A significant decline has come in the population of the Blanding's turtle. Earlier, this species was commonly found in the upper Midwest. But now, its number has declined alarmingly and is now found in Minnesota and Nebraska. Its condition has led the federal government consider whether to add the turtle to the endangered species list.

There was a time when Blanding's turtle used to thrive in the Great Lakes region and the Upper Midwest. But now, it is found only in Minnesota and Nebraska. The federal government has agreed to review whether the species should be placed in the endangered species list.

In Minnesota, the species is already listed as threatened. But under the federal government, they are not included in the listed. If Blanding's turtles are included in the endangered list then they would have more protection.

Minnesota DNR said that Blanding's turtles' habitat is threatened by factors like development and slow rate of reproduction. Last week, the US Fish and Wildlife Service said that it will study whether the turtle and many other amphibians and reptiles require additional protection.

The decision comes as a response to a petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental advocacy group. Talking about Blanding's turtles, they grow between six and 10 inches in length.

This turtle has a very distinctive look, and this proves problematic for them as they can be often caught and are also sold illegally as pets. Another major problem is that development is taking place in those areas that are their habitats.

Generally, the turtle lives in marshes and other wetlands. But they also need sandy areas nearby for nesting. These turtle are also at risk of getting killed on roads, as they do not move very quickly and while crossing roads from their wetland homes to their nesting spots, they can be killed.

The review will take a year or two and the agency will accept public comments on the topic till August 31.