The Endangered Wattle-Necked Softshell Turtle (Palea steindachneri) Throughout the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

ABSTRACT THE ENDANGERED WATTLE-NECKED SOFTSHELL TURTLE (Palea steindachneri) THROUGHOUT THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS by Christopher C. Radford Master of Science in Environment Science: Professional Science Master Option California State University, Chico Summer 2011 The wattle-necked softshell turtle (Palea steindachneri) is native to China and Vietnam and is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as an endangered species. With continued capture and trade of the species, preservation efforts are unlikely to be successful in its native range. Outside of its native region, P. steindachneri populations are known to exist in the island nation of Mauritius and in the state of Hawaii. Viable populations in Hawaii may provide an opportunity for ex-situ conservation strategies, however, its status as introduced, and possibly invasive, must be carefully evaluated. The present project was conducted to determine the present distribution of softshell turtles throughout the Hawaiian Islands and to identify suitable sampling sites for future research. Survey methods included live trap placement in freshwater habitat, visual encounter surveys, and interviews. Captured turtles were tagged, measured, photographed, and promptly released. Field research was conducted on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and Lanai and resulted in the capture of over five hundred freshwater animal specimens including three P. steindachneri, the identification of future study sites, access to sites, and an abundance of anecdotal data on the whereabouts of softshell turtles in Hawaii. The project produced a customized database, and interactive maps to manage and represent data collected. Future research on P. steindachneri in Hawaii should focus on known populations. Further in depth study of biological and ecological characteristics of the species in Hawaii will be crucial to the development and implementation of conservation management strategies for the wattle-necked softshell turtle throughout the remote archipelago.