Environment & Sustainability

Session I

Aubrey Moore, "Diamondback Terrapin Nesting in Pleasure House Point, Virginia Beach"

Diamondback Terrapins are a species of "very high conservation need" in Virginia, making population protection critical. A key component of this is protecting new recruitment (hatchlings that will grow the population) through an improved understanding of nesting activity. This study evaluated nesting activity at Pleasure House Point in Virginia Beach through a citizen science initiative. Trained volunteers from the community conducted daily surveys using an ArcGIS QuickCapture mobile application to collect visual, spatial, and temporal (time) data. This included observations of live adults, laid nests, and predated nests. Additionally, field cameras were used as a supplementary monitoring tool for both local wildlife and terrapin activity. Data analysis is expected to identify localized activity hotspots, supporting targeted protections and seasonal signage. The study revealed that individual nest barriers attract unwanted public attention. Instead, broad educational signage regarding appropriate human behavior within the habitat is more effective for protecting terrapins and their nests.

Student Major(s)/Minor: Coastal & Marine Sciences Major

Advisor: Dr. Randy Chambers