Nest-Site Selection in the Eastern Box Turtle, Terrapene carolina carolina, in Illinois

We characterized the microhabitat features of nests constructed by eastern box turtles, Terrapene carolina carolina, in central Illinois. All nests were sited in open habitats; 87.5% of them were depredated within 72 hours of oviposition. Nest sites differed from random sites in vegetation height and composition, percentage ground and canopy cover, and light intensity. Land management practices that provide open areas suitable for box turtle nesting activity might make these areas more attractive to potential nest predators.