Type: other

Article abstract: This protocol documents standard trapping survey techniques for southern populations of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), hereafter referred to as pond turtle, in the southcoast ecoregion of the United States (within the U. S. this extends from Santa Barbara, California to the Mexican boarder). The purpose of this protocol is to provide standard guidelines for determining pond turtle presence, relative abundance, population demographics and provide baseline information applicable to declines in pond turtle populations. The protocol, in combination with the USGS Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) Visual Survey Protocol for the Southcoast Ecoregion, contributes information on general habitat components and disturbances found at each location so that hypotheses can be formulated and tested as to why a species occurs or does not occur in a particular area (U. S. Geological Survey, 2006a). In addition, the techniques are effective at documenting other aquatic species such as fish, amphibians, and other aquatic freshwater taxa. This protocol is based on methods found in the USGS Aquatic Species and Habitat Assessment Protocol for Southcoast Ecoregion Rivers, Streams, and Creeks (U. S. Geological Survey, 2006b).