The common box turtle is a family of turtles that live in the United States. It is often called the box turtle, but it is distributed in the eastern and southern parts of the United States and Mexico. It is said that the maximum life span is over 80 years, and it can be said that it is a turtle that tends to live more than humans. The common box turtle has been declining in number in recent years and has been designated as an endangered species. Conservation activities are beginning to take place in the United States and Mexico.
Habitat
Box turtles live in the United States and Mexico.
Characteristic
The box turtle has an instep length of 21 cm and is the largest species of the box turtle. The common box turtle is a member of the turtle family that belongs to the genus Box Turtle of the family Pond turtle. The carapace rises like a dome, is dark brown or taupe in color, and has yellow or tan spots. There are spots of similar color, such as yellow and tan, on the feet and head. Box turtles live in forests, thickets, and pastures, but can also be found in swamps. Adult males tend to have larger heads than females. Box turtles hibernate. In the United States, we hibernate from October to April.
Ecology
The common box turtle is an omnivorous animal that feeds on insects, fruits, and leaves. At night, dig a 7.5-10 cm deep hole in a small open base of sand or clay to produce 1-11 pieces at a time. Eggs hatch in 70-80 days and children reach sexual maturity in about 10 years. Lifespan is over 80 years.
Endangered species
Box turtles were hunted by indigenous peoples. This turtle was overfished because it was edible and medicinal. Furthermore, in recent years, there has been land development by humans, and the habitat is decreasing. Box turtles are overfished because they are also popular as pet turtles. Against this background, exports from the United States have almost completely stopped in the United States. In 1995, it was listed in the Washington Convention, and Mexico has also severely restricted the export of reptiles. The common box turtle is currently designated as an endangered species. Box turtles are bred in protected areas.
Breeding
Exports of the common box turtle are strictly controlled in both the United States and Mexico, and it is impossible for the general public to raise them. Watch at the zoo or go to America and Mexico.
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