Get Turtle Data Sheet

The Turtle Data Sheet is an essential document for collecting and recording important information about turtle species. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to accurately fill out the form online to ensure the data collected is precise and useful.

Follow the steps to complete the Turtle Data Sheet online.

1. Press the ‘Get Form’ button to access the Turtle Data Sheet and open it in your preferred editor.
2. In the 'Site name' field, enter the designated name of the site where the turtle was captured. Also, fill in the 'Map#' for reference.
3. Record the 'Date' by entering the day, month, and year of the capture in the format ___/___/___.
4. Fill in the 'Capture Time' using Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T.) and provide the names of the 'Investigator(s)' involved.
5. In the 'Species' section, specify the species of the turtle captured, and assign an 'ID' by filling in the left and right column (L______R______).
6. Indicate the 'Sex' of the turtle by selecting one option: Male (M), Female (F), Juvenile (JUV), Hatchling (HATCH), or Unknown (UNK).
7. For the 'Marked this capture?' field, choose either 'Yes' or 'No' to indicate if the turtle has been previously marked.
8. Next, specify whether the turtle has a transmitter by selecting 'Yes' or 'No'.
9. Indicate if the turtle is 'Gravid' by checking 'Yes', 'No', or 'N/A' as applicable.
10. Enter the 'GPS' coordinates of the capture location.
11. Record the weight in grams (g) in the 'Weight' field.
12. Fill in the 'Frequency' associated with the turtle.
13. In 'Annuli', note the worn condition.
14. Measure and record the dimensions of the carapace: length, width, and height in millimeters (mm), followed by the dimensions of the plastron.
15. Indicate the presence of ectoparasites by selecting 'Yes' or 'No'.
16. Describe the specimen characters, including markings, deformities, and scars in the designated section.
17. Specify if photos were taken by selecting 'Yes' or 'No'.
18. Under 'Method of capture', indicate the capture method, e.g., Trap, and provide details on behavior as well as 'Trap #' if applicable.
19. Record specific behaviors such as basking, walking, mating, or any others observed.
20. Fill out the 'Habitat' by circling the applicable environment type (Forested, Shrub, Open graminoid, Vernal pool, Stream, Other).
21. Record the water temperature (ºC) and air temperature (ºC).
22. Specify the 'Substrate type' and its temperature (ºC).
23. Indicate the percentage of cloud cover in the 'Cloud Cover' field.
24. Use the 'Notes' section to document any additional observations or remarks related to the capture.
25. After filling out all the sections, save your changes, and choose to download, print, or share the Turtle Data Sheet as needed.

Complete the Turtle Data Sheet online to effectively gather and record turtle capture data.