I researched aquatic turtle population structure and habitat association of the
turtles of Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (QNWR), in central Kansas. This group of
organisms was focused on because of the lack of baseline knowledge and understanding
of species presences, population sizes, structure, or habitat use on the refuge.
I selected wetland units for sampling based on water permanence and quality of
habitat. I then deployed baited hoop traps on these wetland units from April 24 to July 4,
2015. Captures were identified to species, measured, marked, and then release. Schnabel
Multiple Census Method and Combined Percent Estimates were used to estimate
population sizes. The results from these estimates were then extrapolated to the other
wetland units on QNWR and a refuge wide population estimate was calculated. Adult sex
ratios and age classes were generated for each species based on measurements taken
during sampling.
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