Wood turtle

The wood turtle

Endemic to North America, the wood turtle(Glyptemys insculpta) occupies a fragmented range, nearly 30% of which is in Canada. A semi-aquatic, "edge" species, it lives between forests and rivers, often moving along banks and streams. Males are more sedentary, staying close to their home territory, while females travel greater distances to lay their eggs.

Habitat and lifestyle

This turtle hibernates from October to April, buried in riverbeds or wetlands. In summer, it can be found on sandy or gravel beaches, but also in open, man-made environments such as gravel pits, road shoulders and railroad embankments. These habitat choices make it vulnerable to human disturbance.

A quiet, fascinating species

Appreciated for its beauty and peaceful temperament, the wood turtle has long been sought after as a pet. Its docile demeanor and terrestrial nature set it apart from other North American species. Its carapace features superb engraved patterns, earning it its scientific name: insculpta, meaning "engraved" in Latin.

Protection and conservation

A victim of habitat destruction, traffic and illegal harvesting, the wood turtle is now a threatened species. Numerous conservation and scientific monitoring programs are in place in North America to ensure its survival and preserve its natural habitats.

Click here to discover and visit the A Cupulatta turtle park near Ajaccio.