What crucial soil characteristics do wood turtle females seek for nesting sites?
Answer
Open, sunny areas with well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soil
Nesting behavior requires females to travel significant distances overland from their aquatic homes to locate specific terrestrial nesting sites, usually in late spring or early summer. The ideal environment for egg survival must allow for proper development while preventing fungal or bacterial issues. Therefore, females strongly favor open, sunny locations that provide well-drained soil, specifically sandy or gravelly substrates. This drainage is essential to prevent excess moisture accumulation, which can cause the eggs to rot.
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