Amur Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus maackii) Population Size, Structure, and Spatial Distribution

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Herpetology

Background:

• Freshwater turtle preservation requires understanding population dynamics and distribution.
• Amur softshell turtles (ASTs) in Northeast China face steep population declines due to low awareness and protection.
• Urgent conservation efforts are needed for this vulnerable species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the population density and structure of Amur softshell turtles (ASTs) in the Ussuri River's Jewellery Island area.
• To utilize continuous-time capture-recapture methods for estimating AST population size in a closed population.
• To analyze the influence of environmental variables on AST distribution within the study area.

Main Methods:

• A three-month mark-recapture study was conducted in 2022.
• Capture-recapture data from 35 juvenile captures (12 recaptures from 23 marked individuals) were analyzed.
• Surveyed sites were divided into seven sections based on natural characteristics to assess environmental influences.

Main Results:

• The estimated AST population size was 40.79 ± 9.75 individuals (0.663 ± 0.158 turtles/ha).
• Approximately 35.4-85.2% of the estimated population was marked during the study.
• AST distribution varied significantly among sections, with 91% of captures occurring at vegetated shorelines and in water channel 2.

Conclusions:

• This study provides essential baseline data for AST population assessment and conservation.
• The findings highlight the importance of vegetated shorelines and specific water channels for ASTs.
• Informed conservation strategies are necessary to address the decline of Amur softshell turtles.