The possibility of zero to one annu

The possibility of zero to one annual clutch is the persistence of this declining species.
Studies investigating the effects of resource competition on the immune and reproductive systems in female tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) demonstrate that females with limited resources can facultatively suppress reproduction.
With limited physical resources due to habitat fragmentation and access to mates, skipping several reproductive seasons is entirely possible in T.c. Carolina, further reducing already dwindling population sizes.
However, in an adaptation that seemingly controls for the possibility of missed mating opportunities, female box turtles have the ability to utilize sperm stored in the seminal receptacles and produce viable young up to four years after their last male encounter.