Although the common snapping turtle is generally a freshwater species, some coastal populations show evidence of adaption to elevated salinites (Dunson, 1986). For my summer research project at the Wetlands Institute I have been catching snapping turtles as well as diamondback terrapins in a local tidal creek (both by hand and with traps) and recording the salinities in which I find them. In addition, I am comparing the growth rates for hatchlings of each species when reared in water at different salinities. I present my findings here at the institute on Aug. 7th (event is open to the public). Here are some photos...much more to come.
hatchling comparison
hatchling tubs for growth study
trudging through the muck
Dr. Patrick Baker and I, setting hoop traps
...the results
getting measurements before injecting PIT tag, and releasing
