Nest-site selection and nest depredation of semi-aquatic turtles on golf courses

Abstract

Urban landscapes present various challenges to semi-aquatic turtle reproduction. In developed regions, golf courses may provide some of the best remaining habitat for turtle populations. We explored nest-site selection of eastern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) at a golf course pond in Davidson, North Carolina, USA, and modeled nest-site preference using Akaike Information Criterion, with the best supported model favoring nests surrounded by mulch and mowed grass. Additionally, we evaluated nest depredation rates using simulated turtle nests and found that golf course ponds did not have significantly greater nest depredation compared to urban and rural ponds. Our results suggest that golf courses may offer suitable habitat for turtle reproduction in developed areas.