Natural History Wanderings

The southwestern pond turtle populations in coastal San Diego county had been devastated due to habitat destruction and invasive species. By 2003 the population had declined to 120 in five locations.

In 2009  the “save the turtles”  program began, which was sponsored by the USGS, the San Diego Zoo, the California Department of Fish and Game and the San Diego Assn. of Governments. Eggs were hatched at the San Diego Zoo, young turtles were released in the wild and invasive species were relocated. New young turtle have been seen at a study site.

It may be a while before the turtle population is stable and growing. but the initial efforts are promising. Read more at:  Southwestern pond turtle shows signs of San Diego-area comeback – latimes.com.