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.
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
Preface
1. Introduction and History J. Whitfield Gibbons
Part I. Biology and Ecology 2. Capture, Measurement, and Field Techniques Willem M. Roosenburg and Russell L. Burke
3. Evolutionary History and Paleontological Record Dana J. Ehret and Benjamin K. Atkinson
4. Taxonomy: A History of Controversy and Uncertainty Jeffrey E. Lovich and Kristen M. Hart
5. Molecular Ecology and Phylogeography Paul E. Converse and Shawn R. Kuchta
6. Life History with Emphasis on Geographic Variation Jeffrey E. Lovich, J. Whitfield Gibbons, and Kathryn M. Greene
7. Reproductive Behavior and Ecology Joseph A. Butler, Russell L. Burke, and Willem M. Roosenburg
8. Hatchling Behavior and Overwintering Patrick J. Baker, Ralph E. J. Boerner, and Roger C. Wood
9. Osmoregulation Leigh Anne Harden and Amanda Southwood Williard
10. Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination Thane Wibbels, Taylor Roberge, and Allen R. Place
11. Foraging Ecology and Habitat Choice Anton D. Tucker, Russell L. Burke, and Diane C. Tulipani
12. Environmental Toxicology Dawn K. Holliday, Rusty D. Day, and David Owens
Part II. Fisheries and Conservation Challenges 13. History of Commercial Fisheries and Artificial Propagation Victor S. Kennedy
14. Conservation in Terrestrial Habitats: Mitigating Habitat Loss, Road Mortality, and Subsidized Predators John C. Maerz, Richard A. Seigel, and Brian A. Crawford
15. Interactions with Motorboats Lori A. Lester, Harold W. Avery, Andrew S. Harrison, and Edward A. Standora
16. Bycatch in Blue Crab Fisheries Randolph M. Chambers and John C. Maerz
17. Conservation through Environmental Education George L. Heinrich, Timothy J. Walsh, and Will Williams
18. Habitat Restoration and Head-starting Willem M. Roosenburg
19. The Future for Diamond-backed Terrapins Joseph A. Butler and Willem M. Roosenburg
Contributors Index
""A broad and rich overview on the biology of this turtle... In many cases, the specific details around Diamond-back terrapin threats or issues are relevant to other turtle species, making this a highly recommended book for anyone working in turtle biology or conservation.""
