The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking at potentially changing the state’s endangered and threatened species list and is seeking input from the public.
Could the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) be listed as an endangered or threatened species in the state of Michigan? That question could be answered based on input from the public with regard to changes to the state’s endangered and threatened species list.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking at potentially changing the state’s endangered and threatened species list and is seeking input from the public. Under state law, the DNR must review the list periodically under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.
The state convenes technical advisory committees that are comprised of university researchers, Michigan Natural Features Inventory biologists, DNR staff members and species experts to determine and recommend which species should be added or removed from the list. If you wish to provide comment, you can send an email to the Michigan DNR here by September 30.
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Nashville Biologists Track Eastern Box Turtles
The Eastern box turtle has had spotty occurrences over the years in the state, with as many as 28 observations in Allegan county in 2021, 24 observations in Van Buren county in 2021, to three observations in Hillsdale in 2020 and three observations in Montcalm county in 2021. The turtle occurs in forested habitats that feature sandy soils near water sources. They can also be found in thickets, old fields, pastures and vegetated dunes, according to Michigan State University.
Box Turtle Information
Box turtles are widely captive-bred. There are 14 North American species and 12 Asian species. Some of the popular box turtles kept as pets include the eastern box turtle, three-toed box turtle, and the ornate box turtle. Always insist on captive-bred specimens as they will already be accustomed to life in captivity and are generally much healthier than wild-caught specimens.
