Given that habitat loss may be one of the primary causes of terrestrial turtle population declines, it is imperative that we have a better understanding of the effects of human altered landscapes on these species. I documented habitat selection and the spatial ecology of wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) and eastern box turtles (Terrapene c. carolina) within a riparian forest altered by selective logging in Pennsylvania. My goal was to examine any potential impacts of this human altered landscape, and given their distinct ecological requirements, to determine how the ecosystem is partitioned by these sympatric species. I employed radio-telemetry and GIS to document turtle movement and habitat selection over two seasons, and used compositional analysis to determine landscape-scale habitat preferences of each species relative to availability. Microhabitat variables for turtle locations were also assessed and compared to availability using discriminant function analysis.
Results/Conclusions
I found that wood turtles tended to move further than box turtles, with wood turtles utilizing larger home ranges. Males of both species tended to make longer distance movements compared to females. In regards to habitat use, wood turtles significantly preferred creek edges to other types of habitat. However, box turtles showed no significant preferences and used all habitat types generally based on availability. Finally, I compared my results to studies of the same species elsewhere in their geographic range, and made suggestions for the best way to practice selective logging while hoping to minimize negative impacts on these species.