The ornate box turtle was placed on the endangered species list in 1972. Preferring a habitat known as “dry sand prairie,” turtles thrive in the Midwest areas typically deemed “wastelands.” The dry, sandy conditions in flood plains make farming difficult but provide an excellent habitat for turtles. With their endangered status, many state conservation programs include tracking the turtles. Part of that job means finding the elusive ground dwellers. That part has become easier with the use of specially trained hunting dogs.
Skeeter, Yogi, and Ruger are Boykin spaniels trained to sniff out the elusive ornate box turtle. Owner and trainer John Rucker works with nature conservationists in several states across the Midwest. The hunting dogs are experts at sniffing out the turtles. Once found, they gently pick them up and carry them to John and conservationists.
With cries of “Find turtle! Find turtle!” the hunting dogs head out into fields searching for the ornate box turtles. The speed and accuracy of their location help conservationists pinpoint “home territories.” The box turtles are homebodies, typically staying within a well-defined radius. They will often attempt to return to that “home” after relocation.
Cross-training these bird hunters to seek the ornate box turtle was simple. Their incredible sense of smell allows them to find more turtles than scientists find on their own in a week! For comparison, humans locate one turtle every four search hours. A trained hunting dog team can locate up to eight turtles per search hour.
Conservation efforts help preserve grassland areas and ensure the continuation of ornate box turtle populations. After the turtles receive examinations and markings, conservationists return them to their habitat. Share to help save the turtles.
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