About This Project

There is no previous population study that exists on the Diamondback terrapins of Cumberland Island, Georgia. The main objective of my study is to provide baseline population data that will be used for the continued long term monitoring and management of this species on the Island. Another major objective is to identify the active nesting sites on the Island and make recommendations for protection, if warranted. Finally, I will assess the predators affecting this population.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Historically, diamondback terrapins were a delicacy used for turtle soup and were nearly hunted to extinction in the earlier part of the twentieth century and terrapins are currently being considered for formal addition to the national list of endangered species. Human stressors including: habitat encroachment, crabbing, and road mortality as the terrapins look for nesting location, all must be managed for their survival. Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southern most island, is a National Seashore Preserve and contains abundant tidal creeks, marshes and mudflats, perfect habitat for diamondback terrapins. This project will provide the terrapin population data needed to properly manage these turtles in the preserve in terms of balancing human use & impacts.

What is the significance of this project?

This work is critical because there is currently no known data for the terrapins on this Island. To properly manage and conserve diamondback terrapins, one must have a baseline population count and then track thier population numbers through time. Additionally, a nesting beach I located in 2014 will be monitored for nesting activity in 2015 to determine if there is a viable reproducing population on the island. This data will aid park biologist as well as future researchers in the conservation of the species on this island. Park biologists will be able to asses any critical habitat used by terrapins on the island, ensuring the survivability of terrapins.

What are the goals of the project?

The goals of this study are to determine the population dynamics of terrapins on Cumberland Island; discover nesting sites; observe predator pressures; and finally recommend management strategies to the National Park Service to help maintain a healthy terrapin population.

Terrapins will be captured primarily by using two 6 foot by 30 foot seine nets with a center basket, 25 modified crab pots, and hand capture. Sex, age, and weight of individual turtles as well as nest location and clutch size of nesting females will be recorded.

In addition, GIS will be used to map the population migration distances and nesting locations of the terrapins.