Musk Turtle Data Needed

by Eric Munscher 

The North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (NAFTRG) recently gave a presentation on demographic variation of the common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus) in the southeast United States in the presence of congeners. We presented preliminary data from sites in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Tennessee, and throughout Florida. We are looking for more data from other researchers to join in a potentially southeastern range wide manuscript on the subject. Specifically data from systems that contain S. odoratus and Sternotherus carinatus and Sternotherus depressus in sympatric relationships to each other. Data from all habitat types is welcome. We are looking for are body measurements; specifically carapace, plastron lengths, and head widths. Researchers who are willing to share data would be considered coauthors on any manuscript written on this topic. For more information, please contact Eric Munscher.