Graptemys ouachitensis

(Cagle, 1953)

Vernacular names
English : Ouachita map turtle
French : Graptémyde de Ouachita

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Emydidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a carapace length up to 24 cm, female being much bigger than males. Edges slightly serrated. Carapace dark brown, grey or black with yellow markings. Head with white-yellow lines and two yellow blotches behind eyes.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in North America and is endemic to western USA, being found from North Virginia and Kansas to Louisiana and east Texas. Lives in fast-moving rivers with sandy bottom, swamps and lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has suffered from habitat loss, poaching and capture of specimens for trade but it can usually recover rapidly and remains common.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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