Hiding in plain sight: Federally protected Ringed Map Turtles (Graptemys oculifera) found in a new river system

Herpetological Conservation and Biology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Understanding the geographical range of a species is essential to successful conservation and management, but their ranges are not always fully known. Ringed Map Turtles (Graptemys oculifera) have been federally listed as a Threatened species since 1986, and they have long been considered endemic to the Pearl River system of central Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana, USA. Based on a 2021 citizen scientist observation, a new G. oculifera population was discovered in the Bogue Falaya, a river system that is west of and isolated from the Pearl River system. Genetic analyses of 23 individuals from the Bogue Falaya demonstrate their genetic distinctiveness relative to sites in the Pearl River, suggesting it is a natural rather than introduced population. Therefore, G. oculifera should no longer be considered endemic to the Pearl River system, and this Bogue Falaya population of G. oculifera may warrant the designation of a distinct population segment under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. A thorough assessment of the distribution, abundance, and conservation threats to the Bogue Falaya population of G. oculifera as well as surveys of surrounding systems could help to inform future management actions. This discovery of a long-time federally protected species in the city limits of Covington, Louisiana, documents how citizen scientists can advance scientific knowledge.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Hiding in plain sight: Federally protected Ringed Map Turtles (Graptemys oculifera) found in a new river system
Series title Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Volume 19
Issue 1
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Herpetological Conservation and Biology
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 10 p.
First page 96
Last page 105
Country United States
State Louisiana
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