Macrochelys suwanniensis (Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle) coexists with 2 other native large omnivorous turtle species (Chelydra serpentina [Snapping Turtle] and Trachemys scripta scripta [Yellow-bellied Slider]) in a 9-km section of the Santa Fe River in northern Florida. A major shift in dominant submersed aquatic vegetation prompted us to quantify trophic position and niche overlap among these 3 species. Here, we examine carbon and nitrogen isotopic values of these turtles and their potential food resources within the changing riverine system. We provide evidence of low isotopic niche overlap between M. suwanniensis and C. serpentina, whereas T. s. scripta occupied a discrete niche having lower carbon and nitrogen values.
Dietary niche of three omnivorous turtle species in a northern Florida river: Insights from stable isotope analysis
Southeastern Naturalist
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Data Release: Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values from three omnivorous turtles, vegetation, and potential prey resources in the Santa Fe River, Florida sampled 2019-2020 (html)
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Abstract
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Dietary niche of three omnivorous turtle species in a northern Florida river: Insights from stable isotope analysis |
| Series title | Southeastern Naturalist |
| DOI | 10.1656/058.022.0sp1221 |
| Volume | 22 |
| Issue | sp12 |
| Year Published | 2023 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | BioOne |
| Contributing office(s) | Wetland and Aquatic Research Center |
| Description | 19 p.; Data Release |
| First page | 359 |
| Last page | 377 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |
| Other Geospatial | Santa Fe River |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |