Terrapin Times

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The Newsletter of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group Volume 1 Issue 1 Fall/Winter 2013

SIXTH TERRAPIN SYMPOSIUM A HUGE SUCCESS

NEWSLETTER LAUNCH

Terrapin Times

Cred

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T he Sixth Symposium on the Status, Ecology, and Conser-vation of the Diamondback Terrapin was held September

13-15, 2013 on Seabrook Island, South Carolina.

Approximately 100 scientists gath-ered at Camp Saint Christopher on Seabrook Island for the tri-annual meeting of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. The site provided an ideal location for the meeting — (continued on page 3)

6th Terrapin Symposium Wrap 3

DTWG Grant Recipients 4

Recent Terrapin Publications 5

Terrapin Conservation Award 6

Meet the DTWG Regional Reps 7

Upcoming Meetings and Events 10

Membership Application 11

Inside this issue:

W e are pleased to launch this inaugural issue of Terrapin

Times, the newsletter of the Diamondback Terrapin

Working Group! Our three-year goals for 2013-2016

include raising the profile of the DTWG and improving

communication among our members. We hope you enjoy the newsletter

(and Facebook page!) that we’ve created to help accomplish these

objectives and increase your membership benefits.

Thank you to our members for your continued support! And, if you aren’t

currently a DTWG member, we hope you will join us to promote terrapin

research, conservation, management, and education.

By: Mike Dorcas

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Terrapin Times • Fall/Winter 2013 • The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group • http://www.dtwg.org

OFFICERS AND REGIONAL

REPRESENTATIVES Northeast Representatives

Barbara Brennessel, Wheaton College

Alex Kanonik, Queens College

Mid-Atlantic Representative

Randy Chambers, College of William and Mary

Stephanie Egger, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ

Southeast Representatives

Brian Crawford, University of Georgia

Andrew Grosse, SC Department of Natural Resources

Florida Representatives

Ben Atkinson, University of Florida

Kristen Hart, USGS

Gulf Representatives

Tom Mohrman, The Nature Conservancy

Will Selman, LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Get the latest news and updates!

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DEDICATED TO DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN RESEARCH, CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND EDUCATION

The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group was formed in 2004 by individuals from academic, scientific, regulatory and private institutions/organizations working to promote the conservation of the diamondback terrapin, the preservation of intact, wild terrapin populations and their associated ecosystems throughout their range. The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group is committed to and supports research, management, conservation, and education efforts with the above goals in mind.

Terrapin Times is the biennial newsletter of the

Diamondback Terrapin Working Group.

Editor Christina Mohrman

The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group

(DTWG) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Visit us at: http://www.dtwg.org

Senior Co-Chair

Mike Dorcas, Davidson College

Junior Co-Chair

Christina Mohrman, NOAA Environmental Cooperative Science Center

Secretary

Mary Hollinger, Freelance Biologist

Treasurer

Joe Butler, University of North Florida

Past Co-Chairs

Russell Burke, Hofstra University

Willem Roosenburg, Ohio University

Joe Butler, University of North Florida

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diamondback-Terrapin-Working-Group/218460031652865#!/pages/Diamondback-Terrapin-Working-Group/218460031652865

http://www.dtwg.org

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Thank you to our partners: Davidson College, Davidson Department of Biology, Davidson Herpetology, Holy City

Brewing, Kiawah Island Nature Program, Dr. J Whitfield and Carol Gibbons, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile

Conservation (PARC), University of North Carolina Wilmington, College of Charleston, Sewanee, The Low Country

Institute, Hampton Wildlife Fund, Resort Quest, Zoo Atlanta, and Botany Bay Ecotours!

“ It is remarkable to think that the vast majority of people in the entire world

that study a single species were gathered in one place. It is a testament to the

dedication they have to research on diamondback terrapins and the

conservation of this, the flagship species of the saltmarsh.”

- Mike Dorcas, Meeting Organizer and DTWG Co-Chair

A word cloud generated from the Symposium Program.

(continued from cover page) a maritime forest surrounded by ocean and salt marsh. Additionally, the site is adjacent to Kiawah Island, the location of the longest ongoing study of terrapins in the world. The meeting started on Friday night with a low-country boil followed by an entertaining key-note talk by Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons. Whit talked about the history of the Kiawah study, the people involved, and many of the important and entertaining things that have happened since the study was started in 1983. The next morning, Dr. Jeff Lovich gave an impressive key-note lecture highlighting what we have learned about terrapins after several decades of study and what is needed to ensure their survival.

The rest of the day was filled with excellent talks and lots of opportunities for socializing and networking. That evening, after dinner, we met for a social and poster session. During the meeting, Willem Roosenburg presented the Terrapin Conservation Award to Dr. Joseph Butler, one of the founders of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group. The following day, numerous attendees participated in various field trips including everything from kayaking, monitoring sea turtle nests, to sampling terrapins in one of the nearby tidal creeks.

The meeting went extremely well. Attendees came from 18 different states to participate in the meeting. Our 7th Symposium will be held in 2016.

Cred

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Each year, the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group funds research and education projects involving

conservation and management of terrapins. Below are stories from three of our grant recipients.

DTWG GRANTS PROGRAM

Andy Coleman, Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (Mississippi)—

2013 Grant Recipient

Mark-recapture surveys of terrapin populations in various Mississippi

salt marshes

I have completed surveys of diamondback terrapin populations in Mississippi since 2012, particularly along the central and western Mississippi Sound. As documented in other areas, these populations once thrived but are currently depleted. I am very grateful for the support that DTWG has provided through the research grant program. These funds will be help me purchase much needed field equipment so that I can expand my current research efforts.

I have studied diamondback terrapins in the Gulf of Mexico since 2005, and I am still amazed by their ability to survive in such harsh environments that have experienced a great deal of natural and anthropogenic disturbances over the years. I still remember the excitement I felt when I caught my first three terrapins in 2006. I remember thinking, “I caught three my first day...this will be easy!” Oh how naive I was!

Diane Tulipani—2009 Grant Recipient

Diane completed her Ph.D. in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute

of Marine Science (VIMS) in August, 2013. She works as a Marine

Scientist at VIMS and also teaches biology at Old Dominion University

and Rappahannock Community College.

Terrapin as vectors of seed dispersal for eelgrass in southern

Chesapeake Bay

My interest in terrapins started while at the 2007 diamondback terrapin symposium. Starting in 2009, my research revealed that terrapins in lower Chesapeake Bay were feeding on seagrass epifauna. My findings also indicated that they are likely an important biotic dispersal vector for eelgrass seeds in the Bay. In 2011, I conducted/coordinated the first state-wide survey for diamondback terrapins in Virginia. It involved over 80 people to survey 136 sites over six weekends from June through July.

My favorite thing about studying terrapins was learning all about them and observing their behaviors. It was also a great challenge to catch them! I had forgotten I had an affinity for turtles since I was a child and working with terrapins rekindled it.

Photo provided by Diane Tulipani

Photo provided by Andy Coleman (with those first three terrapins!)

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Kristin Koroncai, Kutztown University; currently University of West

Florida—2013 Grant Recipient

Comparing ages and estimates determined by skeletochronology and

scute growth rings in terrapins

I started researching terrapins as a Research Technician to Dr. Matt Stone

at Kutztown University during my junior year. I was involved in surveying

the road mortality of terrapins in Chincoteague, VA as part of a

continuous study. We also began a mark-recapture study in

Chincoteague/Wallops Island, VA. The most recent project being worked

on is a comparison of age estimations from scute growth rings and

skeletochronology. The DTWG grant enabled us to purchase the materials needed to do this analysis.

My favorite part about studying terrapins was gaining research experience and the incredible

opportunities that it led to. I believe that my research experience with terrapins was a determining factor

for me being accepted to graduate school at the University of West Florida.

Photo provided by Kristin Koroncai

NEW TERRAPIN PUBLICATIONS

Butler, J.A. and G.L. Heinrich. 2013. Distribution of the ornate

diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota) in

the Big Bend Region of Florida. Southeastern Naturalist 12(3):

552-557.

Hackney, A.D., R.F. Baldwin, P.G.R. Jodice. 2013. Mapping risk

for nest predation on a barrier island. Journal of Coastal Con-

servation 17(3): 615-621.

McCafferty, S.S., A. Shorette, J. Simundza, and B. Brennessel.

2013. Paucity of genetic variation at an MHC Class I gene in

Massachusetts populations of the diamond-backed terrapin

(Malaclemys terrapin): a cause for concern? Journal of Herpe-

tology 27(2): 222-226.

Wnek, J.P., W.F. Bien, and H.W. Avery. 2013. Artificial nesting

habitats as a conservation strategy for turtle populations expe-

riencing global change. Integrative Zoology 8(2): 209-211.

Southeastern Naturalist cover photo of an ornate diamondback

terrapin by George Heinrich.

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Joe Butler, founder and past president of the Diamondback

Terrapin Working group was proudly awarded the 2013

Diamondback Terrapin Conservation Award. Joe was recognized

for his long-term work with diamondback terrapins in Florida

where his research, in collaboration with George Heinrich,

documented and described the natural history of several

terrapin populations throughout north Florida and the Gulf Coast

“Big Bend” region. Furthermore, Joe’s detailed research of the

commercial crab pot fishery and the tests of a bycatch reduction

device described the problem in detail and identified a tangible

solution for Florida terrapins. One of Joe’s most important

terrapin and turtle conservation contributions was a study, with

graduate student Eric Munscher, that documents increases in

nest survival with predator (raccoon) removal and identifies this

as a feasible short-term remedy for declining population.

Joe expanded his goals for terrapin conservation to a

national level when he proposed and initiated the

establishment of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group.

He served as our first chair and in 2004 organized the

working group into regional sub-groups recognizing the

various conservation issues and geographic variation in the

threats to terrapin population. Although Joe is no longer

chair, he remains very active in the group and initiates many

of our most important activities including the solicitation of

research proposals for dedicated diamondback terrapin

projects, which has funded more than $10,000 in projects

since its inception. Joe volunteered to serve as our treasurer

when Brian Mealey recently decided to step down. Clearly

Joe will continue to an active and influential member of our

working group.

When not working on terrapin conservation, Joe works as a

Professor at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. His research also includes several papers on

Gopher Tortoises and his most recent work involves driving camera-equipped, remote control buggies into

burrows. Perhaps the greatest irony of Joe as a terrapin researcher is his discomfort while in a boat, but his fears

are quickly relieved with feet on terra firma and an icy beer.

JOE BUTLER RECEIVES TERRAPIN CONSERVATION AWARD

Credit: Mike Dorcas

Joe Butler (right) receives the 2013 Terrapin

Conservation Award from Willem Roosenburg.

Joe Butler (far right) at the 2005 DTWG Florida

Region Meeting.

Credit: DTWG

Thanks! to our newsletter contributors: Mike Dorcas, Willem Roosenburg, Andy Coleman, Kristin Koroncai,

Diane Tulipani, Barbara Brennessel, Randy Chambers, Stephanie Egger, Brian Crawford, Andrew Grosse, Sarah

Finn, Ben Atkinson, Tom Mohrman, and Will Selman.

By: Willem Roosenburg

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Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York

Northeast Regional Representatives

REGIONAL NEWS AND UPDATES

We recently selected the 2013-2016 representatives for each of the DTWG’s five geographic regions. Thanks to:

Charles Landry (Northeast), Alisha Mullet (Northeast), Patrick Baker (Mid-Atlantic), Ruth Boettcher (Mid-Atlantic),

Jen Spicer (Southeast), and Leigh Anne Harden (Southeast) for serving as regional representatives from 2010-2013.

We also thank Brian Mealey for his years of dedicated service as the DTWG Treasurer.

Meet our returning and new regional representatives!

Not featured in this issue: Alexandra Kanonik (Northeast) and Kristen Hart (Florida)

Barbara Brennessel, Wheaton College and Massachusetts Audubon Society-Wellfleet

Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (Massachusetts)

I started working with terrapins in 2002. I have made it a point to always bring

Wheaton College students to Wellfleet to assist with the field work. When I was

looking for some background material to prepare them for their internships, I was

unable to find a good resource, so I wrote Diamonds in the Marsh: A Natural History

of the Diamondback Terrapin, published in 2006.

Aside from making a difference in terrapin research, conservation and education, I

love to be in the marsh and on our Wellfleet beaches and waterways. That’s why I

live in this town. I get to work with other like-minded folks...I find it to be a nice

break from the lab.

Photo provided by Barbara Brennessel

Randy Chambers, Keck Environmental Lab, College of William and Mary

(Virginia)

I’m a wetland ecosystem ecologist interested in energy flows and nutrient

cycles. As an impressionable teenager I once drowned three terps in a crab pot

and I was devastated. In addition to general studies on terp population

ecology, I now work to identify methods to reduce terrapin by-catch in

commercial and recreational crab pots.

Randy’s favorite thing about terrapins: Their smile.

New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Mid-Atlantic Regional Representatives

Photo provided by Randy Chambers

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North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia

Southeast Regional Representatives

Brian Crawford, Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of

Georgia (Georgia)

My ongoing research focuses on decision-making and management of diamondback terrapins, centered on reducing road-related threats to wildlife while not forgetting about drivers' needs and opinions. I have worked with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island for 5 years. Brian’s favorite thing about terrapins: Their charisma. We can make many arguments for why people should care about terrapins and the threats they face, but it's much easier, more universal, and just more fun to simply show someone a beautiful live terrapin. Their unique charisma is invaluable when talking to the public and generating support for conservation efforts.

Stephanie Egger, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey (New Jersey)

Currently, I am pursuing terrapin projects with multiple partners: a regional

conservation strategy for terrapins in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, a

marine debris removal project to reduce bycatch of terrapins and other marine

resources in crab pots in Barnegat Bay, NJ and a social science survey to

understand the public’s perception of conservation strategies for terrapins

encountering roads in New Jersey, in collaboration with Brian Crawford.

I enjoy studying terrapins because they can be very secretive! Plus, I enjoy

the sights and sounds that a saltmarsh environment has to offer.

Photo provided by Stephanie Egger

Photo provided by Brian Crawford

Andrew Grosse, SC Department of Natural Resources (South Carolina)

Currently, I am involved in two research studies. The first is a field study

managed by a co-worker (Mike Arendt) in which we are using acoustic

telemetry to examine habitat use of a population of diamondback terrapins

near Charleston, SC. In addition, another co-worker (Erin Levesque) and I will

begin a terrapin hatchling rearing study this year.

My favorite thing about studying diamondback terrapins is that it gives me

the opportunity to work with a unique turtle in need of management and

conservation that lives in one of the most dynamic, diverse and beautiful

ecosystems in the world.

Photo provided by Andrew Grosse

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Sarah Finn, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (North Carolina)

Terrapins are listed in North Carolina as a Species of Concern, yet there are still

many unknowns about the distribution of terrapin populations throughout the

tidal creeks of North Carolina. I am interested in working towards a more

comprehensive, statewide monitoring program for terrapins in North Carolina

in order to fill the knowledge gaps and better manage this species.

The best part about studying terrapins has to be the scenery they inhabit.

What a great excuse to get in a kayak or boat and enjoy the beauty of an

estuary! I have to admit, even being knee-deep in marsh mud is a pretty neat

place to be.

Florida

Florida Regional Representatives

Ben Atkinson, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of

Florida (Florida)

I currently investigate the demographic impacts of ghost traps on diamond-

backed terrapins.

Ben’s favorite thing about terrapins: Terrapins are fascinating from an

evolutionary perspective and a conservation standpoint.

Credit: Jennifer M. Teson

Photo provided by Sarah Finn

Tom Mohrman, The Nature Conservancy (Mississippi)

Over the last 15 years I have been able to collaborate on a variety of terrapin projects in New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, and Mississippi. Now that I have been working with The Nature Conservancy, I look forward to utilizing my most recent experiences and conservation tools to support regional conservation, outreach, and research efforts… I have an interest to expand conservation action planning for terrapins in the Gulf of Mexico. Terrapins are an important part of marsh and estuarine biodiversity

throughout their range but haven't received as much conservation attention

as is warranted. I am interested in how regional differences in climate and

habitat effect terrapin biology and ecology at local scales.

Photo provided by Tom Mohrman

Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas

Gulf Coast Regional Representatives

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Will Selman, Rockafeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and

Fisheries (Louisiana)

My work and interest with terrapins began when I started at Rockafeller

Wildlife Refuge in 2010. At the time, there were very few records for

southwestern Louisiana. I started surveys on the Refuge in 2011 and captured

nine on the first day of field work. We then started surveying in other areas of

southwestern Louisiana and now have expanded across coastal Louisiana.

My favorite thing about studying terrapins is visiting remote places of coastal

Louisiana (exploring!) and finding terrapins in places that they have never

been documented. Photo provided by Will Selman

February, 2014 — DTWG Grant Call for Proposals

March, 2014 — DTWG Grant Proposals Due

Apr 10-17, 2014— 34th Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Conservation and

Biology, New Orleans, LA (International Sea Turtle Society)

Apr 11 —Terrapin, Tortoise, and Freshwater Turtle Meeting

May, 2014 — DTWG Grant Awards Announcement

May 13— Diamondback Terrapin Day (Maryland)

May 23— World Turtle Day

DTWG Grants

Look for our annual

call for proposals in

February, 2014!

Application details will

be available on our

website: www.dtwg.org

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

More

Sym

posium

Pho

tos...

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It’s quicker and easier than ever to join the DTWG or renew your mem-

bership! We are excited to announce that the DTWG is now accepting

online payment via PayPal. Visit us at: www.dtwg.org to learn more!

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