Title: Conservation Genetics of the North American Box Turtles(Terrapene sp.)

The goals of this project are to better understand the phylogenetics and population genetics of Box Turtles. Conservation efforts are typically species-based, so a more thorough examination of the phylogenetic relationships between currently recognized Box Turtle species and subspecies is needed to facilitate the implementation of the best conservation strategies. For example, there are currently four recognized subspecies of the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina) (the Florida, Eastern, Gulf Coast, and Three-toed) and two recognized subspecies of the Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) (the Desert and Ornate) (Crother et al., 2000). Based on this classification scheme, many would manage Easterns found in New Jersey similarly to Three-toeds found in Texas, as they are considered the same species. Similarly, the Ornate and the Desert may fall under the same management protocols. It is easy to see how this may be a problem. Our preliminary results indicate that Three-toeds are as distinct from the Easterns as the Ornates are from Easterns indicating that the Three-toeds may be a separate species, which may dramatically alter how they are managed. However, this conclusion is based on a limited number of individuals (< 12) and on one gene sequence. The purpose of our study is to continue this work on a rangewide basis to fully understand the phylogeny of Box Turtles. Our secondary objective is to examine the more fine-scale population genetics of Box Turtles to determine if specific populations have already declined and to decide which populations are in the greatest need of management.

Jeanne M. Baker, graduate student at the University of Illinois, The Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820

The objectives of this study are to: 1) determine clutch size and proportion of adult females that are gravid, 2) determine the length, direction, and duration of nesting forays, 3) monitor nest sites to determine predation rates, hatching success, and offspring size, and 4) determine the macro- and microhabitat used for nesting. In addition, I would like to determine if specific habitat characteristics affect incubation period and hatching success. I expect that the results of this study will be similar to last year’s. Approximately half of the female population will be gravid with clutch sizes ranging between three and eight eggs. Females will move sporadically just prior to nesting. After oviposition occurs, females will remain within close proximity to the nest site for approximately one week. Half of the nests that are found will be caged to measure hatching success without the risk of predation. It is likely that most of the nests that are not protected will be depredated and the hatching success of the protected nests will be lose to seventy-five percent. A successful field season will involve locating at least 20 nest sites. A large sample size will allow for comparison between nesting females. However, field studies are never definite due to unpredictable circumstances and all results are useful for future studies.