Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
|
 |
|
Heeb, A. , The unseen effect of box turtle races. Paper presented at Third Box Turtle Conservation Workshop.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:33:44 UTC) |
| Resource type: Proceedings Article BibTeX citation key: Heeb2007 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Habitat = habitat, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Terrapene, Terrapene carolina, Terrapene ornata Creators: Heeb Collection: Third Box Turtle Conservation Workshop |
Views: 2/535
Views index: 9% Popularity index: 2.25% |
| Abstract |
|
Turtle racing is an event held at county fairs, community festivals, and other events across the United States. For the event, wild caught box turtles (Terrapene carolina and T. ornata) are placed in a circle, with the first turtle to exit the circle being the winner. An ongoing study was initiated in 2005 to determine how many box turtles are removed from the wild for turtle races, what effect this may be having on populations, and what husbandry techniques are used to care for the turtles. Events holding turtle races were found through phone surveys and internet searches. When available, data on the number of turtles entered in races were recorded. I also attended turtle races and heard accounts from other people who had attended them. Results showed that turtles were mostly kept in unsanitary conditions that were detrimental to their needs. Turtles are usually not returned to their home ranges and are sometimes released en mass. Surveys found over 520 annual turtle races in 35 states. Based on entry data from over 50 races I estimate that over 26,000 box turtles are taken from the wild annually for these events. I discuss other issues concerning turtle races as well as a relocation study using turtles taken from races. Due to the large number of turtles removed from the wild, these events could adversely affect box turtle populations. State wildlife agencies should consider prohibiting or regulating turtle races and entries should be closely monitored to detect any potential population declines.
Added by: Admin |