What kind of animal is the Carolina box turtle? We will explain its characteristics, personality, ecology, and habitat. The Carolina box turtle is a type of turtle that can be seen mainly in North America, especially in the United States, but it is designated as an endangered species.
What is the Carolina Box Turtle? Basic Stats
The Carolina box turtle is classified as a turtle in the family Erymidae and genus Terrapene. Its scientific name is Terrapene carolina, and its English name is Common Box Turtle. Its carapace length is 50cm and its weight is 15kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | カロリナハコガメ |
| English（英名） | Common Box Turtle |
| scientific name(学名) | Terrapene carolina |
| classification（分類） | Reptilia、 Testudines、 Emydidae、Terrapene 爬虫綱、カメ目、ヌマガメ科、アメリカハコガメ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 16～20cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5～1kg |
About classification
There are the following subspecies of the Carolina box turtle. It is one of the largest of all box turtles.
- T. c. carolina トウブハコガメ
- T. c. bauri フロリダハコガメ
- T. c. major ガルフコーストハコガメ
- T. c. mexicana メキシコハコガメ
- T. c. triunguis ミツユビハコガメ
- T. c. yucatana ユカタンハコガメ
Habitat
The Carolina box turtle is found in the United States and Mexico.
What are its characteristics? What is it like?
The Carolina box turtle is the largest of the American box turtles, with a dome-shaped raised carapace, and its shell and belly are black-brown or gray-brown with yellow or yellowish-brown markings. Adult males tend to have larger heads than females, and their irises are red or white. This turtle lives in forests, woodlands, and pastures.
What is its personality like?
The Carolina box turtle is docile, so it is very easy to raise. However, it is designated as an endangered species, and its selling price has risen sharply, making it difficult to obtain.
What is its ecology like?
The Carolina box turtle is omnivorous, and lives by eating fruit, mushrooms, and other plant matter, as well as insects, earthworms, and snails. It reproduces by oviparity. It usually mates in the spring. It lays 1-11 eggs at a time, mainly 2-3 times a year. It has a lifespan of about 80 years.
Does it have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of the Carolina box turtle are tigers, bears, and foxes.
Is the Carolina box turtle an endangered species?
The Carolina box turtle is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is restricted. It is also designated as an endangered species. Not only is its habitat decreasing due to recent development, but it is also overfished as a pet, which has become a problem.
Can the Carolina box turtle be kept as a pet?
The Carolina box turtle is designated as an endangered species and is difficult to obtain, but it is possible to keep it as a pet. The following items are necessary to keep a turtle. Small individuals are newly registered and sold, and there are many adoption requests, so check them out. Pay attention to the type of food and cage. They also have a long lifespan, so take that into consideration. Check the food and insulation method.
Cage
Depending on the size of the shell and the growth rate, a wide cage of about 60 cm is required in the shop. It is recommended to use a reptile cage made of glass, acrylic, or plastic.
Flooring
There are various types of flooring categories, from large to small. There are various types, such as Akadama soil, coconut shells, and artificial turf. Sometimes they are sold at a low price during campaigns.
Heater
If necessary, prepare an air conditioner or heating appliance to make sure your turtle is comfortable. There are panel heaters, spot lamps, and basking lights.
Thermo-hygrometer
When raising amphibious turtles, it is very important to control the temperature and humidity. It is best to keep the temperature at around 30 degrees.
Lighting
Turtles are animals that maintain their health by producing vitamin D3 in their bodies, which promotes calcium absorption, by exposing them to strong ultraviolet rays in a day. For this reason, lighting is essential. There are incandescent and fluorescent tube types, and it is best to choose one that suits the cage. Use the sunlight hours as a guide for lighting.
Shelter
Turtles are living creatures, so it is a good idea to have a shelter as a point to create a place where they can escape indoors. Make sure to install it properly so as not to cause them too much stress.
Water dish
A water dish is also essential. Wash the water bowl every day and provide fresh water.
Pet Food
Turtles are herbivorous and their food consists mainly of small vegetables and fruits, with some also eating mustard spinach and mushrooms. Some turtles eat wild plants instead of vegetables. Give them fruits such as bananas, watermelons, apples, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes as snacks. Some people also give supplements as a reference. It is a good idea to start by offering commercially available products. These contain all the nutrients that living creatures need.
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