A Species in Trouble

The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), which was a fairly common species in New Jersey several decades ago, is now a protected species with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Due to consistent overdevelopment and stream degradation since the 1970s, the habitat for the species was quickly destroyed. In 1979, the wood turtle was listed in New Jersey as a threatened species and has been protected under strict state laws ever since. It is expected that if wood turtle habitat continues to deteriorate, it could be listed as endangered and further protective measures may be required to keep the state’s wood turtle population from extinction.

Protective Laws

Since being listed in New Jersey as a threatened species almost 25 years ago, the wood turtle has yet to be recognized federally by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The species was denied federal status in 1995, but has recently been given a second review in 2023, however, a determination has not yet been made. One reason why the USFWS is reluctant to list the wood turtle federally is because the species is actually quite common outside of New Jersey. However, due to its decline in population and its sensitivity to habitat and stream degradation, it is in consideration. If given federal protective status, the wood turtle will be protected under the Endangered Species Act throughout the entire U. S.

It is expected that if wood turtle habitat continues to deteriorate, it could be listed as endangered and further protective measures may be required to keep the state’s wood turtle population from extinction." Danielle Smith

Wood Turtle Habitat

The wood turtle lives near freshwater streams and rivers, utilizing both the upland and lowland environment. They use the terrestrial habitat to lay eggs and forage for food while using the aquatic habitat to mate and hibernate. The wood turtle can be recognized by its brown carapace, or upper shell, which has pyramid shaped scutes with grooves that radiate from the center. Their neck and legs have a red-to-orange coloration, camouflaging themselves to the forest floor around them. They are most active in late March, as they emerge from the river to mate, until October, when they make their way back to the stream for hibernation ( Zappalorti et al. 1984).

Our Role in Protecting Turtles

Our firm’s qualified biologists, like myself, are hands-on when it comes to the protection of these turtles. Our natural resource department in Parsippany, New Jersey, performs wood turtle monitoring for bridge replacement projects if a disturbance is proposed to occur within a documented wood turtle habitat. Our biologists provide weekly inspections of fencing to deter wood turtles from entering work areas and conduct searches for wood turtles within the project area. If turtles are located during inspections, they are relocated immediately upstream or downstream of the site, away from harm.

Future Plans

Federal and state rules and regulations are important in protecting vulnerable species like the wood turtle. But is it enough to help the declining species? Habitat degradation is not the only thing threatening this species. Vehicle mortality is also a large contributor to species decline. New Jersey has recently updated their flood hazard area regulations to assess protected species habitats along opposite sides of roadways and highways. If a roadway project (e.g. new roads, bridges, and culverts) traverses through occupied habitat of a listed species, wildlife passages may be an option for projects to allow species connectivity. Somerset County, New Jersey, just finished building several “turtle tunnels” beneath River Road in Bedminster Township. River Road bisects a large natural area of the North Branch Raritan River and is a hotspot for wood turtle crossings. Projects like these are just a start to providing protection to threatened and endangered species. We are excited and glad to play a role in the protection of this important species.

Click for more information on wood turtles or the River Road turtle tunnels.