A corner of Trott’s Pond could soon be modified in order to create a refuge for a species of terrapin now nesting in sand traps on the Mid Ocean Golf Course.The proposal, put forward by the golf club following consultation with the Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS), could help support the diamondback terrapin population, a near-threatened species globally.The local breeding population for the species, which has been declared native to the Island, has been estimated as being as small as 100 adults.According to the application, the species has been using the course’s sand bunkers as a makeshift breeding ground, with BZS and MOC staff guarding the nests with metal cages to protect the eggs.In an effort to further protect the species, the application proposes that a small artificial island be created out of sand in the North Western corner of Trott’s Pond, to the south of the 11th green.Existing mangrove trees will remain, providing protection from predators, but invasive species would be culled from the area.C Nicholas Kempe writes in the application: “Working with BZS environmentalists, the Mid Ocean Club wishes to protect and assist in maintaining green spaces for creatures as well as plant life and help preserve such areas for a safe environment for rare species.“Our proposal is to move them to a closer natural refuge where the species do not have to venture across unsafe/unprotected areas, reducing the chances of being attacked by predators.“The mangroves will offer protection and shelter whilst making their track from the pond to the new refuge undetected.”While research has suggested the species has been on the Island for almost 3,000 years, likely after being carried to the Island on the gulf stream from the east coast, the species was only recently named an Island native.In some states the species are bordering extinction as they lose natural habitats and are harvested for food.The animals are found in brackish ponds, estuaries and tidal creeks, living on mollusks, crabs and sometimes small fish.