Repeatability and distribution of behavior types over time and across populations in free-ranging adult and juvenile ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata)

Repeatability and distribution of behavior types over time and across populations in free-ranging adult and juvenile ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata)

As studies continue to investigate inter-individual variation, it is becoming increasingly evident that individual animals have their own unique behavior type (personality; repeatable behaviors over time and context) that persists throughout their life. Behavior is simply different forms of motion, and a behavior type influences which motions (behaviors) are most likely to be on display. Behavioral types can influence resource acquisition, predation risk, and mating opportunities and thus can directly influence the fitness of any given individual. In this study, we examine the behavior types of free-ranging adult ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata), including their repeatability and variation both within and across populations. In addition, we examine, for the first time, the behavior types of free-ranging juvenile ornate box turtles and compare their behavior type and distribution to their adult counterparts. Understanding animal personality can have important implications for how we manage species, the individuals therein, and their habitat. Understanding how different behavior types within a population interact and potentially promote population persistence is important, especially for species on the decline, such as the ornate box turtle.