Modifications of traps to reduce bycatch of freshwater turtles
Journal of Wildlife Management
By: R. Bruce Bury
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Abstract
Mortality of freshwater turtles varies among types and deployments of traps. There are few or no losses in hoop or fyke traps set where turtles may reach air, including placement in shallows, addition of floats on traps, and tying traps securely to a stake or to shore. Turtle mortality occurs when traps are set deep, traps are checked at intervals >1 day, and when turtles are captured as bycatch. Devices are available that exclude turtles from traps set for crab or game fish harvest. Slotted gates in front of the trap mouth reduce turtle entry, but small individuals still may be trapped. Incidental take of turtles is preventable by integrating several designs into aquatic traps, such as adding floats to the top of traps so turtles may reach air or an extension tube (chimney, ramp) that creates an escape route.
Suggested Citation
Bury, R.B., 2011, Modifications of traps to reduce bycatch of freshwater turtles: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 75, no. 1, p. 3-5, https://doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.31.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Modifications of traps to reduce bycatch of freshwater turtles |
| Series title | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| DOI | 10.1002/jwmg.31 |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Publication Date | January 31, 2011 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | The Wildlife Society |
| Publisher location | Bethesda, MD |
| Contributing office(s) | Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center |
| Description | 3 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| First page | 3 |
| Last page | 5 |