Graptemys pearlensis (Pearl River Map Turtle)

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…

Graptemys gibbonsi (Pascagoula Map Turtle)

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…

Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)

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…

Geoemyda spengleri (Black-breasted Leaf Turtle)

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…

Geoemyda japonica (Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle)

Geoemyda japonica (Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle)

Geoemyda japonica, commonly known as the Ryukyu Black-breasted Leaf Turtle, is a distinctive species of turtle native to the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Renowned for its unique coloration and habitat preferences, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Geoemyda japonica is a small to medium-sized turtle, typically…

Heosemys spinosa (Spiny Turtle)

Heosemys spinosa (Spiny Turtle)

Heosemys spinosa, commonly known as the spiny turtle, is a distinctive species native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Named for the spiky projections along the edges of its shell, this turtle’s unique appearance provides camouflage among the forest floor’s leaf litter. Its secretive nature and declining population have made it a subject of…

blanding's turtle winking

Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtle)

Emydoidea blandingii is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive yellow chin and throat and its domed carapace. This species is primarily found in the Great Lakes region of North America and is notable for its long lifespan and preference for shallow water habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Blanding’s Turtle has…

Elusor macrurus (Mary River Turtle)

Elusor macrurus (Mary River Turtle)

The Elusor macrurus, commonly known as the Mary River Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to Australia. This unique turtle is known for its algae-covered head and distinctive long tail, setting it apart from other turtle species. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Elusor macrurus prefers fast-flowing, clear rivers…

Elseya albagula (White-throated Snapping Turtle)

Elseya albagula (White-throated Snapping Turtle)

Elseya albagula is a freshwater turtle species primarily found in rivers of eastern Australia. Known for its distinctive pale throat, this species plays an essential role in maintaining river ecosystems. Its conservation is critical due to various threats from human activities. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Elseya albagula thrives…

Cyclemys pulchristriata (Eastern black-bridged leaf turtle)

Cyclemys pulchristriata (Eastern black-bridged leaf turtle)

Cyclemys pulchristriata, commonly known as the Eastern black-bridged leaf turtle, is a semi-aquatic species of turtle primarily found in Southeast Asia. With a distinctive brown and yellow pattern on its shell, this species thrives in freshwater environments such as rivers and streams, showing adaptability to a variety of habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description…

Cyclemys oldhamii (Oldham’s Leaf Turtle)

Cyclemys oldhamii (Oldham’s Leaf Turtle)

Cyclemys oldhamii is a medium-sized freshwater turtle known for its unique carapace, which features a striking serrated edge. Native to Southeast Asia, this species is often found in forested areas with access to slow-moving water bodies like streams and ponds. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Cyclemys oldhamii has a dark brown to reddish-brown carapace…

Chelonoidis vicina (Isabela Island Giant Tortoise)

Chelonoidis vicina (Isabela Island Giant Tortoise)

Chelonoidis vicina is a species of giant tortoise native to the Galápagos Islands. These tortoises are notable for their large size and unique adaptations to different island environments. Chelonoidis vicina populations have been impacted by human activities but conservation efforts are underway to preserve them. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Chelonoidis vicina can weigh…

Chelonoidis vandenburghi (Volcán Alcedo giant tortoise)

Chelonoidis vandenburghi (Volcán Alcedo giant tortoise)

Chelonoidis vandenburghi, also known as the Volcán Alcedo giant tortoise, is a species of giant tortoise endemic to Española Island in the Galápagos archipelago. With a distinctive saddle-backed shell, it plays a critical role in the island’s ecosystem and is famous for its conservation story. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred…

Chelonoidis microphyes (Volcán Darwin giant tortoise)

Chelonoidis microphyes (Volcán Darwin giant tortoise)

Chelonoidis microphyes is a subspecies of the Galápagos giant tortoise, specifically found on the island of Isabela. These massive tortoises are renowned for their impressive size and the crucial role they play in their ecosystem, contributing to the dispersal of seeds and maintenance of vegetation. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description: Chelonoidis microphyes is characterized…

Chelonoidis chathamensis (San Cristobal Giant Tortoise)

Chelonoidis chathamensis (San Cristobal Giant Tortoise)

Chelonoidis chathamensis is a subspecies of the Galápagos tortoise, known for its significant role in the ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. This species is specifically found on San Cristóbal Island and is distinguished by its unique shell shape and large size. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: ChelonoidisSpecies: Chelonoidis chathamensis Common Names Identification…

Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle)

Chelonia mydas (Green Sea Turtle)

Chelonia mydas, commonly known as the Green Sea Turtle, is a large marine reptile recognized for its unique greenish-colored fat. This species is known for its long migrations and vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description:Green Sea Turtles are large, with a carapace length that can reach…

Cuora mouhotii (Keeled Box Turtle)

Cuora mouhotii (Keeled Box Turtle)

Cuora mouhotii is a species of turtle known for its distinctive keeled shell and secretive nature. This medium-sized turtle is primarily found in forested areas and has unique behaviors that make it fascinating to herpetologists. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Cuora mouhotii has a high-domed, keeled shell that is brown to black in color….