Survey Point Set-up Method:

     Our group surveyed twelve ponds and sections of the Amazon Creek, nine of which had two survey points and three of which had one. Each survey point we established needed to have at least one unique habitat feature, such as basking structures (rocks, logs or other elevated structures) and areas where turtles could hide (algae mats, vegetation and brush).  Other considerations were our ability to approach the point without disturbing the sensitive turtles and our ability to see new habitat features and aspects of the pond.

       At each survey point we had several items that we documented in order to effectively remember and relocate the points. We took GPS coordinates and photopoints and flagged nearby vegetation to mark the site. At each survey point we documented why we chose the site, as well as other relevant information such as visible threats, barriers to turtle movement (often as the result of human development), and a written description of the site.

Surveying Method:

     In order to randomize our surveying we employed a rotation method for surveying the various sites. Our team was divided into three pairs, and each group was responsible for seven survey sites at four different water bodies. For example, if Group A surveyed Oxbow Pond, Balboa Pond, Swallow Pond and Danebo Pond in that order the first week, the next week Group A would begin by surveying Balboa Pond, then Swallow Pond, Danebo Pond and Oxbow Pond, and then rotate again for the consecutive weeks. 

     This rotation method helped reduce the influence of other variables, such as time of day or typical weather patterns at that time of day, on the number of turtles seen on individual ponds. For example, if this method was not used it is possible that more turtles would be observed in the ponds monitored during the afternoon, when the sun is strong and basking is likely.

     At every survey point, each team monitored for at least a half an hour. If there was a chance that the monitors disturbed the turtles in their approach, then they would stay longer to see if the turtles would come out again.

     As a rule, we counted only the maximum number of turtles spotted at one time. This ensured that there was not double counting of the turtles. For example, if we saw three turtles basking on a log, and then one went into the water, and later two more came up, we could not be sure if it was the same turtles or different turtles that had come back. Instead of counting five turtles, we would count four, as the maximum seen at one time.

     However, not all turtles in the wetlands are necessarily western pond turtles. It was important that we identified whether the turtles we observed were actually western pond turtles or red-eared sliders and counted them separately. We were also aware that there may be other types of turtles, such as the western painted turtle and snapping turtle, and were ready to document any unknown turtles we saw.

     It was also very important that we surveyed each habitat feature in the various water bodies only once. This was another technique we used to avoid double counting. For example, if we were surveying two sites at Stewart Pond, which has a basking log in the center, we would only observe that log at one point; we would survey unique habitat features at the second point. 

     Beyond collecting information about the turtles at each site, we also recorded other environmental data. We recorded the air temperature and described the precipitation, wind patterns and presence of sun and clouds. We also recorded the water temperature at each site. The water temperature was taken at the end of each monitoring session to avoid disturbing the turtles. We did not enter the water body to take the temperature, but put the thermometer as far into the water as possible without entering it ourselves. Lastly, we recorded and counted any other animal species we saw while monitoring. 

Katelyn taking the water temperature at Turtle Swale.

Katelyn watching for WPTs at Turtle Swale.