Dedicated to diamondback terrapin research, conservation, management and education
The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group was formed in 2004 by individuals from academic, scientific, regulatory and private institutions/organizations working to promote the conservation of the diamondback terrapin, the preservation of intact, wild terrapin populations and their associated ecosystems throughout their range. The Diamondback Terrapin Working Group is committed to and supports research, management, conservation, and education efforts with the above goals in mind.
We welcome new members to the working group and encourage interested parties to join.
About Terrapin Institute
The Terrapin Institute began in 1998 as a consortium of concerned citizens, scientists, resource managers, and educators dedicated to the understanding, persistence, and recovery of Diamondback Terrapins and other turtles through effective management, thorough research, and public outreach. We work to protect an abundance of adult turtle populations, preserve nesting and forage habitat, and improve recruitment. In return the terrapin has become the perfect metaphor for natural resource stewardship and public engagement; the face of estuarine restoration, and a gateway to the many wonders of our rich tidewater heritage.
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Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
The University of Southern Mississippi
703 E. Beach Drive
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
www.usm.edu/gcrl
Text Copyright by:
The Center for Fisheries Research and Development
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
The University of Southern Mississippi
Copyright 2007
AA/EOE/ADAI 8/05
Turtles, Terrapins, and Tortoises
What is the difference between a turtle, a terrapin, and a
tortoise? In the U.S., they are all called turtles, but there are
differences.
Turtles that are totally terrestrial (live on land) and do not
need constant access to water are referred to as tortoises.
Tortoises usually have high domed shells and legs that resemble
the legs of elephants. They eat plants and grow very slowly.
The giant Galapagos tortoises weigh hundreds of pounds and live
for over 100 years. The smaller gopher tortoise, once common
in the eastern U.S., is now endangered.
Terrapins are turtles that live in brackish water (slightly salty).
The diamondback terrapin, once abundant along the Gulf Coast,
is now a species of concern. Terrapins are still fi shed along the
Eastern Seaboard, but populations are decreasing and measures
have been put in place to limit their harvest to insure survival.
There are many other species of turtles; some live in freshwater
environments and others live in the ocean. The common box
turtle lives on land but needs access to water. Sea turtles have
streamlined bodies and webbed fl ipper-like feet that allow them
to swim easily for long distances. While sea turtles live most of
their lives in the ocean, females return to land to lay their eggs.
All species of sea turtles in the U.S. are protected under the
Endangered Species Act.
Body Parts
Trivia: Turtles live everywhere on earth except the Arctic
and Antarctica.
Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle
The Kemps Ridley sea turtle is the smallest and most
endangered of all sea turtles. Adults weigh anywhere
from 85 to 100 pounds and measure 24 to 30 inches
in length. Their diet consists mostly of crabs, but
they also eat shrimp, clams, jellyfi sh and fi sh.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Loggerhead sea turtles are named for their extremely
large head. They have very powerful jaws which help
them crush hard-shell prey like whelks and conchs.
Their shell is heart-shaped and reddish brown in
color.
Red-Eared Slider Turtle
The Red-eared Slider is the most recognized turtle.
This slider gets its name from the broad red stripe
behind its eye. They are found in freshwater ponds,
streams, creeks and marshes. They feed on plant
and animal material.
Trivia: The largest freshwater turtle in the U.S. is the
alligator snapping turtle.
Common Snapping Turtle
The Common Snapping turtle is the largest fresh water
turtle. It has a large head and very strong jaws. An
adult can reach up to 70 pounds but normally weighs
about 35 pounds. Their legs are very powerful, heavily
scaled, and have webbed feet with long claws. They
feed on plant and animal material and have been known
to eat small mammals and ducks.
Diamondback Terrapin
The Diamondback Terrapin is named for the diamond
patterns on its shell. They have black spots and
wiggly marks on their skin. Diamondbacks spend most
of their time in water and only come out to lay eggs
and bask in the sun. They inhabit tidal marshes,
estuaries, and lagoons and feed on snails, clams, crabs
and plants.
Trivia: Leatherback sea turtles can grow to six feet in
length and weigh up to 1,300 pounds.
Leatherback Turtle
The Leatherback turtle is the largest living turtle.
It is placed in its own family, called Dermochelys,
because its so distinctive. The leatherback travels
the farthest, dives the deepest, and ventures into
the coldest waters.
Turtle Shell Project
Paper Plate
Construction Paper
Scissors
Glue/ Tape
Instructions:
Cut out shapes and designs using the construction
paper. Make your own shell by gluing or taping your
colored shapes on to the paper plate. Be creative!
Then cut out two legs and two arms using the
construction paper and then cut out one head and one
tail. Glue or tape
the head, tail, arms, and legs to the paper plate.