Notes on the predation of rough-footed mud turtles (Kinosternon hirtipes) in west Texas, USA

Authors

Steven G. Platt, Department of Biology, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX; Present address: Wildlife Conservation Society–Myanmar Program, Yangon, MyanmarFollow
Jennifer L. Smith, Department of Biology, New Mexico State University–AlamogordoFollow
Thomas R. Rainwater, Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center & Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Georgetown, SCFollow
Wiebke J. Boeing, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NMFollow

Abstract

Little is known concerning predation of rough-footed mud turtles (Kinosternon hirtipes), a species of conservation concern in Texas, USA. During field studies conducted from 2007 to 2016, we documented 8 instances (1 juvenile, 2 males, and 5 females) of predation among individuals of one of the few (<10) remaining populations of K. hirtipes in Texas. Predation was attributed to raccoons (Procyon lotor; n = 5) and feral pigs (Sus scrofa; n = 2); the predator responsible for the death of one of the turtles could not be determined. Turtles are vulnerable to predation when exposed by low water levels in ponds, when making overland movements between ponds, and during nesting forays ashore. To reduce the likelihood of predation, we recommend maintaining adequate water levels in wetlands, linking wetlands with ditches, encouraging the growth of aquatic vegetation, and providing experimental raccoon-proof nest mounds.


Poco se sabe sobre la depredación de las tortugas de barro de patas ásperas (Kinosternon hirtipes), una especie de preocupación para la conservación en Texas, EE. UU. Durante los estudios de campo realizados entre 2007 y 2016, documentamos ocho casos (un juvenil, dos machos y cinco hembras) de depredación entre una de las pocas (<10) poblaciones restantes de K. hirtipes en Texas. La depredación se atribuyó a los mapaches (Procyon lotor; n = 5) y cerdos salvajes (Sus scrofa; n = 2); los depredadores responsables de la muerte de una tortuga no pudieron determinarse. Las tortugas son vulnerables a la depredación cuando se exponen a niveles bajos en estanques, realizan movimientos terrestres entre estanques y llegan a tierra para anidar. Para reducir la probabilidad de depredación, recomendamos mantener niveles adecuados de agua en los humedales, unir los humedales con zanjas y proporcionar montículos de nidos experimentales a prueba de mapaches.

Recommended Citation

Platt, Steven G.; Smith, Jennifer L.; Rainwater, Thomas R.; and Boeing, Wiebke J. (2019) "Notes on the predation of rough-footed mud turtles (Kinosternon hirtipes) in west Texas, USA," Western North American Naturalist: Vol. 79: No. 1, Article 13.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/wnan/vol79/iss1/13