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Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)
Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat
Predicted Distribution
Amphibians do not migrate as some birds and mammals, so the colored areas depict
the predicted range for the Painted Turtle year-round. The habitats were identified
using 1991 satellite imagery, other datasets and experts throughout the state,
as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project.
Distribution and Habitat Requirements
The Painted turtle is one of two turtle species whose cold-tolerance hass allowed
for its more northern distribution (Holman and Andrews, 1994). This species
has been observed at waste wate ponds amid agricultural fields (Lindeman,
1991), but is more commonly found in marshy ponds, small lakes and slow-moving
streams and rivers with an abundance of aquatic vegetations (Brown, 1985;
Mitchell, 1988; Nussbuam et al., 1983). Only adults habe been recorded in
certain populations in Idaho and Montana (Charles Peterson, pers. comm.).
The lack of young turtles might indicate low reproductive success in some
areas.
The Painted turtle is possibly being displaced in western Washington urban lakes by the introducted Red-eared slider.
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Models
All ecoregions throughout the State were selected, except for the Blue Mountains.
West of the Vascades crest, all low elevation zones were core. The Western
Hemlock zone was peripheral. East of the Cascades crest, Ponderosa Pine,
Oak, and all steppe zones were core. The Interior Douglas-fir, Grand Fir
and Interior Redcedar zones were marginal.
Good habitats were lakes, marshes, and riparian areas. Hardwood and hardwood/conifer forests were considered suitable in the steppe, Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Interior Douglas-fir, Grand Fir and Interior Redcedar zones, because forests in these zones are often associated with wet, riparian areas.
Other
maps & Information:
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Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Amphibians and Reptiles Volume by Karen Dvornich
Webpage designed by Dave Lester.