Sternotherus depressus (Flattened Musk Turtle)
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Sternotherus depressus, also known as the Flattened Musk Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle found only in a limited area of Alabama, USA. Its flattened shell helps it hide under rocks in fast-flowing streams, making it well-adapted to life in clear, rocky waters.
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Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Kinosternidae
Genus: Sternotherus
Species: depressus
Common Names
Flattened Musk Turtle
Alabama Flattened Musk Turtle
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Identification
Description
This turtle has a distinctly flattened, oval-shaped carapace, usually brown or gray with darker spots or streaks. The plastron is smaller than the carapace, exposing parts of the underside. The skin is typically brown or gray, sometimes with small black spots.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller than females, but they have longer tails and larger heads. Males also develop rougher patches of skin on the inner thighs during the breeding season.
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is only found in the upper Black Warrior River system in Alabama, USA. Its range is extremely limited to parts of Jefferson, Blount, and Walker counties.
Preferred Habitat
The Flattened Musk Turtle lives in clear, rocky streams with fast-moving water. It prefers shallow areas with large flat rocks, which provide both shelter and food sources like insects and snails.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It mainly eats aquatic insects, snails, and small crustaceans. It also consumes algae and plant material, but animal matter makes up most of its diet.
Predators
Predators include larger fish, wading birds, and raccoons. Young turtles are especially vulnerable due to their small size.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating happens in spring and fall, with females laying eggs in late spring or early summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay 1 to 3 eggs in shallow nests dug into sandy banks or soil near the water. The eggs hatch after about 60 to 70 days.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Critically Endangered
Threats
Its main threats are habitat destruction, pollution from mining and development, and changes in water quality. Because it lives in such a small area, even minor damage to its habitat can have serious effects.
Conservation Measures
The species is legally protected, and some stream habitats have been monitored and studied to better understand how to protect them. Conservation groups work with local communities to reduce pollution and limit harmful activities near streams.
Economic Importance
The Flattened Musk Turtle has no direct economic value, but its presence is a strong indicator of clean water and healthy stream ecosystems. Protecting it helps preserve water quality, which benefits nearby communities.
Interesting Facts
This is one of the flattest turtle species in the world, with a shell that allows it to squeeze into crevices other turtles can’t reach.
It was first discovered and described in the 1950s, making it a relatively recent addition to the list of known turtle species.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
