Chapter 3 North Carolina Species
population density studies, and habitat conservation and restoration actions (http://projectbogturtle.org/).
• The Eastern Box Turtle is the only terrestrial turtle species native to North Carolina and was designated the state reptile in 1979. A collaborative of wildlife professionals, scientists, and educators from several state agencies and two universities initiated the Box Turtle Connection—a project designed to collect statewide data on Box Turtles. The project was initiated in response to concerns that this once common and widespread species may be experiencing population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and pressures from other anthropomorphic impacts (Somers and Matthews 2006) . The Eastern Box Turtle is listed on the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II list of species that are not currently threatened with extinction but may become threatened unless international trade is closely controlled. In early 2013, three turtle species that are native to North Carolina were added to the CITES Appendix II list because they are harvested for commercial trade: Diamondback Terrapin, Spotted Turtle, and Common Snapping Turtle.
• The Diamondback Terrapin is found in brackish waters of the Atlantic coast and is protected in North Carolina as a Species of Special Concern.
• The Spotted Turtle and Common Snapping Turtle are freshwater species commonly found in ponds and lakes.
Only the Common Snapping Turtle can be harvested commercially in North Carolina, although a wildlife collection license must be obtained from the NCWRC for this activity, and take is limited to 10 animals per day and 100 animals per year. However, the CITES listing provides an international focus on conservation concerns for these species. There are five marine turtle species found in North Carolina’s coastal region: Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles. More information on marine species can be found in Section 3.12 of this chapter. Jurisdiction over sea turtle activity is divided between the USFWS (land) and NOAA Fisheries (marine) because sea turtles are federally protected species that use both land and sea. The NCWRC has cooperative agreements with both the USFWS and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to monitor sea turtle activity in the state. All data collected by NCWRC biologists and permitted volunteers/cooperators are shared with the appropriate federal agency. The North Carolina Sea Turtle Program coordinates a network of more than 1,000 volunteers and cooperators who work to monitor sea turtle nesting and stranding activities along the state’s coastline. Four sea turtle species nest along North Carolina’s beaches: Loggerhead, Green, Leatherback, and Kemp’s Ridley. Volunteer and cooperator groups monitor beaches
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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