First record of Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833) from Atikhisar Reservoir (Çanakkale, Turkey)

Abstract

This study firstly reported the presence of Mauremys rivulata in the Atikhisar Reservoir in Çanakkale, Turkey. M. rivulata was observed during the sampling of freshwater crayfish in the reservoir between 4-5 m water depth on September 27, 2021. A single individual was caught with a fyke-net having 17 mm mesh size. The straight carapace length and straight carapace width of the individual were measured to be 20.52 and 12.95 cm, respectively. Knowing the distribution of a species enables researchers to better understand the ecological biology and is of great importance for researchers to study certain aspects such as population dynamics, migration, reproduction, feeding, habitat preferences, etc. Therefore, this paper provides valuable information for fisheries managers, policymakers and scientists involved in the aquatic species.