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2012 Autumn | Education & Outreach, Natural Science & Restoration

Planning for the Recovery of the Western Pond Turtle

Student(s):

Samantha Zwicker

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Jennifer Pramuk

Partner(s):

  • Woodland Park Zoo

Faculty advisor(s):

Aaron Wirsing, School of Environment and Forest Sciences, University of Washington

For my Capstone Experience I joined members of the Woodland Park Zoo to research western pond turtle biology, restoration, and conservation. My specific research focused on the factors affecting the population viability of turtles in Washington State, including concur- rent threats. I wrote a literature review describing the western pond turtle’s life history, geographic range, threats, population structure, breeding system, reproduction, habitat selection, recovery planning, and restoration techniques. My findings contribute to current research by providing methods for improved restoration, management, and increased awareness, as well as ideas for future research.