Diamondback Malaclemys terrapin What is a Terrapin

• are a brackish water native to the East and Gulf Coasts of • We are specializing in the Northern Diamondback Terrapin • Named for the diamond-like pattern on their back • Have a blueish gray skin. Variation do exists • Were once almost harvested to Males vs Females

• Males are smaller and have • Females are larger with longer thicker tails short thinner tails • Mature around 3-5 years • Mature around 6-9 years Nesting

• Mating season is typically from April to May • Nesting starts soon after (May-late July) • Incubation is 60-90 days (some overwinter) Survivability

• How many survive to adulthood out of 100 terrapins? • 1 • Many reasons What Can Be Done

• Only interact with them if absolutely necessary • Don’t speed through no wake zones • Avoid boating along marsh areas • Drive slowly in nesting area • Do not take terrapins from the wild • Do not support online trade • Turtle gardens What are Turtle Gardens?

• Turtle Gardens are patches of sandy soil above the high water line that provide nesting habitat for diamondback terrapins and other nesters How are Turtle Gardens Made?

• -A suitable area for a Turtle Garden is chosen based on terrapin access areas used by terrapins to seek nesting areas. • -A Turtle Garden is made of a mixture of sands and soils of different particle sizes to best imitate natural conditions of a terrapin nesting habitat. • -The sand is spread around the area above the high water line with at least two feet (60 cm) of elevation to give terrapins plenty of space to dig down without being below the high water line. Why are Turtle Gardens Important?

• Nesting habitat is being lost due to shoreline development, erosion and flooding. • Turtle Gardens can provide nesting habitat for terrapins that would otherwise cross roadways and put themselves in danger to find suitable habitat to nest. • Turtle Gardens give terrapins a place to nest without risking their safety. RFH and Terrapins

• Looking for a way to differentiate between terrapins across the state • Minion device • Isolation of the CFTR gene • Conservation • Work with Monmouth University • [email protected]