The Endangered Turtle That Survives in México's Driest River: Sonoyta Mud Turtle
Channel: Tucson Herpetological Society
Date: 26/01/2021

The Sonoyta mud turtle (Kinosternon sonoriense longifemorale) is an endangered sub-species that inhabits a small portion of the Río Sonoyta basin in Sonora, México and Arizona, USA. Groundwater overuse has affected the Sonoyta regional aquifer and reduced flow in the Río Sonoyta and Quitobaquito springs, which has resulted in decreased habitat available for the Sonoyta mud turtle and two native species of fish. In 2003, there were seven locations with populations of Sonoyta mud turtle, but now there are only four in México and one more in the United States (Quitobaquito).

In this project, we are studying the population and trophic ecology of the Sonoyta mud turtle at some of these remaining populations. We have conducted preliminary genetic analyses to help guide population management efforts and diet analyses to better understand what might be limiting populations. We are also using mark-recapture and telemetry techniques to estimate population sizes and study potential connectivity among sites. Finally, we are assessing the potential a new reach of the river, supported by secondary treated wastewater, to provide new habitat for Sonoyta mud turtles.

These turtles are adapted to inhabit in degraded wetlands and tolerate water deprivation for extended periods of time, but the habitat available in the Río Sonoyta basin may continue to be reduced to the point that it could be difficult to maintain healthy populations.
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Miguel Grageda is currently a graduate student pursuing a Doctorate in Natural Resources at the University of Arizona studying the impact of human development on the population of two endangered species that inhabit different habitats in the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve, Sonora, México: the Sonoyta Mud Turtle and the Sonoran Pronghorn.

Miguel was born in Mexico City and lived most of his early years in the state of San Luis Potosi, central Mexico. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management at Sul Ross State University in Texas and a Degree in Animal Science at the Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro in Coahuila, Mexico.

Miguel worked since 2015 at the Pinacate Biosphere Reserve in Sonora as Coordinator of the Natural Resources Management Area, and also worked for several years as part of the NGO Protección de la Fauna Mexicana (Protection of the Mexican Fauna) in efforts to protect threatened species and developing management studies for Protected Areas in the Chihuahuan Desert and the Sierra Madre Oriental.

He has been involved in projects with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Grupo de Ecologia y Conservacion de Islas (GECI) (Ecology and Conservation of Islands Group), and Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) (México's National Natural Protected Areas Commission).

Miguel is also a passionate conservation photographer, that spends part of his time documenting the rich diversity of ecosystems in northern México and the situations that affect their integrity.

Michael Bogan is freshwater ecologist and an assistant professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. He studies the impact of natural disturbances (e.g. droughts, floods) and anthropogenic water use on aquatic species and biodiversity in streams and springs across the southwestern USA and northwestern México. Michael has been working in the Sonoran region as an ecologist since 2000. He earned his Master’s and doctoral degrees at Oregon State University, and worked as a postdoctoral researcher at University of California Berkeley, before starting his current position at the University of Arizona in early 2016.