Nesting ecology of the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) in central Virginia, USA

摘要: The Eastern box turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina, was studied in an 11 ha woods Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. There evidence that moderate to heavy precipitation June-July induced nesting behaviour by gravid females. We found 86-92% of telemetered, females oriented toward open areas (fields, road/trail borders, and yards) oviposit. Of the observed 13 nestings, (85%) occurred between 17:00 01:00 h. Forty-seven percent eggs hatched enclosed, predator-proof nest enclosures. Because migration from sites, had a mean bivariate normal activity range almost five times greater than nongravid This finding has negative implications regarding conservation species road- fragmented habitats due potential for increased road mortality or other human disturbance wider ranging