YAMHILL COUNTY, Oregon — Conservationists in Oregon are racing to protect one of the state’s only native freshwater turtle species from becoming endangered.
The Northwestern Pond Turtle, a semiaquatic reptile once common in the region, is now listed as a “species of greatest conservation need” in Oregon’s Wildlife Action Plan. Biologists say habitat loss, invasive predators and illegal collection are threatening its survival.
“This is one of the species that is a priority to Oregon,” said Susan Barnes, a regional wildlife conservation biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “If we lose this species, that would be really sad.”…