Our Animal Ambassadors

Diamondback Terrapin
(Malaclemys terrapin)

Distribution
United States, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts down the entire eastern seaboard, around the Florida peninsula, and across the Gulf Coast to Texas.

Habitat
Brackish water of salt marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks. They are the only turtle species in the U.S. that lives in the brackish water zone between fresh water habitats and the ocean.

Size
Adult females can reach up to 9 inches in carapace length and 1.5 pounds. Males are smaller in this species.

Diet
Carnivorous - They feed on a variety of crustaceans, fish, insects, mollusks, snails, clams, and crabs.

Conservation
In the late 1800's and early 1900's, diamondback terrapins were considered a delicacy in the U.S. Terrapin soup was served in many of the finer restaurants on the east coast. The over-harvesting of these turtles for such haute cuisine led to a major decline in terrapin numbers. Once terrapins were no longer harvested, many populations had opportunities to recover.

Natural Predators
Their nests are depredated by skunks, raccoons and foxes. Upon emerging from the nest, young hatchlings are often eaten by gulls, crows and black-crowned night-herons. Although the hatchlings are less vulnerable to predation when in water, they can still be preyed on by herons and predatory fish.