The status of Blanding's Turtles, Emydoidea blandingii, in Nova Scotia, Canada

The freshwater Blanding's Turtle is distributed throughout the Great Lakes region, with isolated populations also appearing along the edge of this range. The Nova Scotia, Canada, population occurs largely in Kejumkujik National Park, in three areas characterized by dark waters and peaty soils. Tracking data shows that nesting females and males both migrate, and suggest that the population is panmictic. The adult population is estimated to be 132, with densities lower than reported elsewhere. The population is fairly aged. Reproductive capabilities are limited by inadequate nesting areas, poor egg and hatchling survival, and predation.