Habitat Selection and Habitat Use by the Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) in Maryland

Abstract

Habitat selection of 50 bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenbergii) was studied at two sites in Harford County, Maryland, from April 1996 to August 1997. These sites differ in size, amount of grazing, and stage of vegetative succession. In addition, one of the sites was studied intensively 20 years ago. Turtle movements were monitored using radiotelemetry: Individuals were located twice a week during the active season and once a month during hibernation to assess habitat selection and seasonal changes in habitat use. Vegetative, soil, and water characteristics were recorded in 0.25-m2 quadrats placed at turtle locations and stratified random locations throughout the study areas. Turtles selected sedges and rushes and other low-lying her- baceous plants. They avoided some woody plants (alders, grapes, and berries) and an exotic plant (Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica) that may gradually eliminate typical wetland vegetation and produce a closed canopy. Management practices, such as moderate animal grazing and winter burns, will help retard plant succession and provide more open habitat. Concern about the long-term persistence of the bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) has result- ed in federal listing of the bog turtle as a threat- ened species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,