A study of populations of the eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina in urban forest fragments
Abstract
Human interference and habitat urbanization appear to have a negative impact on the sex ratio and population density of eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina. To assess these effects, a mark-recapture study in the area of Fayetteville State University (FSU) campus was conducted from 1999 to 2006. In 2006, River Oaks (RO), a relatively undisturbed tract of protected land, was added to the study. Data from both study areas was then compared with data from other studies. The total population of box turtles in the FSU area was estimated to be 70 ± 48, with an estimated population density of approximately 7 turtles/ha. Turtles in the FSU study area exhibited a mean displacement of 22 m with a preference for forested areas. The FSU study area exhibited similar male-biased sex ratios as those found in other studies, with male turtles making up 68% of the captured turtles.
Subject Area
Urban Forestry|Wildlife Conservation|Zoology
Recommended Citation
Chute, Jenie Jo, "A study of populations of the eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina in urban forest fragments" (2007). ETD Collection for Fayetteville State University. AAI1482037.
https://digitalcommons.uncfsu.edu/dissertations/AAI1482037