Dietary Niche of Three Omnivorous Turtle Species in a Northern Florida River: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis
Mathew J. Denton1,*, Gerald R. Johnston2, Travis M. Thomas3, J. Hardin Waddle1, Susan C. Walls1, and Kristen M. Hart4
1US Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653. 2Department of Natural Sciences, Santa Fe College, Gainesville, FL 32606. 3Nature Coast Biological Station, University of Florida, Cedar Key, FL 32625. 4US Geological Survey, 3321 College Avenue, Davie, FL 33314. *Corresponding author.
Southeastern Naturalist,Volume 22, Special Issue 12 (2023): 359–377
Abstract
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.
Download Full-text pdf (Accessible only to subscribers. To subscribe click here.)
Access Journal Content
Open access browsing of table of contents and abstract pages. Full text pdfs available for download for subscribers.
Issue-in-Progress: Vol. 23 (2) ... early view
Check out SENA's latest Special Issue: