Spotted Turtle
The Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a small, secretive, semi-aquatic species that is found in a wide variety of shallow wetland habitats and their adjacent upland areas. It was once considered the most common turtle in New York State and on Long Island. Today it is listed as a “Species of Special Concern” by the NYSDEC. This designation is given to species determined by the Department of Environmental Conservation to be at risk of becoming either endangered or threatened in New York State.
A 2005 report by Mike Bottini documented the impact of mosquito ditch maintenance practices on Spotted Turtles, and resulted in important changes to Suffolk County’s Vector Control procedures.
Today, illegal turtle collecting for the pet trade is a significant factor in the long term viability of Spotted Turtle populations on Long Island and throughout the species range.
Report on spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)/ Use of mosquito-control ditches in Suffolk County, NY
Related Information
River Otters
The North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis) once inhabited rivers, lakes and estuaries throughout North America. But unregulated trapping, water pollution and habitat loss caused a dramatic decline in otter populations in many areas and local extirpations in others.
Protecting Birds – EN
In September 2019, in a widely reported article appearing in Science magazine, researchers documented a significant decline in the overall abundance of birds in North America. Studies showed a 29% reduction birds since 1970, totaling approximately 3 billion birds. Some bird groups – such as grassland birds – have declined even more precipitously, dropping by more than half.
Other Citizen Science Opportunities
Other Opportunities Additional Community Science Opportunities Community Science LI 2021 Seatuck and our partners at Long Island Sound Study, New York Sea Grant, South Shore Estuary Reserve, and Peconic Estuary Partnership would like to announce an exciting new educational monthly webinar series titled, Community Science LI. Community