Movements and activity of bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenbergii) in southwestern Virginia

We radio-tracked 35 adult bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenbergii) at four study sites in south-western Virginia (May 1995 to December 1996) to assess the s cale and frequency of movement within and between wetlands and to identify the potential for population isolation. Net movements between subsequent lo cations recorded during 1995 (N = 18) and 1996 (N = 27) averaged 17 In and 18 m for females and 16 m and 23 m for males, respectively, and did not dif fer with respect to sex for either year. Net distances underestimated true bog turtle activity (measured by threadspooling) by a factor of 6.5. The le ngth of time between net distance measurements (1-9 d) did not influence th e resulting distance measured, suggesting that relatively short time interv als may not need to be considered when calculating activity estimates. Seve nty-five percent of all net movements were <20 m, whereas only 2% were >100 m. Large-scale movements between wetlands were observed infrequently. Info rmation regarding distance, timing, and proximate cues for movement is esse ntial to further understanding of the behavior and ecology of turtles. Disp ersal, although poorly studied, has profound implications for social behavi or, genetic structure, and persistence of populations. If successful disper sal is limited to infrequent, large-scale movements, future wetland loss ma y serve to isolate some populations of bog turtles. Further study of the im portance long-distance movements play in maintaining populations is needed to aid future conservation strategies in southwestern Virginia.