Protecting Our
Diamondback
Terrapins
I
By Jane Ellis
f you have had the opportunity to kayak in the
tidal creeks of the Kiawah River you might have
been lucky enough to see our elusive diamondback
terrapins. These shy animals are the only United
States turtles that exist in brackish water, tidal creeks, and salt
marshes—a very narrow strip of coastal habitat—and they
are considered to be a key ecological marsh indicator species.
Unfortunately diamondback terrapin numbers are steadily
declining in South Carolina and along their native range.
In South Carolina this is mainly due to loss of habitat and
nesting beaches, sea level rise, and crab trap drownings.
Research has shown that in the marine environment one
of the significant causes of diamondback terrapin mortality
is entrapment in crab traps (pots). These traps are used both
commercially and recreationally for capturing crabs and other
animals (bycatch). Terrapins are of particular concern as a
bycatch species because even though they primarily feed on
snails (such as the saltmarsh periwinkle), clams, and other
mollusks, they are attracted to the smelly bait used in the traps.
Once inside these pots they often drown. Lost or abandoned
traps (ghost traps.) can be extremely lethal to our terrapins
and can continue to attract and drown terrapins for years.
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Naturally Kiawah