Our second article on The Big Turtle Year was recently featured in the latest issue of The Tortoise, a publication of the Turtle Conservancy. “The Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to protecting threatened turtles and tortoises and their habitats worldwide.” Click the image below to view.
The Big Turtle Year Magazine Feature
Our first article on The Big Turtle Year was recently featured in the latest issue of Turtle Survival, a publication of the Turtle Survival Alliance. Click the image below to view.
The Big Turtle Year: Update #20
Post by George L. Heinrich
The Florida Turtle Conservation Trust's (FTCT) yearlong project, The Big Turtle Year, has come to an end. During 2017, I completed 15 multi-day trips and dozens of one-day trips, took 25 flights, and was gone from home for an even 100 nights. Most of this travel was related to TBTY and on a few trips, I was fortunate to be accompanied by my research partner and best friend, Tim Walsh. Dozens of turtle biologists and conservationists traveled with us across the United States (U.S.) in an effort to see as many species as possible during a single year and to raise awareness regarding their diversity, status, and conservation. The final species count was 57! As reported in the last blog posting, we ended TBTY with finding a Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea), which was appropriate since we searched for this species throughout the year in four states. In the end, only two species were not found: the Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys apalachicolae) and yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens). We tried for them in Georgia and Texas respectively, but it was not to be.
We are most grateful to the dozens of donors who made this project possible and to everyone who joined us in the field. What a great time we had learning about the plight of U.S. species, much of which quietly goes unnoticed. Although the fieldwork phase of this project is now complete, we still have much work to do. A nationwide lecture series, “The Big Turtle Year: Celebrating Wild Turtles Across the United States,” has already begun and will continue into 2019. Please contact george(at)heinrichecologicalservices.com if you would like to explore the possibility of scheduling a program in your area. Further, Tim and I are now writing a book based on this conservation education project. Please continue to monitor the project website (www.thebigturtleyear.org) and FTCT's Facebook page for updates. We like turtles and hope you do too.
Adult, male gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) observed at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (St. Petersburg, Florida) on 1 January 2017. This was the first species observed during The Big Turtle Year. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
The Big Turtle Year: A Partner’s View
The Last Chapter
Post by Bob Krause
Ten days before Christmas, I received a telephone call from my good friend and turtle biologist, George L. Heinrich. I have been associated with George for several years now as we both share the same passion for turtle and tortoise conservation. A couple of years ago, George and his partner with the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust, Tim Walsh, came up with the crazy idea of traveling throughout the entire United States observing as many of the nation’s 59 species as they could possibly locate in a one-year period. This idea culminated into one heck of a challenge, but as they shared their ideas with other turtle biologists, conservationists, and enthusiasts, it lit a fire that was insurmountable. The goal was to bring awareness to the plight that chelonians face throughout the country. Their habitats are dwindling and being compromised to the extent that several species are already threatened and or endangered with extinction.
The Big Turtle Year (www.thebigturtleyear.org) was born. George and Tim set out to initiate their endeavor on January 1, 2017. They mapped out a strategic plan with several itineraries meeting up with local turtle experts in numerous locations throughout the country. As they began their mission, “turtle people” from all corners jumped in and volunteered their expertise. Sponsors contributed to help offset the expenses. Partners helped identify study sites where George and Tim would visit. These local experts guided them into carefully selected habitats of the sought after species. As the year unfolded, The Big Turtle Year website documented all of the endeavors and successes inching towards that #59 goal.
When George called, I thought he was merely going to wish Denise and me a Merry Christmas, but he had something else in mind. The Big Turtle Year was winding down. He already accepted the fact that he and Tim were not going to hit that 59 number. As of that date, there were four species left and the chances of locating them all were next to impossible. They were at #55 and there was less than 3 weeks left in the year. Of the four remaining, two of the species would be impossible to locate due to the weather. Hibernation had already started. However, there were two other species which George felt he had a shot at no matter how high the odds were stacked against him. These two species were the hawksbill sea turtle and the chicken turtle, both of which he already knew would be extremely difficult to locate.
“Bob, I’m planning on traveling to the Florida Keys in a week or so. I have to give it one last try. I’ve got to find a hawksbill turtle. Can you join me?” I just smiled and thought “Yeah right, over the Christmas holidays, is he crazy?” Denise and I were in the kitchen finishing our holiday planning as we were about to welcome 22 people for Christmas dinner. She overheard George’s request, looked at me and said “Go for it, Bob.”
The next thing I knew, I was flying to Tampa on the day after Christmas excited to be with George on his last quest of The Big Turtle Year. We stopped at our favorite Mexican restaurant in Palmetto on our way to the Keys to discuss the plan. We would be meeting up with Jim and Harrison Barzyk and their friend, Ken Hoops, from Michigan. Earlier in the year, Jim, my son James, and I guided George in locating #31, a Blanding’s turtle in southwestern Michigan, and #32, an ornate box turtle in western Illinois. At 9:00 the next morning, Wednesday, December 27, 2017, the five of us embarked in a rickety little boat searching for the reef which we were told would provide the best possibility of seeing a hawksbill. As we approached the reef, we tied up to a floating buoy. I was still nurturing a sinus infection, so I elected to stay on board as the other four began snorkeling in 2’ waves. The water was rough and a bit murky. I took it upon myself to carefully watch the four of them as they snorkeled and dove looking for our treasure. I became worried more than once as I lost track of one or two of the team due to the waves. Harrison had the best luck locating a few turtles, but we weren’t sure of the species. As time was beginning to run out in that location, at exactly 12:00 noon I heard George yell out “Wahoo.” I knew what that meant and immediately untied the boat and headed over to pick up “one happy camper.” He described the moment to the “T.” It was like a surreal experience where as George described, his mind was beginning to wander. He was canvassing an area of the reef being mesmerized by the moment. Thinking of that day, and what it meant to him personally. Then all of a sudden, it appeared; the most marvelous site only 10’ away. The markings on the carapace, head, and front flippers were so clear and beautiful. There were two metal tags on the front flippers which indicated that this specimen was involved in a study. George didn’t want to disturb the turtle and instead just elected to follow it briefly as it slowly swam out of sight. He thought he was dreaming. As George boarded the boat, I snapped a picture of that “grin” he always displays when he is happy. After he settled down a bit on the boat and as the rest of the team was climbing on board, George looked at me, smiled, and said “I like turtles.”
George L. Heinrich giving the thumbs up after finding a hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Florida Keys. Photograph by Bob Krause.
You would think that we would savor the moment, but not us. Almost simultaneously, we said, “We’re out of here. Let’s go find #57, that chicken turtle.” As we headed back to shore, we telephoned Tim Walsh to advise him that we just found #56. You would have thought he would have congratulated us, but no, not Tim, he just said “now go find #57.” He knew us well.
Thursday morning, December 28, 2017 found George and I excited but trying to face the day pragmatically as we headed through Everglades National Park on our way to Big Cypress National Preserve. George had been shut down several times throughout the year while attempting to find a chicken turtle. He sought help from several turtle experts, including Dr. Kurt Buhlmann, a well-known turtle biologist who has worked with chicken turtles extensively. The only feedback he received was disheartening to say the least. As the day moved on, we both knew without saying it that this would be our last day. We stopped at a few local tour companies and asked the locals if they knew of any chicken turtle sightings. No one could help.
After traveling throughout the day, searching several what appeared to be, ideal habitats, the only thing that we came up with were many alligators. As the morning turned into afternoon, we grabbed a quick lunch and headed towards Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. It really didn’t dawn on me until George pointed out that not only had we not found our chicken turtle, but we had not even seen a single turtle of any species that day, in spite of the ideal basking sites that we found. We agreed that we were elated to find #56, the hawksbill, but it would be next to impossible to find the chicken turtle. As the day started coming to a close, we continued cruising slowly down a long dirt road. Each side had what appeared to be ideal habitat with shallow, clear, slowly moving water with plenty of aquatic vegetation, branches, and floating logs. We could see the sun setting in the west and most of the ideal basking spots no longer had direct sunlight hitting them which would have attracted our hard-shelled treasures. We were approaching the end of the long dirt road. It was 4:00 in the afternoon and we just went over a culvert which took water from one side of the road to the other. It was such a picturesque sight when all of a sudden, George excitedly said “turtle.” There it was basking on a log which still had a bit of sunlight hitting it. Excitedly, he took out his binoculars to verify his suspicion and then yelled “chicken turtle.” The turtle posed long enough for us to snap off a few photos and only dove into the water when George pushed his luck by moving a bit closer. George told me later that initially he wasn’t positive that it was a chicken turtle, so he left out the word “chicken.” This was in order to, I’m sure, save face, as all of us turtle nerds do. The last and final species for The Big Turtle Year was found and #57 was appropriately named Heinz, the chicken turtle.
Basking Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve (Collier County, Florida). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Bob Krause (left) and George L. Heinrich examining a Gulf Coast box turtle (Terrapene carolina major) during a 2015 trip in the eastern Florida panhandle. Photographer unknown.
The Big Turtle Year: Update #19
Species #56: Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Location: Off the coast of Islamorada (Monroe County, Florida)
Date: 27 December 2017
Species #57: Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea)
Location: Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve (Collier County, Florida)
Date: 28 December 2017
Post by George L. Heinrich
It was the last trip of The Big Turtle Year (TBTY) and my good friend and TBTY partner, Bob Krause, flew in from Chicago to join the search for two species, a hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and a Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea). We only planned a four-day trip to cover both fieldwork and travel, so we had our work cut out for us.
Hawksbill sea turtles have a more limited range than other marine turtles in Florida and Dr. Larry Wood (www.floridahawksbills.com) kindly recommended visiting a reef off of the coast of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Jim Barzyk (another TBTY partner), Harrison Barzyk, and Ken Hoops joined us for the day. We rented a boat and headed out to what looked like a good location to snorkel. The water was cold and a bit rough during my first period snorkeling, and I did not see any turtles. To make matters worse, Harrison reported seeing an adult hawksbill and two loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). To count for TBTY, I personally needed to see the hawksbill. We boated over to a second location and I dropped into the clear water by a large reef with diverse coral and abundant fish of many colors, including barracuda, and a stingray. After snorkeling and enjoying the wildlife for what seemed like an hour, a subadult hawksbill appeared below me. I followed it for several minutes as it gracefully swam along using only its front flippers, both of which were tagged. That was it, species #56 for TBTY and the last of the five marine species that we needed. I was thrilled as it was also another lifer species for me.
George L. Heinrich giving the thumbs up after finding a hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Florida Keys. Photograph by Bob Krause.
George L. Heinrich, Harrison Barzyk, and Bob Krause (left to right) returning from a successful search for a hawksbill sea turtle in the Florida Keys. Photograph by Jim Barzyk.
I’m afraid that our search for a Florida chicken turtle was more difficult. We had searched in four states for this species throughout the year, so I didn’t expect it to be any easier in south Florida. Bob Krause and I searched the main entrance road at Everglades National Park for roughly 38 miles to Flamingo for two nights in a row and found 6 dead Florida green water snakes (Nerodia cyclopion floridana), 1 alive and 2 dead Florida water snakes (Nerodia fasciata pictiventris), and 2 dead southern black racers (Coluber constrictor priapus), as well as a live American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), the latter in Flamingo. We also searched Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve which only netted sightings of several American alligators (Alligator mississipiensis), a species of abundance along the roads in south Florida. I had heard that you could see chicken turtles along Janes Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve (Collier County, Florida), so that was our next stop. As we slowly drove down the main road, I spotted a basking turtle off to the side. Sure enough, we finally had our chicken turtle… species #57 and the last species of TBTY.
Basking Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) in Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve (Collier County, Florida). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
The Big Turtle Year: Update #18
Species #55: Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
Location: Off the Florida coast north of Steinhatchee (Taylor County)
Date: 3 December 2017
Post by George L. Heinrich
The next species that we planned to search for was a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and as I wrote at the end of my last blog, I knew exactly where to look. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are rare, critically endangered, and the smallest of all marine turtles. They occur in the Gulf of Mexico and are known to frequent the shallow coastal waters along Florida’s Big Bend region. From 2007-2009, Dr. Joseph A. Butler (University of North Florida) and I studied diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) distribution in that region, and part of our work involved searching the seagrass beds off the coast just north of Steinhatchee (Taylor County). Although we did not find terrapins there back then, we did observe subadult ridleys. So, my plan was to revisit those seagrass beds where I was fairly confident that we could find them again.
Two old friends, Lynn and Nancy Marshall, joined me in Steinhatchee and brought their boat (an important piece of equipment when searching for marine turtles). We were on the water for roughly an hour before I spotted our first Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, species #55 for TBTY. We observed two more ridleys over the next few hours and then called it a day. This is the fourth species of marine turtle that we have observed during TBTY; we viewed three species in Jupiter Island, Florida in early June (see Update #11). Only the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) remains to be found and we have a plan, but it requires calm, clear water off the east coast of Florida or in the Florida Keys.
Thank you to Lynn and Nancy for joining me in our search for a ridley and sharing a great day on the Gulf of Mexico. To learn more about sea turtles, please visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy’s website (www.conserveturtles.org).
Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) habitat, coastal shallow waters off the Florida coast north of Steinhatchee (Taylor County). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
The Mud Skipper, the Marshall’s boat that we used to survey the shallow coastal waters near Steinhatchee, Florida. Photograph by Nancy Marshall.
Lynn and Nancy Marshall surveying for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles in Florida’s Big Bend region. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Lynn Marshall and George L. Heinrich (left to right) exploring a coastal island in Florida’s Big Bend region. Photograph by Nancy Marshall.
The Big Turtle Year: Update #17
Species #54: Barbour’s map turtle (Graptemys barbouri)
Location: Ichawaynochaway Creek, Jones Ecological Research Center (Baker County, Georgia)
Date: 3 November 2017
Post by George L. Heinrich
My old friend John Byrd (Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization) was planning a long road trip through the Southeast with the goal of finding the best raw oysters. He invited me to tag along and since he also likes turtles and I also like oysters, it seemed likely that this trip would be fun. The species count for The Big Turtle Year (TBTY) stood at 53 and just six species remained on our list to be found, half of which became target species for this nine-day, five-state trip. We met up in Knoxville, the largest city near John’s home, and headed southward to search for an Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys apalachicolae), chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia), Barbour’s map turtle (Graptemys barbouri), and of course oysters.
It was a long drive to the Florida panhandle and the only turtles that we saw were basking yellow-bellied sliders (Trachemys s. scripta) and cooters (Pseudemys sp.). I wasn’t too worried since we would be spending the next two days exploring some beautiful habitat at Jones Ecological Research Center (JERC; www.jonesctr.org) in southwestern Georgia where all three of our target species are known to occur. Dr. Lora L. Smith (Staff Scientist, JERC), a long-time friend, had agreed to assist with this conservation education project and she and her staff set a string of seven hoop net traps baited with catfish along Ichawaynochaway Creek on the day before our arrival.
Our first morning at JERC was filled with anticipation and the hope that we would find an Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle in one of the hoop net traps. However, we knew that it would be a long shot since it was late in the season and the water was already getting cold. Lora, John, and I were joined by James Hunt (Research Field Technician, JERC) as we boated a protected, five-mile section of the creek and checked the traps. We did not capture a single turtle that day, but we were fortunate enough to observe three basking turtles which were taking advantage of the warming temperature during the day. Soaking up some rays were an eastern river cooter (Pseudemys c. concinna), yellow-bellied slider, and a large, adult female Barbour’s map turtle, the latter of which became species #54 for The Big Turtle Year. This was particularly exciting as it was the 14th and final species in the genus Graptemys. Our first map turtle, a Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii), was observed in Texas over six months earlier (see Update #6).
Ichawaynochaway Creek (Jones Ecological Research Center; JERC), home to several turtle species. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Lora L. Smith (Staff Scientist, JERC) leading the way downriver on Ichawaynochaway Creek. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
John Byrd (Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization) checking hoop net traps on Ichawaynochaway Creek. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
This photograph of a basking male Barbour's map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) was taken by Timothy J. Walsh in Jackson County, Florida prior to The Big Turtle Year. Species #54 was actually a large, adult female.
Jones Ecological Research Center consists of a mosaic of habitats and we were lucky to observe a juvenile southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) that was trapped in the uplands during Lora’s ongoing research. I have seen eastern hognose snakes (H. platyrhinos) in the past, but this was a lifer for me. We also searched for eastern chicken turtles at known wetland sites, but none were to be found. I suppose that it should not have been too much of a surprise since I had searched for this species in four states throughout the year to no avail.
James Hunt (Research Field Technician, JERC) and John Byrd (left to right) checking traps in upland habitat at JERC. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
A beautiful, juvenile southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) captured in the uplands at JERC. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Lora L. Smith and George L. Heinrich at a known chicken turtle site located at JERC. Photograph by John Byrd.
Adult southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata), photographed at Dr. Whit Gibbons’ private preserve. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
The following day found John and I driving northeastward through Georgia toward Aiken, South Carolina. Along the way we stopped to look at a road-killed eastern box turtle (Terrapene c. carolina) and safely relocate a yellow-bellied slider from a busy road to a nearby pond. Our goal for the day was to arrive safely at Dr. Whit Gibbons’ (www.whitgibbons.com) home for a four-day visit, which would include some herping at his private preserve in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was a real treat to spend time with this famed naturalist, herpetologist, and environmental educator, and Whit could not have been more hospitable. John, Whit, and I found 16 species and had a blast in the field together. Dr. Kurt Bulhmann even dropped by for an afternoon and helped check coverboards where we found a southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata). Please see Whit’s weekly Ecoviews column for his take on TBTY and more on our visit, click here.
Dr. Whit Gibbons, George L. Heinrich, and John Byrd (left to right) at Whit’s private preserve in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Dr. Whit Gibbons and George L. Heinrich herping at Whit’s private preserve. Photograph by John Byrd.
Dr. Whit Gibbons examining a juvenile common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) captured at his private preserve. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
This was a welcome trip with my good friend John, one that was long overdue. After nine days and over 1,600 road miles, I was on a return flight to Tampa and thinking about the five species that remained on our list: hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle, chicken turtle, and yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens). Our next trip would focus on finding a ridley and I knew exactly where to look.
The Big Turtle Year: Update #16
Species #48: Razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus)
Species #49: Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis)
Species #50: Ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera)
Location: Bogue Chitto River (Walthall County, Mississippi)
Date: 20 October 2017
Species #51: Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis)
Location: Big Black River (Warren County, Mississippi)
Date: 21 October 2017
Species #52: Midland smooth softshell turtle (Apalone m. mutica)
Location: Big Black River (Hinds County, Mississippi)
Date: 21 October 2017
Species #53: Eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon s. subrubrum)
Location: Forrest County, Mississippi
Date: 21 October 2017
Post by George L. Heinrich
Hurricane Harvey forced us to postpone an earlier trip to Mississippi, but that just provided more time for planning. As you can imagine, addressing logistical concerns for a project the size of The Big Turtle Year (TBTY) is time consuming. Mississippi’s significant habitat diversity supports a rich turtle fauna (29 species have been documented) and we needed to see five. We would have been searching for two additional species, but Tim Walsh and I had an extra day at the end of our Alabama trip back in June and we used that time to visit a couple of bridge sites in southeastern Mississippi where we checked off two endemic map turtles (Graptemys sp.; see Update #12).
This trip was going to be our last opportunity to find several species, so Tim Walsh and I spent a considerable amount of time studying maps. Discussions with Dr. Peter V. Lindeman (Edinboro University of Pennsylvania), Grover Brown (The University of Southern Mississippi), and Dr. Will Selman (Millsaps College) regarding logistics were of great value and increased the likelihood of finding our target species. Further, Grover agreed to join us in the field and even offered to set hoop net traps to try to capture a razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) on the first river that we would visit, the Bogue Chitto in southern Mississippi. This species is the subject of his dissertation work and I was banking on his knowledge and experience.
Michael Bargeron (California Turtle and Tortoise Society) and I met in New Orleans and planned to travel together during the six-day trip. Michael was responsible for our travel itinerary when I visited southern California to search for two western species back in early May and he did a fantastic job (see Update #7). I was really looking forward to spending time in the field with him again. The next morning, we met up with the rest of the team at the canoe outfitter on the Bogue Chitto River. Dirk Stevenson (Altamaha Environmental Consulting), Andy Day (independent environmental consultant), Ryan Burner (Louisiana State University), and Grover Brown had traveled from throughout the Southeast to join in the fun and advance the species count for TBTY. We expected to reach our 50th species during this trip, a milestone after spending nearly a year looking for turtles across the United States. It was also likely to be our last trip where we would find multiple species needed for TBTY as the rest would require several visits to wide-ranging locations.
After a delayed start getting transported upriver, we immediately checked the string of hoop net traps which Grover set the previous day. In a matter of minutes we had the only razorback musk turtle of the trip and species #48 for TBTY. I was quite pleased as this was not the first trip where we looked for this large kinosternid, but it would be our last trip within its range. I am grateful to Grover for making this happen!
Grover Brown holding a razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus), species #48 for TBTY (Bogue Chitto River, Walthall County, Mississippi). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
An adult, male razorback musk turtle (Sternotherus carinatus) captured in the Bogue Chitto River. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
I had the opportunity to join a field trip on the Bogue Chitto River (led by Dr. Peter V. Lindeman) a year earlier, so I knew that we had a great chance of seeing the Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis) and ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera), broad-headed and narrow-headed species respectively. Peter is recognized as the top authority on the genus Graptemys and is no doubt their biggest fan. His book, “The Map Turtle and Sawback Atlas: Ecology, Evolution, Distribution, and Conservation” published by University of Oklahoma Press in 2013, will be the reference on this genus for years to come.
The range of the Pearl River map turtle and ringed map turtle is restricted to the Pearl River drainage in south-central Mississippi and two parishes in southeastern Louisiana. Although the Pearl River map turtle has no federal or state listings, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as endangered with decreasing populations. The ringed map turtle, however, is federally listed as threatened, listed as endangered in Mississippi, and listed as threatened in Louisiana. Fortunately, both species occur within federal and state protected habitat within part of their range.
Our daylong paddle provided plenty of opportunities to view and photograph both the Pearl River map turtle and ringed map turtle, #49 and #50 for TBTY, respectively. It was a thrill to hit the 50 species mark with the ringed map turtle, which is certainly one of the most beautiful turtles in the United States. In just one day we had observed three species of turtles, all of which we wanted to find on this river and all needed for TBTY. In addition, we observed several eastern river cooters (Pseudemys c. concinna), several red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and a single common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus).
George L. Heinrich holding a Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis), species #49 for TBTY (Bogue Chitto River, Walthall County, Mississippi). Photograph by Grover Brown.
Adult, female Pearl River map turtle (Graptemys pearlensis) in the Bogue Chitto River. Note healed, old injury to the nose. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult, male ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera), species #50 for TBTY (Bogue Chitto River). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Carapace of adult, male ringed map turtle (Graptemys oculifera) observed basking on the Bogue Chitto River. Photograph by Dirk Stevenson.
Adult, male red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) observed basking on the Bogue Chitto River. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult, male common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) hand-captured in the Bogue Chitto River. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Plastron of adult, male common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) hand-captured in the Bogue Chitto River. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
A delayed start, low water level, lengthy photo sessions, and just general fun on the river all contributed to preventing us from making it to our designated takeout point before dark. We were lucky to be able to get off of the river at a bridge roughly midway and develop alternative transportation plans. After quick showers, we headed off for a Mexican dinner (a theme that you might have noticed from reading past blog postings) and celebrated another successful and fun day in the field.
The next morning, we started early and headed north towards Vicksburg. I was not quite sure how the day would play out, but I did know that our first target would be a Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis). We already had several locations mapped out, but Grover suggested visiting the Big Black River near Vicksburg where he thought that we could observe turtles from an overhead bridge on Old US 80. The Big Black River divides Warren and Hinds counties and looking down from a rural bridge we were able to observe not only a Ouachita map turtle (species #51 for TBTY), but also our first midland smooth softshell turtle (Apalone m. mutica), species #52 for TBTY. Although fairly sure that we would locate a Ouachita map turtle during this trip, finding a basking midland smooth softshell turtle was a real bonus. We had looked for that species during past trips, but unfortunately always came up empty-handed. This sighting allowed us to complete the three softshell turtle species which occur in the United States. The Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox; species #3 for TBTY) was observed in west-central Florida and the pallid spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera pallida; species #16 for TBTY) was located in eastern Texas. In addition, our visit to the Big Black River provided sightings of 8+ Mississippi map turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii) and a single red-eared slider.
Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) habitat (Big Black River, Hinds and Warren counties, Mississippi). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Dirk Stevenson (with spotting scope) and Grover Brown searching for turtles in the Big Black River. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis), species #51 for TBTY, in the Big Black River (Warren County, Mississippi). Photograph taken by Grover Brown at a considerable distance with a Nikon P900.
Adult midland smooth softshell turtle (Apalone m. mutica), species #52 for TBTY, in the Big Black River (Hinds County, Mississippi). Photograph taken by Grover Brown at a considerable distances with a Nikon P900.
A stop at a another location along that river provided our second sighting of a Ouachita map turtle and an opportunity to visit the site of the Battle of the Big Black River Bridge which occurred in 1863 and was part of the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. A huge confederate flag was painted on the bridge and we observed a number of shell casings of various calibers scattered about the ground. The latter is often indicative of plinking, a disturbing activity where locals shoot turtles off of their basking perches. How much of a threat this activity is to turtle populations has not been documented, but certainly it cannot be good.
Site of the Battle of the Big Black River Bridge. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Shell casings of various calibers scattered along the bank of the Big Black River. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
After leaving the rest of our team, Grover, Michael and I traveled southeastward toward Hattiesburg where we planned to once again search for chicken turtles (Deirochelys reticularia). Grover had a known site on private land where he had permitted access, so we spent a couple of hours searching the wetlands on the property and trying to kick one up in the water. While scanning a distant shoreline with a spotting scope, Grover identified another species that had eluded us for some time, an eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon s. subrubrum). That became species #53 for TBTY and one that was hard earned. We also observed red-eared sliders and common musk turtles on the property. A quick stop at two additional nearby ponds allowed us to see several eastern river cooters.
In less than two days, we found all five of our target species for the trip, plus an extra one, which advanced the species count for TBTY from 47 to 53. Thank you again to Grover Brown for making sure that this trip was a major success!
Adult eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon s. subrubrum), species #53 for TBTY, in Forrest County, Mississippi. Photograph taken by Grover Brown at a considerable distance with a Nikon P900.
Eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon s. subrubrum) habitat in Forrest County, Mississippi. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
With rain in the forecast, Michael and I decided to spend a day celebrating our success in New Orleans. Michael is a foodie, knows a lot about famous restaurants, and showed me some great eateries in the city. A highlight was lunch at Willie Mae’s which was established in 1957 and voted “America’s Best Fried Chicken” by both the Food Network and the Travel Channel. We spent the next two days visiting more turtle sites in southeastern Mississippi and southern Alabama. Tim Walsh and I had already visited these sites in early June, but Michael and I wanted to see the yellow-blotched map turtle (Graptemys flavimaculata), Pascagoula map turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi), southern black-knobbed map turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda delticola), Alabama red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys alabamensis), and eastern spiny softshell turtle (Apalone s. spinifera) in the wild. We got them all! In total, Michael and I observed 15 species during this trip.
Michael Bargeron standing outside the Parkway Tavern in New Orleans. Visiting historical eateries added even more fun to the trip. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Michael Bargeron enjoying raw oysters in Spanish Fort, Alabama. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
It was great to reconnect with Tamara McConnell and her husband Raymond when we visited the southern black-knobbed map turtle site. Tamara is a TBTY partner and helped us locate this species and the Alabama red-bellied cooter when Tim Walsh and I visited Alabama during early June.
I had a great time in the field looking for wild turtles with friends and colleagues, and as is often the case I was not quite ready to return home. While flying back to Tampa Bay, I thought about upcoming trips that would focus on the last six species that we would search for during TBTY.
The Big Turtle Year: Update #15
Species #45: Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense)
Location: Southern Arizona
Date: 3 October 2017
Species #46: Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale)
Location: Quitobaquito Springs, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona)
Date: 4 October 2017
Species #47: Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai)
Location: North of Phoenix, Arizona
Date: 5 October 2017
Post by George L. Heinrich
It was my third trip to southern Arizona, all of which were during the past five years and for turtle-related reasons. I was returning this time to search for three species still needed for The Big Turtle Year (TBTY) and was particularly excited because the trip offered a chance to see two species of mud turtles which occur on both sides of the international border. In addition, we needed to find a Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) which would complete the four U.S. species in the family Testudinidae. Cristina A. Jones (Turtles Project Coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department) and I had planned this trip for several months. We were originally scheduled to do this part of TBTY two months earlier, but complications (see Update #14) forced us to postpone the trip. Perhaps it was for the best because our delayed trip was smooth as glass, in large part due to Cristina’s knowledge of Arizona turtles and her admirable organizational skills. To her, I am most grateful. An added bonus to the trip was access to great Mexican food of which I am a fan.
Cristina A. Jones (Turtles Project Coordinator, Arizona Game and Fish Department) holding an Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense) in southern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
One of many authentic Mexican restaurants visited during the trip. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
While it’s true that Arizona is less species rich (only seven species from three families) than southeastern states, it is clear that Arizona is a player in the turtle conservation game. Three species require management and conservation programs, including international cooperative efforts with Mexico. Further, there are three non-native species established in the state. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is involved with many aspects of turtle conservation and plays an important role in conserving regional species. For a full list of Arizona’s turtle species, please visit the website listed at the end of this blog.
Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) in a typical Arizona landscape. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Arizona is home to a desert form of the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata), a species that I had already seen in Illinois (see Update #10). Cristina is developing a box turtle monitoring program to learn more about management and conservation needs in Arizona. I joined a group of 15 bird dog hunters and their wonderful dogs, plus 22 turtle handling volunteers in eastern Arizona for a scaled quail (Callipepla squamata)/desert box turtle (T. o. luteola) survey at a private grassland habitat restoration site. These dogs are bred and trained to hunt game birds, love doing so, and have shown some promise of finding turtles. I was on a transect line with Cristina, Wade Zarlingo (Small Game Program Manager, AZGFD) and his dog Shilo, a beautiful Pudelpointer, a breed developed in Germany in the late 1800s. Shilo found quail, but no box turtles on that day. Our team did, however, find box turtle tracks at a cattle pond. A bird dog working with a team on another transect line located the single box turtle of the day.
Wade Zarlingo (Small Game Program Manager, AZGFD) and Cristina A. Jones during a scaled quail (Callipepla squamata)/desert box turtle (Terrapene o. luteola) survey in semidesert grassland located in eastern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Wade Zarlingo with Shilo during fieldwork in eastern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Shilo in a cattle pond in semidesert grassland in eastern Arizona (note desert box turtle tracks). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult desert box turtle (Terrapene o. luteola) located by a second bird dog during a survey in semidesert grassland in eastern Arizona. Photograph by J. Ehrenberger.
One has to travel to southern Arizona or Sonora, Mexico in order to see the desert-adapted Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense). Little is known about this species, so Mike Jones of the American Turtle Observatory (www.americanturtles.org) has initiated a pilot project which involves trapping in cattle ponds, marking individuals, collecting morphometric data, and radio-tracking individuals. We joined Chelsea Mahnk, a field biologist with the American Turtle Observatory, to learn about fieldwork being conducted on federal land along the international border. While there, we captured two adult males in baited, collapsible traps and radiotracked a third turtle to a kangaroo rat (Dipodomys sp.) burrow. That was species #45 for TBTY. I really enjoyed spending the day at that remote and wild location, and hope to have the opportunity to return. Our visit to this site reinforced my fondness for the borderlands.
Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense) habitat in southern Arizona. Note traps set in pond. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Chelsea Mahnk (Field Biologist, American Turtle Observatory) setting a trap in a cattle pond in southern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult male Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense) captured at the American Turtle Observatory study site located in southern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
George L. Heinrich taking measurements from an adult male Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense) in southern Arizona. Photograph by Cristina A. Jones.
Cristina A. Jones and George L. Heinrich with an adult male Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense) captured in southern Arizona. Photograph by Chelsea Mahnk.
Chelsea Mahnk radiotracking Arizona mud turtles (Kinosternon arizonense) at a study site in southern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Chelsea Mahnk tracked one turtle to a kangaroo rat (Dipodomys sp.) burrow at the American Turtle Observatory study site in southern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Chelsea Mahnk releasing an Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon arizonense) at a cattle pond in southern Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
The second mud turtle species, the Sonora mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense) is represented by two subspecies, is more widely-distributed in the United States than the Arizona mud turtle, and also occurs in Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. I had waited five years to see a wild Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale), ever since seeing captive specimens of this subspecies being held off-exhibit at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson. This desert-adapted, geographically isolated subspecies is only known from one location in the U.S., Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. A pair of springs feeds a 0.5 acre pond and the drainage flows south into Mexico where the subspecies occurs at four locations, including the Rio Sonoyta. Recent reports state that the river is drying and these mud turtles are concentrated in very small pools making them vulnerable to predators and potential desiccation.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona), home to the only population of Sonoyta mud turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) in the United States. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) habitat (0.5 acre pond) at Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Small creek that feeds into a pond at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Charles Conner (Biotech, National Park Service) checking a hoop net trap for turtles at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Charles Conner measuring a Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Peter Holm (Ecologist, National Park Service) weighing a Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Researcher photographing a hatchling Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Juvenile Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Quitobaquito Springs has been under the authority of the National Park Service (NPS) since 1957 and has been the site of intensive mud turtle studies by NPS since 1982. A total of 46 individuals were captured on the day that we visited the site and the most recent population estimate is 182 individuals. Much thanks to Tyler Coleman (Wildlife Biologist, NPS) and Charles Conner (Biotech, NPS) for making it possible for me to see this rare U.S. subspecies, participate in the survey, and get species #46 for TBTY. Daren Riedle and co-workers published a detailed report on the conservation status of this endemic kinosternid (Riedle et al. 2012). Of note, the Sonoyta mud turtle was federally listed as Endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 20 October 2017. No doubt, international management and conservation efforts are critical to the long-term survival of this subspecies.
Cristina A. Jones holding a Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona). Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Tyler Coleman (Wildlife Biologist, NPS) and George L. Heinrich with a Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) at Quitobaquito Springs. Photograph by Cristina A. Jones.
Vehicle barrier along the border at Quitobaquito Springs in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (Arizona). Mexico Highway 2 can be seen in the distance. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
This trip also provided a welcome opportunity to visit with my longtime friend and colleague, Audrey Owens. Employed by AZGFD since 2007, Audrey has worked with Sonoran desert tortoises, Sonora mud turtles, and desert box turtles. She now serves as the agency’s Ranid Frogs Project Coordinator. Audrey, Hunter McCall (Wildlife Specialist, AZGFD), and I visited a creek north of Phoenix where we set a series of baited, collapsible traps in the hopes of trapping the nominate subspecies of the Sonora mud turtle (K. s. sonoriense), but came up empty-handed. This time, just knowing that wild turtles were present was enough and our visit to the creek was enjoyable nonetheless.
Audrey Owens (now Ranid Frogs Project Coordinator, AZGFD) and George L. Heinrich at Saguaro National Park in 2012. Photograph by Timothy J. Walsh.
Collapsible trap set in Sonora mud turtle (K. s. sonoriense) habitat north of Phoenix, Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Hunter McCall (Wildlife Specialist, AZGFD) setting a collapsible trap in Sonora mud turtle (K. s. sonoriense) habitat north of Phoenix, Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
When one thinks about Arizona, desert habitat obviously comes to mind. Two desert tortoise species occur in the state, which is something that no other U.S. state can claim. In Arizona, the Sonoran desert tortoise occurs east of the Colorado River, whereas the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) ranges west of that river. The Sonoran desert tortoise also ranges south into Mexico. Formerly considered one species, Gopherus agassizii was split by Robert Murphy and colleagues (Murphy et al. 2011). You can also learn more about both species by visiting the Desert Tortoise Council’s website at www.deserttortoise.org.
To get our third species for the trip and #47 for the TBTY, Cristina and I joined Dr. Brian Sullivan (Arizona State University) and his students at a Sonoran desert tortoise study site located just north of Phoenix. Using radiotelemetry, we located a female tortoise sheltered in a relatively small cavern in caliche (accumulation of calcium carbonate that forms on the soil of arid regions). Thank you to Dr. Sullivan for assisting us with documenting the fourth and final tortoise species needed for The Big Turtle Year. Before leaving the site, we also had an opportunity to radiotrack adult regal horned lizards (Phrynosoma regalis), a second reptile species that Dr. Sullivan and his students are studying. These lizards are harvester ant specialists and expectedly their scat consists of dozens of dried up ant bodies.
Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) habitat at a study site located north of Phoenix, Arizona. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Dr. Brian Sullivan (Arizona State University) radiotracking a Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) at his long-term study site. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
George L. Heinrich photographing a Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) in a caliche shelter. Photograph by Ryan Clark.
Adult Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) located by radiotracking. Note transmitter attached to carapace. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult regal horned lizard (Phrynosoma regalis) at a desert study site located north of Phoenix, Arizona. Transmitter attached by adhesive glue. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
To learn more about Arizona turtles and other herps, please visit the “Online Field Guide to The Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona” by Thomas C. Brennan and Andrew T. Holycross. A book titled “A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles in Arizona” published in 2009 by the same authors is also available via that website. While I have a number of favorite locations for observing turtles in the U.S., Arizona is high on my list. I already look forward to my next visit.
I want to once again thank our generous financial sponsors and project partners for making The Big Turtle Year possible. This has certainly been a team project and quite a big year. Stay tuned as there is more to come!
The Big Turtle Year: Update #14
Species #44: Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis)
Location: Suwannee River Drainage in south-central Georgia
Date: 27 September 2017
Post by George L. Heinrich
After a delay due to six weeks of teaching five consecutive summer nature camps, attending the Turtle Survival Alliance’s annual conference, recovering from a post-conference flu, and surviving two hurricanes, the Florida Turtle Conservation Trust’s yearlong conservation education project, The Big Turtle Year (TBTY), is back on the road. In late September, I joined Dirk Stevenson (Altamaha Environmental Consulting) for three days of fieldwork searching for turtles in south-central Georgia. Dirk is an independent biologist with considerable field experience in the southeastern United States and although we have known each other for years, it was only our first time herping together. Ben Stegenga (The Orianne Society) and Andy Day (independent environmental consultant) also joined us in our effort to further document the turtle diversity of the United States. This trip produced species #44 for TBTY, an adult Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis). Please click on the links below for the rest of the story.
George L. Heinrich holding species #44, an adult Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis) in south-central Georgia. Photograph by Dirk Stevenson.
Andy Day (independent environmental consultant) with adult Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis) in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
George L. Heinrich photographing an adult gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) in the uplands of south-central Georgia. Photograph by Dirk Stevenson.
Adult gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Dirk Stevenson (Altamaha Environmental Consulting) with a large adult male eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Dirk Stevenson (Altamaha Environmental Consulting) searching for a chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia) in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Ben Stegenga (The Orianne Society) holding an adult Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
Adult Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox) captured in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.
John Jensen (Georgia Department of Natural Resources) examining a common slider (Trachemys scripta) captured in south-central Georgia. Photograph by George L. Heinrich.