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.
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Childhood Inspiration
- Ann Barry Summers had a memorable encounter with a box turtle at age seven, sparking a lifelong fascination.
- Now 70, she co-founded the Box Turtle Connection, a century-long study monitoring thousands of turtles in North Carolina.
Turtle Longevity
- Box turtles have long lifespans, taking a decade to mature and living potentially 100 years.
- This longevity necessitates long-term studies to understand their population trends and conservation needs.
Common, Yet Unknown
- Despite being called "common," box turtle population trends remain largely unknown due to limited research.
- Existing studies suggest significant declines, but they lack a comprehensive scope across the turtle's range.
