The research
Blanding's turtles were radiaotracked so that we could better understand their overwintering behavior. Hibernating turtles spend months under ice at very specific temperatures, and any disturbances in the overwintering sites can be detrimental to survival. this turtle has just had its radio transmitter removed from the shell after overwintering.
Gabby used radio telemetry to track the North Shore Blanding's turtles while they were hibernating.
This is a Blanding's turtle hatchling found while doing a long term mark-recapture study to asses the health of the population and get a rough estimate of its size.
In the Field
Showing off some of our Blanding's turtles!
Turtle processing.
Heading out to track some turtles!
In the Field With MPP of Algoma-Manitoulin Mike Mantha
October 19th, 2018
Heather, MPP Mike Mantha, Shannon, and Gabby with some Blanding's turtles!
Radio tracking
MPP of Algoma-Manitoulin, Mike Mantha, tracking his own Blanding's turtle!
We had a great field day showing Mike Mantha our Blanding's turtles! We thank him for his turtle whispering skills and enthusiasm!
Aestivation
This is one of our ladies aestivating. A period of prolonged sleep,or torpor, that occurs during hot and dry weather conditions.
Aestivating is a state much like hibernation, but instead of during the winter months turtles do it during the summer. Turtles do this to slow their metabolism down and preserve energy, usually by burying themselves in the dirt or laying in the shade of the forest floor.