Potential Effects of Climate Change on Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtle)

Open-File Report 2021-1104-D
By: , and 

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Abstract

Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838; Blanding’s turtles) are a species of medium-sized, long-lived, semiaquatic, freshwater turtles with a wide distribution across the northern and eastern United States and southern Canada. They have an annual activity cycle consisting of late autumn and winter overwintering and spring emergence, spring movement and foraging, spring and summer nesting, and summer and autumn foraging and nonnesting movement. In response to changes in average and extreme temperatures, Blanding’s turtles are likely to experience increased physiological stress and reduced reproductive success. Variability in precipitation may affect the availability of freshwater habitats for overwintering, shelter, and feeding; however, projected changes in precipitation vary widely. This analysis presents anticipated climate conditions and effects on the species; the complex life history and expansive geographic range of this species require additional analysis at local scales.

Suggested Citation

Lyons, M.P., Nikiel, C.A., LeDee, O.E., and Boyles, R., 2023, Potential effects of climate change on Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s turtle): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2021–1104–D, 46 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211104D.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Data and Methods
  • Overwintering and Emergence
  • Spring Movement and Foraging
  • Nesting
  • Foraging and Nonnesting Movement
  • Shifting Distributions
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Potential effects of climate change on Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s turtle)
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2021-1104
Chapter D
DOI 10.3133/ofr20211104D
Year Published 2023
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center
Description viii, 46 p.
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details