Technical Reports Document Library

The purpose of this study was to investigate the instream flow requirements and basic habitat characteristics of the Cagle’s Map Turtle in the Guadalupe River system. The study area was from the upper Guadalupe River (near Ingram) to the lower Guadalupe River (near Tivoli ). The turtle’s population appears to be steady (declining in one area), based on comparisons of population data from this study with that of other studies. The Cagle’s Map Turtle appears to be impacted by physical obstructions in the river more than by varying flow regimes. The study was completed in April 2002 by West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas.

[From Introduction]
West Texas A&M University was contracted by the Edwards Aquifer Authority to conduct an assessment of the instream flow and habitat requirements for the Cagle’s Map Turtle (Graptemys caglei) in the Guadalupe River. The team was to conduct independent research while working closely with the Project Management Team of the Guadalupe River Instream Flow (GRIF) Study.

The objectives of the study were to:
• Estimate relative abundance of Graptemys caglei.
• Correlate occurrences of Graptemys caglei with detailed physical morphometric maps of stream reaches within the main stream of the Guadalupe River.
• Develop field based habitat association of Graptemys caglei using instream flow methodologies and other techniques.
• Determine instream flow requirements of Graptemys caglei.
• Address water quality parameters and predict attenuation or degradation of water quality in stream segments.

[From Discussion]
Three stream segments were identified that, based on the presence of suitable habitat, lacked predicted populations of Graptemys caglei. In all cases the stream segments lie below either municipal and/or industrial outfalls.

Below Geronimo Creek and the outfall from the City of Sequin a fine precipitate was found on the substrate. Benthic organism density and diversity was reduced in the area. Surber sample results revealed that as the sediments decreased downstream, both benthics and Graptemys caglei populations increased. The traditional water quality parameter list is effective in monitoring nutrient loading and potential for fecal and waste contamination but the list does not address a wide array of inorganic and organic chemicals that could have an effect on the stream ecosystem such as pesticides and herbicides used on lawns and recreational areas.

Additional research is needed to determine why benthic diversity and abundance and Graptemys caglei populations decrease below these areas. Other factors such as disturbance by recreational activities, shooting and periodic habitat disturbance by construction in the streambed and the use of temporary coffer dams should be addressed.