DOCSLIB.ORG

Introduction to Aquatic Turtle Care

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Introduction to Aquatic Turtle Care Mississippi Map Turtle Introduction to Aquatic Turtle Care There are over 300 turtle species worldwide, including roughly 60 types of tortoise and 7 sea turtle species. Turtles are found on every Basking area: aquatic turtles need sufficient continent except Antarctica, living in a variety room to leave the water, dry their shells, of climates from the tropical regions of Cen- and regulate their temperature. tral and South America through the temper- Incandescent light fixture heats the ate parts of the U.S., with a few species in o- o) basking area (typically 85 95 to UVB light fixture for illumination; essential southern Canada. provide temperature gradient for vitamin synthesis in turtles held indoors The vast majority of turtles spend much of their lives in freshwater ponds, lakes and riv- ers. Although they are in the same family with North American pond and river turtles, box turtles of the U.S. and Mexico are primarily A filtration system terrestrial. to remove waste Tortoises are primarily terrestrial with differ- and prevent ill- ent habitat and diet requirements and are ness in your pet covered in a separate care sheet. turtle Underwater decorations: logs, driftwood, live or artificial plants, rock piles or other hiding places. Submersible thermometer to ensure water temperature is in the correct range, generally mid 70osF; varies with species, age and time of year A small to medium-sized aquarium (20-29 gallons) is ample for one adult of a smaller species Western painted turtle. Painted turtles (e.g., mud, musk). Larger species (sliders, cooters) may need tanks 100 gallons and larger. occur throughout the U.S. A medium- Increase your tank size if you are housing multiple adults or species. sized pond turtle, this species gets its name from its colorful markings. Active swimmers such as painted turtles need a larger tank with deeper areas; mud turtles are bottom crawlers and water 6-8 inches deep works well. www.PIJAC.org Aquatic Turtle Health Consult a reptile veterinarian if these symptoms per- sist after adjusting water quality and diet. poor appetite, listlessness: may indicate intestinal parasites open mouth breathing, nasal discharge: may indi- Mississippi map turtle, one of Red-bellied cooter. Cooters are Yellow-bellied slider. Sliders cate respiratory infection due to low temperature 13 map turtle species (two larger turtles (13 inches) and are pond turtles with several protected under the Endan- shell rot/deformities: may indicate wrong diet or include both river and pond spe- different species and subspe- gered Species Act). Map tur- poor water quality cies. Red-bellied cooters are cies in North, Central and tles are river species and need omnivorous while river cooters South America. swelling in eyes or head: may indicate vitamin A ample swimming and basking are primarily herbivores. deficiency. space. discolored skin or plastron (lower shell): may indi- cate poor water quality Aquatic Turtle Diet Supplement commercial pellets with preferred food items, for example, carnivorous mud Avoiding Human Illness turtles appreciate earthworms, snails, mealworms, and crickets; adult cooters should be fed Reptiles, including turtles, may have bacteria, such aquatic plants and leafy green vegetables. as Salmonella, that cause disease in humans. Tak- Hatchlings and juveniles may have different food requirements than adults; young painted ing these precautions will help keep you healthy turtles are more carnivorous than adults while the opposite is true for map turtles. when handling reptiles: Avoid feeding too much protein, which can cause shell deformities. Always wash your hands with soap and water Use calcium supplements appropriate for your species. before and after handling reptiles or anything in their habitat. Quality prepared and natural turtle Avoid close facial contact with your turtle. foods. Mealworms supplement carniv- Never bring your turtle into food-preparation orous diets; Romaine, kale, carrots, areas. Do not clean turtle habitats or anything in zucchini and green beans are choices their habitats where food is prepared. If you clean for herbivorous turtles. A calcium sup- plement is important for shell and the habitat in the bathroom, disinfect the area bone development. Avoid too much completely afterwards. protein. Aquatic turtles are not appropriate in homes with children under 5, pregnant women, senior citizens This information is designed as a basic guide. There are several online care and persons with weakened immune systems, due resources available that provide in-depth information on turtles and their to the increased risk of severe complications from care. Consult several sources as care sheets may not be consistent in recom- salmonellosis. For more information, visit CDC’s mended temperatures, diet and enclosure sizes. Healthy Pets website: www.PIJAC.org https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets Popular pet turtle care chart. Consult with your retailer for information for your species. Common Name Adult Size Minimum Diet Water Tem- Basking Area Behavior Notes (Genus name) Enclosure perature Temperature Painted turtle 6 - 8” 40 gal Omnivorous 75o- 80oF 85oF—95oF Excellent swimmers need up to 30 (Chrysemys species) inches water depth; larger basking (1 adult) area Map turtle (Graptemys 5” male Varies by spe- Omnivorous; 75o- 80oF 85oF—95oF River species, need space & water species) cies; 30-75 adults primarily depth; larger basking area to dry 11” female gal (1 male), carnivorous; completely; 75-125 gal (1 calcium sup- female) plements rec- ommended Cooters (Pseudemys 13“ 100 gal (1 Omnivorous; 70o– 75oF ~85oF Excellent swimmers need space species) adult); out- riverine spe- and deeper water; larger basking door pond cies adults pri- area to dry completely recommended marily herbivo- Sliders (Trachemys 12“ 75-150 gal Omnivorous; 75o- 85oF 85oF—90oF Excellent swimmers need ample species) adults primarily space and deeper water; larger (1 adult) herbivorous basking area with logs, structure leading into water The sale of pet turtles with a carapace (top of shell) length less than 4 inches is prohibited by federal regulations. Because of slow growth and delayed maturity, conservation agencies are concerned that turtle populations have been depleted and restrictions are in place for many species. Check with your state conservation or natural resources agency regarding your choice of pet aquatic turtle. Do not release your pet into the environment. If you are unable to care for your turtle, check the Habitattitude™ website for options to re-home your pet. 12/21/17 www.PIJAC.org .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys Picta)
    Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) Class: Reptilia Order: Testudines Family: Emydidae Characteristics: The most widespread native turtle of North America. It lives in slow-moving fresh waters, from southern Canada to Louisiana and northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The adult painted turtle female is 10–25 cm (4–10 in) long; the male is smaller. The turtle's top shell is dark and smooth, without a ridge. Its skin is olive to black with red, orange, or yellow stripes on its extremities. The subspecies can be distinguished by their shells: the eastern has straight-aligned top shell segments; the midland has a large gray mark on the bottom shell; the southern has a red line on the top shell; the western has a red pattern on the bottom shell (Washington Nature Mapping Program). Behavior: Although they are frequently consumed as eggs or hatchlings by rodents, canines, and snakes, the adult turtles' hard shells protect them from most predators. Reliant on warmth from its surroundings, the painted turtle is active only during the day when it basks for hours on logs or rocks. During winter, the turtle hibernates, usually in the mud at the bottom of water bodies. Reproduction: The turtles mate in spring and autumn. Females dig nests on land and lay eggs between late spring and mid- summer. Hatched turtles grow until sexual maturity: 2–9 years for males, 6–16 for females. Diet: Wild: aquatic vegetation, algae, and small water creatures including insects, crustaceans, and fish Zoo: Algae, duck food Conservation: While habitat loss and road killings have reduced the turtle's population, its ability to live in human-disturbed settings has helped it remain the most abundant turtle in North America.
    [Show full text]
  • AN INTRODUCTION to Texas Turtles
    TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE AN INTRODUCTION TO Texas Turtles Mark Klym An Introduction to Texas Turtles Turtle, tortoise or terrapin? Many people get confused by these terms, often using them interchangeably. Texas has a single species of tortoise, the Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlanderi) and a single species of terrapin, the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). All of the remaining 28 species of the order Testudines found in Texas are called “turtles,” although some like the box turtles (Terrapene spp.) are highly terrestrial others are found only in marine (saltwater) settings. In some countries such as Great Britain or Australia, these terms are very specific and relate to the habit or habitat of the animal; in North America they are denoted using these definitions. Turtle: an aquatic or semi-aquatic animal with webbed feet. Tortoise: a terrestrial animal with clubbed feet, domed shell and generally inhabiting warmer regions. Whatever we call them, these animals are a unique tie to a period of earth’s history all but lost in the living world. Turtles are some of the oldest reptilian species on the earth, virtually unchanged in 200 million years or more! These slow-moving, tooth­ less, egg-laying creatures date back to the dinosaurs and still retain traits they used An Introduction to Texas Turtles | 1 to survive then. Although many turtles spend most of their lives in water, they are air-breathing animals and must come to the surface to breathe. If they spend all this time in water, why do we see them on logs, rocks and the shoreline so often? Unlike birds and mammals, turtles are ectothermic, or cold- blooded, meaning they rely on the temperature around them to regulate their body temperature.
    [Show full text]
  • A Phylogenomic Analysis of Turtles ⇑ Nicholas G
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 83 (2015) 250–257 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ympev A phylogenomic analysis of turtles ⇑ Nicholas G. Crawford a,b,1, James F. Parham c, ,1, Anna B. Sellas a, Brant C. Faircloth d, Travis C. Glenn e, Theodore J. Papenfuss f, James B. Henderson a, Madison H. Hansen a,g, W. Brian Simison a a Center for Comparative Genomics, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA b Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA c John D. Cooper Archaeological and Paleontological Center, Department of Geological Sciences, California State University, Fullerton, CA 92834, USA d Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA e Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA f Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA g Mathematical and Computational Biology Department, Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Boulevard, Claremont, CA 9171, USA article info abstract Article history: Molecular analyses of turtle relationships have overturned prevailing morphological hypotheses and Received 11 July 2014 prompted the development of a new taxonomy. Here we provide the first genome-scale analysis of turtle Revised 16 October 2014 phylogeny. We sequenced 2381 ultraconserved element (UCE) loci representing a total of 1,718,154 bp of Accepted 28 October 2014 aligned sequence. Our sampling includes 32 turtle taxa representing all 14 recognized turtle families and Available online 4 November 2014 an additional six outgroups. Maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and species tree methods produce a single resolved phylogeny.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys
    Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in the Central Appalachians A dissertation presented to the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences of Ohio University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy Steven P. Krichbaum May 2018 © 2018 Steven P. Krichbaum. All Rights Reserved. 2 This dissertation titled Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in the Central Appalachians by STEVEN P. KRICHBAUM has been approved for the Department of Biological Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences by Willem Roosenburg Professor of Biological Sciences Robert Frank Dean, College of Arts and Sciences 3 Abstract KRICHBAUM, STEVEN P., Ph.D., May 2018, Biological Sciences Ecology and Conservation Biology of the North American Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in the Central Appalachians Director of Dissertation: Willem Roosenburg My study presents information on summer use of terrestrial habitat by IUCN “endangered” North American Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta), sampled over four years at two forested montane sites on the southern periphery of the species’ range in the central Appalachians of Virginia (VA) and West Virginia (WV) USA. The two sites differ in topography, stream size, elevation, and forest composition and structure. I obtained location points for individual turtles during the summer, the period of their most extensive terrestrial roaming. Structural, compositional, and topographical habitat features were measured, counted, or characterized on the ground (e.g., number of canopy trees and identification of herbaceous taxa present) at Wood Turtle locations as well as at paired random points located 23-300m away from each particular turtle location.
    [Show full text]
  • Turtles, All Marine Turtles, Have Been Documented Within the State’S Borders
    Turtle Only four species of turtles, all marine turtles, have been documented within the state’s borders. Terrestrial and freshwater aquatic species of turtles do not occur in Alaska. Marine turtles are occasional visitors to Alaska’s Gulf Coast waters and are considered a natural part of the state’s marine ecosystem. Between 1960 and 2007 there were 19 reports of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), the world’s largest turtle. There have been 15 reports of Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). The other two are extremely rare, there have been three reports of Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) and two reports of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). Currently, all four species are listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Prior to 1993, Alaska marine turtle sightings were mostly of live leatherback sea turtles; since then most observations have been of green sea turtle carcasses. At present, it is not possible to determine if this change is related to changes in oceanographic conditions, perhaps as the result of global warming, or to changes in the overall population size and distribution of these species. General description: Marine turtles are large, tropical/subtropical, thoroughly aquatic reptiles whose forelimbs or flippers are specially modified for swimming and are considerably larger than their hind limbs. Movements on land are awkward. Except for occasional basking by both sexes and egg-laying by females, turtles rarely come ashore. Turtles are among the longest-lived vertebrates. Although their age is often exaggerated, they probably live 50 to 100 years. Of the five recognized species of marine turtles, four (including the green sea turtle) belong to the family Cheloniidae.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Biology of the European Pond Turtle Emys Orbicularis (L) in Italy 219-228 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; Download Unter
    ZOBODAT - www.zobodat.at Zoologisch-Botanische Datenbank/Zoological-Botanical Database Digitale Literatur/Digital Literature Zeitschrift/Journal: Stapfia Jahr/Year: 2000 Band/Volume: 0069 Autor(en)/Author(s): Zuffi Marco A. L. Artikel/Article: Conservation biology of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (L) in Italy 219-228 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Conservation biology of the European pond turtle Emys orbicularis (L) in Italy M.A.L. ZUFFI Abstract Key words The updated situation and knowledge Emys orbicularis, distribution, ecology, of the biology, ecology, behaviour and pro- conservation, Italy, tection of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis (L.) in Italy is presented and discussed in the light of conservation bio- logical issues. Stapfia 69, zugleich Kataloge des OÖ. Landesmuseums, Neue Folge Nr. 149 (2000), 219-228 219 © Biologiezentrum Linz/Austria; download unter www.biologiezentrum.at Introduction In this last decade, a "Big Bang" of interest in Italian populations of E. orbiculans enabled Populations of Emys orbicularis in Italy are to build up a consistent data set. Information distributed mainly in coastal areas and inter- on biometry (Zum & GARIBOLDI 1995a, b), nal plains. Most regions of Italy have been systematics (FRITZ & OBST 1995; FRITZ 1998), mapped, but in some cases the information is population structure (KELLER et al. 1998; KEL- incomplete (Fig. 1, Societas Herpetologica LER 1999), space usage (LEBBOROM & CHELA - Italica 1996). An uncomplete knowledge of ZZI 1991), reproductive biology (ZUFFI & habitat use leads to a biased view on the ODETTI 1998; ZUFFI et al. 1999; KELLER 1999), and thermal ecology (Dl TRAM & ZUFFI 1997), have become available.
    [Show full text]
  • In AR, FL, GA, IA, KY, LA, MO, OH, OK, SC, TN, and TX): Species in Red = Depleted to the Point They May Warrant Federal Endangered Species Act Listing
    Southern and Midwestern Turtle Species Affected by Commercial Harvest (in AR, FL, GA, IA, KY, LA, MO, OH, OK, SC, TN, and TX): species in red = depleted to the point they may warrant federal Endangered Species Act listing Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) – AR, GA, IA, KY, MO, OH, OK, SC, TX Florida common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina osceola) - FL Southern painted turtle (Chrysemys dorsalis) – AR Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) – IA, MO, OH, OK Spotted turtle (Clemmys gutatta) - FL, GA, OH Florida chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia chrysea) – FL Western chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia miaria) – AR, FL, GA, KY, MO, OK, TN, TX Barbour’s map turtle (Graptemys barbouri) - FL, GA Cagle’s map turtle (Graptemys caglei) - TX Escambia map turtle (Graptemys ernsti) – FL Common map turtle (Graptemys geographica) – AR, GA, OH, OK Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) – AR, GA, OH, OK, TX Sabine map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis) – TX False map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) – MO, OK, TX Mississippi map turtle (Graptemys pseuogeographica kohnii) – AR, TX Alabama map turtle (Graptemys pulchra) – GA Texas map turtle (Graptemys versa) - TX Striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii) – FL, GA, SC Yellow mud turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) – OK, TX Common mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) – AR, FL, GA, OK, TX Alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) – AR, FL, GA, LA, MO, TX Diamond-back terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) – FL, GA, LA, SC, TX River cooter (Pseudemys concinna) – AR, FL,
    [Show full text]
  • Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S
    Summary Report of Freshwater Nonindigenous Aquatic Species in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4—An Update April 2013 Prepared by: Pam L. Fuller, Amy J. Benson, and Matthew J. Cannister U.S. Geological Survey Southeast Ecological Science Center Gainesville, Florida Prepared for: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region Atlanta, Georgia Cover Photos: Silver Carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix – Auburn University Giant Applesnail, Pomacea maculata – David Knott Straightedge Crayfish, Procambarus hayi – U.S. Forest Service i Table of Contents Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... ii List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................ vi INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Overview of Region 4 Introductions Since 2000 ....................................................................................... 1 Format of Species Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 2 Explanation of Maps ................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Western Pond Turtle (Emys Marmorata) in the San Diego MSCP and Surrounding Areas Melanie Madden-Smith
    The Western Pond Turtle (Emys marmorata) in the San Diego MSCP and Surrounding Areas Melanie Madden-Smith U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Purpose Determine the current distribution and population status of the western pond turtle in the San Diego MSCP and surrounding areas. Determine wetland and upland habitat value. Provide management recommendations for the San Diego MSCP. Background- Western Pond Turtle Decline in Southern California Only turtle native to coastal California. Historically occurred in most major coast facing drainages from northern Baja to Washington (Jennings and Hayes 1994). Work by Brattstrom and Messer (1988) suggested only a few populations of pond turtles remained in Southern California and those that did were comprised of few individuals. Background- Western Pond Turtle Decline in Southern California Principal cause of pond turtle decline is riparian habitat loss and alteration. Exotic turtles thought to out-compete for resources (food and basking spots), transmit diseases. Other introduced species, such as large mouth bass and crayfish. Habitat Decline or Destruction Study Area Types of Surveys Trapping Visual Checking Traps by Land Checking Traps by Boat Removing Pond Turtles (7) from Trap Pond Turtle Processing Shell measurements Weight Sex Deformities Injuries Assigned Unique ID Marking Rt Femoral Scute Front Carapace Plastron Other Animals Captured Exotic Turtle Species Captured Red-eared Slider Yellow-bellied Slider Unknown Slider Species Painted Turtle Mud Turtle Exotic Turtle Species Captured False Map Turtle Mississippi Map Turtle Spiny Softshell Snapping Turtle Results- Turtle Detections San Diego County: June - October 2002/2003 336 total (7 species; 10 subspecies) 263 exotics (6 species, 9 subspecies) 73 pond turtles Pond Turtle and Exotic Turtle Locations Pond Turtles Exotic Turtles Habitat Types and Human Access Habitat Types: Natural- ponds, wetlands, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • The Latest Record of the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea
    16 Coll. and Res. (2003) 16: 13-16 Coll. and Res. (2003) 16: 17-26 17 claw ending as knob; empodium divided, 5 rayed. without a short line on each side, admedian lines The Latest Record of the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys with a semicircular line extending to lateral sides, Opisthosoma : dorsum with median ridge shorter and the 5-rayed empodium. coriacea) from Eastern Taiwan than submedian ridges, dorsally with about 51 rings, ventrally with about 53 microtuberculate Chun-Hsiang Chang1,2*, Chern-Mei Jang3, and Yen-Nien Cheng2 REFERENCES rings; 1st 3 dorsal annuli 9 long; lateral setae (c2) 10 long, Lt-Lt 44 apart, Lt\Vt1 38, Lt-Vt1 25; 1st 1Department of Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK Keifer, H.H. 1977. Eriophyid studies C-13. ARS- ventral setae (d) 17 long, Vt1-Vt1 19 apart, 2Department of Geology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan 404 R.O.C. USDA, Washington, DC. 24pp. Vt1\Vt2 28, Vt1-Vt2 25; 2nd ventral setae (e) 17 3 Keifer, H.H. 1978. Eriophyid studies C-15. ARS- Department of Collection Management, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung Taiwan 404 long, Vt2-Vt2 10 apart, Vt2\Vt3 40, Vt2-Vt3 38; USDA, Washington, DC. 24pp. R.O.C. 3rd ventral setae (f) 14 long, Vt3-Vt3 16 apart; Huang, K.W. 1999. The species and geographic accessory setae (h1) present. variation of eriophyoid mites on Yushania Coverflap: 19 wide, 12 long, with about 9 niitakayamensis of Taiwan. Proc. Symp. In (Received June 30, 2003; Accepted September 16, 2003) longitudinal ridges, genital setae (3a) 6 long, Gt- Insect Systematics and Evolution.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys Picta Picta Description Painted Turtles Are Commonly Found Around Quiet Bodies of Water
    WILDLIFE IN CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE FACT SHEET Eastern Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta picta Description Painted turtles are commonly found around quiet bodies of water. These brightly colored turtles gain their name J. FUSCO © PAUL from colorful markings along the head, neck, and shell. They often can be observed basking on logs and rocks around a body of water and will quickly scoot into water if threatened or disturbed. The medium-sized painted turtle can be distinguished by its dark shell, which has olive lines running across the carapace (upper shell), dividing the large scutes (scales). The margin of both the carapace and plastron (bottom shell) have black and red markings. The head, neck, and limbs have yellow stripes. The plastron is typically yellow, but may be stained a rust/red color. Males can be distinguished from females by their long front claws, long tail, and smaller size. The carapace of an adult usually measures from 4.5 to 6 inches in length. Range The painted turtle is the most widely distributed North basking on rocks and logs, even on top of one another. American turtle, and the only one to range across the Opportunistic, painted turtles can be found in brackish entire continent. This species ranges from coast to tidal waters and salt marshes. Much of their time is spent coast through the northern United States and southern concealed in submerged vegetation. The turtles spend Canada, south to the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to the winter hibernating in mud or decayed vegetation southwestern Alabama. on pond bottoms, emerging earlier than other turtles, The painted turtle is Connecticut's most numerous turtle typically in March.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment for the Western Pond Turtle Final Report
    Assessment for the Western Pond Turtle Final Report Client: United States Fish and Wildlife Service Primary Advisor: Brad Shaffer Secondary Advisor: Peter Scott Team Members: Zachary Devereux Hogan Fenster Stephanie Manzo Thomas Morgan Griffin Nicholson Delacey Rodriguez Bianca Sanchez University of California, Los Angeles Executive Summary Western Pond Turtle Report June 2019 The western pond turtle (WPT), recently separated into two species, is a candidate for listing under the Endangered Species Act. To assess the current status of both species, we conducted a risk assessment and analysis of historical, current, and future conditions. Background This assessment for the WPT compiles the best available literature, scientific information, museum data, and population viability analyses to characterize the biological status of the two species: Emys (Actinemys) pallida and Emys (Actinemys) marmorata. The goal of this assessment is to inform the listing decision for the two species under the federal Endangered Species Act, and to act as a source of information for future conservation efforts. Species Biology and Needs The WPT occurs in a variety of semi-aquatic habitats ranging from lakes, rivers, and streams to man-made channels, agricultural ponds, and sewage treatment ponds. Emys pallida can be found from northern Baja California, Mexico to the southern San Francisco Bay area along the coast and inland deserts. It can be found along the Southern Coast Ranges and the western parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Emys marmorata can be found from the San Francisco bay area north to Washington state and south along the eastern side of the San Joaquin Valley. The WPT is a medium sized pond turtle that has a maximum life span of about 45 years (Holland 1994, p.
    [Show full text]