Christina M. Castellano1,5, John L. Behler2, Melissa A. Stepek3, and Georgeta Dragut4

Differences in home range size and demography have been reported for the Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) at different locations across its range. In this study, we reported the variation in these parameters among subpopulations of G. insculpta in the same geographic area. A total of 430 G. insculpta were observed during mark-recapture surveys and while radio-tracking 30 individuals at three locations at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DEWA) (New Jersey). The first location (FOR) was forested and the second and third locations were impacted by agricultural development (AGR1 and AGR2). Jolly-Seber population size estimates ranged from 67.7 ± 18.8 turtles at FOR to 188.6 ± 73.5 turtles at AGR2. Population densities ranged from 1.2 turtles/ha at AGR2 to 8.0 turtles/ha at FOR. The FOR subpopulation had approximately 28% more juvenile turtles (i.e., individuals less than 10 years of age) than the AGR1 and AGR2 subpopulations. Carapace length, plastron length, and mass were significantly different among turtles at the three study locations. Wood Turtles at AGR1 were significantly larger than turtles at FOR and AGR2. Average home range size was significantly different among subpopulations (F2,29 = 8.59, P = 0.001) and ranged from 1.0 ± 0.7 ha (n = 10, range = 0.3-2.7) at FOR to 3.8 ± 3.0 ha (n = 10, range = 0.5-10.3) at AGR2. Although intact landscapes are considered to be most valuable for species conservation, agricultural areas support G. insculpta at DEWA and should be considered when setting conservation priorities for this species.
John L. Behler Tribute Session Poster

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