Wood Turtle Study, Massachusetts
Mike Jones is a Ph.D. candidate studying the ecology and conservation of wood turtles in central Massachusetts. Here is his report of February 2007.
"In the interest of determining the extent and cause of regional wood turtle population decline, in 2004 we initiated a four year study of wood turtles in the Connecticut valley. 100 wood turtles in 10 streams were radio-tracked for periods ranging from 1 - 3 years. Initial findings support the understanding that mowers, brush clearing equipment, and agricultural machinery are a serious threat to long-term population viability. At some sites, including the largest known population in the state, mortality due to mowing exceeds 10% annually. Fatalities resulting from automobiles, floods, collection, and predators, also represent significant threats to wood turtles.
The study took place in varied environments across three counties, which has allowed a finer understanding of how wood turtles utilize upland habitats. Modeling and field surveys are underway to improve the effectiveness of private conservation efforts and state regulation. Private landowners can assist wood turtle conservation efforts by identifying upland habitat and clearing fields while turtles are hibernating from November - April."UPDATE: The "NorEaster" storm that Hit New England in late April resulted in the worst flooding in forty years at some of Jones' study sites. One animal was found dead and several others were swept down river.
Box Turtle Study, Massachusetts
Liz Willey
Graduate Student
Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
UMASS Amherst
"I have completed my second of four field seasons,
studying box turtles in the Connecticut River Valley,
with Dr. Paul R. Sievert. We have marked and tracked
turtles at seven sites examining population
characteristics, home range sizes, habitat use, and
potential threats, in order to develop a conservation
plan for the species in the region. OVERVIEW: Eastern box turtles (terrepene c. carolina) are declining throughout their range as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation, road mortality, and collection for the pet trade. They are listed as a species of concern in Massachusetts where development pressures add to climatic stresses at their northern range limit. Results from mark-recapture and telemetry efforts throughout the Connecticut Valley over the past two years indicate that box turtles can move a straight line distance up to 2.2 km annually to access required habitats. Box turtles use deciduous and mixed forest types over the winter and heavily managed early successional habitats such as agricultural fields, backyards, powerline corridors, and abandoned gravel pits from May - September. Road and mowing mortality, collection, and disturbance of nest sites by ATVs could lead to population decline even at protected sites thoughout the region. Appropriately timed management of habitats, education regarding collection, and human use restrictions on nest sites, could help mitigate the continued loss of habitat across the state.
Musk Turtle Study, Massachusetts
Lori Johnson
Conservation Biology Program
Environmental Studies Dept, Antioch University
My research will involve the use of radio telemetry to study the life history characteristics and habitat requirements of the stinkpot turtle. This will be the first in depth radio telemetry study on the species. Stinkpots are not state-listed in Massachusetts; however they are listed under endangered species law in some states (IA, VT, ME). In other states there is some concern about this species due to suspected declines or lack of information (CT, DC, PA, RI).
In Massachusetts there is little information about how
stinkpots are faring. It is possible that stinkpots,
like known venerable turtle species, may be negatively
affected by habitat degradation. Alternatively,
stinkpots may be less imperiled than other turtles if
their behavioral ecology differs, making them less
vulnerable to anthropogenic threats. By documenting the life history traits most relevant to conservation issues, this research will help determine whether or not stinkpots are currently, or are likely to become, a species vulnerable to human-induced changes to the landscape in Massachusetts.
ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The results of this study will greatly contribute to what is currently known about the life history and habitat requirements of stinkpot turtles, especially in New England. It will provide insights into how populations in central Massachusetts are faring and potentially identify threats and vulnerabilities of the species. This research will also establish baseline data that can be used for future comparisons at these sites to detect any population changes. At the end of the study I would also like to create a statewide GIS layer for known stinkpot turtle occurances.
Artificial Nest Site Project
Supervised by turtle biologist Mike Jones, a 4' x 4' x 15' nesting mound of sand is being created in an effort to deflect wood turtles who have been nesting at a nearby roadside. The site will be monitored with a time lapse camera.
Massachusetts Turtle Atlas
An initiative of the TCP with guidance from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, the Turtle Atlas is a program to engage citizens in turtle monitoring. See details at www.turtleatlas.com. As part of getting the word out about the Atlas, 2,000 postcards were printed with photos of four species of concern; wood, spotted, blanding's, and box turtle.
