Christina M. Castellano1,3 and John L. Behler2

We studied the nesting ecology, hatching success, and sources of nest mortality of Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA) (New Jersey) during 2001-2002. The duration of the nesting season averaged 21 days and occurred between 26 May and 16 June. Four percent of the 71 gravid females observed had shell injuries associated with being struck by farm machinery. Nest sites (n = 31) were located in open areas 44-125 m from the shoreline and 3-5 m above the nearest aquatic habitat. Fifty-seven percent of nests were associated with herbaceous ground cover, and on average the soil composition was 96 ± 3% sand (range = 89-99). Average nest temperature was 23.0 ± 0.9°C (n = 9, range = 21.9-24.0), and mean diel fluctuation in nest temperature was 7.6 ± 2.7°C (n = 9, range = 1.9-15.6). Neonates emerged from the nests after an average of 83 ± 10 days (range = 69-117). The primary sources of egg mortality were infertility and embryonic death. Twenty-three percent of nests had total failure, 58% partial failure, and 19% total neonate emergence. Based on the results of this study, we recommend (1) using no-till agricultural practices in agricultural fields adjacent to streams used by G. insculpta, (2) limiting the use of heavy machinery to between 1100-1600 hrs (EST), (3) developing conservation buffers as basking areas for gravid females, and (4) growing late-maturing crops that delay harvesting until turtles have exited the fields and entered aquatic habitat. We conclude that agricultural fields provide important nesting habitat for G. insculpta at DEWA.
John L. Behler Tribute Session, Oral

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