We conducted population monitoring of the western pond turtle (WPT) as part of the Environmental Leadership Program for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in the West Eugene Wetlands. The western pond turtle is listed as a sensitive species by the BLM. We monitored the WPT in order to determine their patterns of activity in the wetlands, identify potential threats to the WPT, and determine sites with high turtle activity, which may be selected as the focus of the BLM's future conservation efforts. 

     More specifically, there are several environmental conditions that we evaluated to determine how they affect the WPT patterns of activity. Various conditions such as weather, air and water temperature, time of day, and time of the season affect the WPT behavior. This environmental data is used to determine the optimum time of day and time of year to survey for WPTs. We also observed how habitat features, such as the prevalence of basking structures, may influence the presence of the WPT at different sites. 

     Beyond looking for the WPT, we are aware of threats to the WPT. Some of these threats are anthropogenic, such as sites with high human activity or sites located near roads and buildings. These threats may also be part of the non-human environment, such as other species that compete with the WPT for use of the habitat like non-native turtles, such as the red-eared slider. 

     Collectively, we spent roughly 400 hours during April, May and June working on this project. Once a week for six weeks, we surveyed twelve locations in the wetlands, which are comprised of ponds and sections of the Amazon Creek. Our efforts culminated in a presentation and paper given to the BLM in June.

To learn more about the Environmental Leadership Program and the BLM check out: Bureau of Land Management Environmental Leadership Program