Status changes and habitat availability of the western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) in southern Californi

Residential and commercial development and the associated infrastructures have modified much of the natural habitat in southern California including aquatic habitats suitable for turtles and other species. I hypothesize that there has been a widespread decline in the abundance of known Western Pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata) populations associated with modifications in their environment. The presence of pond turtles was determined by re-surveying historic locations previously known to support C. marmorata. Pond turtles were believed to require certain habitat characteristics including slow moving, deep pools, with abundant vegetation and numerous basking sites. An attempt was made to correlate past and present turtle distributions and abundance with key habitat features in an attempt to determine whether pond turtle declines can be associated with changes in habitat characteristics that have occurred over the past twelve years. In the period of time since, the present study's results indicated a continued trend in distribution contraction and population decline, with few locations demonstrating a stable population status. Results indicated a correlation between the habitat variables: underwater cover, proximity to urban environment, and accessibility of site with continued occupation of a site by C. marmorata populations. Alteration of habitat in combination with other undetermined factors has led to a critical decline in the number of C. marmorata populations in Southern California warranting immediate protection of the remaining turtles and their habitat.