Title: Eastern Box turtles and their behavioral and physical demeanor

around the fragmented land of the Lovett School over the course of eleven
years.
Abstract:
What are the objectives of the study?
The objective of the study is to track, over time, Eastern Box Turtles at the Lovett
School. The study is allowing us to keep up with the box turtle population on our property
and figure out the home ranges for multiple different turtles. Through alterations in the
box turtles habitat, this study has enabled us to see how box turtles behave and change
their home ranges over the course of 11 years.
How was the study done?
Over the past 11 years groups of students have spent countless hours keeping up with
the box turtles on Lovetts campus. About 4-8 turtles are tracked each year for 12 weeks
in the fall. Once given their turtle, each group does baseline data, including gender,
weight, height, etc. This helps us identify and keep up with each turtle, so that our study
can be as accurate as possible. Also, the students tape a transmitter to the turtle, as this
is how we are able to find them each week. The turtle is then released back where it was
found and this begins the 12-week study. Each week, students go to the certain valley
that their turtle is located in and attempt to find their turtle using telemetry. Once found,
ribbon is tied onto a tree where the turtle was discovered and the location of the find is
also put on a topo map along with a compass reading. After repeating this method
twelve times, the group is able to use their topo map to identify the size of the home
range of their turtle. The size of the home range along with other important data is then
added to all the other information that has been gained over the past 11 years. As the
database for the box turtles living on our property continues to grow, we are able to gain
more and more knowledge about the home ranges of the Eastern Box Turtle.
What results were obtained?
Throughout the 11-year study of box turtles on Lovetts campus, we have gained results
that give us insight into the successfulness of the box turtle population. From the
beginning of the study we have kept track of identified deaths of the box turtles on our
campus, and have only identified four deaths over the past 11 years. The results from
the study show us all the different turtles that have been found, including baby box
turtles that have been located throughout our campus. Lastly, this study has let us obtain
the size of home ranges for over thirty different turtles.

What is the significance of the results?

Since only four box turtle deaths have been identified, we can see that box turtles are
able to thrive at Lovett. It is a safe community for them to not only succeed but also
reproduce. Since there have been young box turtles found over the past 11 years, it
shows that the turtles living on Lovett are reproducing trying to increase their population.
The evidence that turtles are reproducing at Lovett shows that they are comfortable in
their habitat and believe their offspring will be able to flourish at Lovett as well. Lastly, by
being able to see the home ranges of multiple turtles, we are able to recognize that
females have a larger home range than males at Lovett. Also, we are able to see that
the box turtles have enough space in their habitats to have around average home range
sizes. All of these results show us that box turtles are able to live sufficiently on the
Lovett campus.

Introduction:
The Terrapene C. Carolina, more commonly known as the Eastern Box Turtle, is an
important indicator of the overall well-being and health of an area. Box Turtles develop a home
range where they live their whole lives. If a Box Turtles home range is destroyed, they will
attempt to return to the destroyed habitat. Similarly, a Box Turtle that is displaced will also
attempt to return to its home range. Both of these phenomena were studied by Joy Hester, a
Biology professor at Davidson University. Her research supported the hypothesis that when Box
Turtles are relocated they will always attempt to find their old home range. Furthermore, her
study showed that displaced Box Turtles will have a more irregular movement pattern and less
established new home range since they are searching for their old home range which they were
accustomed to. Our study focused on tracking the home range of both unmoved box turtles and
box turtles who have lost their habitat to construction. Lovetts campus features a fragmented
habitat broken up by buildings, roads, and sport fields. In this specific study over the last 11
years, different student groups at Lovett track one box turtle per group on campus from the
months of August to November to effectively determine the home ranges of Box Turtles on
Lovetts campus. Overall, this study interprets data about home range and size of Eastern Box
Turtles to draw conclusions about mating, homing, and more.

Materials and Methods:

Every August around 5-10 box turtles are captured and taken in to get baseline data.
The baseline data, which is the sex, eye color, whether or not the plastron is concave, and if you
can see the tail and cloaca, were recorded and the width, length, and depth of the turtle, were
measured using a caliper. Next the transmitter was attached to the box turtles shell using
industrial strength Velcro, and secured with camouflage duct tape. Over the next 12 weeks, the
turtles were tracked using telemetry, and the findings were evenly spaced out. Every time a
turtle was successfully tracked, the nearest tree was marked with a flag that had the date of the
find written on it. At the end of the 12 weeks, the flags were taken up and the location of each

flag was marked on the topography maps. After all of the flags were marked on the maps, lines
were drawn on the map, connecting all of the outermost flag marks. These areas represented
the box turtle's home range, and the actual home ranges were calculated using the key on the
topo maps by dividing the section into multiple triangles and finding the area of each individual
triangle, then adding them all together. The turtles were then returned to their habitats in the
wilderness and will be recaptured next August.
Graphs and Once sentence summary:
I.
Population Statistics:
Figure 1: Total number of male and total number of female turtles captured in the study
- Males: 46
- Females: 38
Total Number BTs Captured in study
- Total: 84

The data above shows the number of male box turtles captured compared to the number of
female box turtles found throughout the entire study, also shows the total number of female and
male box turtles found throughout the entire study.
Figure 2: Number of New Captures per year

The data above shows how many new captures of box turtles were made throughout the entire
study; this does not include recaptures.
Figure 3: Number of New Captures per year

The data above shows the year of the study and the number of times that specific year a box
turtle from the study was recaptured.

Figure 4: Individual turtles and their number of times recaptured

Turtles

Number of Recaptures

Alcatraz

Biggie Smalls

Billy Peebs

Bob Braddy

Carrot top

Diego

Donatello

Killer

Lebron

Little foot

Magnum

Moby

Nathaniel

Oaky

Old Man

Overdrive

Petri

Quincy

Raphael

Rocky Top

Rufus

Running Bear

Spittle

Baby Caroline

Daisy

English

Ginger

Hilda

Jewel

Latisha

The data in the table above lists both male and female box turtles, showing the number of times
throughout the study they have been captured.
Figure 5: Population estimate of the study area
2016 using multiple years for initial capture

(29+1) * (17+1)
(6-1)

(30) * (18)
(5)

540
5

Population Estimate: 108 Turtles

There is an estimated 108 box turtles in the study area when using multiple years for the initial
capture.

2016 using 2015 as initial capture and 2016 as recapture

(10+1) * (17+1)
(6-1)

(11) * (18)
(5)

198
5

Population estimate = 40 Turtles

There is an estimated 40 box turtles in the study area when using 2015 for the initial capture
year.

II.
1.

Sexual Dimorphism:
Sexual Dimorphic measurements - Male vs. Female (weight, length, width, depth)

Figure 6:

The weight graph shows the average weight in grams for both male and female Eastern Box
Turtles.
Figure 7:

The length graph shows the average length in centimeters for both male and female Eastern
Box Turtles.
Figure 8:

The width graph shows the average width in centimeters for both male and female Eastern Box
Turtles.

Figure 9:

The depth graph shows the average depth in centimeters for both male and female Eastern Box
Turtles.
III.
Home Range & Distribution:
1.
Number of turtles captured in each named valley (total and Male vs. Female by sex)
Figure 10:
Rainy Day
Valley

Denny
Valley

Hidden
Valley

Intermittent
Valley

LS
Valley

Broad
Valley

Males

14

Females

Total

10

10

20

13

This chart shows the number of box turtles captured in each valley by male, female, and total
number.
2.
Home range sizes (Male vs. Female)
Figure 11:

The graph above shows the average of all the home ranges of males and females.

3.
Average home range sizes (Male vs. Female) in different valleys
Figure 12:

The graph above shows the average home range for both males and females in each valley on
campus.
IV.
1.

Rescue and Repatriation:

Data based on BTs rescued from baseball field construction.

a.
Which have been found and which have not?
Figure 13:
Turtle
Name

Year(s)
Captured

Bob
Braddy

2009

2013

Diego

2008

2012

2014

Donatello

2005

2009

2010

2016

Leopold

2008

Oaky

2005

2007

2009

2010

2011

2013

2016

Raphael

2007

2008

Running
Bear

2008

2013

2016

Avalon

2010

Barbie

2009

Bella

2008

Daisy

2009

2010

2011

Jewel

2005

2008

2009

2011

2012

2013

2016

Kaleidos
cope

2009

Kalisha

2009

Latisha

2008

2010

2011

2012

2013

Ling-Ling

2008

The graph above lists all the box turtles throughout the study that have been rescued from the
baseball field construction, while also listing next to each box turtle the year(s) they were
captured and whether or not they were recaptured.
b.
Home range sizes of turtles relocated from the baseball field construction compared to
non-relocated turtle home range sizes.

Figure 14:
The chart above shows the average home ranges (in acres) of box turtles that were not rescued
compared to the home range of box turtles that were rescued.
V.
1.

our Groups BT Map:

Y
Satellite image of campus area showing approximate home range of your turtle.

2.
Scanned image of your topographical map showing home range. Put acreage on the
map and include the acreage information in your base line data page.

Discussion:
The data that has been collected over the eleven years of this study has provided a
baseline of information regarding box turtles living in the fragmented habitat of The Lovett
School. Specifically, the information in the study focuses on the turtles home ranges as well as
their health. By analyzing the number of box turtles captured each year, the number of
recaptured box turtles each year, while also taking into consideration the valley in which the
turtles were found and their different home ranges, general conclusions could be made
regarding the living conditions of the box turtles. The information that was obtained allowed for
comparison of male to female box turtles to be made, showing the distinctions and also the
effects a fragmented habitat has box turtles lives.
Figure 1, categorized by gender, indicates the number of box turtles found throughout
the entire study. This information in the graph is important regarding the ability for the box
turtles to reproduce. There is a total of 84 box turtles in the study, 46 are males and 38 females.

The number of males was clearly higher than females, this information proved significant
regarding reproduction. Since there are more males than females, the females have the ability
to mate, the possibility for reproductive success is greater. Females are capable of having eggs
several years after one mating and often have larger home ranges than males due to their need
to find a safe place to lay their eggs.
Figure 2 is a chart showing the number of captures per year in the study, this includes
the male, female, and total from each year. From the inserted trendline, it is easily seen that the
total number of captures each year is decreasing. In 2005 fifteen box turtles were captured and
then in 2008 only thirteen box turtles were found. There are several possible reasons for this
decline in the number of box turtles, one being the habitat fragmentation the box turtles
experience. Fragmentation is not beneficial for box turtles, since they have such a strong sense
of home range, if it is interrupted by human influences, the turtles experience a great struggle to
adapt to their new habitat. Although new turtles are still being discovered to this year, it shows
that even though the human influence has a general decline on the number of box turtles
captured, the fragmentation does not prevent new turtles from coming onto the Lovett campus.
Figure 3 exhibits the number of recaptured box turtles per year. In the trendline, it can be
seen that the overall total number of recaptures per year has increased greatly every year. In
the year 2013 there were thirteen recaptures, but in 2008 there were only three recaptures. This
information supports the idea of box turtles having a very strong sense of home range, Jewel, a
turtle originally captured in 2005, has been recaptured six times and recently tracked this past
year. Over the course of eleven years, Jewel has been living and surviving in the Rain Day
Valley on Lovetts property. This consistency proves that although the valleys at Lovett
experience slight habitat fragmentation, many of the turtles have remained true to their home
ranges over the course of many years.
Figure 4 shows the number of times each box turtle in the study has been recaptured.
Those that are not listed have not yet been recaptured. Out of the 84 turtles in the study, 30 of
them have been recaptured. This large number of recaptures shows that the box turtles at
Lovett have been able to survive and thrive over the past 11 years. Three turtles, Donatello,
Oaky, and Sandy, were even captured the very first year of the study (2005) and were captured
again this year (2016). This large number of recaptures also shows that box turtles have stayed
true to their home range. They do not have a tendency to wander off or leave the general area
of their valley. Nevertheless, the data shows that there are still 54 box turtles that have not been
recaptured. However, since the study does not include looking all year long for as many box
turtles as possible, the number of recaptures does not accurately describe how many box turtles
have remained on our campus since they were captured for the first time.
Figure 5 shows the estimated population of box turtles on Lovetts campus. The first
calculation is using multiple years (2013-2015) as the initial capture. This comes out to 29
turtles and then you add one to get 30, which is then multiplied by the number of turtles
captured in 2016 (17) plus one to get 18. After multiplying those together you get 540, which
you then divide by the number of marked recaptures in 2016 (6) subtract by one to get 5. The
last step is to divide 540 by 5 and find that you get a total of 108 turtles. The second calculation
is using 2015 as the initial capture. This comes out to 10 turtles and then you add one to get 11,
which is then multiplied by the number of turtles captured in 2016 (17) plus one to get 18. After

multiplying those together you get 198, which you then divide by the number of marked
recaptures in 2016 (6) subtract one to get 5. The last step is to divide 198 by 5 to get an
estimated population of 40 turtles. These numbers are able to give us insight to how many
turtles we actually have living in the studied area. Also, these numbers can be used in coming
years to compare the population now to the population then, and see how the population
increases and decreases with different alterations that occur to our campus.
Figures 6-9 show a comparison between the average width, length, depth, and weight of
male and female box turtles. The figures showed that the average male box turtle is smaller
than the average female in every category except length where the average from male and
female are the same. Males tend to be smaller so that they are better equipped for mating.
Since males have shorter, slimmer, and lighter bodies they are more able to hook under
females bodies and mate.
Figure 10 is a chart presenting the data for the number of male box turtles, female box
turtles, and total box turtles in each valley on the Lovett School campus. The data, when based
off of gender, allows the valleys to be defined as prime reproduction habitats by the amount of
female turtles in each valley. The total number of turtles in each valley can lead to predictions of
which valley has the least amount of habitat fragmentation, the most water, or other essential
resources for the turtles. The number of male box turtles in each valley can help to predict which
valleys will have the most baby turtles, since males are essential to box turtle reproduction.
Figure 10 shows that Hidden Valley has the most captured box turtles in it. This data suggests
that Hidden Valley has abundant resources and space for box turtles and their habitats.
Figure 11 is a graph that contrasts the average home range for male box turtles and
female box turtles. The average home range for females is bigger than the average home range
for males. The average female home range was 0.78625 acres while the average male home
range was 0.723809524 acres. This information proves that female box turtles need bigger
home ranges. Since female box turtles lay eggs, they need sufficient nesting areas near water
with plenty of sunlight. This need for a substantial nesting area results in a bigger average home
range for female box turtles. The females move around more to find these areas, so that when
breeding time comes along, it is easy for them to quickly find a safe place to lay their eggs.
Figure 12 is a graph displaying the average home range size for male and female box
turtles in each different valley. This data allows for interpretation on whether or not habitat
fragmentation has an effect on how many box turtles remain in one valley. The graph shows
that the turtles in the valleys that have been less affected by habitat fragmentation uphold their
large home ranges. For example, the Rainy Day valley is very secluded, or detached from
human activity, which resulted in overall higher turtle home ranges.
Figure 13 displays a chart with information stating the different years each box turtle
relocated from the baseball field construction has been recaptured. Out of the sixteen box
turtles that have been relocated, since their relocation seven of them have not been recaptured.
It is possible that the reasoning for nearly half of the turtles not being recaptured is surrounded
by the idea of box turtles having a strong home range. Attempting to relocate the turtles was
necessary because of the construction of the baseball fields, but the strong desire the turtles
have to return to their home range often leads them back to their original habitat. Many of the

turtles that attempted to do so couldve been killed by construction or have simply never been
able to return.
Figure 14 indicates the average home range of relocated box turtles compared to the
average home range of non relocated box turtle. The data collected showed that the non
relocated box turtles had an average home range of 0.54 acres, while the relocated box turtles
only had an average home range of 0.41 acres. The reasoning for the relocated box turtles
having a smaller average home range is because their original home range has been made
significantly smaller by the reconstruction of the baseball fields. After the reconstruction, the box
turtles attempted to return to where they had originally been, only to find either a wall in their
way or a very small part of their original habitat. However, some of the turtles that were
relocated travel along the cement wall surrounding part of the baseball field, this gives these few
turtles a generally large home range. Unable to return completely to their former home range
many of the turtles adapt slowly to the fragmented part of their original home range.
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Turtles. The Journal of Wildlife Management, vol. 72, no. 3, 2008, pp. 772777.

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Nichols, J. T. Stray Notes on Terrapene Carolina. Copeia, no. 46, 1917, pp. 6668.
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www.jstor.org/stable/1435738.

Wetmore, Alexander. Observations on the Hibernation of the Box Turtle. Copeia, no. 77, 1920, pp.
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