The only native turtle on the West Coast is the Western Pond Turtle. In honor of our native turtles on this special day, please enjoy the following videos and then click the link below to learn how you can help protect them!
Turtles are ectotherms, meaning they regulate their body temperatures behaviorally. Basking helps turtles regulate their body temperatures. Basking is also crucial to turtle health because exposure to ultraviolet radiation allows turtles to produce the active form of vitamin D3 that stimulates calcium and phosphorus absorption. Since the shell is the turtle’s first line of self-defense, absorbing calcium from the food a turtle has eaten is a top priority! Preserving habitat were turtles can safely bask should be a conservation goal. This habitat is not just rocks or logs at a pond’s edge, but it is also aquatic vegetation and plants, such as cattails, that provide safe basking platforms for juvenile and adult turtles.
Maria Wojakowski, Ph.D.
Owner, Ecologist & Statistician
Conservation Informatics, LLC
The availability and accessibility of habitat in which juveniles can thrive is very important in the conservation of turtle populations. Studies have shown that Western Pond Turtles require both aquatic (ponds, small lakes, creeks) and terrestrial habitat to complete their life cycles. Western Pond Turtles use terrestrial habitat extensively, since they may overwinter on land, travel considerable distances to lay nests, and move from one water body to another. One recent study found that Western Pond Turtles spent an average of over 200 days on land. As a result, protecting the terrestrial habitat and corridors between bodies of water is crucial for Western Pond Turtle conservation.
Maria Wojakowski, Ph.D.
Owner, Ecologist & Statistician
Conservation Informatics, LLC
Reptiles were historically considered non-social and uncommunicative, but recent research has revealed complex social behaviors and communication in many species of reptiles, including turtles. We now know that many reptile species are capable of learning, problem solving, vocalizing, and engaging in social interactions. In the wild, we need to ensure that turtles have the opportunity to bask and engage in social behavior without interruption from human activity.
Maria Wojakowski, Ph.D.
Owner, Ecologist & Statistician
Conservation Informatics, LLC
Western Pond Turtles are very easily alarmed, something both researchers and very careful and quiet hikers have noticed! Basking Western Pond Turtles will flee to the water instantaneously upon hearing an unfamiliar sound or seeing unknown movement. If there is too much unknown noise or movement around a pond or lake, they will not emerge at all! This can have impacts on their health and stress levels. When we think about conservation, we need to think about protecting all aspects of animals’ environments such that their needs are met, including needs for stability and minimal disruption in the form of noise and movement (especially from us humans!).
Maria Wojakowski, Ph.D.
Owner, Ecologist & Statistician
Conservation Informatics, LLC
Channel Islands Restoration works to improves habitat in areas that directly benefit the Western Pond Turtle. CIR is proud to host this page with material from the AZA SAFE program for Western Pond Turtles.
