James H. Harding

A long-term study on the Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in Michigan demonstrates that this species has very similar life history characteristics to the closely related Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), both of which display low recruitment, extended maturity times, and potential long adult life. As previous studies have shown, population stability in Emydoidea, and presumably in G. insculpta, is dependent on very high annual survivorship for older juvenile and sexually mature life stages. One Wood Turtle population studied shows marked decline over 36 years, with direct removal by humans and predation by a human-subsidized predator being the most serous threats. Without a significant reduction in both human removal and predator numbers, the eventual extirpation of this turtle population appears to be a likely outcome.
John L. Behler Tribute Session Oral

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