Cape Cod, renowned for its lobsters and increasing great white shark population, has recently welcomed a rare two-headed diamondback terrapin, showcasing a unique addition to its wildlife. Found by representatives of the Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at a protected nesting site, the turtle weighs just 0.18 ounces (5.2 grams) and was taken to the Cape Wildlife Center for care.
Known as bicephaly, the condition occurs due to incomplete embryonic splitting during identical twinning, resulting in conjoined twins with independent heads but a shared body. Both genetics and environmental factors are believed to contribute to its development, as explained by Zak Mertz, CEO of the New England Wildlife Centers.
Over the past five years, this is the third bicephalic terrapin found in the area, providing valuable opportunities for research on these conditions in wildlife. Two-headed animals face significant survival challenges due to their unusual anatomy, impacting movement and feeding. The broader conservation status of diamondback terrapins, native to brackish waters along the U.S. coast, is currently under review. Care for this remarkable turtle is ongoing, as veterinarians monitor its health closely.
