The Life History and Conservation of the Diamondback Terrapin

Part of our WaterWatch Lecture Series.
Patty Levasseur, Graduate Researcher, Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay & University of Massachusetts – A once abundant turtle species, diamondback terrapins were an important food source for the Continental Army and later for slaves on coastal plantations dating back to the 1700s. Terrapin meat later became a delicacy for the elite and was heavily exploited to near extinction. Today, diamondback terrapins are listed as protected or regulated throughout their range, however they face additional threats including habitat loss, nest depredation, road mortality and drowning in crab traps. Conservation work is being done throughout their range to combat these threats in hopes of recovering populations of this unique turtle.

The WaterWatch Lecture Series is FREE and open to the public. Sponsored by Clean Harbors, Rockland Federal  Credit Union, and Mass Cultural Council. Brought to you by the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, the South Shore Natural Science Center, Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries, and the South Shore YMCA.