Salinity tolerance of estuarine and insular Emydid turtles (Pseudemys nelsoni and Trachemys decussata)
Dunson WA and Seidel M. 1986. Salinity tolerance of estuarine and insular Emydid turtles (Pseudemys nelsoni and Trachemys decussata). Journal of Herpetology. 20(2):237-245
Pseudemys nelsoni and Trachemys decussata inhabit brackish water in mainland areas of extreme southern Florida and on Grand Cayman Island. In Everglades National Park 10 Pseudemys were collected along the north shore of Florida Bay near Taylor River; Trachemys were captured on Grand Cayman Island, British West Indies. They appear to be intermediate in their salinity tolerance between truly freshwater forms and the highly specialized estuarine terrapin (Malaclemys). Unfed P. nelsoni (730-1240 g) had especially low rates of mass loss (primarily net water loss) in 100% sea water. Data on sodium efflux values suggests a lack of salt glands in these species. Sodium influx in 100% sea water was very low in adult P. nelsoni. Large individuals of both species tolerated immersion in 100% sea water for prolonged periods (at least 10-24 days). Their natural habitats vary seasonally in salinity, but remain on average quite dilute due to rainfall. Study Period: 1981-83; Study Type: Qualitative, quantitative; Gear Type: Traps (none caught in Everglades National Park), hand; Number of Stations: 3 sites in Everglades National Park; Habitat: Creeks, ponds, river bottoms of Ruppia, Chara, Batophora; Abiotic Parameters Measured: Salinity (in field & laboratory); Biological Component: Turtles; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: Pseudemys nelsoni.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Dunson, William; Seidel, M
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Florida Bay Everglades National Park FL, Florida red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys nelsoni), Habitats, North American slider (Trachemys decussata), Physiology, Salinity