Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-Backed Terrapin

About this book

The diamond-backed terrapin is not only a uniquely evolved and beautiful turtle, it also has a long history as a vital American food source. Once so numerous that people reportedly grew tired of eating them, diamond-backed terrapins are greatly reduced in numbers today and have become an icon of salt marsh conservation. Considerably diminished in some areas and struggling to survive, this distinctive brackish water turtle is the focus of intense conservation efforts.

In Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin, leading terrapin researcher Willem M. Roosenburg and experienced science editor Victor S. Kennedy have brought together a group of expert scientists to summarize our current understanding of terrapin biology, physiology, behavior, and conservation efforts. Over the course of 19 comprehensive chapters, contributors:
- review the latest information on this charismatic species
- provide a detailed summary of the terrapin’s natural history
- explain the threats to terrapin population stability throughout their range
- examine ongoing conservation efforts to ensure the reptile’s survival
- present convincing arguments for the value of the diamond-backed terrapin as an estuarine indicator organism
- use the terrapin as a model for studying the consequences of exploitation and environmental degradation on long-lived species

This exceptional book provides pivotal information for estuarine and turtle biologists, terrapin enthusiasts, natural historians, educators, conservationists, resource managers, and students. Ecology and Conservation of the Diamond-backed Terrapin is the definitive volume on this important American reptile.

Contents

Preface: Introduction and History of the Diamond-backed Terrapin

Part I. Biology and Ecology
1. Techniques for the Capture and Study of Terrapins
2. Evolutionary History and Paleontological Records
3. Diamond-Backed Terrapin Taxonomy
4. Molecular Ecology and Phylogeography of the Diamond-backed Terrapin
5. Life History of the Diamond-backed Terrapin with emphasis on Geographic Variation
6. Nesting Behavior and Ecology
7. Hatchling Behavior and Overwintering
8. Osmoregulation
9. Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination in the Diamond-backed Terrapin
10. Foraging Ecology and Habitat of Choice
11. Environmental Toxicology of Diamond-backed Terrapins

Part II. Fisheries and Conservation Challenges
12. History of Commerical Fisheries and Artificial Propagation of Diamond-backed Terrapins
13. Terrapin Conservation Terrestrial Habitats
14. Interactions Between Terrapins and Recreational Boats
15. Terrapin Bycatch in Blue Crab Fisheries
16. Conserving Diamond-backed Terrapins Through Environmental Education
17. Habitat Restoration and Headstarting
18. The Future for Diamond-backed Terrapins

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Biography

Willem M. Roosenburg is the director of the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies and a professor of biological sciences at Ohio University. Victor S. Kennedy is emeritus professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. He is the author of Shifting Baselines in the Chesapeake Bay: An Environmental History.


Contributors:
- Benjamin K. Atkinson
- Harold W. Avery
- Patrick J. Baker
- Ralph E.J. Boerner
- Russell L. Burke
- Joseph A. Butler
- Randolph M. Chambers
- Paul E. Converse
- Brian A. Crawford
- Rusty D. Day
- Dana J. Ehret
- J. Whitfield Gibbons
- Kathryn M. Greene
- Leigh Anne Harden
- Andrew S. Harrison
- Kristen M. Hart
- George L. Heinrich
- Dawn K. Holliday
- Victor S. Kennedy
- Shawn R. Kuchta
- Lori A. Lester
- Jeffrey E. Lovich
- John C. Maerz
- David Owens
- Allen R. Place
- Taylor Roberge
- Willem M. Roosenburg
- Richard A. Seigel
- Amanda Southwood Williard
- Edward A. Standora
- Anton D. Tucker
- Diane C. Tulipani
- Timothy J. Walsh
- Thane Wibbels
- Will Williams
- Roger C. Wood