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.
DATE: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 09:21:48 -0500
Herlands, Rosalind"
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
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
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