<p>DEDICATED TO DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN RESEARCH, CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT AND EDUCATION Diamondback Terrapin Malaclemys terrapin Diamondback Terrapin Distribution • Terrapins inhabit coastal waters from Massachusetts to Texas • Habitats: salt marshes & mangrove swamps Species Variation Estuarine Life History • Found in brackish water (mix of fresh and salt) • Sharp bony beak with no teeth for a diet that includes: snails, fish, mussels, crabs, worms, algae and other plant material Habitat: Salt Marsh Most terrapins live in salt marshes Habitat: Salt Marsh Hatchlings moving in a salt marsh Habitat: Mangrove Terrapins can also be found in mangrove swamps Morphology & Physiology Adapted for water and land: o Shells streamlined for swimming o Webbed feet for swimming and nest digging o Nails for digging into sand or mud Carapace Plastron Feet and Nails Sexual Dimorphism MALES Average length: 6 inches (15 cm) Reach sexual maturity at 3 - 7 years old FEMALES Average length: 9 inches (23 cm) Reach sexual maturity at 7 - 11 years old Adaptations to Saline Environments Terrapins "Osmoregulate": regulate % salt in their bodies Salt glands in the corner of eyes to secrete salt "tears" (lachrymal gland) Example of salt being extruded through a salt gland in a nesting sea turtle Brumation Winter period of reduced activity Fall Adults burrow in the mud Spring Mating occurs In the water Summer Females lay eggs on land and return to water Overwinters Hatchlings emerge in spring and enter water Fall hatchlings emerge Find wintering location on land or water Adult Hatchling Terrapin Life Cycle: Adult Fall Adults burrow in the mud Spring Mating occurs In the water Summer Females lay eggs on land and return to water Terrapin Life Cycle: Hatchling Adult Hatchling Overwinters hatchlings emerge in spring and enter the water Fall hatchlings emerge Find wintering location on land or water Reproduction Females can store sperm for years 2 - 22 eggs per clutch (location dependent) Up to 3 clutches per season Nesting Nesting Season April – August (location dependent) Nest flask-shaped and 5 - 11 inches deep Usually around 30 minutes to complete nesting Incubation Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD) Warmer temps: 90oF, 32oC produce females Cooler temps: 82oF, 28oC produce males Average incubation period: 60 - 90 days Hatchlings Emerge in fall and spring Egg tooth used to break out of shell Able to live off reserves for 2+ weeks The “Missing Years" After emergence, hatchlings spend time in salt marsh habitats and become difficult to observe Conservation Efforts Currently, there is no federal protection for the Diamondback Terrapin, however, each state has its own protection Legal Status Per Region Northeastern Region: MA:Threatened RI: Endangered CT: State regulated NY: State regulated Mid-Atlantic Region: NJ: Species of Concern DE: Species of Concern MD: State regulated VA: Species of Concern Legal Status Per Region Southeastern Region: NC: Special Concern SC: No listing GA: Special Concern Florida Region: No listing Gulf Coast Region: AL: Special Concern MS: Special Concern LA: Special Concern & Game Animal TX: No listing Anthropogenic Threats Human development around marshes can cause habitat erosion and can eliminate nesting areas. Anthropogenic Threats Crab traps can cause drowning Vehicular damage Natural Threats Education is the Key! Turtle Excluder Devices Road crossing signs Terrapin Head Start DTWG Purpose: The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group has prepared this presentation to provide a brief overview of the natural history and conservation efforts within the range of the species. DTWG Objectives: • Advocate and promote scientific surveys/studies; identify causes of changes to populations • Identify threats to populations • Maintain database of populations studied • Provide advice/recommendations for research, management, and conservation DTWG Objectives: • Promote and assist with educational programming • Meet every three years for "Workshop on the Ecology, Status and Conservation of Diamondback Terrapins" • Serve as a source of information on Diamondback terrapins and their habitat Credits Chesapeake Terrapin Alliance: http://www.cterrapin.org/terrapinsinchina.html Diamondback Terrapin Working Group: http://www.dtwg.org/ Georgia Sea Turtle Center: http://www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org/kids-spot/turtles-tortoises- and-terrapins-oh-my/diamondback-terrapin/ Hofstra University: http://people.hofstra.edu/Russell_L_Burke/terrapin-nyc.htm Project Terrapin Blogspot: http://terrapinstationnj.blogspot.com/2009/07/welcome-to- terrapin-station-nj.html Slides Prepared by Dr. Russ Burke, Dr. John Wnek and Ms. Kim Belfer Credits South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: http://yellowfin.dnr.sc.gov/ACEHerpGuide/Pages/Turtles/Emydid ae/Malaclemysterrapin.html The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society: http://nytts.org/proceedings/wood-rdk.htm Western Connecticut State University: http://people.wcsu.edu/pinout/herpetology/mterrapin/index.html Wetlands Institute: http://www.terrapinconservation.org/home.htm Slides Prepared by Dr. Russ Burke, Dr. John Wnek and Ms. Kim Belfer QUESTIONS??? Please visit DTWG.org </p>