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Turtles
General Turtle Info
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Reptiles
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Two parts to shell: carapace and plastron
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20 species found in NC
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Completely aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial
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Long life span and generation times
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Main threats: habitat loss, urbanization, pet trade
Role in the Ecosystem
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Secondary or tertiary consumers
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Can be at the top of their food chain
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Prey for large mammals and people
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Help with nutrient cycling
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So many species, high biomass
Box Turtle
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Fold into closed box shell when scared
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Males = red eyes, female = brown eyes
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Male = concave plastron, female = flat plastron
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Omnivores
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Only fully terrestrial turtle in NC
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Prefer moist forest areas
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Homing instinct
Painted Turtle
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Red / orange swirls on marginal scutes
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Males = smaller size, long fingernails for mating
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Females = larger size, more domed carapace
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Basking
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Omnivores
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Present in most ponds around NC
Yellow-Bellied Slider
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Vivid yellow on carapace and body, yellow plastron
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Male = smaller and long fingernails
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Female = larger, short fingernails, domed carapace
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Herbivores
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Often in ponds with painted turtles
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Related pet species: red-eared slider
Snapping Turtle
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Largest freshwater turtle in NC
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Large head, long spiked tail, small plastron
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Can be 50 lbs
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Omnivores
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Very strong jaws
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Found in many permanent bodies of water in NC
Turtle Research at Davidson
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Measurement data
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Translocation at Robbins Park
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Temperature Dataloggers (ibuttons)
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Population surveys
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Kiawah and Diamondback Terrapins
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