Diamondback Terrapin Project
A Unique Coastal Species
Diamondback terrapins are the only species of turtle in the United States that live exclusively in brackish water, where freshwater and saltwater mix. Found in estuaries from Massachusetts to Texas, these distinctive turtles call North Carolina's coastal waters home. Their name comes from the pattern of concentric rings on their carapace (top shell), and their skin patterns vary from dark to light blue-gray with contrasting dark spots and stripes.
Stopping to Pose!
Their name is derived from the pattern of concentric rings on their carapace (top shell) and their skin patterns can vary from dark to light blue-gray with contrasting dark spots and stripes.
Living Life in an Estuary
Diamondback terrapins live only in the brackish waters of estuaries and can be found throughout the coastal areas of North Carolina. These turtles are sexually dimorphic, meaning adult males and females differ significantly in size. Males grow to only about 6 inches long, while females can reach 9 inches or more.
Threats to Terrapins
Diamondback terrapins have faced numerous threats throughout history, including overharvesting for turtle soup and habitat depletion. Today, the main threats include:
Bycatch in crab pots
Loss of nesting habitat due to shoreline development
Illegal pet trade
Road mortality along coastal roads
How You Can Help
You can make a difference for diamondback terrapins by:
Using bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) on crab pots to prevent accidental capture
Watching for turtles crossing roads when driving along the coast
Participating in the Terrapin Tally citizen science project
Join the Terrapin Tally
Each spring in North Carolina, we conduct the Terrapin Tally—a project that uses community scientists, kayaks, and smartphones to collect observations of terrapins along our coast. These observations help us track population health and distribution. If you're interested in participating in the Terrapin Tally, please let us know!
Support Terrapin Conservation
Your donation supports ongoing research, conservation efforts, and community science programs that protect diamondback terrapins and their coastal habitats.