The Wood Turtle is found in both aquatic and terrestrial
habitats. They show a preference for clear, moving water, such as
rivers, streams and creeks, with gravel or hard packed bottoms. A
variety of shallow wetlands, such as swamps and bogs may also be
used. Preferred terrestrial habitats vary across their range, but
in all instances the Wood Turtle will remain close to water.
Terrestrial habitats seem to be used opportunistically, and Wood
Turtles can be found in deciduous forests, fields and meadows,
agricultural fields, swamps and other wetlands, and other types of
forests.
The distribution of the Wood Turtle can be separated into two
main areas: the Northeast and the Great Lakes. The Northeast region
extends from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, south to northern
Virginia and west through Pennsylvania and eastern Ontario. The
Great Lakes region is somewhat discontinuous, with populations in
southeastern Ontario (around Toronto), the northern Lower Peninsula
of Michigan and from the central Upper Peninsula of Michigan
southwest to southern Wisconsin, and just into eastern Minnesota.
There are also disjunct populations in northeastern Iowa, south
central Quebec and southern Ontario.
Historically, the wood turtle was a fairly common species within
suitable habitat in New Jersey. By the 1970s, however, declines
were noted as wood turtles were absent from many historic sites due
to habitat loss and stream degradation. Consequently, the wood
turtle was listed as a threatened species in New Jersey in 1979.
The New Jersey Natural Heritage Program considers the wood turtle
to be “demonstrably secure globally,” yet “rare
in New Jersey” (Office of Natural Lands Management 1992).
Since the late 1970s, biologists have monitored and surveyed wood
turtle sites in New Jersey, providing valuable data regarding the
life history, reproduction, and habitat use of these turtles in the
state. There is, however, a continuing need to examine the
productivity and juvenile survival of wood turtles, which may be
threatened by disturbance or predation.
In 1995, the wood turtle was proposed for inclusion on the
federal endangered species list. Despite declines in several
northeastern states, populations were considered stable enough
throughout the species’ entire range to deny listing.
However, the wood turtle was considered by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as a species that, “although not necessarily
now threatened with extinction may become so unless trade in them
is strictly controlled” (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1995). As a result, international trade of these turtles is
strictly monitored and regulated through the CITES Act (Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and
Fauna Act). The New Jersey Endangered Species Act prohibits the
collection or possession of wood turtles.
The scenic trails throughout the CMA covers a variety of
woodlands and marshes. There are a variety of boardwalks, but after
a rain some parts of the trails may become wet and proper footwear
is recommended.
For information on the GSWA, and the CMA, please visit
their web site at www.greatswamp.org
NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in
Northern New Jersey.
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