The Terrapin Tally Story

The Terrapin Tally is a project created in partnership with the NC Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to help address questions about the overall population status and condition of the Diamondback Terrapin within the state. The diamondback terrapin is listed as a species of special concern within the state and Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the NC Wildlife Action Plan and due to these designations, the NCNERR and NCWRC staff set out to fill these information and data gaps, which resulted in the pilot Terrapin Tally in 2014 at Masonboro Island Reserve. 

The Terrapin Tally is structured as a community science activity that aims to take a snapshot of the diamondback terrapin population numbers in a given area by conducting kayak surveys at specified times and prescribed routes. By doing this, our hope was to eventually allow for population statistics and trends to be understood over time. 

We are back for our 10th year and looking forward to another year of terrapin sighting data collection and appreciate your willingness to help contribute to a larger purpose in protecting our favorite little marsh turtle! 

Training Sessions 

*Registration Required*

Saturday, April 13 from 10am - 12pm

Synchronized training sessions offered at multiple locations and virtually

In-person 

Virtually 

Go to REGISTRATION for more information on training registration.

Data Collection Sessions

Terrapin Tally 2024

Routes available at: 

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Rachel Carson Reserve 

Calico Creek

Hammocks Beach State Park

Lea Hutaff Island 

Masonboro Island Reserve

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area

Zeke's Island Reserve

Bald Head Island

Bird Island Reserve