Population responses?
We will collect data to answer the following questions:
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What is the population size and demographic structure?
What is the spatial and temporal distribution of individuals along the rivers?
What is the spatial and temporal distribution of nesting and hatching success along the rivers?
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Where ever possible we use indirect methods. Indirect methods avoid contact with the river turtles and include boat surveys and counting nests on beaches. Indirect methods enable us to obtain robust information with the minimum of impact to river turtle populations. This is desirable from scientific and conservation perspectives.
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We are also testing novel methods to obtain genetic samples. These methods include the collection of egg shells (after hatchlings leave) and swabs from hatchlings. The genetic samples will enable us to quantify aspects of the turtle populations that are difficult to quantify using more traditional methods. We hope that genetic techniques will answer the following questions: how many females are laying eggs on the beaches, how related are the nests within and between beaches,
