Spring Movement Patterns of Two Radio-tagged 
Male Spotted Turtles 
Jeff Lovich 
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory 
Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29801 
ABSTRACT . — Spring movements of male spotted turtles ( Clemmys 
guttata ) on the upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina may be extensive. 
Movement in 24 hours for two turtles equipped with small radio 
transmitters ranged from 0 to 423 m. The typical activity pattern 
involved a series of movements throughout each pond that was occupied, 
followed by overland travel to the next nearest body of water. Back- 
tracking to previously occupied habitats was observed only once. 
These movements may reflect mate-search activity and support the 
concept of “transient behavior.” 
Males turtles of many species appear to move greater distances 
than females at certain times of the year (Chelazzi and Francisci 1979, 
Morreale et al. 1984, Parker 1984, Berry 1986, Gibbons 1986). This 
difference is thought to be representative of divergent reproductive 
strategies between the sexes, but other explanations for movement are 
possible, including seasonal migrations to and from overwintering sites 
and departure from an unsuitable habitat (Gibbons 1986). In general, 
the reproductive strategy hypothesis predicts that male reproductive 
success is dependent on the number of mating opportunities available 
(Trivers 1972, Williams 1975, Maynard Smith 1978). Under this assump- 
tion, a male turtle’s reproductive success could benefit by increasing 
movements in search of females during the breeding season (Morreale et 
al. 1984). Occasionally, movements are extensive and some males may 
act as “transients,” moving regularly throughout the active season 
without recrossing areas previously traversed (Kiester et al. 1982, Parker 
1984). Observations of the spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata (Schneider), 
made during a study of its seasonal activity patterns in South Carolina 
(Lovich 1988), support the concept of extensive movements by males 
during the breeding season. The purpose of this note is to report those 
observations. 
The study site was located along Risher Road on the Savannah 
River Plant in Barnwell Co., S.C. This area is characterized by scattered, 
shallow, ephemeral marshes, and cypress-tupelo ponds separated by 
pine plantations and clearcuts. Two adult male C. guttata , designated 
ACJ and ACI, were collected on 2 March 1987 and equipped with small 
Brimleyana 16:67-71, July 1990 
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