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).