Terrapin Research

THE ECOLOGY AND DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN, MALACLEMYS TERRAPIN MACROSPILOTA AND RHIZOPHORARUM IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The ecology and population dynamics of Malaclemys terrapin ssp. are under investigation by collaborative investigators from many management, research, and educational institutions in south Florida. There are several concurrent methods applied in this study. The mark/recapture study utilizes AVID microchips as a permanent marking system for all individuals encountered. Radio telemetry units from American Wildlife Enterprises are attached using Marine-Tex and have allowed this unique application of transponders in such strictly estuarine aquatic animals. DNA and serum mercury samples are collected from blood drawn from each individual.

The preliminary results indicate extreme site fidelity over this time period for female terrapins. Furthermore, survival of individual terrapins over a 15-year span has been documented using data from previous researchers in the region. Notably, these individuals are currently residing in the same highly localized environment in which they were first captured in the early 1980s. This is reflected in our results from radio telemetry (n=12 individuals) and mark recapture data. Furthermore, the analyses of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) microsatellite markers support the physical evidence of limited dispersal. Comparisons of the populations of M. terrapin in Texas and Florida appear to indicate overall smaller populations currently exist on the Texas coast in otherwise comparable habitat. Florida terrapin populations represent localized assemblies with strong tendencies for long-term site fidelity. This has significant implications for management of these populations.