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Increasing urbanization of the Barnegat Bay estuary in New Jersey has subjected northern diamondback terrapins to substantial habitat loss. Understanding whether terrapins have homing behavior, and determining the types of orientation cues they use to aid in this behavior, is important for conservation management. To test their homing behavior, nine non-gravid female terrapins were outfitted with biotelemetry tracking devices and data loggers and were displaced 4 km north and/or south. Eight of nine terrapins successfully returned home; the one terrapin that did not return home was inadvertently captured in a crab pot. Urbanization and shoreline development of the north displacement location may be causing terrapins to make quicker movements home compared to the 'natural' south displacement location. A terrestrial arena that blocked terrapins from perceiving visual landmarks was used to test orientation in both male and female terrapins that had been captured to the south or east of the testing site. Only male terrapins captured from the east exhibited apparent homeward orientation, suggesting that terrapins orient toward water rather than home. Terrapins from the south tested under overcast skies and during the afternoon, and females captured from the south, tested separately, had easterly orientation, suggesting there was orientation toward open water as well within these groups. While displaced terrapins were able to return home, terrapins tested in the arena appeared to orient toward water, suggesting that the orientation cues used in homing may not be available to the terrapins on land, within the arena. Understanding both homing behavior and orientation will give managers insight into how terrapin home ranges might be protected. Since terrapins are able to return home after displacement, protection measures will be needed for all potential home ranges of the terrapins and relocation efforts may require the displacement of terrapins to more distant areas.
Advisor: Harold W. Avery, Ph.D.
"Synthesizing all known research on this remarkable animal, "Diamonds in the Marsh" is the first full-scale natural history of the diamondback terrapin. Focusing on the northern diamondback, Barbara Brennessel examines its evolution, physiology, adaptations, behavior, growth patterns, life span, genetic diversity, land use, reproduction, and early years"--
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is an estuarine turtle native to tidal marshes, lagoons, and swamps along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States. In the early 1900s, terrapins were harvested for human consumption almost to extinction, but populations recovered as the demand for terrapin flesh passed (Coker, 1920). Since then, terrapin populations have suffered from other anthropogenic influences including habitat loss, crab pot bycatch and pollution (Butler et al., 2006a). Shoreline development accounts for the majority of diamondback terrapin nesting habitat destruction along the coast. Many waterfront property owners have armored their land against erosion using artificial structures that block female access to nesting habitat. Planting marsh grasses and other estuarine vegetation is an ecological alternative to those methods of shoreline stabilization. This study examines the influence of vegetation on female nest site preference in a Chesapeake Bay population of the Northern Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin). I used vegetation removal in shoreline plots on a man-made island, the Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project (PIERP), to experimentally determine if female terrapins prefer nest areas covered by vegetation or those with vegetation removed. High nesting activity in manipulated plots compared with little nesting in vegetated control plots suggests that female terrapins prefer to oviposit in open areas. Based on these results, vegetation removal should be considered as a means of maintaining quality terrapin nesting habitat where vegetation is used for shoreline stabilization.
Coastal wildlife faces growing threats from human interaction. In southern New Jersey, Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations have struggled due primarily to habitat loss, drowning in crab pots and road mortality. Vehicle-induced mortality is known to disproportionately affect female turtles. In an effort to reduce road mortality, various types of roadside barriers have been installed over 8 years along Margate Causeway. To enhance the conservation of local terrapin population, I use a two-fold approach that incorporated both scientific research on barriers and public outreach. The study was located along the Northfield-Margate Boulevard also known as the Margate Causeway. This privately owned 4 km causeway traverses vital terrapin habitat. In conjunction with the Margate Terrapin Rescue Project, a grassroots organization, I installed a new type of plastic corrugated, split tubing barrier along a small, isolated section of the causeway. The remainder of the causeway consisted of combinations of whole corrugated plastic tubing, chicken wire fencing and areas of no barriers. By recording terrapin fatality locations, counting nests and performing statistical analyses, I discovered that split tubing was significantly more effective than previous whole corrugated tubing. In combination with barrier research, I implemented social media strategies, classroom visits and local outreach activities. Increased followers on social media and positive website feedback indicated enhanced public awareness of terrapin threats. Post-lesson reviews indicated that students understood and received information presented through in-classroom visits. Participation in outreach activities such as community meetings and fundraising suggested public interest grew in response to coordinated efforts. Future studies should initiate and evaluate a joint citizen science effort between the Margate terrapin Rescue Project and the public.