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Study of the distribution and demographics of the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin littoralis) in Galveston Bay, Texas
A growing concern for the Galveston Bay region has been the
abundance of the Texas diamondback terrapin. This small reptile is the
only turtle species to live exclusively in brackish water. Their
numbers have been declining since the late 1800s when commercial
harvesting began. Their flesh was considered a delicacy and, as a
result of intensive harvesting, their populations appeared to rapidly
decline. Today, they appear to be threatened by coastal development,
pollution, automobiles and commercial crab traps The reduction in numbers of this important species may have caused
detrimental impacts to the local environment in which they live. These
reptiles represent top-level predators that regulate estuarine food
webs. Due to declining population levels of diamondback terrapin within
the United States, they are currently listed as an endangered species
in Rhode Island and a threatened species in the state of Massachusetts.
Although not protected, they are considered a “species of concern” in
Georgia, Delaware, Louisiana, and North Carolina. The current
population level of the Texas diamondback terrapin is unknown but
believed to be depressed. Little information has been gathered on the numbers and life history traits of this local population. Currently the diamondback terrapin is not a protected species in the state of Texas.
Our current is focused on the Texas diamondback terrapin to determine their current abundance, habitat use and short-term movement in portions of the Galveston Bay system. Determining current population numbers is necessary for determining the threat of extinction. It is essential to know if the population of Texas diamondback terrapins is sufficiently large and will remain viable under current levels of environmental disturbances. This study will determine the abundance and local range of Texas diamondback terrapins in portions of the Galveston Bay system. This will be done through a combination of several techniques including mark recapture population estimates and radio and acoustic telemetry. These techniques will most likely generate data that can be used to determine whether these turtles are likely to rebound in the event of local extirpation. This data can be used by conservation managers to determine whether stricter regulations are needed for protection of terrapins.
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Texas diamondback terrapin research is currently taking place in marsh areas of Galveston bay. A short boat ride takes field researchers to islands and adjacent wetland areas. Surveys are conducted to monitor terrapin and associated habitat. We are currently in year two of our study and will be reporting preliminary results soon. This study has been conducted with funding and/or logistical support by the Houston Zoo, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Moody Gardens Aquarium. This coming year our study will expand to several wildlife refuge areas with support from the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
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Malaclemys terrapin littoralis |
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Kelli Haskett, UHCL graduate student, and Rachel Rommel of the Houston Zoo process a terrapin.
Field research volunteers are needed! Please contact Dr. George Guillen at 283-283-3950 for more information.
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Diamondback Terrapin Research Schedule
Through the month of August you can join our monitoring crews on Tuesday mornings. Additional trips through the rest of the week are occasionally planned. Please contact Dr. Guillen for dates and times. |
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Have you seen a terrapin? We are always looking to find new terrapin populations along the Texas coast. If you think that you have spotted a terrapin let us know! Report terrapin sightings to Guillen@uhcl.edu.
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