Detect Contaminant Accumulation in Western Pond Turtles to Assess Foothill Ecosystem Condition
Project ID: J8W07110021
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Oregon State University
Fiscal Year: 2011
Initial Funding: $59,572
Total Funding: $59,572
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
Principal Investigator: Todd, Brian
Agreement Technical Representative: Esperanza, Annie
Abstract: The western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), California’s only widespread native turtle, has declined across much of its range and is now listed as a species of concern. Monitoring by the National Park Service (NPS) in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI) indicates a high rate of physical deformities and two recent population crashes. One possible cause is cumulative exposure to airborne contaminants (e.g., pesticides, combustion byproducts, industrial compounds) drifting into the park from adjacent agricultural and urban lands. The type and frequency of deformities in SEKI turtles are similar to those found in toxicology research on freshwater turtles in heavily contaminated urban sites. Data also indicate the SEKI turtle population is old-aged biased, exhibiting low juvenile recruitment. This reproductive pattern has been linked to failed hatchling success, often another indication of contaminant exposure. Emys marmorata are unique in that they are the oldest living aquatic vertebrate species within SEKI. Although their habitat in the park is largely intact, they are at elevated risk of contaminant bioaccumulation due to their longevity and generalist feeding behavior. Using this long-lived species as an environmental indicator, investigators at Oregon State University (OSU), NPS staff, and investigators at University of California, Davis will collaborate to assess the ecological effects of atmospheric deposition of contaminants on unique low elevation foothill aquatic ecosystems. NPS will assist and collaborate with OSU to arrange sampling turtles according to sampling protocol, and to send to OSU for analysis. NPS will provide recommendations regarding turtle selection for chemical analyses, provide scientific expertise and suggestions for all reports and manuscripts, and help with manuscript preparation as needed. There are several public benefits of this project. This research will assess whether atmospheric deposition of contaminants are accumulating in an old-aged wildlife species in low elevation sites. Research on this species is ideal for interested partners since turtles occupy areas with the highest park visitation. The project offers educational opportunities as OSU will employ student technicians to assist in lab analysis of sediment, macro-invertebrate, and blood samples of Western pond turtles.
Deliverables: