Editing Spotted turtle (section)

==Conservation==
In Canada, the spotted turtle is federally endangered,<ref name='Environment Canada'/> while in the United States the spotted turtle is currently under review by the [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]] for protection under the [[Endangered Species Act]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews.cfm?ID=44C70A0B-C16F-1A42-0C25E1C4D9DD83E8|title=Federal Wildlife Officials Respond to Petitions to List Dozens of Species under the Endangered Species Act |publisher=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service|website=www.fws.gov|access-date=2016-05-25}}</ref> It is listed by the [[IUCN]] as endangered,<ref name=iucn/> and has "listed" status in many of the states where it occurs. For example, in [[Indiana]] the spotted turtle is listed as an [[endangered species]].<ref name=312iac>{{cite web|publisher=Indiana Legislative Services Agency|year=2011|title=312 IAC 9-5-4: Endangered species of reptiles and amphibians |work=Indiana Administrative Code|access-date=28 Apr 2012|url=http://www.in.gov/legislative/iac/}}</ref> In the Northeast, it has protective status in five of the six [[New England]] states and is listed as a species of special concern in New York.

[[Habitat destruction]], alteration, and conversion, collection for the pet trade, and other human impacts such as vehicle mortality (cars and mowers) are leading to declines in populations.<ref name="Ernst212"/> Vehicular mortality is particularly impactful because turtles crossing roads are likely pregnant female turtles in search of a nesting site.<ref name="CT turtle">{{cite web |url=https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Spotted-Turtle |publisher=Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |access-date=26 December 2021 |date=1 October 2015 |title=Spotted Turtle}}</ref> Additionally, since reproductive rates of these turtles are low, spotted turtles are extremely susceptible to population impacts.

Due to their aquatic habitat, these turtles are particularly sensitive to pollutants and toxic substances. They will disappear rapidly from areas with declining water quality.<ref name="CT turtle"/>

===Actions to benefit the species===

[[New Hampshire]] has identified some ways to conserve the habitat of spotted turtles.<ref name="NH Reptile Action Plan">{{cite web |title=New Hampshire Wildlife Action Plan Appendix A: Reptiles |url=https://wildlife.state.nh.us/wildlife/profiles/wap/reptile-spottedturtle.pdf |publisher=New Hampshire Fish and Game |access-date=26 December 2021}}</ref>
These include:
# Designing roads and transportation infrastructure to reduce vehicular mortality
# Public education about relevant rules and regulations on spotted turtles and other reptiles and amphibians (''e.g.'' sale and possession)
# Minimize disturbance to turtles from recreational activities
# Additional research and monitoring of the species
# Promote habitat restoration and enhancement
# Promote alternatives to habitat conversion and [[dewatering]]

[[File:Spotted Turtle Florida.jpg|thumb|Spotted turtle in Florida]]