1. Turtles

2. General Turtle Info Reptiles Two parts to shell: carapace and plastron
20 species found in NC
Completely aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial
Long life span and generation times
Main threats: habitat loss, urbanization, pet trade

3. Role in the Ecosystem Secondary or tertiary consumers
Can be at the top of their food chain
Prey for large mammals and people
Help with nutrient cycling
So many species, high biomass

4. Box Turtle Fold into closed box shell when scared
Males = red eyes, female = brown eyes
Male = concave plastron, female = flat plastron
Omnivores
Only fully terrestrial turtle in NC
Prefer moist forest areas
Homing instinct

5. Painted Turtle Red / orange swirls on marginal scutes
Males = smaller size, long fingernails for mating
Females = larger size, more domed carapace
Basking
Omnivores
Present in most ponds around NC

6. Yellow-Bellied Slider
Vivid yellow on carapace and body, yellow plastron
Male = smaller and long fingernails
Female = larger, short fingernails, domed carapace
Herbivores
Often in ponds with painted turtles
Related pet species: red-eared slider

7. Snapping Turtle Largest freshwater turtle in NC
Large head, long spiked tail, small plastron
Can be 50 lbs
Omnivores
Very strong jaws
Found in many permanent bodies of water in NC

8. Turtle Research at Davidson
Measurement data
Translocation at Robbins Park
Temperature Dataloggers (ibuttons)
Population surveys
Kiawah and Diamondback Terrapins