On July 4, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) made an exciting and rare discovery during a routine biological survey—a Florida chicken turtle, the first seen on Sanibel Island since Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in late 2024. The powerful storm surges from these hurricanes disrupted fragile freshwater habitats, leaving conservationists uncertain about the survival of this elusive species.
A Rare and Seasonal Island Visitor
The Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) is a freshwater species that lives in temporary wetlands and becomes dormant during dry seasons, a state known as aestivation. These turtles depend on shallow, seasonal wetlands that fill during the rainy season and are particularly rare on barrier islands like Sanibel, where freshwater sources are limited and easily impacted by saltwater intrusion.
“Chicken turtles are especially hard to find on islands like Sanibel,” explained SCCF wildlife biologist Mike Mills. “They rely on freshwater and primarily feed on crayfish, tadpoles, and fish. Their dependence on seasonal wetlands makes them extremely vulnerable to storm surges that increase salinity and disrupt their feeding grounds.”
Tracking for Conservation
Back in 2020, SCCF launched a radio telemetry study to better understand the movements and habitat needs of Florida chicken turtles on Sanibel. This research helps conservationists map out the turtles’ home range and behaviors—critical data for long-term protection efforts.
The newly discovered turtle has now been outfitted with a radio tag, making it a key participant in this ongoing study.
“Understanding the spatial ecology of a species—where it goes, how it lives—is crucial to developing effective conservation strategies,” said Mills. “This is especially true for species like the Florida chicken turtle, which are poorly understood and increasingly threatened.”
Storm Impact and Signs of Resilience
Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, salinity levels in freshwater wetlands spiked to over 20 PSU (practical salinity units)—alarmingly close to ocean water salinity (around 32 PSU). Sadly, several chicken turtles were found deceased near these wetlands, victims of saltwater exposure. The same outcome followed Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with all previously tracked turtles either found dead or lost due to transmitter corrosion from saltwater.
Yet the recent discovery of a surviving individual offers a glimmer of hope.
“This sighting suggests that at least some members of the population may have the resilience to survive extreme weather events,” Mills said. “But make no mistake—between habitat loss, road mortality, and illegal pet trade, the Florida chicken turtle remains highly vulnerable.”
A Critical Opportunity for Research and Protection
SCCF hopes that continued monitoring of this newly tagged turtle will help fill vital knowledge gaps—not just for Sanibel’s population, but for Florida’s broader conservation efforts.
“As we face more frequent and intense storms, the data we gather now will help shape how we protect these at-risk species in the future,” Mills concluded.
