Diamondback Terrapin Head-Start Program

Rescuing Imperiled Eggs

Terrapin nesting success is hampered by numerous threats including predation from invasive feral hogs, wash-out from beach erosion, and road-mortality of nesting females. Our program rescues eggs from these situations and gives them a second chance at successfully hatching. Our focus has been in some of the most impacted areas of our coast, including Fourchon, Elmers Island, and Grand Isle. Since 2023, we've successfully hatched over 100 terrapin and placed them into our head-start program!

Head-starting with the Audubon Aquarium

Starting in 2025, we've partnered with the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program and Audubon Nature Institute to help head-start terrapin and spread the word about terrapin conservation. Over the next couple years we will provide Audubon with hatchling terrapin that will be on display at the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans. These terrapin will spend an entire year quickly growing out of their most vulnerable stage of life, while also spreading the importance of coastal conservation to all who visit the Audubon Aquarium!

Head-starting in the Classroom

Our head-start program will also incorporate a hands-on experience for local classrooms. Each year we will provide a hatchling terrapin to elementary science classrooms for the students to head-start. Throughout the year, students will actively track the growth and development of their terrapin while also engaging in lessons about coastal conservation and education. Our hope is to provide the next generation with a tangible connection to their coast and foster a life-long stewardship of this incredible ecosystem!