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View Full Version : E. Spiny Softshell Turtle - hatchlings! *warning: lots of pics*

Removed_2815
10-09-04, 10:06 PM
..........
CamHanna
10-09-04, 10:25 PM
Great bunch of pics. If you don't mind me asking, what general direction is your study area?
Sean_.E.
10-11-04, 09:11 PM
Wow, very nice pictures! Definately not something you see everyday - neonate softshells emerging from their nests.
Removed_2815
10-11-04, 11:13 PM
Originally posted by CamHanna
If you don't mind me asking, what general direction is your study area?
Not to be a smart***, but Canada will have to be as specific as I will get.
Best regards,
Ryan M Bolton
Joe
10-12-04, 03:29 AM
thats pretty cool work you do there... if your ever in need of a volunteer I would love to take advantage of the oprotunity for some pics.... great pics bud!
snakehunter
10-12-04, 07:13 AM
WOW what a career. I am helping with a study here in Blacksburg VA, we use Plethodonidae is indicator species in different forestry situations. Its really alot of fun. I wish i coukd work with softies, I have always wanted to see one, btw need any help this summer?
CamHanna
10-12-04, 10:37 AM
Canada's close enough for me... Thanks for posting a great bunch of pictures.
Ontario_herper
10-12-04, 01:02 PM
Great shots....

That's something I never got to see working 2 years with softies. Dam egg-eating mammals!
Removed_2815
10-12-04, 01:17 PM
I know, 0% hatch rate at your site (according to the report I read). That population is not sustaining itself and is, sadly, on the way out...
R
Ontario_herper
10-12-04, 01:41 PM
This is true... adults everywhere but no offspring. Not the best situation for future generations. It's great to see that some studies and locations are ensuring there's baby turtles making it out of the nest each year.
wetlander
10-12-04, 08:15 PM
0% survival rate is common with turtles. Luckly, their strategy is to live a long life and produce young every year....eventually you get a survivor. A female only has to have 2 surviving offspring that make it to adulthood to be successful. Obviously with a declining population they need to have more than 2 survive to rebuild the numbers. The trick is to keep the adults alive and out of the hands of collectors/ illegal pet trade.

Thanks for not revealing the location!


Cheers!
Removed_2815
10-12-04, 08:41 PM
Originally posted by wetlander
0% survival rate is common with turtles.
We're talking 0% hatch rate, which obviously nullifies any chance of recruitment. I think you're talking about the probabilities involved for a hatchling to reach sexual maturity. The population will require a much higher hatch rate percentage to even have a chance at any given hatchling reaching sexual maturity.
I don't think anyone has the numbers for Softshells but 1% recruitment is probably a good guess. So only 1% of the total hatchlings will reach sexual maturity. You will need 99 hatchlings for every 1 that makes it to sexual maturity. That's how dire the situation is over on Dave's side of the pond.
Regards,
Ryan

Originally posted by wetlander
Thanks for not revealing the location!
Most of the people here are intelligent enough not to reveal site specifics - though not all...