Terrapene coahuila (Coahuilan Box Turtle)
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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.
Native To These Regions
Coahuila (Mexico)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Terrapene
Species: Terrapene coahuila
Common Names
Coahuilan Box Turtle
Aquatic Box Turtle
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Identification
Description
The Coahuilan Box Turtle has a dark brown to black domed shell with a somewhat rough texture. Its skin is grayish-black with scattered yellowish markings, particularly on the head and limbs. Unlike other box turtles, it has webbed feet adapted for swimming, as it spends most of its time in water.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males have a slightly concave plastron and a longer, thicker tail, while females have a flatter plastron and a shorter tail. Males may also have red or orange eyes, whereas females typically have brown or yellowish eyes.
Check more turtles from the Terrapene genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is found exclusively in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin in Coahuila, Mexico. It inhabits a highly restricted area, making it one of the most geographically limited turtle species in the world.
Preferred Habitat
Terrapene coahuila thrives in freshwater wetlands, including marshes, slow-moving streams, and shallow ponds. Unlike other box turtles that are primarily terrestrial, this species spends nearly all of its life in the water, only occasionally venturing onto land.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is an omnivore, feeding on aquatic insects, small fish, snails, crustaceans, and various plant materials. Tadpoles and carrion are also part of its diet when available.
Predators
Birds of prey, raccoons, and larger carnivorous fish are among its natural predators. Hatchlings and juveniles are particularly vulnerable due to their small size and softer shells.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating occurs primarily during the wet season, from spring to early summer.
Reproductive Method
Females lay a small clutch of 2 to 4 eggs in shallow nests near water sources. The eggs incubate for about 70 to 90 days before hatching.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List)
Threats
Habitat destruction due to water diversion, agricultural expansion, and climate change poses the biggest risk. Illegal collection for the pet trade has also contributed to population declines.
Conservation Measures
Efforts to protect the wetlands of Cuatro Ciénegas are critical to the survival of this species. Conservation programs focus on habitat restoration, legal protections, and breeding initiatives to support wild populations.
Economic Importance
This turtle has limited economic value but is sometimes sought after in the illegal pet trade due to its rarity. It is also a subject of scientific research, particularly for studies on wetland conservation and adaptive evolution.
Interesting Facts
- It is the only box turtle that is fully aquatic, unlike its mostly terrestrial relatives.
- Despite its webbed feet and water dependence, it can still close its shell tightly like other box turtles.
- The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin, where it lives, is an ecological hotspot with many unique species found nowhere else on Earth.
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.
