Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Understanding the reproductive ecology of any species is vital for determining intraspecific variation in individual fitness, modeling population growth or persistence potential, and developing effective conservation strategies. The reproductive ecology of many species has been extensively studied (particularly in mammals); however, other taxonomic groups including many ectotherms has not been well documented. One such ectotherm is the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata), which, to our knowledge, has never had its reproductive ecology extensively examined, especially in the field. In this study, we examined the reproductive ecology of ornate box turtles over a six-week period in a mixed shortgrass prairie in Western Nebraska. To do this, we used a field rated portable ultrasound (IBEX EVO II) to determine egg bearing status of 24 female ornate box turtles during what we presumed was their egg bearing period. Our results enabled us to describe the egg bearing cycle of ornate box turtles in relation to individual mass and movement fluctuations. These data can be useful in understanding individual variation in reproductive output, fitness, and ultimately aid in targeted conservation plans.
Examining the Reproductive Ecology of Terrapene ornata in Western Nebraska
Understanding the reproductive ecology of any species is vital for determining intraspecific variation in individual fitness, modeling population growth or persistence potential, and developing effective conservation strategies. The reproductive ecology of many species has been extensively studied (particularly in mammals); however, other taxonomic groups including many ectotherms has not been well documented. One such ectotherm is the ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata), which, to our knowledge, has never had its reproductive ecology extensively examined, especially in the field. In this study, we examined the reproductive ecology of ornate box turtles over a six-week period in a mixed shortgrass prairie in Western Nebraska. To do this, we used a field rated portable ultrasound (IBEX EVO II) to determine egg bearing status of 24 female ornate box turtles during what we presumed was their egg bearing period. Our results enabled us to describe the egg bearing cycle of ornate box turtles in relation to individual mass and movement fluctuations. These data can be useful in understanding individual variation in reproductive output, fitness, and ultimately aid in targeted conservation plans.
Comments
Aubrey Gauntt- Washburn, Brianna Wilson-Washburn, Timothy Speer-Washburn, Abby Trautman-Washburn, Patience Wagner-Knox College, Benjamin Reed-Washburn