Native Turtles Of Mexico

Mexico has more native turtle species than most people realize. With its mix of forests, deserts, and coastlines, the country supports both freshwater and land turtles. Here’s a full look at the turtles that call Mexico home.

Native Turtles Of Mexico

  • Trachemys yaquia (Yaqui Slider)

    Trachemys yaquia, or the Yaqui Slider, is a freshwater turtle native to northern Mexico. It’s a close relative of the red-eared slider but lives in a much more limited range. This species is quite shy and depends heavily on clean, slow-moving waters. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys yaquia Common Names…

  • Trachemys venusta (Meso-American slider)

    The Meso-American slider (Trachemys venusta) is a colorful freshwater turtle found in Central America. It’s closely related to the red-eared slider and often seen basking in the sun near slow-moving water bodies. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys venusta Common Names Meso-American sliderMesoamerican turtleCentral American slider Identification DescriptionThis turtle has a…

  • 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…

  • Trachemys ornata (Ornate Slider)

    The Ornate Slider (Trachemys ornata) is a freshwater turtle known for its striking pattern and limited range in northeastern Mexico. It is closely related to the popular red-eared slider but is much rarer in the wild and rarely seen in the pet trade. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: T. ornata Common…

  • Trachemys nebulosa (Baja California slider)

    The Baja California slider, Trachemys nebulosa, is a freshwater turtle found in northwestern Mexico. It looks similar to the more common red-eared slider but has its own distinct features and a limited native range. This species is rarely seen in the pet trade and faces growing threats in the wild. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…

  • Trachemys hartwegi (Nazas Slider)

    The Nazas Slider (Trachemys hartwegi) is a freshwater turtle species native to northern Mexico. It was once grouped under Trachemys gaigeae but is now recognized as its own species. This turtle is mostly found along the Nazas River and is known for its olive-green shell with light markings. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily:…

  • Terrapene carolina yucatana (Yucatan Box Turtle)

    The Yucatan Box Turtle (Terrapene yucatana) is a rare terrestrial turtle native to the Yucatán Peninsula. Known for its domed shell and ability to fully close its shell for protection, this species thrives in tropical habitats but remains poorly studied in the wild. Scientific Classification Common Names Yucatan Box Turtle Identification Description The Yucatan Box…

  • Terrapene nelsoni (Spotted box turtle)

    Terrapene nelsoni, commonly known as the spotted box turtle, is a rare species of box turtle native to Mexico. Recognized for its distinctive spotted pattern on the shell, this species remains one of the least studied in the genus Terrapene. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies: Terrapene nelsoni Common Names Spotted box…

  • Terrapene carolina mexicana (Mexican Box Turtle)

    Terrapene mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican Box Turtle, is a terrestrial species native to Mexico. It is recognized for its high-domed shell, hinged plastron, and ability to retract completely for protection. This species thrives in humid forests and grasslands, displaying a mix of brown and yellow patterns on its carapace. Scientific Classification Common Names…

  • 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:…

  • Staurotypus triporcatus (Mexican musk turtle)

    Staurotypus triporcatus, commonly known as the Mexican musk turtle, is a large, robust freshwater turtle found in Central America. Recognized for its three prominent keels running along its carapace, this species is known for its aggressive temperament and strong bite. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: StaurotypusSpecies: Staurotypus triporcatus Common Names Mexican musk…

  • Staurotypus salvinii (Giant Musk Turtle)

    Staurotypus salvinii, commonly known as the Giant Musk Turtle, is a large, robust freshwater turtle found in Central America. Known for its strong jaws and aggressive nature, this species is a carnivorous predator that thrives in slow-moving water bodies. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: StaurotypusSpecies: Staurotypus salvinii Common Names Giant Musk TurtleSalvin’s…

  • Rhinoclemmys rubida (Mexican Spotted Wood Turtle)

    Rhinoclemmys rubida, commonly known as the Mexican Spotted Wood Turtle, is a terrestrial species native to Mexico. It is known for its striking shell pattern and preference for humid forested environments. Despite its adaptability, habitat loss poses a threat to its population. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: Rhinoclemmys rubida Common Names…

  • Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima (Painted Wood Turtle)

    Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima, commonly known as the Painted Wood Turtle, is a strikingly patterned terrestrial turtle native to Central America. It is known for its vibrant red and yellow markings, making it one of the most colorful members of its genus. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima Common Names Painted Wood…

  • Rhinoclemmys areolata (Furrowed wood turtle)

    Rhinoclemmys areolata, commonly known as the furrowed wood turtle, is a terrestrial and semi-aquatic species native to Central America. It is recognized for the distinctive furrows on its carapace and its adaptability to various habitats, including forests and wetlands. This species is known for its shy nature and ability to thrive in both dry and…

  • Kinosternon vogti (Vallarta mud turtle)

    The Vallarta mud turtle, Kinosternon vogti, is a small freshwater turtle endemic to Mexico. Known for its limited range and unique features, it thrives in specific habitats and faces conservation challenges due to its restricted distribution. Scientific Classification Common Names Vallarta mud turtle, Vogt’s mud turtle Identification Description The Vallarta mud turtle has a domed,…

  • Kinosternon stejnegeri (Arizona mud turtle)

    The Arizona mud turtle (Kinosternon stejnegeri) is a small aquatic species found in the southwestern United States. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in arid regions, relying on seasonal water sources for survival. Scientific Classification Common Names Arizona mud turtle Identification Description The Arizona mud turtle has a dome-shaped carapace, usually olive to brown, with…

  • Kinosternon sonoriense (Sonora Mud Turtle)

    The Sonora Mud Turtle is a small, semi-aquatic turtle native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in a variety of aquatic habitats and is recognized for its distinctive musk defense mechanism. Scientific Classification Common Names Sonora Mud TurtleSonoran Mud Turtle Identification DescriptionThe Sonora Mud Turtle has a…

  • Kinosternon scorpioides (Scorpion Mud Turtle)

    The Scorpion Mud Turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a small, hardy turtle species native to Central and South America. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in various habitats and exhibits unique behavioral traits. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: scorpioides Common Names Scorpion Mud TurtleTabasco Mud Turtle Identification Description The Scorpion Mud Turtle…

  • Kinosternon oaxacae (Oaxaca Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon oaxacae, commonly known as the Oaxaca Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to Mexico. Known for its unique domed shell and semi-aquatic lifestyle, it inhabits slow-moving water bodies and wetlands. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon oaxacae Common Names Oaxaca Mud Turtle Identification Description The Oaxaca Mud Turtle…

  • Kinosternon leucostomum (White-lipped Mud Turtle)

    The white-lipped mud turtle (Kinosternon leucostomum) is a small freshwater turtle known for its distinctively pale upper jaw and adaptable lifestyle. Found in Central and South America, this turtle thrives in diverse aquatic environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: K. leucostomum Common Names White-lipped Mud Turtle, White-lip Turtle Identification Description:This species…

  • Kinosternon integrum (Mexican Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon integrum, commonly known as the Mexican Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle found primarily in Mexico. Known for its adaptability, this species thrives in a variety of aquatic habitats and plays an essential role in local ecosystems. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon integrum Common Names Mexican Mud TurtleCasquito…

  • Kinosternon hirtipes (Rough-footed Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon hirtipes, commonly known as the Rough-footed Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas. Known for its rugged limbs and adaptability, this species thrives in diverse habitats ranging from temporary ponds to permanent water bodies. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: hirtipes Common…

  • Kinosternon herrerai (Herrera’s Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon herrerai, or Herrera’s Mud Turtle, is a small aquatic turtle known for its ability to thrive in diverse freshwater habitats. It is native to Mexico and has adapted well to seasonal changes in water availability. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon herrerai Common Names Herrera’s Mud TurtleMexican Mud Turtle Identification…

  • Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive Ridley Sea Turtle)

    Lepidochelys olivacea is a small sea turtle that is known for its olive-colored shell. It is often seen nesting on tropical beaches, with groups sometimes gathering in large numbers. Scientific Classification Common Names Olive Ridley Sea Turtle and Pacific Ridley. Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat They prefer warm, tropical waters and shallow coastal…

  • Lepidochelys kempii (Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle)

    Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is a small marine turtle with a round, grayish-green shell and a lighter underside. It is often found in warm coastal waters and is known for its unique nesting behavior. Its numbers have been low, making it one of the most endangered sea turtles on the planet. Scientific Classification Common Names…

  • Kinosternon durangoense (Durango Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon durangoense, commonly known as the Durango Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle native to Mexico. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in a variety of aquatic habitats, making it a resilient species despite environmental challenges. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon durangoense Common Names Durango Mud TurtleDurango Kinosternon Identification…

  • Kinosternon creaseri (Creaser’s Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon creaseri, commonly known as Creaser’s Mud Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle species found in limited regions of Mexico. Its discreet nature and specific habitat preferences make it a fascinating yet under-studied member of the mud turtle family. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: Kinosternon creaseri Common Names Creaser’s Mud Turtle…

  • Kinosternon cora (Cora Mud Turtle)

    The Cora Mud Turtle is a small freshwater turtle species native to Mexico, known for its adaptability to various aquatic habitats. Its secretive nature and fascinating life cycle make it an interesting subject for researchers and enthusiasts. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification DescriptionThe Cora Mud Turtle has a small, elongated carapace that ranges in color…

  • Kinosternon chimalhuaca (Jalisco mud turtle)

    Kinosternon chimalhuaca, commonly known as the Jalisco mud turtle, is a species of freshwater turtle endemic to Mexico. This small and elusive turtle is part of the family Kinosternidae, which includes mud turtles known for their secretive behavior and preference for slow-moving or still bodies of water. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Jalisco…

  • Kinosternon alamosae (Alamos Mud Turtle)

    The Alamos Mud Turtle, scientifically known as Kinosternon alamosae, is a species of mud turtle endemic to Mexico. It primarily inhabits the states of Sinaloa and Sonora and is recognized for its unique adaptations to its environment, including remarkable thermal tolerance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat The Alamos Mud Turtle…

  • Kinosternon acutum (Tabasco Mud Turtle)

    The Tabasco Mud Turtle (Kinosternon acutum) is a small, freshwater turtle native to parts of Mexico and Central America. Recognized for its sharp-edged shell and secretive nature, this species plays a vital role in its aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Tabasco Mud…

  • Kinosternon abaxillare (Central Chiapas Mud Turtle)

    The Central Chiapas Mud Turtle (Kinosternon abaxillare) is a species believed to be endemic to the central region of Chiapas, Mexico. Due to its recent identification and limited research, detailed information about this turtle is scarce. It belongs to the Kinosternidae family, which is known for small to medium-sized, freshwater turtles commonly referred to as…

  • Gopherus morafkai (Sonoran Desert Tortoise)

    Gopherus morafkai, commonly known as the Sonoran Desert Tortoise, is a hardy, adaptable tortoise species native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Known for its resilience in arid environments, this species is well-adapted to extreme heat and limited water availability. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification DescriptionThe Sonoran Desert Tortoise has…

  • Gopherus flavomarginatus (Bolson Tortoise)

    Gopherus flavomarginatus, commonly known as the Bolson Tortoise, is a large, slow-moving tortoise species native to the northern deserts of Mexico. Known for its impressive burrowing ability, this species plays a vital role in its ecosystem by creating habitats that benefit other wildlife. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification DescriptionThe Bolson Tortoise is one of the…

  • Gopherus evgoodei (Sinaloan thornscrub tortoise)

    The Gopherus evgoodei, or Sinaloan thornscrub tortoise, is a unique tortoise species found in the thornscrub ecosystems of Sinaloa, Mexico. This tortoise is known for its ability to survive in hot, arid environments with limited water resources, showing fascinating adaptations that help it thrive in such harsh landscapes. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification DescriptionThe Sinaloan…

  • Gopherus berlandieri (Texas Tortoise)

    Gopherus berlandieri, commonly known as the Texas Tortoise, is a fascinating species native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. Renowned for its adaptability to arid environments, this tortoise plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Despite its resilience, the Texas Tortoise faces several conservation challenges that threaten its survival. Scientific Classification Common…

  • Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill Sea Turtle)

    The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is a critically endangered species known for its strikingly beautiful, overlapping shell plates that have been used historically in the tortoiseshell trade. These turtles are primarily found in tropical coral reefs and are essential for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description:Hawksbill turtles are medium-sized, growing…

  • Dermochelys coriacea (Leatherback Sea Turtle)

    Dermochelys coriacea, commonly known as the leatherback sea turtle, is the largest and most unique of all sea turtles. Unlike other species, it has a soft, leathery shell rather than a hard one and can travel incredible distances across the oceans. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Leatherbacks are pelagic,…

  • Dermatemys mawii (Central American River Turtle)

    Dermatemys mawii, commonly known as the Central American river turtle, is a critically endangered freshwater species native to Central America. It is one of the few fully aquatic turtles in the region and is known for its nocturnal habits, making it unique among turtles in its environment. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description:Dermatemys mawii is…

  • Chelydra rossignonii (Central American Snapping Turtle)

    Chelydra rossignonii, commonly known as the Central American snapping turtle, is a large, freshwater species native to Central America. Known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when threatened, it plays an essential role in aquatic ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Central American snapping turtle has a rough, ridged carapace that can…

  • 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…

  • Claudius angustatus (Narrow-Bridged Musk Turtle)

    The Claudius angustatus, commonly known as the Narrow-Bridged Musk Turtle, is a lesser-known species of turtle that captivates with its unique physical features and behaviors. Originating from Central America, this species is noted for its distinctive narrow bridge on the plastron. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat The species prefers…

  • Caretta caretta (Loggerhead sea turtle)

    The Caretta caretta, commonly known as the loggerhead sea turtle, is a marine species notable for its large head and robust body. As one of the ocean’s most migratory creatures, these turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, primarily through their influence on other species and their habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native…

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