FYI: tiny Chanukah/Christmas gift.
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FYI: tiny Chanukah/Christmas gift I thought I would pass this information on to all those who strive to cultivate the diamondback terrapin and keep this species on the planet in great numbers. For various reasons, the Terrapin Institute never discards terrapin eggs or the shards from which successful hatchlings have emerged. Each year’s egg remains are saved and labeled. A possible use might be to detect toxins or genetic material in the egg shards. This year was no exception. All the shriveled and collapsed eggs from the 2004 nesting season along with the egg shards were stored with vermiculite in Tupperware containers. Today, as we prepared for holiday decorating, my son, aka chief turtle lackey, decided to open the 2004 box of egg remains. To his amazement, he found a live hatchling. These egg remains were packed up in October 2004, long after we thought any hatchlings were possible. We quickly hydrated the little terrapin which appears to be doing fine. Only once before in our experience did an apparent non-viable, collapsed egg produce a hatchling, but never did we discover a hatchling this long after the normal incubation period. No wonder the turtle has lasted over 230 million years……………. I am glad for my young assistant’s curiosity as he has added to our body of research. Peace. Marguerite WhildenThe Terrapin Institute
That is a fantastic story! Good luck and happy holidays!Marguerite Whilden
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