Entry #47

Invasive species pose a significant threat to many native species, although the mechanisms that allow invasive species to outcompete native species are still unclear. In this study, we compared the physiology of invasive Red-Eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and native Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii), with a focus on understanding species-specific differences in key physiological processes: immune function and the stress response. While Red- Eared Sliders have been extensively studied for their robust immune responses, there are prevalent gaps in our understanding of the physiology of the threatened Western Painted Turtles. We used established methods such as lymphocyte and heterophil counts, bacterial killing ability (BKA), and corticosterone (CORT) measurements to compare the ecophysiology of these species in a semi-urban habitat in the mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon. Our research highlights possible differences in immune function and stress physiology between these species, offering insights into how invasive and native turtle species may differentially cope with environmental challenges while filling in data gaps for Western Painted Turtles. These ecoimmunological findings contribute to broader conservation efforts by improving our understanding of the biological factors that influence species' success in changing habitats.