Bog turtles are the smallest turtles in North America and are critically endangered, restricted to small, isolated bog habitats along the eastern seaboard. Wetland draining, invasive plants, and illegal collection threaten the remaining populations.
Bog turtles in drained wetlands lose the saturated sphagnum moss and shallow water habitat required for thermoregulation, nesting, and foraging. Invasive shrubs shade out the open sunny areas they need for basking. Illegal collection from wild populations removes individuals from already tiny populations where each animal has significant conservation value. Habitat management that maintains open, wet conditions directly improves individual welfare by providing adequate thermal and foraging resources.