Written by Ethan Hancock, 2024 undergraduate summer intern hosted by Dr. Travis Thomas at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station
I spent this past summer working with Dr. Travis Thomas’ team on turtle sampling in the Lake George system.
Lake George
Lake George is located in the Ocala National Forest and is the second largest freshwater lake in the state. Recent vegetation dies offs have essentially left the lake void of any vegetation and the lack of vegetation could impact many freshwater species including turtles. In the spring of 2024, FWC began a habitat restoration and a vegetation monitoring project. Dr. Thomas’ team began the project to ascertain how the turtle population is doing and whether the turtles affect the vegetation restoration. I was fortunate to be able to join the team and aide in the capture and data collection of the turtles. This inaugural project has been a once in a lifetime experience and one that will further my understanding and research.
Methods and Data Collection
We spent a week each month on Lake George to gather turtles for processing. It was a learning experience for the entire team as Lake George is unique in its depth. We had to utilize several different methods to gather enough turtles for data collection. The first method used was seining, which we used several times throughout the summer. By seining we were able to collect not only turtles but fish. Another method was one that had not been tried by anyone on the team and it was “rodeoing.” This method included partnering with FWC and the use of their airboat. The team members would locate a turtle close to the shore and then the boat would go as close as possible for a team member to disembark and grab the turtles. After collection, the team would process the turtles using calibers to measure the turtles’ carapace and plastron; as well as hand scales to collect their mass. We also collect claw samples. The data was recorded and will be used for analysis of population abundance and diet content.
Conclusion
Being a part of this team was amazing and something I am extremely proud of. The professionalism and dedication of each person I worked with was not only appreciated but examples I will take with me throughout my career. I will be using the data collected to complete my Undergraduate thesis. Being a part of the NCBS internship program was a great opportunity and one I am blessed to have received. I want to personally thank UF WEC program, FWC, and NCBS for this project. I look forward to continuing the Lake George project in the future.
| Follow the link to learn more about the UF/IFAS NCBS Undergraduate Summer Internship program. Read more intern blogs here. |
Featured image credit: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones
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