Increasing sunlight through a timber harvest can “turn up the temperature” on the ground, helping more turtles of different species successfully nest and lay eggs that yield young.
Biologists hope that wood turtles, Blanding’s turtles, and spotted turtles – all species of greatest conservation need – will nest in a patch of gravelly soil following a recent timber cut that will let more light bathe the ground. They plan to use trail cameras to “trap” turtles on film and identify which kinds are using the Strafford County, New Hampshire, site.
Associated Partners
