Page 47 - Knighted_Issue2.0

Avis Toole

Baited Hoop Trap Techniques

Abstract

Baited hoop trapping is a technique used by Middle Georgia State University students to
catch turtles and study them for research. Although there are other techniques to capture turtles
such as seine nets and floating traps, we will discuss the proper techniques and our success with
using baited hoop traps. Briefly, the traps are opened up on land and baited with a mesh bag
containing sardines in oil. Once the hoops are baited they are anchored on land with rope and
thrown into a body of water where the turtles naturally reside. Once all hoops are in place, they
are checked every other day and turtles are removed, marked, and then released back into the
MGA ponds.

Introduction

Two different ponds on the Middle Georgia State University Macon campus were
surveyed. One pond had high manipulation, whereas the other pond had low manipulation. The
highly manipulated pond was not the ideal habitat for turtle trapping since it contained cement
walls and pipes running from both ends. The other location with the low manipulation suggested
a more ideal location for turtle trapping, because the pond resembles a more natural habitat for
the turtles. This pond did not contain cement walls, nor did it contain a water fountain with
running pipes. Therefore, there were fewer disturbances in the low manipulated water, which laid
out a calmer environment for the turtles.

Why Turtle Trap?

Turtle trapping allows scientists to assess the populations of specific turtles species. The
majority of turtles that have been collected on the MGA campus have been sliders (Trachemys
scripta). If for some reason the success rate drops dramatically in a location, that signifies that
something is going on in the turtle’s habitat that is declining their populations. This has allowed
us to keep track of the number of species that inhabits each pond on the Macon MGA campus.
We have been successful with trapping 27 slider turtles (Trachemys scripta), 4 snapping turtles
(Chelydraserpentina), and 2 mud turtles (Kinosternonsubrubrun), but we hope to be able to
catch more species.

Materials and Methods

Using baited hoop nets proposes the highest success rate for trapping turtles. One side of
the hoop trap had an opening that allowed the turtles to enter the trap. The other side was closed,