The Overwintering Habitat Of Blanding’s Turtles in Northern New York

Abstract

The overwintering habitat of Blanding’s turtles, a threatened species in Northern New York, is largely unknown. It is also unknown whether all age and sex classes of these turtles select similar habitats or make periodic winter movements. Trapped in early spring and then tracked routinely throughout winter months, turtles’ locations were documented and compared to determine if they select specific habitat features. Data from this study is being summarized in a technical report to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, who will use it to help prepare a recovery plan for this species.