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Why is the Spotted Pond Turtle endangered2007-11-24 2:05:05

Why?I have an endangered species report.

Answers:

Loss of habitat has been largely responsible for the major decline of the spotted turtle throughout its entire New York range. In the early 1900's, it was reported to be the most common turtle in the vicinity of New York City. This turtle is very sensitive to pollution and toxicants and disappears rapidly with declining water quality. To further stress the species, pet collecting is currently responsible for the annual loss of significant numbers. Much concern has been expressed for this small reptile as local populations disappear. It is listed as endangered in Illinois and Ohio threatened in Maine and Vermont, special concern in Indiana, and protected in

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Habitat damage and over-collection for the pet trade.

These guys live in specific habitats- clean, shallow water- bogs, streams, marshes, etc. This is exactly the habitat that gets drained, rerouted, diverted into bigger waterways, etc. in the never-ending quest for real estate.

Sadly, the range of this turtle is very similar to areas of the worst human density.

This problem is shared by many, many other species- most notably, for us, the Wood, Bog, and Eastern Box turtles.

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Because they are very tasty!--Just kidding! But a private breeder has just donated 100 of them to the Niagra falls aquarium for eventual re-introduction to the niagra river, where they used to be quite prevalent, and now appear to be nearky extinct. They are also on the endangerd list in Michigan, and possibly elsewhere as well, although I still see them for sale on line all the time, as the rarity goes up, so does the price! Good luck with your report.