Too Shy to be Saved?
The Pacific Pond Turtle’s best defense may be its undoing. Its shyness protects it from human visitors, but also keeps us from studying it and knowing where it is living. The biggest threat to this turtle is the destruction of its habitat and the recent drought in part of its range. Without being able to know exactly where this reclusive species is living, it can be difficult to provide the appropriate protection for its shrinking habitat. Hopefully researchers and conservationists will be able to learn what they need to to save this species – which might even be two species.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
Brevard Zoo in Brevard County, Florida is asking for public assistance in tracking the elusive East Coast Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin tequesta.
Microplastics researcher’s invention may lead to cleaner beachers.
Crime and Punishment
Enforcement officers to be stationed at Tun M Park to protect the local wildlife.
Miscellany
Tortoise returns home after a year-long adventure at the age of 109.
Did You Know…
The Pacific, or Western, Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata) has undergone numerous taxonomic changes, from changing genera numerous times to adding and removing subspecies. New research suggests it should be separated into two separate species.
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Photo by Center for Biological Diversity.
