The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has reopened the public comment period on the proposal to list the northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) and the southwestern pond turtle (Emys marmorata pallida) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The comment period will close on May 5, 2024.
The service is also seeking comments on a proposed 4(d) rule. This rule would permit specific conservation activities for both species without risk of violating the Endangered Species Act on private property. These allowed activities include wildfire suppression and management, livestock pond maintenance, habitat restoration, and the removal of non-native species. The northwestern pond turtle’s range includes Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and northern and central California. The southwestern pond turtle resides in Monetary County, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego counties, extending into northern Baja California, Mexico. A USFWS assessment found that while both species will sustain wild populations in the near term, they risk extinction over the next 50 years due to population losses, lack of genetic diversity, and reduced ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The western pond turtle, native to California and much of the U.S. West Coast, is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is an omnivore, feeding on insects, crayfish, other aquatic invertebrates, plant matter, fish, tadpoles, and dead animal matter. Public comments can be submitted by visiting the Federal Register and searching for docket number FWS-R8-E8-2023-0092.
