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: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Trachemys
Species: Trachemys yaquia

Common Names

Yaqui Slider
Yaquia Slider Turtle

Identification

Description
The Yaqui Slider has an olive to dark green carapace, often with faint yellow or orange patterns. The plastron is lighter and may have dark blotches. Its head and limbs show yellow stripes similar to other Trachemys species.

Sexual Dimorphism
Males are smaller with longer front claws and a longer, thicker tail. Females are larger and broader with a shorter tail and smaller claws.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range
This turtle is native to the Yaqui River basin in the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua. Its range is highly localized and does not extend into the United States.

Preferred Habitat

The Yaqui Slider prefers slow-moving rivers, streams, ponds, and canals. It thrives in areas with soft, muddy bottoms and plenty of aquatic vegetation for food and cover. Basking sites like logs or rocks are also important.

Behavior

Feeding Habits
It is an omnivore. Young sliders eat more insects and small aquatic animals, while adults shift toward a more plant-based diet.

Predators
Predators include raccoons, birds of prey, large fish, and humans. Eggs and hatchlings are especially vulnerable.

Reproduction

Breeding Season
Mating usually occurs during the warmer months, mostly between spring and early summer.

Reproductive Method
The female lays several eggs in a nest dug into soft soil. After incubation, hatchlings emerge and head for the water. Like other sliders, sex is determined by nest temperature.

Conservation

Extinction Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Threats
Habitat destruction, water pollution, and competition or hybridization with non-native turtles like the red-eared slider are major threats.

Conservation Measures
Protected areas have been set up in parts of its range. Awareness efforts and habitat restoration projects are ongoing, though enforcement is often limited.

Economic Importance

This turtle has little economic value. It’s not commonly sold in the pet trade or consumed, though it may be locally collected. Its presence is more important for local biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Interesting Facts

It is one of the least known sliders in the Trachemys genus.
Because of its limited range, it’s rarely seen outside of scientific research.
Unlike many turtles, it hasn’t adapted well to disturbed or urbanized environments.