Santa Fe River Turtle Project
STATUS
Ongoing / Partner Program
Region
Region Florida, U.S.A.
Protected Species
Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle
Macrochelys suwanniensis
Vulnerable
Suwannee Cooter
Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis
Vulnerable
Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Sternotherus minor
Least Concern
Striped Mud Turtle
Kinosternon baurii
Near Threatened
+7 Others
About the Program
The Turtle Conservancy partners with the Santa Fe River Turtle Project (SFRTP), a collaborative effort by scientists, students, and citizens to study and conserve native turtles in the Santa Fe River in northern Florida. This partnership enables Turtle Conservancy supporters to donate directly to the SFRTP, ensuring that the project has necessary supplies to sustain long-term research and conservation work. Since its founding in 2004 by Professor Jerry Johnston, the SFRTP has captured, examined, measured, marked, and released more than 12,000 turtles with the help of hundreds of dedicated volunteers. The project also promotes the conservation of the entire Santa Fe River ecosystem, engaging students and citizens in hands-on research and community education.
Help us protect this unique freshwater ecosystem
Fundraising Goal: $50,000
To support more research and surveys in 2025
Donate Now
Approximately 10% of all North American freshwater turtle species inhabit this river system, making it one of the most important hotspots for turtle diversity on the continent.This unique ecosystem, located in a region with the highest concentration of large artesian springs on Earth, is vulnerable to numerous threats, including habitat degradation, recreational activities, and poaching. By studying the turtles and their environment, the SFRTP seeks to understand human impacts on these populations and provide critical information for their protection.
Surveying the river to collect data on turtles
Loggerhead Musk Turtle underwater (Sternotherus minor)
A student catching a turtle
Major threats
Declining water quality and quantity from springs has altered the submerged aquatic vegetation in many parts of the Santa Fe River. A significant die-off of native plants in 2012–2013 was followed by recolonization by algae and cyanobacteria. This shift in the foundation of the food web can profoundly affect turtles in a variety of ways, as each of the 11 species occupies a unique ecological niche.
Recreational boating is a common activity on the Santa Fe River, but high-speed boats pose a serious threat to turtles. Many are unable to swim away in time, and collisions may result in fatal injuries. Suwannee Cooters (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) are particularly vulnerable, with more than 20% of captured individuals showing injuries caused by boat strikes.
Habitat Degradation
Healthy
The Santa Fe River is located in a region with the highest concentration of large artesian springs on Earth, and its spring-fed habitats provide a unique refuge for a diverse array of plants and animals.
DYING
Declining quality and quantity of water flowing from springs has caused changes in the submersed aquatic vegetation in many parts of the Santa Fe River ecosystem.
DEAD
A major die-off of native plants in 2012-2013 was subsequently followed by recolonization by algae and cyanobacteria.
HOW WE PROTECT THE SPECIES
Educating local citizens about the globally unique chelonian diversity in their backyard is key to addressing many of the threats facing turtles in the Santa Fe River ecosystem. By informing the community about the challenges these turtles face, the project fosters a sense of stewardship.
The SFRTP also provides valuable hands-on experience to students, who play a central role in the project. Many go on to become scientists and educators, amplifying the project’s impact beyond the local community.
At the heart of the SFRTP is a long-term capture-mark-recapture study spanning the entire Santa Fe River ecosystem. This research covers 11 native turtle species and has yielded valuable insights into population dynamics, life history, spatial ecology, and habitat use. Recent studies have tested the use of satellite telemetry to track turtle movements and to examine such environmental contaminants as heavy metals in their blood.
The project has also revealed fascinating behaviors, such as long-distance migrations by Suwannee Cooters. One female was tracked traveling about 80 miles rom a spring in the Santa Fe River to the mouth of the Suwannee River, then back again on a remarkable 161-mile round-trip journey.
Snorkeling is one of the techniques used to catch turtles
Male Suwannee River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis)
An adult Suwannee River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) underwater
Juvenile Suwannee River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis)
Students processing a turtle to collect data
Releasing a turtle
Hatchling Suwannee River Cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis)
Partners
