Conservation Status of the Western Pond Turtle and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

A report on the ecological challenges facing California’s native Western Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata), focusing on threats from invasive species, habitat degradation, and climate change. This analysis highlights the direct relevance of local conservation efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Ecological Significance and Monitoring

The Western Pond Turtle, comprising two distinct but visually identical species (the Northwestern and Southwestern Pond Turtle), is the only native freshwater turtle in California. Its presence is a key indicator of a healthy, high-quality ecosystem. Conservation biologists from UC Davis are actively monitoring local populations through capture-and-release programs to estimate population size and survival rates. This data is crucial for developing conservation strategies that support SDG 15 (Life on Land), which aims to halt biodiversity loss.

Primary Threats to Survival and SDG Implications

The Western Pond Turtle population has declined dramatically over the past three decades due to a confluence of anthropogenic pressures. These threats undermine progress toward several Sustainable Development Goals.

Invasive Species Competition

A primary threat is the non-native red-eared slider, a common pet turtle frequently and illegally released into the wild. This practice directly contravenes the principles of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by introducing a harmful element into the environment as a result of consumer behavior.

• The red-eared slider is more aggressive and less shy than the native pond turtle, giving it a competitive advantage for resources and basking spots.
• The proliferation of these invasive turtles creates unsustainable competition, directly threatening native wildlife populations and impacting the targets of SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Habitat Degradation and Urbanization

The expansion of human infrastructure poses a significant threat to the turtle’s survival. This challenge is directly related to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which calls for mitigating the environmental impact of cities.

• Land Use Change: Development of housing, shopping malls, and parking lots destroys or fragments the terrestrial habitats turtles require for nesting and basking.
• Road Mortality: Turtles are vulnerable to being killed by vehicles when crossing roads to access nesting sites or new bodies of water.
• Waterway Health: The degradation of rivers and streams from urban runoff and development impacts the turtle’s ability to feed and thrive, further hindering the objectives of SDG 15 and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Climate Change

Looming over all other threats is climate change, which poses a systemic risk to biodiversity. This aligns with the urgent call for action in SDG 13 (Climate Action), as shifting climate patterns can alter freshwater habitats and disrupt the life cycles of species like the Western Pond Turtle.

Conservation Efforts and Recommendations for Achieving SDGs

While the Western Pond Turtle is protected in Washington and Oregon, and a proposal is underway for federal protection under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, further action is required. Achieving long-term viability for the species requires a multi-faceted approach aligned with the SDG framework.

Promoting Responsible Consumption and Community Action (SDG 12)

Public awareness and responsible behavior are critical to mitigating the threat of invasive species.

1. End Illegal Release: Pet owners must be educated on the ecological harm caused by releasing non-native species.
2. Promote Adoption: Responsible alternatives to release include offering unwanted pets for adoption through online services or contacting herpetological societies and rescue groups.

Sustainable Habitat Management (SDG 11 & SDG 15)

The future of the Western Pond Turtle depends on the protection and restoration of its natural environment.

• Protect Wilderness Areas: Ensuring that sufficient rural and wilderness habitats remain intact is essential for supporting robust turtle populations.
• Restore Urban Waterways: Continued efforts to restore and improve the health of urban and suburban rivers and creeks can create viable habitats, contributing to the goal of making human settlements more sustainable and supportive of local biodiversity.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the Western Pond Turtle touches upon several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting issues of biodiversity, ecosystem health, invasive species, and the impact of human activities on wildlife.

• SDG 15: Life on Land: This is the most prominent SDG in the article. It is directly addressed through the focus on the conservation of the native Western Pond Turtle, the threat of its extinction, the degradation of its freshwater and terrestrial habitats, and the significant problem posed by the invasive red-eared slider.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The article connects the survival of the Western Pond Turtle to the health of freshwater ecosystems. It mentions the turtle’s reliance on “healthy rivers and streams” and ongoing “watershed restoration” efforts, which aligns with the goal of protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article discusses threats from urbanization, stating that development such as “housing or shopping malls or parking lots” changes the landscape and degrades the turtle’s habitat. It also mentions roads as a major threat, linking urban infrastructure development directly to wildlife decline.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The issue of the invasive red-eared slider is framed as a problem of irresponsible consumer behavior. The article explains that people “buy them as pets… and when they no longer want them, they illegally release them outdoors.” The call for responsible pet ownership and awareness directly relates to this goal.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: Although the focus is on freshwater turtles, this goal is relevant as it addresses the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of invasive species on them. The principles of protecting aquatic life from threats like invasive species apply to both marine and freshwater environments.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Climate change is explicitly mentioned as a major, overarching threat to all biodiversity. The article notes that “looming in the background for all of our biodiversity… is climate change,” connecting the turtle’s long-term survival to global climate action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets can be identified from the issues discussed in the article:

1. Target 15.5 (under SDG 15): “Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.”
   
   Explanation: The article is centered on the Western Pond Turtle, a species that “has declined dramatically in the last 30 years or so” and is proposed for listing as a “threatened” species. The conservation efforts described are a direct action to prevent its extinction.
2. Target 15.8 (under SDG 15): “By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.”
   
   Explanation: The article extensively discusses the threat from the non-native red-eared slider, an invasive species that competes with the Western Pond Turtle. The biologist’s plea for people to “recognize the potential harm that releasing unwanted pets” can cause is a measure aimed at preventing their introduction.
3. Target 6.6 (under SDG 6): “By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.”
   
   Explanation: The article emphasizes that the turtles “need healthy rivers and streams” and mentions active “watershed restoration” at places like the UC Davis arboretum. This directly reflects efforts to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems.
4. Target 11.4 (under SDG 11): “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
   
   Explanation: The Western Pond Turtle is described as “the only one species of freshwater turtle native to the entire state” of California. Protecting this unique species and its habitat is an effort to safeguard the region’s natural heritage from threats like urban development.
5. Target 12.8 (under SDG 12): “By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.”
   
   Explanation: A key message in the article is the need for public awareness. The biologist hopes “people to recognize the potential harm that releasing unwanted pets or non-native wildlife can pose to our native species.” This is a direct call for information and awareness to promote lifestyles in harmony with nature.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to track progress:

• Population size and survival rates of native species (Implied): The research team’s work to “capture turtles… take measurements… [to] estimate the size of the population and their survival” is a direct method for measuring the status of the Western Pond Turtle population. This serves as an indicator for Target 15.5.
• Conservation status of species (Mentioned): The article notes the turtle is protected in Washington and Oregon and that the “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, proposed a rule listing the Western Pond Turtle… as threatened.” The official conservation status of a species is a key indicator of its level of risk and the success of protection efforts (Target 15.5).
• Presence of native species as a bioindicator of ecosystem health (Implied): The article states, “if you have a Western Pond Turtle in your local habitat, it’s usually a great sign that there’s a healthy ecosystem there.” Therefore, the presence, absence, or return of this species can be used as an indicator of the health and quality of freshwater ecosystems (Target 6.6).
• Prevalence of invasive species (Implied): The article notes that non-native red-eared sliders “are becoming a more frequent sight.” Tracking the frequency of sightings or the population density of this invasive species would be an indicator of the success or failure of measures to control them (Target 15.8).
• Public behavior regarding the release of pets (Implied): The biologist’s call for people to stop releasing pets and instead use adoption services implies that the number of illegally released animals is a key problem. A reduction in this number, perhaps tracked through animal rescue groups or surveys, would be an indicator of increased public awareness (Target 12.8).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: capradio.org