Northern Maine wood turtle population survey
Principal Investigator: David Putnam (UMPI, Sciences and Mathematics)
Partners: Derek Yorks (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife), Michael Jones (American Turtle Observatory)
Abstract: Researchers from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the American Turtle Observatory will conduct wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) surveys along the rivers and streams of northern Maine’s working forest with an undergraduate research assistant from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Wood turtles are threatened, endangered, or have been extirpated over most of their range, but populations appear to be robust in the North Maine Woods. We propose to conduct systematic surveys of prime wood turtle habitat to determine the size and nature of the populations prior to the possible listing of the species under the endangered species act. Working with forest landowners, we hope to develop management plans for the species in a working forest environment to preclude disruption to the forest products industry and protect the turtles. Using a variety of new technologies, including GPS, GIS, radio-telemetry, and aerial drone surveys and habitat mapping, the undergraduate assistant will be well positioned for graduate school and the future work environment.