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Join in on the discussion with Dr. Kevin Aviles who will share his research that aids in developing new methods to conserve turtle species.

Turtle species are declining across the globe due to humans and urbanization. More than 50% of turtles are considered at risk for extinction. By far the largest impacts are the illegal harvesting of turtles by humans, habitat loss, and climate change. Dr. Kevin Aviles and his teams project will monitor freshwater turtle communities in New England across urban wetlands and protected wetlands within conservation lands. Through this extensive monitoring, they hope to answer the following questions: (1) Are turtle communities in New England experiencing declines in population size and diversity? and (2) How do urbanization and human activity affect turtle species?

At this discussion Dr. Kevin will share the preliminary findings of their pilot project which was conducted last summer across 25 wetlands in Rhode Island and Connecticut. They have reported finding some patterns that suggest a shift in the sex ratio of turtles within urban wetlands. However, turtle body size and body condition appear to be similar across the wetlands sampled. By continuing this work, Dr. Kevin hopes to provide early detection of turtle decline in New England. Learn more by registering to attend today!

  • This event is located at Barlow Nature Preserve.
  • Parking is available in the main parking lot, with overflow parking in the field behind the outbuildings to the east (up the farm road).
  • Registration is required.

Discussion is open to WLT members. Our members donate annually. Not a member and would like to be? Become a member today and click HERE.

To learn more about Dr. Kevin Aviles click here.

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