Growth and Survival of the Suwannee Cooter, Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis, at Rainbow River 

The Suwannee River Cooter is a long-lived, herbivorous, riverine turtle, integral to the ecosystem health of Florida’s many gulf-draining river systems. However, due to increased anthropogenic effects such as hunting and subsidized predation, these turtles face dangers that threaten their survival. To protect P. c. suwanniensis, we must first understand some of their vital statistics such as individual growth rates and age-specific survival probabilities. As part of a long-term ecological study conducted by Eckerd College, mark-recapture surveys were performed in a 1.5km stretch of Rainbow River averaging four times a year for 34 years. From these data, we estimated sex-specific age-based survival probability and somatic growth. Analysis reveals survival probability increasing with age and differing growth between sexes estimating females maturing around 5 years and males maturing around 3 years. Slow growth and low initial survival serve as vulnerabilities for young turtles and sexual dimorphism unequally disposes larger females to poaching. We hope these results provide valuable insights into the lives of the Suwannee River Cooter and will help guide specific conservation management efforts for this valuable member of Florida’s freshwater ecosystems. 

For more information email: chharding@eckerd.edu