Injury and abnormality data for southwestern pond turtles (Actinemys pallida) from 3 sites along the Mojave River, California from separate surveys in 1998-1999 and 2017-2019

These data were compiled to assess the size, structure, and health of various populations of Actinemys pallida along the length of the Mojave River. Objective(s) of our study were to determine the extent of injuries and abnormalities within our Actinemys pallida populations (including statistical analyses comparing injuries with turtle sex and size) and estimate the cause(s) of the injuries and abnormalities. These data represent injuries and abnormalities from the effects of physical hazards encountered by turtles in their habitats. These data were collected in the Mojave Desert of California at three separate study sites along a length of the Mojave River in San Bernardino County between May 1998–October 1999 and from April 2016–September 2019. These data were collected by scientists at the southwest Biological Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey. Turtles were captured either by hand or through the use of hoop traps baited with sardines. Data were collected during field observation and later re-evaluated by use of field data sheets and photographs taken at the time of capture. These data can be used to monitor the physical health of the populations along the Mojave River and for comparisons to other populations of Actinemys pallida.