Download Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project

WOODLAND PARK ZOO | 2011 MEDIA KIT
Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project
Celebrating 20 years of conservation in Washington
Table of Contents
Recovery Project Overview
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Timeline of Recovery Project Milestones
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Help Woodland Park Zoo Save Turtles
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Western Pond Turtle Fact Sheet
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Northwest Native Species Recovery Projects
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Official Washington State Proclamation
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Multimedia Available
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About Woodland Park Zoo
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Campaign for More Wonder More Wild
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Contact
For more information, photo requests or to schedule an interview with Woodland Park Zoo staff,
please contact:
Woodland Park Zoo Public Relations
[email protected] | 206.548.2550
Gigi Allianic, Public Relations Manager
Rebecca Whitham, Public Relations Coordinator
Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project
Celebrating 20 years of conservation in Washington
Project Overview
Western pond turtles were once common from Baja California to Puget Sound, including the Columbia
River Gorge. However, loss of habitat, disease and predation by non-native species such as bullfrogs
decimated their numbers. They were on the verge of extinction in Washington in 1990, with
only about 150 turtles left in the wild. Habitat degradation and disease were, and still are,
problems, but the biggest threat to fragile baby turtles is the bullfrog. The state listed western pond
turtles as endangered in 1993.
Now in its 20th year, the Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project seeks to re-establish self-sustaining
turtle populations in Puget Sound and the Columbia Gorge regions. Western pond turtles have a slow
growth rate, taking 10 to 12 years to reach reproductive age. Few hatchlings make it to adulthood in
the wild, decreasing the likelihood that these populations will ever recover without intervention.
To give these animals a head start, the zoo rears turtle hatchlings each year to give them a chance to
grow in safety until they are large enough to avoid predation. Unlike wild turtles, zoo turtles are fed
throughout the winter, so by their summer release, the 10-month-olds are approximately as big as 3year-old turtles that grew up in the wild. Then the zoo-reared turtles are released back into protected
habitats and tracked by scientists. Today, thanks to the success of the recovery project,
researchers estimate there are about 1,500 western pond turtles surviving in Washington.
Project Partners
The Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project is a multi-institution conservation program made possible
by the collaboration of partners from Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project
Celebrating 20 years of conservation in Washington
Timeline of Recovery Project Landmarks
1991
1993
Woodland Park Zoo and WA Dept. of
Fish and Wildlife start recovery with 150
western pond turtles left in Washington
Western pond turtle declared endangered
in Washington
2000
2001
Oregon Zoo joins recovery project,
begins headstarting turtles along with
Woodland Park Zoo
2005
Through recovery efforts, wild western
pond turtle population reaches 1,000
in Washington
First time headstart turtles that were zooreared and released successfully breed in
the wild
2011
Recovery project celebrates 20 years; wild
western pond turtle population reaches
1,500 in Washington
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Help Woodland Park Zoo Save Turtles
Turtle Extinction Crisis
Turtles have existed on Earth largely unchanged for 220 million years and survived the massive
extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs. Yet these ancient survivors are facing their own massive
extinction crisis today with almost 50 percent of known turtle species listed as “Threatened.” In fact,
this incredibly diverse group of animals is going extinct faster than any other group of terrestrial
vertebrates. The main threats to turtles? Habitat loss and degradation, overhunting, competition with
invasive species and the illegal pet trade.
To turn the tide against the turtle extinction crisis, Woodland Park Zoo plays an active role in turtle
conservation—from our work around the globe with conservation partner Turtle Survival Alliance to
our Western Pond Turtle Recovery Project in our own backyard, now celebrating 20 years of
successfully headstarting and reintroducing endangered turtles to protected areas throughout
Washington state. But we cannot do it without your help. Read on to learn how you can protect native
turtles in your region.
Make a Difference — You Can Help Save Turtles
• Reduce pollutants to turtle habitat by eliminating chemical pesticides from your gardening practices
• Improve the quality of wildlife habitat by joining a habitat restoration program in your community
• Use a reputable source when purchasing or adopting pet turtles and make sure the species is legal to
own and the animals have been sourced legally
• Take care not to release unwanted pets or animals into wild habitat—invasive species can
outcompete or prey on native turtles. Call your local animal shelter to find a new home for an
unwanted pet
• Support Woodland Park Zoo and other organizations working to conserve endangered turtles
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Western Pond Turtle Fact Sheet
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Status
Chordata
Reptilia
Testudines
Emydidae
Emys
E. marmorata
Endangered in
Washington state
Classification and Range
The western pond turtle belongs to a family Emydidae, which contains over
85 species of turtles. This is the largest family of turtles, with 30 genera. Emys
is a genus of small- to medium-size turtles that inhabit aquatic, terrestrial and
semiaquatic habitats. Western pond turtles range from the Puget Sound area
of Washington through western Oregon and California to Baja California. It
was once the only species of turtle found in the Puget Sound area, and was
considered common before being declared endangered in Washington state
in 1993.
Habitat
The western pond turtle is found from sea level to 4,500 feet (1375 m) in elevation. In Washington,
they are only found up to 300 feet (100 m). They inhabit slow-moving streams, marshes, ponds, lakes
and canals with muddy bottoms. During the heat of summer and in the cold of winter, many can be
found on land burrowed under logs and leaf litter. Habitat alteration and destruction have contributed
to the demise of the turtle in western Washington.
Life Span
Western pond turtles possibly live to be 50 years old.
Description
Adult pond turtles range from 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length and
weigh 1-2.4 pounds (448-1100 g). Coloration ranges from brown
to black on the carapace (the upper shell), with lighter marbling
visible on close examination. The plastron (the lower shell) is black
and yellow. The head and legs are also dark with possible yellow
markings (not stripes). These turtles are very shy and will dive into
the water at the least disturbance.
Diet
In the wild: Western pond turtles are opportunistic feeders. Food items include various insects, frogs
and frog eggs, fish and carrion.
At the zoo: The turtles are fed mealworms, earthworms, waxworms, crickets, mice and some fish.
(continues)
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Western Pond Turtle Fact Sheet
(continued)
Reproduction
Western pond turtles in Washington usually reach sexual maturity around 10-12 years of age. Mating
in the wild takes place in the spring and possibly also in the fall. Nesting occurs from late May until the
middle of July. Females find a suitable site, usually with dry soil, sparse vegetation and a southern
exposure. A hole is dug by softening the soil with urine and then scooping out the soil alternately with
hind feet. They will deposit a clutch of three to 13 eggs. After laying the eggs, the hole is filled with a
mixture of vegetation and dirt to provide an air space, and covered with wet soil as a plug to keep the
eggs in a humid environment. This process can take from two to four hours. Incubation takes 90-130
days, depending on summer temperatures.
Life Cycle
Hatchling pond turtles average 1-1.2 inch (2.5-3.1 cm) in
length and weigh .011-.025 ounces (3-7 g). They may emerge
from the nest in the fall or spend winter in the nest and come
out in the spring. Hatchlings are independent and rely on
their natural instinct for finding food. While spending much
time hiding from many predators, most baby pond turtles are
not able to survive the first year. Birds, fish and the
introduced American bullfrog are among many predators of
the small turtles.
Fascinating Facts
•
From observing pond turtles foraging, biologists have found that western pond turtles swallow all their
food in water and appear unable to swallow food in air!
•
Western pond turtles are wary and shy. If disturbed, they will usually swim under rocks, logs or
vegetation to hide!
•
In 1990, many pond turtles in Klickitat County died from a disease similar to upper respiratory disease.
Diseases such as this can be introduced into western pond turtle populations when nonnative turtles
are released into the wild
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Northwest Native Species Recovery Projects
Woodland Park Zoo’s expertise in captive rearing, captive breeding and research plays an essential role
within the Pacific Northwest conservation community. In addition to the Western Pond Turtle
Recovery Project, Woodland Park Zoo collaborates with other zoos and aquariums on the following
Northwest native species recovery projects as a member of Northwest Zoo and Aquarium Alliance:
Northwest Amphibian Recovery Project
Species: Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa)
Status: Declared endangered in Washington state
Threats: Fragmentation and loss of wetland habitat,
invasive species (including bullfrogs), and disease
Recovery plan: Give frogs a headstart by raising them in
captivity until they have completed metamorphosis from
tadpole to frog, giving them a better chance to escape
predators. Frog eggs are collected in late winter and young
frogs are released in early fall.
Partners: Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek
Wildlife Park, Mountain View Conservation Center, Vancouver Aquarium, Greater Vancouver Zoo,
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and British Columbia Ministry of the Environment.
Start-up funding for Woodland Park Zoo’s Oregon spotted frog headstarting program provided by the
Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Conservation Endowment Fund.
Butterflies of the Northwest
Species: Oregon silverspot (Speyeria zerene hippolyta)
Status: Declared federally threatened in 1980
Threats: Loss of grassland habitat; in particular its
preferred food, the early blue violet (Viola adunca)
Recovery plan: Give butterflies a headstart by raising
eggs in captivity until they are ready to change from pupae
to adult butterfly; then release them into a protected area
on the Oregon Coast. Woodland Park Zoo staff and
volunteers grow early blue violet plants so that larvae and
pupae have their favorite food to eat.
Partners: Woodland Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, and Lewis and Clark College.
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Multimedia Available
Images used in this kit are available in high resolution JPEG format for press.
Contact [email protected] or 206.548.2500 with image requests.
YouTube video of previous western pond turtle releases is available at:
http://www.youtube.com/woodlandparkzoo#p/f/9/onMjKKfKuMw
Western pond turtle hatching
Western pond turtle just hatched
Hatchling
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Weighing turtle before release
Kids help release turtles
Measuring turtle before release
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Western pond turtle adult
Releasing turtle into pond
Turtle release site
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Photo by Rachel Gray/WPZ
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
Photo by Ryan Hawk/WPZ
For latest multimedia, follow the zoo’s blog at http://woodlandparkzblog.blogspot.com
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About Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo saves animals and their habitats through conservation leadership and engaging experiences
inspiring people to learn, care and act. For 112 years, Woodland Park Zoo has served as an urban oasis, gathering
generations of people together to enjoy the natural world. The zoo spans 92 acres, 65 of which are developed as
exhibits and public spaces. The remainder is devoted to administrative offices, a buffer zone and a neighborhood park.
Hours: October 1 - April 30: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. May 1 - September 30: 9:30
a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Woodland Park Zoo is open every day except Christmas
Day. Fees: October 1 - April 30: Adult (13-64) $11.50; Child (3-12) $8.50;
Toddler (0-2) Free. May 1 - September 30: Adult (13-64) $17.50; Child (3-12)
$11.50; Toddler (0-2) Free. Seniors and people with physical disabilities receive a $2 discount and zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round.
Parking: $5.25.
Collection
BRIAN TYL
Hours and Fees
Animal care professionals at Woodland Park Zoo are experts in their field and provide the highest quality care for
animals every day. The zoo manages the largest live animal collection in Washington state, with 1,000 animals,
representing more than 300 species plus 68 species of invertebrates. The zoo provides a home for 35 endangered and
five threatened animal species. The zoo’s botanical collection includes more than 92,000 plants and trees
representing more than 1,000 species.
Field Conservation
Through funding provided by the zoo’s Partners for Wildlife, Conservation Dues, Jaguar Conservation Fund, and the
contributions of zoo members and donors, the zoo is supporting conservation of wildlife, preserving fragile habitats,
and increasing public awareness for wildlife and environmental issues. The zoo currently partners with 36 field
conservation projects taking place in more than 50 countries around the world. These include some of the smallest
life forms – the endangered Oregon silverspot butterfly – to the largest mammals on land – the African elephant.
Education
As the Washington hub for excellence in conservation education, the zoo’s programs are grounded in an outcomesbased framework focusing on connecting children to nature, developing ecological literacy and providing pathways to
conservation. From early learners to senior learners, and on and off grounds, the zoo’s developmental approach to
lifelong learning is to foster empathy for nature, build conservation knowledge and skills, and increase people’s
personal ownership for action that benefits wildlife and habitats. In 2010, more than 740,000 visitors participated in
the zoo’s public programs and nearly 83,000 students, teachers and chaperones visited the zoo in school groups or
received a zoo outreach program.
Award-winning Exhibits
Woodland Park Zoo is famed for creating revolutionary naturalistic exhibits that began a shift that changed the face of
zoos worldwide. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums has honored the zoo with six major exhibit awards:
Humboldt penguin, Jaguar Cove, Trail of Vines, Northern Trail, Tropical Rain Forest, Elephant Forest
and African Savanna.
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Woodland Park Zoo connects people to wonder.
For 112 years, Woodland Park Zoo has sparked delight, discovery and unforgettable memories while teaching people
to understand and protect wildlife. Up close and engaging, zoo experiences create a feast for the senses and teach us
about our interdependence with all living things. Where else can millions of people get eye-to-eye with magnificent
creatures, learn about the critical landscapes that sustain their—and our—existence, and engage with communities
around the globe working to protect them?
More wonder creates more wild.
People who experience the wonders of the natural world are inspired to protect it. That’s why every year we lead
more than 1.2 million visitors on a journey that inspires a lifelong love of animals, makes science come alive and helps
people take conservation action. Our award-winning, naturalistic exhibits immerse visitors in compelling stories of
conservation and connect them to experts working with local communities to save animals and habitats in the wild.
YOU make it possible!
Together, we can inspire millions of people to leave a thriving natural world for all generations to enjoy and protect.
Woodland Park Zoo is your pathway to making a difference in the lives of children, families, animals, and habitats here
and around the world. Our community needs more wonder. Our world needs more wild. Join our campaign!
About the More Wonder More Wild Campaign
The More Wonder More Wild comprehensive campaign represents Woodland Park Zoo's significant commitment to
save more wildlife and habitats, lead conservation education, and sustain our leadership among North American zoos.
Because of our incredibly broad reach—more than one million guests each year, including families, children, teachers
and students—the campaign will dramatically increase our mission's impact.
The $80 million effort is ambitious and forward-looking, encompassing a $70 million goal for capital and program
improvements and a $10 million endowment goal. It unites eight strategic initiatives to more powerfully engage our
community in valuing and protecting the wonders of wildlife.
More Wonder More Wild features eight major initiatives:
A New Home for Tigers and Asian Bears: The Asian Tropical Forest
Excellence in Animal Care and Health
Inspired Learning
Conservation in the Wild
Zoo Experience Project
The Sustainable Zoo
Our People
COMPLETED: New Humboldt Penguin Exhibit and New West Entrance
Learn more at www.morewonder.org.
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