What global conservation status has NatureServe currently assigned to *Glyptemys insculpta*?
Answer
Vulnerable
The current global assessment of the Wood Turtle reflects significant ecological pressures causing widespread declines across its historical range. NatureServe has classified the global status of *Glyptemys insculpta* as Vulnerable. This classification accounts for the species' inherent biological vulnerabilities—namely its slow life history pace—combined with escalating modern stressors such as habitat fragmentation and high adult mortality rates. Although some individual jurisdictions may list the status as Threatened or Endangered locally, the global assessment indicates a widespread risk across its entire North American distribution.
Related Questions
What is the modern genus classification for the Wood Turtle, *G. insculpta*, shifting from its historical grouping?Which genus is identified as the sister group to *Glyptemys* in phylogenetic analyses concerning Wood Turtle evolution?The key life history characteristics of *G. insculpta*, such as delayed maturity and long lifespan, are classic examples of which evolutionary selection strategy?What is the typical clutch size range observed when the Wood Turtle nests in sandy or gravelly soils near streams?What specific physical feature characterizes the carapace of the Wood Turtle (*G. insculpta*) distinguishing it morphologically?What critical requirement forces the Wood Turtle's tight coupling to river systems for overwintering?According to an eighteen-year mark-recapture study, what was the approximate annual apparent survival rate recorded for male Wood Turtles?What global conservation status has NatureServe currently assigned to *Glyptemys insculpta*?Why do population declines impact *G. insculpta* so severely despite a relatively wide historical range stretching to Wisconsin and New Brunswick?Besides *G. insculpta*, which other species is recognized as currently existing within the genus *Glyptemys*?