Brevard Zoo studying Dimondback Terrapin sightings
Jul 2, 2013 9:32:38 GMT -5
Post by Ira Runyan on Jul 2, 2013 9:32:38 GMT -5
Back in the 1960's it was very common to see Diamondback Terrapins in the Indian and Banana Rivers in Brevard County. Now, their numbers have greatly declined.
The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a small turtle which spends it's entire life in brackish waters like the Indian River. I have, however, found them in some small fresh water lakes probably carried there by birds or humans. There are six sub species of the Diamondback Terrapin in the state of Florida.
At one time they were grown commercially for food, and was a big business in the Cayman Islands and in the SE United states. They are now on Endangered or Threatened lists in several states.
Now, The Brevard Zoo is trying to discover why the population of this little turtle is in decline. Read about the zoo's effort in this Florida Today newspaper article. Spot a diamondback terrapin? Tell Brevard zoo
You can help in this effort
Seen a diamondback terrapin, lately?
Residents are asked to email diamondback terrapin sightings to terrapin@brevardzoo.org or statewide to terrapin@myfwc.com.
Sightings should include the date, the number of turtles, and the address or GPS coordinates, if possible.
The Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is a small turtle which spends it's entire life in brackish waters like the Indian River. I have, however, found them in some small fresh water lakes probably carried there by birds or humans. There are six sub species of the Diamondback Terrapin in the state of Florida.
At one time they were grown commercially for food, and was a big business in the Cayman Islands and in the SE United states. They are now on Endangered or Threatened lists in several states.
Now, The Brevard Zoo is trying to discover why the population of this little turtle is in decline. Read about the zoo's effort in this Florida Today newspaper article. Spot a diamondback terrapin? Tell Brevard zoo
You can help in this effort
Seen a diamondback terrapin, lately?
Residents are asked to email diamondback terrapin sightings to terrapin@brevardzoo.org or statewide to terrapin@myfwc.com.
Sightings should include the date, the number of turtles, and the address or GPS coordinates, if possible.