Research

        Using a combination of tracking and surveying techniques we aim to study the movement, behavior, and distribution of the Eastern Box Turtle in the Clemson area. The Clemson experimental forest offers a unique opportunity to compare the study parameters in a natural and urban environment. The experimental forest offers habitat that closely resembles the natural habitat of the Eastern Box Turtle. By comparing the movement and behavior of the turtles in the experimental forest to that of turtles in more urban areas of Clemson we can determine how much urban development affects the turtles.  
 

        The turtles are located with a combination of surveying, outreach, and citizen science participation. Surveys will take place in the experimental forest and accessible urban areas such as public parks. An exciting prospect of the field surveys is the possible use of wildlife detection dogs to assist with locating turtles in heavily forested areas. Wildlife detection dogs have proven to be crucial for many turtle studies. While the surveys are effective in areas with less development, we must rely on social outreach and citizen scientists to assist in locating and tracking turtles found in urban areas. 
 

        To track the movement of the Eastern Box Turtle we are using a tracking method called radio telemetry. After weighing the turtle to ensure it is the minimum weight required, a transmitter is affixed to the shell using marine grade epoxy putty. The transmitter emits a signal at a specific frequency which we pick up using a receiver and an antenna. We track all of the turtles once a week and note their coordinates using the mobile app GAIA. The transmitters will emit a signal for 12 months, after which they will be removed from the shell.