The Turtle Log: February 2007

February 28, 2007

Launch of Massachusetts Turtle Atlas

The Massachusetts Turtle Atlas was officially launched at the Amherst Turtle Symposium on 2/24/07. The Atlas is an initiative of the Turtle Conservation Project and Massachusetts' Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). It's a way for citizen scientists to help biologists learn about turtle populations in the state.

How does the Turtle Atlas help turtles?
Several species of New England turtles are in decline. Turtle Atlas monitors' observations are combined with others to learn how the state's turtles are doing. The information can lead to more effective methods of protecting and restoring species.

Register to be a Turtle Monitor by going to www.turtleatlas.org

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Agriculture's Toll on Wood Turtles

Agriculture, especially haying, takes a heavy toll on wood turtles, which spend much of their time in fields. In Massachusetts, July 2005, Female #104 was hit by a hay mower. These photos document efforts to save her. She died on August 4th. What is the solution? The turtles are all but invisible deep in the grass. The saying that you have to "make hay while the sun shines," is true. Farmers have to hay, plow, etc when conditions are right. Warning: These are graphic photos of a wounded turtle.