Livestock Ponds as Long-Term Habitat for Southwestern Pond Turtles (Actinemys pallida) in Rangeland Landscapes

Abstract

The southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), a chelonian species declining in California, depends on aquatic habitats for its survival. This study examined the extent to which the southwestern pond turtle used livestock ponds in rangeland habitat in eastern Santa Clara County, California, and the importance of key habitat features as factors in the presence of turtles in livestock ponds. We found that 12 of the 16 ponds (75%) previously documented to have southwestern pond turtles within the last 15 yrs still supported individuals, while only 1 of 62 ponds (2%) not previously documented as occupied, had turtles, indicating that livestock ponds, especially those known to be occupied, provide important, long-term habitat for this species.