Habitat
In Colorado, the ornate box turtle inhabits the eastern grasslands south
of the Platte River Valley. This area is largely developed for agriculture,
which limits the areas in which the turtles can survive. There are, fortunately,
large tracts of land that are undeveloped, used for cattle grazing, or
used for oil extraction. There are also sand hill areas, on which development
is difficult and ecosystems remain intact. Habitat suitable for box turtle
is often sandy soil, dotted with sagebrush, yucca, and other prairie plants.
They often feed off dung beetles and other invertebrates that are attracted
to cow dung. Box turtle populations require large tracts of this land
to sustain populations over time. Canals, railroad tracks, roads, and
some fences can limit population movement, thus reducing gene flow within
an otherwise healthy population. As development from Colorado's Front
Range continues to expand eastward, box turtles could face a dire situation.
Unless we know what a stable population needs in terms of area and land
features, we cannot work to effectively protect these turtles.
Colorado
Reptile Humane Society is licensed by the State of Colorado, Pet Animal
Care Facilities Act, as an animal shelter.
Colorado Reptile Humane Society is a federal 501(c)(3)non-profit organization.
Copyright 2009 by Colorado Reptile Humane Society.