Zoo Atlanta Welcomes Critically Endangered Bog Turtle Hatchlings
March 9, 2023
Quarter-sized hatchlings are ambassadors for one of Georgia’s most threatened wild places
A pair of tiny Georgia native turtles have hatched at Zoo Atlanta, becoming the newest members of one of the rarest species in the United States – the critically endangered bog turtles.
Smallest turtles in North America
Bog turtles are the smallest turtles in North America with carapaces roughly the size of a quarter. The hatchlings weighed less than half an ounce when they made their entrance into the world.
Imperiled mountain bogs
The ecosystem the turtles call home, the imperiled mountain bog, is as rare as the bog turtles themselves. Human-made threats such as habitat destruction for roads and construction for human communities have contributed to the bog’s decline. Mountain bogs are also home to plant species found nowhere else on Earth, including state-protected montane purple pitcher plants and federally threatened swamp pinks.
Preserving Georgia wildlife and wild environments
Jennifer Mickelberg, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation at Zoo Atlanta, said, “Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to welcome new bog turtle hatchlings. Not only is every hatch vital to the remaining population of this critically endangered species, but this news also shines an important spotlight on efforts to preserve Georgia wildlife and wild environments.
Breeding success
These hatches represent a notable breeding success for Zoo Atlanta and follow another successful hatching from the same parents in summer 2022. The new hatchlings are currently housed behind the scenes in the Zoo’s Georgia eXtremes building, where their parents and another adult female also reside.
Illegal trade
Thousands of American turtles are illegally shipped or smuggled abroad each year, often crudely hidden in luggage or stuffed in socks. Through this trade, turtles from the U.S. are sold internationally, where demand for food, traditional medicines, and pets has reduced local turtle harvests. Turtles worldwide have experienced greater recent population declines than any other class of vertebrate.
Conservation programs and partnerships
To learn more about conservation programs and partnerships at Zoo Atlanta, visit zooatlanta.org/conservation.
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED BOG TURTLES HATCH: A GLIMPSE OF HOPE
The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is one of the smallest turtle species in North America, and unfortunately, one of the most critically endangered. The bog turtle’s primary habitat is wetlands, but due to human development and other factors, their populations have drastically declined, and they are now on the brink of extinction. However, recently, there was a glimmer of hope when a small group of bog turtle hatchlings was discovered in Pennsylvania.
Bog turtles have a highly specialized habitat and require specific conditions to survive. They need moderately deep, acidic, and clear water with abundant vegetation to provide cover and food. Bog turtles forage on a variety of insects, mollusks, and vegetation, and their diet varies seasonally, depending on food availability.
Historically, bog turtles were found in 14 states in the eastern United States, from Vermont to Georgia. However, due to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, bog turtles are now mostly confined to small, isolated populations, making them vulnerable to further decline and possible extinction.
To make matters worse, bog turtles are also threatened by illegal collection for the pet trade. They are highly valued for their small size and unique coloration, and unfortunately, many individuals have been taken from the wild to satisfy the demand for the pet trade, which further endangers their populations.
To help save the bog turtle, conservation efforts have been underway for years. Many organizations, including federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners, are working together to protect, manage, and restore bog turtle habitat.
Recently, there was a glimmer of hope when a wildlife biologist found a small group of bog turtle hatchlings in Pennsylvania. The discovery of these hatchlings is significant because it indicates that there are healthy populations of bog turtles still reproducing in the wild. It also provides valuable data for biologists and conservationists, allowing them to study and understand bog turtle reproduction, behavior, and habitat needs better.
Conservationists are optimistic about the future of bog turtles, but much work needs to be done to ensure their continued survival. Efforts must focus on protecting and restoring their habitat, reducing threats from development, pollution, and illegal collection.
Some of the steps being taken to protect bog turtles include:
1. Habitat restoration: Bog turtle habitat needs to be restored and managed to provide suitable conditions for their survival. This involves restoring wetlands, controlling invasive species, and managing vegetation to provide cover and food for bog turtles.
2. Protection of critical habitat: Critical habitat for bog turtles must be identified, protected, and properly managed. This involves working with private landowners, local and state agencies, and conservation organizations to develop plans for the protection and management of bog turtle habitat.
3. Education and outreach: Education and outreach efforts are essential to promote public awareness of the importance of bog turtles and their habitat. This involves educating landowners, communities, and the public about the value of bog turtles, their habitat needs, and conservation efforts.
In conclusion, the discovery of bog turtle hatchlings is a glimmer of hope, but much work needs to be done to ensure their survival. The efforts of conservationists, wildlife biologists, landowners, and the public are critical to the continued survival of this unique and endangered species. With continued support and dedication, we can help ensure that bog turtles thrive for generations to come.
