Assessing terrestrial movements of Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) using iNaturalist Canada

Abstract

Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) is known to be a highly aquatic species, yet it is occasionally found away from waterbodies. If such movements are common, then road mortality may pose a substantial risk to the species. We examined iNaturalist Canada observations of Eastern Musk Turtle on roads and found 15 in which individuals were >25 m from water. The median distance to the nearest permanent waterbody was 100 m (range 30–330 m). All observations that were ≥100 m from the nearest waterbody occurred from mid-July onward, suggesting that the movements were not related to nesting activity. At least under some circumstances, Eastern Musk Turtle can move >100 m away from waterbodies increasing the risk of road mortality.