Blog Post 8: Western Pond Turtle

https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Western_Pond_Turtle_(Actinemys_marmorata).jpg

The Western Pond Turtle is currently an endangered species in Washington state, but these critters have come a far way. Back in 1994, the species only totalled 150 in the state, but as of 2015 they've skyrocketed to a population of nearly 1000, and are now found in six different locations instead of just two. 

This turtle is one of two freshwater species native to Washington, and generally lives by any slow moving body of water, permanent or otherwise. They're omnivores, so they eat anything from insects to small amphibians, and have a plant diet consisting of filamentous algae, lily pads, tule, and cattail roots. Unfortunately for this species, their life cycle has been a roadblock in the recovery effort. The Western Pond Turtle takes a full 10 years to reach sexual maturity. Along with their extremely slow growth cycle the species has a high egg mortality rate, they've experienced hunting for food, an introduction of new predators, habitat destruction, and a shell disease that effects 29-49% of the population in Washington. (no clue why this section shows up highlighted white in the view section)

The recovery effort for this species has been going on since the mid 90's and is still underway, once again, due to their extremely slow development period. Most of the effort revolves around rearing turtles in captivity, which allows them to be fed throughout the winter months. This results in turtles of only 10 months being at a maturity of three years when compared to their wild counterparts. In addition to this there are habitat restoration programs, population monitoring, and predator management projects underway. 

Lastly: I chose this organism because it seems like it should be a common species. When I think of endangered animals, my mind immediately jumps to the idea of exotic and strange creatures that are a remnant of the past, not some normal-looking and conventionally named turtle. I think it serves as a good reminder that any species can be threatened if we don't take proactive and reactionary measure to their decline. 

Sources: http://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/western_pond_turtle
http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01853/