Next Article in Journal
Research on Magnetic Rollers for Recovering Non-Ferrous Metals from End-of-Life Vehicles Employing Machine Learning
Previous Article in Journal
Corridors Construction and Development Strategies for Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Study about the Yangtze River Economic Belt
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
Sustainability
Volume 15
Issue 18
10.3390/su151813450
sustainability-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Modelling the Distribution of Three Invasive Freshwater Turtles in Mainland Guadeloupe: Analysis of Their Presence, Abundance and Co-Occurrence

by
Jeffey Mackenzy Paul
1,2,*,
Frank Cézilly
2,
Etienne Bezault
1,2 and
Christopher Cambrone
2
1
UMR BOREA, CNRS 8067, MNHN, IRD, Sorbonne Université, Université Caen Normandie, Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, F-97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
2
Caribaea Initiative, c/o Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, F-97110 Pointe-à-Pitre, France
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13450; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813450
Submission received: 9 June 2023 / Revised: 3 September 2023 / Accepted: 4 September 2023 / Published: 8 September 2023
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation)
Browse Figure
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The presence of invasive alien species in Caribbean islands is symptomatic of deleterious human impacts on ecosystems. In Guadeloupe, three invasive freshwater turtles (Pelusios castaneus, Trachemys stejnegeri and T. scripta) have been introduced, from colonial times up to the 20th century. However, little information exists on their current distribution and relative abundance. We surveyed 62 undrained sites in Guadeloupe to identify the presence and relative abundance of exotic freshwater turtles from visual observations. We then relied on statistical models to identify factors affecting spatial variation in turtle occupancy (presence/absence) rate and abundance. We found significant positive spatial co-occurrence between the two Trachemys species, suggesting that they tend to select similar habitats and to be active at the same time. In contrast, the spatial distribution of the two Trachemys species appeared to be independent of that of P. castaneus. Model selection indicated that the degree of anthropization around survey sites had contrasting effects on both the presence and abundance of turtles, being positive for Trachemys species and negative for P. castaneus. A comparison with previous reports indicated that Trachemys species have extended their spatial distribution in Guadeloupe and may have become more abundant than P. castaneus. We discuss the relevance of our results to the understanding of the invasion dynamics of exotic turtles and make recommendations for future research.

1. Introduction

The presence of invasive species in the insular Caribbean, one of the main hotspots of biodiversity in the world [1], is a major threat to its endemic flora and fauna [2]. Indeed, island ecosystems are more sensitive to invasive species than mainland ones [3]. The presence of invasive alien species in various Caribbean islands [4,5] is symptomatic of human impact [6] that can have deleterious effects on various types of ecosystems [7].
A few biological invasions in the Caribbean islands might be the consequence of the natural expansion of the distribution range of some species, such as, for instance, the Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis [8] or the Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis [9]. However, most invasive species were accidentally or intentionally introduced in the insular Caribbean by humans [2], especially reptiles [4,10], and facilitated by both the economic and trade dependence of Caribbean islands on continental countries and the multiplicity of introduction pathways [11]. Invasive freshwater turtles, in particular, are emblematic cases of human introduction of reptiles in the insular Caribbean [12] and are a threat to endemic freshwater turtles in the Greater Antilles [12], either through competition, transfer of pathogens or hybridization [13,14]. Three invasive freshwater turtles have been introduced in Guadeloupe, French West Indies. The African slider, Pelusios castaneus [15], was first introduced during the slave trade [5,16]. Two other invasive turtles were introduced in Guadeloupe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Trachemys stejnegeri, originating from Puerto Rico [17], was intentionally introduced in an attempt to acclimatize the species to the local environment [18]. In contrast, the Florida slider, T. scripta, was introduced through the pet trade, and then released by owners into the natural environment [5,17,19,20,21,22]. Although T. scripta is subdivided into three subspecies [23], only T. scripta elegans is known to occur in the French West Indies [5,17]. This species is noticeably on the list of the 100 most invasive species in the world [21]. According to the decree of 7 July 2020, the three species are currently classified as invasive in the French Antilles and are prohibited from trade, transport and circulation by French legislation [24]. Although there exists no endemic species of freshwater turtle in Guadeloupe, and elsewhere in the Lesser Antilles, invasive turtles could be a threat to the biodiversity, dynamics and functional ecology of local aquatic ecosystems [13,14,20,22,25]. However, although they were introduced several decades ago, their spatial distribution and relative abundance in the French Antilles have been seldom documented (see however [26]) and available information for Guadeloupe is limited to casual observations, with no recent update [10].
Here, we report new and original results on the distribution, abundance and co-occurrence of the three species of invasive freshwater turtles in Guadeloupe. We first relied on count data [27,28] to document their spatial distribution, habitat occupancy and relative abundance [28]. We then developed statistical models [29,30,31,32], to identify factors affecting their distribution in Guadeloupe and map priority areas for potential regulation/eradication. We discuss the relevance of our results to the study and control of invasive freshwater turtles in the insular Caribbean.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

Guadeloupe consists of an archipelago composed of several islands in the central Lesser Antilles arc. We restricted our survey to the two main islands of the Guadeloupe archipelago, Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre, which are connected by bridges over a narrow strait. The eastern island of Grande-Terre consists of limestone formations, with a maximum height of 177 m, whereas the western island of Basse-Terre is a volcanic chain, with a maximum height of 1467 m. As a consequence, the vast majority of ponds are found on Grande-Terre, where natural ones are fed by groundwater or surface-flowing rainwater [33]. Two important artificial lakes, Barrage de Letaye (Le Moule, 97160) and Barrage de Gaschet (Port-Louis, 97117), have been landscaped as water supplies for agriculture or private use, and several artificial ponds have been created for animal watering and micro-irrigation. In addition to exotic turtles, various plant and animal species can be found in both permanent and temporary natural ponds, as well as, to a certain extent, in artificial ones, including waterbirds [34], exotic amphibian species such as the Cane Toad, Rhinella marina [18], and several insect species, including some of patrimonial interest such as Orthemis macrostigma (Odonata) [35].

2.2. Count Data and Selection of Variables

To obtain representative data on the distribution, abundance and co-occurrence of invasive turtles in Guadeloupe, we carried out a survey of potentially suitable sites over 29 days, from 4 July to 2 August 2022. We first selected 162 sites on the basis of 1 km2 quadrats covering the entire mainland of Guadeloupe (Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre regions). Within each quadrat, the water point with the largest surface area was preselected [36]. Given that the Caribbean islands are subject to climatic droughts [37], which likely affect wetlands [38], preliminary visits were carried out to identify undrained sites for counting.
At each undrained site, a count using binoculars and telescopes [39] was conducted in the morning between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. by two independent trained observers (JMP and CC) at the same site, thus allowing us to reduce detection error and bias associated with counting individuals [40,41,42]. At each site, counting points were established 200 m apart, with the number of counting points varying from 1 to 10, depending on the size of the pond. This distance between points was set to avoid double counting between two nearby points. At each point, turtles were searched for and counted for five minutes by each observer simultaneously. Species were identified based on head morphology criteria [13,15,23]. Trachemys individuals that could not be assigned to one of the two species were simply considered as Trachemys spp.
In addition, two environmental variables, i.e., degree of sunlight (potentially affecting the basking behavior and, hence, the observability of turtles [12,43]) and the presence of ardeid species (egrets and herons), which are potential predators of juvenile turtles [44,45], were collected at each site.
For all counted sites, the exact surface area of ponds was calculated using Google Earth online software (v. 7.3.6.9345). To do so, polygons were drawn following the shores of ponds from orthophotos taken in 2021. In addition, polygons delimiting anthropized areas (corresponding to urban areas, industrial plants, agriculture and intensive grazing) were drawn to estimate the surface of anthropized areas around the count sites within a circle with a 500 m radius, with the approximate barycenter of the ponds at its center. Then, the percentage of the anthropized surface was calculated for each pond by dividing the sum of the surfaces of polygons representing anthropized areas within the circle by the total surface of the latter. All drawn polygons can be visualized at: https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1RFbYCIim4kgbVnjEr63aumjZ78miSITc?usp=sharing (accessed on 10 May 2023).

2.3. Statistical Analysis and Model Selection

All count points from each site were pooled together and according to the counter before analysis. First analyses were performed on each species separately and for Trachemys species after pooling data for T. scripta and T. stejnegeri. For each species (or genus) and for sites where at least one individual was observed, we used Spearman rank-correlation tests and Wilcoxon matched-sample tests to assess agreement between the two observers [46].
To determine the level of spatial co-occurrence between species, we used the Veech probabilistic model [47] provided by the cooccur package in R [48,49], based solely on the presence/absence data of the species at the different sites. This probabilistic model was used to determine whether there was a positive, negative or random association between the studied species within the considered sites [48]. We performed pairwise co-occurrence analyses between the three species and then between P. castaneus and genus Trachemys.
We relied on GLM analyses [50,51,52] to assess the factors affecting the presence and abundance (including zeros) of the three turtle species [51,52]. We used a binomial logistic GLM model to analyze presence/absence data and a negative binomial zero-inflated GLM model for abundance data [53], using the pscl package in R due to the excess of zeros in the distribution [54,55]. In each case, we built a full model with additive variables without interaction for presence/absence and relative abundance data. We checked for multicollinearity of variables using variance inflation factors (VIFs) [56] before running the full model. Interactions were not taken into account because of multicollinearity between selected variables. VIF values close to 1 indicate a lack of collinearity between variables. The full model included five variables, which are described in Table 1.
Type of GLM (Y ~ (Region + Area + Anthropisation + Ardeidae + Sunshine))
Using the MuMIn package in R [57], we generated several candidate models and ranked them according to Akaike’s Information Criteria, corrected for small sample sizes (AICc). We assessed the level of reliability and goodness-of-fit of each model using Pearson’s residual test [58,59]. Following recommendations from [60,61], we considered all models with ΔAICc < 4 compared to the best model (i.e., the model with the lowest AICc) as informative. We then proceeded to model averaging and assessed the significance of each variable from the averaged model (AICcmodavg). A variable was considered to be significant if its 95% confidence interval (CI) did not include zero [62,63].

3. Results

Following preliminary visits, we retained 62 undrained sites distributed over Grande-Terre (n = 51) and Basse-Terre (n = 11) for our survey of invasive turtles. Irrespective of species, we detected the presence of invasive turtles at 46 of these sites (74.19%), out of which only 2 were located on the island of Basse-Terre. Occupancy rate (presence/absence) by invasive turtles differed significantly between the two islands (Figure 1; Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.0001).

3.1. Spatial Variation in Occupancy Rate between Species

Based on the identification at species level, occupancy rate differed significantly between the three species (Table 2; Chi-square test, χ2 = 21.35, d.f. = 2, p < 0.0001). T. scripta had a significantly higher occupancy rate than both T. stejnegeri (χ2 = 6.33, d.f. = 1, p < 0.05) and P. castaneus (χ2 = 21.09, d.f. = 1, p < 0.0001), and T. stejnegeri had a significantly higher occupancy rate than P. castaneus (χ2 = 4.82, d.f. = 1, p < 0.05).
The Veech probabilistic model (Table 3) further indicated that the presence of the two Trachemys species was significantly associated among sites, and was independent of that of P. castaneus.
The five variables used to model the occupancy rate of Trachemys turtles were found to be weakly collinear (VIF [1.48; 1.69]). Pearson’s residual deviance test indicated that the binomial model fitted the data correctly (dispersion = 0.928, d.f. = 53, p > 0.05). A total of five sub-models were considered (ΔAICc < 4; Table 4) and used to build the averaging model. In the averaging model, both region (CI [0.818; 4.496]) and the percentage of anthropization (CI [0.193; 7.104]) had a significant influence on Trachemys occupancy rate, with a higher probability of presence with increasing level of anthropization around the survey sites.
Similarly, the five variables used to model the occupancy rate of P. castaneus were weakly collinear (VIF [1.00; 1.54]) and the binomial model fitted correctly to the data (dispersion = 0.797, d.f. = 55, p > 0.05). A total of seven sub-models were considered (ΔAICc < 4; Table 4) and used to build the averaging model. Only the level of sunshine (CI [−4.133; −0.618]) had a significant and negative influence on P. castaneus occupancy.

3.2. Spatial Variation in Abundance between Species

There was a positive correlation between the counts made by the two observers (JMP and CC) for each taxon (Spearman rank-correlation coefficient; T. scripta: rs = 0.901, n = 37, p < 0.0001; T. stejnegeri: rs = 0.742, n = 23, p < 0.0001; genus Trachemys: rs = 0.928, n = 42, p < 0.0001; and P. castaneus: rs = 0.634, n = 12, p < 0.05). In addition, for each taxon, there was no significant difference between the two observers in the number of turtles counted at each site (Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples; T. scripta: V = 194.5, n = 37, p > 0.05; T. stejnegeri: V = 57.5, n = 23, p > 0.05; genus Trachemys: V = 277.5, n = 42, p > 0.05; and P. castaneus: V = 12, n = 12, p > 0.05). Therefore, we retained the maximum number of individuals of genus Trachemys and Pelusios observed by either one of the two observers at each site for subsequent analyses.
The abundance of Trachemys spp. showed an excess of zero (32.26% of the 62 sites). A zero-inflated negative binomial GLM (ZINB) provided a better fit to the data (dispersion = 1.276, d.f. = 43, p > 0.05) than a zero-inflated Poisson GLM (ZIP) did (dispersion = 11.491, d.f. = 44, p < 0.0001), and was thus retained for subsequent analyses. The variables used to build the different models showed weak collinearity (VIF [1.30; 1.98]). Model selection retained only one model (ΔAICc < 4; Table 5), which included region (CI [−3.826; −0.624]), the specific richness of ardeids (CI [0.356; 0.983]) and the percentage of anthropization (CI [0.889; 4.070]). Trachemys species were more abundant at sites with higher species richness of ardeids, in anthropized areas and in Grande-Terre compared to Basse-Terre.
In the case of P. castaneus, the ZINB model (dispersion = 0.801, d.f. = 47, p > 0.05) and the ZIP model (dispersion = 0.983, d.f. = 48, p > 0.05) fitted the data equally well. We however retained the ZINB model for further analysis. The variables included in the ZINB models showed weak collinearity (VIF [1.00; 1.58]). Model selection retained eight models (ΔAICc < 4; Table 5), from which the averaging model was built. Only anthropization significantly and negatively affected the abundance of P. castaneus (CI [−9.803; −0.081]).

4. Discussion

Our survey confirmed the presence of the three exotic species of freshwater turtles in mainland Guadeloupe and provided, for the first time, quantitative data on their relative abundance and spatial distribution. Overall, the two Trachemys species had a larger spatial occupancy and were more abundant than P. castaneus (see Figure 1), even though Trachemys species were introduced more recently than P. castaneus in Guadeloupe [5,12,17,18,19,21]. In addition, the two Trachemys co-occurred at surveyed sites more often than expected by chance, whereas their spatial distribution was independent of that of P. castaneus. Importantly, our results indicate that the degree of anthropization around survey sites has significant but contrasting effects on both the presence and abundance of Trachemys species and P. castaneus.
The dominance of the two Trachemys species, and particularly that of T. scripta elegans, might be the consequence of the large commercialization of the latter as pets in Guadeloupe in the past [5,19] and its known ability to become highly invasive after being released into the wild in the Caribbean region [64]. In comparison with previous data, our results suggest that the two Trachemys species have extended their spatial distribution in Guadeloupe. Indeed, Breuil [16] reported the presence of Trachemys species in 29% of the 21 surveyed sites inhabited by exotic freshwater turtles in mainland Guadeloupe in the 1990s, compared to about 91% of 46 surveyed sites inhabited by freshwater turtles in the present study. Many factors may have contributed to this expansion. First, although the sale and transport of Trachemys is currently banned in Guadeloupe [24], individuals of the two species might be collected occasionally by local people to be used as pets, before being eventually released at some distance from their original point of collection. As the general population/people of Guadeloupe seems to be unable to distinguish between the two Trachemys species (JMP and CC, personal observations), it is quite possible that such human-assisted movements, possibly over long distances, involve both species of Trachemys. The observed positive influence of the degree of anthropization on the presence and abundance of Trachemys species in Guadeloupe lends support to the hypothesis of an important role of human factors in their spatial expansion [65]. Similarly, the presence of both T. scripta and T. stejnegeri in anthropized habitats and close to major residential areas has been reported in other Caribbean islands [12,64,66].
Second, periods of flooding in the anthropized areas of Guadeloupe may also contribute to the spread of Trachemys species. The influence of floods on the displacement of freshwater turtles, such as Glyptemys insculpta [67], Graptemys flavimaculata [68], and Trachemys scripta [69] has previously been reported in the literature. Guadeloupe is regularly experiencing large floods as the drainage basins of the island streams remain poorly effective against heavy rainfall associated with tropical cyclones [70,71], whose intensities and frequency are expected to increase due to climate change [72]. In that respect, the role of natural flooding in the spatial dynamics of invasive turtles in Guadeloupe and elsewhere in the Caribbean islands experiencing similar local conditions may deserve further attention. To that end, GPS tags [73] could be used to track the movement and dispersal of freshwater turtles in anthropized areas susceptible to flooding.
Third, both Trachemys species, and possibly P. castaneus, might be well adapted today to the local environment in Guadeloupe and be self-sustainable without additional introductions. The wide alien distribution of freshwater turtles may not necessarily imply the establishment of reproducing populations but may in some areas be explained by the recruitment of new individuals through regular additional releases [74]. Indeed, Breuil [16] suggested that Trachemys species do not reproduce on mainland Guadeloupe. However, local climatic conditions in Guadeloupe fit particularly well with those associated with reproduction records of invasive populations of T. scripta [74]. In addition, observations of Trachemys in full courtship in the urban area of Les Abymes (Grande-Terre; see Video S1, Supplementary Materials) and regular observations of various ontogenic stages, including juveniles, are strongly suggestive that the Guadeloupe populations are reproducing. Definitive evidence, however, should be based on the presence of clutches of fertilized eggs and of neonates in the wild [75].
We observed significant and positive spatial co-occurrence between the two Trachemys species, suggesting that they tend to select similar habitats and to be active at the same time. Indeed, the two species have been shown to coexist in the wild without much interference in Puerto Rico [76] and may have similar ecological requirements. Further analyses, using molecular evidence, would be useful to determine if the two species still function as separate gene pools in Guadeloupe or if hybridization has been taking place as observed in Puerto Rico [13]. The joint distribution of Trachemys species was also significantly associated with the species richness of Ardeids. This finding is open to alternative, non-mutually exclusive, explanations. On the one hand, the presence of a large diversity of herons and egrets might be associated with some features of the environment, such as water depth and aquatic vegetation [77], that may also favor the presence of invasive turtles [43]. On the other hand, herons may gather at sites with a high turtle abundance to prey upon juveniles [44].
Conversely, the spatial distribution of the two Trachemys species appeared to be independent of that of P. castaneus, although this result may actually reflect weak statistical power due to the relatively low abundance of the latter species. More to the point, the two genera have different activity cycles [12,15], as P. castaneus is considered to be mainly crepuscular and nocturnal [15], with few sightings during the day, whereas the two species of Trachemys are known to be diurnal [12]. Our results on the presence of P. castaneus tend to confirm its crepuscular activity, with a lower number of observations under sunny conditions. However, the species might be declining in Guadeloupe. Indeed, its presence was detected in only 26% of the surveyed sites inhabited by exotic turtles in the present study, whereas Breuil [16] reported its presence in 100% of the 21 surveyed sites inhabited by exotic freshwater turtles in mainland Guadeloupe about 30 years ago. The observed negative influence of the degree of anthropization on both the presence and abundance of P. castaneus may contribute to explaining this apparent decline in relation to increasing levels of urbanization in Guadeloupe over the last 50 years [78].
The present study is a first step towards a more comprehensive understanding of the invasion dynamics of freshwater turtles in the French Antilles. Additional studies are necessary to provide a better spatial coverage, improve the estimation of local abundances, and assess their actual impact on the local biodiversity. In particular, a more detailed analysis of the diurnal and nocturnal distribution, abundance, and activity of the three invasive species is necessary to better assess their level of occurrence or spatial segregation in Guadeloupe and other Caribbean islands. This could be achieved by setting infra-red camera traps on artificial basking platforms in suitable sites [45,79]. This technique might also improve the assessment of turtle abundance if coupled with a capture–mark–recapture program [80]. As sampling techniques and observational surveys might involve a significant time and economic investment for researchers and land managers, mobilizing undergraduate students and citizen science to document the presence of turtles could be a simple cost-effective and rewarding option for the future, particularly using lightweight telephoto lens attachments for smartphones [81]. If funding allows, the presence/absence and relative abundance of invasive freshwater turtles could be mapped more precisely using recently developed techniques based on environmental DNA [82]. Such a method would allow a large coverage of various wetland types and sizes. A major advantage of the method is that it does not require any direct organism observation, capture or physical confirmation [83,84], thus drastically reducing the risk of false absence. Finally, comparative investigations on the diet of invasive freshwater turtles in Guadeloupe [85] and of their associated pathogens are necessary to precisely assess their environmental and sanitary impact and inform public authorities in the perspective of managing biological invasions in the French Antilles.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/su151813450/s1, Video S1: Courtship of Trachemys in mainland Guadeloupe.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, J.M.P., C.C. and F.C.; methodology, J.M.P. and C.C.; software, J.M.P. and F.C.; validation, F.C. and E.B.; formal analysis, J.M.P. and F.C.; investigation, J.M.P. and C.C.; resources, C.C., E.B. and F.C.; data curation, J.M.P.; writing—original draft preparation, J.M.P.; writing—review and editing, J.M.P. and F.C.; visualization, J.M.P., C.C. and F.C.; supervision, F.C. and E.B.; project administration, C.C., F.C. and E.B.; funding acquisition, F.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was funded by the Caribbean Interreg program through the MERCI project (Managing Exotic Reptiles in the Caribbean Islands). JMP was funded by a doctoral grant from the Agence Française de la Francophonie (AUF) and Caribaea Initiative.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Ethical review and approval were waived for this study as the data was collected without any manipulation of animals.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The data used in this article are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Elise Queslin, Harry Lollia-Lefi and Gilles Bajazet for their management and supervision of the MERCI project.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

References

  1. Myers, N.; Mittermeier, R.A.; Mittermeier, C.G.; Da Fonseca, G.A.B.; Kent, J. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature 2000, 403, 853–858. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. IPBES. Global Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. 2019. Available online: https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment (accessed on 11 May 2023).
  3. Carlquist, S.J. Island Biology; Columbia University Press: New York, NY, USA, 1974; ISBN 0231035624. [Google Scholar]
  4. Powell, R.; Henderson, R.W.; Farmer, M.C.; Breuil, M.; Echternacht, A.C.; van Buurt, G.; Romagosa, C.M.; Perry, G. Introduced amphibians and reptiles in the Greater Caribbean: Patterns and conservation implications. In Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 1: Conservation Biology and the Wider Caribbean; Brill: Leiden, The Netherlands, 2011; Volume 1, pp. 63–143. ISBN 9789004183957. [Google Scholar]
  5. Breuil, M.; Guiougou, F.; Questel, K.; Ibéné, B. Modifications du peuplement herpétologique dans les Antilles françaises: Disparitions et espèces allochtones. 2ème partie: Reptiles. Courr. Nat. 2009, 251, 36–43. [Google Scholar]
  6. Reaser, J.K.; Meyerson, L.A.; Cronk, Q.; De Poorter, M.; Eldrege, L.G.; Green, E.; Kairo, M.; Latasi, P.; Mack, R.N.; Mauremootoo, J.; et al. Ecological and socioeconomic impacts of invasive alien species in island ecosystems. Environ. Conserv. 2007, 34, 98–111. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Bridgewater, P.; Kim, R.E.; Bosselmann, K. Ecological integrity: A relevant concept for international environmental law in the Anthropocene? Yearb. Int. Environ. Law 2014, 25, 61–78. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Arendt, W.J.; Mora, T.A.V. Range expansion of the Shiny Cowbird in the Dominican Republic. J Field Ornithol. 1984, 55, 104–107. [Google Scholar]
  9. Arendt, W.J. Range expansion of the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) in the Greater Caribbean Basin. Colon. Waterbirds 1988, 11, 252–262. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Thorpe, R.S. Reptiles of the Lesser Antilles; Chimaira: Frankfurt am Main, Germany, 2022; ISBN 9783899731231. [Google Scholar]
  11. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (C.E.P.F.). The Caribbean Islands Biodiversity Hotspot. 2019. Available online: https://www.cepf.net/sites/default/files/cepf-caribbean-islands-ecosystem-profile-december-2020-english.pdf (accessed on 11 May 2023).
  12. Henderson, R.W.; Powell, R. Natural History of West Indian Reptiles and Amphibians; University Press of Florida: Florida, CA, USA, 2009; ISBN 9780813033945. [Google Scholar]
  13. Parham, J.F.; Papenfuss, T.J.; Van Dijk, P.P.; Wilson, B.S.; Marte, C.; Schettino, L.R.; Brian Simison, W. Genetic introgression and hybridization in Antillean freshwater turtles (Trachemys) revealed by coalescent analyses of mitochondrial and cloned nuclear markers. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 2013, 67, 176–187. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Héritier, L.; Valdeón, A.; Sadaoui, A.; Gendre, T.; Ficheux, S.; Bouamer, S.; Kechemir-Issad, N.; Du Preez, L.; Palacios, C.; Verneau, O. Introduction and invasion of the red-eared slider and its parasites in freshwater ecosystems of Southern Europe: Risk assessment for the European pond turtle in wild environments. Biodivers. Conserv. 2017, 26, 1817–1843. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Bour, R.; Luiselli, L.; Petrozzi, F.; Segniagbeto, G.; Chirio, L. Pelusios castaneus (Schweigger 1812)—West African mud turtle, swamp terrapin. Chelonian Res. Monogr. 2016, 5, 095.1–095.11. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Breuil, M. Histoire Naturelle des Amphibiens et Reptiles Terrestres de l’Archipel Guadeloupéen: Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy; Patrimoines naturels; Muséum national d’Histoire Naturelle: Paris, France, 2002; ISBN 9782856535448. [Google Scholar]
  17. Schwartz, A.; Henderson, R.W. Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies: Descriptions, Distributions, and Natural History; University Press of Florida: Florida, CA, USA, 1991; ISBN 9780813010496. [Google Scholar]
  18. de Massary, J.-C.; Bochaton, C.; Dewynter, M.; Fretey, T.; Ineich, I.; Lorvelec, O.; Vidal, N.; Lescure, J. Taxonomic list of herpetofauna in the French overseas territories: V. Department of Guadeloupe. Bull. Soc. Herpétol. Fr. 2021, 178, 6–23. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Kraus, F. Alien Reptiles and Amphibians: A Scientific Compendium and Analysis; Invading Nature—Springer Series in Invasion Ecology; Springer: Dordrecht, The Netherlands, 2008; ISBN 9781402089459. [Google Scholar]
  20. Dick, J.T.A.; Gallagher, K.; Avlijas, S.; Clarke, H.C.; Lewis, S.E.; Leung, S.; Minchin, D.; Caffrey, J.; Alexander, M.E.; Maguire, C.; et al. Ecological impacts of an invasive predator explained and predicted by comparative functional responses. Biol. Invasions 2013, 15, 837–846. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Lowe, S.; Browne, M.; Boudjelas, S.; De Poorter, M. 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species: A Selection from the Global Invasive Species Database; The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)—A Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the World Conservation Union (IUCN): Auckland, New Zealand, 2000; Volume 12. [Google Scholar]
  22. Cuthbert, R.; Coughlan, N.E.; Dickey, J.; Rea, M.; Laverty, C.; South, J.; Crane, K.; McCard, M.; Dick, J.T.A. Shell shocked: High potential impacts on native prey by non-native turtles irrespective of benthic habitat context. Aquat. Invasions 2019, 14, 758–774. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Vamberger, M.; Ihlow, F.; Asztalos, M.; Dawson, J.E.; Jasinski, S.E.; Praschag, P.; Fritz, U. So different, yet so alike: North American slider turtles (Trachemys scripta). Vertebr. Zool. 2019, 70, 87–96. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Ministère de la Transition Ecologique. Arrêté du 7 Juillet 2020 Relatif à la Prévention de l’Introduction et de la Propagation des Espèces Animales Exotiques Envahissantes sur le Territoire de la Guadeloupe—Interdiction de Toutes Activités Portant sur des Spécimens Vivants; Ministère de la Transition Ecologique: Paris, France, 2020; pp. 1–6.
  25. Courchamp, F.; Fournier, A.; Bellard, C.; Bertelsmeier, C.; Bonnaud, E.; Jeschke, J.M.; Russell, J.C. Invasion biology: Specific problems and possible solutions. Trends Ecol. Evol. 2017, 32, 13–22. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  26. Maillard, J.-F.; David, G. Rapport d’Etudes sur la Répartition à la Martinique de la Tortue de Floride à Tempes Rouges et Eléments de Biologie; Direction de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement: Fort-de-France, France, 2014.
  27. Elphick, C.S. How you count counts: The importance of methods research in applied ecology. J. Appl. Ecol. 2008, 45, 1313–1320. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Cunningham, R.B.; Lindenmayer, D.B. Modeling count data of rare species: Some statistical issues. Ecology 2005, 86, 1135–1142. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Guillera-Arroita, G.; Lahoz-Monfort, J.J.; Elith, J.; Gordon, A.; Kujala, H.; Lentini, P.E.; McCarthy, M.A.; Tingley, R.; Wintle, B.A. Is my species distribution model fit for purpose? Matching data and models to applications. Glob. Ecol. Biogeogr. 2015, 24, 276–292. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Ingram, M.; Vukcevic, D.; Golding, N. Multi-output Gaussian processes for species distribution modelling. Methods Ecol. Evol. 2020, 11, 1587–1598. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Taylor, M.K.; Whelan, C.; Schwarz, C.J.; Hanington, P.C.; Jackson, L.J. Zero-altered modeling of an aquatic parasite host with application to invasive species risk assessments. Manag. Biol. Invasions 2022, 13, 845–862. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Moshobane, M.C.; Esser, L.F. Ensemble modeling for the potential distribution of invasive weed Verbesina encelioides in South Africa from 2020 to 2090. Manag. Biol. Invasions 2022, 13, 833–844. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Ménard, I. Etude de Recensement des Zones Humides de Guadeloupe; Office National des Forêts: Basse-Terre, France, 2007.
  34. Levesque, A. Inventaire de l’Avifaune de 18 Mares de Guadeloupe; Association AMAZONA: Les Abymes, France, 2002. [Google Scholar]
  35. Meurgey, F.; Daigle, J.J. New status for Orthemis macrostigma (Rambur, 1842) from the Lesser Antilles (Anisoptera: Libellulidae). Odonatologica 2007, 36, 71–78. [Google Scholar]
  36. Podani, J.; Csontos, P. Quadrat size dependence, spatial autocorrelation and the classification of community data. Community Ecol. 2006, 7, 117–127. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. Zermeño-Díaz, D.M. Diagnostics of observed dry trends in Caribbean precipitation. Int. J. Climatol. 2022, 42, 6927–6943. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Saint-Louis, L.J.; Paul, J.M.; Célestin, W.; Beaune, D.; Cézilly, F. A baseline survey of waterbirds in five major wetlands of Haiti. Waterbirds 2021, 44, 370–375. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  39. Grant, P.J.; Sharrock, J.T.R. Binoculars and telescopes survey. Br. Birds 1988, 63, 160. [Google Scholar]
  40. Strickfaden, K.M.; Fagre, D.A.; Golding, J.D.; Harrington, A.H.; Reintsma, K.M.; Tack, J.D.; Dreitz, V.J. Dependent double-observer method reduces false-positive errors in auditory avian survey data. Ecol. Appl. 2020, 30, e02026. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Shirley, M.H.; Dorazio, R.M.; Abassery, E.; Elhady, A.A.; Mekki, M.S.; Asran, H.H. A sampling design and model for estimating abundance of Nile crocodiles while accounting for heterogeneity of detectability of multiple observers. J. Wildl. Manag. 2012, 76, 966–975. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  42. Nichols, J.D.; Hines, J.E.; Sauer, J.R.; Fallon, F.W.; Fallon, J.E.; Heglund, P.J. A double-observer approach for estimating detection probability and abundance from point counts. Auk 2000, 117, 393–408. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Lambert, M.R.; Nielsen, S.N.; Wright, A.N.; Thomson, R.C.; Shaffer, H.B. Habitat features determine the basking distribution of introduced red-eared sliders and native western pond turtles. Chelonian Conserv. Biol. 2013, 12, 192–199. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Selman, W. Life in skinny water: Observations of juvenile diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) utilizing shallow water habitats. Herpetol. Conserv. Biol. 2018, 13, 399–407. [Google Scholar]
  45. McKnight, D.T.; Ard, K.; Auguste, R.J.; Barhadiya, G.; Benard, M.F.; Boban, P.; Dillon, M.L.; Downs, C.T.; DeGregorio, B.A.; Glorioso, B.M.; et al. Nocturnal basking in freshwater turtles: A global assessment. Glob. Ecol. Conserv. 2023, 43, e02444. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. Zar, J.H. Spearman Rank Correlation: Overview. In Wiley StatsRef: Statistics Reference Online; Wiley: Hoboken, NJ, USA, 2014; p. stat05964. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  47. Veech, J.A. A probabilistic model for analysing species co-occurrence: Probabilistic model. Glob. Ecol. Biogeogr. 2013, 22, 252–260. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. Griffith, D.; Veech, J.; Marsh, C. Cooccur: Probabilistic species co-occurrence analysis in R. J. Stat. Softw. 2016, 69, 1–17. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  49. Jean-Pierre, A.; Loranger-Merciris, G.; Cézilly, F. Spatial occupancy, local abundance and activity rhythm of three ground dwelling columbid species in the forests of Guadeloupe in relation to environmental factors. Diversity 2022, 14, 480. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. McCullagh, P.; Nelder, J.A. Generalized Linear Models, 2nd ed.; Monographs on Statistics and Applied Probability; Chapman & Hall: London, UK, 1989; ISBN 9780412317606. [Google Scholar]
  51. Guisan, A.; Thuiller, W. Predicting species distribution: Offering more than simple habitat models. Ecol. Lett. 2005, 8, 993–1009. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  52. Guisan, A.; Zimmermann, N.E. Predictive habitat distribution models in ecology. Ecol. Model. 2000, 135, 147–186. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. Young, D.S.; Roemmele, E.S.; Yeh, P. Zero-inflated modeling part: Traditional zero-inflated count regression models, their applications, and computational tools. WIREs Comput. Stat. 2022, 14, e1541. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Zeileis, A.; Kleiber, C.; Jackman, S. Regression Models for Count Data in R. J. Stat. Softw. 2008, 27, 1–25. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  55. R Core Team. R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing; R Core Team: Vienna, Austria, 2022. [Google Scholar]
  56. Ritschard, G. Régression robuste et problèmes de colinéarité. Stat. Anal. Données 1990, 15, 77–96. [Google Scholar]
  57. Barton, K. MuMIn: Multi-Model Inference. 2023. Available online: https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/MuMIn/MuMIn.pdf (accessed on 20 April 2023).
  58. Pierce, D.A.; Schafer, D.W. Residuals in generalized linear models. J. Am. Stat. Assoc. 1986, 81, 977–986. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  59. Lee, Y.; Nelder, J.A. Generalized linear models for the analysis of quality-improvement experiments. Can. J. Stat. 1998, 26, 95–105. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  60. Burnham, K.P.; Anderson, D.R. Multimodel inference: Understanding AIC and BIC in model selection. Sociol. Methods Res. 2004, 33, 261–304. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  61. Burnham, K.P.; Anderson, D.R. Model Selection and Multimodel Inference: A Practical Information-Theoretic Approach, 2nd ed.; Springer: New York, NY, USA, 2002; ISBN 9780387953649. [Google Scholar]
  62. Gardner, M.J.; Altman, D.G. Confidence intervals rather than P values: Estimation rather than hypothesis testing. Br. Med. J. 1986, 292, 746–750. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  63. Cumming, G.; Finch, S. Inference by eye: Confidence intervals and how to read pictures of data. Am. Psychol. 2005, 60, 170–180. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  64. Mohammed, R.S.; Khan, K.; Ali, S.H. Sightings of Trachemys scripta elegans (Reptilia: Emydidae), a new potential aquatic alien invasive species in Trinidad, West Indies. Living World J. Trinidad Tobago Field Nat. Club 2017, 56–58. [Google Scholar]
  65. Koo, K.S.; Song, S.; Choi, J.H.; Sung, H.-C. Current distribution and status of non-native freshwater turtles in the wild, Republic of Korea. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4042. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  66. Rivero, J.A. Los Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico, 2nd ed.; University of Puerto Rico: San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1998; ISBN 9780847723171. [Google Scholar]
  67. Jones, M.T.; Sievert, P.R. Effects of stochastic flood disturbance on adult wood turtles, Glyptemys insculpta, in Massachusetts. Can. Field Nat. 2009, 123, 313–322. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  68. Selman, W.; Qualls, C. The impacts of hurricane Katrina on a population of yellow-blotched sawbacks (Graptemys flavimaculata) in the Lower Pascagoula River. Herpetol. Conserv. Biol. 2008, 3, 224–230. [Google Scholar]
  69. Moll, E.O.; Legler, J.M. The Life History of a Neotropical Slider Turtle, Pseudemys scripta (Scheopff) in Panama; County Museum of Natural History: Los Angeles, CA, USA, 1971; Volume 11. [Google Scholar]
  70. Pagney Bénito-Espinal, F. Villes de piémont à risques d’inondations en îles tropicales: Exemple des Antilles françaises. Rev. Geogr. Alp. 1994, 82, 45–57. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  71. Khouakhi, A.; Villarini, G.; Vecchi, G.A. Contribution of tropical cyclones to rainfall at the global scale. J. Clim. 2017, 30, 359–372. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  72. Peterson, T.C.; Taylor, M.A.; Demeritte, R.; Duncombe, D.L.; Burton, S.; Thompson, F.; Porter, A.; Mercedes, M.; Villegas, E.; Semexant Fils, R.; et al. Recent changes in climate extremes in the Caribbean region. J. Geophys. Res. Atmos. 2002, 107, ACL 16-1–ACL 16-9. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  73. Christensen, R.J.; Chow-Fraser, P. Use of GPS loggers to enhance radio-tracking studies of semi-aquatic freshwater turtles. Herpetol. Conserv. Biol. 2014, 9, 18–28. [Google Scholar]
  74. Reshetnikov, A.N.; Zibrova, M.G.; Ayaz, D.; Bhattarai, S.; Borodin, O.V.; Borzée, A.; Brejcha, J.; Çiçek, K.; Dimaki, M.; Doronin, I.V.; et al. Rarely naturalized, but widespread and even invasive: The paradox of a popular pet terrapin expansion in Eurasia. NeoBiota 2023, 81, 91–127. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  75. Cadi, A.; Delmas, V.; Prévot-Julliard, A.-C.; Joly, P.; Pieau, C.; Girondot, M. Successful reproduction of the introduced slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) in the South of France. Aquat. Conserv. 2004, 14, 237–246. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  76. Castro, R.S. Estudio Comparativo Sobre la Estructura Poblacional por Edad y Sexo y la Baundancia Relative de Trachemys scripta Elegans Weld-Neuwied y Trachemys stejnegeri stejnegeri Schmidt en la Reserva de Vida Silvestre en Humacao y el Jardin Botanico de San Juan, Puerto Rico; Universidad Metropolitana: San Juan, Puerto Rico, 2009. [Google Scholar]
  77. Lantz, S.M.; Gawlik, D.E.; Cook, M.I. The effects of water depth and submerged aquatic vegetation on the selection of foraging habitat and foraging success of wading birds. Condor 2010, 112, 460–469. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  78. Terral, R.; Sélise, M. Dynamiques urbaines communes et spécificités des villes des Antilles françaises (Guadeloupe, Martinique) des origines de la colonisation (1635) à nos jours. Etudes Caribéennes 2018, 39–40, 12811. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  79. Unger, S.D.; Santana, A. Turtles and trail cameras: Non-invasive monitoring using artificial platforms. Basic Appl. Herpetol. 2019, 33, 93–100. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  80. Bluett, R.D.; Schauber, E.M. Estimating abundance of adult Trachemys scripta with camera traps: Accuracy, precision and probabilities of capture for a closed population. Trans. Ill. State Acad. Sci. 2014, 107, 19–24. [Google Scholar]
  81. Escobar, J.; Rollins, M.A.; Unger, S.D. Telescoping turtles: A comparison of smartphone telephoto magnifiers to non-invasively observe and identify freshwater turtles. Herpetol. J. 2018, 28, 143–147. [Google Scholar]
  82. Kakuda, A.; Doi, H.; Souma, R.; Nagano, M.; Minamoto, T.; Katano, I. Environmental DNA detection and quantification of invasive red-eared sliders, Trachemy scripta elegans, in ponds and the influence of water quality. PeerJ 2019, 7, e8155. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  83. Bronnenhuber, J.E.; Wilson, C.C. Combining species-specific COI primers with environmental DNA analysis for targeted detection of rare freshwater species. Conserv. Genet. Resour. 2013, 5, 971–975. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  84. Davy, C.M.; Kidd, A.G.; Wilson, C.C. Development and validation of environmental DNA (eDNA) markers for detection of freshwater turtles. PLoS ONE 2015, 10, e0130965. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  85. Luiselli, L.; Demaya, G.S.; Benansio, J.S.; Petrozzi, F.; Akani, G.C.; Eniang, E.A.; Ajong, S.N.; Di Vittorio, M.; Amadi, N.; Dendi, D. A comparative analysis of the diets of a genus of freshwater turtles across Africa. Diversity 2021, 13, 165. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Sustainability 15 13450 g001
Figure 1. Presence and abundance of invasive freshwater turtles in mainland Guadeloupe: (A) genus Trachemys; (B) Pelusios castaneus; (C) Trachemys scripta; and (D) Trachemys stejnegeri.
Figure 1. Presence and abundance of invasive freshwater turtles in mainland Guadeloupe: (A) genus Trachemys; (B) Pelusios castaneus; (C) Trachemys scripta; and (D) Trachemys stejnegeri.
Sustainability 15 13450 g001
Table 1. Presentation of variables included in the full model.
Table 1. Presentation of variables included in the full model.
VariablesDescriptionsType
RegionThe mainland of Guadeloupe is divided into two large islands that are connected by a bridge (Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre)Factorial variable
AreaSize area of the sites was calculated and then categorized as an ordinal variable according to quantiles of the distribution, with 4 levels for Trachemys (1 < 2 < 3 < 4) and 2 levels (1 < 2) for Pelusios.Ordinal variable
AnthropizationThe percentage of anthropized areas was transformed into frequency (ranging from 0 to 1) and then normalized using square root (√×) transformation.
(Shapiro–Wilk test; W = 0.981, p > 0.05)		Continuous variable
ArdeidaeSpecies richness of the Ardeidae family included from zero to five different species of herons and egrets:
Ardea alba, Egretta thula, Butorides virescens, Nyctanassa violacea and Bubulcus ibis.		Continuous variable
SunshineDegree of sunlight was categorized and treated as an ordinal variable, with 1 = rainy or cloudy, 2 = cloudy with sunny spells and 3 = sunny.Ordinal variable
Table 2. Occupancy rate (presence/absence) of the three invasive freshwater turtles at the 62 surveyed sites.
Table 2. Occupancy rate (presence/absence) of the three invasive freshwater turtles at the 62 surveyed sites.
SpeciesPresenceAbsence
T. scripta37 (59.68%)25 (40.32%)
T. stejnegeri23 (37.10%)39 (62.90%)
P. castaneus12 (19.35%)50 (80.65%)
Table 3. Spatial co-occurrence probabilities of Trachemys scripta, T. stejnegeri and Pelusios castaneus. Associations of species were classified as positive (Pgreater) or negative (Pless).
Table 3. Spatial co-occurrence probabilities of Trachemys scripta, T. stejnegeri and Pelusios castaneus. Associations of species were classified as positive (Pgreater) or negative (Pless).
Co-Occurrence
Pair of SpeciesObservedProbabilityExpectedP. lessP. greater
T. scriptaT. stejnegeri190.22113.70.9990.004
T. scriptaP. castaneus70.1167.20.5820.671
T. stejnegeriP. castaneus60.0724.50.9120.240
Table 4. List of sub-models (ΔAICc < 4) for the binomial analysis of occupancy (presence/absence) for the genus Trachemys and Pelusios castaneus (62 sites).
Table 4. List of sub-models (ΔAICc < 4) for the binomial analysis of occupancy (presence/absence) for the genus Trachemys and Pelusios castaneus (62 sites).
ModelAICcΔAICcWeightLoglikdf
Trachemys spp.
1Anthropization + Region64.90.000.464−29.2633
2Anthropization + Ardeidae + Region66.61.690.199−28.9674
3Anthropization + Sunshine + Region67.32.360.143−28.1135
4Region67.82.880.110−31.8072
5Anthropization + Sunshine + Region + Ardeidae68.33.410.085−27.4096
Pelusios castaneus
1Sunshine + Region53.20.000.281−22.2384
2Ardeidae + Sunshine + Region53.30.080.270−21.0945
3Sunshine + Region + Anthropization + Ardeidae54.71.490.133−20.5706
4Sunshine + Ardeidae + Region + Area55.22.050.101−20.8496
5Sunshine + Region + Area55.52.340.087−22.2225
6Anthropization + Sunshine + Region55.52.350.087−22.2275
7Anthropization + Ardeidae + Area + Region + Sunshine57.03.850.041−20.4787
Table 5. List of models (ΔAICc < 4) for the negative binomial zero inflated (ZINB) analysis for the genus Trachemys and Pelusios castaneus (n = 62 sites).
Table 5. List of models (ΔAICc < 4) for the negative binomial zero inflated (ZINB) analysis for the genus Trachemys and Pelusios castaneus (n = 62 sites).
ModelAICcΔAICcWeightLoglikdf
Trachemys spp.
1Anthropization + Ardeidae + Region342.40.001−160.4759
Pelusios castaneus
1Sunshine + Region99.80.000.237−39.1959
2Ardeidae + Sunshine100.50.620.174−39.5049
3Region100.80.990.144−44.8855
4Sunshine + Area + Anthropization101.11.220.128−36.89811
5Null model101.31.480.113−47.4593
6Ardeidae + Anthropization101.41.510.111−42.6447
7Ardeidae + Sunshine + Area102.93.050.051−37.81111
8Sunshine103.43.500.041−43.6407
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Paul, J.M.; Cézilly, F.; Bezault, E.; Cambrone, C. Modelling the Distribution of Three Invasive Freshwater Turtles in Mainland Guadeloupe: Analysis of Their Presence, Abundance and Co-Occurrence. Sustainability 2023, 15, 13450. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813450

AMA Style

Paul JM, Cézilly F, Bezault E, Cambrone C. Modelling the Distribution of Three Invasive Freshwater Turtles in Mainland Guadeloupe: Analysis of Their Presence, Abundance and Co-Occurrence. Sustainability. 2023; 15(18):13450. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813450

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paul, Jeffey Mackenzy, Frank Cézilly, Etienne Bezault, and Christopher Cambrone. 2023. "Modelling the Distribution of Three Invasive Freshwater Turtles in Mainland Guadeloupe: Analysis of Their Presence, Abundance and Co-Occurrence" Sustainability 15, no. 18: 13450. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813450

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop