The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed federal protections for both species of western pond turtle (A. marmorata and A. pallida), namely the northwestern pond turtle and the southwestern pond turtle, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These turtles, residing across several states in the western U.S., are facing threats from worsening drought conditions, habitat loss, fragmentation, and interference from invasive species through predation, competition, and changing upland and aquatic habitats. The Service's decision to list them as threatened under the ESA is based on a Species Status Assessment, indicating their increasing risk of extinction due to population losses and reduced genetic diversity. A 4(d) rule is also proposed, allowing activities like wildfire suppression, habitat restoration, and non-native species removal that support turtle conservation.

Federal protections under the ESA would help in immediate conservation, raising public awareness about the threats, and encouraging collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and individuals. The Turtle Conservancy supports conservation efforts by monitoring local populations of Southern Pacific Pond Turtles. The Service's final rule will be based on the best available scientific and commercial data and public comments received during the comment period.

Want to help these turtles gain protection? Leave a comment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the listing of the Western Pond Turtle as Vulnerable under the Endangered Species Act. Comments will be accepted until December 3rd 2023