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Habitat
In Colorado, the ornate box turtle inhabits the grasslands of the Platte River Valley. This area is largely developed for agriculture, which limits the areas in which the turtles can survive.

Box turtle populations require large tracts of this land to sustain populations over time. Canals, railroad tracks, roads, and some fences can limit population movement, reducing gene flow within an otherwise healthy population. There are, fortunately, large tracts of land that are used for cattle grazing and oil and gas extraction that may also support box turtle populations.

Habitat suitable for box turtle is often sandy soil, dotted with sagebrush, native grasses, and other prairie plants. Turtle often eat dung beetles and other invertebrates attracted to cow dung.

As development from Colorado's Front Range continues to expand eastward, box turtles could face a dire situation. As we discover and learn what a stable population needs in terms of area and land features, we are better postioned to protect these turtles.


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

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.