Ecological effects of major injuries in diamondback terrapins: implications for conservation and management
K. K. Cecala1, J. W. Gibbons2, and M. E. Dorcas1
1Department
of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina 28035-7118 USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia,
Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802 USA
Abstract:
1. Many turtle species frequently suffer major injuries due to attempted
predation or anthropogenic factors. Diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys
terrapin) are one species known to be affected by anthropogenic activity,
but little is known about the causes of injuries. In declining diamondback
terrapin populations, learning more about causes and results of injuries
can be helpful in developing sound management plans.
2. Patterns of limb loss and major shell injuries were examined in a population
of terrapins studied for 24 years at Kiawah Island, South Carolina to
infer the causes and effects of injuries and possible predators on terrapins.
3. The rate of shell injuries increased temporally, possibly as a result
of increased watercraft activity. Because no differences in rates of limb
loss were found between males and females, limb loss probably results
from aquatic encounters (i.e. limb loss does not appear to be the result
of terrestrial predation during nesting). Furthermore, males experienced
reduced body condition when injured, and terrapins with a major injury
had lower survivorship than uninjured terrapins.
4. Therefore, in addition to reducing sources of mortality and protecting
nesting habitat, measures to protect terrapins from watercraft activity
may increase the survivorship of adult terrapins.
Keywords: Malaclemys
terrapin; limb loss; shell injury; turtle; salt marsh; survivorship
SREL Reprint #3101
Cecala, K.
K., J. W. Gibbons, and M. E. Dorcas. 2009. Ecological effects of major
injuries in diamondback terrapins: implications for conservation and management.
Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19(2009): 421-427.
