Movement patterns and habitat selection of common map turtles (Graptemys geographica) in St Lawrence Islands National Park, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Understanding the spatial ecology and habitat use of declining species is essential for their management and successful recovery. I examined the movement patterns and habitat selection of map turtles (Graptemys geographica), a species at risk, in St. Lawrence Islands National Park. Adult females moved longer distances and had larger home ranges than juvenile females and males. The longest distances moved by adult females occurred during nesting excursions. Examining movements allowed for critical habitat locations to be found (nesting sites, hibernacula). My data on movements will allow St. Lawrence Islands National Park to mitigate development plans and regulate visitor impacts on these sites. I examined habitat selection at multiple spatial scales. Map turtles generally avoided deep water (>2 m) and selected home ranges in waters <1 m deep with significantly more natural than developed shoreline. Adult females used deep water more often and males preferred areas with surface cover. Management effort should implement regulations concerning further shoreline development.