The University of Texas at Tyler
Turtle Research Laboratory
Box Turtle Study
Dr. James Koukl and his students working in the Turtle Research Lab at The University of Texas at Tyler
have been studying box turtles for seven years conducting a long-term, mark-recapture and radiotelemetry
program of box turtles living at Camp Tyler and on the campus of UT Tyler.
The goals of this project are to assess the size and stability of box turtle
populations at the Camp Tyler study site and UT Tyler and to use this information
to help establish conservation practices for all box turtle species. When a box
turtle is captured, it is assigned a specific code number and its measurements,
sex, and weight are recorded and entered into a database. The code number is
notched or etched around the outside of the carapace (shell). The notches or
etchings cause no harm to the turtle and remains readable for the life span of
the turtle. The turtle is returned to the exact capture location and the location
is recorded with a handheld GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. When a turtle
is recaptured, much can be learned by comparing data from all capture events.
Recapture rates are useful in estimating population size and density in various
locations.
Dr. Ron Gutberlet Tracking
When a box turtle is captured for the first time, we record its sex, weight,
dimensions, and estimated age. Calipers are used to take measurements
of the length and width of the plastron(bottom part of turtle), length and
width of the carapace (top of shell) and the height of the carapace. A small
scale is used to weigh the turtle and its sex is determined by several physical
characteristics, mainly plastron indentation characteristics and length and size
of the tail. Eye color can be used but found that this characteristic is not as
reliable as tail length. Males will have a slight indentation on the plastron while
the females have a somewhat flat plastron. Tail length is the most reliable for
males will have a longer and thicker tail while female have shorter, thinner tail
morphology. To approximate the age of a turtle we count the rings on each
scute (scutes are the sections that make up the carapace). It is very difficult
at times to get an exact age by this method since many of the older turtles
rings are to close together and are weathered to smoothness. Because box
turtles are very variable in their colorful markings we take digital photographs
of each turtle to help in future identification. The health of each turtle is also noted.
Current Progress of The University of Texas at Tyler’s Box Turtle Study
Dr. Koukl began studying box turtles at Camp Tyler in the Fall of 2000. Since
then 98 box turtles have been marked and released. In this time, only 12
recaptures have been made. This suggests that the box turtle population in
this area is not very large. This also suggests that in order to draw any
definitive conclusions many more turtles will need to be marked. Because
of this and the box turtle’s cryptic and secretive nature and habits, The
University of Texas at Tyler’s Turtle Research Lab is asking for the help
of students, faculty, employees and neighbors at Camp Tyler and on the
Campus of UT Tyler and the Tyler community to capture as many turtles
as possible to aid in this study.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP SAVE BOX TURTLES
It is not hard to get involved! There are a number of things you can do to help save box turtles:
Participate in The University of Texas at Tyler Turtle Research Lab’s Box Turtle Study
Capture any box turtle you find either on the grounds of Camp Tyler or surrounding neighborhoods or The University of Texas at Tyler’s campus or surrounding neighborhoods.
Note: Box turtles rarely bite, but be gentle with them and avoid touching their head. If you need to keep the turtle overnight before you bring it to us, you can put it in a box or bucket
As long as the turtle is not kept more than 2-3 days there is no need to feed it or give it water-it will not eat anyway.
For questions or more information contact Dr. James Koukl: Phone 903-566-7009 or to email: jkoukl@uttyler.edu
Very few hatchlings live to be adults. As a result, turtle populations remain stable only when there are enough offspring to replace their elderly parents. When box turtles are taken from the wild to be pets, they are not able to breed, and the delicate balance of the box turtle population is thrown off. As more and more turtles are taken from the wild, less offspring are born and the population begins to decline.
Pet box turtles may not be native to your area and should not interbreed with wild turtles. Captive turtles may also carry diseases or parasites that could harm the local native population. For these reasons, it is important that if you no longer want a pet box turtle and do not know here it was captured, you should find a capable new owner or contact a local herpetology society and put it up for adoption.
One of the threats to box turtles is the danger of being hit by cars while they try to cross roads. Simply by moving the turtle out of the way, you can save its life!
But, you must be very careful yourself and not put your own life in danger with oncoming traffic trying to save a turtle!
Habitat fragmentation and loss are severe threats to box turtle populations. As their habitat shrinks, the turtles will have a more difficult time finding food, shelter, and mates. By helping to protect their habitats, you are giving these turtles a place to live, as well as helping other species that share the same habitat as the turtles.
