Identification
The Eastern Box Turtle is a small terrestrial turtle that possesses a high,
domelike shell and a hinged plastron that allows total shell closure. The carapace
can be of variable coloration, but is usually brownish or black and is adorned
with a yellowish or orangish radiating pattern of lines, spots or blotches.
Skin coloration, like that of the shell, is variable, but is usually brown with
some yellow, orange, or white spots or streaks. The color of the shell and skin
also varies with age, with younger turtles often being more vibrantly colored.
Males of this species usually have red eyes (irises). Eastern Box Turtles possess
a horny beak, stout limbs, and their feet are webbed only at the base.
Distribution and Status
The Eastern Box Turtle, as it’s name implies, is found primarily in the
eastern half of the United States. Its range extends as far north as southern
Maine and the northwest of the Michigan Lower Peninsula, south to southern Florida
and west to eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Eastern Box Turtle is considered
uncommon to rare in the Great Lakes region however populations can be locally
common in areas not bisected by heavily-traveled roads. In the Midwest, they
are a species of Special Interest in Ohio, and of Special Concern in Michigan.
They are not found in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa or Missouri. (US
distribution map; Midwest
distribution map).
Ecology
Favoring moderately drained deciduous or mixed woodlands, particularly ones with sandy soil, the Eastern Box Turtle is found almost exclusively on land. The species can also be found in thickets, fields, pastures, vegetated dunes, marshes and the edges of bogs. Areas with the highest turtle densities feature moist, open forest with ravines or mid-sized slopes. Access to water is important for the Eastern Box Turtle, who will sometimes soak around the edges of small streams or ponds on a hot day.
Threats and Management Issues
Like most turtles, declining numbers can often be attributed to habitat destruction
and pollution. Box turtles also live long lives, regularly reaching between
40-50 years, with a record of 138 years. Sexual maturity is reached at around
10 years of age. Factors such as deforestation, spreading suburban development,
and collection for the pet trade coupled with the length of time before sexual
maturity leaves the turtle populations vulnerable. Local laws provide some protection
for the turtles, but their biggest threat is automobiles and heavy machinery.
Resources
Ernst. C. H., J. E. Lovich and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, USA.
General reference guides and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499