Box turtles in Arkansas

Arkansas is an important location for box turtle populations. A five-year survey conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services has documented more than 80 different species of Turtles within the state, including the Eastern box turtles. These turtles are a valuable part of Arkansas’ biodiversity and their habitat is being threatened due to urbanization and changes in land use. Conservation efforts have been set in motion to help protect them, such as restoring stream habitats along riparian corridors and creating buffer zones around wetlands. 

Types of box turtles in Arkansas 

Arkansas is home to three different types of box turtles, 

• Loggerhead
• Three-toed, and 
• Ornate. 

• The Loggerhead is the most common in Arkansas and has a domed upper shell that varies slightly depending on location. 
• The Three-Toed Box Turtle has two distinct characteristics: its lower shell is flat, and there are only three toes on each hind foot. 
• The Ornate Box Turtle’s name comes from the intricate yellow and orange patterns on the top of its carapace. 

Habitat

The habitat of box turtles in Arkansas is a unique one. Many of the ecological conditions that support these reptiles are found in the state’s forests, swamps and wetlands. Box turtles prefer an environment with plenty of damp soil, logs and leaves to nest under and facilitate soil temperature increase, as well as some sunlight exposure. They also take refuge in burrows or beneath tree roots when their environment becomes too hot during the summer months.

Because they live close to water sources such as creeks, ditches and small ponds, they will occasionally even venture out into open water. This makes them popular inhabitants of bogs and swamps throughout the state, offering a beautiful glimpse of nature at its finest!

Diet

The dietary needs of box turtles in Arkansas can vary greatly depending on their location and individual species. Generally, box turtles are omnivores that enjoy a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, dead insects, and earthworms. In the wild, most box turtle diet consists of leafy green plants like clover, and dandelion greens and other wild vegetation such as mushrooms.

Wild box turtles may also eat caterpillars and butterflies as well as fish and frogs found in shallow ponds or streams. Captive box turtles living in areas with warmer climates will gain additional nourishment from a varied diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, small pieces of cooked meat, and boiled eggs as well as commercial turtle diets. 

Colour

In Arkansas, box turtles are in a variety of colours from shades of grey, brown, and yellowish tan, these turtles make for an interesting addition when out for a stroll near wooded areas. Unlike some other species found in Arkansas which can have varied markings and colourations, the box turtles follow more consistent patterns with accents and variations. These pattern variations are minor but do change based on the location.

Size, Lifespan and Weight 

Box turtles in Arkansas are relatively small reptiles, with a lifespan of around 50 years. The daily size and weight vary between species of box turtles, as they can range from 4” to 8” in length and 2-6 pounds in weight. The larger species require more space and bigger enclosures that mimic their natural environment and allow them to grow correctly. 

Predators

Box turtles in Arkansas can live in many habitats, so they have quite a few predators prowling the areas nearby looking for them. These include raccoons, skunks, foxes, snakes and hawks. Though box turtles are able to defend themselves by retreating into their shells, it is ultimately no match for any of these animals that are intent on making a meal from this small delicacy. It is up to us humans to safeguard box turtles from becoming prey and take care when interacting with them and their habitats.

Reproduction

Box turtles are fascinating creatures and their reproductive cycle is particularly interesting. Females will often lay several clutches of eggs per season, laying as many as six to eight eggs in each clutch. For terrestrial species, the embryos undergo dormant periods during the winter months in colder climates, allowing them adequate time to fertilize and develop. Females will often breed every two or three years, but certain conditions such as adverse weather can stop reproduction for a season or longer.

Costs associated with reproduction are fairly minimal since males do not actively participate in incubation or rearing, though they will provide paternal protection when nearby. The eggs can take anywhere from two to eighteen months to hatch and the mother will usually stay close by until they have all hatched; once the baby turtles emerge they are on their own immediately and must fend for themselves in the wild.

Are box turtles illegal in Arkansas?

As per AGFC, possessing a box turtle in Arkansas is illegal and they are protected