SREL Reprint #3111

Development of a rapid-assessment technique for diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations using head-count surveys

Leigh Anne Harden1, Shannon E. Pittman1, J. Whitfield Gibbons2,
and Michael E. Dorcas1

1Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035-7118, USA
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

Abstract: Although diamondback terrapins appear to be declining throughout much of their geographic range, more information is required to evaluate population trends. Unfortunately, sampling terrapin populations is both time and labor intensive. We initiated studies to examine the efficacy of using head counts in tidal creeks as a rapid-assessment technique for monitoring terrapin populations. From 2005 to 2007, we conducted headcount surveys in conjunction with regular aquatic sampling. Head-count surveys consisted of recording the number of terrapins we observed from a boat going up (run 1) and down (run 2) tidal creeks. These surveys were conducted before aquatic sampling (i.e., low tide) as well as other times (e.g., high tide). We found the strongest positive relationship between the number of terrapins observed in run 1 combined with run 2 and the number of terrapins captured (R2 = 0.538). We examined the effects of variables such as day of year, time of day, cloud cover, and creek location on the number of heads seen. Such models will allow effective monitoring of terrapin population trends and improve implementation of appropriate conservation measures. We recommend a refinement of head-count surveys and the involvement of citizen scientists to aid in the establishment of a range-wide monitoring program that will greatly increase survey effort while saving time and money.

Key words: Diamondback terrapin, head-count surveys, Malaclemys terrapin, population trends, rapid-assessment

SREL Reprint #3111

Harden, L. A., S. E. Pittman, J. W. Gibbons, and M. E. Dorcas. 2009. Development of a rapid-assessment technique for diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) populations using head-count surveys. Applied Herpetology 6(2009): 237-245.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).