Herp Club Aug: The Conowingo Dam & the Microbiome of Maryland’s Endangered Northern Map Turtle

Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) are an endangered species in Maryland that faces significant habitat disturbances due to human activity and urbanization. One of the main factors contributing to habitat alteration of Northern Map Turtles in Maryland is the Conowingo Hydroelectric Dam, which bisects the population and contributes to its fragmentation. The combined effects that these anthropogenic stressors have on Map Turtle health is not known, but could be explored by studying the microbiome. Defined as the microorganisms living on and within a host, the microbiome has been studied as an indicator of organismal health and used to inform wildlife management. This presentation discusses the potential impact that the Conowingo Dam and other man-made stressors may have on Northern Map Turtles by exploring the microbiome. The work discussed here has the potential to impact future conservation efforts of Northern Map Turtles in Maryland.