Distribution and breeding potential of the exotic False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) in Canada

Abstract

False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica) is widespread in the central United States, and its native range extends close to the Canadian border. It is common in the pet trade and has been released into the wild outside its native range. We examined observations of False Map Turtle from iNaturalist Canada, an online platform to document native and non-native species, and confirmed 20 observations in Canada from eight cities in three provinces. The earliest observation was in April 2014 from Victoria, British Columbia. Fourteen of the 20 observations (70%) were from 2020 to February 2024. All the turtles were either large juveniles or adults. Climate data from the northern part of the False Map Turtle’s native range and from Canadian cities suggest that individuals could survive the winter in parts of southern Canada and successfully breed in parts of southern Ontario during the warmest years.