Why results in sluggish population rebounds for the wood turtle despite condition improvements?
Answer
Their considerable lifespan results in a low reproductive rate and slow recruitment
The wood turtle possesses a remarkable natural longevity, often living for fifty years or more in the wild. This extended lifespan is counterbalanced by a low reproductive output. Females may only nest successfully a few times throughout their entire lives. Consequently, recruitment—the survival rate of hatchlings reaching maturity—is slow. If recruitment drops due to threats, the population replacement rate is extremely sluggish, meaning it can take decades for the population to rebound even if external pressures are immediately alleviated.
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