Temporal Changes in Two Turtle Assemblages

Abstract

Turtle assemblages at two adjacent farm ponds in east-central Alabama were monitored during 1972-1974 and 1988-1990. At pond 1 a drift fence with pitfall traps was constructed during both study periods. Aquatic trapping was conducted in both ponds during both study periods. Pond 1 had been fertilized for 15 consecutive years prior to 1972-1974 but subsequently received no fertilizer. Aquatic vegetation was absent in pond 1 during 1972-1974 but was dense by 1988. Pond 2 had almost no fertilization history and underwent little vegetational change over time. In both study periods pond 1 had a higher density of Kinosternon subrubrum, and both ponds held more K. subrubrum during 1972-1974 than during 1988-1990