Radiotelemetry Reveals Terrestrial Estivation in Sonoran Mud Turtles (Kinosternon Sonoriense)

Drought-related survival strategies were examined in a population of Sonoran Mud Turtles (Kinosternon sonoriense) inhabiting an ephemeral stream in the Peloncillo Mountains, New Mexico. Behavioral responses to seasonal drying of the habitat were investigated via radiotelemetry and repeated sampling of the resident population. All transmittered turtles were observed engaging in terrestrial dormancy for periods of 11-34 days. Two nontransmittered turtles remained in a small puddle through the drought, and no turtles were observed migrating to permanent bodies of water. Our results indicate that estivation is the dominant drought-survival strategy employed by K. sonoriense in our study population.