Aquatic Turtle Population Stream Study, Parkville MO, Rush Creek

Under the joint research leadership of Dr. Jeffery Kimmons, Hunter Springer, and myself, a comprehensive study was undertaken to investigate the aquatic turtle population residing in Rush Creek, a prominent waterway near downtown Parkville, MO. Our focus encompassed multiple species commonly observed in the area, including the Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina), Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta), Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and Eastern Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera). As these species possess the ability to traverse land, they have the potential to form a burgeoning community in this region. By employing a meticulous methodology involving turtle capture and data collection, our research aims to uncover significant insights into the population dynamics and the overall ecosystem of this habitat.