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In recent years, urbanization and development
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have reduced populations of many reptilian and
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amphibian species.
Road construction and
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housing developments create fragmented habitat
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and increase the chances of human contact with
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reptiles and amphibians. The eastern box turtle
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(Terrapene carolina) is commonly found in
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both developed and undeveloped areas.
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However, little is known about the effects of
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habitat fragmentation on box turtle biology.
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The objective of this study is to determine the
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effects of urbanization on the local box turtle
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population of Davidson, NC. Specifically this
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study will examine the effects of habitat
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fragmentation on box turtles’ home range size,
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activity patterns, and habitat use. The effects of
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urbanization on age distribution, body condition,
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reproduction, and sex ratios of the turtles in the
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Davidson
area will also be examined.
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