Terrestrial Movements of Hatchling Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in Agricultural Fields in New Jersey
Castellano CM, Behler JL, Ultsch GR. 2008. Terrestrial Movements of Hatchling Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) in Agricultural Fields in New Jersey. Chelonian Conservation and Biology. 7(1):113-118
Hatchling turtles were tracked from emergence until hibernation. The turtles remained in agricultural fields for several days to weeks, during which time they fed and grew. Hatchling Glyptemys insculpta did not travel to water directly upon emergence from their nests but remained in agricultural fields for several days to weeks, during which time they fed and grew. Hatchlings were less active and occupied sites with significantly lower air and substrate temperatures than adult turtles. A management scheme to delay agricultural harvesting until turtles have entered aquatic habitats for hibernation is advised.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Castellano, Christina; Behler, John; Ultsch, Gordon
- Units
- DEWA
- Keywords
- Agriculture, Conservation, Glyptemys insculpta, hatchling, wood turtle
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Amphibians and Reptiles , Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | At-risk Biota | T&E Species and Communities