Developing Initiatives To Continue Improving Successful Recovery Program For Emydoidea Blandingii
A small Chicago suburb is not known to many, but it actually hosts a plethora of beautiful ecosystems and boasts a variety of unusual wildlife. Emydoidea blandingii is just one of the many reptiles which inhabit Lake County, IL, and unfortunately, their conservation status has declined to the point of endangerment; however, the Lake County Forest Preserve District has taken a bold step forward towards ensuring that the species remains in Lake County for generations to come. Initiated in 2010, this program implements a head-starting program as well as developing a habitat management project to further improve the quality of the ecosystem for these endangered turtles. The combination of these two factors is vital towards the long-term survival of the species and since the execution of the project, the survival rates have rebounded by 6%. Since 93% of nests are destroyed mainly by predators, the head-starting program has caused a significant rebound in the Lake County population, and the McHenry County Conservation District’s Wildlife Resource Center is the headquarters for this important work. The hatchlings are raised to a certain age before being released back into their native habitat, whereupon researchers keep close tabs on each individual, tracking their progress year by year. Thanks to the Preservation Foundation of the Lake County Forest Preserve Adopt-a-Turtle Program, this conservation project has continued with their success for eight years, and as data returns with 40% of specimens re-captured during yearly monitoring, the population of Emydoidea blandingii is well on its way to making a monumental comeback.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
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USA: Sea turtles promoting education and awareness
Crime & Punishment
USA: On the search for tortoise burglars
Asia: American poachers collaborating with Asian Turtle Trade
Health & Medical
USA: Large influx of new patients at SC Aquarium
AU: Celebrating monumental return of sea turtle rescue program
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Photo from earthrangers.com.
