Comparing Activity Patterns and Aquatic Home Range Areas Among Exotic and Native Turtles in Southern Spain

Abstract

We radiotracked individuals of the exotic aquatic turtle Trachemys scripta elegans and 2 coexisting species of native turtles (Mauremys leprosa and Emys orbicularis) in southern Spain. Aquatic home range areas differed among species only in winter, when T. s. elegans moved in larger areas and showed shorter inactivity periods than the native turtles. Differences in these activity patterns may provide an advantage for individuals of the exotic species, which were already moving widely when native turtles started their posthibernation activity and would have been expected to be recolonizing their home ranges in depleted physical condition.