Thread trailing as a method of determining terrestrial movement and habitat use of the Philippine forest turtle, Siebenrockiella leytensis, in Cabayugan, Puerto princesa City, Philippines.

Date

4-2013

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Dimalibot, Judeline C.

Committee Member

De Guia, Anna Pauline O. Cadiz, Nina M.

Abstract

The Philippine Forest Turtle, Sienbenrockiella leytensis is currently categorized as Critically Endangered under the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Understanding its ecology is crucial in establishing the baseline information necessary for the formulation of conservation strategies of the species. Thread tailing was used to gather data in the movement of Sienbenrockiella leytensis in two study sites along the Cabayugan River, Puerto Princesa City. The turtles were captured using modified hood traps. Morphometric measurements were taken before each individual was fitted with spools and released. Terrestrial movements were calculated from coordinates of the thread trail taken from the point of release to the endpoint near the river. Movement were calculated from the coordinates obtained. Vegetation along the thread trail was compared with movement maps to indicate habitat use. Results showed that males have the longest distance travelled at 137.5m while females and juveniles traversed an average distance of 137, and 109.3 m respectively. Adults moved through areas with relatively less vegetative cover whereas juveniles moved across areas with thicker cover. During these movements, turtles were observed roaming, feeding and resting. Thread tailing proved to be useful on land but is disadvantageous in aquatic habitats because of evaluation of the spatial ecology of terrapins in water is limited by the length of the thread in the spool, water current and depth.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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