Trachemys adiutrix (Maranhão slider)
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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.
Native To These Regions
Maranhão (Brazil)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: Trachemys adiutrix
Common Names
Maranhão slider
Brazilian slider
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Identification
Description
Trachemys adiutrix has a dark olive to brown carapace with light markings that may fade with age. Its plastron is yellow with dark spots or blotches. The head features yellow stripes, but they’re less vivid than in closely related species.
Sexual Dimorphism
Females are generally larger than males. Males have longer tails and elongated front claws used during courtship.
Check more turtles from the Trachemys genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
This species is found mainly in the northeastern Brazilian states of Maranhão and Piauí. Its distribution is limited, making it a regional endemic.
Preferred Habitat
It lives in slow-moving freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, marshes, and flooded forest areas. It prefers soft-bottomed areas with access to basking spots like logs or banks.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
It is omnivorous. The diet includes aquatic plants, insects, crustaceans, small fish, and carrion. Juveniles eat more animal matter, while adults eat more vegetation.
Predators
Natural predators include large birds, mammals, and reptiles. Eggs and hatchlings are especially vulnerable to predation.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Mating usually happens during the warmer months, likely between September and February.
Reproductive Method
Females lay multiple clutches per season, with each clutch having around 6–20 eggs. Nests are dug in sandy or loose soil near water bodies.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
Main threats include habitat destruction, pollution, and capture for the pet trade. Their limited range also increases their risk.
Conservation Measures
Some protection is provided under Brazilian environmental laws. Conservation efforts include habitat protection and public awareness.
Economic Importance
It has minor importance in the local pet trade. In rural areas, some may be caught for food, though this is uncommon.
Interesting Facts
Trachemys adiutrix was once considered a subspecies of Trachemys dorbigni. It was only recognized as a separate species in the 1990s. It is one of the few Trachemys species not widely spread beyond its native region.
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.
