SPENCE POND TURTLES, 2007

Chrysemys picta belli, the painted turtle, is a Sensitive-Critical species in Oregon and is threatened in many other U.S. locales. Much of its native habitat is being overrun by either agriculture or suburban expansion. In order to better understand the relationships between these turtles and their changing environment, it is necessary to begin characterizing them at the genetic level. This proposed study will launch molecular genetics studies in Oregon’s painted turtles by first exploring and optimizing methods for tissue collection and DNA isolation, and second, beginning to characterize DNA markers (microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA) from turtles on both the west and the east side of the state. This information will be used to understand historical and future migrations (demographics), as well as to provide a genetic fingerprint for each individual turtle captured in the study. The proposed work will be accomplished in one year. I am also interested in understanding the molecular phylogeny of these turtles, which will allow us to begin developing phylogenetic trees. Ultimately, this work will both provide a basis for understanding the evolution of painted turtles in Oregon and begin to establish a baseline for monitoring gene flow in Oregon’s painted turtle populations.