Protecting Terrapins in Little Egg Harbor

by Ben Wurst, Habitat Program Manager

Andy Wurst, a CWF volunteer and supporter for the project drives in a wood stake. © Ben Wurst

On April 17th, volunteers helped install 4,000 feet of barrier fencing along Great Bay Blvd. to prevent Northern diamondback terrapins from being struck by motor vehicles. This initiative is similar to those found along other coastal roads in southern New Jersey in Margate, Ocean City, and Stone Harbor.

Terrapin conservation is new to Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. It was easy to establish a need for the conservation work. Terrapins are listed as a Species of Special Concern in New Jersey. Several scientific studies have documented the threat of motor vehicles to terrapins and their impact on the local population. And it is heart-wrenching to see a large female terrapin that was struck by a motor vehicle.

Terrapins begin nesting activities in mid-late May. In the coming weeks we will be installing more “Terrapin Xing” signs along the road with help from Little Egg Harbor Township. A brochure is in the works and will be finished soon.

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Tags: 2010, New Jersey, terrapin

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 at 9:57 am and is filed under Volunteer Programs, Wildlife Protection. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.