 |
return to category |
| Algonquin Highlands is lucky enough to still support a fairly common population of the Wood Turtle. It has a very broken-up distribution over Ontario because of habitat loss. The Wood Turtle is most commonly found by slow moving streams, woodlands and fields. The Wood Turtle is one of the most unique turtles to the Algonquin Highlands. It has a shell that is very lumpy due to its concentric growth rings on each scute. It is a very dull brown or gray colour and ranges from 14-20 cm in length. It has orange neck and legs and a yellow plastron with black patches near the edges. The Wood Turtle is probably Canada’s closest thing to a tortoise. The shell looks like it has been sculpted from wood, which is how it gets its name. Part of its Latin name is insculpta which means sculpted. The males have a concave plastron and the female’s is either flat or convex. The Wood Turtle spends most of its time on land foraging for berries and plants. It is Ontario’s most terrestrial turtle. Blueberries are a large part of the turtle’s diet. It has been reported that the Wood Turtle will rock back and forth and the vibration from its feet on the ground brings worms to the surface for it to eat. The Wood Turtle is known as a very intelligent turtle with good sight and a better climber. This species of turtle is very susceptible to commercial poaching and is sold on the black market. As a result the Wood Turtle population is declining, and must be protected. |
(Family Testudinidae)
Glyptemys insculpta
|
|
|||||
