Endangered

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Conservation Status: Endangered

Species at a very high risk of extinction, with significant population declines.

Pseudemys alabamensis (Alabama Red-bellied Turtle)

The Alabama red-bellied turtle is a freshwater turtle species native to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta region. It’s known for its striking red plastron and is considered one of the most endangered turtles in the United States. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: Pseudemys alabamensis Common Names Alabama red-bellied turtleAlabama red-bellied cooter Identification DescriptionThis…

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Vijayachelys silvatica (Cochin Forest Cane Turtle)

Vijayachelys silvatica, known as the Cochin Forest Cane Turtle, is a shy, forest-dwelling turtle found only in a small part of India. It’s one of the rarest turtles in the world, living a mostly hidden life among leaf litter and dense undergrowth. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: VijayachelysSpecies: V. silvatica Common Names…

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Trachemys taylori (Cuatro Ciénegas slider)

Trachemys taylori, also known as the Cuatro Ciénegas slider, is a freshwater turtle found only in a small part of Mexico. It’s one of the rarest members of the Trachemys genus and lives in a unique desert wetland system. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys taylori Common Names Cuatro Ciénegas sliderTaylor’s…

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Trachemys adiutrix (Maranhão slider)

The Maranhão slider (Trachemys adiutrix) is a freshwater turtle native to northeastern Brazil. It’s a lesser-known species, often confused with other Trachemys turtles, but it has its own unique look and habitat preference. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys adiutrix Common Names Maranhão sliderBrazilian slider Identification DescriptionTrachemys adiutrix has a dark…

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Terrapene coahuila (Coahuilan Box Turtle)

Terrapene coahuila, commonly known as the Coahuilan Box Turtle, is the only fully aquatic species of box turtle. Native to a small region in Mexico, it relies heavily on wetland habitats for survival, making it one of the rarest and most specialized turtles in the world. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies:…

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Siebenrockiella crassicollis (Black marsh turtle)

Siebenrockiella crassicollis, commonly known as the black marsh turtle, is a freshwater species native to Southeast Asia. It has a dark, almost black shell and is known for its secretive nature, often hiding in muddy waters and dense vegetation. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: SiebenrockiellaSpecies: S. crassicollis Common Names Identification Description The…

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Sacalia bealei (Beal’s Eyed Turtle)

Sacalia bealei, commonly known as Beal’s Eyed Turtle, is a freshwater species native to China. It is named for the distinctive eye-like markings on its head, which help it blend into its surroundings. This elusive turtle prefers slow-moving streams and is rarely seen in the wild. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: SacaliaSpecies:…

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Nilssonia hurum (Indian peacock softshell turtle)

Nilssonia hurum, commonly known as the Indian peacock softshell turtle, is a large freshwater species native to South Asia. It is known for its distinctive olive-green shell with dark blotches, resembling the eye patterns of a peacock’s feathers. This species thrives in rivers, lakes, and ponds, playing a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. Scientific Classification…

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Nilssonia gangetica (Ganges Softshell Turtle)

Nilssonia gangetica, commonly known as the Ganges Softshell Turtle, is a large freshwater species found primarily in the river systems of the Indian subcontinent. This turtle is known for its leathery, flexible shell and its ability to remain submerged for long periods while relying on cutaneous respiration. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TrionychidaeGenus:…

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Rafetus euphraticus (Euphrates Softshell Turtle)

Rafetus euphraticus, commonly known as the Euphrates Softshell Turtle, is a large freshwater species found in the Middle East. This elusive turtle is known for its soft, leathery shell and strong swimming abilities. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystem but faces growing threats from habitat loss and pollution. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…

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Myuchelys bellii (Namoi River snapping turtle)

Myuchelys bellii, commonly known as the Namoi River snapping turtle, is a freshwater species found in Australia. This turtle is known for its strong jaw and unique shell shape, making it a fascinating species in the Chelidae family. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: MyuchelysSpecies: Myuchelys bellii Common Names Namoi River snapping turtleBell’s…

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Morenia petersi (Indian eyed turtle)

Morenia petersi, commonly known as the Indian eyed turtle, is a freshwater species native to South Asia. Recognized for the distinct eye-like markings on its shell, this turtle is relatively rare in the wild and faces conservation challenges due to habitat loss and exploitation. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: MoreniaSpecies: Morenia petersi…

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Morenia ocellata (Burmese Eyed turtle)

Morenia ocellata, commonly known as the Burmese Eyed Turtle, is a freshwater species found in Southeast Asia. Recognized for the distinctive eye-like spots on its shell, this turtle is semi-aquatic and prefers slow-moving waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: MoreniaSpecies: Morenia ocellata Common Names Burmese Eyed TurtleOcellated Turtle Identification Description Morenia ocellata…

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Melanochelys tricarinata (tricarinate hill turtle)

Melanochelys tricarinata, commonly known as the tricarinate hill turtle, is a distinctive species of freshwater turtle known for its unique shell morphology. This turtle inhabits various hill regions and plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The tricarinate hill turtle is characterized by its distinct shell, which features…

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Mauremys reevesii (Chinese pond turtle)

Mauremys reevesii, commonly known as the Chinese pond turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to East Asia. Renowned for its distinctive shell patterns and adaptability, it plays a significant role in both natural ecosystems and human economies. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Chinese pond turtles thrive in freshwater environments…

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Mauremys nigricans (Red-necked pond turtle)

Mauremys nigricans, commonly known as the Red-necked Pond Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to parts of Asia. Known for its distinctive red markings and adaptability to various aquatic environments, this turtle plays a significant role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mauremys nigricans typically exhibits a carapace (shell) length ranging…

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Manouria impressa (Impressed Tortoise)

Manouria impressa, commonly known as the Impressed Tortoise, is a medium-sized tortoise species recognized for its unique shell texture. This elusive tortoise inhabits forested regions and is known for its preference for cooler, shaded environments. Scientific Classification Common Names Impressed Tortoise Identification DescriptionThe Impressed Tortoise has a golden-brown, slightly flattened shell with serrated edges. Its…

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Graptemys pearlensis (Pearl River Map Turtle)

The Pearl River Map Turtle (Graptemys pearlensis) is an aquatic turtle species native to the Pearl River system in Mississippi and Louisiana, United States. Known for its intricately patterned shell and significant size difference between males and females, this species plays an essential role in its freshwater ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The…

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Graptemys gibbonsi (Pascagoula Map Turtle)

The Pascagoula Map Turtle (Graptemys gibbonsi) is a freshwater turtle species native to the Pascagoula River system in Mississippi, United States. Renowned for its intricately patterned shell resembling a topographical map, this turtle plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of its riverine habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Pascagoula Map…

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Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

Glyptemys insculpta, commonly known as the Wood Turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to North America. Renowned for its sturdy shell and distinctive markings, the Wood Turtle plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Despite its resilience, it faces numerous conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Wood Turtle has a high-domed, oval-shaped…

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Geoemyda spengleri (Black-breasted Leaf Turtle)

Geoemyda spengleri, commonly known as the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle, is a small terrestrial turtle species renowned for its distinctive markings and elusive nature. Native to parts of Asia, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem and is subject to various conservation efforts due to declining populations. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The…

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Conservation Status: Endangered

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