Background

A 2019 report by CT DEEP identified numerous road segments where terrapin mortality may be occurring
- The report analyzed spatial data on roads and predictive models related to terrapin occurrence
Road segments were ranked according to the expected terrapin road mortality rate
- Ranking was based on predictive models, road segment length, and proximity to documented terrapin occurrence records
- The Fairfield County hotspot happened to receive the highest ranking of any road segment, and was included among 7 high-priority potential roadkill hotspots identified in the report
Road mortality of diamondback terrapins in Connecticut has not been formally studied or thoroughly assessed

Objectives

Survey various potential diamondback terrapin road mortality hotspots throughout Connecticut
- Conduct at least one survey per week from July through September at a potential terrapin road mortality hotspot
- Survey all the high-priority potential hotspots identified in the 2019 report at least two times each
- Survey data will be shared with Western Connecticut State University, CT DEEP, and The Maritime Aquarium
Coordinate surveys with with the organizations listed above so that sampling is distributed effectively
Generate a report summarizing survey efforts and findings
- This will be completed by spring 2021 and will be shared with the organizations listed above
- A summarized version of the report will be made available on this webpage
Communicate the discovery of any terrapin road mortality hotspots to organizations capable of implementing mitigation action (e.g., CT DOT, CT DEEP, US Fish & Wildlife Service, town conservation commissions)