Year: 2017

The First Record of an Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Illinois in 30 Years

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Ethan J. Kessler1,*, Christopher A. Phillips1, Scott R. Ballard2, and Michael J. Dreslik1

Abstract – Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) populations have experienced range-wide declines over the past century, and records of this species have become increasingly rare in the northern portion of its range. We report the first record of an Alligator Snapping Turtle in Illinois since 1984, only the second in the past 50 years. This individual was captured in a tributary of the undammed portion of the Mississippi River in close proximity to the last 3 published records in Illinois. It is possible that this region provides the last accessible, suitable habitat for this species in Illinois.

1Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1816 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
2Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 9053 Route 148, Suite B, Marion, IL 62959.
*Corresponding author – ekessle2@illinois.edu.

2017 SE Nat Pub

Kessler, E.J., C.A. Phillips, S.R. Ballard, and M.J. Dreslik. 2017. The First Record of an Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Illinois in 30 Years. Southeastern Naturalist 16:29-35.

About

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My research focuses primarily on the ecology, conservation, and life history of amphibians and reptiles, predominantly turtles and pit-vipers.  My research spans a multidisciplinary approach to understanding these foci ranging from population ecology, demographics, spatial ecology, behavior, thermal biology, physiology, population genetics, and wildlife disease.  For my larger long-term projects, I integrate this multidisciplinary approach to achieve conservation goals oriented at recovery and maintaining viable populations of imperiled species.

My current projects are:

  • Life History, Ecology, and Conservation of the Eastern Massasauga
  • Reintroduction and Recovery Efforts for the Alligator Snapping Turtle
  • Demography and Viability of the Spotted Turtle
  • Critical Assessment of the Conservation and Recovery Needs of Herpetofauna in Illinois
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My past major projects have included:

  • Community Structure and Composition of a Lentic System Turtle Community
  • Ecology and Conservation of the Eastern River Cooter
  • Ecology and Conservation of the Blanding’s Turtle
  • Assessment of Herpetofaunal Communities in the Kankakee Sands Habitats
  • Effects of Flow Rates on the Smooth Softshell in the Kaskaskia River
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I am also involved with core work associated with the Illinois Tollway as the program leader for the Urban Biotic Assessment Program which is directed at measures to decrease the impact of road construction on threatened and endangered wildlife species.  This work includes general surveys, compiling mitigation, minimization, and avoidance measures, and assessing these measures pre, during, and post construction.  This work focuses in the heavily urbanized region of northeastern Illinois and includes surveys and monitoring of freshwater mussels, fish, amphibians, and reptiles (soon to include birds and mammals).

In addition, I do survey work and studies for various forest preserve districts, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and other land management and local government entities. Most of the work is related to the conservation of amphibians and reptile species in greatest conservation need.  To that end, I maintain strong communications and ties to land management agencies in Illinois.

I currently sit on three Illinois Species Recovery Teams: Eastern Massasauga, Blanding’s Turtle, and Alligator Snapping Turtle and work closely with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and United States Army Corps of Engineers on an array of topics.  Finally, I am also a member of the IUCN's Freshwater Turtle and Tortoise and Viper Specialist Groups.

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2017 Turtle Survival Alliance Meetings

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Michael J. Dreslik and Jason P. Ross recently presented at the 2017 Symposium on the Conservation and Biology of Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles. The meeting was held in Charleston, South Carolina from August 6th – 9th and has international attendance.

Hedrick, A. R., H. M. Klondaris, L. C. Corichi, M. J. Dreslik. J. B. Iverson. The effects of climate on annual variation in reproductive output in Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina). Oral Presentation.

Ross, J. P., C. Y. Feng, and M. J. Dreslik. Evaluating turtle passage gates using remote camera traps and visual encounter surveys. Poster Presentation.

For more information see the Urban Biotic Assessment Program Page

Presentations Given at the Biology of Snakes Conference

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Michael J. Dreslik and Sarah J. Baker recently attended and presented at the Biology of the Snakes Conference. The conference was held in Rodeo New Mexico from July 26th - 29th.

Baker, S. J., M. J. Dreslik, C. A. Phillips, and M. C. Allender. Impact of snake fungal disease on population viability. Poster Presentation.

Dreslik, M. J., J. A. Crawford, S. J. Baker, W. E. Peterman, and C. A. Phillips. Detection probability and capture yield of an imperiled species. Oral Presentation.

Dreslik, M. J., C. E. Petersen, S. M. Goetz, J. D. Kleopfer, and A. H. Savitzky.Factors affecting the movements of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) from the mid-Atlantic coastal plain. Poster presentation.

Dreslik, M. J., C. E. Petersen, S. M. Goetz, J. D. Kleopfer, and A. H. Savitzky. Spatial ecology of the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) from the mid-Atlantic coastal plain. Oral Presentation.

For more information see the Urban Biotic Assessment Program Page

2017 Joint Ichthyologist and Herpetologist Meetings

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Michael J. Dreslik and presented with several co-authors at the Joint Meeting of American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. They presented on a variety of topics from rattlesnakes to darters and from wildlife disease to community changes. The meeting was held in Austin, Texas from 12 July to 16 July 2017.

Baker, S. J., M. J. Dreslik, C. A. Phillips, and M. C. Allender. Impact of snake fungal disease on population viability. Oral Presentation.

Dreslik, M. J., C. E. Petersen, S. M. Goetz, J. D. Kleopfer, and A. H. Savitzky. Factors affecting the movements of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) from the mid-Atlantic coastal plain. Oral Presentation.

Dreslik, M. J., C. E. Petersen, S. M. Goetz, J. D. Kleopfer, and A. H. Savitzky. Spatial ecology of the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) from the mid-Atlantic coastal plain. Poster Presentation

Ross, J. P., C. Y. Feng, and M. J. Dreslik. Evaluating reptile and amphibian passage gates using remote camera traps.

Sites, A. J., J. L. Sherwood, J. S. Tiemann, and M. J. Dreslik. Assessing the distribution of Iowa Darters (Etheostoma exile) in streams of northern Illinois. Oral Presentation.

For more information see the Urban Biotic Assessment Program Page