| Contributors: |
First, I would like to thank the members of my Thesis Committee, Dr. Theodora Pinou, Dr. Neeta Connally (WCSU), and Mike Ravesi (CTDEEP) for their guidance, feedback, and assistance with completing my thesis. I would also like to thank all my collaborators and supporters for this project including Bridget Cervero from the Norwalk Aquarium, Brian Hess of CTDEEP Wildlife Division, all faculty of WCSU Biology Department, the Prince Family, Hammonassett Beach State Park, Rocky Neck Beach State Park, Harvey’s Beach, and the Great Hammock Beach Association. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my mom, dad, sister, and my wife for all their support in completing this research. I truly could not have done it without each of their support and love through this endeavor. I would also like to give a special appreciation for all my mentors, supporters, and friends throughout my career for all they have done for me to get me to this point, including Dr. Jeremy Stovall, Dr. Christopher Schalk, Dr. Carmen Montana-Schalk, Dr. Stephen Mullin, David Rosenbaum, Laura St. Andrews, Jake Swanson, Dr. Christina Romagosa, Gretchen Anderson, Austin Fitzgerald, the entire BICY Crew, Missy Almaazmi, my field technicians Michael Tambascio, Gabby Silva, and Henry Schwendler, and all my fellow WCSU graduate students. Lastly, I would like to thank the Diamondback Terrapin Working Group, the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation, and the Gary Goldring Foundation for their financial support with this project. Without each and everyone’s support, this project could never have become a reality. |
| Description: |
Malaclemys terrapin terrapin (northern diamondback terrapin) is the only turtle species in North America that primarily occupies brackish habitat. It is recognized as a keystone species because it helps maintain a sustainable estuarine ecosystem. Very little is known about the population size, demographics, and distribution of M. t. terrapin across coastal Connecticut. Using intensive trapping, I explored the status and threats of the Connecticut population of M. t. terrapin. I sampled nine subpopulations of M. t. terrapin representing diverse habitats along the Connecticut coast. Baited hoop nets and opportunistic catches were used for M. t. terrapin mark and recapture sampling between May - August of 2022 and 2023. Location, sex, and morphological data were recorded for 1,809 M. t. terrapins. The population of M. t. terrapin in Connecticut has a greater abundance of females compared to males, and subpopulations of M. t. terrapin consist of varying estimated population size and variable morphological characteristics, including subpopulations with significantly smaller female shell length and body mass. This study explores possible explanations for this variation. |