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Wood Turtles: habitat selection, hom e range, and population ecology

Wood Turtles: habitat selection, hom e range, and population ecology. C. Hamilton CS-699 April 18, 2012. Wood turtle ( Glyptemys insculpta ). Distribution. Species range . Range in Wisconsin. Habitat. Semi-aquatic Varies geographically But… Always found near water Found in forests

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Wood Turtles: habitat selection, hom e range, and population ecology

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  1. Wood Turtles: habitat selection, home range, and population ecology C. Hamilton CS-699 April 18, 2012

  2. Wood turtle (Glyptemysinsculpta)

  3. Distribution Species range Range in Wisconsin

  4. Habitat • Semi-aquatic • Varies geographically • But… • Always found near water • Found in forests • But also need openings for basking

  5. Habitat • Hibernate in water • Spend a lot of time in water during active season • Roam on land, especially in late summer (fond of mushrooms)

  6. Reproduction • Mating any time during active season • Nesting between May and July • Nest locations • direct sun • well-drained but moist, sandy or loamy soils • no flooding

  7. Interesting fact • As smart as rats • Can navigate mazes in food-finding experiments

  8. Important Characteristics • Long-lived • 33 years in the wild • Late maturity • 14 years old • High adult survival • Low reproductive output • May not nest every year • 11 eggs per clutch • Low juvenile survival

  9. Threats • Collection for the pet trade (there are laws in place) • Roads (death to turtles) • Farm machinery (20% mortality in one study) • Habitat loss and degradation (habitat conversion, succession to closed canopy)

  10. Important quantities Home range size Habitat selection Ratio of use:availability Water 14:1 Early successional habitat 5:1 Grasses 3:1 Crop 1:2.5 Forest 6:7 Swamp 1:1 • Average 28.3 ha in Quebec • Range up to ~ 400 ha • Movements up to 600 m from water

  11. Recommended Conservation Actions • From WDNR • Protect shorelines • Minimize sediment pollution • Control recreational access to breeding sites • Protect from pet trade

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