Using VHF telemetry to inform nest-site-selection of western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) in the Kootenay region of British Columbia

The purpose of this project is to study the behaviour of western painted turtles during the nesting season. These species are currently in decline in British Columbia due to urbanization and a loss of nesting habitat. In recent years, the construction of man-made nesting beaches has been widely used in an effort to help this species. These man-made nesting sites are meant to increase the amount of nesting habitat and therefore increase the likelihood of the nest to be successful Recent trends, however, have suggested that these man-made beaches may actually increase nest predation, and decrease the number of turtles that hatch the following year, since all of the nests are in one location. This study will assess the nesting behaviour of turtles in wetlands with and without man-made nesting beaches to determine if man-made nesting beaches are a good strategy for helping this animal.

Faculty Supervisor:

Douglas Ransome

Student:

Partner:

Ducks Unlimited Canada (BC)

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Finance and Insurance; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Program: