Diamondback Terrapin Monitoring **COMING SOON
Description:
The Mississippi diamonback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin pileata) are a rare species that specialize in brackish water. They prefer saltmarshes and beaches where they munch on marine invertebrates and nest in the sandy shore. You can easily identify them by their speckled skin and patterned shell. Unfortunately, diamondback terrapins and the coastal marshes they inhabit are declining. In an effort to increase conservation and habitat restoration, researchers are working to find vital terrapin nesting areas.
Help monitor for diamondback terrapins by participating in surveys with local research specialists! This community science effort will include beach surveys at locations that are only accessible via boat. All participants must attend a training with the project leads.
** This project is in its early pilot and planning stages. We are not currently monitoring. More information will be provided at a later time. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mandy Rigsby (m.rigsby@msstate.edu).
Photo of diamondback terrapin to bring you joy:
Website: Diamondback Terrapin Working Group