Category: Completed

Currently, the Smooth Softshell Turtle is listed as a State Endangered Species in Illinois and in 2013 we began our research. The goals were to 1) determine Factors affecting movement, home range, and habitat use, 2) obtaining estimates of population size and population structure, and 3) determine the freshwater turtle community structure. We followed 40 radio-equipped turtles at sites between the Lake Shelbyville and Carlyle Lake Dam and below the Carlyle Lake Dam until 2015. The work represeted Jason Ross’ Masters Thesis and was conducted in collaboration with IDNR Wildlife Biologist Robert Bluett. Funding for the project was provided by a State Wildlife Initiative Grant through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Recently we conducted a survey to quantify the diversity and structure of amphibians and reptiles in sand prairie preserves managed by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. In 2014, we used a multifaceted sampling approach following an occupancy and detection probability framework. Also, all surveying points, transects, and cover objects were left in situ so the study could be replicated after sites are restored. During our surveys we recorded 9 amphibian and 17 reptile species. Thos of most interest were the Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingi), Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata), and the Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus). The work was a collaborative effort with Dr. Christopher A. Phillips, Jennifer M. Mui, Jason, P. Ross, Sarah J. Baker, and David Mauger.