Western Pond Turtle (Clemmys marmorata)
                                                                                       (Federally Listing Species)

Turtles have lived on earth for over 200 million years. The western pond turtle includes two subspecies: the northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata marmorata and the southwestern pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida). The turtles' natural range is from the State of Washington to Baja California, and they are 
the only turtles native to California. These blunt-nosed, cold-blooded reptiles are ecotherms meaning they must utilize sunlight, or solar energy, to regulate their body temperature for good health. Wary and secretive, the western pond turtle prefers aquatic habitats with abundant vegetative cover and exposed basking sites such as logs. They are omnivorous generalists and opportunistic predators eating small insects, aquatic invertebrates, fish, frogs, snakes and small mammals. Their color may appear olive, dark brown or black with darker spots or dashes. Western pond turtles may live 30-40 years and attain a shell length of seven inches. Growing slowly, they may take up to eight years to reach sexual maturity. Mating occurs in the spring with eggs being laid generally in April-May. The female will travel over 400 meters to find suitable nesting sites in upland areas with southern exposure away from flood prone areas. After laying 1 to 13 eggs in a shallow hole at least 10 cm deep, the eggs are covered with organic, silty soil. The eggs hatch in the fall approximately 12 weeks after being laid. However, the hatchlings stay in the ground until the following April-May. Hatchlings are not seen in the fall, only in the spring because of spending this entire year in the nest.

In California over 90 percent of the wetlands where turtles once lived have been drained, diverted or developed. 
In addition to habitat loss, fragmentation, and alteration, nests, eggs and hatchlings are highly susceptible to predators as well as trampling by livestock or people. The extended period the hatchlings spend in the nest 
add to their vulnerability. Another reason for population declines is the introduction of exotic, or non-native species, such as the bullfrog which have competitive advantages.

Turtles play an important role in Native American stories. Sometimes the continent of North America is called Turtle Island because at a time when the world was only water, Great Turtle volunteered to carry the land on 
his back. During a mild California earthquake, native people might say "Oh, Turtle is just stretching his legs."

Fortunately, the western pond turtle is one of many sensitive species with stable populations at Chanslor Wetlands. To see these species in person, take Turtle Trail where you might see them basking on logs or watching you from turtle island. 

2007 Sonoma State University Turtle Study

Tours on Chanslor Ranch and the Chanslor Wetlands are only being conducted by Horseback during 2008.  Seven miles of trails are currently being improved with a Federal Grant. It is expected that guided electric car tours and hiking tours will resume in the Summer of 2008.