TCUP: Biology, Ecology, Conservation Genetics and Management of the Ornate Box Turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata) in South Dakota

智力上的优点对南达科他州的华丽箱龟知之甚少，迫切需要进一步的研究来确定有效的保护计划。本研究采用综合保护方法，以实现以下目标：1）协助南达科他州游戏、鱼类和公园（SDGFP）实施南达科他州野生动物行动计划，2）通过使用生态位建模来估计南达科他州华丽箱龟的家域和地理范围，3）记录宏观和微观栖息地的使用，4）描述运动并记录每日和季节性活动周期，和5）使用景观遗传学方法估计当地种群之间的基因流。扩大研究范围这项研究将通过提供生态实地研究的培训，该项目将提供基于地点的STEM教学，并将通过将对保护生物学感兴趣的OLC本科学生与黑山州立大学（BHSU）的综合基因组学（MSIG）理学硕士联系起来，促进美国原住民学生教育的进步。

Intellectual MeritLittle is known about ornate box turtles in South Dakota and further research linked directly to defining effective conservation programs are critically needed. This research implements an integrative conservation approach to achieve the following objectives: 1) Assist South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) in implementing the South Dakota Wildlife Action Plan, 2) Estimate the home range and the geographic range of ornate box turtles in South Dakota through the use of ecological niche modeling, 3) Document macro- and microhabitat use, 4) Describe movements and document daily and seasonal activity periods, and 5) Estimate gene flow among local populations using a landscape genetics approach.Broadening ParticipationThis research will improve the research experience for Native American undergraduate students at Oglala Lakota College(OLC) by providing training in ecological field research delivering hands-on, place-based STEM instruction and will facilitate the advancement of Native American student education by bridging OLC undergraduate students interested in Conservation Biology to the Master of Science in Integrative Genomics (MSIG) at the Black Hill State University(BHSU).