Demography of Alligator Snapping Turtles along a Fishing Pressure Gradient

Luke T. Micek
Graduate Researcher

Stephen F. Austin State University, Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

Webinar Description:

Passive fishing gear (e.g., trotlines, limblines, juglines) are often abandoned, creating a persistent and poorly understood threat to aquatic wildlife. The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), the largest freshwater turtle species in North America, is particularly vulnerable due to its large body size and scavenging behavior, which increases the risk of bycatch and hook ingestion. Populations of Alligator Snapping Turtle have declined significantly across their range, prompting heightened conservation concern. However, few studies have directly measured the extent of passive fishing gear in freshwater systems or its demographic impacts on turtle populations. This study aimed to quantify the persistence of passive fishing gear and assess its impacts on demographic parameters of Alligator Snapping Turtle. We employed passive acoustic telemetry, a novel monitoring approach for monitoring freshwater turtle populations. Understanding how passive fishing pressure affects Alligator Snapping Turtle populations is critical for developing effective management and recovery strategies.

Bio:

Luke Micek earned his B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his M.S. in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University. He has worked on a variety of conservation projects across the U.S., involving greater sage grouse, piping plovers, bobwhite quail, herpetofauna, small mammals, and more. His experience includes roles with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Iowa State University, Utah State University, and the University of Nebraska. Outside of work, Luke enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors.

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