We’re studying spotted turtles here at the northern end of their range to better understand how climate change will affect this declining species, and working to conserve the last remaining spotted turtle population in the city of Boston.
Zoo New England has been monitoring spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) at several sites around Massachusetts since 1999.
In partnership with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC and the Orianne Society in Georgia, we're studying spotted turtles here at the northern edge of their range and comparing them to spotted turtles in the South. Whether a spotted turtle hatches as male or female partly depends on the temperature of the nest while the eggs were incubating. Cooler temperatures tend to produce males, while warmer temperatures produce females (intermediate temperatures can produce mixed broods). We'll be looking at the thermal environment in and around turtle nests to better understand this amazing aspect of turtle biology, with an eye toward considering how climate change may end up affecting spotted and other species of turtles.
We're also protecting the last remaining spotted turtle population within the city of Boston. The vernal pools and marshes of the Stony Brook Reservation are home to around 20 adult spotted turtles. ZNE biologists are currently radiotracking turtles to document population demographics and understand their habitat needs. By tracking female turtles, we can also find and protect their nests—and ultimately boost this turtle’s population—by raising hatchlings in captivity until they can be released back to the wild as larger juveniles that are able to fend for themselves. Together with our partners from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, we’re also creating new nesting habitat for the Stony Brook population.
About the spotted turtle
Spotted turtles are small, aquatic turtles with yellow spots on their shell and head. Each turtle has a unique pattern of spots, much like a zebra's stripes, that can be used to identify individuals. If you ever spot a spotted turtle (no pun intended!) at Stony Brook, Fowl Meadow, or anywhere in the Greater Boston area, please snap a photo of it and send it to fieldconservation@zoonewengland.org to log your observation with our scientists!
