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Reptiles & Amphibians

Diamondback terrapin

Diamondback terrapins are small, brilliantly patterned turtles that are endemic strictly to the coastal marshes of the east coast (Gibbons et al, 2001). In the early 1900s, Diamonback terrapins were nearly driven to extinction by over-harvesting (they were a popular menu item in the 1920s) and are currently under a new threat; crab pots (Griffin et al, 2006). Drawn to the massive underwater cages by the smell of fish and crabs, female Diamondback terrapins wander into the crab pot opening where they become trapped and drown. Unfortunately, even after she dies the female continues to release pheromones into the water, attracting males into the trap (Gibbons, personal communication, 2004).

http://nytts.org/proceedings/wood-ct.htm

This devastating sequence of events results in massive terrapin mortality in a single crab pot, creating enormous pressure on the local populations as exhibit high site fidelity and may not have large dispersal patterns (Gibbons et al, 2001).

Mimic glass lizard

http://www.conservationsoutheast.com/mimicus.htm

As the smallest of the glass lizards, the Mimic glass lizard was only recently recognized as its’ own distinct species from the Island and Slender glass lizards, and was shortly thereafter determined to be a species of federal concern (Conant & Collins, 1998). Found in close association with longleaf pine forests, the primary reason for this species’ decline is due to habitat loss by the overharvesting of lowland coastal forest stands (SCDNR, 2006). Increased attention is being given to more fully understand the role of this uncommon species in both North and South Carolina remaining longleaf pine stands.

Southern hognose snake

http://www.bio.davidson.edu/projects/herpcons/herps_of_NC/snakes/Het_sim.html

Like many other rare animal species, Southern hognose snake populations are suffering as lowland longleaf pine habitat is lost along the east coast. A small snake, the Southern hognose is often confused with the more abundant Eastern hognose; both are burrowers associated with the soft soils of sandy coastal plains habitats that have the unusual defense mechanism of playing dead when disturbed (Conant & Collins, 1998).

In addition to habitat destruction, the introduction of exotic-invasive fire ants, increased pollution and development are having deleterious impacts on populations in North and South Carolina (SCDNR, 2006).

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/animals/images/primary/american-alligator.jpg

The American Alligator can be found in wetlands of the southeastern US. As a top predator, they help to control the food chain by keeping rodents and other animals from over-inhabiting the wetlands. The American Alligators are losing habitat due to increased development. Proposed future climate change may also affect them by increasing their metabolic cost, reducing food availability and delaying sexual maturity, as is already seen with Florida populations. (Conant, R., and Joseph T. Collins, Wikipedia)

Carolina gopher frog (Rana capito)

http://www.amphibiainfo.com/gallery/anura/ranidae/rana/capito/rana_capito_captio_slc.jpg

The Carolina Gopher Frog can be found in freshwater habitats along the outer coastal plain in the southern half of North Carolina. They are generally nocturnal species and spend their days in the burrows of the Gopher Tortoise. They are also quite terrestrial as compared to other frogs and mainly use the water to reproduce. Pollution, habitat loss and degradation from agriculture and development is causing this population to decline rapidly.(Aardema, J., et al, Conant, R. & J. T. Collins, Hammerson, G. & Jensen, J.)

Sea Turtles

http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/animals/images/primary/loggerhead-sea-turtle.jpg, http://hww.ca/~Content/33/Images/nesting-(godfrey)1.jpg

There are 5 species of sea turtles that migrate through North Carolina waters; leatherbacks ( Dermochelys coriacea ) , loggerheads (Caretta caretta), Kemp’s ridleys ( Lepidochelys kempii ), green (Chelonia mydas), and hawksbills ( Eretmochelys imbricata ) . Greens, leatherbacks and loggerheads have all made nests along the NC coastline, with loggerheads being the most abundant. All species are long lived and reproduce much later in life. One interesting fact about all sea turtles is their sex is determined by nest temperature. Cooler temperatures yield more males while warmer temperatures yield more females. In North Carolina, most of the loggerhead population born is a higher percentage of males as compared to nests farther south. This makes the loggerhead breeding grounds one of the most important for the Western Atlantic population.

Sea turtles are subject to numerous environmental and anthropogenic stressors. Coastal changes highly affect nesting success. Beaches subject to erosion can flood and destroy nests. Sea turtles also have a high rate of bycatch and mortality among fishing industries. Ingesting plastic pollution is another high mortality rate, clogging the digestive system. Coastal development is another issue leading to their decline. Habitat destruction and light pollution both due to development along the coast both disrupts and disturbs nesting sea turtles. Natural lighting by the moon is necessary for hatchling success. Hatchlings depend on natural moonlight to take them to the ocean. Artificial lighting leads them away from the ocean to their death. The thought of climate change can have detrimental affects on sea turtles, causing more beach erosion and higher temperatures that could skew the sex population. ( Hawkes, L.A., A.C. Broderick, M.H. Godfrey and B.J. Godley)