The Box Turtle: A Natural History

"The Box Turtle: A Natural History" explores the life and ecology of box turtles, emphasizing their distinct domed shells and keen senses. These turtles are primarily terrestrial, inhabiting forests, grasslands, and wetlands, where they play vital roles in their ecosystems. They have a long lifespan, can live over 50 years, and exhibit behaviors like burying themselves for hibernation or escaping predators by retracting into their shells. The book discusses their conservation challenges, such as habitat loss and illegal pet trade, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique reptiles for ecological balance and biodiversity.