Blanding's Turtle Habitat Evaluation

Photo found in Obst et al. 1988 (full citation at end). No individual photographer was credited.

Plans for this 220 acre site in Hugo, MN, included the creation of residential and commercial buildings. However, the land owner also wanted to increase habitat for the Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), a State Threatened species in Minnesota. Several turtle sightings on or near this site had been recorded in the Natural Heritage Program’s databases, so the likelihood of turtle usage was high. Nonetheless, an assessment of the planned future land use’s effect on this species was needed.

Habitat requirements necessary for this species’ survival were studied. These requirements were compared to site conditions that would be present after land alteration. SER discussed the site’s ability to support turtle populations, what areas would be best left unaltered as habitat, and what precautions would be necessary to make the site suitable for Blanding’s turtle survival and success. The study was well received by the DNR and the other reviewers, and habitat creation subsequently commenced.


Photo Source:

Obst, F.J., K. Richter, U. Jacob, W. Engelmann, K. Eulenberger, H. Kohler. 1988. The completely illustrated atlas of reptiles and amphibians for the terrarium. U.E. Friese, translator; J.G. Walls, editor. T.F.H. Publicatioins, Inc., Neptune City, NJ. 830 P. Translation of: Lexikon der terraristik und herpetologie.