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Raising the Hatchlings

We are taking action to make people aware that interesting animals like terrapins need our help to survive. We are honored to raise terrapin hatchlings for the Wetlands Institute. These baby turtles are orphans because their eggs were collected from the crushed shells of females trying to cross our roads. We plan to release the terrapins in June. Volunteers assist in collecting bay water, cleaning tanks, and feeding the baby terrapins. We also teach younger students about the project. Thanks to the Parents Group of Jordan Road School for providing funding for our project.


We setup 60 watt lamps to allow the terrapins to "bask" in the light. Basking helps develop healthy shells. We take turns taking the hatchlings home during the weekends. Sometimes we send email reports to Dr. Herlands, Dr. Wood and his helpers.

Sample Email


DATE: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 09:21:48 -0500
TO:
SUBJECT: Re: C.Watters/Terrapins
Dear Dr. Wood, Dr.Herlands, and Christine,
We are concerned about the death rate of our terrapins. So far one headstarter has died out of ten. Two hatchlings have died out of ten.
Please tell us the death rate at your lab for the turtles. Thank you for your help.
Leah S. and Venture Cares Project students

Terrapin at computer image by Lachanda

Herlands, Rosalind" wrote: Mary and Venture Cares students,
Good to hear from you. I am glad that Christina has set you and your students up with some hatchlings and head-starters. We do appreciate the TLC you guys give these little terrapins. I do believe that diamondback terrapins are listed as a species of special concern. We are sure that the local population must be declining because no population can withstand the annual high rate of loss of adults, especially of females, and not feel the effect after 25-30 years. Moreover, lots of folks who lived along the coast during the 60s and early 70s talk about the roads covered with terrapins during the nesting season and we certainly do not see that sight these days. Have a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Roz

go back turtle by Kathryn H. go forward terrapin by Kathryn H.
     

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