Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
|
 |
|
Francoeur, L., Kanonik, A., & Burke, R. L. , Why did the terrapin cross the runway?
Added by: Admin (06 Jan 2014 18:22:48 UTC) |
| Resource type: Conference Paper BibTeX citation key: Francoeur2011 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Habitat - habitat, Malaclemys terrapin, Nordamerika - North America, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises Creators: Burke, Francoeur, Kanonik |
Views: 6/500
Views index: 13% Popularity index: 3.25% |
| Abstract |
|
On June 30-31 2011 domestic and international news agencies once again carried stories about diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) causing departure delays at John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. A similar event occurred in summer 2009. These stories were generally presented as sympathetic and amusing filler pieces in which tiny turtles with amorous intent brought a major travel hub to a stop. JFK Airport is located within New York City on the eastern edge of Jamaica Bay. The airport was constructed, starting in 1942, eventually covering 2000 hectares of salt marsh with solid fill and destroying considerable amounts of terrapin habitat. Nevertheless, a large terrapin population persists, likely in excess of >10,000 individuals, probably in nearby JoCo Marsh. Most Jamaica Bay salt marshes are eroding for a variety of reasons, but JoCo Marsh appears to be stable. Only female terrapins come on land, and only for nesting forays. Terrapins have been reported on JFK runways annually since 2000, as far back as records exist. A small number are killed each year. However, a dramatic increase in runway crossings began in 2009. We plan to determine whether this increase was due to a surge in recruitment, movement of individuals from other parts of the bay, a change in nesting behavior, or increased detection by airport personnel. Efforts are also underway to prevent terrapin access to runways; these include development of new nesting areas and barriers that will meet FAA requirements.
Added by: Admin |