The diamondback terrapin is a local species and is found off the east coast of the US and is abundant in the Gulf of Mexico. They inhabit saltwater habitats, brackish channels, lagoons, tidal flats, marshes, estuarine areas, and coastlines. Although they can live in salty water they still require unsalted water to drink. A full-sized male will be about half the size of a full-grown female. Their diet consists of snails, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and carrion. These vulnerable species were almost united to extinction within the last century because they are known for their sweet meat. Since then, they have recovered in numbers thanks to conservation efforts.
Locality: United States along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico
Genus: Malaclemys
Species: terrapin littoralis
Status: Cites 2
IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU)
Leave a Reply