Translocation of Long-term Captive Eastern Box Turtles and the Efficacy of Soft-release: Implications for Turtle Confiscations

Ryan J. Rimple^1,*, Michel T. Kohl², Kurt A. Buhlmann¹, and Tracey D. Tuberville¹

¹Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802. ²Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602. *Corresponding author.

Northeastern Naturalist, Volume 31, Special Issue 12: T37–T54

First published early online: 19 July 2024

Abstract
Translocation, the human-mediated movement of organisms, is an important tool to conserve wildlife populations, and turtles are commonly subject to this management action. One potential source stock for turtle translocations are animals confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade or otherwise held in captivity. There is limited information, however, on the post-release behavior and survival of these animals. We monitored 26 translocated long-term captive (i.e., former pet) Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern Box Turtle) to assess their survivorship, space use, and the effects of soft-release (penning) on site fidelity. We found long-term captives displayed high first-year survivorship (88.5–92.3%) and similar space use to resident turtles, and that soft-release was effective at reducing post-release movements. Our study indicates long-term captive turtles may be suitable for release and provides insights for how confiscated turtles may best contribute to conservation.

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