Blanding's turtle COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1
COSEWIC
Assessment Summary
Assessment Summary – May 2005 (Nova Scotia Population)
Common name:
Blanding's Turtle
Scientific name:
Emydoidea blandingii
Status:
Endangered
Reason for designation:
The three small subpopulations of this species found in central southwest Nova Scotia total fewer than 250 mature individuals. These three subpopulations are genetically distinct from each other and from other Blanding’s Turtles in Quebec, Ontario and the United States. Although the largest subpopulation occurs in a protected area, its numbers are still declining. The other subpopulations are also susceptible to increasing habitat degradation, mortality of adults and predation on eggs and hatchlings.
Occurrence:
Nova Scotia
Status history:
Designated Threatened in April 1993. Status re-examined and designated Endangered in May 2005. Last assessment based on an update status report.
Assessment Summary – May 2005 (Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Population)
Common name:
Blanding's Turtle
Scientific name:
Emydoidea blandingii
Status:
Threatened
Reason for designation:
The Great Lakes/St. Lawrence population of this species although widespread and fairly numerous is declining. Subpopulations are increasingly fragmented by the extensive road network that criss-crosses all of this turtle’s habitat. Having delayed age at maturity, low reproductive output and extreme longevity makes this turtle highly vulnerable to increased rates of mortality of adults. Nesting females are especially susceptible to roadkill because they often attempt to nest on gravel roads or on shoulders of paved roads. Loss of mature females in such a long-lived species greatly reduces recruitment and long-term viability of subpopulations. Another threat is degradation of habitat from development and alteration of wetlands. The pet trade is another serious ongoing threat because nesting females are most vulnerable to collection.
Occurrence:
Ontario, Quebec
Status history:
Designated Threatened in May 2005. Last assessment based on an update status report.
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