Tiny turtle creates optimism for conservation in southern Minnesota

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Tiny turtle creates optimism for conservation in southern Minnesota
(Released October 13, 2011)

A baby turtle, about the size of a quarter, has caused a big stir and reasons for optimism with researchers at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

A Blanding’s turtle hatchling was discovered Oct. 6, at a study site in Martin County in south-central Minnesota. Until now, the youngest turtle identified in this population was estimated to be 14 years old.

“It’s encouraging and exciting,” said Laurinda Brown, DNR nongame wildlife specialist. “It shows us that some successful reproduction is still occurring here despite significant losses of suitable nesting habitat.”

Brown is part of a research team that has been studying the Blanding’s turtle population since 2007. She said that although these turtles can live to be 80 years old, they have been hit hard by the loss of wetland and upland habitat through the years, drastically limiting their ability to reproduce. This has resulted in a reduction of local Blanding’s turtle populations. Since 1984, Blanding’s turtles have been classified as a threatened species in Minnesota, making it illegal to possess, sell, harm or harass the turtles.

Brown’s turtle research is part of a larger effort to examine the overall health of the greater Blue Earth Watershed. She indicated that integrated, cooperative conservation practices will improve the watershed, positively impacting water quality and habitat for numerous wildlife species, including the Blanding’s turtle.

What happened to the turtle that Brown discovered? After photos, it was released back into the wild, but faces an uncertain future. “Blanding’s turtle hatchlings are susceptible to predation and other dangers,” Brown said. “But finding this hatchling makes us optimistic that there are others and that some will make it to adulthood.”

Blanding’s turtle hatchlings are slightly larger than a quarter and have a distinctive black and yellow pattern on their bottom shell. Hatchlings leave the nest from mid-August through early October. The DNR Nongame Wildlife Program encourages citizens to report any sightings of this rare species in southwestern Minnesota to Laurinda Brown at 507-359-6039 or laurinda.brown@state.mn.us. Include photographs when possible.

Learn more about Blanding’s turtles.