Nesting Ecology of Diamondback Terrapins: Predation and Recruitment

Burke, Russell

Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) are found in coastal waters of eastern United States and are the only completely estuarine turtles in North America .. They are relatively common in the Hudson River Bight, and in fragmented populations along the coastlines of Long Island. They inhabit cordgrass (Spartina) marshes and tidal creeks, where they feed on mollusks, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Recent research suggests that terrapins are ecologically critical species for maintenance of natural nutrient and energy pathways in their ecosystems. Terrapins are easily the most abundant repttles in Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. With the combination of high visitation rates and additional millions of potential visitors within easy driving distance, there is an excellent opportunity to use terrapins within JBWR as a vehicle for environmental education. Terrapin populations range-wide appear to be decreasing due to a variety of factors, and thus it is important that effective conservation measures be implemented. Despite their ecological importance and rare status, no detailed information is available about population size or survivorship. This lack of data is of particular concern because our recent work suggests that recruitment may have dropped dramatically in the last decade, since raccoons were introduced to JBWR. We seek to learn more about the impact of raccoons and other predators on the terrapin population of JBWR, and, if appropriate, assist in the development of conservation efforts needed to ensure the persistence of this population.