Facilitating the protection and restoration of species and ecosystems at risk on BC’s South Coast
Western Painted Turtle - Pacific Coast Population
Chrysemys picta pop.1
Chrysemys
picta
pop.1
A member of the family Emydidae (“pond or marsh turtles”), the Chrysemys genus is restricted to North America. In BC, C. picta occurs as two populations (Pacific Coast and Intermountain – Rocky Mountain).
Size (shell diameter): Hatchlings 2-2.5 cm, Juveniles 10cm, Mature adults 25 cm (females larger than males). The carapace (upper shell) of adults is smooth, olive-green to dark brown. Outer edges can be patterned with red lines. The head, neck and tail are olive to greenish-black and striped with yellow. The intricate black and yellow branching pattern on the plastron (lower shell) is not present on all individuals, though the plastron is always red or orange. Colour patterning can be variable between individuals and between populations. The upper jaw has a notch located just under the nostrils. Males have very long front claws and thicker tails with a cloacal (tail vent) opening that is closer to the end of the tail than to the carapace. Females have shorter front claws, and thinner tails with cloacal openings closer to the carapace than to the end of the tail. Hatchlings have rounder carapaces that are slightly keeled along the length and similar but more vibrant colouration than adults. *In 2003, DNA studies suggested that the Eastern, Midland and Western North American subspecies of Painted Turtle should be merged to just a single species (C. picta), leaving only one other separate species in the southern US.
Download Species Fact Sheet in PDF
Status
Global Status:
G5T2
Provincial Status:
S1S2
SARA Status:
Endangered
BC List Status:
Red (Candidates for- Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened status)
Similar Species
The non-native, introduced Slider (also known as “Red-eared Slider”) is commonly misidentified with Western Painted Turtle. Both have similar physiology, colouration, size and lifecycles. Slider has a red “ear” patch located behind the
eye which can fade on older Slider’s, making identification more difficult as they mature. Slider turtles have a yellow plastron with dark circular blotch on each plastron scale. The carapace can have more visible colour patterning and splashes of colour than painted turtles. It is slightly more dome-shaped with a low ridge or keel (lacking in carapaces of mature Western Painted Turtle).
Ecology
Range
Elevation: 0-500 m (some US populations have been documented at 2100 m). Populations on South Coast BC are known from 0-200 m. Western Painted Turtle are the remaining native freshwater turtle species on the BC Coast. The Pacific Coast Population ranges from the Fraser Lowlands, Sunshine Coast, Squamish and southeast Vancouver Island area. The largest population of genetically intact individuals on the Lower Mainland occurs near Deroche (west of the Harrison River). A number of individuals and remnant populations can still be found in urban watersheds like the Brunette basin in Burnaby, watersheds in southwest Coquitlam, Langley, Surrey and Delta. Populations are also known from Vancouver Island in the Greater Victoria area to the Alberni Valley, Courtenay and Comox. Saltspring Island appears to be the only Gulf Island with populations, however surveys on Galliano and North Pender Island were inconclusive and the species could be more widely distributed where suitable habitat occurs.
Habitat
This species is found in slow-moving, permanent waterbodies with soft bottom substrates, ample aquatic vegetation and adjacent areas of exposed sand or gravel soils suitable for nesting. There is a strong relationship between population viability, adequate riparian buffers and non-fragmented dispersal corridors (i.e. between aquatic habitats). Populations on the Sunshine Coast overwintered at depths >1 m. Deeper sites have lower probability of freezing and lower predation risk, but higher probability of oxygen depletion. Painted Turtles display very high tolerance to hypoxic and anoxic (oxygen depleted) conditions, but do not resist freezing and are susceptible to predation. Overwintering ends when water temperatures reaches about 6 °C. Nesting sites vary considerably in distance from the water (up to 150 m away). This species may seek out nest sites near buildings, fences or road verges. These sites are often disturbed, more vulnerable to predation, vehicular mortality, illegal collection, and result in lower nesting and hatchling success. Solar radiation is required to maintain metabolic rates and absorb vitamin D3, for calcium uptake. Adjacent upland areas with good sun exposure (e.g. south aspects), and loose sandy soils for nesting are equally critical. Temperature affects sex determination. Sex ratio imbalances can be induced if optimal sites are destroyed or made inaccessible with mostly females being born at temperatures of 29°C and up and mostly males below that.
Diet
An opportunistic omnivore, this species feeds on various aquatic plants, invertebrates (zooplankton,worms, aquatic insects, crayfish) and vertebrates (tadpoles, small fish), as well as carrion. Prey items are taken from the surface, mid-column or bottom of aquatic foraging areas as well as adjacent terrestrial and foreshore zones. Western Painted Turtle have a fixed tongue and consume food underwater to keep it saturated and assist in swallowing. Young turtles are more carnivorous, switching to a more vegetation based diet as they age.
Life Cycle
Sexual maturity takes 4-5 years in males and 7-9 years in females. Females lay 6-18 eggs in shallow nests (7-10 cm in depth) built on south-facing sites with loose soil, relatively free of plants, roots,and rocks. Eggs are covered with soil, compacted by the females’ feet and plastron and camouflaged with vegetation and debris. Hatchlings emerge around September, generally staying within the nest cavity until the following spring. Females reproduce every second year, sometimes with multiple males per
clutch and can store sperm for up to 3 years. Juveniles that survive to maturity experience much higher survival rates. This is one of the longest lived North American reptiles (30+ years).
Threats
Habitat loss and alteration due to urbanization. Distribution coincides with areas undergoing rapid development causing draining and infilling of wetlands, and hydrological disruption to surface and groundwater.
Alteration of wetland habitat from vegetation and hydrology shifts from climate change.
Population fragmentation and barriers in migration corridors due to roadways. Vehicle mortality impacts (10% annual mortality in eastern U.S) from not appropriately sighted roadways and lack of well monitored exclusion fencing with wildlife passage struct
Disturbance to nesting and basking sites from recreational activities and off-road vehicles.
Inter-species competition, predation and potentially disease transmission from introduced Slider turtle as well as Bullfrog.
Degradation of nesting beds from Invasive plant species (e.g. introduced grass and legume species). Can cause direct • mortality through root penetration into eggs and hatchling entanglement.
Hooking mortality from angling.
Harvesting, collection and non-permitted trapping by the public.
ncreased predation with increase in human settlement near core habitat (free ranging or feral domestic pets).
Cumulative impacts and direct mortality from contaminated runoff and non-point source pollution through all life history phases.
Combined to these threats, natural reproductive and hatchling-to-adult survival rates are low as are dispersal capabilities, reducing capacity to recover from local extirpation events.
Genetic swmaping from interbreeding with illegally imported and released Midland Painted Turtle
Conservation and Management
Apply conservation and management objectives as set out in “Recovery Strategy for Western Painted Turtle (Pacific
Coast population) (Chrysemys picta bellii) in British Columbia (in draft available from the recovery team chair) and Develop With Care “BMP for Amphibians and Reptiles in Urban and Rural Environments in British Columbia (2014)”. Integrate complementary objectives developed by the South Coast Western Painted Turtle Recovery Project and the Coastal Painted Turtle Project (see sources section for specific documents). Inventory and monitor using standardized methods (Resource Information Standards Committee) # 37 Inventory Methods for Pond-breeding Amphibians and Painted Turtle (Version 2.0) . Other recommended approaches to inventorying and monitoring include: “Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity - Standard Methods for Amphibians”, “Suitability of Amphibians and Reptiles for Translocation” and survey methodologies developed for the “Wetlandkeepers Handbook”.
This species and its regional populations are listed under the Federal Species At Risk Act (SARA) and may be subject to protections and prohibitions under the BC Wildlife Act. Habitat for this species may also be governed under provincial and federal regulations including the Fish Protection Act and Federal Fisheries Act as well as Regional and local municipal bylaws.
RESOURCES
For further information see:
A source for authoritative conservation information on thousands of plants and animals and hundreds of ecological communities in BC. From here connect to all provincial and federal recovery plans (including the SARA Registry), COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada), Identified Wildlife guidance and conservation requirements for specific species and ecological communities of conservation concern impacted by forestry activities) and links to E-Flora and E-Fauna (the Electronic Atlas of the Plants and Wildlife of British Columbia).
A joint venture resource providing comprehensive information on a range of species and ecological communities specific to the Coast Region of BC (including the South, Central and North Coast, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii).
Environmental guidelines for urban and rural land development in BC.
Learn what species are at risk in your area, search by name, habitat type, regional district and forest district.
Sources
BC Conservation Data Centre. 2015. Species Summary: Chrysemys picta pop. 1. BC Ministry of Environment. - BC Ministry of
Environment. The Western Painted Turtle Recovery Team. 2010. Draft Recovery Strategy for the Western Painted Turtle (Pacific Coast Population), Chrysemys picta bellii, in British Columbia (March 2010). Original version prepared by Vanessa Kilburn for the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. 45 pp. - BC Ministry of Environment. [Internet] Western Painted turtle Identification Guide. BC Turtlewatch. - Bunnell, Cory G. Filed Survey of Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia 2005. Wildlife Afield. - California Herps.com
2011. [Internet] Western Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta belli. - Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee. 2010. [Internet] Turtle Mortalities The Deadly Reach of Invasive Plants. - Cooley, R. et al. 2003. Demography and Diet of the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) at High Elevation Sites in Southwestern Colorado. The Southwestern Naturalist 48(1):47-53. - COSEWIC 2006. [Internet] COSEWIC assessment and status report on the Western Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta bellii (Pacific Coast population, Intermountain-Rocky Mountain population and Prairie/Western Boreal - Canadian Shield population) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 40 pp. - COSEWIC 2010. [In draft] Recovery Strategy for Western Painted Turtle (Pacific Coast population)(Chrysemys picta bellii) in British Columbia. - Engelstoft, Christian and Kristiina Ovaska. 2008. [Internet] Western Painted Turtle Surveys on Galiano, Pender, and Vancouver Island, 2008 Including Surveys in Selected CRD Regional Parks. Prepared for the Capital Regional District and Habitat Acquisition Trust. - Foster & Smith. 2011. [Internet] Lighting for Turtles & Tortoises: Why UV is Key. - Germano, J.M. and P.J. Bishop. 2008. [Internet] Suitability of Amphibians and Reptiles for Translocation. Conservation Biology 23:7-15. - Gervais, Jennifer et al. 2009. [Internet] Conservation Assessment For The Western Painted Turtle In Oregon (Chrysemys picta bellii). U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management and Fish and Wildlife Service et al. - Gowans, Billi. 2010. [Personal comm.] Enkon Environmental. Heyer, W.R., et al. 1994. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity. Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington. -
Jackson, Donald C. 2002. Hibernating without oxygen: physiological adaptations of the painted turtle. The Physiological Society, Journal of Physiology 543.3, pp. 731–737. - Kilburn, Vanessa. 2010. [Personal comm.] BCCF Western Painted Turtle Project. - Matsuda, B.M. 2002. [Internet] The Wetlandkeepers Handbook: Section 5, Module 2.4. Conducting an Amphibian Inventory. BC Wildlife Federation, Surrey, BC. - Mitchell, Aimee Management Plan for The Western Painted
Turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) in the Alouette River Watershed. 2012. Prepared for: BC Hydro’s Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program nd BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations . BCRP Report No. 11.ALU.W.01 - Mitchell, Aimee, Vanessa Kilburn, Justin Suraci, and Chris Currie, Vanessa Kilburn, Justin Suraci, and Chris Currie. The South Coast Western Painted Turtle Recovery Project. 2012. Recovery of the Western Painted Turtle and Associated Species at Risk on the South Coast of BC 2011-2012 Final Report. Prepared for the BC Ministry of Environment, and the BC Conservation Foundation, Surrey,BC. - Olson, D.H., Leonard, W.P., Bury, R.B. 1997. Sampling Amphibians in Lentic Habitats: Methods and Approaches for the Pacific Northwest. Northwest Fauna Number 4. Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology, Olympia, WA. - Ovaska, Kristiina et al. 2004. [internet] Best Management Practices for Amphibians and
Reptiles in Urban and Rural Environments in British Columbia. BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. Nanaimo. - Salt Spring Island Conservancy. 2010. [Internet] Western painted Turtle. Chrysemys picta bellii Western population. - Spinks, Philip Q. et al. 2003. [Internet] Survival of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) in an urban California environment. Biological Conservation 113 (2003) 257–267. - Sielecki, Leonard E. 2010. [Internet] Wildlife identification field guide: red and blue listed amphibians and reptiles in British Columbia . - Starkey, David E. et al. 2003. [Internet] Molecular Systematics, Phylogeography, and the Effects of Pleistocene Glaciation in the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys Picta) Complex. The Society for the Study of Evolution. 57(1), pp. 119–128. - Western Painted Turtle Recovery Team. 2010 [in draft] Draft Recovery Strategy for the Western Painted Turtle (Pacific Coast Population), Chrysemys picta bellii, in British Columbia Wikipedia the Online Encyclopedia. 2011. [Internet] Painted Turtle.
Credits
Species Profile prepared by: Pamela Zevit with Brent Matsuda for the South Coast Conservation Program (SCCP) in partnership with: International Forest Products (Interfor), Capacity Forestry (CapFor) and the Species at Risk & Local Government: A Primer for BC. Funding was made possible through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI): http://www.sfiprogram.org/
Updated and revised by: Isabelle Houde, RPBio in consultation with the SCCP. Part of the National Conservation Plan, this project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada. Dans le cadre du Plan de Conservation National, ce projet a été réalisé avec l’appui financier du Gouvernement du Canada.
Every effort has been made to ensure content accuracy. Comments or corrections should be directed to the South Coast Conservation Program: info@sccp.ca. Content updated March 2015.
Image Credits: Western Painted Turtle: William Leonard, Western Painted Turtle (ventral view): James H. Harding, Slider turtle: Sea Turtle Flickr, Habitat: Calypso Orchid Flickr. Only images sourced from “creative commons” sources (e.g. Wikipedia,Flickr, U.S. Government) can be used without permission and for non-commercial purposes only. All other images have been contributed for use by the SCCP and its partners/funders only.
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