Literaturdatenbank
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Williamson, B. (2011). Examining nest site distribution and abundance in a population of northern diamondback terrapins (malaclemys terrapin terrapin). Unpublished thesis , Roger Williams College, Newport Rhode Island USA.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (18 Nov 2012 17:47:16 UTC) |
| Resource type: Thesis/Dissertation BibTeX citation key: Williamson2011 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Fortpflanzung = reproduction, Habitat = habitat, Malaclemys, Malaclemys terrapin, Nordamerika = North America, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: Williamson Publisher: Roger Williams College (Newport Rhode Island USA) |
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| Abstract |
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The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a unique aquatic turtle because it can inhabit estuarine environments. The species is endangered in Rhode Island, with only one confirmed nesting area located at the Douglas Rayner Wildlife Refuge at Nockum Hill in Barrington, RI. Relatively little is known of the nesting behaviors of diamondback terrapins, and few studies have investigated nesting within the Rhode Island population. The goal of this research was to examine the distribution and abundance of terrapin nests in the Douglas Rayner Wildlife Refuge. The number of nests present in nine areas of the refuge was compared. Physical properties of nesting areas were examined, including soil temperature, distance from the water, soil density, soil grain size, and vegetative cover. Only vegetation cover was found to have a significant relationship with the number of nests in each area. Terrapins were found to prefer areas of 0-50% vegetative cover. Predation was examined by distinguishing between nests that were found destroyed and those that were found intact within each area. Predators appeared to be more likely to feed on nests in areas with 25-50% vegetative cover. Extensive nesting was discovered in the meadow, an area previously considered to be used sparingly by nesting females. Population estimates were also performed using mark and recapture data, showing a population increase from 166 to 288 terrapins from 2000 to 2010. The results of this study have improved our understanding of habitat use by diamondback terrapins in Rhode Island, and will therefore aid in future conservation efforts for the species.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |