Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Influences of vegetation on Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) nest site selection

Clowes, ElizaBeth L.

Abstract Details

2013, Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, Biological Sciences.
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is an estuarine turtle native to tidal marshes, lagoons, and swamps along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States. In the early 1900s, terrapins were harvested for human consumption almost to extinction, but populations recovered as the demand for terrapin flesh passed (Coker, 1920). Since then, terrapin populations have suffered from other anthropogenic influences including habitat loss, crab pot bycatch and pollution (Butler et al., 2006a). Shoreline development accounts for the majority of diamondback terrapin nesting habitat destruction along the coast. Many waterfront property owners have armored their land against erosion using artificial structures that block female access to nesting habitat. Planting marsh grasses and other estuarine vegetation is an ecological alternative to those methods of shoreline stabilization. This study examines the influence of vegetation on female nest site preference in a Chesapeake Bay population of the Northern Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin). I used vegetation removal in shoreline plots on a man-made island, the Poplar Island Environmental Restoration Project (PIERP), to experimentally determine if female terrapins prefer nest areas covered by vegetation or those with vegetation removed. High nesting activity in manipulated plots compared with little nesting in vegetated control plots suggests that female terrapins prefer to oviposit in open areas. Based on these results, vegetation removal should be considered as a means of maintaining quality terrapin nesting habitat where vegetation is used for shoreline stabilization.
Willem Roosenburg, Ph.D. (Advisor)
86 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Clowes, E. L. (2013). Influences of vegetation on Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) nest site selection [Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1367233271

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Clowes, ElizaBeth. Influences of vegetation on Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) nest site selection. 2013. Ohio University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1367233271.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Clowes, ElizaBeth. "Influences of vegetation on Northern Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin) nest site selection." Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouhonors1367233271

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)