By Erick Contreras | Conservation Summer Intern
At Piedmont Wildlife Center, we have been conducting an ongoing mark-recapture project on the box turtle population at Leigh Farm Park. Our mark-recapture project involves collecting data on box turtles that we either intentionally or unintentionally find. Data collected including location, weather, weight, and a variety of other measurements are useful for determining the movement, brumation cycle, abundance, and overall health of our box turtles.
Currently, the Eastern Box Turtle species is listed as vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. Here at Piedmont Wildlife Center, we have experienced a decrease in our box turtle sightings. With the declining population numbers, we need to continue monitoring and researching our population to help prevent the species from becoming endangered. Information such as habitat preference may be key to restoring the population numbers.
Over the summer, I devised an experiment to find out what habitat our local box turtle population most frequented. I set up several camera traps within different habitats including, wetlands, deciduous forests, and mixed forests. While this experiment is still ongoing, I am hopeful that I can learn valuable information about where our turtles have gone.
What can you do to help?
For more information about our mark-recapture project and information on how to submit any box turtle sightings please visit our website.
Thank you for your continued support and until next time!
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