Unique Presentation Identifier:

P07

Program Type

Graduate

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Douglas G. Barron

Document Type

Poster

Location

Face-to-face

Start Date

29-4-2025 9:30 AM

Abstract

The Western Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria; WCT) is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need that is currently under review for federal listing and is assumed to be rare and declining across its range. WCT are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic challenges, including habitat loss, habitat modification, and road mortality. The conservation of this species is further hindered by a lack of understanding of its distribution, abundance, and population trends. These knowledge gaps arise largely from the species’ unique characteristics and cryptic nature. More specifically, WCT demonstrate prolonged aestivation and are notoriously difficult to capture. Environmental DNA (eDNA), which has reportedly higher detection rates and lower costs than traditional methods, offers a promising solution to this problem. Our project aims to evaluate the distribution and abundance of WCT in the Mississippi Delta ecoregion using a novel two-part approach that will consist of eDNA sampling and traditional methodologies, namely trapping and visual surveys. Samples from approximately 62 known and suspected WCT sites will be collected and analyzed using species-specific primers and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At sites that test positive for WCT eDNA, we will conduct trapping and visual surveys to confirm presence, gather demographic data, and estimate population abundance. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the state of Arkansas to combine eDNA with traditional sampling to locate and characterize WCT populations. By identifying new populations of WCT and generating baseline population data, our study will help enhance the monitoring and conservation of this at-risk species.

Download

Share

COinS
 
Apr 29th, 9:30 AM

Using Environmental DNA to Evaluate the Distribution and Abundance of Western Chicken Turtles

Face-to-face

The Western Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria; WCT) is a Species of Greatest Conservation Need that is currently under review for federal listing and is assumed to be rare and declining across its range. WCT are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic challenges, including habitat loss, habitat modification, and road mortality. The conservation of this species is further hindered by a lack of understanding of its distribution, abundance, and population trends. These knowledge gaps arise largely from the species’ unique characteristics and cryptic nature. More specifically, WCT demonstrate prolonged aestivation and are notoriously difficult to capture. Environmental DNA (eDNA), which has reportedly higher detection rates and lower costs than traditional methods, offers a promising solution to this problem. Our project aims to evaluate the distribution and abundance of WCT in the Mississippi Delta ecoregion using a novel two-part approach that will consist of eDNA sampling and traditional methodologies, namely trapping and visual surveys. Samples from approximately 62 known and suspected WCT sites will be collected and analyzed using species-specific primers and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. At sites that test positive for WCT eDNA, we will conduct trapping and visual surveys to confirm presence, gather demographic data, and estimate population abundance. To our knowledge, this is the first study in the state of Arkansas to combine eDNA with traditional sampling to locate and characterize WCT populations. By identifying new populations of WCT and generating baseline population data, our study will help enhance the monitoring and conservation of this at-risk species.