes‬ ‭Puerto‬ ‭Vallarta,‬ ‭one‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭country’s‬‭fastest-growing‬ B ‭urban‬ ‭and‬ ‭tourism‬ ‭centers.‬ ‭Over‬ ‭the‬ ‭past‬ ‭two‬ ‭decades,‬‭the‬‭region’s‬‭human‬‭population‬‭has‬‭more‬‭than‬‭doubled,‬‭resulting‬‭in‬ ‭extensive‬ ‭wetland‬ ‭destruction‬‭driven‬‭by‬‭real‬‭estate‬‭speculation‬‭and‬‭development.‬‭Our‬‭initial‬‭surveys‬‭in‬‭2019‬‭indicated‬‭that‬ ‭much‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭species’‬ ‭historical‬ ‭habitat‬ ‭had‬ ‭already‬ ‭been‬ ‭lost.‬ ‭Beginning‬ ‭in‬ ‭2021,‬ ‭we‬ ‭launched‬ ‭intensive‬‭sampling‬‭efforts‬ ‭across‬‭the‬‭valley.‬‭By‬‭fall‬‭2022,‬‭our‬‭team‬‭had‬‭located‬‭over‬‭90%‬‭of‬‭the‬‭remaining‬‭K.‬‭vogti‬‭habitats.‬‭As‬‭we‬‭identified‬‭critical‬

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habitats, we engaged with landowners, including municipal governments, private developers, and communal landholders, to promote in-situ protection. Despite these efforts, habitat degradation continued in 2023 and 2024, including land conversion, illegal dumping, and fire. In 2024, there was a marked increase in illegal collection, with poaching documented in the species’ most critical remaining habitats. Our current estimate suggests that fewer than 410 individuals remain in the wild.

Habitat destruction and degradation, combined with escalating international demand for the species in the illegal pet trade, have placed K. vogti at imminent risk of extinction in the wild. Here, we present findings from our field surveys, observations on the species’ ecology and natural history, and an emerging conservation strategy that includes habitat protection, landowner engagement, and ex-situ safeguards to prevent extinction.

Oral

Age Structure, Relatedness, and Patterns of Parentage in the Sierra Box Turtle (Terrapene nelsoni klauberi) TAGGERT BUTTERFIELD1, ALEJANDRA MONSIVÁIS-MOLINA, BRETT BUTLER, AND FELIX GARCIA-CABALLERO 1 Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza A.C., Alamos, Sonora, México [taggerbutterfield3@gmail.com] Life history is fundamental to understanding how organisms allocate resources to growth, reproduction, and survival across their lifespan. In this study, we assess the age structure and genetic relationships within a population of Sierra Box Turtles (Terrapene nelsoni klauberi) using mark-recapture data and microsatellite analysis. To assess age structure of the population we categorized individuals into four age classes based on the extent of plastron and carapace erosion: (1) turtles with visible, countable growth rings; (2) turtles with smooth plastron and visible rings on the carapace; (3) turtles with a smooth plastron, smooth vertebral scutes, but visible rings on the pleural scutes; and (4) turtles with no visible rings on either the plastron or carapace. Using 12 polymorphic microsatellites, we compared relatedness among individuals across age categories, predicting higher relatedness among older turtles due to successful breeders leaving more offspring in the population. We then explore parent-offspring relationships to determine if morphology or behavior of individuals is significantly related to reproductive success. The population is primarily composed of individuals in age categories one, followed by four, three and two, suggesting that population is dominated by young individuals. We find relatedness is highest in age category two, followed by age category four, with category three and one practically equal. In the parentage analysis we identify 33 parent-offspring relationships, with six individuals being assigned both a father and mother, 11 being assigned only a father, and seven being assigned only a mother. There are still many individuals that need to be genotyped in the population, but these preliminary data open the door to begin understanding how life history, behavior, and morphology influence reproductive success.

Oral

Chasing Swamp Ghosts: Investigating the Ecology of Spotted Turtles in the Deep South HOUSTON C. CHANDLER1, ANDREA L. COLTON, AND BENJAMIN S. STEGENGA 1 The Orianne Society, Tiger, Georgia, United States of America [hchandler@oriannesociety.org] Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) have a large distribution that stretches from southern Canada to northern Florida. Despite this large range, Spotted Turtles are currently a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in all 21 range states. This species has been relatively well-studied in many parts of its range, but research in the southeast has lagged behind that of other regions.

This data gap, along with its impacts on making conservation decisions, was recently highlighted in a Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for eastern Spotted Turtle populations. The Orianne Society has studied the ecology of Spotted Turtles in southern Georgia since 2014 and has since expanded this work into Florida and South Carolina. Over this period, we have focused research efforts on three main objectives: 1) conducting long-term demographic monitoring at sentinel sites, 2) performing systematic surveys for undocumented populations, and 3) studying the ecology of Spotted Turtles at their

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southern range terminus. This research has led to a better understanding of movement and space use, reproductive ecology, thermal ecology, conservation genetics, and distribution of populations across conservation lands. Region-wide survey efforts have highlighted the difficulty of working with Spotted Turtles in the southeast. For example, from 2018–2025, we surveyed a total of 84 sites across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, conducting 8,453 trap nights and 1,239 visual-encounter surveys. Across all surveys, we observed Spotted Turtles at 19 sites, including 5 long-term–monitoring sites and 14 sites that were formally surveyed for the first time. Of the 14 new sites with detections, 8 were characterized by the observation of just a single individual. Currently, attention has shifted to furthering Spotted Turtle conservation in the southeast by focusing on designing better survey methodologies, identifying populations currently protected on conservation lands, creating a better understanding of population dynamics in the southeast, and understanding the effects of temperature on nest and hatchling performance. Part of this ongoing work includes the formation of the Southeastern Spotted Turtle Working Group, bringing together natural resource professionals from across the southeast to focus on Spotted Turtle conservation.

Oral

Ecology of an Urban Population of Alligator Snapper Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Birmingham, Alabama ANDREW T. COLEMAN Urban Turtle Project/Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America [urbanturtleproject@gmail.com] Many populations of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) were heavily impacted from historical harvesting precipitating a need to protect this species throughout its range. Conservation efforts need to include surveys to identify previously undocumented populations. One such example includes an urban population inhabiting the Cahaba River around Birmingham, Alabama that was first documented by the Urban Turtle Project in 2018. Mark-recapture techniques were utilized to assess the size of the population. A total of 36 capture events were recorded, including a number of recaptures. A catch per unit effort of 0.27 turtles/trap night was observed, which is comparable to other monitored populations. Future efforts will include continuing tracking this population as well as identifying other populations in central Alabama.

Oral

Building a Collaborative Network to Enhance Conservation and Management of the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) in the Southeastern U.S. ANDREA COLTON1, IVANA MALI, ELIZABETH CULP, THOMAS AKRE, CHRIS POLINSKI, AND HOUSTON CHANDLER 1 The Orianne Society, Tiger, Georgia, United States of America [acolton@oriannesociety.org] Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) are small, semi-aquatic turtles that can be found in a variety of shallow, ephemeral freshwater habitats across the eastern and Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. Population declines have made the Spotted Turtle a Species of Greatest Conservation Need across their U.S. range. A Status Assessment and Conservation Plan was created for eastern Spotted Turtle populations in 2022, based upon work conducted from Florida to Maine. This plan identified the Southeast as a region with significant information gaps. Building on this work, a Southeastern Spotted Turtle Working Group (SSTWG) was formed in 2023 and awarded a Competitive State Wildlife Grant to address knowledge gaps and develop a conservation action plan for Spotted Turtle populations in the Southeast (Florida to West Virginia). The goals of the SSTWG are to: 1) survey sites in data gap watersheds, 2) conduct population viability analyses for long-term monitoring sites, 3) improve survey protocols, 4) provide technical assistance to stakeholders 5) restore or enhance Spotted Turtle habitat, 6) engage law enforcement to curb turtle collection, and 7) revise a Status Assessment and Conservation Plan for the Southeast. Field research and conservation began in 2024 and will continue in 2025 and 2026. For example, we sampled three long-term monitoring sites and six new sites in Georgia and South Carolina in spring 2024. We observed 42 turtles and confirmed the presence of an extant population at one new site. Over the next two years, the SSTWG

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will continue to address project goals through a combination of fieldwork, workshops, habitat management, and analysis of new and existing datasets.

Poster

Life-History Trait Values of Small- and Large-Bodied Sonora Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) in Two Isolated Mountain Ranges JUSTIN D. CONGDON1 AND PAUL A. STONE 1 Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America [Congdon2016@outlook.com] Body size has a well-established influence on the values of life-history traits of the majority of vertebrate species examined.

Comparisons of populations of the same species minimizes issues caused by different evolutionary histories that influence interpretation of relationships among life-history trait values. Our goals were to answer questions about influences of body size and age of adult females on reproductive traits, and survivorship of Sonora Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense; SMTs). Questions: 1.) Are within populations body sizes of adult females and males different? 2) Are there population differences in durations and rates of juvenile growth? 3.) Are juvenile growth rates correlated with body size and age at maturity? 4.) Are rates of age specific indeterminate growth different between populations? And, where the primary life history action is 5.). Are relationships between egg size and clutch size different between populations, and 6.) are clutch frequencies of females in the PMts higher than in the CMts? We used answers to questions to examine constraints, trade-offs, and synergies among life-history trait values to document if and how differences in body size of adults in the CMts and PMts influence other life-history trait values. Preliminary analysis of data indicates that, if annual reproductive fecundities of females are similar, fecundities (female eggs per female) of larger females in the CMts (= 3) is twice that of small-bodied SMTs (= 1.5). Low fecundities of females in both populations make it difficult to maintain or recover from population declines, but much more so for the small-bodied population. We predict that, despite low resource availability at both sites females in the small-bodied females will have a higher clutch frequency and/or higher rates of nest survival than females in the larger bodied population. However, increase in clutch frequency may be difficult due to low resource availability, but well-drained soils with low vegetation cover are abundant at both sites. We contrast how the reproductive tactics of SMTs and Yellow Mud Turtles (Kinosternon flavescens) can influence population persistence and probability of extirpation from desert areas as problems related to global warming increase.

Oral

Evaluating the Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) as an Umbrella Species for Riparian Biodiversity in Massachusetts MICHELA (MICK) COURY1 AND MICHAEL T. JONES 1 Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife, Westborough, Massachusetts, United States of America [courym@mail.gvsu.edu] The Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), a long-lived species of conservation concern in the northeastern U.S., has been proposed as an umbrella species for riparian biodiversity due to its broad habitat use. This study evaluated whether Wood Turtle abundance is associated with higher species richness and ecological quality across five taxonomic groups—avian, freshwater mussels, herbaceous, shrub, and canopy vascular plants—at 16 sites in Massachusetts. We combined turtle surveys with standardized assessments of biodiversity using Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA) for plants and novel quality scores for birds (AQA) and mussels (MQA) based on conservation rankings. Sites were categorized by high or low Wood Turtle abundance using catch per unit effort (CPUE), and analyzed using t-tests, regressions, and principal component analyses.

While statistical tests found no significant differences in species richness or quality between high- and low-abundance sites, multivariate analyses suggested that higher turtle abundance may be associated with greater avian, canopy, and herb quality scores and higher shrub and bird richness. These findings imply partial support for the Wood Turtle as an umbrella species,

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‭2025 Symposium Program‬

‭particularly‬ ‭for‬ ‭specific‬ ‭taxa.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭the‬ ‭relationship‬ ‭was‬ ‭inconsistent‬ ‭across‬ ‭all‬ ‭groups,‬ ‭and‬ ‭further‬ ‭studies,‬ ‭including‬ c‭ omparisons‬ ‭with‬ ‭sites‬ ‭lacking‬ ‭Wood‬ ‭Turtles‬ ‭and‬ ‭expanded‬ ‭taxonomic‬ ‭scope,‬ ‭are‬ ‭needed.‬ ‭This‬ ‭research‬ ‭highlights‬ ‭the‬ ‭potential and limitations of using the Wood Turtle as a conservation surrogate in riparian systems.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭Modifying Spotted Turtle (‬‭Clemmys guttata‬‭) Standard‬‭Survey Protocol for Data Depauperate Systems in the‬ ‭Southeastern USA‬ ‭E‭L‬ IZABETH‬ ‭H‭O ‬ WELL‬ ‭C‬‭ULP‬‭1‬‭, M‬‭ADDISYN‬ ‭B‭R ‬ AUN‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭I‭V ‬ ANA‬ ‭M‭A ‬ LI‬ ‭1‬ ‭North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina,‬‭United States of America‬ ‭[‬‭culpeh@gmail.com‬‭]‬ ‭The‬ ‭Spotted‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭(‬‭Clemmys‬ ‭guttata‬‭)‬ ‭is‬ ‭a‬ ‭small‬ ‭freshwater‬ ‭turtle‬ ‭that‬ ‭inhabits‬ ‭a‬ ‭variety‬ ‭of‬ ‭shallow,‬ ‭often‬ ‭ephemeral,‬ ‭ egetated‬ ‭wetlands‬ ‭stretching‬‭from‬‭northern‬‭Florida‬‭to‬‭southern‬‭Canada.‬‭Spotted‬‭Turtles‬‭appear‬‭to‬‭be‬‭declining‬‭throughout‬ v ‭their‬ ‭range‬ ‭and‬ ‭are‬ ‭considered‬ ‭Endangered‬ ‭on‬ ‭the‬ ‭IUCN‬ ‭Red‬ ‭List,‬ ‭endangered‬ ‭in‬ ‭Canada‬ ‭and‬ ‭a‬ ‭Species‬ ‭of‬ ‭Greatest‬ ‭Conservation‬‭Need‬‭(SGCN)‬‭in‬‭all‬‭21‬‭states‬‭where‬‭they‬‭occur‬‭in‬‭the‬‭U.S.‬‭The‬‭recent‬‭Status‬‭Assessment‬‭and‬‭Conservation‬‭Plan‬ ‭for‬‭the‬‭Spotted‬‭Turtle‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Eastern‬‭United‬‭States‬‭led‬‭by‬‭the‬‭Eastern‬‭Spotted‬‭Turtle‬‭Working‬‭Group‬‭identified‬‭the‬‭Southeast‬ ‭as‬‭a‬‭data-depauperate‬‭region‬‭and‬‭also‬‭a‬‭region‬‭with‬‭substantial‬‭suitable‬‭habitat.‬‭This‬‭led‬‭to‬‭the‬‭formation‬‭of‬‭the‬‭Southeastern‬ ‭Spotted‬‭Turtle‬‭Working‬‭Group‬‭with‬‭the‬‭mission‬‭to‬‭conserve‬‭Spotted‬‭Turtle‬‭populations‬‭across‬‭the‬‭southeastern‬‭U.S.‬‭As‬‭a‬‭part‬ ‭of‬ ‭a‬ ‭collaborative‬ ‭effort‬ ‭funded‬ ‭through‬ ‭competitive‬‭State‬‭Wildlife‬‭Grant,‬‭one‬‭of‬‭the‬‭goals‬‭is‬‭to‬‭refine‬‭the‬‭standard‬‭survey‬ ‭protocol‬ ‭to‬ ‭increase‬ ‭detection‬ ‭and‬ ‭capture‬ ‭rates‬ ‭of‬ ‭Spotted‬ ‭Turtles‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭Southeast.‬ ‭To‬ ‭address‬ ‭ways‬ ‭in‬ ‭which‬ ‭the‬ ‭standardized‬ ‭survey‬ ‭protocol‬ ‭can‬ ‭be‬ ‭improved‬ ‭in‬ ‭coastal‬ ‭plains‬ ‭of‬ ‭North‬ ‭Carolina,‬ ‭we‬ ‭purposefully‬‭manipulated‬‭both‬‭the‬ ‭density‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭spatial‬ ‭distribution‬ ‭of‬ ‭traps‬ ‭and‬ ‭compared‬ ‭the‬ ‭total‬ ‭captures‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭capture‬ ‭per‬ ‭unit‬ ‭effort‬ ‭(CPUE).‬ ‭Specifically,‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭spring‬ ‭2025,‬ ‭we‬ ‭surveyed‬ ‭plots‬ ‭using‬ ‭the‬‭standard‬‭protocol‬‭(5‬‭traps/30‬‭meters‬‭apart)‬‭and‬‭the‬‭modified‬ ‭protocols:‬‭10‬‭traps/30‬‭meters‬‭apart,‬‭increasing‬‭the‬‭overall‬‭survey‬‭area,‬‭or‬‭10‬‭traps/15‬‭meters‬‭apart,‬‭increasing‬‭the‬‭trap‬‭density.‬ ‭Within‬ ‭a‬ ‭short‬ ‭period‬ ‭of‬ ‭time,‬ ‭we‬‭returned‬‭to‬‭a‬‭subset‬‭of‬‭plots‬‭to‬‭rotate‬‭the‬‭trapping‬‭protocol.‬‭Thus‬‭far,‬‭we‬‭captured‬‭>100‬ ‭Spotted‬‭Turtles‬‭over‬‭30‬‭trap‬‭days‬‭ranging‬‭from‬‭0‬‭to‬‭18‬‭unique‬‭turtles‬‭per‬‭plot‬‭and‬‭0‬‭to‬‭59‬‭unique‬‭turtles‬‭per‬‭site.‬‭Preliminary‬ ‭data‬‭at‬‭our‬‭rotation‬‭plots‬‭indicate‬‭that‬‭the‬‭number‬‭of‬‭captures‬‭and/or‬‭CPUE‬‭did‬‭not‬‭differ‬‭between‬‭the‬‭survey‬‭protocols.‬‭Over‬ ‭the‬‭next‬‭two‬‭years,‬‭we‬‭will‬‭continue‬‭to‬‭refine‬‭our‬‭approaches‬‭for‬‭detecting‬‭Spotted‬‭Turtles‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Southeast–contributing‬‭to‬ ‭overall conservation and management of this elusive species.‬ ‭Poster‬

‭Assessing the Conservation Status of the Yucatan Box Turtle (‬‭Terrapene yucatana‬‭) Across Its Range‬ ‬ TTERFIELD‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭A‬‭LEJANDRA‬ ‭M‭O ‬ NSIVÁIS‬‭-M‬‭OLINA‬ ‭C‬‭ARLOS‬ ‭M. D‬‭ELGADO‬‭-M‬‭ARTÍNEZ‬‭1‬‭, T‬‭AGGERT‬ ‭B‭U ‭1‬ ‭Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City,‬‭México‬ ‭[pistache06@ciencias.unam.mx]‬ ‭Mexico‬ ‭hosts‬ ‭the‬ ‭second-highest‬ ‭turtle‬ ‭diversity‬‭of‬‭any‬‭country,‬‭yet‬‭most‬‭species‬‭remain‬‭poorly‬‭studied.‬‭This‬‭is‬‭especially‬ c‭ oncerning‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭Yucatan‬ ‭Box‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭(‬‭Terrapene‬ ‭yucatana‬‭),‬ ‭one‬ ‭of‬‭the‬‭most‬‭heavily‬‭trafficked‬‭turtles‬‭in‬‭Mexico,‬‭whose‬ ‭abundance‬‭across‬‭its‬‭range‬‭remains‬‭largely‬‭unknown.‬‭To‬‭assess‬‭its‬‭conservation‬‭status,‬‭we‬‭conducted‬‭field‬‭surveys‬‭across‬‭the‬ ‭Yucatán‬‭Peninsula‬‭in‬‭2023‬‭and‬‭2024.‬‭In‬‭2023,‬‭we‬‭visited‬‭seven‬‭communities,‬‭conducted‬‭seven‬‭visual‬‭encounter‬‭surveys,‬‭and‬ ‭recorded‬ ‭no‬‭individuals‬‭in‬‭the‬‭wild.‬‭In‬‭contrast,‬‭during‬‭2024,‬‭we‬‭surveyed‬‭13‬‭communities,‬‭completed‬‭28‬‭visual‬‭encounter‬ ‭surveys,‬ ‭and‬ ‭observed‬ ‭one‬ ‭individual‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭field.‬ ‭Despite‬ ‭limited‬ ‭field‬ ‭detections,‬ ‭interviews‬ ‭with‬ ‭residents‬ ‭suggest‬ ‭the‬ ‭species‬ ‭is‬ ‭more‬ ‭abundant‬ ‭in‬ ‭northeastern‬ ‭Yucatan,‬ ‭while‬ ‭it‬ ‭appears‬ ‭to‬ ‭be‬‭rare‬‭in‬‭peripheral‬‭regions‬‭such‬‭as‬‭Calakmul‬‭and‬ ‭Quintana‬‭Roo.‬‭A‬‭troubling‬‭trend‬‭observed‬‭was‬‭the‬‭widespread‬‭collection‬‭of‬‭turtles‬‭by‬‭locals,‬‭who‬‭often‬‭keep‬‭them‬‭at‬‭home,‬ ‭creating‬ ‭opportunities‬ ‭for‬ ‭traffickers‬ ‭to‬ ‭further‬ ‭deplete‬ ‭wild‬ ‭populations.‬ ‭During‬ ‭this‬ ‭study‬ ‭we‬ ‭recorded‬ ‭a‬ ‭total‬ ‭of‬ ‭seven‬ ‭Yucatan‬ ‭Box‬ ‭Turtles‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭houses‬ ‭of‬ ‭locals.‬ ‭This‬ ‭combination‬ ‭of‬ ‭low‬ ‭wild‬ ‭density‬ ‭and‬ ‭opportunistic‬ ‭collection‬ ‭may‬

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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‭contribute‬‭to‬‭a‬‭snowball‬‭effect‬‭accelerating‬‭population‬‭decline.‬‭These‬‭findings‬‭support‬‭the‬‭recent‬‭IUCN‬‭Red‬‭List‬‭designation‬ ‭ f‬‭T. yucatana‬‭as Endangered and highlight the urgent need for continued monitoring and targeted conservation action.‬ o ‭Oral‬

‭Territoriality of Alligator Snapping Turtles (‬‭Macrochelys‬‭)‬ ‭P‭A ‬ TRICK‬ ‭D‬‭ELISLE‬‭1‬‭, E‬‭RIC‬ ‭M‭U ‬ NSCHER‬‭, T‬‭RAVIS‬ ‭M. T‬‭HOMAS‬‭,‬‭A‭N ‬ DREW‬ ‭D. W‬‭ALDE‬‭, S‬‭ETH‬ ‭S‬‭WAFFORD‬‭, C‬‭ARL‬ ‭P. Q‬‭UALLS‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭L‭U ‬ KE‬ ‭P‭E‬ ARSON‬ ‭1‬ ‭University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg,‬‭Mississippi, United States of America‬ ‭[‬‭patrick.delisle@usm.edu‬‭]‬ ‭Throughout‬ ‭the‬ ‭19th‬ ‭and‬ ‭20th‬ ‭centuries,‬ ‭large-scale‬ ‭habitat‬ ‭conversion‬‭and‬‭commercial‬‭harvest‬‭heavily‬‭impacted‬‭alligator‬ s‭ napping‬‭turtle‬‭(‬‭Macrochelys‬‭spp.)‬‭populations‬‭throughout‬‭their‬‭range.‬‭These‬‭historical‬‭threats,‬‭coupled‬‭with‬‭current‬‭bycatch‬ ‭mortality,‬ ‭led‬ ‭the‬ ‭United‬ ‭States‬ ‭Fish‬ ‭and‬ ‭Wildlife‬ ‭Service‬ ‭to‬ ‭list‬ ‭M.‬ ‭suwanniensis‬ ‭and‬ ‭propose‬ ‭to‬ ‭list‬ ‭M.‬ ‭temminckii‬ ‭as‬ ‭threatened‬ ‭under‬ ‭the‬ ‭Endangered‬ ‭Species‬ ‭Act.‬ ‭Macrochelys‬ ‭are‬‭thought‬‭to‬‭be‬‭territorial‬‭animals‬‭since‬‭it‬‭is‬‭common‬‭to‬‭see‬ ‭scars‬ ‭and‬ ‭recent‬ ‭wounds‬ ‭indicative‬ ‭of‬ ‭intraspecific‬ ‭combat,‬ ‭particularly‬ ‭on‬ ‭males.‬ ‭However,‬ ‭evidence‬ ‭of‬ ‭how‬ ‭these‬ ‭interactions‬‭affect‬‭their‬‭spatial‬‭ecology‬‭are‬‭largely‬‭lacking.‬‭To‬‭investigate‬‭territoriality,‬‭we‬‭used‬‭telemetry‬‭data‬‭from‬‭two‬‭sites‬ ‭within‬‭western‬‭Mississippi,‬‭an‬‭urban‬‭bayou‬‭site‬‭in‬‭eastern‬‭Texas,‬‭and‬‭two‬‭riverine‬‭sites‬‭in‬‭Florida;‬‭all‬‭of‬‭which‬‭contain‬‭robust‬ ‭populations‬ ‭of‬ ‭Macrochelys‬‭.‬ ‭We‬ ‭hypothesized‬ ‭that‬ ‭environmental‬ ‭(water‬ ‭level)‬ ‭and‬ ‭intrinsic‬ ‭factors‬ ‭(sex,‬ ‭weight)‬ ‭may‬ ‭influence‬‭the‬‭proximity‬‭of‬‭tracked‬‭individuals‬‭to‬‭each‬‭other.‬‭We‬‭measured‬‭the‬‭distances‬‭between‬‭all‬‭tracked‬‭turtles‬‭for‬‭each‬ ‭tracking‬‭period‬‭and‬‭we‬‭used‬‭a‬‭generalized‬‭linear‬‭model‬‭to‬‭describe‬‭the‬‭distances‬‭between‬‭individuals.‬‭We‬‭found‬‭a‬‭significant‬ ‭two-way‬‭interaction‬‭between‬‭the‬‭water‬‭level‬‭and‬‭the‬‭weight‬‭difference‬‭between‬‭individuals.‬‭As‬‭the‬‭difference‬‭between‬‭turtle‬ ‭weights‬‭increases,‬‭Macrochelys‬‭were‬‭increasingly‬‭farther‬‭apart‬‭as‬‭water‬‭level‬‭decreases.‬‭We‬‭also‬‭found‬‭a‬‭significant‬‭two-way‬ ‭interaction‬‭between‬‭water‬‭level‬‭and‬‭site.‬‭The‬‭distances‬‭between‬‭turtles‬‭were‬‭significantly‬‭affected‬‭by‬‭water‬‭levels‬‭at‬‭sites‬‭in‬ ‭western‬‭Mississippi‬‭but‬‭were‬‭not‬‭at‬‭other‬‭sites.‬‭Results‬‭from‬‭this‬‭model‬‭can‬‭provide‬‭valuable‬‭information‬‭on‬‭the‬‭management‬ ‭of‬ ‭recovering‬ ‭populations‬ ‭in‬ ‭other‬ ‭areas,‬ ‭along‬ ‭with‬ ‭providing‬ ‭unique‬ ‭insights‬ ‭into‬ ‭these‬ ‭specific‬ ‭populations‬ ‭that‬ ‭have‬ ‭endured substantial anthropogenic hydrological impacts.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭Drones as a Viable Method of Conducting Basking Surveys and Collecting Habitat Data‬ ‬ RL‬ ‭Q‬‭UALLS ‭N‬‭OAH‬ ‭D‭E‬ VROS‬‭1‬‭, M‬‭C‬‭A‭U ‬ LAY‬ ‭J‭A ‬ UNSEN‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭C‭A ‭1‬ ‭University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg,‬‭Mississippi, United States of America‬ ‭[‬‭noah.devros@usm.edu‬‭]‬ ‭Many‬ ‭riverine‬ ‭Emydids‬ ‭are‬ ‭characterized‬ ‭by‬ ‭habitual‬‭basking,‬‭thus,‬‭basking‬‭surveys‬‭are‬‭important‬‭opportunities‬‭to‬‭collect‬ ‭ emographic‬‭data.‬‭However,‬‭many‬‭basking‬‭turtles‬‭are‬‭easily‬‭frightened;‬‭researcher‬‭presence‬‭affecting‬‭true‬‭basking‬‭densities‬ d ‭is‬‭accepted‬‭as‬‭a‬‭measure‬‭of‬‭error‬‭inherent‬‭to‬‭this‬‭process.‬‭This‬‭is‬‭especially‬‭true‬‭with‬‭exceptionally‬‭cautious‬‭species,‬‭such‬‭as‬ ‭those‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Graptemys‬‭genus.‬‭During‬‭our‬‭basking‬‭surveys‬‭of‬‭Ringed‬‭Map‬‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Graptemys‬‭oculifera‬‭)‬‭and‬‭Pearl‬‭River‬‭map‬ ‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Graptemys‬‭pearlensis‬‭),‬‭two‬‭species‬‭found‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Pearl‬‭River‬‭drainage‬‭of‬‭Mississippi,‬‭we‬‭observed‬‭numerous‬‭basking‬ ‭individuals‬ ‭fleeing‬ ‭at‬ ‭our‬ ‭approach.‬ ‭To‬ ‭address‬ ‭this,‬ ‭we‬ ‭used‬ ‭an‬ ‭inexpensive,‬ ‭sub-250-gram‬ ‭drone‬ ‭(a‬ ‭DJI‬ ‭Mini‬ ‭4‬‭Pro)‬‭to‬ ‭conduct‬ ‭basking‬ ‭surveys‬ ‭and‬ ‭assess‬ ‭habitat‬‭variables.‬‭We‬‭parked‬‭the‬‭boat‬‭out‬‭of‬‭sight‬‭of‬‭basking‬‭substrate,‬‭flew‬‭the‬‭drone‬ ‭over‬‭the‬‭substrate‬‭to‬‭collect‬‭images‬‭of‬‭basking‬‭turtles,‬‭then‬‭piloted‬‭the‬‭boat‬‭within‬‭sight‬‭of‬‭the‬‭substrate‬‭to‬‭perform‬‭basking‬ ‭surveys‬‭with‬‭spotting‬‭scopes‬‭and‬‭binoculars.‬‭Turtles‬‭appeared‬‭less‬‭likely‬‭to‬‭flee‬‭at‬‭the‬‭approach‬‭of‬‭the‬‭drone:‬‭while‬‭the‬‭drone‬ ‭was‬‭able‬‭to‬‭get‬‭within‬‭5‬‭vertical‬‭meters‬‭of‬‭basking‬‭turtles‬‭with‬‭no‬‭disruption,‬‭the‬‭majority‬‭of‬‭Graptemys‬‭fled‬‭at‬‭the‬‭approach‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭boat.‬ ‭Drone‬ ‭basking‬ ‭densities‬ ‭from‬ ‭four‬ ‭tested‬ ‭sites‬ ‭ranged‬ ‭between‬‭1.5x-10x‬‭higher‬‭than‬‭spotting‬‭scope/binocular‬ ‭basking‬‭densities.‬‭Even‬‭a‬‭budget-friendly‬‭drone‬‭such‬‭as‬‭the‬‭Mini‬‭4‬‭Pro‬‭is‬‭able‬‭to‬‭capture‬‭images‬‭of‬‭basking‬‭turtles‬‭of‬‭quality‬

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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sufficient enough to ID turtle species and sex. Moreover, drone imagery is invaluable in assessing habitat variables as it allows for the precise quantification of variables which may otherwise only be recorded via point count, such as deadwood.

Oral

Initial Survey of Freshwater Turtle Assemblages at Thirteen Nature Preserves in Northeastern Illinois CLAIRE E. DIETRICH1 AND MICHAEL J. DRESLIK 1 Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America [ced@illinois.edu] Urbanization of the Chicago metropolitan area has drastically altered the landscape of northeastern Illinois over the past two centuries. Once dominated by forest and marshy wetlands, the region is now characterized by dense urban centers highly fragmented by several major roadways. The resulting loss of natural habitat has impacted regional abundances of some turtle species, such as the state-endangered Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). Despite modern environmental protections, fragmentation and degradation of the remaining habitat provide little opportunity for populations to expand or recolonize their former range naturally. We sampled thirteen publicly owned forest preserves, conservation areas, and mitigation sites for aquatic turtles with baited hoop traps to determine species richness, diversity, and evenness of the turtle assemblages. Species richness ranged from 1 to 5, with most assemblages comprising common species considered resilient to anthropogenic disturbance, such as the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) and Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). Diversity indices were low overall, ranging from 0 to 1.19, but evenness indices varied from 0.38 to 1. We intend to continually reassess turtle assemblages at the sites on a five-year rotation to gain a long-term temporal understanding of demographic trends.

Poster

Conservation of the Pig-Nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) in the Daly River, Australia SEAN DOODY1, GEORGE HEINRICH, AND DEB BOWER 1 University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America [jseandoody@gmail.com] The Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is the single surviving member of a once widespread group of turtles, now restricted to a few rivers in New Guinea and northern Australia. The species is listed as ‘Endangered’ at the global level (IUCN), ‘Vulnerable’ at the federal level in Australia, and ‘Endangered’ in the Northern Territory, the only Australian state in which it occurs. Because it is being overexploited at an alarming rate in New Guinea, the species’ protection in Australia is critical for its survival. In turn, the Australian stronghold for the species is in the Daly River, necessitating its protection there. Although poaching of the species is not known in Australia, the populations in the Daly face a persistent threat of water extraction from the catchment for irrigating expanding agriculture. Despite our knowledge of the species’ ecology and behavior, including laying eggs twice every second year, large linear home ranges, thermal spring basking, embryonic estivation, explosive hatching, and moving, feeding and nesting socially, the population sizes of the Daly River populations are unknown. In June 2025, about a month before this conference, a mark-recapture study was initiated to produce a population size estimate for the middle reaches of the Daly River. We report on our raw findings for the first year of a multi-year effort that will facilitate monitoring and guide management actions in the future.

Oral

23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA ​

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

Design and Testing of the Ultimate Incubator: Unlocking Development and TSD Parameters of Red-Headed Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis erythrocephala) Under Naturalistic Oscillating Incubation Temperatures DAVID DRAJESKE Biotech BD, LLC, Seattle, Washington, United States of America [CBChelonians@gmail.com] Much of what is known about turtle incubation was developed using artificial incubation at constant temperatures. However, in nature, incubation temperatures are never constant, especially in shallow nesting species. Much remains to be learned about development and thermal reaction norms for Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD) under more naturalistic temperature regimes. Additionally, attempts to produce female offspring using high constant temperature incubations have been shown to decrease hatchling fitness and increase mortality in some species. Until now, recreating temperature trends of natural nests has required expensive commercial incubators costing roughly $10,000/chamber. The author built a highly capable incubator using inexpensive off-the-shelf electronics components including an Arduino microcontroller. Eggs of Red-headed Amazon River Turtle (Podocnemis erythrocephala) were incubated with naturalistic oscillating temperatures based on nest temperature trends from literature. The temperature range studied spanned 20 – 40° C. Incubation durations and temperature trends of multiple clutches were used to fit constants to the Dallwitz-Higgins non-linear development rate model. Preliminary data on TSD reaction norms under oscillating temperatures suggest that Podocnemis erythrocephala may actually be TSD Type II with both a high and low temperature threshold for feminization.

Oral

Population Ecology of Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) in Two Isolated Illinois Wetlands MICHAEL J. DRESLIK1, DEVIN A. EDMONDS, ROSE A. ARNOLD, AND ETHAN J. KESSLER 1 Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, United States of America [dreslik@illinois.edu] Over sixty percent of evaluated freshwater turtle species are assessed as at risk of extinction by the IUCN Red List.

Overexploitation is the greatest threat, with habitat degradation, urbanization, pollution, and the ongoing effects of climate change also having large impacts. Consequently, many freshwater turtle populations are small, isolated, and declining, as is the case for the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata). The species has declined across its range in the eastern U.S., with only two populations remaining in Illinois at the western edge of its distribution. We conducted long-term capture-mark-recapture surveys and leveraged data collected over three decades to create demographic models of growth, survival, and reproductive output formulated into an integral projection model framework. The framework evaluates the probability of population persistence and how changes in vital rates affect population growth. Our results show the benefits of integrating size-based data sources for population assessments and the value of long-term monitoring, with implications for improving conservation efforts for Spotted Turtles in Illinois and throughout their range.

Oral

Comparative Analysis of Home Range Estimation Methods in the Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis) MARIA EUGENIA ECHAVE1, ERIKA KUBISCH, KARINA LANERI 1 Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro Atómico Bariloche - Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Fundacion de Historia Natural Felix de Azara, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina [echave.mariaeugenia@maimonides.edu] Accurate home range estimation is essential for understanding space use in wildlife. In the case of the Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis), determining habitat use is particularly important to inform future conservation strategies. Traditional

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methods to estimate home range such as the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) often assume independent and identically distributed data. However, trajectories derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking data are typically autocorrelated. Ignoring this autocorrelation can lead to biased estimates; therefore, methods that account for it, such as Autocorrelated Kernel Density Estimation (AKDE), provide more reliable results. We analized GPS data from nine Chaco tortoises from a wild population in Río Negro, Argentina over approximately two years. We used two types of data from the same individuals and time periods to estimate their home ranges. Correlated data were obtained using a GPS tracking device, which recorded coordinates every 15 minutes. These high-frequency data were analyzed using both AKDE and MCP. In contrast, uncorrelated data were collected manually by recording GPS waypoints approximately every 7,15 or 21 days (depending on the season). These lower-frequency data were analyzed using the MCP method. We found that AKDE estimates varied widely among individuals, ranging from 5131 m2 to 669022 m2. In comparison, MCP estimates were smaller, ranging from 2300 m2 to 303200 m2. These results reflect the sensitivity of MCP to outliers and sampling density, and the tendency to underestimate home range size even when applied to uncorrelated data. Since MCP was applied to lower-frequency, uncorrelated datasets, their limitations become evident when compared to AKDE, which provided more robust and biologically realistic estimates. Our findings highlight the importance of taking into account autocorrelation from home range estimation when using trajectories, especially for species with slow movement patterns, such as tortoises.

Poster

Notes and Observations on Graptemys From Captivity STEVE ENDERS1 AND CHRIS LECHOWICZ 1 theTurtleRoom, Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States of America [steve.enders@theturtleroom.org] Like many turtle species, the genus Graptemys makes it difficult to fully observe and record their behavior, especially where nesting is concerned. Even with near-daily tracking efforts, knowing the frequency of clutches and total eggs laid by an individual female during a single breeding season is difficult to discern from wild specimens. Over decades of combined efforts keeping and breeding, the authors have recorded several observations regarding clutch frequency, clutch size, sperm retention, hybridization, and variation of appearance which are presented herein. We also present a degenerative condition observed in several hatchlings of the five (5) members of the broadhead clade (also observed in wild specimens) around their 6th month post-hatching in hopes of beginning a dialog to consider possible causes and remedies beyond those of which we are already considering.

Oral

Taxonomy of Turtle Lovers: Creating a Bigger Umbrella STEVE ENDERS1 AND ANTHONY PIERLIONI 1 theTurtleRoom, Lititz, Pennsylvania, United States of America [steve.enders@theturtleroom.org] Over the past two decades, terms like “the pet trade”, “hobbyist”, “breeder”, and “collector” have been used synonymously and applied to nearly anyone who keeps turtles in a private captive situation. More recently, these terms have had a negative stigma attached to them and are frequently used in a derogatory or dismissive manner. Many self-described conservationists and academics look at such individuals with disdain, even though many currently have or have had captive turtles at some point. However, the consensus on precise definitions of these labels remains elusive. We recognize that not all turtle keepers have the same passions, motivations, and ethics. Therefore, such terms often lump many good individuals in with those adding to the current problems. To solve this issue, we define several existing terms, create new terms to fill gaps, and propose a “taxonomy of turtle lovers” that organizes them into several categories and recognizes the good in many private

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captive keepers. We believe it is imperative for the success of conservation efforts that we welcome more groups under our umbrella working collaboratively to save our favorite animals.

Oral

Movement Patterns of the Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti) UBALDO SEBASTIÁN FLORES-GUERRERO1, HECTOR ANDRÉS MEDINA-ANDRADE, ALEJANDRA MONSIVÁIS-MOLINA, AND TAGGERT BUTTERFIELD 1 Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza A.C., Alamos, Sonora, México [taggertbutterfield3@gmail.com] Investigating turtle home ranging behavior is fundamental to understanding their natural history and making informed conservation decisions. The Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti) is the most endangered turtle in the Americas, yet nothing is known about its movement patterns. In this study, we equipped 17 adult Vallarta Mud Turtles with radio transmitters and tracked their movements for 3–6 months. We used triangulation to estimate positions inside lagoons and exact GPS coordinates when located outside. Despite losing signals from many turtles due to radio failure or poaching, we documented 179 movements, documenting movements within lagoons, between lagoons, and observed one individual estivating near its release site. Only one turtle was observed estivating from December to April, until an excavator destroyed its habitat and buried it under debris. Another individual was found deceased 300 meters from the lagoon it was released in with the radio still attached, the cause of mortality is unknown. While we lack sufficient data to estimate home range size, our study highlights an important part of this species' natural history: Vallarta Mud Turtles move between lagoons during the wet season and leave lagoons to estivate during the dry season. These patterns are deeply concerning given that all habitats are fragmented, and turtles must cross city streets to move between lagoons. With increasing black-market demand and poachers offering high sums to locals, this movement behavior threatens their existence, exposing turtles to vehicle strikes and illegal collection. Students Conserving Nature and Turtle Survival Alliance are taking action by building a concrete barrier around one lagoon, accompanied by 24/7 video surveillance to prevent poaching.

Poster

The Atlas of Turtle Genomes for Conservation (ATGC): From Concept to Action NATALIA GALLEGO-GARCIA1, DAVE COLLINS, ANDREW WALDE, AND H. BRADLEY SHAFFER 1 Turtle Survival Alliance, North Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America [ngallego@turtlesurvival.org] One year ago, the Turtle Survival Alliance launched the Atlas of Turtle Genomes for Conservation (ATGC)—an ambitious initiative to map the genetic diversity of the United States’ native turtle species. Each year, thousands of turtles are seized from illegal trade, yet safe and responsible reintroduction is nearly impossible without knowing their geographic origin.

ATGC aims to improve upon traditional genetic identification methods by applying whole genome sequencing and advanced analytical pipelines, enabling high-resolution assignment of individuals to their place of origin. With initial funding secured and a growing network of partners—including academic institutions, government agencies, zoos, and field biologists—ATGC has officially begun. Sample collection and cataloging are underway, accompanied by the development of standardized laboratory and field protocols to ensure data quality, consistency, and reproducibility. As a proof-of-concept, we are focusing on the Western Pond Turtles (Actinemys spp.) and the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). We are testing multiple analytical pipelines for these focal taxa to match unknown individuals to reference populations and refining lab workflows for optimal precision and efficiency. Construction of genomic reference maps for selected species is planned to begin in 2026, contingent on sample availability. In parallel, we are actively developing long-term fundraising strategies to support the project's growth and sustainability. We welcome organizations and individuals with samples, field access, or a shared interest

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in turtle conservation to join ATGC—a national, collaborative effort to bring turtles to the forefront of genomics-informed conservation.

Oral

Buddhist Monk Outreach for Turtle Conservation: Bridging Faith and Conservation CHRISTEL GRIFFIOEN1, VAN VUTHEA, JACK WILLIS, CHIM SOPHEAP, PHAN SOPHAL, AND PHILIPP WAGNER 1 Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), Siem Reap, Cambodia [cgriffioen@accb-cambodia.org] Cambodia, a source and transit country for illegally trafficked wildlife, faces significant challenges related to the trade in various species, including many chelonians. Animals are often trafficked for consumption, traditional medical use, the Asian pet market, and for prayer-animal release events. Prayer-animal release, a popular practice within Buddhist communities where animals are ritually released by people as an act of compassion and kindness in order to receive good merit. However, without proper guidance, these events can have detrimental ecological impacts, including the introduction of non-native species and the release of animals that are ill-prepared to survive in the wild, which may ultimately result in their death.

Turtles are among the most consistently targeted species in Cambodia's wildlife trade, exacerbating pressures on already depleted populations. In response, the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) has developed an outreach program to raise the conservation awareness and technical capacity among Buddhist monks. This initiative has positively influenced Monks’ knowledge and attitudes towards conservation, suggesting potential for lasting change through continued support and collaboration. As a result, ACCB has seen an increase in the number of turtles and tortoises donated by monks, primarily from the illegal trade. This rise in donations reflects growing awareness among monks, which can be attributed to the outreach efforts led by ACCB. Their active engagement demonstrates a commitment to wildlife rescue and signals a positive shift away from supporting the traditional prayer-animal release practices. Through this partnership, ACCB rehabilitates threatened turtles and incorporates them into assurance populations, serving as founders for long-term species conservation. Additionally, captive-bred and head-started offspring are being prepared for augmentation translocation into protected areas. This collaborative model represents an innovative approach to aligning traditional practices with effective conservation strategies, supporting the preservation of biodiversity while still respecting the cultural significance of the practice of prayer-animal release. This presentation will showcase ACCB's monk outreach program, highlighting how educational initiatives like this likely offer a way forward in bridging the gap between science, religion, and tradition.

Oral

Changes in Abundance of Three Turtle Species Associated With Degradation of a Spring-Fed River ETHAN HANCOCK1 AND GERALD R. JOHNSTON 1 Santa Fe River Turtle Project, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America [ethanqhancock@gmail.com] The Santa Fe River in northern Florida harbors a uniquely rich assemblage of 11 native freshwater turtle species. But changes in the composition and abundance of submersed aquatic vegetation over the past two decades are a conservation concern.

Each turtle species may be affected in a variety of ways, and the effects may vary among species. During the past 17 years (2008–2024), we have conducted a capture-mark-recapture study to assess temporal variation in abundance of each species. I will present data that show different trends among species representing different trophic groups. The herbivorous Suwannee Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) has declined in abundance, whereas the mollusk and arthropod consuming Loggerhead Musk Turtle (Sternotherus minor) appears to have declined but then recently begun to recover. The omnivorous Yellow-bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) has gradually increased in abundance. This study illustrates species-specific responses to habitat degradation and further demonstrates the value of long-term ecological studies.

Oral

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Monitoring Accumulation and Potential Effects of per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) Along the Atlantic Coast DAVID LEE HASKINS1, WILLEM M. ROOSENBURG, CHRISTOPHER L. ROWE, AMANDA S. WILLIARD, ROBERT L. BURKE, JOHN WNEK, SCOTT A. SMITH, ZACHARY R. HOPKINS, ANDREA K. TOKRANOV, AND NATALIE K. KAROUNA-RENIER 1 EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, Hunt Valley, Maryland, United States of America [dhaskins@eaest.com] Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a widely used group of chemicals that are of global concern due to their persistence and accumulation in humans and wildlife. Internationally, there is a paucity of data related to PFAS accumulation and potential effects in reptiles. Reptiles are important components of natural ecosystems and can serve as effective bioindicators of local contamination. Similar to other aquatic turtles, diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are useful for monitoring various pollutants in estuarine habitats. Terrapins exhibit many characteristics that make them ideal for monitoring PFAS contamination, including a long-life span, moderate home ranges, and a relatively high trophic position.

Because terrapins generally consume crustaceans and mollusks, and dietary preferences may vary by region, non- lethal blood sampling could provide an effective matrix for identifying potential exposure risk and negative health outcomes in this vulnerable species. To better understand bioaccumulation of PFAS and potential physiological effects, we collected blood samples from terrapins throughout waters along the Atlantic coast in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and North Carolina. Plasma was analyzed for PFAS compounds using HRMS-LC and multiple indicators of immune and thyroid system status. The results indicate variations in PFAS bioaccumulation and profiles across the sampling locations. These novel ecotoxicological and health data provide a foundation for understanding PFAS exposure, as well as identifying factors that may dictate exposure risk and will assist state natural resource and wildlife agencies with management of terrapin populations.

Poster

Look at All Those Chickens! The Search for Western Chicken Turtles (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) in the Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas, USA ELIZABETH HAYS1, ETHAN HOLLENDER, AND J.D. WILLSON 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America [edhays@uark.edu] Western Chicken Turtles (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) are a species of Greatest Conservation Concern in all states where they occur, except Texas. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the status of Western Chicken Turtles in the Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas, USA because historical records, while geographically widespread, are sparse and overwhelmingly unsourced. To determine the current distribution, abundance, and wetland occupancy of Western Chicken Turtles in the Arkansas River Valley ecoregion, we conducted intensive trapping surveys across multiple wetlands at every Wildlife Management Area that appeared suitable for Chicken Turtles along the River Valley. We used a hierarchical Bayesian modeling approach to assess wetland occupancy of freshwater aquatic turtle communities across 18 wetlands surveyed.

Despite trapping in wetlands with historical records of Chicken Turtles, we caught only one Chicken Turtle. Our preliminary results suggest that populations of Western Chicken Turtle have declined substantially and may be extirpated from the Western Arkansas River Valley. We observed that wetlands managed primarily for migrating waterfowl were drained earlier in the year, had the lowest number of turtle detections, and contained homogenized turtle communities dominated by Mississippi Mud Turtles. Our occupancy model suggests that wetlands retaining water later into the summer will increase the likelihood of occurrence of all species except Mud Turtles. Therefore, future wetland management efforts to support Chicken Turtles and diverse turtle communities in the River Valley could be as simple as allowing wetlands to undergo their natural cycles of filling and drying, rather than subjecting them to unnaturally shortened hydroperiods.

Poster

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Influence of Habitat Characteristics on Wetland Occupancy of Western Chicken Turtles (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) in Southeastern Oklahoma ETHAN C. HOLLENDER1, ELIZABETH D. HAYS, AND J.D. WILLSON 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States of America [echollen@uark.edu] Western Chicken Turtles (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) are an endemic species of the southern United States that are of conservation concern in nearly every state where they occur but have only begun to receive serious research attention in the last 15 years. They inhabit shallow wetlands and move among these regularly, but the specific environmental factors that drive wetland occupancy are not well understood. In order to better create and manage habitat for this species, we used hierarchical multi-species occupancy modeling to examine D. r. miaria wetland use patterns and evaluate factors that may affect detection and occupancy probability of D. r. miaria and ten other co-occurring freshwater turtle species that comprise the local turtle community. These models were informed by extensive effort-standardized trapping surveys performed from 2020 –2024 at a set of wetlands spanning gradients of depth, area, isolation, aquatic vegetation coverage, and surrounding upland land use by humans. Here, we report our preliminary findings on the impacts of these factors in determining Deirochelys wetland usage in the only two known extant populations in Oklahoma.

Oral

Integrating Co-Situ Strategies for the Long-Term Conservation of Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) RYAN HOWARD theTurtleRoom, Washington, United States of America [info@kleinmanniassuranceproject.com] The Kleinmanni Assurance Project (KAP) aims to insure the future of Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) through a comprehensive conservation strategy that leverages both in situ and ex situ approaches. Recognizing the critical importance of genetic diversity in species preservation, KAP has initiated efforts to establish robust genetic pools ex situ from existing captive populations. This initiative is driven by the understanding that in situ genetic data for Testudo kleinmanni is currently limited, due to the lack of publicly documented known localities. The purpose of this study is to outline a methodology for integrating in situ and ex situ (co-situ) conservation and preservation efforts to enhance the long-term viability of Testudo kleinmanni populations. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining support of field observations and data collection alongside genetic analysis conducted in controlled environments. Data collection in situ involves surveying remaining populations to gather ecological and genetic information, while ex situ efforts focus on maintaining and diversifying genetic resources within captive settings. We hypothesize that ex situ populations can serve as vital reservoirs of genetic diversity to ensure living genetic material persists, with the hope that one day with advancements in science, can be reintroduced into the wild to bolster local populations. Furthermore, the collaboration with private parties has outlined an express interest in elevating ex situ program management in a decentralized model to the rigor of any individual institution through voluntary participation methods.

Oral

Microhabitat and Thermal Use of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) in Northeastern Georgia NATALIE HYSLOP1, LISA MYERS, AND JENNIFER MOOK 1 The University of North Georgia, Oakwood, Georgia, United States of America [nhyslop@ung.edu] Patterns of resource use by ectothermic vertebrates are influenced by multiple factors, including thermoregulatory requirements and habitat availability that affect behaviors such as foraging, mating, and overwintering. Resources often vary

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spatiotemporally, especially in climatic zones with marked seasonal differences. Understanding these variations is vital to conservation and restoration efforts of terrestrial ectothermic species such as Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina; EBT). This long-lived species native to the eastern United States is experiencing population declines throughout its range and is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. Despite the species’ status, little long-term research has been conducted on EBT habitat and thermal use in the Piedmont region of its range. We evaluated active season and overwintering microhabitat use and thermal conditions of EBT in northeastern Georgia from 2013-2022 using radiotelemetry. The study site included upland habitats with native hardwood-pine mixed forests and areas dominated by non-native Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) or by a privet-pine mix. The site also included freshwater shrub wetlands and multiple, unconnected seepage wetlands dominated by either privet or native woody and herbaceous vegetation. At radiolocations, we assessed vegetation and substrate composition, canopy cover, basal area, site-specific environmental temperatures and carapace temperatures (calculated from temperature sensitive carapace-affixed transmitters). For active season analysis, we included turtles with ≥10 microhabitat observations per active season (n = 33; 17 males, 16 females) and overwintering data were collected from 37 individuals (22 males, 15 females). During the active season, turtles used areas with an average of 35% understory cover, 80 ft²/ac basal area, and 60% canopy cover. In contrast, overwintering sites had lower understory cover (14% ±16%), higher average basal area (106 ft²/ac ±37), and reduced canopy cover (41% ±18%). Pearson correlation showed weak relationships between carapace temperature and canopy cover (r = 0.07) or understory cover (r = 0.22). However, moderate to strong correlations were shown between carapace temperature and air (r = 0.58), shade (r = 0.61), and direct sun (r = 0.57) temperatures. This study provides important long-term baseline data for microhabitat use and contributes to our understanding of the variability in resource use by this species.

Poster

Knockin’ on Tortoise Doors: What Five Years of Camera Trapping Has Taught Us About Coastal Gopher Tortoise Behavior and Community Ecology ALEX D. JANSZEN1, SANDRA P. MARSHALL, GRACE O. BARRAGAN, BRIANNA P. ELROD, ABIGAIL M. BELCHIOR, OLIVIA C. HRYMOC, AND BENJAMIN K. ATKINSON 1 Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida, United States of America [janszen.alexander@gmail.com] Since 2021, our team has monitored Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows in coastal northeast Florida using wildlife trail cameras. We aim to better understand tortoise behavior and ecological relationships with local commensal species, particularly since coastal dunes and maritime hammock habitats have been historically underrepresented in herpetological literature. We deployed RECONX Hyperfire 2, JOH, and JOH-mini trail cameras next to the apron of tortoise burrows in these habitats. To date, we have captured >320,000 still images and >108,000 short video clips, documenting tortoise and commensal activity. Of commensal taxa observed between sites (n = 37), 87% were mammalian, 12% were avian, and 2% reptilian (non-tortoise) or amphibian, respectively. Tortoises were usually most active in the early to late afternoon at both sites, although we also observed seasonal biases. Tortoise activity was dependent on ambient temperature.

Dune-dwelling tortoises were most active in temperature ranges between 32°C - 38°C (mean = 34.7°C), and maritime hammock residents were most active between 24°C - 31°C (mean = 27.8°C). For all commensal taxa, ambient temperatures ranged between 12°C - 21°C (mean = 18.7°C) in the dunes, and 14°C - 23°C (mean = 16.3°C) at the maritime hammock.

Mammalian commensals were observed throughout the day in the maritime hammock, whereas mammals were mostly active from dusk to dark in the dunes. Avian commensals were observed between early morning and late afternoon. The Shannon-Wiener index for the dunes was 1.703, and the maritime hammock was 2.097, which was significantly different (p = 3.77 x 10-9 < 0.05). These data shed light on understudied ecosystems, highlighting the importance they serve as habitat for a keystone species and the commensal taxa they support. We will share additional data, images, and video clips depicting tortoise behavior and that of their burrow commensals and casual visitants. Trail cameras continue to serve as a non-invasive, effective monitoring tool for tortoise community ecology.

Oral

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Distribution and Abundance of Ringed Sawbacks in the Pearl River Drainage of Mississippi, USA MCAULAY JAUNSEN1, NOAH DEVROS, AND CARL QUALLS 1 The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States of America [mcaulay.jaunsen@usm.edu] The Ringed Sawback Turtle (Graptemys oculifera) is listed as federally threatened, state endangered in Mississippi and state threatened in Louisiana. These listings were established primarily due to the species' limited geographic range, multiple major anthropogenic alterations within the Pearl River watershed, as well as observed population declines at several sites within the state of Mississippi. Since 2013/14, population estimates have not been generated at five long-term population assessment sites that were originally initiated in 1988/89 by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks. Our study aimed to replicate these mark-resight surveys in order to assess the current status of G. oculifera, with additional resources allowing us to survey five supplementary sites throughout the drainage. We report a successful method for capturing 'sleeping' Graptemys, a method of night capture that was utilized in previous surveys for Graptemys but underutilized in recent years. Upon capture, turtles were group-marked with a non-toxic tree marking paint for subsequent mark-resight surveys using a combination of both spotting scopes and binoculars from either a fixed location on a sandbar or from a moving boat. Population estimates by two models, NOREMARK and a modified version of the Schnabel model, produced strong positively correlated results across all ten sites (r = 0.93). Despite limited survey years for comparison, our results indicated that while one site displayed a statistically significant increase in population, two have experienced either a statistically significant decline or borderline significant decline across all survey years. No trend was detected for all five long-term monitoring sites combined, however we report an approximately 26% decline in average density since monitoring began three decades previously, highlighting ongoing conservation concern for this threatened species.

Poster

High-Resolution GPS Data and CTMM Modeling Refine Estimates of Habitat Use in Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) 1 MARK S. KETNER , JOSEPH M. KOLOWSKI, CHRIS POLINSKI, JOHN B. HARRIS, MAXWELL P. EARLE, AND THOMAS S. B. AKRE 1 Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America [ketnerm@si.edu] Turtle populations are declining across much of their global range, primarily due to urbanization and habitat loss. Previous analyses have been limited in the methods used to assess how these factors influence home range and habitat use of the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina). High-resolution GPS tracking offers a powerful lens for examining habitat use spatially and temporally. This approach helps identify critical habitats that were often mischaracterized using VHF tracking and traditional home range analyses, such as Minimum Convex Polygons (MCPs) and Kernel Density Estimates (KDEs). In this study, we examined the spatial ecology of Eastern Box Turtles across a mosaic of habitats in Virginia’s Piedmont region. From May to November 2024, we tracked 11 turtles using radiotelemetry and GPS units, collecting 9,024 geolocational points recorded at hourly intervals (mean = 1381.33-point locations; range = 112-1417). We analyzed movement patterns in the R coding environment using the Continuous-Time Movement Modeling (CTMM) package, which applies autocorrelated kernel density estimates (AKDEs) to account for the temporal autocorrelation and improve home range accuracy. For comparison, we generated KDEs and MCPs under the assumption of independent locations. These estimates were largest when using MCPs (22.48 ha on average), followed by AKDEs (12.51 ha), and smallest with KDEs (10.87 ha).

This result reflects the tendency of MCPs to overestimate and KDEs to underestimate space use due to differences in how they handle autocorrelation and outlier points. To explore habitat use within estimated home ranges, we delineated habitat polygons in QGIS and calculated the proportion of turtle locations within each habitat type. We found that turtles frequently used a mix of forested, meadow, and pasture habitats, with 72.60% of locations occurring in forests, 24.00% in meadows, and 2.54% in pastures. By combining CTMM modeling with our high-resolution dataset, we observed home range sizes that exceeded previous estimates from Northeastern studies, which reported an average of 4.3 ha KDEs. These findings highlight

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the importance of advanced tracking and data analysis to understand habitat use, offering insight for developing conservation strategies to protect vulnerable species like the Eastern Box Turtle.

Poster

Turtles Are Pareto Distributed ROSS KIESTER Turtle Conservancy, Ojai, California, United States of America [ross@turtleconservancy.org] In 1957 Loveridge and Williams wrote in their Revision of the African Tortoises and Turtles of the Suborder Cryptodira: ``At every point in our taxonomic study we have been faced with the fact that in all characters the amount of variation ­exhibited by members of this order is frequently astonishing and always disconcerting. ... The number of such observed variations, it should be noted, is apt to bear a direct ratio to the number of specimens studied.'' This observation leads to a Pareto Distribution which can have an infinite variance. As a result, collecting more data does not converge on a value as is the case with the Law of Large Numbers. It also means that individual variation dominates most descriptions of turtles and their behavior. They appear to succeed by each individual doing something different from the others. Examples are given from osteology, home range, and behavior. In the case of behavior, many turtles appear to have distinct personalities.

Oral

Hunting for Maximum Sustained Yield: The Roles of Transient Dynamics and Environmental Variability in Persistence of Central American River Turtle populations 1 ROB KLINGER , THOMAS POP, BARNEY HALL, JAREN SERANO, ANDREW CHOCO, JONATHAN DUBON, HEATHER BARRETT, HESTON CASTILLO, AND JACOB MARLIN 1 Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education, Toledo District, Belize [rklinger@bfreebz.org] The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) is one of the most endangered freshwater turtles in the world. It is heavily hunted in many parts of its range and overexploitation has been identified as the principal factor in population declines and local extirpation. There have been no attempts to estimate sustainable harvest rates (maximum sustained yield; MSY) in populations of D. mawii though. Therefore, we used a stage-based transient dynamics matrix projection model (TDM) to address three main questions: (1) to what degree is mortality from hunting additive vs. compensatory; (2) what is the relative influence of demographic and environmental stochasticity on persistence of D. mawii populations; and (3) what are recovery times of D. mawii populations following the cessation of hunting? TDMs quantify non-equilibrium dynamics over relatively short periods of time, which provides greater insight into dynamics in varying (non-asymptotic) environments than traditional deterministic (asymptotic) matrix population models. We first developed a base model with survival and fecundity estimates from a population of D. mawii in a semi-natural captive breeding facility in southern Belize. We then modified the base model with Bayesian estimates of published survival values from other freshwater turtle species to represent varying levels of exploitation. Mortality from hunting was strongly additive in all but the most lightly hunted scenarios. Demographic stochasticity increased time to extirpation but not the long run chance of persistence. Environmental stochasticity resulted in persistence over 100 years, but abundance was low relative to the starting population size in most scenarios. Amplification and inertia were the main components of transient dynamics that allowed populations to persist. The long period of time it takes to reach the breeding stage (approximately 15 years) and the high rates of mortality in egg and hatchling stages are severe constraints on recruitment in D. mawii. Obtaining formal protection for D. mawii across its range is not currently feasible, so limits on take are one of the only realistic options. The TDMs indicate sustainable harvest rates would be based on intermittent periods (1 – 2 years) of low to moderate take and a maximum rather than minimum size limit.

Oral

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A Little-Known Dwarf Tortoise of South Africa: Karoo Dwarf Tortoise (Chersobius boulengeri) LIBOR KOPECNY Crocodile Zoo Prague, Prague, Czech Republic [krokodylari@centrum.cz] Karoo Dwarf Tortoise (Chersobius boulengeri) is one of the smallest species of tortoises in the world. It is also one of the minimally studied tortoise species and known from one locality where it occurs. The species was described in 1906, but for the next hundred years not much was known about it. However, from 2005 to 2017, despite efforts, none were found in the wild. In February 2017, experts from the Dutch Dwarf Tortoise Conservation Foundation focused on the problem. Foundation founder, Dr. Victor Loehr, is a leading world expert on dwarf tortoises. After consultation with South African colleagues, a suitable locality was selected in the dry area of ​the south-central part of South Africa, called the Karoo. The research was started, it was followed by success, and the first tortoises were found. Further expeditions took place in 2018 and 2019. The research was financially supported by a number of institutions from around the world, including the Crocodile Zoo Prague.

The Dwarf Tortoise Conservation Foundation received permission from the South African authorities to import two adult pairs from the wild to Europe for the purpose of research and non-commercial breeding. In view of the dire situation in the wild, it was decided in 2022 to create four breeding centers in Europe in 2022, in which the offsprings from the individuals originally imported from the wild will be gradually placed. Two groups are located in specialized breeding facilities in the Netherlands and Belgium, the third group is kept by the Zoo Basel in Switzerland, and the fourth is kept by the Crocodile Zoo Prague. The first breedings have already taken place, and in October 2024, after overcoming many problems, two more pairs were imported from the wild. This significantly increased genetic diversity and other possibilities. The common task of all four breeding centers is to create a numerically controlled European reserve population, from which it will be possible to return reared individuals back to the wild in the future, if necessary. Of course, there is an ongoing study of the reared individuals, including regular measurements, weighing, growth rate and keeping the records of breeding. This is one of the minimally studied species of tortoises. In 2025, the global population in human care will register 31 individuals only.

Oral

Physiological Indicators of Stress in the Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis): Seasonal Variations and Effects of Acute Stress 1 ERIKA KUBISCH , CAMPOS HAEDO, FERNANDO DURAN, MARÍA EUGENIA ECHAVE, JORGELINA BORETTO, AND ERIKA KUBISCH 1 INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue – CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina [ekubisch@comahue-conicet.gob.ar] Physiological stress responses play a crucial role in an organism’s survival by mobilizing energy to cope with threats.

However, these responses can compromise vital functions such as reproduction and immunity, increasing vulnerability to predators, parasite infections, and other environmental threats. The Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis) is classified as Endangered (in press) by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss, and in Patagonia, many individuals often fall into a 194 km-long open water canal. This study aimed to analyze seasonal variations in the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio and body condition index of adult males and females in a wild population of C. chilensis during their peak activity period, as well as to establish baseline values and assess the effects of an acute stress event falling into the canal. From 2017 to 2024, during the active spring-summer seasons (November to February), 277 tortoises of one of the southernmost populations, were captured in Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina. Body mass and straight carapace length were measured to estimate the body condition index (CI), and blood samples were taken from a subsample to prepare smears and analyze the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L; N = 68). The same protocol was applied to tortoises rescued from the canal. Rescued tortoises exhibited lower CI and higher H:L ratios than wild individuals that didn’t fall into the canal. In their natural environment, tortoises showed a peak in H:L ratio in late spring (December), particularly in males, who also had lower CI during the mating period associated with intense intrasexual combat for females and territory. In summer (January and February), both sexes had low H:L values; however, females showed lower CI than males, coinciding with the period of egg-laying. The results obtained in the present

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study suggest that both the H:L ratio and CI are modified in response to sustained stressors over a period of time, and can be considered as physiological indicators of stress in Chelonoidis chilensis.

Poster

Shallow Flood Lakes and Deep Gorges – Are Morphotypes of Kuchling’s Snake-Necked Turtle (Chelodina kuchlingi) Related to Different Growth Patterns?

GERALD KUCHLING School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia [gerald.kuchling@uwa.edu.au] A recent genetic study demonstrated that all snake-necked turtles in the subgenus Chelydera from the Kimberely, Western Australia, are representatives of one species, Chelodina kuchlingi. However, until now two Kimberley species were recognized based on morphological variations, variously named C. rugosa or C. kuchlingi or C. kurrichalpongo(?) on the coastal plain and C. burrungandjii or C. walloyarrina on the sandstone plateau. All these “species” were originally described solely on the basis of morphology. Turtles with the “classical” C. kuchlingi morphology (according to the original description) from the lower Ord River floodplain have not been found since 1974, the year of the opening of Ord River dam which created the largest water impoundment of Australia and drastically reduced wet season flooding on the coastal plain.

Accordingly, in 2024 C. kuchlingi was listed as Critically Endangered under the Biodiversity Conservation Act of Western Australia. However, the recently demonstrated genetic similarity of all Kimberley snake-necked turtles, for which the oldest available name is C. kuchlingi, raises the question if different morphotypes arise through phenotypic plasticity. For the last 2 ½ years I have been raising seven C. kuchlingi juveniles (all offspring of the same mother from the type locality of C. kuchlingi, hatched December 2022 and January 2024 and 2025) in a captive facility in Perth, Western Australia. Simulating conditions of open and sunny, shallow-flooded and highly productive ephemeral wet-season wetlands through the provision of relatively warm water and ad libitum food during summer (= wet season) leads to seasonally rapid growth and generates the “classical” kuchlingi morphotype with a broad shell and radiating rugosities on carapace scutes. In contrast to the widely expanding shallow inundations on the coastal plain during the wet season prior to the damming of the Ord River, water rushes through the gorges on the sandstone plateau and deep pools provide year-round water with moderate temperatures and food supply. Raising juveniles by simulating the later conditions appears to generate the “burrungandjii/ walloyarrina” morphotype, although due to slower growth it will take additional time until they reach the subadult/adult stage and this hypothesis can be confirmed.

Oral

Developing a Multi-Faceted Approach to Long-Term Monitoring of Urban Turtle Populations at John Ball Zoo FAITH KUZMA1 AND BILL FLANAGAN 1 John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America [fkuzma@jbzoo.org] Urbanization has significantly altered natural landscapes, largely to the detriment of local wildlife species. Turtles are particularly vulnerable to the threats posed by urban environments due to their slow life history strategy and reliance on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. However, the ability of different species to adapt to urban environments varies broadly, and understanding these species-specific responses is important to conservation efforts. John Ball Zoo (JBZ) and its surrounding greenspace cover approximately 41.5 hectares in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. At least five native turtle species have been documented on grounds including Midland Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta marginata), Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica), Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), and Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). While many of JBZ's field conservation projects focus on Great Lakes rare turtles, our monitoring of turtles on grounds has been inconsistent. Additionally, due to the sensitive status of the turtles

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we typically work with, there have been limited opportunities for direct public engagement in our turtle projects. To address these issues, we are working to develop a multi-faceted approach to monitoring turtles on grounds that will maximize community engagement, investigate urban turtle ecology, and establish a long-term monitoring program. We plan to use visual encounter surveys, aquatic turtle trapping, opportunistic encounters, and radio telemetry to monitor the population status and dynamics of our local turtles. Additionally, we are exploring ways to directly engage staff members, student groups, and zoo guests in these efforts to directly connect people to our conservation initiatives. This poster summarizes our past efforts, outlines the methods we will be piloting this year, and details our goals for the future of this project.

Poster

Change in Habitat and Turtle Abundances on a Barrier Island After Consecutive Storm Surge Events in Southwest Florida CHRISTOPHER J. LECHOWICZ1, MICHAEL MILLS, AND NADINE COBB 1 Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, Sanibel, Florida, United States of America [clechowicz@sccf.org] Barrier islands are formed by deposits of sand and shell from waves and currents. These dynamic and sometimes short-lived dry land masses can host either high or low wildlife diversity depending on various factors, such as proximity to the mainland or the mouth of a large river. In the southeastern United States, barrier islands are subject to periodic tropical storms that can change their overall shape and the habitats that develop on them. One barrier island in southwest Florida contained a substantial percentage of freshwater bodies, from both natural and man-made causes, that resulted in high density and diversity of native species. Anthropomorphic changes to the island increased the abundance of aquatic and semi-aquatic species but decreased the number of purely terrestrial species. Following three significant storm-surge events over the last two and a half years, which have not occurred in almost one hundred years, nearly all the freshwater habitats have been lost.

Aquatic species such as Apalone ferox, Pseudemys nelsoni, and Pseudemys peninsularis suffered heavy losses from lack of freshwater bodies. Semi-aquatic species such as Deirochelys reticularia, Kinosternon baurii, Kinosternon steindachneri, and Terrapene bauri had mixed reactions to these saltwater intrusions depending on what habitat they were occupying at the time.

The fully terrestrial Gopherus polyphemus had moderate (35% based on burrow surveys) losses and movements to new locations. Malaclemys terrapin did not show any significant adverse impacts from the storm surge, nor did the invasive and non-native pond slider (Trachemys scripta), which appears unaffected by high salinity.

Oral

Assessing Española Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis hoodensis) Introduction Impact on Santa Fe Island With Remote Sensing and Behavioral Models CHARLES LEHNEN1, WASHINGTON TAPIA, AND CRAIG STANFORD 1 University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America [Lehnen@USC.edu] Following the extinction of the keystone Santa Fe Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis indet.) in the mid-1800s due to over-hunting and competition with invasive species, the ecosystem of Santa Fe Island degraded. In part, this was evidenced by a proliferation of various woody plants and a marked decline in cactus (Opuntia echios barringtonesis) populations, which are the primary trophic resource for tortoises and other wildlife. In a restoration effort, Española Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis hoodensis) were introduced to the island as ecological proxies beginning in 2015. As part of a multi-faceted study designed to quantify the ecological impact of this introduction, we collected multispectral drone imagery across the entirety of the 24km2 Santa Fe Island in the summer of 2023. In fall of 2024 and spring of 2025 we recollected imagery for certain areas that had lower resolution. We used this imagery to classify and map cacti using Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms. We are planning to use the resulting imagery as training and validation layers for satellite imagery classification in order to analyze

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the shifts in cactus distribution since the introduction of tortoises. These results were combined with Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to map how the distribution of tortoise activity is related to resource density both temporally and spatially. In this talk, I will discuss this field and modeling methodology as well as what these results indicate about how introduced tortoises may be impacting Santa Fe’s ecosystem. I will also briefly discuss my other ongoing approaches to quantifying the impact of this introduction. Overall, these findings will inform conservation policy and management decisions within the Galapagos including whether further human intervention is required. More generally, this research serves as an important early case study for projects aimed at restoring ecosystems through the augmentation or restoration of keystone species populations.

Oral

The Status of Louisiana’s Reptile and Amphibian Regulations, With an Emphasis on Native Turtles KERI L. LEJEUNE Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America [klejeune@wlf.la.gov] Few restrictions for Louisiana’s reptiles and amphibians have been implemented since the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) was officially tasked with the management of these resources in 1974. The lack of regulation, coupled with a paucity of data on wild collection, has hindered LDWF biological staff from adequately addressing impacts to native reptiles and amphibians. Further, the inferior quality of existing regulatory language has presented challenges for enforcement personnel. In 2022, LDWF staff began a comprehensive review of the state’s reptile and amphibian regulations to identify deficiencies and necessary updates. Subsequently, a Notice of Intent (NOI) was developed and presented to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in 2023. LDWF staff requested Commission approval of the NOI that would establish regulatory language to aid in the conservation and protection of reptile and amphibian resources within the state. With an emphasis on native turtles, an overview of the key regulatory deficiencies, the regulatory process, and key revisions will be provided.

Oral

Maintaining Confiscated Mexican Box Turtles (Terrepene mexicana) in Southern New Jersey CHRIS LEONE Garden State Tortoise, Galloway, New Jersey, United States of America [chrleone@gmail.com] In 2022 the Turtle Survival Alliance placed 9 adult Mexican Box Turtles (Terrapene mexicana) in the care of Garden State Tortoise after they were confiscated from a shipment destined for the illegal pet trade in Asia. Garden State Tortoise is a private chelonian facility in southern, coastal New Jersey where various Terrapene species are maintained, among many others. Since box turtles have been a staple at our facility resulting in decades of experience regarding their captive husbandry, the confiscated Terrapene mexicana were welcomed from a cautiously optimistic state of mind. We knew up front the animals were deemed healthy, however, past experiences with confiscated or surrendered Terrapene species were anything but uplifting. Box turtles are often heavily compromised, suffering from various viral and bacterial infections along with substantial parasitic loads. These issues, accompanied by massive levels of stress often lead to the untimely demise of these turtles, sadly. Still, we were up for the challenge. The adult Mexican Box Turtles were quite the positive venture from the start proving to be alert, responsive and even reproductive within their first year with us. In many cases these turtles highly contrasted the confiscated specimens we had been used to receiving from wildlife agencies and rehabilitation organizations. We experimented with a variety of both indoor and outdoor habitats while closely observing the behavioral patterns of the turtles and collected some interesting data. Although we were met with a favorable situation concerning this group of T. mexicana, there were a few challenges, particularly with their young. In this presentation I will share how the

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adults and young have been kept, interesting statistics regarding reproduction and any issues we have faced in the last few years with them.

Oral

Problems in Current Morphological Character Selection in the Analysis of Turtle Phylogeny ASHER J LICHTIG1 AND SPENCER G. LUCAS 1 New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America [ajlichtig@gmail.com] Morphological data herpetologists and paleontologists use to reconstruct the phylogeny of turtles merits major reconsideration. For many years, these data have been largely based on repeated revision of old data sets, appending new data and minor revisions of old data. As recent studies show, some results that most closely resemble molecular phylogenies were produced by removing morphological characters from coding, as opposed to including ambiguity in the data set. In addition, new insights from evo-devo show what, specifically, is being controlled by evolutionary change. Thus, specific mechanisms have been identified that control aspect ratios and relative positioning of somites. Conversely, we have not identified mechanisms for maintaining contacts between bones of the carapace and plastron at specific points, which are largely the characters of choice in building data sets for turtle morphological phylogeny. The question of non-adaptational features, those that represent architectural/ fabricational noise, has also not been addressed. It is thus time for a rethink to focus on what specifically evolution is controlling as opposed to secondary effects. Specifically, focus on the shapes of structures rather than on what bone contacts what. We must also understand that in three dimensional space contacts and shapes can vary independently, so one does not substitute for the other, as has been claimed in some quarters. For example, a turtle species may consistently have a neural 1 longer than wide, but that neural may vary in contacting just costal 1 or costals 1 and 2, depending on the shape of its posterior portion. This can occur without lengthening the neural, but by changing its shape.

Alternatively, the shape can change greatly without changing the contacts. The same contacts can occur near the midline or be widely spaced and have no change in how they are coded despite the underlying bones being quite different. Much of this is the result of a practice left over from pre-evo-devo studies that now seems to study turtle morphology by looking through distorted lenses at secondary effects rather than primary causes. Now that we have a better understanding of what is actually being controlled, we should focus directly on that and not on the artifacts created as a secondary impact of those controls.

Thus, if nature is controlling relative positions and shapes, and contacts are just a secondary result, we should focus on the former, not the latter.

Oral

Construction vs. Conservation: A Hands-On Approach to Turtle Rescue OLIVIA LOBALBO1, TANYA FINCH, AND JOHN RODDY 1 What About The Turtles, Chantilly, Virginia, United States of America [olivia@aeroanimalrescue.org] As urban expansion accelerates, native wildlife is increasingly caught in the crossfire of development. Turtles, in particular, face a unique and often overlooked threat—entrapment behind silt fencing. These barriers, designed to control erosion, unintentionally create an inescapable maze for slow-moving turtles, leaving them stranded in cleared areas without access to food, water, or shelter. Without intervention, many perish due to dehydration, starvation, or exposure, while others are unknowingly bulldozed during the next phase of construction. “What About the Turtles?” is an initiative designed to address this hidden crisis. Our trained volunteers systematically walk construction sites after land clearing, searching for turtles and other displaced wildlife before excavation begins. By carefully locating, assessing, and relocating turtles to suitable nearby habitats, we reduce direct mortality and mitigate the long-term ecological impacts of development. This practice is not just about immediate rescue—it’s about building awareness and promoting responsible land stewardship. By partnering with

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construction crews, environmental consultants, and community members, we are working to make wildlife-conscious construction practices the norm rather than the exception. When developers and planners integrate proactive wildlife rescue measures into their site protocols, we can create a model where conservation and development coexist. Additionally, tracking and data collection play a critical role in our efforts. By documenting where turtles are found and how they adapt post-relocation, we contribute valuable insights to conservation research. This information helps refine relocation strategies, ensuring that displaced turtles have the best chance of survival in their new environments. Our goal is to spread awareness and encourage more people to take action. Whether through volunteer participation, partnerships with construction companies, or policy advocacy, every effort brings us closer to a future where turtles and other wildlife are not casualties of progress. By recognizing the impact of development on native species and implementing simple yet effective rescue protocols, we can make a lasting difference. What about the turtles? It’s a question we must all ask as we shape the landscapes of tomorrow.

Oral

Ancestral State Reconstruction of Aestivation in Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles RAÚL LÓPEZ1, CLEMENTINA GONZÁLES, AND RODRIGO MACIP 1 Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Michoacán, México [lopez_vivanco@hotmail.com] Aestivation is a physiological strategy that allows diverse vertebrates to survive in environments with seasonal resource availability. In reptiles such as turtles, aestivation has been present since basal lineages; however, the evolutionary history of aestivation duration in freshwater turtles and tortoises has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we performed ancestral state reconstructions to infer the evolution of aestivation duration. We compiled a database containing information on the maximum days of aestivation reported in the literature for 191 turtle species distributed worldwide. We used a maximum likelihood approach for a continuous trait, assuming a Brownian motion model. The results suggest that the ancestral clades of pleurodires and cryptodires showed a brief duration of aestivation, a pattern that remained consistent until the emergence of several extant families. Kinosternidae and Pelomedusidae exhibited an increase in aestivation duration, especially during the Eocene, in response to adverse climatic conditions, followed by a subsequent decline. In Kinosternidae, 16 of its 24 species, and Pelomedusidae seven of eight species increased their time of aestivation days during the Neogene. This increase, observed in these families belonging to different suborders and continents, can be considered an example of evolutionary convergence. By contrast, Trionychidae and Chelydridae, which have occupied stable climatic niches for millions of years, reduced or lost the capacity for aestivation. The duration of aestivation has not followed a uniform pattern but has instead evolved differently depending on the environmental context of each lineage or the stability of climatic niches, where aestivation tended to disappear as it was no longer necessary as a survival strategy.

Oral

Turtles in Troubled Waters: Mapping Vessel Risk to Green Sea Turtles in an Industrialized Bay HOPE K. LOVICH1, HOPE K. LOVICH, ARMANDO J.B. SANTOS, JEFFREY A. SEMINOFF, MEGAN E. HANNA, GARRETT E. LEMONS, ANDREW S. MAURER, ROBIN A. LEROUX, AND MARIANA M.P.B. FUENTES 1 Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America [hklovich@gmail.com] Increasing vessel traffic poses serious threats to marine megafauna. Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to impacts from vessel interactions, as they are surface-dwelling and spend much of their time in coastal foraging areas that overlap with areas of high-vessel traffic. To mitigate interactions between vessels and sea turtles, knowledge of the spatial and temporal overlap between vessels and sea turtles is needed, especially where vessel use is widespread. This is the case in San Diego Bay (SDB), located in Southern California, USA, which serves as an important feeding ground for threatened Green Turtles

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(Chelonia mydas) and supports diverse marine-based user groups that operate a variety of motorized vessels. To inform conservation initiatives to mitigate sea turtle-vessel interactions in SDB, this study developed a multifactorial approach that integrates various data streams (e.g. turtle occurrence, vessel presence, and bathymetry) to determine the spatiotemporal patterns in exposure of Green Turtles to vessels in the region. We defined turtle-use areas by aggregating turtle locations from satellite telemetry data (21 tracked turtles) into 250 m x 250 m raster cells and identifying cells with recurring use across individuals and seasons. These recurring turtle-use cells formed the spatial basis for assessing risk from vessels. Risk was characterized by overlapping turtle-use cells with areas of vessel presence, based on proximity to vessel channels, marinas and anchorages, and a designated fishing zone, as well as bathymetry, with special consideration for shallow waters (<2 m), where turtles have reduced capacity to evade vessels. Bathymetry was included due to its relevance in influencing turtle movement and escape potential in shallow areas. Using this framework, we identified that 7% of the total year-round turtle-use cells were classified as high-risk, where turtle occurrence coincided with high vessel activity in shallow waters.

Variability in high-risk areas were found seasonally. These areas are good candidates for future initiatives to mitigate turtle-vessel interactions. By integrating multiple data-streams, our method provides a robust framework for delineating high-risk areas and informing targeted management and conservation strategies.

Poster

Demography of Jalisco Mud Turtle (Kinosternon chimalhuaca) in an Urban Environment RODRIGO MACIP-RÍOS1, TAGGERT G. BUTTERFIELD, AND J. JAIME ZÚÑIGA-VEGA 1 Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Morelia, México [rmacip@enesmorelia.unam.mx] The Jalisco Mud Turtle (Kinosternon chimalhuaca) is an endemic species from the Pacific coast of Jalisco and Colima, Mexico. The species has been poorly studied and much of its natural history and ecology are unknown. We analyzed the demography and basic reproductive ecology of a population inhabiting a canal in a peri-urban area on the coast of Jalisco, Mexico. We use a mark-capture-recapture dataset collected over four years (2019-2022) to perform multi-state and time-symmetric open models (Pradel) to calculate population growth, recapture, and transition probabilities. A total of 530 turtles were captured and marked during the study. Survival probability was higher in adults (0.93) compared to juveniles (0.38). The estimated abundance of the population studied was between 699 and 778 turtles, with a sex ratio biased toward females (1:1.86). The estimates of finite rate of population growth were not different from 1. Using radiographs of 23 females, we found that clutch size was 3.89 ( 0.81) eggs, with a range from 3 to 6 eggs, we also found evidence of pelvic constraint on egg size. The studied population is restricted to subsidized man-made canals and was considered stable. The information generated in this paper will be useful for the much needed conservation assessments of mud turtles.

Oral

How Communities Can Spark the National Agenda: The National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan for Pancake Tortoise in Kenya (2025–2035) DOMINIC MARINGA Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Isiolo, Kenya [dominic.maringa@lewa.org] The development of Kenya’s National Action Plan for the Recovery and Conservation of the Pancake Tortoise began with grassroots observations in remote, arid northern regions. Initially mistaken for a juvenile Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) due to its small, flat appearance, the Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) gained attention when a Canadian researcher associated with Lewa inquired about its presence. Old photographs surfaced, prompting a search for the species.

The researcher helped connect conservationists with the Turtle Survival Alliance, which supported the design of field surveys in and around the conservancy. These surveys revealed the tortoise’s critical status and led to community outreach, as many

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locals had never seen the species despite living close to its habitat. Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and in Appendix I of CITES, it faces growing threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Its survival demands urgent, collaborative action.Initial sightings by Lewa rangers led to broader ecological assessments confirming the species’ dependence on rocky outcrops in arid terrain. As findings grew, collaboration expanded to the Kenya Wildlife Service, National Museums of Kenya, and regional community conservancies. These efforts were strengthened by consultative forums incorporating indigenous knowledge and community perspectives. The Action Plan is the product of a wide-ranging initiative led by the National Pancake Tortoise Technical Steering Committee (NPTTSC), bringing together government agencies, communities, NGOs, private landowners, and researchers. This coalition developed a science-based, community-informed roadmap prioritising public awareness, sustainable conservation, and long-term habitat protection. The plan envisions thriving Pancake Tortoise populations in healthy ecosystems that deliver ecological and socio-economic value. It outlines strategic goals, measurable actions, and a framework for implementation, coordination, funding, and monitoring. As the first plan for this species across Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, it encourages cross-border collaboration. Ultimately, the Action Plan represents the power of community-led conservation. With commitment and unity, even the most fragile species can be saved Oral

Ruthless Dunes or Turtle Paradise: Gopher Tortoise Burrow Surveys in Northeast Florida SANDRA MARSHALL1, ZACHARY LEPERA, ERICA FISHER, AND BENJAMIN K. ATKINSON 1 Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida, United States of America [paxtonmarshall@rocketmail.com] As a celebrated keystone species, Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) support hundreds of commensals by digging extensive burrows that serve as refugia from thermal extremes, severe weather events, and even wildfires. Unfortunately, Gopher Tortoises have declined throughout much of their range due to habitat loss and historical harvest. Tortoises inhabiting coastal dunes are understudied in comparison to their more inland counterparts. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM) in northeast Florida monitors tortoise populations every few years through boots-on-the-ground burrow surveys. The GTM coastal dunes habitat is a ~6.8-km-long narrow stretch of protected natural dunes largely undisturbed by human development. This sensitive habitat is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, the west by a highway, and the north and south by housing developments. During survey transects, we collected burrow GPS coordinates, noted its activity status (active, inactive, or abandoned) and recorded maximum width for each burrow’s mouth.

We then analyzed our data, mapped burrow density and distribution using ArcGIS Pro, and compared these results to archival data. Contrasting past surveys, the tortoise population appears to have increased in the GTM dunes. Total burrows recorded increased substantially (748%) in the past 18 years. However, this apparent dramatic increase is likely due to differences in detection and methodology. Our dune burrow density is currently 17.3 burrows per hectare – relatively high compared to other habitat types in Florida. When calculating population estimates, depending on the method of analysis, we saw an increase of 432% to 584% in tortoise numbers over the same period. We also inferred life stages from burrow widths. Size classes were more evenly distributed in 2025 than in past years. The importance of this habitat for tortoise conservation is likely underestimated.

Poster

Conservation Strategy for the Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti) at Guadalajara Zoo MARÍA EUGENIA MARTÍNEZ ARIZMENDI1, RICARDO DAVALOS, AND DAVID ESPINOSA AVILES 1 Zoológico Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México [mmartinez@zooguadalajara.com.mx]

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Kinosternon vogti, commonly known as the Vallarta Mud Turtle, is a recently discovered species (2018) endemic to the Puerto Vallarta region of Jalisco, Mexico. This species not only faces the risks of being classified as critically endangered due to population decline, illegal trafficking, and the limited time scientists have had to study its biology and behavior in the wild, but it is also threatened by the rapid destruction of its habitat in the region. According to studies conducted by Estudiantes de la Naturaleza A.C., it is estimated that fewer than 500 individuals remain in the wild. Concerned about the high risk of extinction and the alarming rate at which their ecosystem is disappearing, the organization approached Zoológico Guadalajara to initiate a significant rescue and conservation effort for this species, as well as to establish national and international alliances to protect and preserve it. Zoológico Guadalajara accepted this significant challenge and responsibility. It began developing the Vallarta Mud Turtle Conservation Strategy in collaboration with the Turtle Survival Alliance and Estudiantes de la Naturaleza A.C. at the zoo’s facilities. In early 2024, this strategy was launched, involving an ambitious program encompassing short-term, medium-term, and long-term objectives, with a focus on research, conservation, and environmental education. The plan includes the construction of state-of-the-art infrastructure to establish a comprehensive, high-tech center dedicated to managing this unique species—the first of its kind in zoos and related institutions in Mexico. The facilities will feature molecular research laboratories, breeding spaces, observation areas, and educational exhibits for visitors, as well as a series of multidisciplinary activities in husbandry, veterinary studies, and staff training and professional development.

Through this presentation, we will share the progress of this ambitious project.

Oral

Changes to the Suitability of Wetland Habitats for Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) in Ohio BRANDON T. MAWHINNEY1, CALEB MCKEEGAN, GREGORY LIPPS, AND TANYA KHAN 1 West Liberty University Department of Biological Sciences, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America [brandontmawhinney@gmail.com] Wetlands are ecologically important ecosystems, able to support a diversity of plant and animal species. Historically, wetlands have seen vast reductions in size and quality, often leading to losses in this plant and animal biodiversity. Wetland succession can negatively impact wetlands through progressive changes in the ecosystem, driven by both natural processes and anthropogenic disturbances. Wetland succession can also play a role in making wetlands less suitable for some wildlife, including the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), an imperiled species ranging throughout parts of the Midwest, Eastern United States, and Canada. Threats to populations include loss of wetland habitat, predators, and wildlife trafficking. We aimed to examine landscape changes over time to assess impacts to wetland habitat at historic C. guttata sites in southwest Ohio. We mapped the current extent of open-canopy wetlands (potentially suitable Spotted Turtle habitat) in the field and by examining aerial photography. We then used historic aerial photos and data from the Rangeland Analysis Platform to assess changes to land-cover/land-use over time. The results provide important information on the loss of suitable habitat in the region, including losses due to vegetative succession. This study aims to further our understanding of the threats to open-canopy wetland habitats and provide important data for wetland and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Poster

Demographic, Dietary, and Growth Differentials of Two Blanding’s Turtle Populations ~20 km Apart in Eastern Massachusetts CARA L. MCELROY1, JOHN BERKHOLTZ, JIMMY WELCH, MAXIM ELMALEH, AND BRYAN WINDMILLER 1 Zoo New England, Massachusetts, United States of America [cmcelroy@zoonewengland.org] Zoo New England (ZNE) has studied and protected isolated populations of threatened turtle species throughout Eastern Massachusetts, with a specialty in Emydine species. We have been managing our longest-term population of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), with partners, since 2003. Twenty years later, we have described the population nearly

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completely, and our conservation interventions (including headstarting) have at least quadrupled the population. In 2021, we surveyed a site ~20 km north of our original site, based on reports of a few isolated sightings of Blanding’s Turtles. We found a surprisingly robust population that showed different initial demographic distribution, growth patterns, and even diet from our original, “reference” population. Here, we show some initial findings and discuss how these differences may affect or inform our approach to iterative, adaptive management of these populations and others, especially those in fragmented landscapes.

Oral

Mortality, Monitoring, and Management of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) Along Florida’s Roads: Pushed From Unsuitable Habitats or Spillover From Source Populations?

ELIJAH MCEUEN1, J. SEAN DOODY, and GEORGE L. HEINRICH 1 University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America [emceuen@usf.edu] Turtles are among the most threatened taxa on earth, primarily due to habitat loss and degradation, including roadways.

Roadways add the nominal threat of road mortality and possibly act as a population sink. Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species and ecosystem engineer with over 360 known burrow associates, are the only species of tortoise east of the Mississippi River and are listed as a Vulnerable species by the IUCN. In this study, the road ecology of G. polyphemus is examined by documenting tortoise colonies along roadsides across seven counties in central Florida. The first of three objectives is establishing the relative abundance of tortoises along roadsides of various sizes in central Florida, which will serve as a population baseline for future studies. The second objective is to compare the habitat quality on roadside edges, the immediately adjacent habitats, and managed habitats with tortoise populations by examining the percentage of canopy openness. The third objective is to determine if roadside tortoise populations incur considerable road mortality or if they use road-avoidance behavior. These objectives test the hypothesis that tortoises are marginalized to reside on roadside edges due to either being pushed from unsuitable habitats (i.e., fire-suppressed, closed-canopy habitats, or residential areas) or spillover from adjacent populations with suitable habitats. The methods of this study utilize vehicle and walking surveys across a large expanse of west central Florida for data collection. Data points include tortoise burrow mouth width for a rough estimate of tortoise body size, burrow distance from the road, and the activity classification of burrows. Road mortality data includes shell length when possible, GPS point, the distance to the closest burrow, and the distance from the road to the carcass. Thus far, over 750 burrows and 38 deceased individuals have been identified along three roadways. When the field data have been recorded and analyzed, management suggestions will be made to protect roadside tortoise populations.

Finally, roadside tortoise population metrics, including a minimum population estimate, will be published to establish a baseline for future monitoring to determine if roadways act as population sinks.

Oral

Does a Lack of Juveniles Indicate a Threat? Understanding Body Size Distributions in Turtles DONALD T. MCKNIGHT1, DEBORAH S. BOWER, ELLEN ARIEL, STEPHEN BEATTY, SIMON CLULOW, MARILYN CONNELL, ANNETTE R DEPPE, SEAN DOODY, ALASTAIR FREEMAN, ARTHUR GEORGES, SAMANTHA L. HANNABASS, ETHAN C. HOLLENDER, HUNTER HOWELL, AARON KROCHMAL, DAY B. LIGON, ERIC MUNSCHER, AND ERIC J. NOR 1 Savanna Field Station, Belize District, Belize [donald.mcknight@my.jcu.edu.au] Turtles are declining globally, and absences of juveniles during surveys are often interpreted as evidence of threats to early life stages. In Australia, for example, it is widely argued that a low number of juveniles is likely due to nest predation by introduced Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes). However, small sample sizes within populations, low detectability of juveniles, and turtles’ long lifespans often confound the conclusion that a paucity of juveniles indicates a declining population. Because

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turtles have long reproductive lifespans, we might intuitively expect most turtle populations to be heavily weighted towards large individuals, but a “typical” or “healthy” size distribution for turtle populations has not been well established. Therefore, we collated data on 41,021 freshwater turtles from 38 species and 428 populations located in parts of Australia both with and without introduced foxes, as well as populations in the United States of America, which naturally have Raccoons (Procyon lotor), foxes, and other nest predators. We examined population-level body size distributions to establish a baseline for “typical” turtle populations and test whether populations that are exposed to introduced foxes have proportionately fewer juveniles compared to both AU populations that lack introduced foxes and USA populations that are naturally exposed to nest predators. We found that most turtle populations in AU and the USA were heavily skewed towards adults and had few juveniles, regardless of the presence of foxes or other nest predators. There were, however, clear differences among population survey methods: those that target shallow areas (e.g., crawfish traps) tended to capture proportionately more juveniles, and small sample sizes (∼<50) often produced inaccurate representations of size distributions. Additionally, we used a simulation to demonstrate that, given common turtle life history parameters, even stable populations should generally have low proportions of juveniles. Based on our results, we encourage caution when interpreting turtle size distributions. A small number of juveniles does not inherently suggest that a population is declining due to high egg and/or juvenile mortality, and researchers should pay careful attention to the biases in their methods and strive to capture a minimum of 50–100 turtles before drawing inferences.

Oral

Maximum Body Size in Central American River Turtles (Dermatemys mawii) Donald T. McKnight Savanna Field Station, Belize District, Belize [donald.mcknight@my.jcu.edu.au] The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) is the largest freshwater turtle in Central America. Tragically, this species has experienced dramatic declines due to overharvesting for human consumption, and it is currently listed as Critically Endangered. Many populations have disappeared or declined sharply, and most remaining populations are heavily shifted towards juveniles and small adults, with most large adults having been captured for food. This absence of large adults makes it important to understand the true historic maximum size of this species to better assess existing populations and evaluate their size structure. The maximum size for D. mawii is typically reported as 600 or 650 mm carapace length and 22 kg mass. Based on my experience with D. mawii, the reported maximum carapace lengths seemed unlikely for straight carapace lengths (SCL), particularly for a 22 kg animal. Therefore, I investigated the sources of these reports in the literature and collected SCL, curved carapace length (CCL), and mass on 60 individuals. The claims of 650 mm appeared in secondary sources, and the original papers did not report D. mawii that large, suggesting that those claims were mistakes. The claims of 600 mm and 22 kg traced to the work of Alvarez del Toro, who reported those sizes, but did not specify if they were SCL or CCL. From the regressions of the individuals I measured, a 600 mm SCL turtle would be expected to have a mass of 26.2 kg, whereas a 600 mm CCL turtle would be expected to have a mass of 21.3 kg. Based on this result, it is more likely that Alvarez del Toro measured CCL, and the true maximum SCL for D. mawii is likely ~559 mm.

Poster

Trap Size Preference and Temporal Capture Patterns of Freshwater Turtles in North Carolina, USA FENTON MCKOWN1, ANNA G.G. SAPP, AND IVANA MALI 1 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America [fsmckown@ncsu.edu] Selecting the most appropriate monitoring methods is critical for the conservation and management of freshwater turtles, yet bias introduced by trap size or deployment strategy may compromise data quality. In this study we evaluated how trap size

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and trapping regimen influence capture rates of freshwater turtles across 21 wetlands in Wake County, North Carolina, USA. First, we examined whether capture per unit effort (CPUE) differs between small and large hoop net traps for five turtle genera: Snapping Turtles (Chelydra), Painted Turtles (Chrysemys), Mud Turtles (Kinosternon), Musk Turtles (Sternotherus), and Sliders (Trachemys). Second, we evaluated temporal capture patterns over a four-day trapping period, during which traps were checked daily and re-baited midweek, providing fresh bait on Days 1 and 3. Conducting paired t-tests, we found that Chelydra and Trachemys showed significantly greater preference for larger traps (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0019, respectively).

Conversely, Sternotherus showed a significant preference for small traps (p = 0.039), while Chrysemys and Kinosternon exhibited weak, non-significant trends toward small traps. Using generalized mixed effect models, we found that overall capture rates (CPUE) declined significantly over time for Chelydra and Trachemys (p = 0.0003 and p = <0.0001, respectively), but rebaiting traps led to a significant increase in CPUE the following day (p = 0.0103 and p = 0.0043, respectively). In contrast, capture rates for Kinosternon and Sternotherus remained relatively consistent throughout the trapping period, and rebaiting had no significant effect on their CPUE. For Chrysemys, traps initially set with fresh bait showed a significantly higher CPUE (p = 0.0019), but capture rates remained relatively constant thereafter, regardless of rebaiting. This study can be used as a guide for more effective and representative turtle trapping protocols in long-term monitoring efforts.

Poster

Characterizing Current and Potential Turtle Consumers: Identifying Drivers of Demand in the United States ZOIE MCMILLIAN1 AND WILLANDIA CHAVES 1 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America [zoiee23@vt.edu] Illegal turtle trade and unsustainable collection are major threats to turtle populations globally. Increased visibility of wildlife trade as a biodiversity threat have led conservationists to focus more on interventions targeting end consumers of traded species. Although the United States plays a major role in global turtle trade as an importer, domestic drivers of turtle consumption remain largely unstudied. The objective of this research was to understand the relationship between turtle ownership (including interest in ownership) and wildlife value orientations (i.e. traditionalists, mutualists, pluralists, and distanced), turtle care perceptions, and various motivations for turtle ownership. We conducted an online panel survey of 1,464 adults living in the U.S, consisting of turtle owners and non-owners. We used two-step binomial logistic regressions to assess the relationship between predictor variables and 1) interest in turtle ownership, then 2) turtle ownership amongst those who were interested. Participants that thought it was easier to care for a turtle were 65% (Odds Ratio [OR]:1.65; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.39-1.96) more likely to have one. The odds of being interested in turtle ownership were 82% higher (OR:1.82; CI: 1.29-2.56) for mutualists and 64% (OR:1.64; CI: 1.18-2.29) higher for pluralists, compared to distanced participants. Mutualists were more likely to be motivated by a desire for companionship (OR:1.92; CI: 1.22-3.00) and turtle rescue (OR:2.5; CI: 1.45-4.44) than distanced participants. Our findings can support demand reduction strategies (e.g., social marketing campaigns) by characterizing potential turtle consumers and identifying target audiences, such as urbanites, non-hunting wildlife viewers, and pet enthusiasts.

Oral

Monitoring Two Major Threats of the Critically Endangered Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti): Road Kills and Poaching 1 HECTOR ANDRÉS MEDINA-ANDRADE , TAGGERT BUTTERFIELD, ALEJANDRA MONSIVÁIS-MOLINA, AND UBALDO SEBASTIÁN FLORES-GUERRERO 1 Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza A.C., Alamos, Sonora, México [taggertbutterfield3@gmail.com]

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The Vallarta Mud Turtle (Kinosternon vogti) is a critically endangered turtle that is endemic to one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta. Our work over the past few years has aimed to evaluate the conservation status of this species, and take action to document its threats to create solutions for their conservation. In this study we monitor two major threats, road kills on major highways in Puerto Vallarta that cross between two wetlands, and presence of traps left by poachers. From May 2024 to February 2025 we registered the total of 111 road kills, 92 Ornate Sliders (Trachemys ornata), three Mexican Mud Turtles (Kinosternon integrum), one Painted Wood Turtle (Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima rogerbarbouri) and 15 Vallarta Mud Turtles (Kinosternon vogti). Further, from October 2024 when we noticed the first poacher traps, and up to early April 2025 we documented the total of 68 poaching traps in Vallarta Mud Turtle habitats. Given that Vallarta Mud Turtles migrate between different water bodies during the wet season, and leave lagoons to estivate, the number of road kills we found brings up many concerns about the future of the species. We will use our data to influence policy in Puerto Vallarta to install wildlife crossings that are turtle friendly. Similarly, the amount of poaching traps has been eye opening for our team and Mexican authorities, and immediate action was taken by installing cameras in all of the habitats and we are currently collaborating with Mexican authorities to capture and prosecute poachers. Road kills and poaching only represent two major sources of mortality for the critically endangered Vallarta mud turtle, while urban developments represent an even more dire threat as they have impacted nearly every single habitat of this species. We will continue to monitor road kills and poaching in 2025 and 2026, and we urge the turtle community to not support the current demand that this species has in the illegal pet trade, as any interest in having this species in captivity threatens the last individuals that remain in the wild.

Poster

10 Years of Post-mortem Analysis Results of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles at a Cupulatta Park, France PIERRE MOISSON1 AND CHARLÈNE THEVENET 1 A Cupulatta, Ajaccio, Corsica, France [pierremoisson@orange.fr] A Cupulatta is a 2.5-hectare park created in 1998, located in Corsica (France). Among the 3,000 turtles hosted of 130 species, 98 are freshwater turtles and 32 are tortoises. Most are presented to the public in outdoor or indoor enclosures depending on the species, from April to November. A total of 481 analyses on 412 turtles were carried out on 2,123 deaths (20%), depending on the age and preservation state of the carcasses. Histological, bacteriological, mycological, and virological results were analyzed in this study. From 2015 to early 2025, 404 histologies and 77 complementary tests were performed on these 412 animals, focusing primarily on the detection of Turtle Intranuclear Coccidiosis (TINC), Mycoplasma agassizii, and Picornavirus. Tortoises showed the highest mortality rate, as they are more numerous (64.8% of deaths were tortoises, vs 35.2% freshwater turtles). Among the 583 deceased turtles with known sex, the sex ratio was nearly balanced (42.7% males and 57.3% females). Turtle deaths occurred mainly in spring (43.3%) and summer (22.7%). 64 turtles (15.8%) were tested positive for TINC, either through histology (75%), PCR (20.3%), or both (4.7%). Most of the dead animals were 1 to 2 years old (34.4%) and therefore not sexed. The main species affected were the Leopard Tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) (23.4%), Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota) (20.3%), Red-footed Tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius) (17.2%), Impressed Tortoise (Manouria impressa) (17.2%), and Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) (15.6%). Target organs identified in TINC-positive turtles included the liver (66.1%), kidneys (54.2%), lungs (48.3%), and intestines (47.1%). 21 turtles analyzed for Mycoplasma (38.9%) were positive, and among them, half (52.4%) were also TINC-positive. No clear lesions assigned only to Mycoplasma were identified. In the case of picornavirus, only 3 turtles tested (6.3%) were positive on PCR. Bacteriology and mycology results among 21 tortoises and freshwater turtles tested, revealed 27 bacteria (3 Gram-positive and 24 Gram-negative) and one yeast, most of which were antibiotic-resistant: e.g. Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Citrobacter etc. Prevention of these types of pathologies will be discussed.

Oral

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The World Book of Turtle Conservation TONY MONAHAN City University of New York, Bayside, New York, United States of America [tmonahan11@gmail.com] The proposed “The World Book of Turtle Conservation” project will be a comprehensive resource guide of turtle conservation throughout the world. The book is intended to be released in volumes identified by geographic areas (i.e., North America, Europe). Site pages will be organized by country/region highlighting the various efforts to save and protect turtles.

It is also intended to be an edited project seeking contributions from local and specialized experts. Special emphasis will be placed on both in-situ and ex-situ efforts to help the world’s most vulnerable species. The broader focus of the WBTC is to raise awareness of turtles to the general population. Members of turtle-related Facebook groups and subscribers to popular YouTube podcasts indicate an extraordinarily large number of people interested in turtles - they are generally loved animals.

Yet, not all turtle lovers are biologists or keepers, and perhaps many are not aware of the seriousness of their plight. This project may be seen as a continuation of the Turtle Lovers’ Guidebook (2024), a comprehensive resource for all-things-turtle in the United States. That book featured 164 public sites, organizations, rescues, and conservation projects and programs.

Like the Guidebook, the WBTC will review public and private efforts of local, national, and international organizations. It will also feature major zoos, aquariums that house chelonians. These features could potentially offer the reader opportunities to visit, join, and possibly participate in conservation efforts. Presently, data collection for the “North America” volume is almost complete. This past year has seen a tour of Mexico, as well as visits to Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama. Also visited so far have been sites in Tokyo, Bangkok, Shanghai, Trinidad, and Madrid. The project continues with visits to Paris, Corsica, and Italy. An extensive tour of Europe is planned for spring, 2026. I have been a professional educator for 42-years, but recently have been transitioning to turtle advocate. My experience as an educator, speaker and writer has put me in a position to make these contributions. My writing is generally designed to be accessible to lay people. Like the Guidebook, the writing will be augmented with photography and listings of organized information. I am also in a unique position to travel, gather and synthesize information, take quality photographs, and present descriptions of encounters.

Oral

Fecal Analysis of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) in Northeast Georgia Across Native and Invasive Dominated Habitats JENNIFER L. MOOK1, ALISHA PAUL, EVAN C. LAMPERT, AND NATALIE L. HYSLOP 1 University of North Georgia, Oakwood, Georgia, United States of America [jennifer.mook@ung.edu] Determining the dietary composition of a species is critical for understanding its trophic ecology and ecosystem function as well as evaluating responses to environmental changes, including habitat variation. For imperiled species, dietary information from locations throughout the species’ range is especially important to tailor conservation efforts at the population level in response to location specific environmental variations including food availability and influence of invasive species. In the eastern United States, Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina; EBT), have experienced significant declines across their geographic range and are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Research indicates EBTs are omnivores; however, data is lacking regarding specific dietary components across their geographic range, including in areas impacted by invasive species. To document foraging patterns in an EBT population, we collected and analyzed 147 fecal samples from 57 individuals radiotracked from 2013-2022 in northeast Georgia. Upland habitats at our site included areas dominated by a native hardwood-pine mix, and areas with canopies dominated by non-native Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense; privet) or a privet-pine mix. Aquatic habitats included a freshwater shrub wetland in addition to multiple, unconnected seepage wetland areas dominated by either privet or native woody and herbaceous vegetation. In fecal sample analyses, we found non-seed plant material in all samples and seeds in about 60% of the samples. Additionally, we found invertebrate remains in over 70% of samples, including arthropod remains (> 50%), gastropods (>40%) and myriapods (>20%). Fecal samples from females

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contained more evidence of gastropod consumption than males overall. We also found non-food items including roundworms in about a third of the samples and plastic pieces in three samples. In fecal samples from individuals using privet dominated habitats >50% of their radiolocations, we found higher frequency of roundworms, especially in seepage areas dominated by privet, and lower frequency of gastropods and myriapods in all privet areas. Our results are biased towards indigestible items such as seeds and exoskeletons, and it is likely that fungi and soft bodied invertebrates were missed in our samples. The results provide EBT dietary information in northeast Georgia as well as indicate impacts from a prominent invasive plant species.

Poster

Assessing Silviculture Drainage Ditches As Viable Surrogates for Wetlands Supporting Freshwater Turtle Diversity in the Southeastern Us JOEL LEAL MOTA1 AND IVANA MALI 1 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America [jlm0153@ncsu.edu] The southeastern United States of America (USA) produces a large quantity of wood fiber through pine plantations. In the past, commercial forest landowners would drain the land through kilometers of ditching to convert it into single-species silviculture forests. This region also represents a global freshwater turtle diversity hotspot. However, we do not know how historical forestry practices affected freshwater turtles and what characteristics of drainage ditches drive the community composition in pine plantation landscapes. To investigate this, we have conducted repeated trap-based sampling, within an expansive pine plantation situated in the coastal plains of North Carolina. Our preliminary results suggest that diversity remains high. Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus), and Pond Sliders (Trachemys scripta) are more commonly encountered in large, permanently wetted ditches. Eastern Mud Turtles (Kinosternon subrubrum) and Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata) are more often found in shallow, highly vegetated, ephemeral ditches. Spotted turtle, which is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need across its range within the USA and currently under review for potential federal listing under the US Endangered Species Act, was the most encountered species.

This suggests that man-made drainage ditches with varying hydroperiods promote the coexistence of turtle species within a managed pine landscape and that Spotted Turtles appear to be a dominant species within this system. A greater understanding of how ditches promote freshwater turtle diversity in pine plantation landscapes can guide management recommendations that help bolster the regional biodiversity throughout the Southeastern US. Oral

Keeping Turtles and Conservation Karma: An Ethical Dilemma MICHAELA MULLEN Curious Turtle, Dallas, Texas, United States of America [curious.turtle.edu@gmail.com] The illegal live animal trade is an ongoing major threat to endangered turtle species. Keeping and reproducing live captive collections can mislead people into thinking they are helping in conservation efforts when, in fact, such actions may amplify the threat by driving further trafficking. Captivity can alter behavioral patterns and, potentially, certain aspects of ontogeny (in cases where breeding is involved), and does not inherently boost efficacy of real or potential conservation programs. This talk presents aspects of how "the trade" operates, how some stakeholders justify their rational(es), and why ex situ assurance colonies are not always the solution they are believed to be. Further discussion will include viable, and ethical, conservation measures [that could involve a similar range of stakeholders].

Oral

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Movements of Two Cooter Species (Pseudemys) in a Protected Florida Spring-Fed River System TABITHA HOOTMAN1, ZACHARY A. SIDERS, ERIC MUNSCHER, JOHN ENZ, J. BRIAN HAUGE, MICHAEL SKIBSTED, ELIZABETH WALTON, AND ANDREW D. WALDE 1 Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America [thootman@turtlesurvival.org] Despite their ubiquity in many freshwater habitats, little is known about the spatial and movement ecology of cooter turtles (Pseudemys). We captured and tracked 24 Florida Red-bellied Cooters (P. nelsoni) and 24 Peninsula Cooters (P. peninsularis), 12 of each sex, in the protected spring-fed Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs, and Rock Springs system. Most cooters stayed in the same spring or river section (n = 30). We hypothesized and found ~25% of Peninsula Cooters preferred slower moving water in the Wekiva River, while > 90% Florida Red-bellied Cooters preferred faster moving spring boils or runs. We hypothesized females would have larger ranges than males but using 1,061 movements summarized with ten movement metrics, we observed few differences between species or sexes. Instead, the high variability between individuals clustered into two movement modes—20 turtles that were relocated in the same vicinity (typically < 500 m) and 27 turtles that moved throughout the spring system. We attribute the lack of differences between sexes and species to the optimality of spring systems for herbivorous turtles with constant water temperature, dense macrophytes, and abundant basking spots. Our study highlights the need for continued protection of spring systems to conserve these refuges of Pseudemys abundance in increasingly altered hydroscapes.

Oral

Multivariate Sexual Size Dimorphism in the Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) ERIC MUNSCHER1, ZACHARY A. SIDERS, MICHAEL SKIBSTED, SHANNON LETCHER, MADELEINE MORRISON, AND ANDREW D. WALDE 1 SWCA Environmental Consultants, Houston, Texas, United States of America [emunscher@swca.com] For threatened species like turtles and tortoises, size, growth, and morphometric data provide critical insights into their life history, environmental interactions, and conservation needs. This study examined size and growth patterns in Florida Softshell Turtles (Apalone ferox) at Wekiwa Springs State Park, Florida, USA, over a 16-year period using data from 120 individuals. Bayesian allometric models revealed that carapace width (CW) and plastron length (PL) scaled similarly with weight (Wt), while the relationships between Wt and carapace length (CL) and Wt and shell height (SH) were significantly different. Growth rates were estimated using a Fabens-modified von Bertalanffy growth model with mark-recapture data.

Females were predicted to reach larger sizes than males (median female L∞ = 520 mm CL vs. male L∞ = 397 mm) but grew more slowly (median female k = 0.19 vs. male k = 0.08), reaching maturity later (females: 13.4–19.8 years; males: 4.32–5.04 years). These findings enhance our understanding of Trionychid growth dynamics and inform conservation strategies for Florida softshell turtles.

Oral

Overview of the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Radiated Tortoise Program STEPHEN K. NELSON1 AND RICK HUDSON 1 Zoo Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America [snelson@zooknoxville.org] The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Radiated Tortoise program began in 2017 with support from just three AZA organizations to provide support for the rapidly worsening decline of the critically endangered Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata). From the beginning, there has been an emphasis on repatriating

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confiscated and rehabilitated tortoises back into protected areas. Tortoise seizures have been accumulating in Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) rescue facilities for years and were further burdened with two massive confiscations in 2018 (~18,000 tortoises), underscoring the need to develop protected sites where tortoises could be successfully repatriated. Zoos have a long history with this beautiful species and have been one of the primary forces in conservation and research efforts for this iconic species. The SAFE Radiated Tortoise program works to connect and mobilize interested partners with our primary field partner, TSA Madagascar, to address three main focal areas. Those are 1) husbandry and security of the confiscated tortoises, 2) community engagement, and 3) reintroduction of previously confiscated tortoises into community protected areas. We recognize partners are critical to this effort and are thankful for the over 20 institutions that are now members of the SAFE Radiated Tortoise program. These partners support boots on the ground efforts with both financial contributions as well as in-kind support of time, expertise, and logistics.

Oral

Growth of Captive Yellow-Bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta) Fed on a Natural Diet and Commercial Pellets HAI NGUYEN University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America [bobotroc24@gmail.com] The turtle shell serves multiple functions, including predator defense; pH buffering; and as a storage site for nutrients, water, and waste products. Ontogenetic changes in calcification and ossification of the shell result in an increase in shell strength over time that contributes to higher survivorship in older age classes. Alterations in shell development that negatively impact shell symmetry, thickness, and/or bone mineral content may lead to a decrease in overall shell strength and negative impacts on survivorship. Given the importance of shell development in the life history of turtles, I investigated the effect of different diets on growth rates and shell morphometrics in juvenile Yellow-bellied Sliders (Trachemys scripta scripta). Specifically, I investigated growth as indicated by changes in mass, carapace length, plastron length, depth, and carapace width in captive turtles offered a diet of either commercial pellets or crickets at an equivalent level of calories over a period of four weeks. I found a significant difference in the change in mass and plastron length between the two treatment groups; turtles fed commercial pellets grew significantly faster than turtles fed crickets. However, when I factored in the actual calorie intake based on the difference between the amount of food offered and amount of food consumed, there was no significant difference in any of the measured variables between treatment groups. These results indicate that higher overall growth rates in turtles fed commercial pellets are not necessarily due to higher digestive efficiency, but simply to a higher level of calorie intake per gram of food eaten. I found no significant difference in ratio of depth to carapace length, depth to plastron length, or depth to width between treatment groups, indicating no obvious differences in shell shape that could affect shell strength.

My study provides support for the use of commercial pellets to promote safe and efficient growth of captive turtles. Future studies may look at the effects of ration size (and consequently calorie intake) on growth rates and impacts for shell development.

Poster

Turtle Conservation Centre – Challenges and Chances THUY THU NGUYEN​ Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC), Turtle Conservation Centre, Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam​ [ntthuy@asianturtleprogram.org] The Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC), a collaborative initiative between the Asian Turtle Program (ATP) of Indo-Myanmar Conservation (IMC) and Cuc Phuong National Park in northern Vietnam, plays a pivotal role in the conservation of freshwater turtles and tortoises (TFTs). Focused on the rehabilitation and release of TFT rescued from the illegal wildlife

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trade in the country and on conservation breeding. With awareness and training activities to promote conservation. Over the past decade, the TCC has rescued 2,414 native animals from across Vietnam, including animals from 90 confiscation cases and 156 voluntary transfers. Currently housing 2,343 TFT from 24 native species of Vietnam, notably highly threatened species, Cuora galbinifrons, Cuora bourreti, Cuora mouhotii, Geoemyda spengleri, Indotestudo elongata, Heosemys annandalii, Heosemys grandis, Mauremys mutica, Mauremys sinensis, Platysternon megacephalum, Sacalia quadriocellata, Amyda ornata, Palea steindachneri, Pelochelys cantorii and two endemics, Cuora picturata and Mauremys annamensis.

Along with 14 non-native species that cannot be released but require ongoing care. Between 2017 and 2024 1,066 TFT from 12 species have been released into the wild, with genetic assessment of wild and released animals undertaken for some species to confirm suitable release locations with health screening pre-release. While 1,343 TFT from 17 species have been hatched. The ATP/IMC continues to work across Vietnam and Lao PDR to identify suitable release locations, working with authorities and local communities to improve protection of critical habitat.

Oral

Integrating Technology and Husbandry Innovations to Improve Overwintering Success in Rehabilitating Native Turtles LINDA NICHOLS1 AND TRAVIS WEBB 1 Evelyn's Wildlife, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America [lynnaloo@gmail.com] Wildlife rehabilitators often face significant challenges when overwintering native turtles that cannot be released before winter due to injury or delayed development. As a permitted volunteer rehabilitator specializing in reptiles and amphibians in Virginia, I manage approximately 200 turtles each season, with 50–60 adult turtles and hatchlings requiring overwintering care annually. The majority of these overwintered patients are Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), a species that presents unique husbandry considerations during prolonged care periods. To improve overwintering success and animal welfare, we implemented a series of husbandry upgrades and video monitoring innovations within an in-home rehabilitation environment during the 2024 rehabilitation season. Facility improvements included the installation of heated flooring systems, integrated humidifiers and misters, and environmental controls to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels tailored to the needs of native turtle species. Building on these improvements, and drawing on my professional background in technology and software engineering, we developed and started testing a camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) detection system in 2025. The system captures video from live camera feeds to identify indicators such as instances of carapace-up positioning, entrapment, unusual inactivity, or aggressive interactions. Upon detection of concerning behaviors, real-time alerts are generated to prompt immediate intervention. These innovations have significantly reduced manual monitoring time, improved early detection of critical events, and enhanced overall welfare outcomes during the overwintering period. This approach also allows for more efficient allocation of limited volunteer resources while maintaining high standards of care.

Our presentation will cover the husbandry adaptations, the design and preliminary testing of the AI-based alert system, and initial outcomes, including a live demonstration of the monitoring interface. Integrating traditional animal care practices with emerging technology offers a promising model for advancing the rehabilitation of Eastern Box Turtles and other native turtle species, particularly for resource-limited operations managing high case volumes over extended periods.

Oral

A Flood of Information: Impacts of Nest Inundation on Endangered Western Saw-Shelled Turtles (Myuchelys bellii) ERIC NORDBERG1, TESSA STEWART, LAUREN CROFTS, DONALD MCKNIGHT, JAMES VAN DYKE, LOUISE STREETING, AND DEBORAH BOWER 1 University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia [eric.nordberg@une.edu.au]

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Extreme weather events like floods and heavy rainfall threaten freshwater turtle populations by endangering riverbank nests.

For many species, nest inundation, even briefly, can kill developing embryos. While nest relocation is an option, it presents logistical and financial challenges. To guide conservation efforts more effectively, we tested egg survival under controlled inundation at two distinct development stages: early (day 21 post-oviposition, 1/3 through development) and late (day 42 post-oviposition, 2/3 through development). Our results revealed eggs inundated early showed high hatching success, while those inundated later had significantly lower survival rates, likely due to increased oxygen demands during advanced embryo development. In a follow-up experiment using sealed respirometry chambers, we measured oxygen consumption of submerged eggs and discovered clear evidence of underwater oxygen extraction, with greater uptake in later incubation stages. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of freshwater turtle eggs respiring while submerged, indicating their ability to extract oxygen from water and potentially survive short-term flooding. Our findings reveal a critical vulnerability window late in development, suggesting practical conservation implications: nest relocation should be prioritized only if flooding occurs in later stages, as early or brief inundation events may not be lethal. These insights can improve adaptive management strategies for freshwater turtle conservation in increasingly flood-prone environments.

Oral

Deep in the Heart of depressus, a Bright Spot in a depressus Landscape SEAMUS O'BRIEN1 AND GROVER BROWN 1 Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama, United States of America [sobrien1@stu.jsu.edu] Alabama is home to some of the highest endemism in the continental United States and has some of the highest numbers of endangered and extinct species. One of the most endangered vertebrates nationally is the Flattened Musk Turtle (Sternotherus depressus; FMT), only found in the Black Warrior River Drainage of Alabama above the Fall Line. The FMT is listed by the USFWS under the Endangered Species Act and is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to drastic declines in populations since the 1980s. Declines have been attributed to several factors, including coal mining, fecal/fertilizer runoff, collect for the pet trade, and a decline in water quality across the drainage. While protected populations of the species on public lands have been well-studied, very little work has been conducted on private lands, which comprise the majority of the species’ range. In order to bridge this gap, we have conducted multiple outreach events in the area (for ~3,400 people) to build relations in the community. By networking with locals, we have been able to access multiple creeks and tributaries on private property. These surveys have been successful in capturing FMTs, documenting >20 individuals in the Locust Fork Watershed – a milestone not seen in 40+ years. The objectives of this study are to 1) better determine the extent of occurrence of FMTs in the Locust Fork Watershed, 2) investigate the population genomics of the species, and 3) generate population estimates for a subset of Locust Fork populations.

Oral

Ecological and Morphological Shifts in Eastern Musk Turtles (Sternotherus odoratus) in Response to Invasive Snail Species in a Central Texas Spring Ecosystem 1 ETHAN C. OWEN , ERIC C. MUNSCHER, ANDREW D. WALDE, AND SUZANNE E. MACDONALD 1 York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [eowen14@my.yorku.ca] Freshwater turtles play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health but are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic changes. Among these species, the Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is a small, generalist species with a broad distribution across eastern North America. In the biodiverse karstic spring ecosystems of Central Texas, S. odoratus occurs in areas where several invasive aquatic snail species are also found. These include Quilted Melania (Tarebia granifera), Red-rimmed Melania (Melanoides tuberculata), and Giant Ramshorn Snail (Marisa cornuarietis), which were introduced

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into local water systems beginning in the late 1970s and now dominate these spring systems. This study explores whether dietary shifts in response to these invasive prey species are linked to changes in head and body morphology, specifically the occurrence of megacephaly, a trait commonly associated with consumption of hard-shelled prey. From June to August of 2024, over 70 S. odoratus individuals were captured using baited hoop traps, hand captures, and snorkel surveys. Each turtle was measured for standard morphometrics, assessed for sex and phenotype. Fecal samples were collected for diet analysis and examined under dissection microscopes to identify gastropod and other prey item remains. We compared head width and carapace length between historical (1940–1989) and recent (2013–2024) S. odoratus specimens, revealing significant increases in both traits in the current population. Regression analyses showed that males exhibit a steeper allometric slope between body size and head width, while no sexual dimorphism was observed in the relationship between head width and body mass. Scaling of other morphological traits, including alveolar width, height, and carapace length, did not differ between sexes. Dietary analysis, using an Index of Relative Importance (IRI), indicated that Quilted Melania was the dominant prey item for both sexes, with males showing greater gastropod diversity. These findings suggest that ecological changes, particularly increased novel prey availability, may drive the observed morphological shifts in this population.

Oral

A 2025 Monitoring Update on Reintroduced Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) in Southern Madagascar LANCE PADEN1, BRETT BARTEK, KOLOLINA RAMAHANDRIZAFY, HERY RAZAFIMAMONJIRAIBE, AND TOJOTANJONA RAZANAPARANY 1 Turtle Survival Alliance, Appleton, Wisconsin, United States of America [lance.paden89@gmail.com] Despite major natural disasters in 2025 and their associated logistical challenges, Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) has continued monitoring reintroduced Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) over the past year. Since 2021, TSA has reintroduced 4,000 Radiated Tortoises confiscated from illegal trade at 3 different reintroduction sites across southern Madagascar. Here, we will present some of our overall survivorship and spatial monitoring results from one of these sites using GPS logger data from a cohort of resident tortoises as well as post-reintroduction monitoring of both 3- and 6-month soft-release penning cohorts (as of April 2025). This fine-scale spatial data illustrates post-release movements following the careful implementation of this method of reintroduction and the potential need for targeting specific soft-release penning durations to achieve a degree of site fidelity among reintroduced tortoise cohorts. Finally, there will be some discussion of the upcoming reintroduction efforts, future monitoring objectives to meet the needs of TSA’s reintroduction program, and promising efforts to accelerate the reintroduction process in the coming years. The knowledge and experience gained from this study will benefit many thousands of additional confiscated tortoises awaiting their reintroduction and continued hands-on monitoring following these reintroductions remains critical for fostering community-level engagement with TSA Madagascar staff to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Oral

Incorporating Pre-release Health Protocols in the Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) Reintroduction Program JAMIE L. PALMER1, KATE LEACH, BONNIE L. RAPHAEL, TSANTA RAKOTONANAHARY, AINOA NIETO CLAUDIN, SEAN M. PERRY, MITIA KOLOINA ANDRIANANTENAINA, RAKOTOBE TINDRA NAVALONA, AND SHARON L. DEEM 1 Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America [jpalmer@stlzoo.org] The Radiated Tortoise Health Working Group is a multi-institutional team of wildlife health professionals working together to mitigate the negative impacts of the illegal trade of tortoises in Madagascar. As we all know, thousands of confiscated Radiated Tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) and Spider Tortoises (Pyxis spp), are being cared for by Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, with the numbers continuing to increase. Due to the need for long-term husbandry and medical management, we have deployed protocols for disease surveillance, prevention, and treatment of animals in human care. Pre-release

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surveillance of free-living populations in areas slated for reintroductions is part of our work. Through these efforts, we now better understand the infectious and non-infectious diseases that are hindering rewilding efforts. Here we will provide an update on this work, initial infectious disease findings and other health monitoring results, as well as what has, and has not, worked for our group. Working closely as a collaboration of Malagasy and non-Malagasy health professionals and veterinary students, we are building the capacity of in-country professionals to better manage the animals in their care. Due to the constant influx of tortoises confiscated from illegal trade and in need of human care and rewilding, this effort will take global support if we are to ensure the tortoises of Madagascar do not become extirpated from their island home.

Oral

Ranavirus (Frog Virus 3) Identified in Missouri Turtle Species, With a Focus on Three-Toed Box Turtles (Terrapene mexicana triunguis) JAMIE L. PALMER1, KATHLEEN APAKUPAKUL, AND SHARON L. DEEM 1 Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America [jpalmer@stlzoo.org] The genus Ranavirus contains several species, including Frog Virus 3 (FV3), the only ranavirus known to infect chelonians.

The first case of FV3 in a chelonian was recorded in 1982. ​This virus is recognized for infections in fish and amphibian species; however, in recent years it has emerged as a serious threat to reptile conservation. We have identified FV3 in both aquatic and terrestrial turtles in Missouri since the fall of 2020. As part of the St. Louis Box Turtle Project, we have been collecting oral and cloacal swabs from turtles at multiple sites in Missouri since 2012. Our first positive case for FV3, identified by PCR, was in an Eastern Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park in North St Louis County in 2020. No clinical signs were present at the time of sampling. As of August 2023, in partnership with the Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) (Ballwin, MO), the ICM has identified 15 positive cases of FV3 in box turtles in Missouri. Of those 15 cases, 8 had clinical signs (e.g. ocular, nasal and oral discharge, oral plaques, edema, lethargy, labored open-mouth breathing), 3 had low-level infections, and 4 were determined positive based on previously banked swabs. We instituted regular testing on samples from turtles admitted to WRC beginning in the summer of 2015. We detected our first positive box turtle in Missouri in September 2020.​ Failure to detect FV3 previously in Missouri reptiles may be due to the lack of surveillance, but they may also represent a novel spillover into turtles in Missouri. All FV3 positive box turtles were euthanized as recommended by the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at the University of Illinois to prevent the possibility of viral shedding and spread. We are working with the Missouri Department of Conservation to develop guidelines at the state level.

Oral

Documenting Hook Ingestion and Clutch Size in the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) Using Metal Detector and Portable X-ray 1 LUKE PEARSON , NOAH DEVROS, KATIE BRANDEWIE, AND ANDREW HOLZINGER 1 United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Jackson, Mississippi, United States of America [lukespearson2@gmail.com] In 2021, the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) was proposed for listing as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The primary threat to this species is presumed to be bycatch on fishing gear and hook ingestion; however, the proportion of turtles that have ingested fishhooks and the impact these fishhooks have on survivorship is mostly unknown. To document hook ingestion rates, all alligator snapping turtles were scanned with a handheld metal detector and then imaged with a portable x-ray. Preliminary results suggest that the handheld metal detector has a 100% detection rate of ingested fishhooks in the throat of Alligator Snapping Turtles. No false positives were recorded on medium sensitivity. Hook ingestion rates were 12% at a site with high fishing pressure and 5% at a site with restrictive fishing regulations, and sex of turtles with ingested fishhooks were divided evenly between large, unsexed juveniles and males. The portable x-ray also

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allowed us to document clutch size of gravid females, in conjunction with on-the-ground nest surveys. Oviposited clutch size at one site in Mississippi averaged 34 eggs from intact nests (n = 3) and an estimated average of 22 eggs per clutch from predated nests (n = 20). Preliminary results from x-ray images of gravid females estimated 20 eggs/clutch (n = 2), although images were taken early in the egg calcification stage (mid-April). This is the first study documenting hook ingestion rates and clutch size information for the Alligator Snapping Turtle from Mississippi. Continued monitoring will occur seasonally for the next four years to document the impact of hook ingestion on survivorship, how fishhooks migrate through the body, and how differential fishing regulations influence the proportion of turtles within a population that have ingested a fishhook.

Oral

Uniting Conservation-Minded Private Keepers - Assurance Collaborative for Turtle Species (ACTS) ANTHONY PIERLIONI theTurtleRoom, Wallingford, Connecticut, United States of America [anthony.pierlioni@theturtleroom.org] Ex situ preservation of species can be a pivotal tool in safeguarding against true extinction, as well as an opportunity to collect more cryptic data from daily observations that could be difficult to acquire in the wild, pertaining to reproduction, activity, and behavior. Most captive breeding of turtles and tortoises takes place in the private sector, rather than in zoos or governmental institutions. Unfortunately, private hobbyists, breeders, and preservationists often gain a negative reputation in academic, research, and conservation biology realms due to the escalating global turtle crisis. Conservation-minded private keepers are often lumped in with those involved with the illegal pet trade and seen as part of the problem. As a result, successful breeding of numerous species in the private sector is often regarded as hearsay (unverifiable) and/or ineffectual in the survival of a species. Some turtle species exist today only because of captive breeding, much of which has occurred in the private sector. Assurance Collaboratives for Turtle Species (ACTS) is a captive conservation program under theTurtleRoom’s Department of Animal Husbandry designed to foster collaboration between conservation-minded private keepers. We aim to increase the scientific knowledge of tortoise and freshwater turtle species through captive husbandry and data collection while gaining a better understanding of the level of meaningful propagation that occurs in the private sector.

Oral

Myanmar Program Update (2024-25): Endeavoring to Persevere in the Midst of Chaos STEVEN G. PLATT1, KALYAR PLATT, TINT LWIN, ME ME SOE, MYO MIN WIN, SWAN HTET NAING AUNG, AND SHINE HSU 1 Wildlife Conservation Society–Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia [sgplatt@gmail.com] In the early 2000s, Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) initiated a number of very successful conservation projects focused on threatened chelonians in Myanmar, most of which are endemic. However, on 1 February 2021 the military staged a coup and the country is now embroiled in civil war. More recently, a devastating earthquake (7.7) struck central Myanmar (28 March 2025). Sustaining our conservation projects in the face of war and natural disaster is challenging, but we nonetheless endeavor to persevere. Assurance colonies of Burmese Star Tortoise (Geochelone platynota) at three wildlife sanctuaries are producing large numbers of offspring for head-starting. Translocating G. platynota eggs from assurance colonies and into the wild is on-going at two sanctuaries Our planned release of ca. 1,000 head-started G. platynota at Shwe Settaw Wildlife Sanctuary (SSWS) suffered multiple setbacks (i.e., authorization for release was denied and then an armed group took 300 tortoises at gunpoint; some later surfaced in China). Afterwards, the SSWS assurance colony was transferred to a nearby town. Burmese Roofed Turtles (Batagur trivittata) are reproducing at three assurance colonies (LWS, and Yangon and Mandalay Zoos) with >125 hatchlings produced as of 30 April 2025; more are expected to hatch in May-June. The Mandalay Zoo suffered little damage during the recent earthquake. In situ

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conservation of B. trivittata continues along the upper Chindwin River. Owing to heavy fighting in Rakhine State, assurance colonies of Arakan Forest Turtle (Heosemys depressa), Asian Giant Brown Tortoise (Manouria emys phayrei), and Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) were transferred from the Rakhine Yoma Elephant Sanctuary to Hlawga Park on the outskirts of Yangon in late 2024. Lastly, breeding of M. emys phayrei and Asian Big-headed Turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) at the Turtle Rescue Center continues. The TRC was directly threatened by heavy fighting, although for the moment this danger has passed.

Oral

Testudo graeca tripolitania: A New Taxon Discovered in the Pet Trade, and Comments on the Conservation of Spur-Thighed Tortoises (T. graeca) and Egyptian Tortoises (T. Kleinmanii) in Libya STEPHEN F. POTERALA1, PAUL RATTAY, AARON S. JOHNSON, MURAD S.A. BUIJLAYYIL, ASKIN KIRAZ, AND AHMAD M.S. AJAJ 1 Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group, Aiken, South Carolina, United States of America [spoterala@gmail.com] Since 2021, imported Spur-thighed Tortoises (Testudo graeca) have appeared regularly in the US pet trade. These shipments include both T. g. cyrenaica and a new subspecies T. g. tripolitania, described this year, and all are believed to have been wild collected in Libya. We discuss the characteristics, origin, and possible range of T. g. tripolitania within northwestern Libya, and the challenges inherent in protecting both T. graeca and Egyptian tortoises (T. kleinmanni) from exploitation against a background of political uncertainty. Ongoing efforts to conserve tortoises and tortoise habitat within Libya are supported by unfunded volunteers and non-governmental organizations.

Oral

Preliminary Surveys of Eastern Chicken Turtles (Deirochelys reticularia reticularia) in Mississippi, U.S., and Future Study Goals 1 DAVID POUNDERS , LUKE PEARSON, AND BRIAN KREISER 1 University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States of America [David.Pounders@usm.edu] The Eastern Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia reticularia; ECT) is an understudied species in Mississippi with only 37 current historical occurrence records. Due to the scarcity of ecological and distributional data, the ECT will be listed as data-deficient in the 2025 Mississippi State Wildlife Action Plan. This species prefers smaller to medium ephemeral wetlands that dry during hotter months, but ECT have also been observed in ponds, borrow pits, and oxbow lakes in Mississippi. ECTs tend to move among wetlands and aestivate in upland habitats, however, seasonal movements and aestivation habits are unknown for populations occupying borrow pits and oxbow lakes. Unfortunately, these wetlands and surrounding upland habitats have declined historically. All current records are from southern Mississippi, while ECTs were last seen in 1973 for the northeast portion of the state and may potentially be extirpated. Currently, in the early stages of this project, one of our main goals is to identify new sites in South Mississippi. We also examine population demographics in opportunistic studies of wetlands and wetland complexes. Ultimately, the goals of this work will be to 1) complete a range-wide survey of ECTs in Mississippi (2026-2027) with demographics assessed at a subset of mark-recapture populations, 2) study the movement ecology of ECTs in their westernmost range using GPS telemetry, 3) use habitat suitability modelling to delineate habitat use

by ECT, and 4) use next-generation sequencing to examine geographic patterns of genetic structure and gene flow among wetland complexes and watershed boundaries. With the data gathered from this proposed study, we can update current ECT distribution and population demographics, identify ideal habitats that can be applied to future ECT surveys, and inform management decisions for optimal wetland habitat management.

Oral

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Monitoring Pathogens in Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) in Madagascar From 2023 to 2025 RINDRA NAVALONA RAKOTOBE1, JAMIE L. PALMER, KATE LEACH, BONNIE L. RAPHAEL, AINOA NIETO CLAUDIN, SEAN M. PERRY, KOLOINA MITIA ANDRIANANTENAINA, SHARON L. DEEM, AND TSANTA RAKOTONANAHARY 1 Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar [rnavalona@turtlesurvival.org] The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata), a critically endangered endemic species of Madagascar, is most threatened by poaching. As part of the Turtle Survival Alliance’s (TSA) reintroduction program, health screenings were conducted on wild and under human care tortoises. The goal was to monitor up to 5 pathogens including Mycoplasma spp., adenovirus, herpesvirus, ranavirus, and tortoise intranuclear coccidia (TINC), between 2023 to 2025. Oral and cloacal swabs were collected and diagnostics performed by PCR to detect the presence of targeted pathogens. Individuals were grouped into pools of five individuals for initial testing. For animals destined for rewilding we tested approximately 150 individuals out of every 1,000 tortoises in seven facilities under human care (n=866) in southern Madagascar. Additionally, health assessments, including testing for all 5 pathogens, were conducted on 340 free ranging wild tortoises to establish an epidemiological baseline and testing for Mycoplasma spp. only was performed on free-ranging tortoises from 4 other southern locations (n=275). From April 2023 to 2025 we tested 1491 tortoises, resulting in approximately 296 sample pools. Results of testing on pooled samples varied depending on environment, year and confiscation status. Mycoplasma agassizii has been found both in free-ranging wild A. radiata as well as those under captive care. Recently, adenovirus and herpesvirus have been found in A. radiata, but sequencing has not been completed to characterize or validate these findings. This underscores the importance of continued pathogen screening in reintroduction programs and the investigations into the potential impact of these pathogens on Malagasy tortoises.

Poster

Flood Response and Management at Lavavolo Tortoises Center: What We Have Learned?

TSANTA F. RAKOTONANAHARY1, RINDRA N. RAKOTOBE, MITIA K.J. ANDRINANANTENAINA, ELYSE A. RANDRIAMIHARINDAZA, CARRELA R. ANJARAMAMITIANA, TOJOTANJONA P. RAZANAPARANY, NOELIKANTO RAMAMONJISOA, AND HERY LOVA RAZAFIMAMONJIRAIBE 1 Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar [tfiderana@turtlesurvival.org] In early 2025, the Southwest region of Madagascar faced severe flooding due to unprecedented cyclonic rainfall, significantly impacting local biodiversity and the people living in this region. The Lavavolo Tortoises Center (LTC), which houses critically endangered Radiated (Astrochelys radiata) and Spider (Pyxis arachnoides) tortoises, sustained substantial damage to its facilities and experienced some tortoise mortality. Here we report the emergency response and flood management strategies implemented to mitigate the disaster's impact on tortoise populations in the center. A multi-agency approach, involving local communities, international organizations, and the local authorities, facilitated rapid assessments, the relocation of at-risk tortoises, and the reinforcement of vulnerable sites. Temporary housing facilities were established using elevated enclosures to prevent drowning and exposure. Additionally, long-term restoration plans have since been initiated to improve natural drainage and increased ecosystem resilience. The natural disaster in this region and the effects on the LTC illustrates the importance of integrating conservation into disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies, especially for endemic and endangered tortoises.

Oral

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Program Abstracts

2025 Symposium Program

A Strategic Roadmap for the Conservation of Endangered Tortoises in Southern Madagascar (Astrochelys radiata and Pyxis arachnoides), With a Focus on Enhancing Conservation Areas SEHENO RAMANANTSOA1, HAJANIAINA RASOLOARISON, AND NIRHY RABIBISOA 1 Ecole Doctorale Ecosystèmes Naturels, Université de Mahajanga, and Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable, 101 Antananarivo, Madagascar, Mahajanga 401 and Antananarivo 101, Madagascar [ramanantsoa_seheno@yahoo.com] The Radiated Tortoise (Astrochelys radiata) and the Spider Tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides) are species strictly endemic to Madagascar, both classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the IUCN. These species are severely threatened by habitat loss, bushfires, hunting, and, most critically, illegal trade. Despite various conservation initiatives, their wild populations continue to decline, highlighting the urgent need for more integrated and sustainable conservation strategies. This study investigates the overlap between the distribution ranges of these tortoises and the existing protected areas (PAs) in southern Madagascar. Using spatial mapping, we identified the number and types of PAs within their distribution occurrences. The conservation target classifications established by The Nature Conservancy were applied to the management plans (PAGs) of each PA to determine whether A. radiata and P. arachnoides are designated as focal, integrated, or auxiliary conservation targets. Our results show that among the identified PAs, three are classified as Category II (National Parks), four as Category V (Protected Landscapes/Seascapes), one as Category VI, and five have no formal IUCN classification. Based on available PAGs, only two PAs recognize at least one of the species as a focal target requiring systematic ecological monitoring, while three PAs consider them as integrated targets. None of the PAs identified the species as auxiliary targets. To enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts for A. radiata and P. arachnoides, we recommend five key urgent actions: (1) establishing a unified database for population monitoring across conservation areas; (2) adopting standardized and innovative long-term ecological monitoring methods; (3) strengthening community engagement in conservation initiatives; (4) improving public policies and governance concerning PA management and anti-trafficking measures; and (5) reinforcing law enforcement and international collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade. These actions are critical for ensuring the long-term survival of these emblematic Malagasy tortoises and for enhancing the overall resilience of the ecosystems they inhabit.

Poster

Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar: Advancing Sustainable Conservation by Building on Successes, Overcoming Challenges, and Embracing Opportunities HERY LOVA RAZAFIMAMONJIRAIBE Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar [herylova@turtlesurvival.org] Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Madagascar has transitioned from an emergency response to poaching crises into a comprehensive conservation program that combines large-scale care for endemic tortoises, community engagement, habitat protection, and tortoise reintroduction. Over the past decade, we have achieved key milestones, including rescuing and providing long-term care to tens of thousands of confiscated tortoises, establishing dedicated conservation centers, and initiating successful reintroduction efforts. These accomplishments are strengthened by close partnerships with local communities, whose cultural taboos and active involvement have been vital in reducing poaching and preserving habitats.

Despite these successes, TSA Madagascar continues to face significant challenges. Illegal wildlife trafficking remains widespread, law enforcement resources are limited, and financial constraints persist. These difficulties are further compounded by climate change, which brings severe droughts in some years and an increased frequency and intensity of cyclones and flooding in others, testing the resilience of our program. In response, we have innovated by expanding community-based conservation approaches and forging stronger collaborations with national and international partners to combat trafficking and enhance protection efforts. Looking forward, TSA Madagascar is focused on building upon its achievements by scaling up tortoise reintroductions, deepening community partnerships, and capitalizing on new

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Program Abstracts

‭2025 Symposium Program‬

‭opportunities‬‭in‬‭conservation‬‭science‬‭and‬‭policy.‬‭By‬‭adapting‬‭to‬‭evolving‬‭threats‬‭and‬‭mobilizing‬‭the‬‭collective‬‭efforts‬‭of‬‭local‬ a‭ nd‬ ‭global‬ ‭stakeholders,‬ ‭TSA‬ ‭Madagascar‬ ‭strives‬ ‭to‬ ‭secure‬ ‭a‬ ‭sustainable‬ ‭future‬ ‭for‬‭Madagascar’s‬‭iconic‬‭tortoises‬‭and‬‭the‬ ‭communities dedicated to their protection.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭Tortoise Reserve in Cap Sainte-Marie: High Density of Tortoises in Southern Madagascar‬ ‬ VA‬ ‭T‭O ‬ JOTANJONA‬ ‭P‭A ‬ TRICK‬ ‭R‬‭AZANAPARANY‬‭1‬‭, K‬‭IADY‬ ‭R‬‭ASATAHARIFALY‬‭,‬‭K‭O ‬ LOINA‬ ‭SAFIDY‬ ‭R‭A ‬ MAHANDRIZAFY‬‭, H‬‭ERY‬ ‭L‭O ‭R‬‭AZAFIMAMONJIRAIBE‬‭, T‬‭SANTA‬ ‭R‬‭AKOTONANAHARY‬‭,‬‭AND‬ ‭A‭N ‬ DREW‬ ‭D. W‬‭ALDE ‭1‬ ‭Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar, Antananarivo,‬‭Madagascar‬ ‭[‬‭tpatrick@turtlesurvival.org‬‭]‬ ‭Malagasy‬‭tortoises‬‭are‬‭on‬‭the‬‭brink‬‭of‬‭extinction‬‭without‬‭conservation‬‭action.‬‭Most‬‭Malagasy‬‭tortoises‬‭are‬‭threatened‬‭species,‬ c‭ lassified‬‭as‬‭Critically‬‭Endangered‬‭by‬‭the‬‭IUCN,‬‭and‬‭the‬‭population‬‭trend‬‭is‬‭decreasing‬‭due‬‭to‬‭illegal‬‭collection‬‭for‬‭the‬‭pet‬ ‭trade,‬‭bushmeat,‬‭and‬‭habitat‬‭degradation.‬‭The‬‭reserve,‬‭Cap‬‭Sainte‬‭Marie‬‭(CSM)‬‭is‬‭a‬‭protected‬‭area‬‭in‬‭southern‬‭Madagascar,‬ ‭home‬‭to‬‭the‬‭highest‬‭density‬‭of‬‭Radiated‬‭Tortoises‬‭in‬‭nature‬‭according‬‭to‬‭the‬‭last‬‭survey‬‭conducted‬‭a‬‭couple‬‭of‬‭decades‬‭ago.‬ ‭Reassessment‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭tortoise‬ ‭population‬ ‭at‬ ‭CSM‬ ‭is‬ ‭necessary‬ ‭to‬ ‭establish‬ ‭baseline‬ ‭data‬ ‭to‬ ‭measure‬ ‭the‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭effectiveness‬ ‭and‬ ‭address‬ ‭issues‬ ‭on‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭policy.‬ ‭We‬ ‭surveyed‬ ‭the‬ ‭tortoises‬ ‭in‬ ‭CSM,‬ ‭including‬ ‭Radiated‬ ‭Tortoise‬ ‭(‬‭Astrochelys‬ ‭radiata‬‭)‬ ‭and‬ ‭the‬ ‭Southern‬ ‭Spider‬ ‭Tortoise‬ ‭(‬‭Pyxis‬ ‭arachnoides‬ ‭oblonga‬‭).‬ ‭We‬ ‭used‬ ‭two‬ ‭methods‬ ‭of‬ ‭survey,‬ ‭distance‬‭sampling‬‭over‬‭1-km‬‭transects‬‭and‬‭systematic‬‭time-constrained‬‭search‬‭in‬‭a‬‭30‬‭m‬‭radius‬‭circle,‬‭to‬‭estimate‬‭the‬‭density‬ ‭of‬ ‭tortoises.‬ ‭Using‬ ‭line‬ ‭transects‬ ‭and‬ ‭systematic‬ ‭search‬ ‭methods,‬ ‭we‬ ‭estimated‬ ‭tortoise‬ ‭density‬ ‭at‬ ‭1,500–3,000‬ ‭individuals/km²,‬ ‭with‬ ‭a‬ ‭sex‬ ‭ratio‬ ‭skewed‬ ‭toward‬ ‭males‬ ‭(M:F‬ ‭=‬ ‭1.38:1‬ ‭to‬ ‭1.98:1).‬ ‭Pyxis‬ ‭are‬ ‭present‬‭in‬‭CSM,‬‭but‬‭we‬‭only‬ ‭detected‬‭4‬‭individuals,‬‭probably‬‭as‬‭this‬‭species‬‭is‬‭elusive‬‭and‬‭cryptic.‬‭For‬‭the‬‭Radiated‬‭Tortoise,‬‭more‬‭adults‬‭than‬‭subadults‬ ‭and‬‭juveniles‬‭were‬‭observed,‬‭likely‬‭due‬‭to‬‭selective‬‭poaching‬‭targeting‬‭subadults‬‭and‬‭juveniles.‬‭Cap‬‭Sainte‬‭Marie‬‭remains‬‭a‬ ‭key site for tortoise conservation but requires urgent, coordinated action.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭River-Reach Demography of the Southwestern Pond Turtle (‬‭Actinemys pallida‬‭): Early Insights From a County-Wide‬ ‭Monitoring Program‬ ‭K‭Y ‬ LIE‬ ‭R‬‭UDE‬‭1‬ ‭AND‬ ‭N‭A ‬ THANAEL‬ ‭S‭T‬ ANEK ‭1‬ ‭Turtle Conservancy, Ojai, California, United States‬‭of America‬ ‭[‬‭kylie@turtleconservancy.org‬‭]‬ ‭The‬‭Southwestern‬‭Pond‬‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Actinemys‬‭pallida‬‭)‬‭is‬‭increasingly‬‭threatened‬‭and‬‭vulnerable‬‭to‬‭further‬‭population‬‭reduction.‬ I‭ n‬ ‭response,‬ ‭the‬ ‭Turtle‬ ‭Conservancy‬ ‭launched‬ ‭a‬ ‭monitoring‬ ‭program‬ ‭to‬ ‭support‬‭conservation‬‭planning‬‭in‬‭Ventura‬‭County,‬ ‭California.‬ ‭The‬ ‭program‬ ‭conducts‬ ‭annual‬ ‭mark-recapture‬ ‭surveys‬ ‭across‬ ‭four‬ ‭ecologically‬ ‭distinct‬ ‭sites‬ ‭ranging‬ ‭from‬ ‭wetlands,‬ ‭low‑elevation‬ ‭river‬ ‭reaches,‬ ‭and‬ ‭high‑elevation‬ ‭canyon‬ ‭streams‬ ‭to‬ ‭assess‬ ‭population‬ ‭demographics‬ ‭and‬ ‭inform‬ ‭site-specific‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭strategies.‬ ‭Monitoring‬ ‭has‬ ‭been‬ ‭conducted‬ ‭annually‬ ‭since‬ ‭2022,‬ ‭from‬ ‭April‬ ‭through‬‭September,‬ ‭following‬ ‭standardized‬ ‭protocols.‬ ‭All‬ ‭turtles‬ ‭are‬ ‭photographed,‬‭measured,‬‭marked,‬‭sexed,‬‭and‬‭assessed‬‭for‬‭apparent‬‭health‬ ‭and‬ ‭age‬ ‭class.‬ ‭Two‬ ‭established‬ ‭sites‬ ‭provide‬ ‭data‬ ‭from‬‭the‬‭last‬‭three‬‭years,‬‭while‬‭two‬‭additional‬‭sites‬‭added‬‭in‬‭2024‬‭yield‬ ‭baseline‬ ‭demographic‬ ‭profiles‬ ‭for‬ ‭comparative‬ ‭analyses.‬ ‭The‬ ‭project‬ ‭aims‬ ‭to‬ ‭evaluate‬ ‭population‬ ‭structure,‬ ‭recruitment,‬ ‭abundance,‬ ‭sex‬ ‭ratios,‬ ‭and‬ ‭body‬ ‭condition‬ ‭among‬ ‭survey‬ ‭sites.‬ ‭Population‬ ‭parameters‬ ‭derived‬ ‭from‬ ‭the‬ ‭more‬ ‭extensive‬ ‭datasets‬ ‭are‬ ‭used‬ ‭to‬ ‭model‬ ‭site-specific‬ ‭trends,‬ ‭including‬ ‭demographic‬‭structure‬‭and‬‭abundance‬‭of‬‭core‬‭study‬‭populations,‬ ‭while‬‭newer‬‭sites‬‭serve‬‭as‬‭reference‬‭points‬‭for‬‭spatial‬‭comparisons.‬‭Preliminary‬‭results‬‭show‬‭pronounced‬‭differences‬‭among‬ ‭sites.‬‭The‬‭upstream‬‭montane‬‭reach‬‭exhibits‬‭higher‬‭juvenile‬‭representation‬‭and‬‭more‬‭robust‬‭body‬‭conditions‬‭compared‬‭to‬‭more‬ ‭degraded‬ ‭downstream‬ ‭sites.‬ ‭These‬ ‭insights‬ ‭will‬ ‭guide‬ ‭management‬ ‭prioritization‬ ‭using‬ ‭longitudinal‬ ‭demographic‬ ‭data‬ ‭to‬ ‭inform‬‭conservation‬‭action.‬‭This‬‭poster‬‭will‬‭present‬‭the‬‭preliminary‬‭findings‬‭and‬‭future‬‭directions‬‭for‬‭expanding‬‭monitoring‬

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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across remaining Actinemys pallida populations in Southern California. By combining standardized field methods with long-term site fidelity, the Turtle Conservancy aims to generate actionable data to inform targeted management strategies focused on the long-term recovery of this declining species.

Poster

The Utilization of Functional Traits in Determining Dissimilarities Between Freshwater Turtle Taxa LILLIAN S. SELF1, ERIC MUNSCHER, ANDERS RHODIN, JOHN IVERSON, AND ZACHARY A. SIDERS 1 University of Florida, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America [lillian.self@ufl.edu] The taxonomic biodiversity of freshwater turtles in the southeastern United States has long been noted but other dimensions of biodiversity have yet to be explored. We developed a functional trait database alongside a community phylogeny to provide insight into the functional and phylogenetic dimensions of freshwater turtle biodiversity. We used principal coordinates analyses to identify dominant modes of trait dissimilarity and applied hierarchical clustering to classify functional groups. We then used the functional traits to provide insights into the community structure by testing whether allopatric turtle species exhibit greater trait similarity compared to sympatric species. Preliminary results suggest that species within the same genus may exhibit more variation in traits than expected. Lastly, we mapped our functional and phylogenetic dimensions of biodiversity onto geographic range maps from the Turtles of the World Checklist and Atlas to identify hotspots of trait or genetic diversity. Our functional trait approach is currently stymied by several data-deficient taxa, which we seek to address with expert review or data imputation in the future.

Oral

Where Is This Turtle From (and Where Should I Release It)?

BRAD SHAFFER1, ANDREW D. KERN, PETER L. RALPH, PETER A. SCOTT, AND NATALIA GALLEGO-GARCÍA 1 UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America [brad.shaffer@ucla.edu] Turtles are simultaneously one of the most threatened, and most heavily traded clades of vertebrates on earth. However, unlike many trafficked species, much of the illegal trade involves live turtles for the food and pet markets. This means that confiscations often consist of living specimens that can potentially be released back into the wild. However, pinpointing the origin of any organism, including turtles and tortoises, is a challenging exercise in landscape genetics. In this talk, we review results from three taxa, the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) and the Northwestern and Southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata, A. pallida) to determine the optimal sampling and genomic strategies to accurately identify the site-of-origin of unknown individuals. We tested both the deep neural network program Locator and more conventional genotype matching approaches with two sets of known-location turtles: a set of 48 fully resequenced terrapins and a set of ~250 fully resequenced western pond turtles. As our “unknown” animals, we used both whole genome low-coverage resequenced individuals withheld from each data set, and RADseq individuals. Our results highlight the importance of both the absolute number and the spatial density of reference individual samples, as well as the optimal resequencing needed to accurately estimate the site of origin of unknown individuals in a cost-efficient manner. Our study provides a roadmap for ongoing efforts to create the genomic resources necessary to quickly and accurately determine the site of origin for any turtle or tortoise, and therefore the ability to identify where to release trafficked animals, determine the origin of captive specimens that may be critical in captive breeding programs, and inform agency partners on poaching hotspots.

Oral

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Somatic Growth of Musk Turtles (Sternotherus) Across North America ZACHARY SIDERS1, ERIC MUNSCHER, GABBIE BERRY, ANDREW COLEMAN, KEN DODD, BRAD GLORIOSO, WHIT GIBBONS, JAMES GODWIN, ETHAN HOLLENDER, JOHN IVERSON, PETER LINDEMAN, ARTHUR JENKINS, LORI M. JOHNSON, DONALD MCKNIGHT, MADELEINE MORRISON, TESSA RADIMER, FRANCIS ROSE, AND RAYMOND SAUMURE 1 University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America [zsiders@ufl.edu] The species of Sternotherus natively occur in North America with Razor-backed Musk Turtle (S. carinatus), Flattened Musk Turtle (S. depressus), Intermediate Musk Turtle (S. intermedius), and Loggerhead Musk Turtle (S. minor) occupying the southern United States while the Eastern Musk Turtle (S. odoratus) and Stripeneck Musk Turtle (S. peltifer) extend northward. Even within these ranges, Sternotherus occupy a wide variety of habitats from thermally stable springs to ephemeral habitats. Despite their ubiquity, the life history—principally, growth and maturity—of these small turtles is poorly understood across the genus. The inter-site variability in somatic growth stymies such a synthesis of this life history. Here, we gathered mark-recapture Sternotherus datasets from 24 sites ranging from Florida in the south to Ontario in the north and as far west as Texas. We obtained multiple carapace length (CL), carapace width, plastron length, and shell height measurements from 68 S. carinatus (2 sites), 354 S. depressus (2 sites), 2 S. intermedius (1 site), 1,804 S. minor (6 sites), and 6,008 S. odoratus (13 sites) individuals for a total of 49,062 length measurements. We developed a hierarchical Bayesian model with measurement-, species-, site-, and sex-specific effects to estimate von Bertalanffy growth. In S. odoratus, individuals grew larger (97 – 112 mm, CL) at sites north of 37’ latitude than sites to the south, except for individuals in Comal Springs, Texas that also exhibit megacephaly. In S. minor, spring sites had larger CLs than those in free-flowing rivers (∆ 5-15 mm).

Interestingly, where S. odoratus and S. minor co-occurred at Wekiwa Springs, FL both species experience the lowest or second lowest asymptotic CL among the 13 or 6 sites, respectively. Across species, S. depressus was the smallest, followed

by S. odoratus, then S. minor, S. carinatus. This supports a tentative pattern across the Sternotherus phylogeny where more genetically similar taxa have larger size differences than more genetically dissimilar taxa. Given this pattern, we aim to include phylogenetic random effects to extrapolate the life history of the understudied S. peltifer and recently described S. intermedius.

Oral

Documenting the History of and Personalities Behind Turtle Conservation and Research Through the CheloniaCast Podcast MICHAEL A. SKIBSTED1, JACK C. H. THOMPSON, JASON C. WILLS, KENNETH WANG, WYATT P. KEIL, PAUL F. CUNEO, ETHAN Q. HANCOCK, ALEX J. MIONE, AND TORSTEN WATKINS 1 Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America [skibstedm@gmail.com] It is important to chronicle the history, processes, and accomplishments within the field of turtle conservation and research in a holistic manner. While critically important to advancing knowledge on a subject, academic journal articles usually cannot capture the stories intrinsic to a particular body of research. They also usually do not express the personalities of those who undertook the research and are limited in how much they can explore a topic in the pursuit of conciseness. It can be hard for members of the public to access or understand research articles as well, limiting the public’s ability to obtain knowledge on a subject like turtle and tortoise biology and conservation. It is pertinent to spread knowledge and promote critical thinking about turtle and tortoise research and conservation in the 21st century, so that people can better understand their dire conservation status and appreciate them for how fascinating they are. In the age of technology and podcasts, there is an immense opportunity to bring this incredible field to the ears of a broad audience in a digestible manner. The CheloniaCast Podcast, started by a team of high school students, seeks to explore the immense world of turtle research and conservation through the lens of those actively involved in progressing the field. This paper explores key insights that have been gained so far through conducting over 140 hours of interviews with active participants in the field of turtle biology, ecology, and

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conservation. The adventures and challenges that have accompanied each interview are addressed. Focus is put on why turtles matter, how they are faring, and where the future of turtle conservation is headed.

Poster

Importance of Turtles and Freshwater Biodiversity in the Southeastern United States MICHAEL SKIBSTED1, RUSSELL A. MITTERMEIER, MICHAEL SKIBSTED, JAMES C. GODWIN, KURT A. BUHLMANN, TRACEY D. TUBERVILLE, PETER PAUL VAN DIJK, MICHAEL G. MITTERMEIER, ARTHUR J. JENKINS, AND ANDERS G.J. RHODIN 1 Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America [skibstedm@gmail.com] It is imperative to recognize areas of high species richness and taxonomic diversity to prioritize conservation and develop conservation strategies. Much of the Southeastern United States within the North American Coastal Plain Biodiversity Hotspot harbors an incredibly rich turtle and general freshwater faunal assemblage. Herein we quantify the turtle and freshwater taxon diversity (species and subspecies) in five select states that make up a large proportion of the North American Coastal Plain Biodiversity Hotspot. We compare species diversity within these states to entire countries and other recognized Biodiversity Hotspots. Florida and Alabama both harbor 39 turtle taxa, less than only the entire United States, and the nations of Mexico, India, and Indonesia. When compared to the global Biodiversity Hotspots on a turtle hotspot scale, these two states individually are only exceeded by the IndoBurma and Mesoamerica Biodiversity Hotspots. Mississippi and Georgia have 38 and 35 turtle taxa, respectively, ranking each of them among the top eleven turtle-rich countries, similar to Brazil, China, Australia, and Colombia, and among the top six turtle hotspots. Louisiana, with fewer taxa (33), still ranks among the top 15 turtle-rich countries and top seven turtle hotspots. When turtle richness in the Southeastern United States is scaled to area (taxa per 10,000 km2), the five highest taxa to area ratios are represented by each Southeastern U.S. state.

Mississippi has the highest turtle taxa to area ratio at 3.03, followed by Alabama (2.87), Louisiana (2.43), Florida (2.29), and Georgia (2.27). The next closest reasonably large country is Bangladesh at 1.83. The diversity of freshwater crayfish, gastropods, and mussels within the five states analyzed also represents a sizable fraction of the total number of global species within these groups. Taken together, this data demonstrates the incredible biological diversity and richness of the Southeastern United States with respect to turtles and freshwater species. Many of these species face local and widespread threats. Future conservation efforts focused on turtle and freshwater diversity in the Southeastern United States should highlight the incredible ecology and diversity of this wide array of organisms. Conservation-oriented ecotourism initiatives, specifically “Turtle-Watching,” provide a promising avenue to merge economic growth with species conservation in the Southeastern United States.

Oral

Nose to Knowledge: Wildlife Detector Dogs and Their Implementation in Turtle Conservation HUNTER SMITH1 AND THOMAS WILSON 1 University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States of America [huntersmith9816@gmail.com] Wildlife detector dogs are emerging as valuable tools in conservation research, particularly for locating cryptic or elusive species. Despite their growing use in ecological studies, their application in herpetological fieldwork, especially regarding turtle research, remains limited. This paper investigates the feasibility, implementation, and potential benefits of integrating wildlife detection dogs into herpetological research, specifically for turtle conservation. Through an extensive literature review and an in-depth analysis of video and audio interviews with practitioners in the field, this work examines current training methodologies, field applications, and species-specific challenges. Special consideration is given to the unique scent profiles and ecological behaviors of turtles that may influence detection success. When properly trained and deployed, findings suggest that detection dogs can significantly improve the efficiency of locating individual turtles, nests, and even

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eggs, especially in dense vegetation or along aquatic-edge habitats where traditional survey methods have been shown to be less effective. By identifying logistical and ecological factors that influence detection outcomes, this research offers practical recommendations for expanding the use of detection dogs in turtle conservation efforts. Ultimately, this work supports the integration of detection dogs as a powerful tool in herpetological research and species monitoring.

Poster

Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis): Ecological Movements and Survivorship–A Case Study in Cambodia SITHA SOM1, PHUN THORN, STEVEN G. PLATT, HUL IN, CHAMPAPAO CHEN, CHRISTOPHER POYSER, AND CHAKRIYA CHUM 1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Phnom Penh, Cambodia [ssom@wcs.org] The critically endangered Southern River Terrapin (Batagur affinis) is among the world’s 25 most endangered chelonians. It is a flagship species in Cambodia, designated as the National Reptile by the King’s sub-decree since 2005. The B. affinis population in Cambodia is restricted to the Sre Ambel River system, a combination of freshwater rivers, creeks, and coastal mangroves in southwestern Cambodia. Threats and unsustainable harvests, such as habitat destruction, sand mining, illegal fishing practices, and egg collection, have driven this species to the brink of extinction in Cambodia. Since the inception of nest protection in 2002 after the rediscovery of the species in the area and the 2006 head starting of hatchlings, Wildlife Conservation Society, Turtle Survival Alliance, Fisheries Administration, and main financial collaborators such as the Alan and Patricia Koval Foundation have successfully released more than 200 head started individuals of this species into the wild.

The age of released individuals (males and females) ranged from 5 to more than 12 years prior to release. Since 2015, the project has released 206 head started turtles with ca. 1:1 sex ratio into the Sre Ambel River. Here, we investigate the spatial ecology and determine the survival rate of these translocated turtles. Annual post-release monitoring data from acoustic transmitters and receivers is used to analyze spatial and seasonal movements and habitat utilization across the river system.

We then investigate the survivorship of translocated turtles using statistical analysis R Tool (Kaplan-Meier estimator, CTMM, move2, and moveVis packages). The results from this analysis provide empirical evidence to address knowledge gaps in the life history of this critically endangered species, give recommendations to collect data applicable to informing management, and add to the understanding of the ecology and habitat requirements of B. affinis across its global range.

Oral

Empowering the Next Generation: School-Based Turtle Conservation as a Scalable Model for Proactive Species Recovery 1 RICKY SPENCER AND WILLEM ROOSENBURG 1 Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia [r.spencer@westernsydney.edu.au] Conservation education often struggles to translate classroom experiences into real-world environmental outcomes. However, targeted school-based turtle conservation programs in Australia and the United States are demonstrating that young people can actively contribute to species recovery while building community-wide conservation cultures. The “Turtles in Schools” program in Australia and the “Terrapins Education and Research Partnership (TERP)” program in the United States engage students in direct conservation activities, including egg incubation, hatchling rearing, habitat monitoring, and citizen science reporting. By placing real turtles and real conservation action into the hands of students, these programs forge deep personal connections to biodiversity, science, and local habitats. Critically, the effects extend far beyond the classroom. Schools become dynamic conservation hubs, sharing knowledge with families, friends, and local communities, enhancing wetland protection efforts and environmental stewardship. School-based networks offer a scale and flexibility that traditional zoo-based headstarting programs cannot easily replicate, enabling widespread intervention across landscapes. Moreover, schools can focus on conserving species while they are still relatively common, preventing population collapses rather than

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responding to crises once species are critically endangered and geographically restricted. Longitudinal evaluations show that participants exhibit lasting ecological literacy, scientific engagement, and pro-environmental behavior, helping to embed a conservation ethic into the broader community. By combining education, real-world conservation action, and proactive species management, programs like “Turtles in Schools” and “TERP” offer a scalable, sustainable model for safeguarding biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. We present a one-two summary of our programs and some of the accomplishments to date.

Oral

From Citizen Science to Habitat Design: A Global Framework for Community-Led Conservation RICKY SPENCER Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia [r.spencer@westernsydney.edu.au] The biodiversity crisis is global—but so is the potential for community-powered solutions. The 1 Million Turtles program, developed in Australia, offers a replicable model for how local observations, when supported by science and technology, can catalyse large-scale ecological change. Beginning as a simple citizen science mapping tool—TurtleSAT—the program has evolved into a powerful framework that combines predictive ecological modelling, habitat design, and grassroots engagement. Central to its success is the principle of empowering people—not just as observers, but as active conservationists. This includes everyday citizens, landholders, and increasingly, school students, who through the Turtles in Schools initiative are incubating eggs, monitoring nesting turtles, and co-producing conservation science. By turning their data and stories into real-world outcomes—from AI-driven restoration planning tools to the installation of BioHaven floating wetlands—the program is restoring degraded landscapes across urban, agricultural, and industrial environments. Its innovations now underpin measurable biodiversity and carbon outcomes, aligning with global frameworks such as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 30x30, and emerging nature credit markets. This talk presents 1 Million Turtles not just as an Australian success story, but as a scalable, community-first model that can be adapted globally—empowering citizens, land managers, students, and scientists alike to shape a Nature Positive future, one turtle and one habitat at a time.

Oral

Transforming Turtle Conservation: Floating Islands, Basking Platforms, and Citizen Science Turtle Hubs as Next-Generation Monitoring Tools RICKY SPENCER1, JAMES VAN DYKE, KRISTEN PETROV, AND THONG PHAM VAN 1 Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia [r.spencer@westernsydney.edu.au] Freshwater turtle conservation has long relied on capture-mark-recapture (CMR) and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) surveys to assess population health, but these methods are labor-intensive, invasive, and limited in spatial and temporal coverage. In Australia, recent innovations are transforming these paradigms through habitat creation and citizen science engagement. The installation of BioHaven floating islands and purpose-built basking platforms not only restores critical habitat but also enables non-invasive monitoring of turtle populations across urban and rural wetlands. We demonstrate that monitoring life history parameter ratios—specifically, the proportions of juveniles, subadults, and adults observed basking—provides a powerful proxy for population structure and viability. Longitudinal citizen science data from the 1 Million Turtles program show strong correlations between these basking ratios and traditional population metrics, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and less intrusive alternative to CMR and CPUE. To operationalize this innovation at scale, we established 'Turtle Hubs' across diverse landscapes: community-driven centers that engage schools, landholders, and local councils in habitat management and systematic turtle monitoring. Turtle Hubs empower the public to collect real-time, standardized data, transforming turtle conservation from sporadic scientific fieldwork to continuous, community-powered environmental

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stewardship. This integrated approach not only enhances restoration outcomes but also supports the development of measurable environmental accounting standards critical for emerging conservation markets, including Australia's Nature Repair Market. By linking habitat intervention, citizen science, and real-time population assessment, we present a scalable, non-invasive framework to safeguard freshwater turtles and validate ecosystem restoration investments into the future.

Oral

Turtle Conservation Through Land Acquisition: The Case of Cuatro Ciénegas CRAIG B. STANFORD1, GAMALIEL CASTAÑEDA-GAYTAN, JAMES LIU, PETER PAUL VAN DIJK, LYDIA LOZANO, AND ERIC GOODE 1 University of Southern California and Turtle Conservancy, Los Angeles, California, United States of America [stanford@usc.edu] The Turtle Conservancy has a long-standing philosophy and practice of acquiring land that is prime habitat for critically endangered turtles and tortoises as a strategy to protect those species. Protecting the land also protects many other species of animals and plants on it. The Cuatro Ciénegas Valley in the state of Coahuila, Mexico, is an area of high endemism for chelonians and many other organisms. The prime turtle habitat lies within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and also a larger protected area, but the entire ecosystem is critically threatened by decreased water availability due to agriculture and use by communities in and outside of the valley. In this presentation we report on the acquisition of land for the establishment of a new Turtle Conservancy reserve for three endangered turtles species: the Coahuilan Box Turtle (Terrapene coahuila), the Cuatro Ciénegas Slider (Trachemys taylori), and the Cuatro Ciénegas Softshell (Apalone spinfera atra) in the Cuatro Ciénegas valley. Ongoing field surveys since 2011 identified the presence of all three species in ideal wetlands habitat, and a land purchase was negotiated with a local land owner. A parcel of 875 hectares was acquired featuring both permanent and seasonal wetlands. Management strategies are being planned and possibilities for further wetlands enhancement restoration are being discussed.

Oral

Ecology and Demography of Small- and Large-Bodied Sonora Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) in Two Isolated Mountain Ranges 1 PAUL A. STONE , JUSTIN D. CONGDON, AND MARIE E. B. STONE 1 Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, United States of America [pstone@uco.edu] Turtle life histories are difficult to compile because turtle lifespans often exceed the duration of a cheloniologist’s career.

Interpopulational comparisons of life histories are even more difficult and often clouded by differences in evolutionary history, locations, research techniques, and focus of studies. In the mid-1990’s, unbeknownst to each other, we independently started long-term studies of isolated populations of Sonora Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) in adjacent Sky Islands in New Mexico and Arizona. Durations of studies in New Mexico and Arizona are 32 and 15 yrs, respectively. Study areas were 60 km apart at similar elevations (1640-1800 m) with similar annual precipitation (38.5-41.4 cm). We are excited about the opportunity this serendipity provides. Aquatic habitat at the two sites included stock tanks, spring fed ponds, and canyon pools. However, the quantity and permanence of aquatic habitat were much higher at the Chiricahua site, likely due to differences in aquatic habitat improvement and maintenance. Both studies sites were on the Coronado National Forest and adjacent private lands, but the Chiricahua study area was primarily on a ranch owned by a rancher with a strong conservation ethic, whereas the Peloncillo study area mostly included ungrazed areas of the National Forest that were not well-maintained.

We used standard mark-recapture methods to determine age-specific body size, growth, and survivorship, and x-raying to document clutch size, egg width, and pelvic aperture width. Body size and juvenile growth rate at the two sites were correlated with differences in aquatic habitat: turtles grew faster, and primiparous females matured at larger body size and younger ages in the Chiricahuas. Mean carapace length in the Chiricahuas was 126.3+12.81 mm, nearly 12 mm larger than

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the Peloncillos (114.7+13.11 mm). Likewise, the minimum size at sexual maturity in females was 9 mm larger in the Chiricahuas (106 mm vs. 97 mm). Surprisingly, there were no obvious differences in site-specific survivorship of adults despite differences in body size. Data from three other Sky Islands in Arizona support the pattern of larger body sizes in larger, more permanent wetlands. If the observed body size differences have the expected influences on fecundity, conservation planning should consider the limited potential for population growth in intermittent habitat, especially if the predicted climate changes for the region are realized.

Oral

Health Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms on Australian Freshwater Turtles KYRA SULLIVAN1, ERIC NORDBERG, AND DEBORAH BOWER 1 University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia [ksulli29@myune.edu.au] Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are notorious for their toxic effects on wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. One particular type of HAB, caused by cyanobacteria, can cause internal bleeding, liver damage, and even death. Blooms can last for up to several weeks, and the duration and frequency of HAB occurrences is expected to increase as climate change and eutrophication create ideal conditions for toxic algae and bacteria species to flourish. Understanding the effects of HABs on the wildlife most likely to be exposed will be critical for mitigating damage and implementing conservation plans for at-risk species. The objective of our study was to determine what effects, if any, HABs have on two species of freshwater turtle, the Eastern Long-neck Turtle (Chelodina longicollis) and the Murray River Turtle (Emydura macquarii). We collected 58 turtles from six sites in the northern New England Table lands; three control sites with low levels of toxic algae, and three sites with active blooms and very high toxic algae levels. From each turtle captured we collected 1 ml of blood and prepared two blood smear slides. The slides were stained and examined microscopically to determine the heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) immune cell ratio, which served as an indicator of physiological stress. The remaining 1 ml was sent to a veterinary lab to determine the concentrations of three liver enzymes (AST, GDL, and LDH); elevated concentrations of these enzymes can indicate liver damage. Our results showed no significant difference in H:L ratios or liver enzyme concentrations between the control and bloom sites for either species. These findings suggest that freshwater turtles are remarkably resilient animals, and may be avoiding exposure to HABs through behavioural changes, such as reducing the amount of water they drink. Alternatively, freshwater turtles may possess physiological mechanisms that allow neutralization or excretion of HAB toxins in a way that other taxa can’t. Both possibilities should be thoroughly explored in future studies, as well as any potential long-term effects of repeated exposure to HAB toxins.

Oral

From Captivity to Independence: The Journey of Headstarted Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) Undergoing Soft Release AVA SWEENEY1, JENNIFER MOORE, FAITH KUZMA, BILL FLANAGAN, AND PAUL KEENLANCE 1 Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, United States of America [sweenava@mail.gvsu.edu] Raising young animals in captivity before release into the wild, known as headstarting, has proven successful for turtles; however, best practices may differ by species. An Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) headstarting program has been underway for a population of Eastern Box Turtles in southwest Michigan since 2019. The headstarts reared through this program have exhibited higher survival than their non-headstarted counterparts but still experience predation in the first five weeks following their release. From 2020 to 2023, all headstarts were placed directly into the wild, or “hard released”. In contrast, headstarts can be placed in a pen at their release site for the first few weeks post-release – a technique known as “soft release”. Ideally, soft release enables turtles to become acclimated to their new environment without predation risk,

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thereby allowing them to navigate that environment better once they are out on their own. We used radio telemetry to track soft released and hard released Eastern Box Turtle headstarts and compared their survival, movement, and growth.

Preliminary results indicate that there is not a significant difference in survival or change in weight post-release for the soft released and hard released turtles. Furthermore, turtles used similar habitat types across release groups. These results will inform recommendations for the headstarting program and Eastern Box Turtle conservation moving forward.

Poster

Capitalizing on Captivity: Insights From Years of Research on a Captive Breeding Population of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) 1 DENISE THOMPSON , DAY B. LIGON, BRIAN M. FILLMORE, RALPH SIMMONS, AND KERRY G. GRAVES 1 Drury University, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America [DeniseThompson@missouristate.edu] The study of animals in their natural environment often represents the gold-standard for accruing knowledge of species’ biology; however, studying threatened and cryptic species in the wild poses many challenges for obtaining important information about species’ biology, ecology, behavior, and life history. Captive populations can offer unique opportunities to gain valuable insights into species that would otherwise be logistically difficult and/or cost prohibitive to obtain in the wild.

Here, we present findings from studies focused on reproduction and activity in a captive breeding population of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) maintained under semi-natural conditions within the species’ native range at Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, in southeastern Oklahoma. Our work has provided information on nesting behavior and ecology, reproductive investment patterns, reproductive cycles, implications of embryonic development patterns on geographic distribution, temperature-dependent sex determination and gonadal development, and seasonal activity patterns of Alligator Snapping Turtles. These studies highlight just some information that can be obtained through scientific research of captive animals, the importance of maintaining consistent and accurate long-term records, and the benefits of housing small populations in semi-natural conditions when possible.

Oral

Movement Ecology and Predation Risk: An Analysis of Co-occurring Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in an Actively Managed Landscape ERIN TRIMPE1, JENNIFER MOORE, ERIC MCCLUSKEY, AND PAUL KEENLANCE 1 Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan, United States of America [trimpee@mail.gvsu.edu] Turtles and tortoises are among the most imperiled vertebrate groups globally, with high extinction risks due to threats like habitat loss, climate change, and increased predation. As contributors to important processes such as nutrient cycling and seed dispersal, their conservation is essential for proper ecosystem functioning. Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta), a semi-aquatic freshwater species, are declining throughout their range due in part to predation on adults by mesopredators such as Raccoons (Procyon lotor). Because Wood Turtles are long-lived and slow to mature, populations require adult survival rates of at least 95% to remain stable or increase. Thus, while many conservation efforts focus on early life stages, protecting adults is essential for population persistence. Understanding when and where adult turtles are most vulnerable to predators is critical. To address this, we employed spatial ecological approaches to examine movement patterns of co-occurring Wood Turtles and Raccoons. During the summer of 2024, we deployed high-resolution GPS loggers on individuals of both species at a field site in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Michigan, USA. We assessed spatiotemporal overlap as a proxy for predation risk and explored the timing and environmental conditions under which these interactions are most likely to occur. Environmental variables included slope, landcover type, elevation, and distances to rivers and forest openings. We also analyzed temporal patterns to identify periods of higher predation risk. Preliminary results suggest

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seasonal and nightly trends in overlap, with shared environmental preferences potentially influencing encounter likelihood.

Further analysis will identify specific high-risk areas, conditions, and daily and seasonal times of highest risk. This research will ultimately inform targeted strategies to reduce adult turtle mortality due to predation and support the long-term recovery of Wood Turtle populations.

Poster

2025: Potentially a Very Significant Year for Turtle Regulations PETER PAUL VAN DIJK TFTSG, Re:wild and Turtle Conservancy, Herndon, Virginia, United States of America [peterpaul@turtleconservancy; ppvandijk@hotmail.com] Two major events are happening in 2025 that will almost certainly lead to significant changes in the laws, rules and regulations affecting tortoises and freshwater turtles in the United States and worldwide. From November 24th to December 5th, the 20th meeting of the CITES Conference of Parties (CoP20) is scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

CoP20 will deliberate and decide on proposals to include, transfer, or delete, species in, between, or from the Appendices, among many other topics. It is likely that the Proposals will include some turtle species, but this will only be known after the Proposal submission deadline of June 27th, 2025. Meanwhile, following the inauguration of the 47th Presidency of the United States, a voluminous stream of Executive Orders and other developments are affecting how species conservation is carried out by the Federal Government of the United States; these developments will also affect biodiversity conservation at the State level, as well as affect and influence conservation work beyond the borders of the United States. This presentation will present an up-to-date overview of how changed US regulations affect turtle conservation, as well as a look forward to submitted Proposals and other documents for discussion at CITES CoP20.

Oral

Canine Conservationists: Tips on Training and Utilizing Detection Dogs to Protect Turtle Populations THOMAS P. WILSON1, TABITHA M. WILSON, HUNTER SMITH, AND “TEAM SALAMANDER” 1 The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States of America [thomas-wilson@utc.edu] Wildlife detection dogs are excellent tools for use in the field of turtle conservation due to their extraordinary sense of smell, which is arguably up to 100,000 times more sensitive than that of humans. These canine conservationists have a remarkable ability that allows them to efficiently locate rare, elusive or cryptic species with high levels of precision. Their non-invasive approach coupled with minimal disturbance to wildlife and habitats makes them ideal candidates for inventory and monitoring projects, especially with rare species or when working in sensitive habitats. Additionally, their physical drive allows them to cover large areas of rough terrain quickly and objectively, thus enhancing the speed and accuracy of data collection. Their versatility in detecting turtle scent makes them invaluable tools for conservation. Overall, we will highlight the utility of wildlife detection dogs for turtle conservation, but beyond this we will also provide a 30-year-perspective on breed/individual selection, K9 basic training, scent training, handler training and field training.

Oral

Land Cover Change Around Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) Localities in North Carolina’s Piedmont Indicate Rapid Urbanization and Forest Loss EMMA M. WILSON1 AND IVANA MALI 1 North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America [emwilso8@ncsu.edu]

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​The​​Spotted​​Turtle​​(​Clemmys​​guttata​​)​​is​​a​​species​​of​​greatest​​conservation​​need,​​facing​​population​​declines​​throughout​​most​ ​ f​​its​​range,​​partly​​due​​to​​habitat​​loss.​​This​​species​​depends​​on​​expansive​​habitat​​beyond​​wetland​​boundaries​​to​​complete​​its​ o ​annual​ ​cycle,​ ​and​ ​urbanization​ ​can​ ​reduce​ ​the​ ​forested​ ​areas​ ​critical​ ​for​ ​nesting,​ ​inter-wetland​ ​movements,​ ​foraging,​ ​and​ ​aestivation.​ ​For​ ​long-lived​ ​vertebrates,​​the​​effects​​of​​habitat​​loss​​may​​not​​be​​immediate,​​and​​quantifying​​landscape​​change​ ​can​​provide​​insights​​into​​environmental​​stressors​​not​​revealed​​by​​population​​assessments​​alone.​​Using​​data​​from​​the​​National​ ​Land​ ​Cover​​Database​​spanning​​1985​​to​​2023,​​we​​assessed​​the​​proportion​​of​​developed​​and​​forested​​land​​in​​100,​​200,​​300,​ ​400,​ ​500,​ ​1000,​ ​and​ ​1500​​m​​buffers​​around​​44​​Spotted​​Turtle​​localities​​in​​Wake​​County,​​North​​Carolina,​​USA,​​one​​of​​the​ ​country’s​ ​most​​urbanizing​​counties.​​This​​was​​coupled​​with​​systematic​​Spotted​​Turtle​​surveys​​conducted​​in​​2024​​and​​2025.​ ​Forest​​cover​​decreased​​significantly,​​while​​urban​​cover​​increased​​significantly​​(p​​<​​0.01)​​across​​all​​spatial​​scales.​​The​​most​ ​pronounced​ ​increase​ ​in​ ​development​ ​occurred​ ​at​ ​the​ ​1500​ ​m​ ​scale.​ ​The​ ​rate​ ​of​ ​forest​ ​loss​ ​at​ ​the​ ​400​ ​m​ ​scale​ ​was​ ​not​ ​significantly​​different​​from​​the​​rate​​of​​loss​​observed​​at​​scales​​up​​to​​1500​​m.​​The​​proportion​​of​​forest​​cover​​declined​​by​​8%​​at​ ​100​​m​​and​​14%​​at​​the​​1500​​m​​scale.​​Despite​​high​​trap​​effort,​​our​​surveys​​yielded​​capture​​per​​unit​​effort​​of​​only​​0.0115​​and​ ​relative​ ​abundance​ ​of​ ​0.0385-1.0​ ​for​ ​occupied​ ​sites.​ ​Changes​ ​in​ ​upland​ ​habitat​ ​and​ ​low​ ​relative​ ​abundance​ ​suggest​ ​that​ ​long-term​ ​persistence​ ​of​ ​Spotted​ ​Turtles​ ​in​ ​this​ ​region​ ​is​ ​unlikely.​ ​The​ ​current​ ​landscape​ ​may​ ​be​ ​insufficient​ ​to​ ​support​ ​habitat​ ​connectivity,​ ​highlighting​ ​the​​importance​​of​​preventing​​forest​​loss​​in​​the​​areas​​surrounding​​and​​connecting​​wetland​ ​complexes.​ ​Moreover,​ ​the​ ​increase​ ​in​ ​impervious​ ​surface​ ​often​ ​leads​ ​to​ ​profoundly​ ​altered​ ​hydrology,​ ​reducing​ ​the​ ​availability of suitable wetlands for Spotted Turtles.​ ​Poster​

​Baby Got Bite: Defensive Kinematics of the Durophagous Northern Giant Musk Turtle (​​Staurotypus triporcatus​​)​ ​T​H ​ OMAS​ ​M. Z​​APLETAL​​1​​, L​​ARISSA​ ​S. S​​AAREL​​, D​​ONALD​ ​T.​​M​C ​ ​​K​N ​ IGHT​​, D​​AVID​ ​A. P​​ENNING​​,​​AND​ ​D​A ​ Y​ ​B. L​​IGON​ ​1​ ​Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri,​​United States of America​ ​[​tz56s@missouristate.edu​​]​ ​ ize​ ​plays​ ​a​ ​significant​ ​role​​in​​the​​life​​history,​​behavior,​​and​​ecology​​of​​vertebrates.​​However,​​few​​studies​​have​​quantified​ S ​biomechanical​​differences​​throughout​​ontogeny,​​and​​turtles​​are​​rarely​​studied​​in​​the​​context​​of​​the​​effects​​of​​morphology​​on​ ​foraging​ ​ecology.​ ​The​ ​Northern​ ​Giant​​Musk​​Turtle​​(​Staurotypus​​triporcatus​​)​​inhabits​​a​​wide​​range​​of​​wetlands​​throughout​ ​much​​of​​Central​​America​​and​​faces​​frequent​​predation​​attempts​​from​​crocodiles​​(​Crocodylus​​moreletii​​and​​C.​​acutus​​).​​Their​ ​diet​​primarily​​consists​​of​​hard-shelled​​prey​​(e.g.,​​gastropods,​​palm​​seeds),​​which​​often​​promotes​​megacephaly.​​Using​​a​​force​ ​transducer​ ​and​ ​high-speed​ ​camera,​ ​I​ ​investigated​ ​maximum​ ​bite​ ​performance​ ​and​ ​lunge​ ​speed​ ​of​ ​Northern​ ​Giant​ ​Musk​ ​Turtles​ ​across​ ​a​ ​broad​ ​size​ ​range​ ​and​ ​from​ ​five​ ​populations.​ ​My​ ​findings​ ​contrast​ ​with​ ​previous​ ​studies​ ​of​ ​scaling​ ​of​ ​performance​ ​and​ ​morphological​ ​traits​​in​​Staurotypus​​spp.​​Bite​​force​​scaled​​positively​​with​​straight​​carapace​​length​​but​​did​ ​not​ ​vary​ ​among​ ​populations​ ​or​ ​sexes​ ​despite​ ​noticeable​​morphological​​differences.​​Most​​other​​morphometrics​​scaled​​with​ ​negative​ ​allometry​ ​relative​ ​to​ ​straight​ ​carapace​ ​length,​ ​with​ ​the​​exception​​of​​shell​​height.​​This​​prioritization​​of​​increasing​ ​shell​​volume​​over​​other​​morphological​​traits​​may​​reflect​​the​​importance​​of​​shell​​morphology​​in​​surviving​​predation​​attempts.​ ​Additionally,​ ​lunge​ ​speed​ ​was​ ​independent​ ​of​ ​body​ ​size,​ ​suggesting​ ​that​ ​juveniles​​may​​compensate​​for​​a​​lack​​of​​predator​ ​deterrents by achieving similar lunge speeds as adults.​ ​Oral​

​Built to Feast: The Importance of Size in Foraging of the Northern Giant Musk Turtle​ ​T​H ​ OMAS​ ​M. Z​​APLETAL​​1​​, L​​ARISSA​ ​S​A ​ AREL​​, D​​ONALD​ ​T. M​​CKNIGHT​​,​​AND​ ​D​A ​ Y​ ​B. L​​IGON​ ​1​ ​Department of Biology, Missouri State University,​​Springfield, Missouri, United States of America​ ​[​tz56s@missouristate.edu​​]​ ​ tudying​​trophic​​interactions​​offers​​insights​​into​​community​​dynamics​​and​​how​​biodiversity​​and​​trophic​​positions​​respond​​to​ S ​biotic​ ​and​ ​abiotic​ ​factors.​ ​Because​ ​dietary​ ​composition​ ​varies​ ​among​ ​populations,​ ​characterizing​ ​a​ ​species'​ ​diet​ ​requires​

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Program Abstracts

​2025 Symposium Program​

​sampling​​across​​its​​full​​range​​of​​habitats.​​Turtles​​are​​useful​​model​​organisms​​for​​diet​​studies​​due​​to​​their​​diverse​​ecological​ r​ oles​ ​and​ ​trophic​ ​flexibility.​ ​The​ ​Northern​ ​Giant​ ​Musk​ ​Turtle​ ​(​Staurotypus​ ​triporcatus​​),​ ​the​ ​largest​​member​​of​​the​​family​ ​Kinosternidae,​​inhabits​​a​​wide​​range​​of​​wetland​​habitats,​​and​​can​​enter​​terrestrial​​dormancy​​to​​survive​​dry​​periods.​​Limited​ ​studies​​of​​its​​diet​​suggest​​it​​is​​omnivorous​​but​​primarily​​carnivorous.​​To​​better​​understand​​this​​species’​​ecological​​role​​and​ ​trophic​​position,​​I​​quantified​​its​​diet​​in​​six​​populations​​inhabiting​​lagoons​​and​​rivers​​with​​varying​​turbidity.​​Dietary​​materials​ ​were​ ​obtained​ ​by​ ​collecting​ ​fecal​ ​material.​ ​Mussels,​ ​snails,​ ​and​ ​seeds​ ​from​ ​the​ ​palm​ ​family​ ​(Arecacea)​ ​were​ ​the​ ​most​ ​common​ ​diet​ ​components,​ ​but​ ​we​ ​also​ ​identified​ ​remains​ ​of​ ​iguanas,​ ​turtles,​ ​reptile​ ​eggs,​ ​and​ ​seeds​ ​from​ ​various​ ​tree​ ​families.​ ​Diet​ ​varied​ ​among​ ​populations​ ​and​ ​between​ ​sexes;​​however,​​diet​​was​​not​​variable​​between​​wet​​and​​dry​​seasons.​ ​Additionally,​​when​​exploring​​relationships​​of​​Maya​​Apple​​Snail​​consumption​​patterns,​​larger​​individuals​​were​​more​​likely​​to​ ​eat​ ​an​ ​average​​sized​​larger,​​and​​more​​Maya​​Apple​​Snails​​than​​smaller​​individuals.​​The​​species’​​diet​​was​​found​​to​​be​​more​ ​diverse than previously reported, and this dietary plasticity may facilitate its ability to inhabit a wide range of habitats.​ ​Poster​

​Conservation Ecology and Research Priorities for Australian Freshwater Turtles​ ​D​​EBORAH​ ​S. B​​OWER​​1​ ​AND​ ​A​R ​ THUR​ ​G​E​ ORGES​​2 ​1​ ​University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales,​​Australia​ ​2​ ​University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital​​Territory, Australia​ ​[​Deborah.Bower@une.edu.au; Arthur.Georges@canberra.edu.au​​]​ ​Australia​​is​​the​​driest​​vegetated​​continent​​on​​earth.​​It​​is​​tectonically​​stable​​residing​​entirely​​within​​the​​Australasian​​plate,​​of​ e​ xceptionally​ ​low​ ​relief.​ ​Its​ ​drainage​ ​lines​​have​​changed​​little​​during​​the​​Pleistocene,​​during​​which​​the​​continent​​has​​been​ ​subject​ ​to​ ​progressive​ ​aridification​ ​from​ ​mesic​ ​dominated​ ​environments​ ​to​ ​deserts.​ ​As​​a​​consequence,​​our​​turtle​​fauna​​is​ ​dominated​​by​​a​​series​​of​​relictual​​lineages​​each​​of​​considerable​​antiquity​​and​​a​​diversity​​of​​side-necked​​turtles.​​The​​Family​ ​Chelidae​ ​has​ ​many​ ​unique​ ​adaptations​ ​to​ ​persist​ ​through​ ​different​ ​climatic​ ​challenges​ ​from​ ​underwater​ ​nesting​ ​to​ ​well-developed​ ​cloacal​ ​respiration.​ ​Many​ ​are​ ​restricted​ ​to​ ​single​ ​relatively​ ​small​​drainage​​basins​​and​​the​​biology​​of​​some​ ​species​​is​​entirely​​unknown​​to​​western​​science.​​Here​​we​​summarize​​the​​outcomes​​of​​a​​recent​​assessment​​of​​their​​conservation​ ​status​​and​​present​​some​​case​​studies​​of​​Australian​​freshwater​​turtles​​in​​trouble.​​We​​outline​​some​​of​​the​​major​​impediments​​to​ ​action,​​including​​the​​quagmire​​that​​is​​Australian​​turtle​​taxonomy.​​The​​future​​is​​bright​​in​​that​​the​​plight​​of​​our​​turtles​​is​​now​ ​very​​much​​in​​the​​public​​eye,​​through​​initiatives​​like​​the​​One​​Million​​Turtles​​Program,​​recent​​winner​​of​​the​​Eureka​​Prize,​​the​ ​involvement​​of​​zoos​​in​​captive​​insurance​​colonies,​​and​​active​​engagement​​with​​Indigenous​​groups,​​schools​​and​​local​​councils​ ​in​​research​​and​​on-ground​​action.​​We​​look​​to​​learn​​from​​other​​teams​​presenting​​at​​TSA​​on​​how​​to​​craft​​a​​brighter​​future​​for​ ​the animals we have all come to cherish.​ ​Oral​

​Quantifying the Largest Known Aggregation of Giant South American River Turtles (​​Podocnemis expansa​​)​​with​ ​Drones and Mark-Resight Models​ ​I​S​ MAEL​ ​V. B​​RACK​​1​​, D​​ENIS​ ​V​A ​ LLE​​, C​​AMILA​ ​F​E​ RRARA​​, O​​MAR​ ​T​O ​ RRICO​​, E​​NRIQUE​ ​D​​OMIC​​-R​​IVADENEIRA​​,​​AND​ ​G​​ERMÁN​ ​F​O ​ RERO​​-M​​EDINA​​2* ​1​ ​University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United​​States of America​ ​2*​ ​Wildlife Conservation Society, Cali, Colombia​ ​[​gforero@wcs.org​​]​ ​ he​​Giant​​South​​American​​River​​Turtle​​(​Podocnemis​​expansa​​)​​is​​an​​extremely​​social​​species,​​nesting​​in​​large​​numbers​​in​​a​ T ​synchronous​ ​fashion.​ ​Estimating​ ​female​ ​numbers​​in​​areas​​with​​such​​mass​​nesting​​events​​is​​not​​feasible​​through​​traditional​ ​methods​ ​like​ ​counting​ ​individual​ ​nests.​ ​Motivated​ ​by​ ​the​ ​need​ ​for​ ​a​ ​monitoring​ ​protocol​ ​for​ ​mass​ ​nesting​ ​events​ ​of​ ​this​ ​species,​ ​we​ ​developed​ ​a​ ​novel​ ​modeling​ ​approach​ ​to​ ​estimate​ ​the​ ​abundance​ ​of​ ​spatially​ ​aggregated​​wildlife​​populations​

​23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology​​of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA​

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Program Abstracts

‭2025 Symposium Program‬

‭using‬ ‭drone-based‬ ‭counts‬ ‭in‬ ‭orthomosaics‬ ‭while‬ ‭accounting‬ ‭for‬ ‭multiple‬ ‭sources‬ ‭of‬ ‭error.‬ ‭We‬ ‭use‬ ‭a‬ ‭combination‬ ‭of‬ ‭ ark-resight‬ ‭data‬ ‭and‬ ‭overall‬ ‭population‬‭counts‬‭to‬‭account‬‭for:‬‭i)‬‭open‬‭population‬‭during‬‭the‬‭nesting‬‭event;‬‭ii)‬‭individuals‬ m ‭unavailable‬‭for‬‭detection‬‭during‬‭flight;‬‭iii)‬‭double‬‭counts‬‭due‬‭to‬‭the‬‭orthomosaic‬‭building‬‭process;‬‭and‬‭iv)‬‭marked‬‭individuals‬ ‭detected‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭mosaic‬ ‭with‬ ‭unidentifiable‬ ‭marks.‬ ‭To‬ ‭develop‬ ‭and‬ ‭test‬ ‭the‬ ‭model‬ ‭we‬ ‭collected‬ ‭data‬ ‭and‬ ‭conducted‬‭drone‬ ‭surveys‬‭in‬‭the‬‭Amazonian‬‭Guaporé/Iténez‬‭River,‬‭in‬‭the‬‭border‬‭of‬‭Brazil‬‭and‬‭Bolivia,‬‭in‬‭2021.‬‭From‬‭the‬‭mark-resight‬‭data,‬‭we‬ ‭estimated‬‭that‬‭35%‬‭of‬‭the‬‭individuals‬‭that‬‭used‬‭the‬‭sandbank‬‭during‬‭the‬‭night‬‭were‬‭present‬‭during‬‭the‬‭morning‬‭drone‬‭flight.‬ ‭We‬‭also‬‭found‬‭that‬‭20%‬‭of‬‭the‬‭turtles‬‭walking‬‭in‬‭the‬‭orthomosaic‬‭were‬‭double‬‭counts,‬‭and‬‭that‬‭the‬‭probability‬‭of‬‭identifying‬ ‭the‬ ‭mark‬ ‭in‬ ‭the‬ ‭carapace‬ ‭was‬ ‭0.78.‬ ‭Using‬ ‭these‬ ‭values‬ ‭for‬ ‭the‬ ‭developed‬ ‭model,‬ ‭we‬ ‭estimated‬ ‭a‬ ‭total‬ ‭population‬ ‭size‬‭of‬ ‭~42,000‬ ‭turtles‬ ‭using‬ ‭the‬ ‭main‬ ‭sandbank‬ ‭during‬ ‭12‬ ‭days‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭mass‬ ‭nesting‬ ‭season.‬‭This‬‭indicates‬‭that‬‭this‬‭could‬‭be‬‭the‬ ‭world’s‬‭largest‬‭known‬‭aggregation‬‭of‬‭freshwater‬‭turtles‬‭currently.‬‭We‬‭demonstrate‬‭how‬‭using‬‭a‬‭combination‬‭of‬‭drone‬‭imagery‬ ‭and rigorous quantitative models enhances the accuracy and efficiency of survey efforts for abundance estimation.‬ ‭Oral‬

‭ esearch and Conservation Priorities for the Continental Turtles of Central America‬ R ‭E‭D ‬ UARDO‬ ‭R‭E‬ YES‬ ‭G‭R ‬ AJALES‬‭1,2‬‭, S‬‭AMIH‬ ‭Y‭O ‬ UNG‬‭, T‬‭AGGERT‬ ‭B‭U ‬ TTERFIELD‬‭,‬‭D‬‭ONALD‬ ‭M‭C ‬ ‬‭K‬‭NIGHT‬‭, N‬‭ATALIA‬ ‭G‬‭ALLEGO‬‭-G‬‭ARCIA‬‭, E‬‭RIC‬ ‬ ‬‭G‭O ‬ VERN‬‭,‬‭P‭A ‬ TRICK‬ ‭D. M‬‭OLDOWAN‬‭*,‬‭AND‬ ‭A‬‭NDREW‬ ‭D. W‬‭ALDE ‭M‭U ‬ NSCHER‬‭, T‬‭OM‬ ‭A‬‭KRE‬‭, J‬‭OHN‬ ‭B. I‬‭VERSON‬‭, P‬‭EARSON‬ ‭M‭C ‭1*‬ ‭Turtle Survival Alliance, North Charleston, South‬‭Carolina, United States of America‬ ‭2‬ ‭El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, San Cristóbal de Las‬‭Casas, Chiapas, México‬ ‭[‬‭eduardo.reyes.grajales@gmail.com; patrick.moldowan@gmail.com‬‭]‬ ‭Turtles‬‭and‬‭tortoises‬‭are‬‭one‬‭of‬‭the‬‭most‬‭imperiled‬‭groups‬‭of‬‭vertebrates‬‭on‬‭the‬‭planet.‬‭A‬‭lack‬‭of‬‭research‬‭and‬‭species-specific‬ ‭ nowledge‬‭hinders‬‭our‬‭ability‬‭to‬‭effectively‬‭conserve‬‭many‬‭species,‬‭particularly‬‭in‬‭tropical‬‭regions‬‭where‬‭under-funding‬‭and‬ k ‭under-representation‬‭in‬‭scientific‬‭literature‬‭are‬‭most‬‭evident.‬‭To‬‭bring‬‭attention‬‭to‬‭this‬‭glaring‬‭trend,‬‭herein‬‭we‬‭analyzed‬‭the‬ ‭knowledge‬‭gaps‬‭for‬‭the‬‭extant‬‭continental‬‭turtles‬‭of‬‭Central‬‭America‬‭using‬‭18‬‭biological‬‭criteria‬‭to‬‭derive‬‭a‬‭Research‬‭Score.‬ ‭We‬ ‭used‬ ‭our‬ ‭Research‬‭Score‬‭alongside‬‭a‬‭species'‬‭maximum‬‭size,‬‭geographic‬‭range‬‭size,‬‭occurrence‬‭in‬‭nationally‬‭protected‬ ‭areas,‬‭and‬‭IUCN‬‭Red‬‭List‬‭or‬‭Tortoise‬‭and‬‭Freshwater‬‭Turtle‬‭Specialist‬‭Group‬‭provisional‬‭status‬‭to‬‭establish‬‭a‬‭Conservation‬ ‭Priority‬ ‭Score‬ ‭for‬ ‭all‬ ‭Central‬ ‭American‬ ‭chelonians.‬ ‭Key‬ ‭findings‬‭from‬‭this‬‭review‬‭include:‬‭(1)‬‭Published‬‭information‬‭was‬ ‭available‬‭for‬‭less‬‭than‬‭half‬‭of‬‭fundamental‬‭biological‬‭criteria‬‭for‬‭most‬‭taxa;‬‭(2)‬‭particularly‬‭understudied‬‭biological‬‭traits‬‭were‬ ‭longevity/generation‬ ‭time,‬ ‭interannual‬ ‭nesting‬ ‭frequency,‬ ‭population‬‭genetics,‬‭survival‬‭rate,‬‭and‬‭effect‬‭of‬‭human‬‭activities;‬ ‭(3) ‭based‬ ‭on‬‭our‬‭Conservation‬‭Priority‬‭scoring,‬‭Central‬‭American‬‭River‬‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Dermatemys‬‭mawii‬‭),‬‭Central‬‭Chiapas‬‭Mud ‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Kinosternon‬‭abaxillare‬‭),‬‭and‬‭Mexican‬‭Spotted‬‭Wood‬‭Turtle‬‭(‬‭Rhinoclemmys‬‭rubida‬‭[including‬‭R.‬‭rubida‬‭rubida‬‭])‬‭are ‭of‬ ‭greatest‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭priority;‬ ‭and‬ ‭(4)‬ ‭Conservation‬ ‭Priority‬ ‭Scoring‬ ‭performed‬ ‭well‬ ‭as‬ ‭a‬ ‭measure‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭state‬ ‭of ‭knowledge‬ ‭and‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭needs‬ ‭and‬ ‭correlated‬ ‭with‬ ‭existing‬ ‭conservation‬ ‭metrics‬‭(IUCN‬‭Rest‬‭List‬‭and‬‭Environmental ‭Vulnerability Score), but has major advantages by being economical, objective, and quantifiable. ‭Oral

‭23rd Annual Symposium on the Conservation and Biology‬‭of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles | Chattanooga, TN, USA‬

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NOTES: