Genetic variation of northeastern populations of diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)

The diamondback terrapin is a mid-sized turtle that serves as a keystone predator in salt marsh ecosystems of eastern North America. The terrapin has historically faced population declines due to habitat loss and overharvesting, which has resulted in its listing under multiple jurisdictions across the northern part of its range. This study characterizes levels and partitioning of genetic variation in the diamondback terrapin throughout the northeastern region using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RADseq).