Students:  

Hart, Kristen Marie

Ph.D. student, Ecology, Duke University (Spring 2000).

I am interested in marine ecology and conservation biology particularly with respect to endangered, threatened, and at-risk species conservation and management. For my dissertation I am studying population dynamics of the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) fishery interactions of terrapins with the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishery.

Listed as a species of special concern in North Carolina, diamondback terrapin populations are declining due to habitat loss and anthropogenic mortality. Because we have only limited information on the population dynamics and distribution and abundance of terrapins within the state, I have focused my research questions and survey efforts at the population level. My goal is to delineate the full extent of their distribution within my study areas and determine the basic parameters of terrapin populations in this region. My specific studies center on population dynamics, population genetics, home range, habitat use, and seasonal movement of terrapins.

To date, I have calculated the first survival rates for adult terrapins and worked with Selina Heppell to develop a general terrapin population model. As a result of intensive fieldwork, I have documented the presence of 4 separate terrapin populations (Malaclemys terrapin centrata) at individual sites in eastern North Carolina (in the region between Core and Pamlico Sounds). I conduct on-going mark-recapture programs (PIT tagging and marginal scute notching) at each site and perform radiotelemetry on terrapins at 2 of the 4 sites. I also collect blood samples from each captured terrapin for population genetics. In addition, I work closely with a local crabber on ways to reduce terrapin bycatch in the North Carolina blue crab fishery.

I received a B.S. degree in Biology from Boston College in 1997 and a masters M.E.M. degree from Duke University in 1999.

Contact

E-mail: kmh5@duke.edu
Home phone: 504-3800
Work phone: ext. 7567

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