36. Preliminary Analysis of Habitat Correlates of Home Range Size in a Long-Lived Ectothermic Species

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation creates small islands of habitat that can limit wildlife population persistence though habitat alteration from threats such as invasive species and disrupt dispersal for many species. Although research has been conducted to assess these effects on populations of mammals and birds, little of this research has focused on long-lived ectothermic spices.To help address some of these deficiencies, since 2013 we have conducted a radio-telemetry study on a 77 ha. anthropogenically fragmented site to investigate factors that influence Terrapene carolina (Eastern Box Turtle) movement and habitat use in the Northeastern Piedmont region of Georgia. The study site is composed of mixed hardwood-pine uplands, primarily oaks and maples; mesic and upland areas dominated by Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense); beaver-created wetlands; and maintained utility line areas. Our research includes 32 radio-transmitted turtles that are tracked on foot by homing 1-2 times a month, with an average of 57 radiolocations (range: 1 to 179) per turtle. We analyzed home ranges using minimum convex polygons and calculated compositional habitat use within the home ranges for analysis. The assessment of habitat-use and home ranges will continue throughout 2019 with tracking and further data analysis.