SCCF recently began its seasonal efforts to monitor local diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations, which will inform our conservation efforts for this unique turtle species. 

Named for the diamond pattern on their backs, diamondback terrapins are the only turtle in the western hemisphere to live exclusively in brackish water (a mix of fresh and sea water). Southwest Florida is home to two of seven subspecies — the mangrove diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum) and ornate diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota).

Because terrapins often share the same estuarine habitat as crabs, accidental capture in crab traps is a huge threat to this species, which is why all recreational crab traps in Florida are required to have terrapin bycatch reduction devices. 

SCCF is offering free terrapin bycatch reduction devices for crab traps — please email clechowicz@sccf.org to pick them up.

Each May through August, SCCF biologists monitor several diamondback terrapin sites around Lee County to find terrapins and tag them with notches and microchips.

“This way, when we catch them again, we can identify if it’s the same turtle,” said SCCF Wildlife Biologist Mike Mills. “This helps us estimate the population health, sex ratios, age ratios, growth, and other factors.” 

SCCF began research on diamondback terrapins in 2012, becoming the first team in the area to deploy satellite transmitters on gravid females to identify important nesting areas. Having this information allows us to prioritize these areas for conservation.  

Additional threats to diamondback terrapins include illegal poaching, loss of nesting and foraging habitat, boat/vehicle strikes, and poor water quality.