Researcher(s)
- Sam Melanson, Environmental Science, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- , , University of Delaware
Abstract
Understanding the factors that influence diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) nesting and behavior is important for conservation efforts and habitat management. We looked into the relationship between environmental variables that can influence diamondback terrapins and when their nests are laid. Diamondback terrapins are native turtles that live in brackish coastal areas of the United States East Coast that can nest up to 3 times per season.
From June 6, 2025 to July 14, 2025, data was collected on 241 nests laid at a nesting site in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Data included date, time, weather, temperature, terrapin weight, measurements, and emergence location. The data was then entered into a spreadsheet and RStudio was used to assess statistical analysis.
It was previously hypothesized that temperature played an important role when nesting. A polynomial regression test was performed resulting in a P value of 0.05518 indicating a marginal significance between temperature and nest frequency. When assessing the dates when nests were laid, the average time intervals between repeat nests by the same individual were found to be on average 17 days from the first to the second nest, and 15 days between the second and third nest. All terrapins that nested had a pit tag microchip as a way to track their data over time. During the 2025 season, there were 37 new terrapins. When comparing the weights of new terrapins to repeat individuals from previous years, a significant weight decrease was observed with a p-value of 0.0019.
These findings support ongoing conservation efforts and highlight the value of continued monitoring to better understand and protect this species.