On Feb. 28, SCCF hosted the meeting of the Florida chapter of the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group (DTWG), marking its first gathering since 2019.

Sixteen researchers from around the state gathered at SCCF headquarters to give updates on their research, collaborate, and share ideas with others.

DTWG researchers reported that satellite telemetry of terrapins has gained popularity, as terrapin biologists presented talks on their telemetry work in Collier County and the Florida panhandle showing the incredible distances that they travel.

SCCF presented research on its effort to install satellite tags on gravid (with eggs) terrapins from 2013 – 2015 in hopes of finding their nesting locations.

“This was a successful venture, and we found that they travel up to 5 kilometers to nest and then return to their regular home range,” said SCCF Habitat & Wildlife Management Director Chris Lechowicz. “More satellite tags will be deployed on terrapins in Pine Island Sound to learn more about their annual cycle, especially as the quality of these satellite tags has vastly improved.”

At the meeting, researchers talked about filling in the gaps of research in areas that have not been sampled. Terrapins range across the entire coastline of Florida but appear to be absent or in low density in some areas.

“We have identified areas along the east and west coasts of the state where we are data deficient and need to persuade new researchers to focus on these areas,” said Lechowicz.

There is a push for federal protection of the diamondback terrapin due to heavy losses in areas from accidental drownings in crab pots both recreational and commercial, but habitat loss due to development and sea walls are also significant factors.

Florida has already made it mandatory to install BRDs (bycatch reduction devices) on all recreational crab traps in Florida to reduce terrapin drowning.

“We are still pushing for this to be mandatory on commercial traps as they deploy the most traps in the state,” said Lechowicz.

The researchers also discussed designs for a better BRD that excludes even more terrapins from entering the trap.

“SCCF is a distributor of free BRDs to anyone that asks,” added Lechowicz. “Rather than buying them at a store to be in compliance, please reach out to us.”

If you need BRDs for installation on crab traps, please contact SCCF’s Wildlife & Habitat Management team at clechowicz@sccf.org.