Small and large-scale landscape approaches for conservation of the imperiled Blanding\u27s turtle, Emys blandingii

Habitat fragmentation as a result of anthropogenic activities is one of the leading causes of species decline. The wetland habitat specialist, the Blanding\u27s turtle (Emys blandingii), is one chelonian species impacted by habitat fragmentation. This project investigated the impacts of human activities on this species at two levels by first investigating home range and habitat composition, using radio telemetry, for a population of Blanding\u27s turtles in the human-impacted area. The second project was larger in scope, investigating how landscape composition may be influencing the reproductive success of Blanding\u27s turtle populations across the heavily human-impacted state of Iowa. Combined, the results of this work will aid in designing effective conservation strategies for this species