October 16, 2010
!BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS!
BOG TURTLE
(Gylptemys muhlenberqii)
Pilesgrove/Woodstown
October 16 th 2010
Training Day
PHOTOGRAPHY AND Tarr: Blake Rot:hi:user
BR Environmental, LLC
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October 16, 2010
[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS]
A BRIEF LIFE HISTORY
Federally Threatened
State Endangered
The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlelibergii) is a semi-aquatic turtle endemic to the eastern United
States. It was first scientifically described in 1801 after an 18th century survey of Pennsylvania.
It is the smallest North American turtle, measuring about 10 centimeters (4 in) long when fully
grown. Although the bog turtle is similar in appearance to the painted or spotted turtles, its
closest relative is actually the somewhat larger wood turtle. The bog turtle can be found from
Vermont in the north, south to Georgia, and west to Ohio. Diurnal (active by day) and secretive,
it spends most of its time buried in mud and — during the winter months — in hibernation. The
bog turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates.
Adult bog turtles weigh 110 grams (3.9 oz) on average. Their skins and shells are typically dark
brown, with a distinctive orange spot on each side of the neck. Considered threatened at the
federal level (NJ — Endangered), the bog turtle is protected under the United States' Endangered
Species Act. Invasive plants and urban development have eradicated much of the bog turtle's
habitat, substantially reducing its numbers. Demand for the bog turtle is high in the black market
pet trade (up to $1,000.00 US dollars in Europe), partly because of its small size and unique
characteristics. Various private projects have been undertaken in an attempt to reverse the
decline in the turtle's population.
The turtle has a low reproduction rate; females lay one clutch per year, with an average of three
eggs each. The young tend to grow rapidly, reaching sexual maturity between the ages of 4 and
10 years old. Bog turtles live for an average of 20 to 30 years in the wild. Since 1973, the Bronx
Zoo has successfully bred bog turtles in captivity. (From Wikipedia ,2010)
Lateral
View
Ventral View of Plastron
(bottom shell)
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[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS]
Habitat Parameters for boa turtle in NJ
Bog turtles inhabit calcareous (limestone) fens, sphagnum bogs, and wet, grassy pastures that
are characterized by soft, muddy substrates (bottoms) and perennial ground water seepage.
Bog turtle habitats are well drained and water depth rarely exceeds 10cm (4in.) above surface.
Flora associated with bog turtle habitats include sedges (carex. sp.), rushes (Juncus sp.), mosses,
and grasses. These habitats will often contain red maple, skunk cabbage, cattail, willow,
highbush blue berry, jewelweed, swamp rose, dogwood, shrubby cinquefoil, buttonbush, rice
cut grass, wool grass arrowhead, water cress, Saint John 's wort, blue vervain, sundew, pitcher
plant, cinnamon fern, and sensitive fern. Because open areas are favored for basking and
nesting, vegetative succession may cause the dispersal or loss of bog turtle colonies.
Bog Turtle next to Grass of Parnassus
Blaine Rothauser
Many Emergent wetlands inhabited by bog turtles have served as pastures during historic or
current times. Grazing by livestock maintains the successional stage and softens the ground,
creating favorable conditions for these turtles. Although controlled grazing is beneficial,
overgrazing can result in excessive fecal runoff that may degrade water quality or encourage
the growth of undesirable plant species.
Linear drainage provides an alternative habitat for bog turtles in some areas of the state. These
ditches, which have healed over time, may support remarkably high bog turtle densities.
(Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of NJ. Niles & Bean, Rutges Press, 2003. Pg .177)
In Pilesgrove Township bog turtles are likely to inhabit open forested shallow wetland systems (seepage areas) and
headwaters of streams where a semi-open canopy or open canopy exists associated with their wetlands. I was
always told that good bog turtle habitat exists where the turtles can have their "feet wet, and their backs to the
sun". Soft organic muds are always sited in the literature as quintessential for bog turtle habitation — I have found
this to be true in 90% of my surveys. In Pilesgrove Township any shallow wetland dominated by sphagnum moss
and mucky soils might be considered for bog turtle survey. Seeps within floodplains can not be ruled-out. Standing
water is a limiting environmental factor for bog turtle life history requirement. A good example of a bog turtle
habitat in Pilesgrove would be an open shallow wetland dominated by sapling trident red maple, sweetgum,
tussock sedge and sphagnum moss with little invasive plant intrusion. When canopy cover exceeds 75% bog turtle
habitat is essentially non-existent. Always think of bog turtles when you find yourself in an early successional
wetland.
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[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS)
Two Examples of bog turtle habitat:
Any headwater streams and first order streams with open wetland systems,( i.e. shrub/scrub and herbaceous). should be field checked for
bog turtle habitat - side tributaries of major streams and rivers in Pilesgorve Twp: Salem River, Nichomus Run Oldrnans Creek,
Indian Run. Bog turtles will move along these watercourses and wetlands when the habitat succeeds into more mature forested wetland
types (Refer to Appendix A for potential sites).
potential
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Bog Turtle Description
General:
The bog turtle is a small, semi-aquatic turtle with a bright yellow, red or orange patch below the
eye. Its carapace, or shell, is:
Rectangular in shape.
Black in color with chestnut scutes.
Covered with scutes that form a ringed pattern.
The bog turtle is one of the smallest turtle species. Adult females grow to 3.5 inches, while
males grow to slightly larger, about 3.7 inches.
Bog Turtle in forget-me-nots:
Detailed Description:
The bog turtle is New Jersey's smallest
turtle, reaching a maximum length of 4.5
inches. It is one of 12 species of turtles
found in New Jersey State, including
marine turtles. A bright yellow or orange
blotch on each side of its head and neck
are a distinctive feature of this species.
The body color is dark with an orange-red
wash on the inside of the legs of some
Bog Turtle with Radio Transmitter — Picture shows scale:
individuals. The carapace (upper shell) is
domed and somewhat rectangular, often
with prominent rings on the shell plates
(scutes). In some older individuals, or
those that burrow frequently in coarse
substrates, the shell may become quite
smooth and polished. Although generally
black, the carapace is sometimes
highlighted by a chestnut sunburst
pattern in each scute. The plastron (lower
shell) is hingeless, with a pattern of cream
and black blotches. As with most turtles,
the plastron of the male is slightly
concave while the female's is flat.
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[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS]
Seasonal ActiAqTatterns:
•
Bog Turtles hibernate in tall activity usually ends in late November. Interesting in NJ
a bog turtle was observed by a field expert Thanksgiving Dayl
•
Weather dependent but most Bog Turtles will emerge from hibernation late April
•
Mating -- May and early June - the best field survey time as vegetation is lower and
activity is high
•
Most captures will occur between 1.0am and 2pm with most captures occurring before
noon
Bog tuft* in hand with telemetry antennae attached
Range Map:
Notice the disjunct nature of
the bog turtles range:
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[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS
BOG TURTLE (BT) QUICK FACTS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
BT's are sexually mature between 6 and 15 years of age;
Plant stems and fragments have been found in fecal samples — indicating that they must
break them off as they capture prey animals attached to them;
Many bog turtles show predation breaks and scaring of shells — always indicate these on
a field data sheet when you find one;
You can age a BT up to 15 years by counting the carapace (top shell) rings (annuli) after
15 they become to worn to discern;
BT's are the shortest lived out of the 3 Glyptemys species;
Food consists of berries, small aquatic insects, crayfish, aquatic fleshy seeds,
earthworms, slugs and snails;
Males are larger than females with a generally more robust head. Males have long thick
tails with the cloacal (anal) opening past the edge of the plastron, whereas females have
the anal opening inside the plastron edge.
Contamination by pesticides, agricultural run-off and industrial discharge may negatively
affect the bog turtle and its habitat directly. Contaminates may also accumulate in or
adversely affect the turtle's invertebrate food supply. Invasive plant species intrusion and
fragmentation of habitat are two other major contributing factors into the bog turtles
decline.
Bog Turtle eggs
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(BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS
Appendix A
NJ STATE SURVEY GUILDLINES:
Based on Methodologies as sited in the:
"Protocols for Establishment of Exceptional Resource Value Wetlands Pursuant to the
Freshwater Protection Act (N.J.S.A. 13:9B-1 ET Seq.) Based on Documentation of State or
Federal Endangered or Threatened Species" May 2008
Division of Land Use Regulation
Certified Boa Turtle Surveyors in the held
B1? Environmental, LLC
54 Park Street
Barbara Park
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Name: Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergh)
Status: Federally threatened.
State endangered.
New Jersey Distribution:
Historically, the bog turtle range extended to nearly every county in New Jersey except for
Hudson County. Currently, this species is considered extirpated from Bergen, Camden, Cape
May, Mercer and Middlesex counties (USFWS 2001). Present distribution is reduced and
disjunct, with populations being clustered within particular drainages. Examples include the
Manasquan River (Monmouth), Papakating Creek (Sussex), the Passaic River basin (Morris),
and Raccoon Creek (Gloucester).
Habitat:
Bog turtles are associated with bogs, swamps, ponds, grazed meadows and other wetlands that
support moisture-loving plants and which feature an abundance of grass or moss cover (Can
1952; Barton and Price 1955; Campbell 1960; Nemuras 1965; Ernst and Barbour 1972; Kiviat
1978; Chase et al. 1989). Seep bogs may feature rust-colored iron-oxide deposits (Arndt 1977).
An open canopy is also frequently cited as a characteristic of suitable bog turtle wetland habitat
(Boyer 1965; Zappalorti 1979; M. Klemens in DeGraff and Rudis 1986).
Outside of the "typical" habitat, bog turtles may also utilize more densely vegetated areas for
hibernation and may be found, incidentally, in a wide variety of habitats when making relatively
long-distance movements (Buhlmann et al. 1997 in USFWS 2001, Carter et al. 1999 in USFWS
2001, Morrow et al. 2001 in USFWS 2001). In New York, Breich (1986) reported one female
bog turtle to inhabit a red maple swamp, moving to an open meadow habitat to lay eggs.
In Maryland, Taylor et al. (1984) documented over 200 bog turtle colonies. All sites were sedge
meadows with the majority being less than 2 acres in size. Of the 67 species of herbaceous
plants found on those sites, the following species were the most dominant: tussock sedge (Carex
aquatilis), rice cut grass (Leersia oryzoides), tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum), arrowhead
(Sagittaria spp.), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), soft rush (Juncus spp.), and various
other grasses and sedges. Further analysis of Maryland bog turtle colonies indicated that the
greater the population density, the more likely the site was to:
a. be located in a circular basin;
b. feature spring-fed pockets of shallow water;
c. have a bottom substrate of soft mud or rock;
d. have a dominant vegetation of sedges and grasses; and
e. have interspersed wet and dry pockets (Chase et al. 1989)
Of 132 turtles captured, 81 were found in the water. Of the 81 taken from the water, 72 were
found less than 8 cm below the surface of the water. In addition, 77 bog turtles from that same
group in the water were found less than 10 cm from vegetation.
24
Arndt (1977) characterized bog turtle habitat in Delaware as featuring a substrate of deep mud,
numerous small springs, constantly flowing clear and relatively cool water, networks of rivulets,
shallow pools, muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) runways, and an open canopy. Dominant meadow
species included rice cut-grass (Leersia oryzoides), arrow-leaved tearthumb (Polygonum
sagittarium), halberd leaved tearthumb (Polygonum arifolium), spotted touch me not (Impatiens
capensis), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), bullrush
(Scirpus spp.), and asters (Aster spp.).
-
-
-
In New Jersey, Zappalorti and Zanelli (1978) listed the following species as those commonly
found in wetlands featuring bog turtles: red maple (Ater rubrurn); alder (Alnus spp.); willow
(Salix spp.); watercress (Cardamine rotundifolia); pondweed (Potarnogeton spp.); sphagnum
moss (Sphagnum spp.); sundew (Drosera rotundifolia); skunk cabbage; smartweed; jewelweed;
goldenrod (Solidago spp.); cinnamon fern (Ospnunda cinnamonea); day lily (Hemerocallis
fulva); and swamp rose (Rosa palustris). Warner (1985) reported many of the plants discussed
above as well as cattail (Typha latifolia) and pitcher plants (Saracenia purpurea) from a bog near
Lafayette. In Sussex and Warren Counties, bog turtles occur almost exclusively in limestone
associated, calcareous fens. These fens possess unique calcicolous plant communities
comprising herbaceous species such as Carex sterilis, C. (lava, Scleria verticillata, Parnassia
glauca, Selaginella apoda, Sarracenia purpurea, Deschampsia caespitosaand low growing
shrubs including Rhamnus alnifolia, Ribes hirtellum, Pentaphylloides floribunda, and Rhus
vernix. Juniperus virginiana and Larix larcina are often scattered in these fens but are usually
dwarfed, presumably due to low nutrient levels (Boyer and Wheeler 1989).
Hibernacula: Ernst et al. (1989) studied 44 hibernacula in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Hibernating bog turtles were found in soft stream bottoms (19), muskrat burrows (12), at the
base of sedge clumps (2), at the base of a cedar stump (5), and in meadow vole burrows (6).
Turtle depth below the water and mud varied from 5-55 cms. In Massachusetts, Klemens (1993a
in USFWS 2001) reported that many early season captures were concentrated on or near shrubby
hummocks that served as hibernacula at the interface zone between open fen habitats and shrub
and wooded swamp. These hummocks were surrounded by small trees and shrubs with springs
percolating up around them. Hibernating turtles have also been found under water in soft mud,
within crevices between rocks or tangled roots (USFWS 2001). Bog turtles may use a
hibernaculum annually.
Survey Methodologies:
In New Jersey, bog turtles are active from early April to November, with most captures
occurring from May to August (Zappalorti and Zanelli 1978; J. Sciascia pers. comm .). Survey
techniques consist of:
I. Visually scanning the muddy streams, muskrat runways, seepage ditches, grassy
stream banks, and sedge tussocks for basking or foraging turtles;
2. Probing in the mud of rivulets with a four-foot probing stick; and
3. Feeling underneath tussocks, or into muskrat holes, with hands and feet.
25
Surveys conducted in the early spring (April-May) before vegetation leaf-out, on clear to mostly
sunny days with air temperatures at or above 21 °C (70 °F), offer a greater chance for success in
identifying the species. Activity patterns suggest that surveys conducted during the morning
hours (0600-0900 hrs) may be more fruitful than those conducted later in the day. While no
consensus on the survey effort required to determine the absence of bog turtles from a site has
been reached, a minimum of five visits, lasting between one and two hours each, by an
experienced herpetologist has been suggested (R. Arndt, pers. comm.; R.T. Zappalorti, pers.
comm.).
Gemmell (1989) sectioned wetlands in a 20 by 20 meter grid and used six baited funnel traps to
capture bog turtles. Traps must be partially submerged in water and should be checked daily and
moved every three to five days. Caution should be taken using this survey option since trapped
turtles are susceptible to predation by raccoons. J. Sciascia (pers. comm.) trapped turtles in New
Jersey using drift fence/eel trap networks within suitable habitat.
In general, no current survey methodology has been demonstrated to consistently yield accurate
results in establishing the presence, absence, or viability of populations of the bog turtle.
Gemmell (pers. comm) indicated that many variables including vegetation density, water levels,
weather, expertise of surveyor, and population density will impact the success of a particular
survey effort in a particular wetland. He does not recommend his techniques for use in all
wetlands.
Regulatory Guidelines:
1. Area of documentation: For Version 2.1, contiguous habitat patches associated with
know sightings as described in Appendix VI. For Version 3.0, contiguous habitat patches
as outlined in Appendix III.
2. Suitable habitat: Spring fed meadows or bogs featuring emergent vegetation and/or
successional vegetation species identified above. Portions of the bog must feature
water levels, streams, or rivulets which maintain continuous flows of 1-8 cms in depth.
Rationale:
A study commissioned by the NJDEPE suggested that out of 75 known bog turtle-inhabited
wetlands, only 24 continued to feature suitable habitat (Zappalorti and Farrell 1989). Many of
these sites were believed to be victims of development, stormwater discharges, and/or natural
succession. More extensive surveys conducted by the Department from 1993-2000 found 165
potential habitats, less that half (72) of which were considered viable (USFWS 2001). The
Department believes that to ensure the long-term protection of these sites, there is a need to
establish an exceptional resource value classification for both the "core" habitat and additional
wetlands interconnected with the "documented" wetland. This additional protection is justified
by:
a. the successional nature of existing habitats and the potential that current habitats will
become unsuitable in the future;
26
b. the requirement of the species of groundwater/spring-fed waters;
c. studies that suggest that the species may roam more widely than previously thought;
and
d. the necessity to maintain connection to other bog turtle populations and/or suitable
habitats to allow for gene exchange between populations and immigration, or
emigration, of turtles or colonies as successional changes occur to the wetland habitat.
Comments:
In addition to the direct protection provided to bog turtle habitats under an exceptional
classification, the Department will also look carefully at Statewide General Permit activities
proposed for such areas. Due to the sensitive nature of these habitats, even minor impacts, such
as a road crossing or stormwater discharge, may have adverse affects (Torok 1994). In addition,
due to a variety of concerns including groundwater recharge and contamination, the USFWS
may request wetland buffers in excess of 150 feet in certain instances.
Primary Authors:
Larry Torok, Division of Land Use Regulation, NJDEP
Jason Tesauro, J. Tesauro, Ecological Consulting.
DRAFT DATE: 08/08/94
UPDATE: 07/01/02
Literature Cited:
Arndt, R. G. 1977. Notes on the natural history of the bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii
(Schoepff), in Delaware. Chesapeake Science 18(1):67-76.
Barton, A.J. 1957. Our knowledge of the bog turtle Clemmys muhlenbergii, further augmented.
M.S. thesis. Univ. of Pittsburg, Pittsburg Pa. 74pp.
Barton, A.J. and J.W. Price Sr. 1955. Our knowledge of the bog turtle, Clemmys muhlenbergii,
surveyed and augmented. Copeia 1955:159-165.
Breich, A.R. 1987. Bog turtle Poject No. E-1-9, Job No. VIII-8. pgs. 4-6 in Annunal summary
report. Unpublished report of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Fish
and Wildlife, Endangered Species Unit.
Boyer, D.R. 1965. Ecology of the basking habitat in turtles. Ecology 46:99-118.
Boyer, M.L.H. and B.D. Wheeler. 1989. Vegetation patterns in spring-fed calcareous fens:
calcite precipitation and constraints on fertility. J. of Ecology 77:597-609.
Campbell, H.W. 1960. The bog turtle in Maryland. Maryland Md. Nat. 30(1-4):15-16.
Carr, A. 1952. Handbook of turtles. Comstock Publ. Assoc., Ithaca, NY. 522 pp.
27
October 16, 2010
[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS
Appendix B
Detailed Survey Protocols
Based on Federal Fish and Wildlife
Guidelines
Bog Turtle with Head in C a rapace (Dorsal View)
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GUIDELINES FOR BOG TURTLE SURVEYS'
(revised April 2006)
RATIONALE
A bog turtle survey (when conducted according to these guidelines) is an attempt to determine
presence or probable absence of the species; it does not provide sufficient data to determine
population size or structure. Following these guidelines will standardize survey procedures. It will
help maximize the potential for detection of bog turtles at previously undocumented sites at a
minimum acceptable level of effort. Although the detection of bog turtles confirms their presence,
failure to detect them does not absolutely confirm their absence (likewise, bog turtles do not occur
in all appropriate habitats and many seemingly suitable sites are devoid of the species). Surveys as
extensive as outlined below are usually sufficient to detect bog turtles; however, there have been
instances in which additional effort was necessary to detect bog turtles, especially when habitat was
less than optimum, survey conditions were less than ideal, or turtle densities were low.
PRIOR TO CONDUCTING ANY SURVEYS
If a project is proposed to occur in a county of known bog turtle occurrence (see attachment 1),
contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and/or the appropriate State wildlife agency
(see attachment 2). They will determine whether or not any known bog turtle sites occur in or near
the project area, and will determine the need for surveys.
• •
If a wetland in or near the project area is known to support bog turtles, measures must be
taken to avoid impacts to the species. The Service and State wildlife agency will work with
federal, state and local regulatory agencies, permit applicants, and project proponents to
ensure that adverse effects to bog turtles are avoided or minimized.
••
If wetlands in or adjacent to the project area are not known bog turtle habitat, conduct a bog
turtle habitat survey (Phase 1 survey) if:
1. The wetland(s) have an emergent and/or scrub-shrub wetland component, or are forested
with suitable soils and hydrology (see below), and
2. Direct and indirect adverse effects to the wetland(s) cannot be avoided.
See Bog Turtle Conservation Zones 2 for guidance regarding activities that may affect
bog turtles and their habitat. In addition, consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service
and/or appropriate State wildlife agency to definitively determine whether or not a Phase
1 survey will be necessary.
' These guidelines are a modification of those found in the final "Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), Northern
Population, Recovery Plan" (dated May 15, 2001). Several minor revisions were made to facilitate survey efforts and
increase searcher effectiveness. As additional information becomes available regarding survey techniques and
effectiveness, these survey guidelines may be updated and revised. Contact the Fish and Wildlife Service or one of the
state agencies listed in Attachment 1 for the most recent version of these guidelines.
See Appendix A of the "Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii), Northern Population, Recovery Plan" (dated May 15,
2001).
2
1
BOG TURTLE HABITAT SURVEY (= Phase I survey)
The purpose of this survey is to determine whether or not the wetland(s) are potential bog turtle
habitat. These surveys are performed by a recognized, qualified bog turtle surveyor (contact the
Service or the appropriate State wildlife agency to receive a list of recognized, qualified bog turtle
surveyors). The following conditions and information apply to habitat surveys.
• •
Surveys can be performed any month of the year (except when significant snow and/or ice
cover is present). This flexibility in conducting Phase 1 surveys allows efforts during the
Phase 2 survey window to be spent on wetlands most likely to support bog turtles (i.e., those
that meet the criteria below).
••
Potential bog turtle habitat is recognized by three criteria (not all of which may occur in the
same portion of a particular wetland):
Suitable hydrology. Bog turtle wetlands are typically spring-fed with shallow
surface water or saturated soils present year-round, although in summer the wet
area(s) may be restricted to near spring head(s). Typically these wetlands are
interspersed with dry and wet pockets. There is often subsurface flow. In addition,
shallow rivulets (less than 4 inches deep) or pseudo-rivulets are often present.
2.
Suitable soils. Usually a bottom substrate of permanently saturated organic or
mineral soils. These are often soft, mucky-like soils (this does not refer to a
technical soil type); you will usually sink to your ankles (3-5 inches) or deeper in
muck, although in degraded wetlands or summers of dry years this may be limited to
areas near spring heads or drainage ditches. In some portions of the species' range,
the soft substrate consists of scattered pockets of peat instead of muck.
3.
Suitable vegetation. Dominant vegetation of low grasses and sedges (in emergent
wetlands), often with a scrub-shrub wetland component. Common emergent
vegetation includes, but is not limited to: tussock sedge (Carex stricta), soft rush
(Juncus effusus), rice cut grass (Leersia oryzoides), sensitive fern (Onoclea
sensibilis), tearthumbs (Polygonum spp.), jewelweeds (Impatiens spp.), arrowheads
(Saggitaria spp.), skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), panic grasses (Panicum
spp.), other sedges (Carex spp.), spike rushes (Eleocharis spp.), grass-of-Parnassus
(Parnassia glauca), shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa), sweet-flag (Acorus
calamus), and in disturbed sites, reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea)or purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria). Common scrub-shrub species include alder (Alnus
spp.), red maple (Ater- rubrum), willow (Salix spp.), tamarack (Larix laricina), and
in disturbed sites, multiflora rose (Rosa multillora). Some forested wetland habitats
are suitable given hydrology, soils and/or historic land use. These forested wetlands
include red maple, tamarack, and cedar swamps.
Suitable hydrology and soils are the critical criteria (i.e., the primary determinants of
potentially suitable habitat).
• •
Suitable hydrology, soils and vegetation are necessary to provide the critical wintering sites
(soft muck, peat, burrows, root systems of woody vegetation) and nesting habitats (open
areas with tussocky or hummocky vegetation) for this species. It is very important to note,
however, that one or more of these criteria may be absent from portions of a wetland or
wetland complex supporting bog turtles. Absence of one or more criteria does not preclude
bog turtle use of these areas to meet important life functions, including foraging, shelter and
dispersal.
••
••
If these criteria (suitable soils, vegetation and hydrology) are present in the wetland, then the
wetland is considered to be potential bog turtle habitat, regardless of whether or not that
portion of the wetland occurring within the project boundaries contains all three criteria. If
the wetland is determined to be potential habitat and the project will directly or indirectly
impact any portion of the wetland (see Bog Turtle Conservation Zones), then either:
••
Completely avoid all direct and indirect effects to the wetland, in consultation with
the Service and appropriate State wildlife agency, OR
••
Conduct a Phase 2 survey to determine the presence of bog turtles.
The Service and appropriate State wildlife agency (see list) should be sent a copy of survey
results for review and comment including: a USGS topographic map indicating location of
site; project design map, including location of wetlands and stream and delineation of
wetland type (PEM, PSS, PFO, POW) and "designated survey areas" 3 ; color photographs of
the site; surveyor's name; date of visit; opinion on potential/not potential habitat; a
description of the hydrology, soils, and vegetation. A phase 1 report template and field form
are available from the States and Service.
BOG TURTLE SURVEY (= Phase 2 survey)
If the wetland(s) are identified as potential bog turtle habitat (see Phase 1 survey), and direct and
indirect adverse effects cannot be avoided, conduct a bog turtle survey in accordance with the
specifications below. Note that this is not a survey to estimate population size or structure; a longterm mark/recapture study would be required for that.
Prior to conducting the survey, contact the appropriate State agency (see attached list) to determine
whether or not a scientific collector's permit valid for the location and period of the survey will be
required.
The Phase 2 survey will focus on the areas of the wetland that meet the soils, hydrology and
vegetation criteria, as defined under the Phase 1 survey guidelines. Those areas that meet the
criteria are referred to as "designated survey areas" for Phase 2 and Phase 3 survey purposes.
1.
Surveys should only be performed during the period from April 15-June 15. For the Lake
Plain Recovery Unit (see Recovery Plan), surveys should only be performed during the
period from May 1 to June 30. This coincides with the period of greatest annual turtle
activity (spring emergence and breeding) and before vegetation gets too dense to accurately
survey. While turtles may be found outside of these dates, a result of no turtles would be
considered inconclusive. Surveys beyond June also have a higher likelihood of disruption or
destruction of nests or newly hatched young.
"Designated survey areas" are those areas of the wetland that meet the soils, hydrology and vegetation criteria for
potential bog turtle habitat. These areas may occur within the emergent, scrub-shrub or forested parts of the wetland.
3
3
2.
Ambient air temperature at the surface in the shade should be > 55° F.
3.
Surveys should be done during the day, at least one hour after sunrise and no later than one
hour before sunset.
4.
Surveys may be done when it is sunny or cloudy. In addition, surveys may be conducted
during and after light rain, provided air temperatures are > 65° F.
5.
At least one surveyor must be a recognized qualified bog turtle surveyor'', and the others
should have some previous experience successfully conducting bog turtle surveys or
herpetological surveys in wetlands. To maintain survey effort consistency and increase the
probability of encountering turtles, the same surveyors should be used for each wetland.
6.
A minimum of four (4) surveys per wetland site are needed to adequately assess the site for
presence of bog turtles. At least two of these surveys must be performed in May. From
April 15 to April 30, surveys should be separated by six or more days. From May 1 to June
15, surveys should be separated by three or more days. The shorter period between surveys
during May and June is needed to ensure that surveys are carried out during the optimum
window of time (i.e., before wetland vegetation becomes too thick).
Note that bog turtles are more likely to be encountered by spreading the surveys out over a
longer period. For example, erroneous survey results could be obtained if surveys were
conducted on four successive days in late April due to possible late spring emergence, or
during periods of extreme weather because turtles may be buried in mud and difficult to
find.
Because this is solely a presence/absence survey, survey efforts at a particular wetland may
cease once a bog turtle has been found.
7.
Survey time should be at least four (4) to six (6) person-hours per acre of designated survey
area per visit. Additional survey time may be warranted in wetlands that are difficult to
survey or that have high quality potential habitat. The designated survey area includes all
areas of the wetland where soft, mucky-like soils are present, regardless of vegetative cover
type. This includes emergent, scrub-shrub, and forested areas of the wetland.
If the cover is too thick to effectively survey using Phase 2 survey techniques alone (e.g.,
dominated by multiflora rose, reed canary grass, Phragmites), contact the Service and State
wildlife agency for guidance on Phase 3 survey techniques (trapping) to supplement the
Phase 2 effort. In addition, Phase 3 (trapping) surveys may also be warranted if the site is in
the Lake Plain-Prairie Peninsula Recovery Unit. Check with the Service or State wildlife
agency for further guidance.
Searching for bog turtles and recognizing their habitat is a skill that can take many months or years of field work to
develop. This level of expertise is necessary when conducting searches in order to ensure that surveys are effective and
turtles are not hanned during the survey (e.g., by stepping on nests). Many individuals that have been recognized as
qualified to conduct bog turtle surveys obtained their experience through graduate degree research or employment by a
state wildlife agency. Others have spent many years actively surveying for bog turtles as amateur herpetologists or
consultants.
4
8.
Walk quietly through the wetland. Bog turtles will bask on herbaceous vegetation and bare
ground, or be half-buried in shallow water or rivulets. Walking noisily through the wetland
will often cause the turtles to submerge before they can be observed. Be sure to search areas
where turtles may not be visible, including under mats of dead vegetation, shallow pools,
underground springs, open mud areas, vole runways and under tussocks. Do not step on the
tops of tussocks or hummocks because turtle nests, eggs and nesting microhabitat may be
destroyed. Both random opportunistic searching and transect surveys should be used at each
wetland.
The following survey sequence is recommended to optimize detection of bog turtles:
•
Semi-rapid walk through the designated survey area using visual encounter techniques.
•
If no bog turtles are found during visual survey, while walking through site identify
highest quality habitat patches. Within these highest quality patches, begin looking
under live and dead vegetation using muddling and probing techniques.
•
If still no bog turtles are found, the rest of the designated survey area should be surveyed
using visual encounter surveys, muddling and probing techniques.
9.
Photo-documentation of each bog turtle located will be required; a macro lens is highly
recommended. The photos should be in color and of sufficient detail and clarity to identify
the bog turtle to species and individual. Therefore, photographs of the carapace, plastron,
and face/neck markings should be taken of each individual turtle. Do not harass the turtle in
an attempt to get photos of the face/neck markings; if gently placed on the ground, most
turtles will slowly extend their necks if not harassed. If shell notching is conducted, do the
photo-documentation after the notching is done.
10.
The following information should be collected for each bog turtle: sex, carapace lengthstraight line and maximum length, carapace width, weight, and details about scars/injuries.
Maximum plastron length information should also be collected to differentiate juveniles
from adults as well as to obtain additional information on recruitment, growth, and
demography.
11.
Each bog turtle should be marked (e.g., notched, PIT tagged) in a manner consistent with the
requirements of the appropriate State agency and/or Service. Contact the appropriate State
wildlife agency prior to conducting the survey to determine what type of marking system, if
any, should be used.
12.
All bog turtles must be returned to the point of capture as soon as possible on the same day
as capture. They should only be held long enough to identify, measure, weigh, and
photograph them, during which time their exposure to high temperatures must be avoided.
No bog turtles may be removed from the wetland without permission from the Service and
appropriate State agency.
13.
The Fish and Wildlife Service and appropriate State agency should be sent a copy of survey
results for review and concurrence, including the following: dates of site visits; time spent
5
per designated survey area per wetland per visit; names of surveyors; a site map including
wetlands and delineations of designated survey areas; a table indicating the size of each
wetland, the designated survey area within each wetland, and the survey effort per visit; a
description of the wetlands within the project area (e.g., acreage, vegetation, soils,
hydrology); an explanation of which wetlands or portions of wetlands were or were not
surveyed, and why; survey methodology; weather per visit at beginning and end of survey
(air temperature, wind, and precipitation); presence or absence of bog turtles, including
number of turtles found and date, and information and measurements specified in item 10
above; and other reptile and amphibian species found and date.
ADDITIONAL SURVEYS / STUDIES
Proper implementation of the Phase 2 survey protocol is usually adequate to determine species
presence or probable absence, especially in small wetlands lacking invasive plant species.
Additional surveys, however, may be necessary to determine whether or not bog turtles are using a
particular wetland, especially if the Phase 2 survey results are negative but the quality and quantity
of habitat are good and in a watershed of known occurrence. In this case, additional surveys (Phase
2 and/or Phase 3 (trapping) surveys), possibly extending into the following field season, may be
recommended by the Service or appropriate State agency.
If bog turtles are documented to occur at a site, additional surveys/studies may be necessary to
characterize the population (e.g., number, density, population structure, recruitment), identify
nesting and hibernating areas, and/or identify and assess adverse impacts to the species and its
habitat, particularly if project activities are proposed to occur in, or within 300 feet of, wetlands
occupied by the species.
6
October 16, 2010
[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS
Appendix C
Bog Turtle Data Sheet
If a bog turtle is found on your target property fill out and return a Rare Species Report Form
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/rptform.pdf
Mail To:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
NJ Field Office
927 North Main Street
Pleasantville, NJ 08232
&
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
Endangered Nongame Species Program
143 Van Syckles Road
Hampton, NJ 08827
Close-up of Bog Turtle Head
B1? Environmental, LLC
54 Park Street
florbam Park
NJ
07932
TURTLE DATA SHEET
Notch Code
Species: Bog
Wood
Boy
Spotted
WEATHER
1
Ftitind hr.•
14,'Y
141
Hm'Y 6: 1Y
train
/44.4."14
1 tumid
yam)
nutiturrY
Pmcesscd h v:
•retyp: Water
Turtle ID
Time
Date
Musk
Redbelly Map Snapping
Painted
Air
Foot.
Car/ATV/Bike
Trapped
Muddling
Wading
Canoe
Snorkel
Glassing
Probing
Female
de/iv/0: whsajbunth
Basking
Walking
Swimming
- Nest Digging
Feeding
Courting
Copulating
Egg Laying
Idle
In Tunnel
Under Cover
(Draw au abnormalities)
Ave. 4 of annuli
• ie& brown black starbursting
smootli
Blotch color: yellow
orange
red
Male
-Sighting #
••
•
(Draw notches. placed
pment)
grains
Mass
Tew,s•:
Toes:
All
Missing
All
Missing
Carapace
Shell Heigh'
mui
kith
min
Pl. Width
nun
Toes:
foes:
All
All
Missing
Missing
7
/Carapace Max.
Carapace Centerline
LOCATION
Datum?
Litt
Long .
Plastron
nun
nun
nft; IN
Plastron Centerline
nun
nun
ADDITIONAL NOTES (Growths, deformities, oar3sites)
HABITAT
BkHAVIO.R
Twp.•
RELEASED -
POC
0 %HER
Aqua -Tertv
Ito;. 511 IA*
October 16, 2010
[BOG TURTLE LIFE HISTORY AND SURVEY PROTOCOLS
Appendix D
Piles6rove Township
Map of Potential
1306 Turtle Habitats
BR Environmental, LLC
54 Park Street
florhan2Park
NJ
07952
Map 14A: •
Natural Vegetation (1995/1997)
,
itretiands
EkustuShrublani • Crldke'd
Wetlands - ScruraiSnrub
Traar taarsnes • Fresnwate•
Wetlands
Upland Forest • Comterous
11. uproots F orest - Morel Corot doer ;
Upland Forest - Deciduous
- Herbactous
Wetlands •• Wooded Deciduous
ag
Wetlands • Wooded • Condetous
Wetlands • Wooded Mixed
;Joan.] Forest • *Axed (Dead Born r
IDeaduods Dominated(
Lakes and Stteams
All Other Land Cow,
7
drcit WTI
.r°
1"
1.,1
tAhorte- L
‘4111.110
ko:
•
ar