Turtles are one of the most imperiled groups of organisms. The turtle populations in Hong Kong are of global importance owing to the rampant trapping pressure elsewhere. Basic information, such as distribution and population status, is lacking for lowland freshwater turtles in Hong Kong, which makes conservation difficult, if not impossible. In this project, the project team investigated the distribution and population status of native and exotic turtles in lowland habitats, including reservoirs, marshes, fishponds and streams, throughout Hong Kong. All native turtle species were rare and only two of the five species, Mauremys reevesii and Platysternon megacephalum, were detected. This finding highlights the critical status of all native species of freshwater turtles in Hong Kong. Conversely, the exotic red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are widespread, particularly in reservoirs, with robust populations persisting in some reservoirs. Additionally, the team aimed to determine the impacts of red-eared sliders on the native ecosystem. To achieve this, the team applied two complimentary methods, fecal analysis and stable isotope analysis, to examine the diet of native Reeve's terrapins (Mauremys reevesii) and exotic red-eared sliders. Both species consumed a wide range of animals, with high contributions from fish. From the results of stable isotope analysis, the dietary niches of the two species overlapped considerably which reveals potential competition between the two species. The results of this project provide useful information to aid conservation of the native species of freshwater turtles and management of red-eared sliders in Hong Kong.
Principal Investigator | Dr. SUNG Yik Hei, Professor Chris WONG |
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Affiliation | Hong Kong Baptist University |
Co-investigators | Dr. Jonathan FONG, Dr. Caroline DINGLE, Dr. Ricky SPENCER |
Period | 2018–2020 |
Funding Source | Environment and Conservation Fund |
Information Source: Dr. SUNG Yik Hei