Petition to list Diamondback Terrapins as endangered gains momentum
MARYLAND—A growing number of groups are calling for the Diamondback Terrapin to be listed as an endangered species. The draft petition calls on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials and those from the U.S. Department of Commerce to make the change.
Diamondback Terrapins Losing Habitat
The creatures can be found all up and down the East Coast. In Maryland, however, the turtles have the distinguished honor of the state’s official reptile. On the Lower Eastern Shore, the turtles can usually be found in the brackish waters of marshes, or on sandy beaches during the warmer egg-laying season.
The Assateague Coastal Trust is just one of the environmental organizations backing the petition. Assateague Coastkeeper Taylor Swanson estimates that about 20- to 25% of marsh habitat in the region has been lost over the last two decades.
“[Diamondback Terrapins] have been on the wrong end of a lot of marsh degradation and destruction,” said Swanson. “Loss due to sea level rise continues to be a growing problem. So, their habitat is shrinking. They are also dependent on sandy beach habitat for nesting, which is also a favorite habitat for people.”
An Important Part of the Ecosystem
And, because the turtles find themselves about in the middle of the food chain, their collapse could significantly impact entire ecosystems.
“They are, at some levels, scavengers. And, they’re also predatory,” Swanson explained. “So, they’re eating a lot of stuff in the water—everything from fish that may be ill or drying, to actually scavenging animals.”
On top of eating, it’s also important for the turtles to be eaten, said Swanson. It’s not uncommon to find adult turtle shells under Bald Eagle nests, and baby Diamondback Terrapins are an important part of the Heron and Cormorants’ diets. “They’re certainly an important piece of the network,” Swanson said.
How You Can Help
Until the petition becomes reality, though, Swanson says there are things we can all do to help protect the shelled creatures.
If you own land that you suspect may be a Diamondback Terrapin habitat, Swanson recommends reaching out to state environmental and wildlife agencies, or local waterkeeper groups.
“If you’re willing to go a step further, there is money available from groups who are looking for people willing to do marsh restoration projects,” Swanson said. “In many places, the limiting factor is the number of people willing to allow restoration to occur on their property in the first place.”
Individuals can help, too.
“If you come across a Diamondback Terrapin laying a nest, contact the group who would care. The Department of Natural Resources is a great one,” Swanson suggested. “It’s all about being proactive. Whatever resources you have, everyone has something they can do.”
