The management of Western Pond Turtles in Washington state have been a huge success. But what are the conservation statuses of these turtles in other states?
Oregon
There are more of these turtles residing in Oregon than in Washington. Therefore, they are classified as threatened. They are considered a "sensitive species" which means that there are multiple threats to the well being of the populations (Department of Fish and Wildlife).
California
These species are classified as "special concern" in the state of California. Conservationists find it difficult to classify these species even though they believe that there is no recruitment of juvenile turtles. The reason that these turtles are not classified as endangered in conservation is because their long life span makes it difficult to asses how healthy populations are (Garrison 1998).
Baja California
The Western Pond Turtle has disapeared throughout most of its formor range in Baja California. Historically, they were found in the north of the state, but today they are extremely rare (Hays 1999).
The Western Pond Turtles in these states all face the same problems that those in Washington are overcoming. Washington's turtles are successful because of 20 years of the Woodland Park Zoo, the Oregon Zoo, and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife teaming together to conserve. This shows that with proper management by each state, the Western Pond Turtle abundance can return to historic levels.
This picture is a cluster of turtles basking, proof that their species can be saved.
There are more of these turtles residing in Oregon than in Washington. Therefore, they are classified as threatened. They are considered a "sensitive species" which means that there are multiple threats to the well being of the populations (Department of Fish and Wildlife).
California
These species are classified as "special concern" in the state of California. Conservationists find it difficult to classify these species even though they believe that there is no recruitment of juvenile turtles. The reason that these turtles are not classified as endangered in conservation is because their long life span makes it difficult to asses how healthy populations are (Garrison 1998).
Baja California
The Western Pond Turtle has disapeared throughout most of its formor range in Baja California. Historically, they were found in the north of the state, but today they are extremely rare (Hays 1999).
The Western Pond Turtles in these states all face the same problems that those in Washington are overcoming. Washington's turtles are successful because of 20 years of the Woodland Park Zoo, the Oregon Zoo, and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife teaming together to conserve. This shows that with proper management by each state, the Western Pond Turtle abundance can return to historic levels.
This picture is a cluster of turtles basking, proof that their species can be saved.
- Department of Fish and Wildlife. "Living with Wildlife- Clemmys Marmorata."Http://www.dfw.state.or.us. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. <http://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/living_with/docs/turtles.pdf>.
- Garrison, Bob. "Watchable Wildlife: Western Pond Turtle." California Department of Fish and Game. Outdoor California, May-June 1998. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.dfg.ca.gov/viewing/turtle.html>.
- Hays, David W., Kelly R. McAllister, Scott A. Richardson, and Derek W. Stinson.Washington State Recovery Plan for the Western Pond Turtle. Olympia: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1999. Print.
Cool. Good idea that is very unique and does not have a cut and paste feel to it!
ReplyDeleteHmm I think focusing in on just the western pond turtles is a better goal than broadening your topic to the New England pond turtle.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I like your blog's simplicity and ease of read however I can tell that you are still in the process of putting things up (I think we all are to some extent!). Hope these suggestions were somewhat helpful!