Review Of The Ecology And Conservation Of The Bog Turtle Clemmys Muhlenbergii

The bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) is variously considered to be secretive, uncommon, or threatened with extinction. It has a disjunct distribution in the eastern United States, and populations are restricted to wetlands such as bogs and swamps. The turtle appears to be an omnivore. It is most active in the spring, and the eggs (usually three to five) are laid in late spring or early summer. Sexual maturity in both sexes probably occurs at the plastral length of about 75 mm., when the turtles are 6 to 8 years old. Bog turtles apparently have small home ranges (about 1.3 ha or smaller). Other population features are poorly known. There is concern for the plight of the bog turtle because of the continual loss of wetland habitat and irresponsible collecting. A thorough survey is recommended to delineate the occurrence and abundance of the remaining populations of the species throughout its range.

The bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) is variously considered to be secretive, uncommon, or threatened with extinction. It has a disjunct distribution in the eastern United States, and populations are restricted to wetlands such as bogs and swamps. The turtle appears to be an omnivore. It is most active in the spring, and the eggs (usually three to five) are laid in late spring or early summer. Sexual maturity in both sexes probably occurs at the plastral length of about 75 mm., when the turtles are 6 to 8 years old. Bog turtles apparently have small home ranges (about 1.3 ha or smaller). Other population features are poorly known. There is concern for the plight of the bog turtle because of the continual loss of wetland habitat and irresponsible collecting. A thorough survey is recommended to delineate the occurrence and abundance of the remaining populations of the species throughout its range.

The definitive resource for finding, identifying, and conserving Maryland’s amphibians and reptiles. Naturalists, herpetologists, and ecologists alike agree that tracking herpetofauna is a challenging undertaking. Scientists are concerned about the decline of once-familiar species, but evidence has often been too anecdotal to support firm conclusions. To better understand the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Maryland and forecast species' futures in a time of accelerated environmental threats, conducting a comprehensive statewide survey updating 1970s-era distribution maps seemed ideal. However, this endeavor was of an impossibly ambitious scope for scientists alone to tackle. Enter the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project, comprising nearly a thousand dedicated citizen scientists who discovered and recorded the locations of herpetofauna throughout every corner of Maryland. In The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas, Heather R. Cunningham and Nathan H. Nazdrowicz present the findings of this massive undertaking. This definitive guide combines nearly 160 comprehensive new herpetological maps with historical distribution maps and in-depth species accounts. Color photos illustrate the natural history of the 89 species of frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards that call the state home. Essays discuss historical studies, the effects of Maryland's current climate, geology, and habitat diversity—and the myriad conservation issues these animals face. This richly detailed book represents a triumph of citizen science and the culmination of an intensive research partnership. It will appeal to both amateurs and professionals interested in herpetology, natural history, or ecology, as well as those with a special interest in Maryland's biodiversity.

This is the first guide yet produced to the amphibians and reptiles of New York State, a large and heavily populated state that hosts a surprisingly diverse and interesting community of amphibians and reptiles. This much needed guide to the identification, distribution, natural history and conservation of the amphibians and reptiles of New York State fill a long-empty niche. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the distributional data gathered for the New York State Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project. With more than 60,000 records compiled from 1990-1999, this extraordinary and up-to-date database provides a rich foundation for the book. This volume provides detailed narratives on the 69 species native to New York State. With a heavy emphasis on conservation biology, the book also includes chapters on threats, legal protections, habitat conservation guidelines, and conservation case studies. Also included are 67 distribution maps and 62 pages of color photographs contributed by more than 30 photographers. As a field guide or a desk reference, The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State is indispensable for anyone interested in the vertebrate animals of the Northeast, as well as students, field researchers and natural resource professionals.