Short Wave

100 Years Of Box Turtles

Oct 28, 2022

Nell Greenfieldboyce, a science correspondent, dives into the fascinating world of box turtles, which are found across the U.S. She highlights a groundbreaking century-long study in North Carolina aimed at understanding these often-overlooked creatures. Listeners learn about the various threats to box turtles, from habitat loss to poaching, and the passionate volunteers working towards their conservation. Insights into recent studies reveal a surprising stability in turtle populations, sparking hope for these remarkable reptiles.

13:55

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Episode guests

Nell Greenfieldboyce

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Episode notes

Intro

3min

The Struggles of Box Turtles in a Changing World

3min

Unearthing Box Turtles: A Journey into Their Hidden World

2min

Box Turtle Diaries

4min

Insights into Box Turtle Populations and Conservation Efforts

3min

The common box turtle is found just about anywhere in the continental United States east of Colorado. For all their ubiquity, it's unclear how many there are or how they're faring in the face of many threats—from lawn mowers to climate change to criminals. So today, science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce presents the researchers hunting for turtles—and for answers. They're creating a century-long study to monitor thousands of box turtles in North Carolina.

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