Graduate Program

Biological Sciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

Spring 2024

Thesis Director

Paul V. Switzer

Thesis Committee Member

Eloy Martinez

Thesis Committee Member

Elizabeth K. Peterson

Abstract

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina; EBT) is a charismatic species with populations in decline due to habitat loss, disease, and other anthropogenic factors. However, due to their cryptic nature, studying an EBT population can be a difficult and intensive process. To investigate EBT populations in Coles County, Illinois, we used a combination of community science and computer-based pattern analysis to develop an approach to tracking individual turtles. Citizen volunteers submitted photos of encountered eastern box turtle carapaces for shell pattern analysis along with GPS coordinates of the encounter. We have received 220 submissions from 47 community volunteers. Our analysis of the entire image set indicated 20 resighted individuals over the course of our study. The greatest difference between two sightings of the same turtle was 2.91km (x̄=387.2m, range= 0-2910m) and the greatest time between reports of one turtle was nearly four years (x̄=226.92 days, range= 0-1441 days (3.9 years)). Additionally, we compared the turtle submission data with land coverage data and found that the largest portion of submitted turtles came from forested areas. This project engaged the community in the scientific process and showed that EBT populations can be monitored using a non-invasive photo approach.

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