Type: other

Article abstract: This protocol documents standard visual 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 and relative abundance. The protocol also 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. In addition, the techniques are effective at documenting other aquatic species such as fish, amphibians, snakes, 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, 2006a).