Field Localization Strategies for Diamondback Terrapins

Abstract

Diamondback Terrapins serve as an indicator species for the at-risk saltwater marsh habitats that line the coast of St. Joseph Bay in Northern Florida. As such, movement data will assist researchers to better understand the behavior and ecological role they play, as well as track the changing health of saltwater marshes to inform conservation efforts. Because traditional approaches to marine wildlife localization are optimized for larger animals, they aren't suited to gather this data. This project will explore alternative localization and data transmission techniques, primarily including GPS and GSM, to gain improved knowledge of Diamondback Terrapin movement patterns.