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The eastern box turtle is considered uncommon to rare in the Great Lakes region; however, populations can be found in areas not bisected by heavily traveled roads. In the Midwest , it is a species of concern in Ohio , and a species of special concern [ disambiguation needed ] in Michigan and Indiana .
Eastern box turtles are one of the most commonly seen turtles in the wild. The reptile’s carapace is dome-shaped and covers most of its body, and has ridges and furrows that develop with age. The upper part of the turtle’s mouth is slightly hooked, and its toes are slightly webbed.
- Population Threats
- Population Number
- Ecological Niche
Destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of the habitat is the biggest threat to Eastern box turtles. They also suffer from pollution and pesticides, roadkills, fires, and predation of eggs and hatchlings. These box turtles are also collected in large numbers for the domestic and international pet trade and for 'turtle racing'.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Eastern box turtle total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.
Due to feeding upon a wide variety of animals, Eastern box turtles control the numbers of these species' populations throughout the area of their habitat. These turtles also act as seed dispersers as they eat berries from different kinds of plants.
The eastern box turtle is one of six extant subspecies of the common box turtle. It has a high-domed, rounded, hard upper shell, called a carapace. The vivid, orange and yellow markings on its dark brown shell distinguish it from other box turtles, as do the four toes on its hind feet.
How rare is a eastern box turtle? The eastern box turtle is not considered endangered on a national level. However, some states—including Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut—list the animal as a species of special concern, and Maine lists the turtle as endangered.
Eastern box turtles rarely fight and often share territories. Eastern box turtles can be found with 3 or 4 individual turtles sharing the same range and living peacefully. The occasional spat between males usually only consists of bites on each other’s shells, which causes very little damage. 3.
Aug 25, 2021 · Sadly, Eastern Box Turtles are a species of special concern in many states (including Pennsylvania), as their numbers have been steadily declining for the last few decades. This is the combined result of factors like habitat loss or disturbance, unsuccessful nests, and poaching for the pet trade which has become a very serious issue.
