Habitat Loss and Fragmentation. Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary threats to the LEPC. Construction of oil and gas pads, compressor stations, private roads (e.g., lease roads), distribution lines, and industrial buildings (“Impact Activities”) may contribute to habitat loss and fragmentation. The following Conservation Measures apply to any action that could further negatively impact LEPC habitat or connectivity between blocks of LEPC habitat to receive coverage under the CCAA.
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation. Western Chicken Turtle is considered rare and declining, though no systematic population surveys have been completed. This species requires multiple, adjacent habitat types and, as such, populations are very difficult to quantify. According to Xxxxxx et al. (2017), Western Chicken Turtle habitat in Texas is currently threatened, and most likely will continue to be threatened by wetland loss and fragmentation caused by urbanization. Xxxxxx et al. (2017) surmise that there has been a significant loss of prime wetland habitat around the Greater Houston area between 2001 and 2011, but that the urbanization in and around the DFW area has not been as significant for the Western Chicken Turtle because less desirable habitat has been urbanized.
