Habitat selection at multiple spatial scales in Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica)

Understanding habitat use of declining species is essential for their management and successful recovery. We examined habitat selection at multiple spatial scales by Northern Map Turtles ( Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817)), a species at risk, in the St. Lawrence Islands National Park, Ontario, Canada. At the scale of the home range, Map Turtles generally avoided deep water (>2 m) and selected home ranges in waters <1 m deep. Importantly, turtles used home ranges with significantly more natural than developed shoreline. At the scale of the location, adult females used deep water more often and males preferred areas with surface cover. Management efforts should implement regulations concerning further shoreline development.