Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

To make informed management decisions regarding box turtles (Terrapene spp.) and other turtle species, one must understand what influences them at multiple levels of biological organization. Common influences include the pet trade, urbanization, habitat degradation, and disease. One factor that has not been studied but could influence turtles at multiple levels of biological organization is turtle racing. It is common practice to use wild caught turtles at these events because there is a lack of regulation and enforcement. My study focused on evaluating the effects of turtle racing on eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina; hereafter EBTs) movement (Chapter 2) and health (Chapter 3). We attended a race in July 2021 and acquired 29 race turtles. We collected blood samples from these turtles and performed biochemistry analyses, tested for multiple diseases, quantified blood differentials, and corticosterone levels. Of the 29 turtles collected, we placed a transmitter on 18 and released them at a local national wildlife refuge. Additionally, we placed a transmitter on eight resident turtles. We tracked these turtles from July 2021 to July 2023 and calculated home and core home range sizes, and the mean maximum distance moved per day (MMDM/d) during this time. Additionally, in the fall and spring we completed swab and blood sampling to quantify health-related metrics. We found that race turtles had home range sizes four times greater than residents, but the MMDM/d did not differ. We also had three fatalities, and three turtles went missing during this study, all of which were race turtles. Though it was not significant, race turtles had a higher prevalence of herpesvirus and Mycoplasma spp. than resident turtles. The plasma levels of some proteins and electrolytes differed in several race turtles (e.g., globulin, potassium, sodium). Our results indicate that turtles used in racing events may be at higher risk for mortality and have larger home range sizes than resident turtles. At minimum, turtles used in turtle racing should be placed back where they were originally captured due to their strict home ranges. However, considerations should be made to reduce or eliminate the use of wild caught turtles as disease introduction into new territories is likely given the proportion of race turtles with one or more infections. Future studies should include different turtle species, track turtles following release at the race location, and incorporate turtles from multiple races. By increasing our understanding of the effects of races on EBTs, our data can be used to help shape policy and/or best practices related to these races in the future.

Year manuscript completed

2025

Year degree awarded

2025

Author's Keywords

Herpetology, Eastern box turtle, Turtle racing

Degree Awarded

Master of Science

Department

Biology

College/School

Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Thesis Advisor

Andrea Darracq

Committee Chair

Michael Flinn

Committee Member

Sterling Wright

Document Type

Thesis

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