Colorado
Box Turtle Project
The Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) is a familiar animal on the central plains of the United States, and is considered common throughout much of its range. The ornate box turtle's approachability and beauty have made it a favorite of adults and children alike for many generations.
Unfortunately, this gentle demeanor has made it a target for the pet trade, its slow movements have made it an easy road kill, and human activities have destroyed and fragmented its habitat.
Despite its
perceived commonness, few extensive studies of been done on populations
of T. o. ornata, and none have been done in the State of Colorado.
Scientific research on other populations and local anecdotal evidence
point to rapidly declining populations. 
Colorado Box Turtle Project is the first study of its kind in Colorado
and is adding to our understanding of population dynamics, land use, and
impacts of human activity including harvesting for the pet trade and private
ownership. As Colorado's Eastern plains continue to be developed, this
information will aid in establishing population viability and conservation
needs before it becomes too late to prevent local extinction.
Colorado Reptile Humane Society is currently seeking funding sources and equipment donations to support the Colorado Box Turtle Project. If you are interested in supporting the project or would like more information, please contact us at boxturtleproject@corhs.org.
CoBTP's work would remain incomplete, however, if we failed to cultivate the concern and support of YOU to preserve and nurture the many forms of life that share the planet with us.
If you are interested in partnering with CoBTP, please consider making a financial contribution in any amount to our efforts. Your gift could make an enormous difference! Your tax-deductible donation could, for example:
- Support
a wild Colorado Box Turtle Project animal in the field ($250) annually
- Support
a specific Colorado Box Turtle Project research program, named by the
sponsor if desired ($5,000 to $10,000).
- Support
a specific student research internship, named by the sponsor if desired
($2,000 to $3,000 annually).
- Support
an entire Colorado Box Turtle Project research season, named by the
sponsor if desired ($50,000 or more). Incremental payments are acceptable.
- Support the Colorado Box Turtle Project and the 10+ year duration of its research ($500,000). Incremental payments are acceptable.
Your gift can be made online by clicking below: Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss further your interest in supporting this conservation research program at boxturtleproject@corhs.org.
Colorado
Reptile Humane Society is licensed by the State of Colorado, Pet Animal
Care Facilities Act, as an animal shelter.
Colorado Reptile Humane Society is a federal 501(c)(3)non-profit organization.
Copyright 2011 by Colorado Reptile Humane Society.