Date of Award
Spring 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS) in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Grover J. Brown
Abstract
The Alabama Map Turtle (Graptemys pulchra) is one of the least studied species of turtle in the United States. Little is known about the species distribution and abundance within the northeastern portion of its range. The aim of this study is to determine the distribution of G. pulchra in the Upper Coosa River drainage as well as estimate population sizes for G. pulchra at 6 sites accessible in the Upper Coosa River Drainage. I used a variety of methods (e.g., rapid assessment surveys, trapping, mark-resight population estimates) to determine the presence and abundance of the species in the Upper Coosa River of northeastern Alabama and northwestern Georgia. Graptemys pulchra was observed at 8 of the 62 total sites (12.9%) and was present in relative abundance at all 6 trapping sites. The species was in highest abundance at sites directly below major dams. Trapping yielded 119 total G. pulchra, along with two other species of map turtle, 2 native Northern Map Turtles (G. geographica) and 25 invasive Ouachita Map Turtles (G. ouachitensis). Graptemys pulchra was one of the most abundant species present in the Upper Coosa, even in highly degraded riverine habitats. I found a mean population estimate for G. pulchra (120.17 individuals/river kilometers) that is much higher than population estimates from other studies conducted historically or throughout other portions of its range. These data provide an important baseline for the species population across the Upper Coosa River which will allow for ongoing monitoring to ensure the continued success of G. pulchra throughout this portion of its range.