University of Illinois wildlife lab leads efforts to protect box turtle populations

Every box turtle has a story to tell. These charismatic, long-lived turtles are omnivorous and use both land and water ecosystems, which makes them a good indicator of how strong the overall ecosystem is.

In the last 18 years, the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at University of Illinois has assessed the health of more than 4,000 turtles to better understand the threats to this species and create strategies to save them.

Since 2007, the Box Turtle Health Project been performing physical examinations, blood testing, and disease investigations of box turtles in both Tennessee and Illinois.

Thanks to John Rucker and his turtle dogs, they have been able to sample the turtles. Lab staff have been able to characterize the health or test for diseases in half of those, making this one of the largest health project in box turtles.

Explore what they have learned and how you can help with a free webinar “Saving the World, One Box Turtle at a Time” from University of Illinois Extension at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21. Sign up at go.illinois.edu/EETurtle.

The session will be led by Illinois Extension natural resources, environment, and energy staff and presented by Dr. Matt Allender, clinical associate professor and director of the Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory.

The “Everyday Environment” series explores the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, they aim to unravel the ties that link us to the environment through podcasts, blogs, webinars, and videos. 

The fall 2025 series explores Illinois wildlife and the birds, mammals, amphibians, and other creatures we share the state with. Learn about how we encounter wildlife, the impact of roads, urban animal populations, community science projects, and more. Through monthly “Voices from the Field” webinars, learn about wildlife research projects from University of Illinois scientists.

Get program updates by subscribing to the “Everyday Environment” newsletter at go.illinois.edu/EESubscribe. All sessions are recorded and available to watch on YouTube  within a few weeks.

To connect with Extension natural resources, environment, and energy staff about a program or for a consultation, visit go.illinois.edu/NREEstaff. Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy program provides research-based education for awareness and action to sustain healthy environments and ecosystems that support quality living and resilient communities. Extension staff empower people across Illinois to make a difference through the  Master Naturalist, Climate Steward, and Watershed Steward volunteer and training programs.