If a stream has pristine water quality but lacks the required substrate, what is the outcome for the Wood Turtle population?
Answer
The stream might not support a viable population because successful egg deposition cannot occur.
Habitat quality assessment for the Wood Turtle must encompass reproductive requirements in addition to general water quality. While clean water is necessary, the physical structure of the stream bottom is critical for reproduction. If streams are characterized by bedrock or heavy silt, they lack the necessary gravel or sandy substrates required for successful egg laying. Even if the water quality is excellent, the inability of the females to deposit eggs successfully means the area cannot sustain or replenish its population, leading to eventual decline or failure to establish viability.
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