WNJ Exclusive: Tracking New Jersey's Bog Turtle
Photos courtesy of David Wheeler
by Mary Curcione
On a rainy day this autumn, nature author David Wheeler and I joined U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Kristen Meistrell in tracking the elusive bog turtle through the wilds of Hunterdon County using radio telemetry.
Since the first bog turtle was discovered at the site in 2007, Fish and Wildlife has placed radio transmitters on the turtles in order to track their activity throughout this atypical habitat. Tracking more frequently has shown that the turtles will often travel long distances across the site to bask in the sun, mate, and perhaps grab a bite to eat, quite a massive undertaking for these tiny creatures.
On a rainy day this autumn, nature author David Wheeler and I joined U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Kristen Meistrell in tracking the elusive bog turtle through the wilds of Hunterdon County using radio telemetry.
Since the first bog turtle was discovered at the site in 2007, Fish and Wildlife has placed radio transmitters on the turtles in order to track their activity throughout this atypical habitat. Tracking more frequently has shown that the turtles will often travel long distances across the site to bask in the sun, mate, and perhaps grab a bite to eat, quite a massive undertaking for these tiny creatures.
"Bog turtles, like all of New Jersey's native wildlife, play a crucial role in the health and productivity of our ecosystems. Our state exhibits some of the most interesting habitats from the calcareous wetlands and ridges of the north to the pinelands in the south," said Meistrell. "These rare and elusive animals inhabit some of the most unique wetlands so their decline would be devastating. Bog turtles help to maintain a certain balance in the food chain which in turn keeps crucial habitat healthy, so protecting this species has been a high priority with many states throughout the United States."
At one point in time, bog turtles existed throughout most of New Jersey, inhabiting both natural wetlands as well as wet, grazed agricultural fields. Now, the bog turtle is listed as a state endangered species and is federally threatened.
At one point in time, bog turtles existed throughout most of New Jersey, inhabiting both natural wetlands as well as wet, grazed agricultural fields. Now, the bog turtle is listed as a state endangered species and is federally threatened.
The "ladies man" gives a friendly wink!
According to Meistrell, bog turtle habitat requires three main components: suitable hydrology, nesting sites, and areas in which to hibernate. Though the site that was surveyed does have all three characteristics, it lacks a practical land management plan and is considered a very untraditional place to find the secretive bog turtle. Meistrell believes the site was once a large agricultural area that became subjected to ecological succession and the turtles have persisted there as their habitat changed.
After a brief history lesson on the site, Meistrell let and Wheeler and I listen for the transmitter signal to come through on the radio. Though very faint at first, as we treaded through the muck and moved closer to the turtle, the signal became louder and our excitement grew. Meistrell dug through the mud like a pro to retrieve the female bog turtle lurking underneath. We repeated this tracking process four more times uncovering three more females and one male - the "ladies man" of the group.
After a brief history lesson on the site, Meistrell let and Wheeler and I listen for the transmitter signal to come through on the radio. Though very faint at first, as we treaded through the muck and moved closer to the turtle, the signal became louder and our excitement grew. Meistrell dug through the mud like a pro to retrieve the female bog turtle lurking underneath. We repeated this tracking process four more times uncovering three more females and one male - the "ladies man" of the group.
The Bog turtle is a very small species with a large impact on the ecological balance of their habitat. Since most of the open space left in New Jersey is privately owned, voluntary conservation efforts are incredibly important to the survival of the Bog turtle. It is vital that the general public and Fish and Wildlife work together to ensure New Jersey's Bog Turtle population continues to grow and remain stable.
Though I have worked with Kristen Meistrell on bog turtle research before, tracking them using radio telemetry was a new and exciting experience for me. It was great to introduce David Wheeler to his first bog turtle. They are a magnificent reptile and I hope the Division of Fish and Wildlife continues their research and conservation efforts to bring the bog turtle back from endangerment.
Posted by WILDNEWJERSEY at 11/11/2011 10:00 AM 
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: bog turtle turtles David Wheeler habitat wildlife
Categories: WNJ Exclusives
Tags: bog turtle turtles David Wheeler habitat wildlife
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