Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

MS in Conservation Medicine students learn about conservation mitigation for box turtles

Field trip focused on methods for capturing, marking, censusing, and radio-tracking box turtles
An individual smiling wearing a blue long sleeve shirt and baseball hat wearing gloves, holding a small black and yellow box turtle.
A student from Cummings School’s MCM program holds a turtle while being photographed. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Last fall, students and faculty from the MS in Conservation Medicine (MCM) program headed to Dunstable, MA to learn field and laboratory techniques to assist with conservation mitigation for box turtles. Led by Dr. Alison Robbins, V92, the team worked with Bryan Windmiller, retired director of field conservation at Zoo New England. The focus for the activity was on methods for capturing, censusing, marking, and radio-tracking box turtles.

Several individuals watching an individual hold a plant outside.
Bryan Windmiller teaches conservationists the proper techniques for transplanting native plant seedlings to aid in ecological restoration and habitat preservation. He focuses on minimizing transplant shock, selecting suitable planting sites, and ensuring long-term plant health. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

Three individuals outside in the woods with one holding onto a black transmitter device.
A student is using a radiotelemetry receiver to track box turtles. This method of tracking provides valuable data for conservation efforts and ecological studies. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

One individual wearing a short sleeve blue shirt holds a receiver while another person stands beside them wearing glasses and a long sleeve shirt watches.
A student receives instruction on the proper use of a radiotelemetry receiver. The device is being used to track turtles equipped with transmitters, allowing researchers to monitor their movements and behavior. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

A box turtle is weighed on a silver small scale on a green clipboard by someone wearing gloves.
The student conservationists actively collect important data on a tracked turtle. As part of their research efforts, they carefully weigh the turtle to monitor its health, growth, and overall condition. Photo: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

Smiling individuals and one dog stand outside with green trees behind them posing for a photo.
After a long day in the field, the group gathers for a celebratory photo. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

Individuals standing outdoors with trees around them as one practices using a black receiver of a radio telemetry piece of equipment.
An MCM student climbs a rock to get a better radio signal while tracking turtles. Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

An up close photo of a yellow and black box turtle with black and red eyes being held outside.
This image shows a close-up of an Eastern box turtle (Terrapene Carolina) being held by a student. If you look closely at the back right part of the turtle’s shell, you will notice the radio tracking device affixed. The turtle has a distinctive yellow and black patterned shell and an orange-colored head with red eyes, which suggests it is likely a male (as males typically have red eyes, while females have brown eyes). Photo: Jeff Poole, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

 

Working Toward Impacting the Environment

Cummings School’s Master of Science in conservation medicine uses a One Health approach to educate and train students how to make an impact on the environment and ecosystem.

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Department:

MS in Conservation Medicine

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Students ,  Teaching