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Why Turtles?

Found around the world in rivers, deserts, jungles, and our own backyards, it’s easy to assume tortoises and freshwater turtles will always be here. But the very traits that once helped them survive render them vulnerable to extinction today.
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Protecting the world’s most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles

We All Play a Role.

To save turtles, we all play a role. Every day, tortoises and freshwater turtles around the globe face pressing threats. Your support equips us to support species where and how they need us most.

Turtles are ancient and remarkable creatures who deserve a champion. When you stand with us, you help ensure their continued survival. Together, we can create a world with zero turtle extinctions.

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Terrapene nelsoni

Spotted Box Turtle

Habitat:

Oak savannas, tropical dry forests, and montane pine-oak forests

Threats:

– Habitat destruction
– Illegal collection for the pet trade
– Prolonged drought

Wild Population:

Unknown
One of North America’s most understudied chelonians

Conservation Efforts:

– Protected from commercial collection and trade in Mexico
– Population evaluation and monitoring
– Ecological field studies
– CITES Appendix II

Endangered Status:

Data Deficient

Species Snapshot

Fast Facts

-Males commonly develop large bulbous heads and pronounced beaks, which they use for fighting over burrows, females, and territory.

-Brown carapace spattered with creamy yellow spots.

Spotted Box Turtle_Terrapene nelsoni_Female in rocky stream_Robert Villa Spotted Box Turtle_Terrapene nelsoni_Female in nature_Taggert Butterfield (1) Spotted Box Turtle_Terrapene nelsoni_Female on hillside_Robert Villa

Spotted Box Turtles prefer oak savannas and pine-oak woodlands at higher elevations, but are also found in the tropical dry forest at lower elevations. They are terrestrial and associated with hill-slopes with complex understory vegetation. They have been documented eating dung beetles, mushrooms, and herbaceous vegetation. 

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