Soil Ecology Wiki - User contributions [en]

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-14T03:41:11Z

Juliogod:

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Chordata]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Reptilia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine.<ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref> The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. Although it is not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]].<ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref> Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.<ref name="Emydoidea blandingii">[https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii./ "Emydoidea blandingii U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service"], Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref>

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.[https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067]

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg| 500px | border |]]

As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings. The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-14T03:34:41Z

Juliogod:

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. Although it is not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]].<ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref> Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.<ref name="Emydoidea blandingii">[https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii./ "Emydoidea blandingii U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service"], Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service'', n.d.. Retrieved 5/10/2025.</ref>

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg| 500px | border |]]

As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-14T03:15:46Z

Juliogod: /* Habitat */

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. Although it is not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg| 500px | border |]]

As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-14T03:14:45Z

Juliogod: /* Habitat */

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg| 500px | border |]]

As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-14T03:14:11Z

Juliogod: /* Habitat */

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation. They prefer shrubby [[wetlands]] dominated by woody vegetation such as buttonbush and [[willow]]. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with [[vernal pools]]. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained [[soils]].

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg| 500px | border |]]

As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-09T18:37:16Z

Juliogod:

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation and areas with shrubby wetlands. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with vernal "temporary" pools. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
[[File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg| 500px | border |]]

As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

File:BlandingsTurtleFace.jpg

2025-05-09T18:35:18Z

Juliogod:

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-09T18:31:49Z

Juliogod:

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Blandingsturtle.jpg| 450px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC <ref name="Blanding's Turtle">[https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/ "Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC"], ''Blanding's Turtle'' NYSDEC Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''NYSDEC'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation and areas with shrubby wetlands. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with vernal "temporary" pools. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
[[File:BlandingsRange.jpg| 600px | border | Native and Introduced Range |]]

The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recorded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.

File:BlandingsRange.jpg

2025-05-09T18:29:47Z

Juliogod:

American Bullfrog

2025-05-09T18:25:01Z

Juliogod: /* Range and Habitat */

''Lithobates catesbeianus'', or the American Bullfrog as it is more commonly known, is a member of the true frog family native to Eastern North America. With its large size compared to other frog species, the species is able to inhabit a wide variety of aquatic environments with relative success. The American Bullfrog gets its name from the male call during breeding season resembling a bull's bellow.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:American bullfrog adult male.jpg| 300px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Subkingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Bilateria
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Infrakingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Deuterostomia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Subphylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Vertebrata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Infraphylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Gnathostomata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Superclass:
|style="min-width:6em; |Tetrapoda
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Amphibia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Anura
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Ranidea
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Lithobates''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''L. catesbeianus''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USGS Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USGS'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

== '''Description''' ==
The American Bullfrog has an olive-green coloring on the dorsal surface (backside) which may also include dull brown mottling or banding patterns ending at the top lip. The ventral surface (belly) typically appears as an off-white color with gray or yellow blotchy patches that end at the bottom lip. They can grow up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs.) in weight and between 90-152 mm (3.5-6 in) in length.<ref>Bruening, S. 2002. "Lithobates catesbeianus" (On-line), Animal [[Diversity]] Web. Accessed March 10, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lithobates_catesbeianus/</ref> American Bullfrogs possess extremely small teeth that only function to grasp objects. The eyes notably have horizontal pupils and a brownish iris. The tympanum (external eardrum) is right behind the eyes and is enclosed with thin skin to pick up sound and vibrations. The hind legs are long and possess webbing between the toes while the frontal legs are shorter and are un-webbed.

The American Bullfrog displays sexual dimorphism, physical differences between sexes. Female bullfrogs have a smaller tympanum than males. Males typically have a tympanum that is larger than the eye and female tympanum are about the same size as the eye. You can also tell the differences between sexes from the color of the throat. Males tend to have bright, yellow-colored throats while females usually have cream or pale white colored throats.<ref>Asahara, Masakazu et al. “Sexual dimorphism in external morphology of the American bullfrog Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana and the possibility of sex determination based on tympanic membrane/eye size ratio.” The Journal of veterinary medical science vol. 82,8 (2020): 1160-1164. doi:10.1292/jvms.20-0039</ref>

== '''Range and Habitat''' ==

[[File:American bullfrog range.PNG| 400px | border | Native and Introduced Range |]]
=== Range ===
The American Bullfrog is native to the eastern part of North America. Its range extends as far north as Nova Scotia to as south as Florida, from the Atlantic coast to as far west as Kansas. They have been introduced to western parts of North America like Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, California, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Washington. They have also been introduced to Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. They have also been introduced into Europe (Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, France), Asia (India, China, South Korea, Japan), and other countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba. <ref>Liz McKercher, and Denise R. Gregoire, 2023, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=71, Revision Date: 12/2/2022, Access Date: 3/10/2023</ref> Possible reasons for introduction include intentionally using them as biological control agents or as a source of food. People who own them as pets may also release them intentionally.

=== Habitat ===
American Bullfrogs live in or near areas of water like lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, streams, and rivers. They prefer warm, still, and shallow freshwater with lots of vegetation. Bullfrogs are somewhat tolerant of colder temperatures and can hibernate in mud and the bottom layer underwater during freezing temperatures.

== '''Reproduction''' ==
The American Bullfrog breeding season takes place only once a year during the end of spring into summer, from May to July. Males arrive at the breeding sites first before the females arrive. Male bullfrogs group together in clusters called choruses. <ref>Emlen, Stephen T. “Lek Organization and Mating Strategies in the Bullfrog.” Behavioral [[Ecology]] and Sociobiology, vol. 1, no. 3, 1976, pp. 283–313, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300069.</ref> Female bullfrogs find choruses to be more attractive. Males have more than one mate, so choruses are constantly breaking apart and reforming, with different male individuals. Male bullfrogs have three different calls during this time. A territorial call that warns other males, a confrontational call that usually happens right before a fight, and a mating call to attract females. <ref>Wiewandt, Thomas A. “Vocalization, Aggressive Behavior, and Territoriality in the Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana.” Copeia, vol. 1969, no. 2, 1969, pp. 276–85, https://doi.org/10.2307/1442074.</ref> When a female picks a male, she moves into his territory to lay her eggs. The male will simultaneously release sperm while the female lays a clutch of about 20,000 eggs. This is a form of external fertilization, <ref>LANNOO, MICHAEL, et al. “Introduction.” Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species, edited by MICHAEL LANNOO, 1st ed., University of California Press, 2005, pp. 351–80. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt1pp5xd.59. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref> where the eggs are fertilized outside of the female body.

== '''Growth and Development''' ==
American Bullfrog tadpoles hatch four to five days after fertilization. Adults do not have parental investment once they hatch, and the tadpoles must survive on their own. Hatched in fresh water, tadpoles remain in the shallows and as they develop, move to deeper water. Tadpoles have three pairs of external gills and multiple rows of teeth on the lips. As they develop, they grow downward-facing mouths and tails with broad dorsal and ventral fins. <ref>Stebbins, Robert C., and Nathan W. Cohen. “Reproduction.” A Natural History of Amphibians, Princeton University Press, 1995, pp. 140–94. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1nxcv5j.21. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref> They start using their teeth to eat bigger particles of food. It can take approximately three years for a tadpole to develop into an adult frog. Female and male frogs reach sexual maturity at three to five years of age. A bullfrog can live up to seven to ten years in the wild.

[[File:American bullfrog tadpole.jpg| 250px ]]

== '''Diet''' ==
The American Bullfrog is a carnivore and is known to eat a variety of [[organisms]] including [[invertebrates]] such as snails, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, and [[insects]]. However, due to the opportunistic behavior of the American Bullfrog, they have been found to eat species of rodents, small snakes, and birds. They can be cannibalistic and eat frogs, tadpoles, and the eggs of fish or [[salamanders]]. Tadpoles mostly eat aquatic plants and [[algae]] and will eat larger portions as they grow.

=== '''Feeding''' ===
American Bullfrogs are observed to be ambush and opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of [[animals]] unsuspecting of their presence. Once the prey has been spotted, the bullfrog will move towards the prey using a series of hops to sneak up on its prey. The bullfrog uses its tongue to catch the prey and takes a bite from its strong jaw. Smaller prey is then consumed and engulfed using its mouth. American Bullfrogs have been observed to use their front legs as hands to assist in eating larger prey that are not able to fit inside the mouth. Bullfrogs are observed to asphyxiate larger prey after a successful catch as a defense mechanism. This behavior mimics other forms of feeding from other frogs, most notably
a [[wood frog]].<ref>Cardini, F. (1974). Specializations of the Feeding Response of the Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, for the Capture of Prey Submerged in Water. M.S. Thesis, U. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA</ref>

== '''Predators''' ==
American Bullfrogs are an essential prey item for many birds, predatory fish, otters, and other amphibians. Herons like the Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets, smaller birds like the common and belted kingfisher, turtles, water snakes and raccoons are also predators. American Bullfrog eggs are famously bad tasting to many predators that typically consume frog and fish eggs as part of their diet. Tadpoles are not eaten by predators because they have an undesirable taste. However, predators that aren't deterred by the taste tend to have an easier time spotting out Bullfrog tadpoles due to their activity. Bullfrogs tend to be loud when attacked by a predator, warning other bullfrogs in the area to the potential danger and many will retreat to deeper water.

== '''Invasion ''' ==

The American Bullfrog is an invasive species that was brought up into the Western United States in the early 1900s. The American Bullfrog was introduced via escapes from aquaculture, intentional releases from research facilities and pets being rereleased into the wild. As bullfrogs began to invade these new ecosystems they began to spread diseases, create more competition for native species, cause damage to ecosystems and farm crops, and potentially hurting the quality of our drinking water. <ref>"American Bullfrog"https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/american-bullfrog</ref>

== '''Management ''' ==

=== Problem ===

Introduced bullfrogs in non-native ranges are now a concern for the native species in that range. They are highly adaptable and have a high reproductive rate. The Bullfrog has both a direct and indirect effect on native species, like native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, through competition, predation, habitat alteration and displacement. They also have negative effects on some aquatic snakes and waterfowl. There is also a concern that the bullfrog is a possible carrier for a chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which is fatal for some amphibians. <ref>Adams, Michael J., and Christopher A. Pearl. “Problems and Opportunities Managing Invasive Bullfrogs: Is There Any Hope?” Biological Invaders in Inland Waters: Profiles, Distribution, and Threats, Springer Netherlands, pp. 679–93, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6029-8_38.</ref>
=== Solution ===
Some management options for Bullfrogs are direct removal, adults being caught in traps or hand captures, and tadpoles by draining ponds or chemical treatment. The use of funnel traps, gigs, guns, and fencing off a pond are some other methods that are used. A third management option is habitat manipulation. The use of chemical control and toxicants as a management option is a possibility but needs more experiments and testing to not affect the entire aquatic ecosystem. <ref>Snow, N. P, & Witmer, G. (2010). American Bullfrogs as Invasive Species: A Review of the Introduction, Subsequent Problems, Management Options, and Future Directions. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 24. http://dx.doi.org/10.5070/V424110490 Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5j46t7f2</ref>

== '''References''' ==

<ref>Emlen, Stephen T. “Territoriality in the Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana.” Copeia, vol. 1968, no. 2, 1968, pp. 240–43, https://doi.org/10.2307/1441748.</ref>
<ref>Ryan, Michael J. “The Reproductive Behavior of the Bullfrog (Rana Catesbeiana).” Copeia, vol. 1980, no. 1, 1980, pp. 108–14, https://doi.org/10.2307/1444139.</ref>
<ref>Korschgen, Leroy J., and Thomas S. Baskett. “Foods of Impoundment- and Stream-Dwelling Bullfrogs in Missouri.” Herpetologica, vol. 19, no. 2, 1963, pp. 89–99. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3890543. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref>
<ref>HIRAI, Toshiaki. “Diet Composition of Introduced Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana, in the Mizorogaike Pond of Kyoto, Japan.” Ecological Research, vol. 19, no. 4, 2004, pp. 375–80, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1703.2004.00647.x.</ref>
<ref>“American Bullfrog.” NatureMapping, http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/american_bullfrog_k6.html#:~:text=The%20male%20and%20female%20bullfrogs,much%20larger%20than%20the%20eye.</ref>
<ref>“California's Invaders: American Bullfrog.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Bullfrog#:~:text=American%20bullfrogs%20occupy%20a%20wide,lakes%20and%20banks%20of%20streams.</ref>
<ref>“American Bullfrog.” National Aquarium, https://aqua.org/explore/animals/american-bullfrog#:~:text=During%20the%20cold%20winter%20season,portions%20of%20streams%20and%20rivers.</ref>
<ref>“Eggs, Tadpoles and Development of American Bullfrog - Lithobates Catesbeianus.” Californiaherps.com, Reptiles and Amphibians of California, https://californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/l.catesbeianus.tadpoles.html.</ref>
<ref>"American Bullfrog"https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/american-bullfrog</ref>

American Bullfrog

2025-05-09T18:21:59Z

Juliogod: /* Range and Habitat */

''Lithobates catesbeianus'', or the American Bullfrog as it is more commonly known, is a member of the true frog family native to Eastern North America. With its large size compared to other frog species, the species is able to inhabit a wide variety of aquatic environments with relative success. The American Bullfrog gets its name from the male call during breeding season resembling a bull's bellow.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:American bullfrog adult male.jpg| 300px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Subkingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Bilateria
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Infrakingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Deuterostomia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Subphylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Vertebrata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Infraphylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Gnathostomata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Superclass:
|style="min-width:6em; |Tetrapoda
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Amphibia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Anura
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Ranidea
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Lithobates''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''L. catesbeianus''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USGS Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USGS'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

== '''Description''' ==
The American Bullfrog has an olive-green coloring on the dorsal surface (backside) which may also include dull brown mottling or banding patterns ending at the top lip. The ventral surface (belly) typically appears as an off-white color with gray or yellow blotchy patches that end at the bottom lip. They can grow up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs.) in weight and between 90-152 mm (3.5-6 in) in length.<ref>Bruening, S. 2002. "Lithobates catesbeianus" (On-line), Animal [[Diversity]] Web. Accessed March 10, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lithobates_catesbeianus/</ref> American Bullfrogs possess extremely small teeth that only function to grasp objects. The eyes notably have horizontal pupils and a brownish iris. The tympanum (external eardrum) is right behind the eyes and is enclosed with thin skin to pick up sound and vibrations. The hind legs are long and possess webbing between the toes while the frontal legs are shorter and are un-webbed.

The American Bullfrog displays sexual dimorphism, physical differences between sexes. Female bullfrogs have a smaller tympanum than males. Males typically have a tympanum that is larger than the eye and female tympanum are about the same size as the eye. You can also tell the differences between sexes from the color of the throat. Males tend to have bright, yellow-colored throats while females usually have cream or pale white colored throats.<ref>Asahara, Masakazu et al. “Sexual dimorphism in external morphology of the American bullfrog Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana and the possibility of sex determination based on tympanic membrane/eye size ratio.” The Journal of veterinary medical science vol. 82,8 (2020): 1160-1164. doi:10.1292/jvms.20-0039</ref>

== '''Range and Habitat''' ==

[[File:Blandings-Range-Map.PNG| 600px | border | Native Range |]]

=== Range ===
The American Bullfrog is native to the eastern part of North America. Its range extends as far north as Nova Scotia to as south as Florida, from the Atlantic coast to as far west as Kansas. They have been introduced to western parts of North America like Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, California, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Washington. They have also been introduced to Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. They have also been introduced into Europe (Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, France), Asia (India, China, South Korea, Japan), and other countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba. <ref>Liz McKercher, and Denise R. Gregoire, 2023, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=71, Revision Date: 12/2/2022, Access Date: 3/10/2023</ref> Possible reasons for introduction include intentionally using them as biological control agents or as a source of food. People who own them as pets may also release them intentionally.

=== Habitat ===
American Bullfrogs live in or near areas of water like lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, streams, and rivers. They prefer warm, still, and shallow freshwater with lots of vegetation. Bullfrogs are somewhat tolerant of colder temperatures and can hibernate in mud and the bottom layer underwater during freezing temperatures.

== '''Reproduction''' ==
The American Bullfrog breeding season takes place only once a year during the end of spring into summer, from May to July. Males arrive at the breeding sites first before the females arrive. Male bullfrogs group together in clusters called choruses. <ref>Emlen, Stephen T. “Lek Organization and Mating Strategies in the Bullfrog.” Behavioral [[Ecology]] and Sociobiology, vol. 1, no. 3, 1976, pp. 283–313, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300069.</ref> Female bullfrogs find choruses to be more attractive. Males have more than one mate, so choruses are constantly breaking apart and reforming, with different male individuals. Male bullfrogs have three different calls during this time. A territorial call that warns other males, a confrontational call that usually happens right before a fight, and a mating call to attract females. <ref>Wiewandt, Thomas A. “Vocalization, Aggressive Behavior, and Territoriality in the Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana.” Copeia, vol. 1969, no. 2, 1969, pp. 276–85, https://doi.org/10.2307/1442074.</ref> When a female picks a male, she moves into his territory to lay her eggs. The male will simultaneously release sperm while the female lays a clutch of about 20,000 eggs. This is a form of external fertilization, <ref>LANNOO, MICHAEL, et al. “Introduction.” Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species, edited by MICHAEL LANNOO, 1st ed., University of California Press, 2005, pp. 351–80. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt1pp5xd.59. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref> where the eggs are fertilized outside of the female body.

== '''Growth and Development''' ==
American Bullfrog tadpoles hatch four to five days after fertilization. Adults do not have parental investment once they hatch, and the tadpoles must survive on their own. Hatched in fresh water, tadpoles remain in the shallows and as they develop, move to deeper water. Tadpoles have three pairs of external gills and multiple rows of teeth on the lips. As they develop, they grow downward-facing mouths and tails with broad dorsal and ventral fins. <ref>Stebbins, Robert C., and Nathan W. Cohen. “Reproduction.” A Natural History of Amphibians, Princeton University Press, 1995, pp. 140–94. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1nxcv5j.21. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref> They start using their teeth to eat bigger particles of food. It can take approximately three years for a tadpole to develop into an adult frog. Female and male frogs reach sexual maturity at three to five years of age. A bullfrog can live up to seven to ten years in the wild.

[[File:American bullfrog tadpole.jpg| 250px ]]

== '''Diet''' ==
The American Bullfrog is a carnivore and is known to eat a variety of [[organisms]] including [[invertebrates]] such as snails, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, and [[insects]]. However, due to the opportunistic behavior of the American Bullfrog, they have been found to eat species of rodents, small snakes, and birds. They can be cannibalistic and eat frogs, tadpoles, and the eggs of fish or [[salamanders]]. Tadpoles mostly eat aquatic plants and [[algae]] and will eat larger portions as they grow.

=== '''Feeding''' ===
American Bullfrogs are observed to be ambush and opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of [[animals]] unsuspecting of their presence. Once the prey has been spotted, the bullfrog will move towards the prey using a series of hops to sneak up on its prey. The bullfrog uses its tongue to catch the prey and takes a bite from its strong jaw. Smaller prey is then consumed and engulfed using its mouth. American Bullfrogs have been observed to use their front legs as hands to assist in eating larger prey that are not able to fit inside the mouth. Bullfrogs are observed to asphyxiate larger prey after a successful catch as a defense mechanism. This behavior mimics other forms of feeding from other frogs, most notably
a [[wood frog]].<ref>Cardini, F. (1974). Specializations of the Feeding Response of the Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, for the Capture of Prey Submerged in Water. M.S. Thesis, U. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA</ref>

== '''Predators''' ==
American Bullfrogs are an essential prey item for many birds, predatory fish, otters, and other amphibians. Herons like the Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets, smaller birds like the common and belted kingfisher, turtles, water snakes and raccoons are also predators. American Bullfrog eggs are famously bad tasting to many predators that typically consume frog and fish eggs as part of their diet. Tadpoles are not eaten by predators because they have an undesirable taste. However, predators that aren't deterred by the taste tend to have an easier time spotting out Bullfrog tadpoles due to their activity. Bullfrogs tend to be loud when attacked by a predator, warning other bullfrogs in the area to the potential danger and many will retreat to deeper water.

== '''Invasion ''' ==

The American Bullfrog is an invasive species that was brought up into the Western United States in the early 1900s. The American Bullfrog was introduced via escapes from aquaculture, intentional releases from research facilities and pets being rereleased into the wild. As bullfrogs began to invade these new ecosystems they began to spread diseases, create more competition for native species, cause damage to ecosystems and farm crops, and potentially hurting the quality of our drinking water. <ref>"American Bullfrog"https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/american-bullfrog</ref>

== '''Management ''' ==

=== Problem ===

Introduced bullfrogs in non-native ranges are now a concern for the native species in that range. They are highly adaptable and have a high reproductive rate. The Bullfrog has both a direct and indirect effect on native species, like native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, through competition, predation, habitat alteration and displacement. They also have negative effects on some aquatic snakes and waterfowl. There is also a concern that the bullfrog is a possible carrier for a chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which is fatal for some amphibians. <ref>Adams, Michael J., and Christopher A. Pearl. “Problems and Opportunities Managing Invasive Bullfrogs: Is There Any Hope?” Biological Invaders in Inland Waters: Profiles, Distribution, and Threats, Springer Netherlands, pp. 679–93, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6029-8_38.</ref>
=== Solution ===
Some management options for Bullfrogs are direct removal, adults being caught in traps or hand captures, and tadpoles by draining ponds or chemical treatment. The use of funnel traps, gigs, guns, and fencing off a pond are some other methods that are used. A third management option is habitat manipulation. The use of chemical control and toxicants as a management option is a possibility but needs more experiments and testing to not affect the entire aquatic ecosystem. <ref>Snow, N. P, & Witmer, G. (2010). American Bullfrogs as Invasive Species: A Review of the Introduction, Subsequent Problems, Management Options, and Future Directions. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 24. http://dx.doi.org/10.5070/V424110490 Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5j46t7f2</ref>

== '''References''' ==

<ref>Emlen, Stephen T. “Territoriality in the Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana.” Copeia, vol. 1968, no. 2, 1968, pp. 240–43, https://doi.org/10.2307/1441748.</ref>
<ref>Ryan, Michael J. “The Reproductive Behavior of the Bullfrog (Rana Catesbeiana).” Copeia, vol. 1980, no. 1, 1980, pp. 108–14, https://doi.org/10.2307/1444139.</ref>
<ref>Korschgen, Leroy J., and Thomas S. Baskett. “Foods of Impoundment- and Stream-Dwelling Bullfrogs in Missouri.” Herpetologica, vol. 19, no. 2, 1963, pp. 89–99. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3890543. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref>
<ref>HIRAI, Toshiaki. “Diet Composition of Introduced Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana, in the Mizorogaike Pond of Kyoto, Japan.” Ecological Research, vol. 19, no. 4, 2004, pp. 375–80, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1703.2004.00647.x.</ref>
<ref>“American Bullfrog.” NatureMapping, http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/american_bullfrog_k6.html#:~:text=The%20male%20and%20female%20bullfrogs,much%20larger%20than%20the%20eye.</ref>
<ref>“California's Invaders: American Bullfrog.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Bullfrog#:~:text=American%20bullfrogs%20occupy%20a%20wide,lakes%20and%20banks%20of%20streams.</ref>
<ref>“American Bullfrog.” National Aquarium, https://aqua.org/explore/animals/american-bullfrog#:~:text=During%20the%20cold%20winter%20season,portions%20of%20streams%20and%20rivers.</ref>
<ref>“Eggs, Tadpoles and Development of American Bullfrog - Lithobates Catesbeianus.” Californiaherps.com, Reptiles and Amphibians of California, https://californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/l.catesbeianus.tadpoles.html.</ref>
<ref>"American Bullfrog"https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/american-bullfrog</ref>

American Bullfrog

2025-05-09T18:21:22Z

Juliogod: /* Range and Habitat */

''Lithobates catesbeianus'', or the American Bullfrog as it is more commonly known, is a member of the true frog family native to Eastern North America. With its large size compared to other frog species, the species is able to inhabit a wide variety of aquatic environments with relative success. The American Bullfrog gets its name from the male call during breeding season resembling a bull's bellow.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:American bullfrog adult male.jpg| 300px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Subkingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Bilateria
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Infrakingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |Deuterostomia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Subphylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Vertebrata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Infraphylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Gnathostomata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Superclass:
|style="min-width:6em; |Tetrapoda
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Amphibia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Anura
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Ranidea
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Lithobates''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''L. catesbeianus''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USGS Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USGS'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

== '''Description''' ==
The American Bullfrog has an olive-green coloring on the dorsal surface (backside) which may also include dull brown mottling or banding patterns ending at the top lip. The ventral surface (belly) typically appears as an off-white color with gray or yellow blotchy patches that end at the bottom lip. They can grow up to 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs.) in weight and between 90-152 mm (3.5-6 in) in length.<ref>Bruening, S. 2002. "Lithobates catesbeianus" (On-line), Animal [[Diversity]] Web. Accessed March 10, 2023 at https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lithobates_catesbeianus/</ref> American Bullfrogs possess extremely small teeth that only function to grasp objects. The eyes notably have horizontal pupils and a brownish iris. The tympanum (external eardrum) is right behind the eyes and is enclosed with thin skin to pick up sound and vibrations. The hind legs are long and possess webbing between the toes while the frontal legs are shorter and are un-webbed.

The American Bullfrog displays sexual dimorphism, physical differences between sexes. Female bullfrogs have a smaller tympanum than males. Males typically have a tympanum that is larger than the eye and female tympanum are about the same size as the eye. You can also tell the differences between sexes from the color of the throat. Males tend to have bright, yellow-colored throats while females usually have cream or pale white colored throats.<ref>Asahara, Masakazu et al. “Sexual dimorphism in external morphology of the American bullfrog Rana (Aquarana) catesbeiana and the possibility of sex determination based on tympanic membrane/eye size ratio.” The Journal of veterinary medical science vol. 82,8 (2020): 1160-1164. doi:10.1292/jvms.20-0039</ref>

== '''Range and Habitat''' ==

[[File:Blandings-Range-Map.PNG| 500px | border | Native Range |]]

=== Range ===
The American Bullfrog is native to the eastern part of North America. Its range extends as far north as Nova Scotia to as south as Florida, from the Atlantic coast to as far west as Kansas. They have been introduced to western parts of North America like Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, California, Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Washington. They have also been introduced to Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. They have also been introduced into Europe (Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, France), Asia (India, China, South Korea, Japan), and other countries such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Cuba. <ref>Liz McKercher, and Denise R. Gregoire, 2023, Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=71, Revision Date: 12/2/2022, Access Date: 3/10/2023</ref> Possible reasons for introduction include intentionally using them as biological control agents or as a source of food. People who own them as pets may also release them intentionally.

=== Habitat ===
American Bullfrogs live in or near areas of water like lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, streams, and rivers. They prefer warm, still, and shallow freshwater with lots of vegetation. Bullfrogs are somewhat tolerant of colder temperatures and can hibernate in mud and the bottom layer underwater during freezing temperatures.

== '''Reproduction''' ==
The American Bullfrog breeding season takes place only once a year during the end of spring into summer, from May to July. Males arrive at the breeding sites first before the females arrive. Male bullfrogs group together in clusters called choruses. <ref>Emlen, Stephen T. “Lek Organization and Mating Strategies in the Bullfrog.” Behavioral [[Ecology]] and Sociobiology, vol. 1, no. 3, 1976, pp. 283–313, https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300069.</ref> Female bullfrogs find choruses to be more attractive. Males have more than one mate, so choruses are constantly breaking apart and reforming, with different male individuals. Male bullfrogs have three different calls during this time. A territorial call that warns other males, a confrontational call that usually happens right before a fight, and a mating call to attract females. <ref>Wiewandt, Thomas A. “Vocalization, Aggressive Behavior, and Territoriality in the Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana.” Copeia, vol. 1969, no. 2, 1969, pp. 276–85, https://doi.org/10.2307/1442074.</ref> When a female picks a male, she moves into his territory to lay her eggs. The male will simultaneously release sperm while the female lays a clutch of about 20,000 eggs. This is a form of external fertilization, <ref>LANNOO, MICHAEL, et al. “Introduction.” Amphibian Declines: The Conservation Status of United States Species, edited by MICHAEL LANNOO, 1st ed., University of California Press, 2005, pp. 351–80. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt1pp5xd.59. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref> where the eggs are fertilized outside of the female body.

== '''Growth and Development''' ==
American Bullfrog tadpoles hatch four to five days after fertilization. Adults do not have parental investment once they hatch, and the tadpoles must survive on their own. Hatched in fresh water, tadpoles remain in the shallows and as they develop, move to deeper water. Tadpoles have three pairs of external gills and multiple rows of teeth on the lips. As they develop, they grow downward-facing mouths and tails with broad dorsal and ventral fins. <ref>Stebbins, Robert C., and Nathan W. Cohen. “Reproduction.” A Natural History of Amphibians, Princeton University Press, 1995, pp. 140–94. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1nxcv5j.21. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref> They start using their teeth to eat bigger particles of food. It can take approximately three years for a tadpole to develop into an adult frog. Female and male frogs reach sexual maturity at three to five years of age. A bullfrog can live up to seven to ten years in the wild.

[[File:American bullfrog tadpole.jpg| 250px ]]

== '''Diet''' ==
The American Bullfrog is a carnivore and is known to eat a variety of [[organisms]] including [[invertebrates]] such as snails, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, and [[insects]]. However, due to the opportunistic behavior of the American Bullfrog, they have been found to eat species of rodents, small snakes, and birds. They can be cannibalistic and eat frogs, tadpoles, and the eggs of fish or [[salamanders]]. Tadpoles mostly eat aquatic plants and [[algae]] and will eat larger portions as they grow.

=== '''Feeding''' ===
American Bullfrogs are observed to be ambush and opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of [[animals]] unsuspecting of their presence. Once the prey has been spotted, the bullfrog will move towards the prey using a series of hops to sneak up on its prey. The bullfrog uses its tongue to catch the prey and takes a bite from its strong jaw. Smaller prey is then consumed and engulfed using its mouth. American Bullfrogs have been observed to use their front legs as hands to assist in eating larger prey that are not able to fit inside the mouth. Bullfrogs are observed to asphyxiate larger prey after a successful catch as a defense mechanism. This behavior mimics other forms of feeding from other frogs, most notably
a [[wood frog]].<ref>Cardini, F. (1974). Specializations of the Feeding Response of the Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, for the Capture of Prey Submerged in Water. M.S. Thesis, U. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA</ref>

== '''Predators''' ==
American Bullfrogs are an essential prey item for many birds, predatory fish, otters, and other amphibians. Herons like the Great Blue Heron and Great Egrets, smaller birds like the common and belted kingfisher, turtles, water snakes and raccoons are also predators. American Bullfrog eggs are famously bad tasting to many predators that typically consume frog and fish eggs as part of their diet. Tadpoles are not eaten by predators because they have an undesirable taste. However, predators that aren't deterred by the taste tend to have an easier time spotting out Bullfrog tadpoles due to their activity. Bullfrogs tend to be loud when attacked by a predator, warning other bullfrogs in the area to the potential danger and many will retreat to deeper water.

== '''Invasion ''' ==

The American Bullfrog is an invasive species that was brought up into the Western United States in the early 1900s. The American Bullfrog was introduced via escapes from aquaculture, intentional releases from research facilities and pets being rereleased into the wild. As bullfrogs began to invade these new ecosystems they began to spread diseases, create more competition for native species, cause damage to ecosystems and farm crops, and potentially hurting the quality of our drinking water. <ref>"American Bullfrog"https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/american-bullfrog</ref>

== '''Management ''' ==

=== Problem ===

Introduced bullfrogs in non-native ranges are now a concern for the native species in that range. They are highly adaptable and have a high reproductive rate. The Bullfrog has both a direct and indirect effect on native species, like native birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, through competition, predation, habitat alteration and displacement. They also have negative effects on some aquatic snakes and waterfowl. There is also a concern that the bullfrog is a possible carrier for a chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which is fatal for some amphibians. <ref>Adams, Michael J., and Christopher A. Pearl. “Problems and Opportunities Managing Invasive Bullfrogs: Is There Any Hope?” Biological Invaders in Inland Waters: Profiles, Distribution, and Threats, Springer Netherlands, pp. 679–93, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6029-8_38.</ref>
=== Solution ===
Some management options for Bullfrogs are direct removal, adults being caught in traps or hand captures, and tadpoles by draining ponds or chemical treatment. The use of funnel traps, gigs, guns, and fencing off a pond are some other methods that are used. A third management option is habitat manipulation. The use of chemical control and toxicants as a management option is a possibility but needs more experiments and testing to not affect the entire aquatic ecosystem. <ref>Snow, N. P, & Witmer, G. (2010). American Bullfrogs as Invasive Species: A Review of the Introduction, Subsequent Problems, Management Options, and Future Directions. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 24. http://dx.doi.org/10.5070/V424110490 Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5j46t7f2</ref>

== '''References''' ==

<ref>Emlen, Stephen T. “Territoriality in the Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana.” Copeia, vol. 1968, no. 2, 1968, pp. 240–43, https://doi.org/10.2307/1441748.</ref>
<ref>Ryan, Michael J. “The Reproductive Behavior of the Bullfrog (Rana Catesbeiana).” Copeia, vol. 1980, no. 1, 1980, pp. 108–14, https://doi.org/10.2307/1444139.</ref>
<ref>Korschgen, Leroy J., and Thomas S. Baskett. “Foods of Impoundment- and Stream-Dwelling Bullfrogs in Missouri.” Herpetologica, vol. 19, no. 2, 1963, pp. 89–99. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/3890543. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.</ref>
<ref>HIRAI, Toshiaki. “Diet Composition of Introduced Bullfrog, Rana Catesbeiana, in the Mizorogaike Pond of Kyoto, Japan.” Ecological Research, vol. 19, no. 4, 2004, pp. 375–80, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1703.2004.00647.x.</ref>
<ref>“American Bullfrog.” NatureMapping, http://naturemappingfoundation.org/natmap/facts/american_bullfrog_k6.html#:~:text=The%20male%20and%20female%20bullfrogs,much%20larger%20than%20the%20eye.</ref>
<ref>“California's Invaders: American Bullfrog.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife, https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Invasives/Species/Bullfrog#:~:text=American%20bullfrogs%20occupy%20a%20wide,lakes%20and%20banks%20of%20streams.</ref>
<ref>“American Bullfrog.” National Aquarium, https://aqua.org/explore/animals/american-bullfrog#:~:text=During%20the%20cold%20winter%20season,portions%20of%20streams%20and%20rivers.</ref>
<ref>“Eggs, Tadpoles and Development of American Bullfrog - Lithobates Catesbeianus.” Californiaherps.com, Reptiles and Amphibians of California, https://californiaherps.com/frogs/pages/l.catesbeianus.tadpoles.html.</ref>
<ref>"American Bullfrog"https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/aquatic/fish-and-other-vertebrates/american-bullfrog</ref>

File:Blandings-Range-Map.png

2025-05-09T18:19:49Z

Juliogod:

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-09T18:01:41Z

Juliogod: /* References */

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:American bullfrog adult male.jpg| 300px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USGS Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USGS'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation and areas with shrubby wetlands. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with vernal "temporary" pools. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep [[Vernal Pools|vernal pools]]. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recoreded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
</refernces>
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.
6.

File:Blandingsturtle.jpg

2025-05-09T18:00:57Z

Juliogod:

Amoozemeter

2025-05-09T17:53:27Z

Juliogod:

== Description ==
[[File:Amooze.jpg|right|350px| Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter'
<ref name= "Amoozemeter"> Jo House. 2019.Amoozemeter Field Demonstration for Determining Landfill Clay Liner Hydraulic Conductivity. Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc</ref>

|thumb]]
[[File:Faculty_AzizAmoozegar-1.jpg|left|300px| Fig 2. Dr. Aziz Amoozegar ''Professor of Soil Physics at North Carolina State University'' <ref name="Aziz Amoozegar" Aziz Amoozegar. NC State University (Department of Crops and Soil Sciences). https://cals.ncsu.edu/crop-and-soil-sciences/people/sscaag/.<ref name="Jo House" Jo House. 2019. Amoozemeter Field Demonstration for Determining Landfill [[Clay]] Liner Hydraulic Conductivity. Civil & Environmental Consultants. Inc.</ref>
thumb

The Amoozemeter, also known as a compact constant head permeameter (CCH), was developed in 1999 by Dr. Aziz Amoozegar, a professor of [[Soil]] Physics at North Carolina State University.
The Amoozemeter is described as an experimental tool vital in the process of measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) within the porespace of the unsaturated zone. <ref name= "Parker Price"> Price, K., C. R. Jackson, and A. J. Parker. 2010. Variation of surficial soil hydraulic [[properties]] across land uses in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA. Journal of Hydrology 383:256–268 </ref>

== Function ==
Standard procedures for determining the level of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) within the unsaturated zone are often difficult to perform. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) can be determined by the constant-head well permeameter technique or the Amoozemeter in less than 30 minutes, using a few liters of water and small-diameter auger holes. The Amoozemeter or compact constant-head (CCH) permeameter is designed to maintain a constant height of water (>5 cm) at the bottom of a 4 to 10 cm diameter hole in the unsaturated zone, and measure the amount of water flowing into the hole. The main unit of the Amoozemeter is used for measuring Ks from the soil surface to a depth of 2 m. <ref name="Methods for Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity and Drainable [[Porosity]]" Methods for Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity and Drainable Porosity. Agricultural Drainage /, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, 1999, https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr38</ref> To determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) beyond a 2-m depth, a special flow-measuring reservoir, equipped with a portable pressure transducer, is connected to the device and inserted to the bottom of the hole. The Amoozemeter is designed with a water capacity of 5 liters, capable of delivering a maximum flow rate of 3 × 10−6 m3s, can handle most landscapes without additional aid, and is easily transported <ref name="Amoozegar" Amoozegar, A. 2020. Examination of models for determining saturated hydraulic conductivity by the constant head well permeameter method. Soil and Tillage Research 200:104572.</ref>
.

==Video Tutorial==

[[File:AmoozeblueprintScreenshot.jpg|center|400px| Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter' [1]
|thumb]]

How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat. 2011. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkBUl9sdOc] <ref name= "How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat" How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat. 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkBUl9sdOc</ref>

== References ==
<refernces/>

Swamp white oak

2025-05-09T17:23:21Z

Juliogod:

== Description ==
Swamp white oak, Quercus bicolor Willd, is a part of the oak subgroup within the Beech family. [3] It is a perennial dicot within the oak subgroup. It is a slow growing tree that is often planted by people along sites with poor drainage or along sidewalks, roads, and walkways to provide shade.

== Taxonomy ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-right: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Swamp-White-Oaktree.jpg| 400px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Plants|Plantae]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Magnoliophyta
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Anura
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Fagales
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |Quercus L. (Oak)
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |Quercus bicolor Willd. (Swamp white oak)
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUBI "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USDA Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USDA'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

== Conservation Status ==
Swamp white oak is listed as Least Concern. [1]

== Identification ==
Swamp white oak is typically between 15 to 30 meters tall. Its bark is typically dark grey, scaly, and peels off in scales. Its leaves grow in an alternate leaf pattern, the leaf shapes are obovate, and have crenate edges. The underside of the leaves are white during the spring, and in the fall, the leaves turn into different shades of red.[7] The branches are alternate, and, when flowering, contain relatively small buds for an oak tree.[4] Their shape when mature is rounded and broad, creating a thick canopy. [5]

[[File:Quercus-bicolor-swamp-white-oak-acorns.jpg|400px|thumb|center| Quercus bicolor Willd. Leaf]]
[[File:Quercus-bicolor-ba-atal-a.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Quercus bicolor Willd Bark]]

== Habitat and Distribution ==
Swamp white oak is native to some of Midwestern United States, the eastern side the United States and Canada. Swamp white oak trees can be found as far south as South Carolina and as far north as Northern Quebec. These trees are abundant. [2] It grows in silty [[clay]], [[silt]], and sandy [[loam]] [[soil]] ecosystems. They do well in wet to moist, sunny, acidic soil ecosystems. They are usually found at elevations from 0 to 1000 meters. [3][5]

== Uses ==
The wood of the Swamp white oak is sold as lumber, but is not seen as having a high value. It is often used for cheap furniture, crates, fences, and other things used in general construction as it is cheap and a relatively hard wood. Often, it is used in recreational areas as shade. Its acorns, although they contain tannic acid, can be eaten by humans and [[animals]] alike and have been eaten for hundreds of years. [3]

[[File:Swamp-white-oak.jpg|400px|thumb|center| Swamp white oak wood]]

== Sources ==
[1]Kenny, L., Wenzell, K. & Jerome, D. 2017. Quercus bicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T194069A111189345. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T194069A111189345.en. Accessed on 30 April 2025.

[2] USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUBI

[3] Mohlenbrock, R. H. (n.d.). SWAMP WHITE OAK. https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_qubi.pdf

[4] Swamp white oak. (n.d.). https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/swamp-white-oak-quercus-bicolor

[5] Swamp white oak. (n.d.-b). Natural Resource Stewardship. https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/swamp_white_oak.html

[6] Kabrick, J. M., Dey, D. C., Van Sambeek, J. W., Wallendorf, M., & Gold, M. A. (2005). Soil [[properties]] and growth of swamp white oak and pin oak on bedded soils in the lower Missouri River floodplain. US Forest Service Research and Development. https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/15686

[7] https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/1258/14-Swamp-White-Oak

Blanding's Turtle

2025-05-09T17:15:24Z

Juliogod: Created page with " ''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-liv..."

''Emydoidea blandingii,'' or commonly known as the Blanding's turtle, is a medium-sized, semi-aquatic turtle that inhabits freshwater wetlands in parts of the upper Midwest, New York, New England, and Southern Canada. The turtle is currently listed as threatened within the state of New York. The species' most notable features include a curved beak that resembles a smiling face and yellow freckled coloration on its carapace. The Blanding's turtle is considered a long-lived species with some individuals living past 83 years. The current threats to the Blanding's turtle include habitat & nesting destruction, due to urban sprawl, and vehicle strikes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:American bullfrog adult male.jpg| 300px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Animals|Animalia]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Chordata
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Reptilia
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Testudines
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Emydidae
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea''
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |''Emydoidea blandingii''
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=977384#null "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USGS Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USGS'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

==Description==

The Blanding's Turtle is a medium-sized turtle species with an average shell length of approximately 7-10 inches and can grow to a weight of 4 lbs. The species has a distinctive yellow coloration on its throat and chin. The head and legs of the turtle also have a pale-yellow mottled appearance with its dark green skin. The turtle's beak has a characteristic curve upwards at the corners of the mouth, creating the appearance of a smiling face. The carapace, 'upper shell', is dome-shaped, with a flattened portion along the midline of the spine. The coloration of the shell is black with a speckled pattern of yellow colored flecks and streaks that varies among individuals of the species. The plastron, 'belly plate' of the turtle, is dominantly yellow with dark blotches arranged in symmetrical patterns. The shape of the plastron is used to identify the sex of the turtles. Males are characterized by a concave plastron, while females have a flattened plastron. Like the Eastern Box Turtle, the plastron on the Blanding's Turtle has a hinged segment at the front, allowing the turtle to close off its front limbs and head from predators.

==Habitat and Range==

===Habitat===
The Blanding's turtle is a semi-aquatic species and inhabits water bodies with emergent, wet meadow vegetation and areas with shrubby wetlands. It's not uncommon for the species to inhabit areas with vernal "temporary" pools. Other viable habitats include ponds, marshes, swamps, bogs, wet prairies, river sloughs, shallow embayments, and slow-moving rivers. Over winter, the turtle burrows in the soft sediment of the water body and covers themselves with mud and [[silt]] to reduce heat loss. During nesting seasons, the female turtle lays her eggs in open canopy dry upland areas with well-drained soils.

===Range===
The species range encompasses the southern parts of the Great Lakes and extends from Minnesota to parts of southern Ontario and Northern New York. Few isolated populations have been identified in Dutchess County, Saratoga County, and the Thousand Islands Region along the St. Lawrence River within New York State. Other isolated populations have been identified in New England and Nova Scotia.

==Growth and Development==
Comparable to sea turtles and tortoises, the Blanding's turtle is a long-lived species with a slow maturation rate. Some individuals of the species have been recorded living past 80 years of age. However, the species do not reach sexual maturity until 18 years of age and have low reproductive potential. The mating season occurs in April and parts of early May, with nesting occurring in early June. The female will leave the safety of the water to find a suitable upland habitat with spare canopies and moist, well-drained sandy or loamy soils. Nests are offended found in gardens, road embankments, and plowed fields. Females tend to lay a clutch of 4-18 eggs. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early October, and newly hatched turtles must make the journey to the nearest water body.

The Species is considered shy. When threatened, they will dive into the water and remain on the bottom for hours. If startled outside the water, the turtle will retreat into its shell and close it plastron to protect its forelimbs and head.

Over winter, the species will inhabit permanent water bodies and deep vernal pools. to prevent freezing and to minimize heat loss, the turtle will borrow into the sediment of the water body and cover itself with mud and slit.

==Diet==
The species is characterized as omnivorous and will scavenge in and around their water habitat. The majority of their diet consists of crustaceans, [[invertebrates]], tadpoles, frogs, and aquatic plants. Some individuals have been recoreded feeding off carrion, 'decaying animal matter', and catching live minnows.

==Threats==
As labeled by the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the current conservation status of the Blanding's turtle is threatened. Problems facing the species include the destruction of habitat and nesting grounds from urbanization. Other issues include habitat fragmentation and vehicle strikes as a result of road crossings.

The main threat to Blanding's turtle arises from vehicle strikes and habitat fragmentation. During nesting season, a female turtle will travel long distances, often more than a mile, in search of suitable vernal pool habitats. Because of their movement patterns, they require larger areas that often occur over urbanized landscapes. Road crossings are the biggest issue; their natural defense mechanism makes them highly vulnerable to vehicle strikes. In addition to its slow maturity rate and low reproductive potential, the loss of a breeding female becomes detrimental to the species. Throughout the Northeast, populations appear to be declining.

==References==
1. Blanding’s Turtle NYSDEC. Web. Accessed April 21, 2025 https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/blandings-turtle/
2. Johnson, Glenn, et al. Distribution, Population Structure and Habitat Relationships of Blanding’s Turtle Populations in Northern New York. Endangered Species Unit, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 2009.
3. Adderley-Heron, Kelton, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Unsupervised Classification of Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea Blandingii) Behavioural States from Multi-Sensor Biologger Data.” PloS One, vol. 19, no. 11, 2024, pp. e0314291-, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314291.
4. Meng, Reta Lingrui, and Patricia Chow-Fraser. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Habitat Selection of Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea Blandingii) Living in a Reference Condition in Georgian Bay.” PloS One, vol. 18, no. 12, 2023, pp. e0295067–e0295067, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0295067
5. Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. December 18, 2024. https://www.fws.gov/species/blandings-turtle-emydoidea-blandingii.
6.

Amoozemeter

2025-05-02T18:46:20Z

Juliogod: Created page with " == Description == [[File:Amooze.jpg|right|350px| Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter' [1] |thumb]] [[File:Faculty_AzizAmoozegar-1.jpg|left|300px| Fig 2. Dr. Aziz Amoozegar ''Professor of Soil Physics at North Carolina State University'' [2]| thumb]] The Amoozemeter, also known as a compact constant head permeameter (CCH), was developed in 1999 by Dr. Aziz Amoozegar, a professor of Soil Physics at North Carolina State University[1][2]. The Amoozemeter is described as an experimental t..."

== Description ==
[[File:Amooze.jpg|right|350px| Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter' [1]
|thumb]]
[[File:Faculty_AzizAmoozegar-1.jpg|left|300px| Fig 2. Dr. Aziz Amoozegar ''Professor of Soil Physics at North Carolina State University'' [2]|
thumb]]

The Amoozemeter, also known as a compact constant head permeameter (CCH), was developed in 1999 by Dr. Aziz Amoozegar, a professor of [[Soil]] Physics at North Carolina State University[1][2].
The Amoozemeter is described as an experimental tool vital in the process of measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) within the porespace of the unsaturated zone.[3]

== Function ==
Standard procedures for determining the level of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) within the unsaturated zone are often difficult to perform. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) can be determined by the constant-head well permeameter technique or the Amoozemeter in less than 30 minutes, using a few liters of water and small-diameter auger holes. The Amoozemeter or compact constant-head (CCH) permeameter is designed to maintain a constant height of water (>5 cm) at the bottom of a 4 to 10 cm diameter hole in the unsaturated zone, and measure the amount of water flowing into the hole. The main unit of the Amoozemeter is used for measuring Ks from the soil surface to a depth of 2 m. To determine saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) beyond a 2-m depth, a special flow-measuring reservoir, equipped with a portable pressure transducer, is connected to the device and inserted to the bottom of the hole. The Amoozemeter is designed with a water capacity of 5 liters, capable of delivering a maximum flow rate of 3 × 10−6 m3s, can handle most landscapes without additional aid, and is easily transported.[3][4][6]

== Additional Equipment ==

Constant head permeameter with reservoir (with combined) Mariotte-bottle
Dissipation unit
Auger drill and equipment
Measure tape or folding meter stick
Datasheets for denoting saturated hydraulic Conductivity
Stop watch
Water vessels for additional supply

==Video Tutorial==

[[File:AmoozeblueprintScreenshot.jpg|center|400px| Fig 1. 'Amoozemeter' [1]
|thumb]]

How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat. 2011.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkBUl9sdOc]

== Sources ==
[1] Jo House. 2019. Amoozemeter Field Demonstration for Determining Landfill [[Clay]] Liner Hydraulic Conductivity. Civil & Environmental Consultants. Inc.
[2] Aziz Amoozegar. NC State University (Department of Crops and Soil Sciences). https://cals.ncsu.edu/crop-and-soil-sciences/people/sscaag/.
[3] Price, K., C. R. Jackson, and A. J. Parker. 2010. Variation of surficial soil hydraulic [[properties]] across land uses in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, USA. Journal of Hydrology 383:256–268.
[4]“Methods for Measuring Hydraulic Conductivity and Drainable [[Porosity]].” Agricultural Drainage /, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, 1999, https://doi.org/10.2134/agronmonogr38.
[5] How to Use an Amoozemeter for Soil Ksat. 2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkBUl9sdOc
[6] Amoozegar, A. 2020. Examination of models for determining saturated hydraulic conductivity by the constant head well permeameter method. Soil and Tillage Research 200:104572.

File:AmoozeblueprintScreenshot.jpg

2025-05-02T18:41:45Z

Juliogod:

File:Amooze.jpg

2025-05-02T17:40:43Z

Juliogod:

File:Faculty AzizAmoozegar-1.jpg

2025-05-02T17:29:24Z

Juliogod:

Swamp white oak

2025-05-02T17:02:09Z

Juliogod: /* Taxonomy */

[[File:Quercus-bicolor-ba-atal-a.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Quercus bicolor Willd Bark]]

== Description ==
Swamp white oak, Quercus bicolor Willd, is a part of the oak subgroup within the Beech family. [3] It is a perennial dicot within the oak subgroup. It is a slow growing tree that is often planted by people along sites with poor drainage or along sidewalks, roads, and walkways to provide shade.

== Taxonomy ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-right: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Swamp-White-Oaktree.jpg| 400px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Plants|Plantae]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Magnoliophyta
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Anura
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Fagales
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |Quercus L. (Oak)
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |Quercus bicolor Willd. (Swamp white oak)
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUBI "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USDA Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USDA'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

== Conservation Status ==
Swamp white oak is listed as Least Concern. [1]

== Identification ==
Swamp white oak is typically between 15 to 30 meters tall. Its bark is typically dark grey, scaly, and peels off in scales. Its leaves grow in an alternate leaf pattern, the leaf shapes are obovate, and have crenate edges. The underside of the leaves are white during the spring, and in the fall, the leaves turn into different shades of red.[7] The branches are alternate, and, when flowering, contain relatively small buds for an oak tree.[4] Their shape when mature is rounded and broad, creating a thick canopy. [5]

[[File:Quercus-bicolor-swamp-white-oak-acorns.jpg|400px|thumb|center| Quercus bicolor Willd. Leaf]]

== Habitat and Distribution ==
Swamp white oak is native to some of Midwestern United States, the eastern side the United States and Canada. Swamp white oak trees can be found as far south as South Carolina and as far north as Northern Quebec. These trees are abundant. [2] It grows in silty [[clay]], [[silt]], and sandy [[loam]] [[soil]] ecosystems. They do well in wet to moist, sunny, acidic soil ecosystems. They are usually found at elevations from 0 to 1000 meters. [3][5]

== Uses ==
The wood of the Swamp white oak is sold as lumber, but is not seen as having a high value. It is often used for cheap furniture, crates, fences, and other things used in general construction as it is cheap and a relatively hard wood. Often, it is used in recreational areas as shade. Its acorns, although they contain tannic acid, can be eaten by humans and [[animals]] alike and have been eaten for hundreds of years. [3]

[[File:Swamp-white-oak.jpg|400px|thumb|center| Swamp white oak wood]]

== Sources ==
[1]Kenny, L., Wenzell, K. & Jerome, D. 2017. Quercus bicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T194069A111189345. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T194069A111189345.en. Accessed on 30 April 2025.

[2] USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUBI

[3] Mohlenbrock, R. H. (n.d.). SWAMP WHITE OAK. https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_qubi.pdf

[4] Swamp white oak. (n.d.). https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/swamp-white-oak-quercus-bicolor

[5] Swamp white oak. (n.d.-b). Natural Resource Stewardship. https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/swamp_white_oak.html

[6] Kabrick, J. M., Dey, D. C., Van Sambeek, J. W., Wallendorf, M., & Gold, M. A. (2005). Soil [[properties]] and growth of swamp white oak and pin oak on bedded soils in the lower Missouri River floodplain. US Forest Service Research and Development. https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/15686

[7] https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/1258/14-Swamp-White-Oak

Swamp white oak

2025-05-02T17:01:16Z

Juliogod:

[[File:Quercus-bicolor-ba-atal-a.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Quercus bicolor Willd Bark]]

== Description ==
Swamp white oak, Quercus bicolor Willd, is a part of the oak subgroup within the Beech family. [3] It is a perennial dicot within the oak subgroup. It is a slow growing tree that is often planted by people along sites with poor drainage or along sidewalks, roads, and walkways to provide shade.

== Taxonomy ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; float:right; margin-left: 10px;
|+ !colspan="2" style="min-width:12em; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(235,235,210)|'''Scientific Classification'''
|-
| [[File:Swamp-White-Oaktree.jpg| 400px]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Kingdom:
|style="min-width:6em; |[[Plants|Plantae]]
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Phylum:
|style="min-width:6em; |Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Class:
|style="min-width:6em; |Magnoliophyta
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Order:
|style="min-width:6em; |Anura
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Family:
|style="min-width:6em; |Fagales
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Genus:
|style="min-width:6em; |Quercus L. (Oak)
|-
!style="min-width:6em; |Species:
|style="min-width:6em; |Quercus bicolor Willd. (Swamp white oak)
|-
|colspan="2" |Source: Integrated Taxonomic Information System <ref name="ITIS">[https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUBI "Integrated Taxonomic Information System - Report"], ''ITIS'' USDA Open-File Report 2006-1195: Nomenclature", ''USDA'', n.d.. Retrieved 3/10/2023.</ref>
|}

== Conservation Status ==
Swamp white oak is listed as Least Concern. [1]

== Identification ==
Swamp white oak is typically between 15 to 30 meters tall. Its bark is typically dark grey, scaly, and peels off in scales. Its leaves grow in an alternate leaf pattern, the leaf shapes are obovate, and have crenate edges. The underside of the leaves are white during the spring, and in the fall, the leaves turn into different shades of red.[7] The branches are alternate, and, when flowering, contain relatively small buds for an oak tree.[4] Their shape when mature is rounded and broad, creating a thick canopy. [5]

[[File:Quercus-bicolor-swamp-white-oak-acorns.jpg|400px|thumb|center| Quercus bicolor Willd. Leaf]]

== Habitat and Distribution ==
Swamp white oak is native to some of Midwestern United States, the eastern side the United States and Canada. Swamp white oak trees can be found as far south as South Carolina and as far north as Northern Quebec. These trees are abundant. [2] It grows in silty [[clay]], [[silt]], and sandy [[loam]] [[soil]] ecosystems. They do well in wet to moist, sunny, acidic soil ecosystems. They are usually found at elevations from 0 to 1000 meters. [3][5]

== Uses ==
The wood of the Swamp white oak is sold as lumber, but is not seen as having a high value. It is often used for cheap furniture, crates, fences, and other things used in general construction as it is cheap and a relatively hard wood. Often, it is used in recreational areas as shade. Its acorns, although they contain tannic acid, can be eaten by humans and [[animals]] alike and have been eaten for hundreds of years. [3]

[[File:Swamp-white-oak.jpg|400px|thumb|center| Swamp white oak wood]]

== Sources ==
[1]Kenny, L., Wenzell, K. & Jerome, D. 2017. Quercus bicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T194069A111189345. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T194069A111189345.en. Accessed on 30 April 2025.

[2] USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/QUBI

[3] Mohlenbrock, R. H. (n.d.). SWAMP WHITE OAK. https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_qubi.pdf

[4] Swamp white oak. (n.d.). https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/swamp-white-oak-quercus-bicolor

[5] Swamp white oak. (n.d.-b). Natural Resource Stewardship. https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/forestry/iowa_trees/trees/swamp_white_oak.html

[6] Kabrick, J. M., Dey, D. C., Van Sambeek, J. W., Wallendorf, M., & Gold, M. A. (2005). Soil [[properties]] and growth of swamp white oak and pin oak on bedded soils in the lower Missouri River floodplain. US Forest Service Research and Development. https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/15686

[7] https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/1258/14-Swamp-White-Oak

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2025-05-02T16:50:05Z

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2025-05-02T16:41:56Z

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Juliogod:

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2025-05-02T16:25:27Z

Juliogod: Juliogod uploaded a new version of File:Quercus-bicolor-ba-atal-a.jpg

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2025-05-02T16:22:29Z

Juliogod: Juliogod uploaded a new version of File:Quercus-bicolor-ba-atal-a.jpg

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2025-05-02T16:12:46Z

Juliogod: