Box Turtle Conservation Project
Photo: KC Bailey
The Group is partnering with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Anna Thonis to study the threats eastern box turtles face and save the local population from extinction.
Relentless development pressure has resulted in a devastating loss of habitat for wildlife across eastern Long Island and beyond. The remaining habitat where eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina, live and breed is often fragmented by high traffic roads. This presents a dangerous challenge as these reptiles need to cross busy roads to reach freshwater ponds in summer and leafy burrows in winter.
As a result, the Group has significant—but only anecdotal evidence—that more turtles are injured or killed by motor vehicles every year.
To establish a proactive conservation program, the Group began partnering with postdoctoral researcher Dr. Anna Thonis, affiliated with New York University’s Winchell Lab, to research on the local box turtle population in late spring 2026.
Box turtles are usually hidden from view or well camouflaged, making them extremely difficult for humans to find. To locate enough turtles for Dr. Thonis’ research, she partners with Bark and Code owner and trainer Dr. Kris Hoffman, a wildlife detection dog handler and the owner of Labrador retrievers Newt and April, who are expertly trained to find turtles quickly and safely.
The findings from these surveys will help the Group determine a conservation management plan that includes preserving more land, restoring wildlife habitat, and advocating for the construction of turtle tunnels (wildlife underpasses) in areas where they are most at risk of being hit by vehicles.
During the first four field surveys, we documented 47 box turtles!
What You Can Do
We’re collecting data on turtle road crossings on the North Fork. Whether a turtle is alive, injured, or deceased, every observation is valuable. The community can help by reporting all sightings below.
NOTE: This form requires you to have a gmail account. If you want to provide your turtle observation, but do NOT have a gmail account, you can email the photos and requested information Dr. Anna Thonis at at6689@nyu.eduor text them to (603) 801-2730.
If you spot an injured or deceased turtle, contact Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons (631.779.3737) or Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (631.728.9453).
This project is supported by North Fork Side by Side.
News
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This 'turtle-sniffing dog' searches miles of New York woods to save endangered species
Meet Newt, the wildlife detection dog helping save Long Island’s endangered box turtles
