Wood Turtle
Monitoring and
Stewardship,
Petitcodiac River
Watershed, New
Brunswick
(Public Version)
Prepared By:
Courtney Smith
January 30, 2015
236 rue St. Georges street, suite 405
Moncton, NB, E1C 1W1
506 384 3369
[email protected]
www.petitcodiacwatershed.org
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship,
Petitcodiac Watershed, New Brunswick
(Public Version)
We gratefully acknowledge the support of WWF-Loblaws Companies Limited, RBC Blue
Water Project, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund.
The results and recommendations presented in this report do not necessarily represent the
official position of WWF-Canada and/or Loblaw Companies Limited.
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (also known as World Wildlife Fund).
® “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark.
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... I
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................... II
List of Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................... III
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. IV
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................V
Sommaire exécutif .................................................................................................................................. VII
1.0
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0
Background ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.1
Project .......................................................................................................................................... 1
2.2
Physical Description .................................................................................................................. 2
2.3
Biology ........................................................................................................................................ 4
2.4
Habitat .......................................................................................................................................... 4
2.5
Threats ......................................................................................................................................... 5
3.0
Methods ........................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1
Field Surveys .............................................................................................................................. 5
3.2
Identifying threats ...................................................................................................................... 6
4.0
Results .............................................................................................................................................. 7
4.1
Field Surveys .............................................................................................................................. 7
4.2
Wood Turtles .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.3
Identified threats ....................................................................................................................... 13
4.4
Outreach..................................................................................................................................... 14
5.0
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1
Field Surveys ............................................................................................................................ 15
5.2
Wood Turtles ........................................................................................................................... 16
5.3
Identified Threats ..................................................................................................................... 17
5.4
Outreach..................................................................................................................................... 18
6.0
Recommendations ........................................................................................................................ 18
References ................................................................................................................................................ 20
Appendices .............................................................................................................................................. A-1
Appendix A: Wood Turtle Rapid Assessment and Individual Form ......................................... A-1
Appendix B1: French and English species at risk fact sheet........................................................ B-1
Appendix B2: Times and Transcript article re: wood turtle project ........................................... B-2
Appendix B3: WWF’s Living Planet fall newsletter ................................................................... B-3
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
Appendix B4: “Shellfie” contents of outreach initiative .............................................................. B-4
List of Figures
Figure 1: Photograph of wood turtle carapace showing labeled scutes: V (vertebral), N (nuchal),
C (costal), M (marginal) ............................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2: Photograph of wood turtle plastron showing labeled scutes: G (gular), H (humeral), M
(marginal), P (pectoral), Ab (abdominal), F (femoral), An (anal) ....................................................... 3
Figure 3: Habitat type used by wood turtles at time of capture, 2014 .............................................. 10
Figure 4: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th percentile for
female, male, and combined wood turtle ages in years where combined n= 8, female n=5, male
n=3.............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 5: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th percentile for
female (n=5), male (n=3), and combined wood turtles (n=8): a) weight b) carapace length c)
carapace width d) plastron length and e) plastron width..................................................................... 13
Figure 6: Threat value assigned to each 2014 rapid assessment site based on assigned risk values
(Table 2) .................................................................................................................................................... 14
List of Tables
Table 1: Wood turtle threats present in the Petitcodiac watershed with assigned level of risk and
description ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Table 2: Risk value given to rapid assessment sites based on assigned “level of risk” table .......... 7
Table 3: Wood turtle survey locations, dates, hours and minutes searched ....................................... 7
Table 4: Field survey search effort 2014 ................................................................................................. 8
Table 5: Details of wood turtles found in 2014 field season ................................................................ 9
Table 6: Threats present in 2014 rapid assessment sites. .................................................................... 13
Table 7: Wood turtle monitoring project presentations for 2014 – 2015.......................................... 15
Table 8: Outreach booths for wood turtle project, 2014 ..................................................................... 15
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
List of Acronyms
NBDNR – New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources
GIS - Geographic Information Systems
NWTWG – Northeast Wood Turtle Working Group
PWA - Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance
SARA - Species at Risk Act
AWI – Atlantic Wildlife Institute
GPS - Global Positioning System
CL – Carapace length
CW – Carapace width
PL – Plastron length
PW – Plastron width
WWF – World Wildlife Fund
UTM – Universal Transverse Mercator
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our funders: RBC, CWF, NBWTF, and WWF-Loblaw for making this project
possible. Thanks to our volunteers, Tanya Carroll, Fay McIntyre, and Ian Flemming for
sacrificing their time to assist us in our field work. Thanks to all organizations and schools that
advocated our project by inviting us to present our work. A very special thanks to Dr. Maureen
Toner for guidance and mentorship and to biologist, Deanna McCullum of CFB Gagetown for
training our staff. A big thank you to our summer student, Andrew Downey, for all of the hard
work and long hours spent making this project a success, and most importantly thank you to the
wood turtles for their patience in allowing us to measure them and visit their homes.
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
Version française à suivre/ French version to follow
Executive Summary
The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) monitoring and stewardship project was initiated by the
Petitcodiac Watershed alliance (PWA) in collaboration with Fort Folly Habitat Recovery
Program (FFHRP) and the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources (NBDNR) to
assess the wood turtle population within the Petitcodiac river watershed. This was the first time
in history a study of the wood turtle was conducted within the watershed. Up until this point, no
formal study of the species had been undertaken and knowledge of their existence was only
extended to anecdotal sightings. The project was initiated in May of 2014 and is set to continue
until 2017.
The wood turtle is a medium sized, semi-aquatic, freshwater species of the Emydidae family. It
is endemic to northeast North America and is classified as “threatened” in New Brunswick and
federally under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Throughout its entire range from Nova Scotia
west to New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and south to Minnesota, Virginia and Maryland, the
long lived reptile is in various stages of decline. In some states it is thought to be extirpated.
As the most terrestrial in its family, the wood turtle can travel up to a kilometer away from
overwintering sites during its active months of April through October. Travelling great distances
to forage, nest, and copulate has created many obstacles for the turtles as urban sprawl has left
them vulnerable to road injuries and mortalities and illegal capture for the exotic pet trade. Their
habitats have also suffered as a result of degradation, destruction, and increased predation due to
urbanization. Injury and death as a result of agricultural machinery, particularly mowing blades,
is perhaps the greatest threat to populations within the Petitcodiac watershed.
The PWA worked under the guidance of the NBDNR to implement a strategy to effectively
communicate with watershed citizens, particularly riparian landowners, about conserving habitat,
reducing threats, and protecting the species. Given the lack of historical evidence regarding the
species within the Petitcodiac River watershed, the bulk of time was spent locating wood turtles
and wood turtle habitat. Some of the goals set for the pilot year of the project included:






Identify and map wood turtle habitat within the watershed using Google Earth and
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Assess wood turtle activity (e.g. foraging, copulation, nesting)
Identify habitat types used by the wood turtle
Identify threats
Notify riparian landowners of the presence of wood turtles and provide resources on
threat reduction
Raise public awareness about the species to educate and create stewards
During the months of May, June, September, and October, the PWA conducted a series of
repeatable land and water surveys on foot in tributaries throughout the watershed. A total of nine
adult turtles were found across three different river systems. Seven were found during field
surveys, one was found incidentally in an urban area on two separate occasions by PWA staff,
and another was found in an urban area and reported by a citizen. No juveniles were found. Of
the nine adults found, four were male (0.45%) and five were female (0.55%); Perceived threats
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
within a kilometer radius of rapid assessment (RA) sites included roads, recreation, all terrain
vehicle (ATV) trails, haying fields, and highways.
Community outreach was a vital constituent of the project, as the prospect of reducing threats to
wood turtles is dependent on communication with watershed citizens, particularly those living in
or near wood turtle habitat. A number of outreach methods were used including:


Delivery of presentations to schools and community groups
Door to door education and delivery of NBDNR’s “New Brunswick Species at Risk:
Wood Turtle” fact sheet to community members living in or near known wood turtle
habitat
Volunteers for field surveys
Information booths
Use of social media and news media to promote project and species awareness
“Shellfie” initiative involved 100 clay wood turtles with species information and tips
attached distributed throughout the watershed, specifically in nature parks




This season was successful in identifying wood turtle habitat and threats as well as educating
hundreds of watershed citizens about a species of which they had little awareness. Many riparian
landowners and haying farmers were informed of the presence of wood turtles and showed an
interest in our conservation efforts. We would like to see this project continue to strengthen by
creating stewards and stakeholders, to include the whole community in helping the wood turtle
thrive. The PWA made a list of recommendations to ensure success for the future of the project:













Begin spring RA surveys in early April or as soon as water levels permit
Work closer with haying farmers to reduce direct threats to wood turtles
Plant native fruit bearing trees and shrubs in riparian zones lacking vegetative cover
Plant vegetation over paths leading to beaches to prevent ATV use in nesting habitat
Watch beaches for nesting on evenings in late June
Develop nest protection
Investigate area where Jordan, the turtle, was found
Assess riparian zone near site of Saharah’s initial capture
Work with community to reduce ATV threats on beaches
Develop presentations geared for elementary schools
Conduct swim-throughs in September and October for population estimates
Continue to work with community and organizations to mitigate threats and create
stewards
Continue to visit, educate, and build positive relationships with riparian landowners
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
Sommaire exécutif
Le projet de surveillance et d'intendance de la tortue des bois a été amorcé par l'Alliance du
bassin versant Petitcodiac (ABVP) en collaboration avec le Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Program
(FFHRP) et le Ministère des ressources naturelles du Nouveau-Brunswick (MRNNB) afin
d'évaluer la population de la tortue des bois (Glyptemys insculpta) à l'intérieur du bassin versant
Petitcodiac. C'est la première fois dans l'histoire qu'une étude de la tortue des bois a été
effectuée à l'intérieur du bassin versant Petitcodiac. Jusqu'à présent, aucune étude officielle de
l'espèce n'a été entreprise et la connaissance de leur existence s'étendait seulement qu'aux
observations anecdotiques. Le projet fut initié en mai 2014 et se poursuivra jusqu'en 2017.
La tortue des bois est une espèce de taille moyenne, semi-aquatique et d'eau douce provenant de
la famille des Émydidés. Elle est endémique au nord-est de l'Amérique du Nord et se classifie
au Nouveau-Brunswick comme étant "menacée" ainsi qu'au niveau fédéral sous la Loi sur les
espèces en péril (LEP). Sur toute l'étendue de son territoire à partir de l'ouest de la NouvelleÉcosse jusqu'au Nouveau-Brunswick, au Québec, en Ontario et en direction sud, soit au
Minnesota, en Virginie et au Maryland, ces reptiles de longue vie se retrouvent en divers stades
de déclin. Elle est maintenant considérée disparue dans certains états.
Étant la plus terrestre dans sa famille, la tortue des bois peut voyager jusqu'à un kilomètre des
lieux d'hivernage durant ses mois actifs, soit d'avril à octobre. Parcourir de grandes distances
afin de se nourrir, faire son nid et copuler a créé plusieurs obstacles pour les tortues étant donné
que l'éclatement des villes les a rendues vulnérables aux blessures et aux mortalités de la route
ainsi qu'à la capture illégale pour le commerce d'animaux exotiques. Leurs habitats ont
également souffert suite à la détérioration, la destruction et la prédation accrue en raison de
l'urbanisation. Les blessures et les décès provenant de machineries agricoles, notamment les
lames de tonte, sont possiblement les menaces les plus importantes pour les populations à
l'intérieur du bassin versant Petitcodiac.
L'ABVP a travaillé sous la direction du MRNNB afin de mettre en œuvre une stratégie visant à
communiquer efficacement avec les citoyens du bassin versant, particulièrement avec les
propriétaires fonciers riverains, sur la conservation des habitats, la réduction des menaces et la
protection de l'espèce. Compte rendu de l'absence de faits historiques sur l'espèce à l'intérieur
du bassin versant Petitcodiac, la majorité du temps a été consacré à repérer la tortue des bois
ainsi que l'habitat de celle-ci. Certains des objectifs visés pour l'année pilote du projet
comprenaient:






Identifier et cartographier l'habitat de la tortue des bois à l'intérieur du bassin versant en
utilisant Google Earth et Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Évaluer l'activité de la tortue des bois (ex. butinage, copulation et nidification)
Identifier le type d'habitat utilisé par la tortue des bois
Identifier les menaces
Aviser les propriétaires fonciers riverains de la présence des tortues des bois et fournir
des ressources se rapportant à la réduction des menaces
Sensibiliser le public à l'espèce afin d'éduquer et de créer des gardiens.
Pendant les mois de mai, juin, septembre et octobre, l'ABVP a effectué une série d'études à pied
des terrains et de l'eau dans les tributaires à travers le bassin versant. Un total de neuf tortues
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed
adultes ont été retrouvées à travers trois différents réseaux riverains. Sept ont été retrouvées
durant des études sur le terrain, une a été retrouvée à deux occasions par le personnel de l'ABVP
qui passait dans une région urbaine et l'autre fut retrouvée et signalée par un citoyen dans une
région urbaine. Aucun juvénile n'a été retrouvé. Des neufs adultes retrouvés, quatre étaient
males (0.45%) et cinq étaient femelles (0.55%); les menaces perçues à l'intérieur d'un rayon d'un
kilomètre des sites d'évaluation rapide (ER) incluaient les chemins, la récréation, les sentiers
pour véhicules tout-terrain (VTT), les champs de fenaison ainsi que les autoroutes.
La sensibilisation communautaire faisait partie intégrante du projet, étant donné que la
perspective de réduire les menaces dépend sur la communication avec les citoyens du bassin
versant de la présence des tortues des bois, particulièrement avec ceux qui habitent près des
habitats de la tortue des bois. Un nombre de méthodes de communication ont été utilisées qui
comprenaient:


Exécution de présentations aux écoles et groupes communautaires
Campagne d'éducation porte-à-porte et livraison de fiches d'explications provenant du
MRNNB "Espèces en péril au Nouveau-Brunswick: Tortue des bois" aux membres de la
communauté habitant dans ou près des habitats de la tortue des bois
Volontaires pour études de terrain
Kiosques d'information
L'utilisation de médias sociaux et médias d'actualités afin de promouvoir le projet et la
sensibilisation de l'espèce
Initiative "shellfie" impliquant 100 tortues des bois confectionnées d'argile en compagnie
d'information et de conseils par rapport à l'espèce qui ont été distribués à travers le bassin
versant, spécifiquement dans les parcs naturels




Cette saison fut marquée du sceau de la réussite à l'identification d'habitats et aux menaces de la
tortue des bois ainsi qu'à la formation de centaines de citoyens du bassin versant d'une espèce
dont ils avaient peu de connaissance. Plusieurs propriétaires fonciers riverains et agriculteurs de
fenaison ont été informés de la présence des tortues des bois et ceux-ci ont démontré un intérêt
par rapport à nos efforts de conservation, incitant donc la réduction des menaces. Nous
aimerions voir ce projet se poursuivre afin de le raffermir envers la création de gardiens et
d'intervenants afin que toute la communauté soit impliquée pour assister à l'épanouissement de la
tortue des bois. L'ABVP a produit une liste de recommandations afin d'assurer le succès futur du
projet:






Débuter des études ER au printemps, soit au début du mois d'avril ou aussitôt que les
niveaux d'eau le permettent
Travailler étroitement avec les agriculteurs de fenaison afin de réduire les menaces
directes auprès des tortues des bois
Repeuplement d'arbres et d'arbustes indigènes produisant des fruits dans les zones
riveraines qui seraient absentes d'un couvert végétal
Repeuplement de végétation sur les sentiers qui mènent aux plages afin de prévenir
l'utilisation de VTT dans les habitats de nidification
Observer les plages en soirée, à la fin juin, pour la nidification
Mettre en place la protection des nids
January 30, 2014
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship, Petitcodiac Watershed



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
Enquêter la région où Jordan, la tortue, fut retrouvé ainsi que l'observation d'une tortue
inconnue
Évaluer la zone riveraine près du site de la capture initiale de Saharah.
Travailler avec la communauté pour réduire les menaces se reliant aux VTT sur les
plages. Un examen plus approfondi de la région où Jordan fut retrouvé
Mettre au point des présentations destinées aux écoles élémentaires
Mener un relevé à la nage en septembre et octobre pour l'estimation de la population
Poursuite des travaux avec la communauté et les organismes afin d'atténuer les menaces
et de créer des gardiens
Continuer à visiter, former et créer des liens positifs avec les propriétaires fonciers
riverains
January 30, 2014
Page IX
1.0 Introduction
For the first time in history, a study of the North American wood turtle has been undertaken
within the Petitcodiac watershed. Prior to May of 2014, no formal study of the species had been
conducted and knowledge of their existence within the watershed was only known through
anecdotal sightings by watershed citizens or during fish or riparian restoration work by the
Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance (PWA) and Fort Folly Habitat Recovery program (FFHR).The
North American wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a medium sized, semi-aquatic, freshwater
turtle endemic to Northeast North America. It exists discontinuously from Nova Scotia, west
through New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario, and south to Minnesota, Virginia, and Maryland
(Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, 2007).
Populations are in decline throughout the species’ range as threats have become more abundant
with urban sprawl and agricultural land use (Ministry of Natural Resources , 2010). Habitat
degradation and destruction, roads, increased predation due to urbanization (e.g. racoons),
capturing of turtles for the illegal pet trade, and haying/agricultural machinery have all
contributed to the increase in injury and mortality rates among wood turtle (International Union
for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources , 2014 ). As such, the species has been listed
as “threatened” under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA)as well as in New Brunswick,
Quebec, and Nova Scotia, and as “endangered” in Ontario. The purpose of the act is to provide
for the recovery of endangered or threatened species and to prevent them from becoming
extirpated or extinct (Government of Canada , 2014).
The PWA worked under the guidance of the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources
(NBDNR) to implement a strategy to effectively communicate with watershed citizens,
particularly riparian landowners, about conserving habitat, reducing threats, and protecting the
species. The objectives of this pilot year of study were to:






Identify and map wood turtle habitat within the watershed using Google Earth and
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Assess wood turtle activity (e.g. foraging, copulation, nesting)
Identify habitat types used by the wood turtle
Identify threats
Notify riparian landowners of the presence of wood turtles and provide resources
on reducing threats
Raise public awareness about the species to educate and create stewards
2.0 Background
2.1
Project
This is the first time in its history that the PWA has studied wood turtle habitat within the
watershed and as such looked to a number of like-minded organizations in planning the design
of the project. In planning the pilot year of study the PWA received input from the Northeast
Wood Turtle Working Group (NWTWG) in designing the field protocol and from biologists
at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, who trained staff of the PWA to properly handle,
document, and photograph wood turtles. The base is home to roughly 100 wood turtles that
have been monitored by biologists on site for over a decade.
1
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
The PWA followed their lead in choosing the Northeast wood turtle coordinated monitoring
strategy as official protocol for the habitat study and handling of the species (Appendix A). This
protocol was created by the NWTWG, of the Department of Environmental Conservation,
University of Massachusetts, with the objective to identify existing populations of the species
throughout the continent and implement a conservation strategy that can be used throughout the
species’ range by all conservation groups to provide consistency in search efforts (Northeast
Wood Turtle Working Group, 2014).
Public outreach has been a critical constituent of the project as the decline in wood turtle
populations is a direct result of human activity. The focus has been on educating watershed
citizens about the threatened species, particularly farmers with haying fields and riparian
landowners, with the outcome of creating stewards and species advocates. A variety of outreach
strategies and venues were used including presentations to interest groups and high schools,
door to door educational visits with distribution of wood turtle information factsheets provided
by NBDNR, as well as use of news media and social media to promote species awareness.
2.2
Physical Description
The wood turtle is a medium sized fresh water turtle with a carapace (upper shell) (Figure 1).
length of 16 – 25 cm (Regents of the University of Michigan, 2014 ). The shell is comprised of
the carapace, plastron (bottom shell), and the bridges which join the two. The carapace is
brownish grey in colour and has a sculpted appearance made up of scutes that contain pyramidal
ridges of annuli (circular growth rings) (MacGregor & Elderkin, 2003). This is a unique
characteristic of the wood turtle that reveals its age fairly accurately by counting the number of
annuli. After 15-20 years of age, however, the rate of growth slows and annuli can become
difficult to distinguish (Saumure D. R., 2002 - 2010). Each scute is named based on location
The plastron is yellow with black blotches along the outer edge. When males reach sexual
maturity, the plastron becomes concave allowing them to mount the female, who is
characterized by a convex plastron. Each scute is labeled according to its location (Figure 2).
Males tend to be slightly larger and have a broader head and thicker tale and neck than females
(Government of Canada , 2014). Both sexes share the characteristic black head, yellow and
black lines between annuli, and yellow/orange colouring along the neck, tail, and legs. Color
varies geographically, with individuals in the western limit of their range having a
yellow/orange colored throat, tail, legs, and neck which darkens in eastern populations to deep
orange/red (Pennsylvania State University, 2002). The average wood turtle weighs
approximately 0.7-1.1 kg (State of Conneticut, 2014).
January 30, 2015
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Figure 1: Photograph of wood turtle carapace showing labeled scutes: V (vertebral), N
(nuchal), C (costal), M (marginal)
Figure 2: Photograph of wood turtle plastron showing labeled scutes: G (gular), H
(humeral), M (marginal), P (pectoral), Ab (abdominal), F (femoral), An (anal)
January 30, 2015
3
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
2.3
Biology
The sex of wood turtles is genetically determined, contrary to many species whose sex is
temperature dependant (Castellano, 2008). Wood turtles are classified as a specie that is
iteroparous, meaning they reproduce multiple times throughout their lifetime. Iteroparous
species with genetic sex determination typically exhibit 1:1 sex ratio, though uneven sex ratios
in many population studies of wood turtles have been reported (Castellano, 2008). These sex
ratio variations, however, are likely attributed to environmental influences on the survival rate
of each sex. For example, females may have a higher risk of road injury or mortality during
nesting season when they are known to travel great distances to lay their eggs.
Wood turtles are opportunistic omnivores (Walde, et al., 2003) and are known to eat a wide
variety of plants and animals including earth worms, leeches, snails, tadpoles, insects and their
larvae, berries, and certain types of leaves and flowering plants (Saumure R. A., Wood turtle
Diet, 2002 - 2010). Wood turtles reach sexual maturity between 11 – 22 years of age, though it
is determined more by size than age (Government of Canada , 2014 ). Adults mate bi-modally,
in the spring and fall, with research suggesting that the majority of mating takes place in the fall
(Walde, et al., 2003). Females produce only a single clutch of eggs throughout their northern
range during the active season, however, they may carry sperm from autumn mating through the
winter (University of Guelph , 2012). There is a positive correlation between number of eggs
carried and carapace length (CL), carapace width (CW), and mass of gravid females (Walde et
al., 2007).
2.4
Habitat
Wood turtles use a variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats including rivers, streams, bogs,
swamps, forests, upland fields, farmland, and wet meadows (Harding and Bloomer, 1979).
Their preferred habitat for overwintering, mating, and foraging, however, is clear, rocky or
gravel bottomed, moderate flowing, meandering streams (Committee on the Status of
Endangered Wildlife in Canada, 2008). It is common, and shown in some studies, that wood
turtles seek out ecotones, or transitional zones at the junction of two discrete habitat types with
relatively high vegetative heterogeneity (Saumure and Bider, 1998). They concentrate near
streams in early spring and late fall, while in late spring into early fall they are active primarily
in riparian and upland habitats for basking, foraging, and nesting activities (Nova Scotia
Department of Natural Resources, 2012 ).
As the most terrestrial of fresh water turtles in the Emydidae, wood turtles may travel up to a
kilometer or more away from overwintering sites during the summer, spending much of their
time on land to forage and nest (MacGregor and Elderkin, 2003). In overwintering studies of the
species, it was found that they tend to overwinter within several metres from the bank and in
pools at least one meter deep to increase winter survival by reducing the risk of freezing
(Greaves & Litzgus, 2007 ). Research into the species throughout its range has shown that the
wood turtle’s homing range is greater in northern latitudes, which is likely associated with
lower productivity in the north (Castellano, 2008). Copulation can occur on land, however,
nearly all monitoring studies have shown the preferred habitat of this activity to be shallow
water (Harding and Bloomer, 1979).
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
The wood turtle is an oviparous species that lacks prenatal care, and therefore site selection for
nesting is critical to hatchling success (Hughes et al., 2014). Substrate temperature is the most
important factor influencing the precise location a turtle chooses to nest. Females may spend up
to nine days seeking out the most ideal site to lay eggs (Hughes, Greaves, & Litzgus, 2014).
Studies of nesting behavior in wood turtles have revealed that females can travel up to 2000
meters up or down stream to nest and tend to, almost exclusively, choose the same nesting site
throughout their life (Walde et al., 2007). Nesting typically occurs in mid to late June within
the northern limits of range and females may deposit 8-10 eggs (Province of Nova Scotia,
2011). Rate of embryo development varies with ambient temperature and hatching occurs in late
August and early fall (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, 2007). Little
is known about hatchling success within the Petitcodiac watershed.
2.5
Threats
The main threats challenging the survival of wood turtles are anthropogenic and are, in general,
a result of increasing human population pressures leading to habitat fragmentation, degradation
and destruction, road mortalities, and removal of turtles from their habitat (Walde et al., 2003).
Removal of turtles to keep as pets or exploit in the international pet trade is also thought to be
one of the greatest threats to the species and has resulted in long term population declines in the
United States (Walde, et al., 2003): It is uncertain whether this has contributed to the loss of
turtles in Canada. Wood turtles have very low reproductive success and removing a single turtle
can significantly reduce numbers (MacGregor and Elderkin, 2003 ). Injuries and mortalities
caused by agricultural machinery in activities such as haying and bank restructuring have
severely impacted populations (Saumure and Bider, 1998). This is likely the biggest threat
within the Petitcodiac River watershed as haying fields border many of the rivers inhabited by
turtles.
3.0 Methods
The objectives of this project were carried out using the following methods to help build a better
understanding of the risks associated with wood turtle habitat within the Petitcodiac River
watershed and to implement an effective outreach strategy for watershed citizens.
3.1
Field Surveys
The PWA used the NWTWG’s rapid assessment (RA) protocol for all field surveys. During the
months of May, June, September, and October, the PWA conducted a series of repeatable land
and water surveys on foot in tributaries throughout the watershed. The majority of surveys took
place in June. At the beginning of each survey a rapid assessment form (Appendix A) was
started and completed by the end of each one kilometer reach. The most experienced member of
the team was designated as the lead observer while remaining team members were numbered 2,
3, 4, etc. The lead observer walked the fixed distance of approximately one kilometer in a
riparian zone over the span of one hour. In order to maximize the area searched, remaining team
members lagged behind the lead observer, surveying areas that had not been surveyed by other
observers.
When individual turtles were captured, the following procedures were conducted in order:
January 30, 2015
5
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship







3.2
A universal transverse mercator (UTM) point was marked using a Garmin GPSmap76 at
the precise location of the turtle.
Examined turtle for sex characteristics, injuries;
Females palpated for the presence of eggs (gravid);
Multiple pictures were taken of the turtle’s carapace, plastron, scutes, and any injuries,
scars, or other identifying features;
“Wood Turtle Individual Form” was completed (Appendix A);
Measurements of carapace length (CL), carapace width (CW), plastron length (PL), and
plastron width (PW) were taken using a soft measuring tape and were measured in cm
o CL was measured from the outermost edge of the nuchal scute to the outermost
edge of the last vertebral scute
o CW was measured along the middle of the carapace from bridge to bridge
o PL was measured from the outermost edge of the gular scute to outermost edge
where the left and right anal scutes meet
o PW was measured from bridge to bridge, through the center of the plastron;
Measuring tape and hands of those handling the turtle were sanitized to prevent cross
contamination
Identifying threats
Relevant threats existing within a 1 km radius of a river noted during field surveys were ranked
according to the level of risk they pose with 3 being the highest and 1 being the lowest (Table
1). It should be noted that there is a large margin of error inherent in this ranking system given
the nature of each threat (i.e. how busy is the road, size of the haying field, etc.) however, the
system was intended to provide a simple analysis of threats within the RA’s to be used as a
starting point for future conservation.
Table 1: Wood turtle threats present in the Petitcodiac River watershed with assigned
level of risk and description
Threat
Haying Fields
Level
Description
of Risk
(1-3)
3
It is well documented that haying machinery has seriously diminished
wood turtle populations due to the mechanics of the blade and the
frequency with which turtles inhabit these fields that are often in riparian
zones (Saumure et al., 2006).
Highway
3
Highways tend to be frequented constantly with motor vehicles driving at
speeds of 120+ km per hour and there is very little chance of a turtle
surviving or surviving without injury when crossing a highway.
Roads
(excluding
highways)
2
Roads are of high risk to turtles but to a lesser degree than highways,
especially in rural areas where many RA’s took place, as speed limits are
lower allowing drivers to potentially see a turtle on the road, slow down
to avoid collision with the turtle, or pull over to help it cross the road.
ATV trails
1
All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) trails are considered a threat to wood turtles as
users drive over nests, whether on trails or on beaches, displacing or
January 30, 2015
6
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
breaking the eggs (Government of Canada , 2014). Turtles, prticularly
hatchlings or small juveniles, are at a high risk of being crushed by these
vehicles as well. Driving on beaches also erodes the land reducing
vegetative cover and leaving wildlife vulnerable to predators.
Garbage/
Recreation
1
Signs of recreation such as campfires, beer bottles, and garbage in
riparian zones tend to invite predators, specifically racoons, increasing the
risk of nest predation or attack on wood turtles (Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources, 2015 ).
A risk value was then assigned to each RA based on the number of threats assigned to that
particular area (Table 2): 0-1 signifies a low risk of death or injury, 2-4 signifies a moderate risk
of death or injury, and 5-10 signifies a high risk of death or injury.
Table 2: Risk value ranges assigned to rapid assessment sites based on “level of risk”
assigned to threats found in Table 2
Risk value
0-1
2-4
5 – 10
Risk Value Ranges
Low Risk
Moderate Risk
High Risk
4.0 Results
4.1
Field Surveys
Field surveys (Table 3) began on May 20th and were conducted throughout the Petitcodiac River
watershed until October 15th with the majority of surveys taking place in June. RA sites
throughout seven rivers in the watershed were searched. A total of 76.45 on-site staff person
hours were spent on surveys between these dates with 29,000 m searched, resulting in seven
wood turtles found (Table 4). It should be noted that many of the rapid assessment sites were
searched multiple times but their respective distances were only counted once.
Table 3: Wood turtle survey locations, dates, hours and minutes searched
Site Code
ND-RA1
MS-RA1
MS - RA1
MS-RA2
ND-RA1
ND-RA2
QS-RA6
QS-RA24
ID-RA1
January 30, 2015
Date
Hours.minutes searched
5/20/2014
5/21/2014
5/28/2014
5/28/2014
5/29/2014
5/30/2014
6/2/2014
6/4/2014
6/4/2014
2
2.3
1
3.3
1.25
0.45
4
4
2.45
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
ID-RA5
UD-RA1
GD-RA1
OS
OS
QS-RA6
QS-RA24
QS -RA2
QS-RA15
ID-RA1
ID-RA1
ID-RA5
ND-RA1
ID-RA5
XD-RA1
ID-RA1
QS-RA7
QS-RA7
MS-RA1
MS-RA2
QS-RA15
QS-RA6
QS-RA7
QS-RA16
QS-RA24
Total
6/9/2014
6/10/2014
6/11/2014
6/13/2014
6/16/2014
6/16/2014
6/19/2014
6/19/2014
7/23/2014
6/23/2014
6/24/2014
6/25/2014
6/27/2014
6/27/2014
7/2/2014
7/3/2014
8/29/2014
9/12/2014
9/23/2014
9/23/2014
10/6/2014
10/7/2014
10/7/2014
10/14/2014
10/15/2014
1.3
2.3
1
3
2.3
3.45
3.3
1.3
1
2
2
2.5
2.15
0.45
3.4
2
2.3
4.3
1
1
3.1
2.5
2.1
4.5
1.45
76.45
Table 4: Wood turtle survey search effort 2014
Meters
On-Site Staff Person Hours
Turtles Found
4.2
29,000
76.45
7
Wood Turtles
A total of nine adult turtles were found across three different river systems. Of the nine adults,
four were male (0.45%) and five were female (0.55%): Two of the females were gravid and one
male was found deceased. Seven were found during field surveys, including: Debbie and Henry,
who were found within the riparian zone of their respective rivers; Britney was on an island; the
deceased turtle (DT1) was found in a river, underwater; and three turtles were on the banks of
their respective rivers. The two turtles found incidentally to surveys, included Jordan and
Saharah who were both on roads in urban areas. Jordan was noticed basking on a road on two
January 30, 2015
8
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
separate occasions by PWA staff; Saharah was found and reported by a citizen following an
accident that resulted in the loss of both front legs: Both were found within a 1 km range of the
Petitcodiac River. Details of wood turtles can be found in Table 5 and habitat types used at the
time of capture can be found in Figure 3.
Table 5: Details of wood turtles found in 2014 field season
Name
Sex
Age
Weight
(g)
Deformities/Notes
Henry
Male
18
N/A
Missing tail
Britney
Female
15
845
One chip on right M1; gravid
Debbie
Female
20+
975
Carapace and plastron >50% warn; small chip
on right M12
Fern
Female
20+
1035
Carapace >50% warn; plastron 100% warn;
many chips, dents, cracks on plastron; large
chip continuous through left V3 + V4 + C3;
continuous chip on right V2 + C2; chip on left
C2
Barb
Female
17
995
Small chip on right M12
DT1
Male
N/A
N/A
Found deceased, plastron facing up; crushed
under a large flat rock; too
decomposed/discolored to age or measure;
given to DNRNB for autopsy
Jordan
Male
25+
1110
Found incidentally (twice) on road basking
Sahara
Female
20+
925
Missing both front legs, recently cut, unhealed,
likely by agricultural machinery; brought to
Moncton Animal Hospital for antibiotics then
AWI to heal for winter
Chester
Male
25+
1220
Bumps on left C2 and right C4. small chips on
left M1, right M1, M2, and M10
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Figure 3: Habitat type used by wood turtles at time of capture, 2014
Wood turtles found in the 2014 season had a median age of 20 years (Figure 4). Combined data
included male and female records. The overall ages ranged from 15 – 25 with male turtles being
generally older than females.
Figure 4: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th
percentile for female, male, and combined wood turtle ages in years where combined n= 8,
female n=5, male n=3
January 30, 2015
10
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Morphometric data (Figure 5-9) showed that weight, carapace length and width, and plastron
length and width all had the most variation between sexes with males (n=3) being larger than
females (n=5). Combined data includes female and male records (n=8). It should be noted that
though there were four males found only three are included in the data as one was deceased and
the shell was in advanced stages of decay and could not be properly measured.
Figure 5: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th
percentile for female (n=5), male (n=3), and combined wood turtles (n=8): a) weight
Figure 6: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th
percentile for female (n=5), male (n=3), and combined wood turtles (n=8): b) carapace
length
January 30, 2015
11
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Figure 7: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th
percentile for female (n=5), male (n=3), and combined wood turtles (n=8): c) carapace
width
Figure 8: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th
percentile for female (n=5), male (n=3), and combined wood turtles (n=8): d) Plastron
length
January 30, 2015
12
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Figure 9: Morphometric data showing minimum, median, maximum, 25th, and 75th
percentile for female (n=5), male (n=3), and combined wood turtles (n=8): e) plastron
width
4.3
Identified threats
Threats including, highways, roads, haying fields, recreation, and ATV use were observed in 14
of 15 RA sites. Table 6 shows the total percentage and type of threats present in RA sites. In
descending order of prominence, roads were found to be present within 1 km of 59% of RA
sites. Recreation/garbage was observed in 47% of RA sites, ATV trails were present in 35%,
and haying fields and highways were both noted in 29% of RA sites. 4 sites included none of
the listed threats. Figure 10 shows the threat value assigned to each RA site. Four sites were
classified as low risk (green), eight sites posed a moderate risk (yellow), and five were
considered to be of high risk (red) to wood turtles.
Table 6: Threats present in 2014 rapid assessment sites.
Threat
Road
Recreation/garbage
ATV trail
Haying field
Highway
January 30, 2015
Occurrence (%)
59
47
35
29
29
13
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
8
7
Level of Risk
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Rapid Assessment Site Code
Figure 10: ‘Level of risk’ of wood turtle habitat assigned to 2014 rapid assessment site.
Values of risk = 0-1 low, 2-5 moderate (yellow), 6-10 high (red)
4.4
Outreach
The development of outreach materials for this pilot year of the project has been ongoing with
the study of wood turtle habitat within the watershed. Engaging and educating community
members about the species was a vital constituent of the project and gaining an understanding
of local threats has shaped the outreach to be relevant to the watershed and targeted at its
citizens.
As one of the most vital components of the project, a variety of outreach methods and initiatives
were used and hundreds of people were reached as a result. Social media and news media
outreach successes included:





Project updates and relevant videos posted to the PWA’s Twitter and Facebook page,
and YouTube channel
Full page article in the Times and Transcript (Appendix B2) re: the PWA’s wood turtle
monitoring project
Full page article in the WWF’s Living Planet, which has over 70,000 subscribers
(Appendix B3)
Guest Blogger on the WWF’s “Turtle Tuesdays”
http://blog.wwf.ca/blog/2014/07/08/turtle-tuesdays-meet-britney-feisty-wood-turtle/
“Shellfie” initiative reached up to 100 people (Appendix B4)
Door to door visits to residents living in or near known or suspected wood turtle habitat were
conducted. Approximately 50 Species at Risk fact sheets, provided by NBDNR, were
distributed during these visits. Along with fact sheets, the PWA also spoke with residents to
inform them of the threatened species, giving tips on how to advocate and provide greater
protection for them (i.e. helping them cross the road, not taking for pets).
January 30, 2015
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
A total of nine presentations, specific to each target audience, were delivered to high schools,
interest groups, and like-minded organizations and were attended by more than 400 people
(Table 7). The PWA housed a booth at the Moncton Farmer’s Market on two occasions,
providing information about the project as well as fact sheets and reached approximately 55
people. The same resources were included at “Science East’s Illuminate!” event which took
place at Riverview Middle School and reached roughly 30 people including parents, students,
and teachers (Table 8).
Table 7: Wood turtle monitoring project presentations for 2014 – 2015
Presentation
Chignecto Naturalist Club
Bernice McNaughton High School
Rotary Club
Harrison Tremble High School
Riverview High School
Petitcodiac Sportsman’s Club
City of Moncton Engineering Department
Magnetic Hill Zoo
Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee
Total number attendees
Number in attendance
20
100
30
125
25
40
30
20
15
405
Date
9/15/2014
12/3/2014
12/8/2014
12/12/2014
12/18/2014
1/15/2015
1/16/2015
1/20/2015
2/23/2015
Table 8: Outreach booths for wood turtle project, 2014
Booth
Moncton Farmer's Market Earth Day event
Moncton Farmer's Market
Science East Illuminate!
Total number of people reached
Number of people reached Date
30
4/27/2014
25
8/30/2014
30 11/20/2014
85
5.0 Discussion
5.1
Field Surveys
A total of eight rivers were surveyed in the spring and fall of 2014. Rivers were chosen based
on GPS points of known wood turtle locations from by NBDNR and by mapping suspected
habitat using GIS and Google Earth maps. Wood turtles were located in only two the eight
rivers surveyed, though it is very likely they exist in some or all of the remaining six rivers. As
a result of a late spring, flooding, and dangerously high water levels through mid-May, field
surveys began much later than the intended date of April 1st. As such, fewer hours were
available for spring surveys when vegetation is minimal and wood turtles are found closer to
streams and far easier to locate relative to other seasons. If conditions had been more favorable
during this season it is likely that more turtles would have been located.
January 30, 2015
15
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Six of the seven turtles found during field surveys were found stationary in terrestrial habitat
and within several metres of a river. This suggests that they are easier to spot when near rivers,
where search effort is concentrated.
Of the seven turtles found during field surveys, five were found on river A and two on river B.
There were many anecdotal sightings on river A from members of the community and it is
likely that several populations of wood turtles exist throughout the river. In year two of the
project this particular river should be focused on for the majority of surveys as it is likely the
most significant habitat in terms of population size.
5.2
Wood Turtles
A total of nine turtles were found throughout the watershed: five females and four males, giving
a sex ratio of 1.25 females for every 1 male. Males had a higher median age than females by
five years. Ages ranged from 15 – 25 years. It is thought that the annuli become less reliable as
an indicator of age due to the slowing of growth, and also the melding of annuli which makes
discerning from one to the next difficult (Walde et al., 2003): For these reasons, it is suspected
that three of the turtles (Jordan, Chester, and Fern) each with 25 annuli counted, may be older
than 25 years. No juveniles or hatchlings were found, which may suggest a low recruitment rate.
Juveniles including hatchlings and yearlings, however, are smaller in size making them more
difficult to see relative to adults which may, in part, justify the low capture.
Henry was found basking within the ecotone of an inside meander, adjacent to a haying field.
He was approximately three meters away from the wetted channel of River B, and was sitting in
long grass. This segment of the river had sand and gravel substrate, and possessed a sandy
beach considered suitable for nesting. Henry appeared to be healthy, though he was missing
most of his tail. Given the nature of the riparian zone in which Henry was found, it is likely his
tail was lost to a mowing blade. The wound was fully healed, signifying that the event causing
the injury had taken place, at earliest, the previous season.
Britney was found basking on a small rocky island in a run (straight reach) in River A. She was
approximately 600 metres downstream from a road, and 120 metres away from a haying field
which borders the river.
Debbie was found basking on a sandy beach suitable for nesting, 350 metres downstream from
Britney and just 60 metres away from the haying field. The farmer who tends to this field was
contacted and notified of the presence of wood turtles, the ‘threatened status’ of the species, and
of the danger that mowing blades pose. A positive relationship was formed, as the farmer
identified as an advocate of wildlife and wished to do his part to contribute to their well-being.
He even permitted us to park in his driveway throughout the field season for easy access to the
habitat
Fern was found basking on a sandy beach suitable for nesting in an inside meander of River A.
This was an ideal location for wood turtle habitat as there is no immediate public access and
very little in the way of anthropogenic harm, aside from a single lane road nearly 500 metres
adjacent to the beach. It was very difficult to count annuli on both her carapace and plastron as
the shells were >90% warn, indicating she was quite old. Despite the “wear and tear” of aging,
Fern’s appendages were all in tact with no sign of any serious past injuries.
January 30, 2015
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Barb was found just 60 metres downstream of Fern on the same sandy beach.
DT1, the turtle that was found deceased was found crushed under a large rock 30 metres
adjacent to the location of Henry in River B. The cause of death was uncertain, though it was
suspected that he was crushed under the large rock during high flows in the spring.
Jordan was found on two separate occasions by PWA staff on a busy road in an urban center.
On both occasions he was found basking and was removed from the road to the side in which he
was directed. Finding him in that particular location came as a surprise to staff as the area was
not known to be, or be near, wood turtle habitat. The area used to be mainly forested with some
development, but in the Past two decades it has seen rampant development of residential
neighborhoods, vastly changing the integrity of the natural landscape. There was also a sighting
of a wood turtle at a neighboring elementary school, hinting at the possible existence of a small
population of wood turtles in the general area.
Saharah, the turtle missing both front legs, was reported by a watershed citizen following the
PWA’s wood turtle project publication in the Times and Transcript which advised the public not
to keep turtles as pets and to notify the PWA upon finding a wood turtle. She was found
wounded and bleeding two weeks prior to our retrieval of her in an urban area and was taken in
by a family who fed and housed her before notifying the PWA. Saharah was found near a river
that is bordered with haying fields for several kilometers in either direction: This, combined
with the clean-cut appearance of the wound, strongly suggests the cause of injury to be from a
blade of some kind and agriculture-related. The PWA contacted the AWI who is now providing
shelter and care for her until the spring when she is returned to her respective river.
Chester was found basking on a bank of River A, 260 metres from a road that, at times, can be
fairly busy with traffic. 200 metres upstream permits public access and is considered a
recreational area where locals swim and occasionally have gatherings that result in garbage that
is left in and around the river.
A predated nest of five broken eggs was recovered approximately 1 km upstream of the location
where Britney was found. There were racoon tracks nearby and were plentiful throughout the
beach, which indicated their presence and strongly suggested they were the culprit of this
particular nest destruction. The eggs had teeth marks in them and contained remnants of yolk.
They were collected and brought back to the office to use for public outreach.
5.3
Identified Threats
Perceived threats within a kilometer radius of RA sites included roads, recreation, ATV trails,
haying fields, and highways. Roads were present in 59% of RA sites, making them most
prominent threat in terms of quantity. Signs of recreation/garbage are not direct threats,
however, they attract natural predators and were present in 47% of RA sites. One example of
this was clearly shown in the nest of turtle eggs that was found dug up by racoons. It was only
meters away from a foot path leading to a picnic table and barbeque pit. Closely associated with
the presence of garbage are ATV trails which were noted in 35% of RA sites. Some ATV tracks
were on beaches considered suitable for nesting and would certainly have posed a risk to both
nests and turtles. Haying fields were present in 29% of RA sites. The machinery used in these
fields is known to be extremely harmful and life threatening to wood turtles and it was strongly
January 30, 2015
17
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
suspected that Henry and Saharah, who were both found near haying fields, were mutilated by
mowing blades.
In the short time that was spent conducting field surveys 22% of turtles found were injured,
likely by haying blades, suggesting a high injury and mortality rate among the local wood turtle
population. Highways were present near several RA sites, however, no turtles were found in any
of the associated RA sites. In discussions with staff of the AWI the PWA was made aware of a
number of turtles reported injured along highways in Moncton. Though there are few statistics
on the issue, it is a known risk for several habitats within the watershed.
5.4
Outreach
Outreach methods were mindfully chosen to be delivered to the appropriate target audiences so
as to not further the threatened status of the wood turtle. The risk of bringing awareness of the
presence of wood turtles to those involved in the illegal pet trade as well as other opponents of
wildlife conservation was a priority in designing the outreach methods. As such, locations of
turtles were kept confidential at all times to persons outside of the PWA and NBDNR.
Volunteers for field surveys signed a waiver agreeing to keep survey locations, names of rivers,
and locations of turtles strictly confidential.
The purpose of outreach was to create advocates of the species and provide knowledge to
watershed citizens so that they would understand who to appropriately respond in the chance
encounter with a wood turtle. An excellent example of outreach resulting in a positive outcome
was the case of Saharah, the turtle missing both front legs. The person who had taken her in was
not aware of the needs of the species or of its threatened status on the species at risk list,
however, upon reading the article about the project in the Times and Transcript she was
informed and immediately contacted the PWA to have the turtle lawfully handled. This is
evidence that one of our chosen outreach initiatives was received appropriately and resulted in a
positive impact on a wood turtle.
In many cases where humans interfere with wild turtles by taking them out of their
environment, keeping them for pets, or by displacing them when they think they are “lost”, they
do so because they think they are helping or protecting, they are not intentionally hurting them.
They are ignorant of the needs of the species because they have never learned. The focus of
much of the outreach including presentations, booths, the “shellfie” initiative, social media, and
news media outlets has been on educating people on why it is important to leave turtles alone,
and what the best measure to take is when finding a turtle. In general people were very receptive
to the information given to them and showed compassion toward the species and a desire to
advocate for them.
6.0 Recommendations
The following recommendations were proposed for the 2015 field season:




Begin spring RA surveys in early April or as soon as water levels permit
Work closer with haying farmers to reduce direct threats to wood turtles
Plant native fruit bearing trees and shrubs in riparian zones lacking vegetative cover
Plant vegetation over paths leading to beaches to prevent ATV use in nesting habitat
January 30, 2015
18
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship









Watch beaches for nesting on evenings in late June
Develop nest protection
Navigate where Jordan, the turtle, was found
Assess riparian zone near Saharah’s site of capture
Work with community to reduce ATV threats on beaches
Develop presentations geared for elementary schools
Do swim-throughs in September and October for population estimates
Continue to work with community and organizations to mitigate threats and create
stewards
Continue to visit, educate, and build positive relationships with riparian landowners
January 30, 2015
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
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Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
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Appendices
Appendix A: Wood Turtle Rapid Assessment and Individual Form
A-1
Appendix B1: French and English species at risk fact sheet
B-1
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Appendix B2: Times and Transcript article re: wood turtle project
January 30, 2015
B-2
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Appendix B3: WWF’s Living Planet fall newsletter
January 30, 2015
B-3
Wood Turtle Monitoring and Stewardship
Appendix B4: “Shellfie” contents of outreach initiative
January 30, 2015
B-4