Rare and threatened turtle found in Akwesasne

On June 20, 2009, a Blanding’s Turtle, a threatened species in New York State, was found by Jacoba North on the centerline of Route 37 between IGA and the Casino. Jacoba contacted the SRMT Environment Division, who then contacted Glenn Johnson, a biology professor. According to Glenn Johnson, Chair of the Department of Biology at the SUNY College at Potsdam, the turtle is an adult female and she was not gravid (with eggs) when she was found. She may have been returning to her wetland following egg laying (the timing is certainly right), but we cannot be sure. Johnson estimates her age to be at least 25 years, probably older. Her carapace (top shell) is 22.1 cm (8.75 in) long and 15.5 cm (6.1 in) wide. She weighs 1576 grams (about 3.5 pounds).

On June 25, 2009, she was released by Glenn Johnson and Environment Division Staff into a wetland just West of the fire station on Route 37 near where she was originally found.

She has been marked with an external mark (shell notching) and has been given an internal PIT (passive integrated transponder) tag as a permanent identification. Glenn has also given her a radio tag so that her movements can be tracked. “We hope to locate her in her true home wetland and potentially more Blanding’s Turtles. My plan is to get a fix on her signal once every 2-3 weeks until she overwinters (typically by end of October or early November).  The radio tag will last about 1.5 years, but I usually replace them every year for turtles I wish to track for a long time. Currently I am tracking 9 Blanding’s turtles in Coles Creek State Park and 7 on private wetlands in Madrid. ” said Glenn Johnson in an email to the SRMT Environment Division.

What’s So Important About Blanding’s Turtles?

The Blanding’s Turtle distribution is centered around the Great Lakes region and Akwesasne is at the edge of its core Eastern range (literal edge with this turtle!).

A major problem facing the Blanding’s turtle in New York State is the destruction of its habitat through the construction of housing developments, shoreline property and other summer recreation facilities. Roads which cross migration routes between the ponds where the turtles hibernate and the areas where they nest are particularly hazardous to the species. Nesting habitat may be far from wetlands and includes plowed agricultural fields, pastures, lawns, and roadsides (www.dec.ny.gov).

Glenn Johnson adds, “There is a remote possibility she was released in the area by a person, but I believe that she was from that area.  This location is the furthest east, by at least 10 miles, that we have found this species.  It is a first for Franklin County and a first for Akwesasne tribal land (at least officially)”.

What can You Do To Help Turtles In Akwesasne?

· Slow down while driving near wetlands and other areas known to have turtles.

· Stay away from turtle nesting grounds and try not to drive or mow over turtle nests.

· If you see a turtle on the road, stop, and carry it to the side it was headed. For snapping turtles or other large turtles, push them across with a stick.

· Learn about Akwesasne’s wetlands and other natural habitats and learn how to preserve and protect them.

Photo 5: Potsdam students next to turtle crossing sign.

What To Do If You Think You Have Found A Blanding’s Turtle:

· If possible, capture it without harming it. Never pick up a turtle by the tail.

· Call The SRMT Environment Division 518-358-5937