Nesting behavior and reproductive characteristics of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) In Southwest Michigan

Abstract

61% of the world’s 356 turtle species are either threatened or already extinct (Lovich 2018). Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) listed as “vulnerable” on IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Down from 31 counties to just 13 counties in Michigan’s LP in the last 10 years (Marsack and Swanson 2009). What habitat are female Eastern Box Turtles (EBT) in Fort Custer using for nesting? What is the reproductive output of this population? Are there any relationships between female EBT shell morphometrics and reproductive output?