RTPI and SUNY JCC studying Spiny Softshell Turtles
This fall we have two interns from SUNY Jamestown Community College working with us on the study and research of the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) population present in the Chadakoin River, located mere moments from our campus in Jamestown, New York. The state-listed turtle is listed as “special concern” and we are thankful to have this nearby area where we have found them successfully nesting. The Chadakoin River has a history of being surrounded by development and industry, making contamination of various sorts and water quality major concerns. However, the...
Read MoreTurtle time before autumn cold
Intensive surveys and research are underway this fall with SUNY JCC interns on the Spiny Softshell Turtles in and around Jamestown. Yesterday our crew stepped into their world, literally, and got wet in the Chadakoin River. It is time to get busy before we get any further into autumn! The first real blast of cold air will arrive this weekend. It’s now or never for field research…
Read MoreEastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera)
The past few sunny days have been enjoyable for humans and turtles alike! This adult female Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera) was in the process of hauling herself out of the water to soak up some rays when RTPI staff and JCC interns spotted her and a few others doing the same along the Chadakoin River. Observational work will continue until the turtles go into hibernation later this fall, and we encourage all of you that may be out seeing or observing them to let us know what you are finding. We love to hear where else they are being found and this information is helpful in...
Read MoreEastern Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera)
We’re still finding time to monitor the Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtles (Apalone spinifera) with our SUNY interns whenever possible. Right now they are moving around a lot and the weather has not been favorable for our work but here are a few of the 11 that I recorded today.
Read MoreEastern Spiny Softshell Turtle diving
RTPI staff and SUNY interns have been watching our submarine-like friends in the Chadakoin River all weekend, too.
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