Abstract:
The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effects of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on the ecology and survival status of the diamondback terrapin in the salt marshes of Alabama by 1) conducting surveys of the populations status, and possible changes in population size of the diamondback terrapin in Alabama, 2) conducting a comprehensive mark-recapture study to assess population status and potential changes in population status, 3) evaluating the reproductive output in the population, and 4) evaluating hatching success, hatchling fitness, and growth rates of post hatchlings. This dataset contains abundance and various measurements of eggs, hatchlings, nesting females captured, wild captured turtles, and head started turtles in the salt marshes of Alabama from 2006-2014. Hatchling information such as yolk size, hatching stage, population fitness testing, and orientation behavior is also included.
Suggested Citation:
Thane Wibbels. 2015. Diamondback Terrapin Nesting and Hatching Results, Alabama Salt Marshes, 2006-2012. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7MW2F3F
Data Parameters and Units:
Hatchling Measurements:Date, Week, Carapace length-CL (mm), Carapace width-CW (mm), Plastron length-PL (mm), Depth (mm), Mass (g), Shell-to-vent length (mm), Vent-to-tip length (mm), Tail-Vent to Cloaca (mm), Tail-Cloaca to Tip (mm); Egg Measurements: Egg length (mm), Egg width (mm), Weight (g), Fitness Testing (Righting), Time (sec), Time (min); Mark-recapture: Location Cedar Point Marsh (CPM): 30.320687, -88.144424, Jemison (J): 30.346506, -88.128746, Causeway Jemison (CJ): 30.342360, -88.125916, Little Dauphin Island (LDI): 30.273246, -88.118800, Airport Marsh (APM): 30.255790, -88.124539, Fowl River (Fowl): 30.444475, -88.127143°, Sex (J:Juvenile, M:Male, F:Female), Age of Female (Years), Curved carapace length-CCL (mm), Straight carapace length-SCL (mm), Curved carapace width-CCW (mm), Straight carapace width-SCW (mm), Height (mm), Plastron length-PL (mm), Head width-HW (mm), plastron notch to vent length-NTVL (mm), Vent to tail length-VTTL (mm), Weight before lay (g), Weight after lay (g), Number of eggs