Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know the particulars of the laws regarding ornate box turtles in Louisiana? They occur in a small portion of the State, and they are listed as State imperiled. I assume you can't take them from the wild, but what about basic possession?

Thanks.

I sent you an e-mail on this.

According to the info I have, an individual may possess up to 4 total Terrapene for personal use.

Thanks, Steph. Your email and this post were exactly what I was looking for.

The ornate box turtle is on the state's rare, threatened or endangered listing and has the designation of "Restricted Harvest" which means there are special provisions for the taking and posession of this turtle. It did not say what they were, but a number was mentioned in another report that asked citizens to call if they see an ornate in the wild.
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Tess Cook
www.boxturtlesite.info

"there are special provisions for the taking and posession of this turtle. It did not say what they were"

Yeah, that is the tough part. I was able to find tons of information regarding their status, S1 State imperiled. But, even a call to a very nice lady at the other end of one telephone number provided did not produce any practical information for the prospective keeper.

As long as the information hasn't changed much since 2007, I think Stephanie has given me what I was looking for.

Wild collection and/or possession of 4 Terrapene. No breeding, no releasing, and no selling within the State or without, even if the animal was originally legally obtained from out of State.

I have to say, I am shocked that they would allow wild collection of a State imperiled species. They are given the same status as the gopher tortoise in LA. But, obviously, gopher tortoises are also Federally protected.

Thanks for the input.