Eastern Box Turtle, Photograph by Aaron Greene, Flickr

Introduction

Eastern Box Turtles  are an endangered species in New Jersey and are found along field or wetland edges. Highly terrestrial but will occasionally be found soaking in puddles or streams.  Their burrows are found near water sources and underneath tree bark, much like the environment in Madison, New Jersey. They are  endangered and have special concern due to deforestation and clear cutting.

Data

Map depicts Madison borough and has a numerical value showing approximately 1257.8 acres of Eastern Box Turtle habitat land present. Madison rests around 2,600 acres total, showing that almost half of Madison is covered in Eastern Box Turtle habitat area (Blue Area). Much of the habitat utilizes tree cover and is near water sources such as streams and ponds. Data was collected by Smithsonian’s National Zoo using Gap analysis in order to determine the spatial arrangement of suitable Eastern Box Turtle habitats.

Results

The Blue coloring on the map depicted above shows areas where Eastern Box Turtle have habitats in Madison Borough. They are found usually traveling alone or in small groups during mating season. 1257.8 acres of Madison are occupied by the Eastern Box Turtle with most  habitats located near the western half of the borough due to more wooded area with most of the town’s natural waterways. 

About the Data

The data utilized in the map above is from a (USGS) survey conducted in 2018 revealing habitat distribution of the Eastern Box Turtle.. The survey utilises 2001 ground conditions and shows the entire map of the United States, with a focus on Madison, New Jersey above. This habitat map was created by applying a deductive habitat model to remotely-sensed data layers within the species’ known range. It was known as the Gap Analysis Project (GAP) to examine species density of the Eastern Box Turtle.

Conclusion

The Eastern Box Turtle is among the most common turtles in wetland areas of America. These solitary animals eat greens, as well as earthworms and other small insects.  This map shows how they have a high population in New Jersey. They live predominantly in undisturbed, unlike  areas such as roadways. This leaves Madison as a prime place for them to occupy as it gives plenty of room and wooded/wet areas for them as well, as seen above.

The blue area shows the current and suitable habitats for Eastern Box Turtles in Madison, NJ. That is almost 50% of Madison’s land that can be used by these tiny creatures.