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Northern Map Turtle

Graptemys geographica

The lines covering this turtle are thought to resemble rivers or contour lines on a road map. This is how the animal acquired its name.

COSEWIC Status: Special Concern

COSSARO Status: Special Concern

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

The committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada is a committee of experts who determine the national status of native species thought to be at risk of disappearing from Canada. Members include academics, specialists, Aboriginal people or government, & biologists.

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Species at Risk Status

Special Concern

This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

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Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario

The committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario reviews the COSEWIC status reports for species that occur in Ontario, then makes recommendations on the appropriate provincial status of the species. Provincial status is identified on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List.

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Species at Risk Status

Special Concern

This is a species of special concern because of characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

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S. Gillingwater

Have you seen this species at risk? Report your sighting.

Food

• Females will eat crayfish, clams and snails.
• Males eat smaller aquatic insects.
• Both will eat some carrion and plants.

Habits and Reproduction

• Hibernate from early November to early April.
• Highly aquatic and can swim long distances.
• A wary turtle that will dive in the water at the first sign of danger.
• Mating takes place in deeper waters, so little has been observed, however it probably occurs in spring and fall.
• In late June to early July, clutches of 10-12 oval eggs are laid in sunny, sandy areas.
• Hatching occurs late August to September. Nest temperature will determine the sex of the turtle. Temperatures of approximately 30 degrees Celsius produce females and cooler temperatures produce males.
• Males reach maturity between 3-5 years; females do not mature until 10 to 14 years.

Habitat

• Shows preference for larger lakes, bays, rivers and open marshes, with mud, sand or gravel bottom.

Threats

• Habitat loss through shoreline development and recreational use. These turtles are sometimes struck by boats and boat wakes or the rise in water levels from a dam can damage nesting areas.
• Prey species such as clams may have high levels of heavy metals and other toxins.

Conservation Actions

• Operate watercraft with care. Please slow down near shorelines. This will benefit other species as well, from the Common Loon to the threatened Least Bittern.
• Read the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s guide to Turtle Nests and Nest Protection.
• Find an injured turtle? Please see the information on the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s website.