PS 103-222
A study of nesting diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) at three locations in coastal New Jersey
Barnegat Bay Estuary in New Jersey is a diverse ecosystem that is home to many species including the northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). The increase in human activity along the New Jersey Shore, especially during the summer months (coinciding with the nesting season), may have a negative impact on terrapin nesting behavior. This study examines previously undocumented M. terrapin populations on Long Beach Island (LBI) and compares this population to populations on North Sedge Island (NSI) and the Edwin B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (EBFNWR). Field sites were patrolled to encounter and identify all nesting females. We examined female morphometrics along with information on proximity of sightings and nests to water access, roads, and human structures.
Results/Conclusions
Morphometric measures on nesting females, as well as details on each clutch were recorded. For nesting females at NSI, mean straight-carapace length was 196.0 mm (+1.4 SE) and mean clutch size of 12.6 eggs (+0.5 SE). Females at LBI had a mean straight-carapace length of 197.2 mm (+2.0 SE) and a mean clutch size of 12.9 eggs (+0.3 SE). Females located at FR had a mean straight-carapace length of 149.5 mm (+ 0.92 SE) and a mean clutch size of 11.5 eggs (+ 0.9 SE). On the northern end of LBI out of 173 sightings all but two females were all encountered or nested less than 190.5 m from water access. On NSI out of 99 sightings 75 were encountered or nested less than 22.9 m from water access. On EBFNWR all 945 sightings were less than 82.3 m from water access. Our results show that there were higher nest densities in areas where land was more accessible to females. Simple precautions such as limiting boat traffic near nesting areas can be undertaken to improve long-term viability of New Jersey M. terrapin populations.