*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: Only the Gulf Coast Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina minor, occurs in Louisiana.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Southern Louisiana.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Eastern Box Turtles are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Eastern Box Turtles Turtles have a ranking of S3 (rare and local throughout the state – 21-100 known extant populations) in Louisiana. Eastern Box Turtles are a restricted species in Louisiana, where, with a proper license, they may be taken, but take and possession is limited to two native box turtles (regardless of species), and no more than 10 restricted turtles (maximum of two per species, except Western Alligator Snapping Turtles which is one) are allowed in possession.
***If you live in the range of this species in Louisiana and believe you may have observed this species please let me know (take a picture if possible), as there may be more unknown populations in the state.***
Author's Remarks: I have observed box turtles occasionally in the Atchafalaya Basin, St. Bernard Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and a couple in Ouachita Parish. I have also seen one individual on the road in Kisatchie National Forest (Natchitoches Parish), Sam Houston Jones State Park (Calcasieu Parish), Bienville Parish in northern Louisiana, in Rapides Parish, and at Mary Ann Brown Preserve in West Feliciana Parish.
