Delayed Sexual Maturity and Demographics of Blanding's Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii): Implications for Conservation and Management of Long‐Lived Organisms

Abstract

Abstract: A study of Blanding's turtles conducted during 27 of the last 37 years provided demographic data sufficient to examine how life‐history characteristics may constrain population responses of long‐lived organisms. Eight independent estimates of annual adult survivorship exceeded 93%. Nest survival was variable and ranged from 0.0 to 63% annually, with a mean of 44% from 1976 to 1984 and 3.3% from 1985 to 1991. Recruitment of juveniles and adults was sufficient to replace individuals estimated to have died during the study. A life table for the population resulted in a cohort generation time of 37 years and required a 72% annual survivorship of juveniles between 1 and 13 years of age to maintain a stable population. Population stability was most sensitive to changes in adult or juvenile survival and less sensitive to changes in age at sexual maturity, nest survival, or fecundity. The results from the present study indicate that life‐history traits of long‐lived organisms consist of co‐evolved traits that result in severe constraints on the ability of populations to respond to chronic disturbances. Successful management and conservation programs for long‐lived organisms will be those that recognize that protection of all life stages is necessary. Programs such as headstarting or protection only of nesting sites, in the absence of programs to reduce mortality of older juveniles and adults, appear to be less than adequate to save long‐lived organisms such as sea turtles and some tortoises. The concept of sustainable harvest of already‐reduced populations of long‐lived organisms appears to be an oxymoron.