ORIENTATION IN BOX TURTLES, TERRAPENE c. CAROLINA (LINNAEUS)

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that box turtles (T. c. Carolina) employ a means of sun orientation similar to that found in birds, 43 turtles were released and observed. Of these, 22 headed toward home (less than 5 miles away). 17 of the latter were released under both sunny and overcast skies and in most cases this was done from at least 2 different release areas. Homeward headings were observed in sunny weather, but under overcast skies orientation broke down. Of 16 turtl es released from several very different homeward directions, 4 showed a definite ability to orient correctly. While walking, turtl es stopped frequently and turned their heads as though looking at the sun. These findings seem to support the hypothesis that turtle orientation resembles the type of orientation found in birds; however more data are necessary.