Alabama red-bellied cooter
Species of turtle native to Alabama
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Alabama red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys alabamensis) or Alabama red-bellied turtle, is native to Alabama.[1][2] It belongs to the turtle family Emydidae, the pond turtles. It is the official reptile of the state of Alabama.[5]
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| Alabama red-bellied cooter | |
|---|---|
| |
| This turtle was sitting on the bank of Mobile Bay. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Testudines |
| Suborder: | Cryptodira |
| Family: | Emydidae |
| Genus: | Pseudemys |
| Species: | P. alabamensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudemys alabamensis | |
 | |
| Alabama red-bellied cooter range[3] | |
| Synonyms[4] | |
| |
Life history
The red-belly inhabits the fresh to brackish waters of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Mobile and Baldwin counties.[2] It feeds on aquatic vegetation[6] and can be found sunning itself on logs. Nesting of the red-bellied turtle occurs from May through July. Female turtles lay their eggs on dry land, digging nests in sandy soil, where 4 to 9 eggs are laid. Hatchlings usually emerge during the summer. When the turtles nest in late July, hatchlings may overwinter in the nest and emerge the following spring.[citation needed]
A mature female can be 14 inches (360 mm), while a mature male can be 12 inches (300 mm).[6]
Location
As of June 2009 the turtle has been seen in the central part of Alabama, in the Elmore County region.[citation needed]
This turtle has also been found in south-eastern Mississippi,[7] in Harrison and Jackson counties.[6] It may also exist in northwest Florida.[2]
Protection
In 2007, a 3.4-mile (5.5 km) chain-link fence was constructed along part of the US 98 causeway (Battleship Parkway) that separates the Mobile-Tensaw delta from Mobile Bay.[8] Hatchling deaths dropped 80% from 2007 to 2008.[citation needed]
Predation
Eggs and hatchlings of this turtle are eaten by humans, wild boars, raccoons, fish crows, Mexican long-nosed armadillos and red imported fire ants. Hatchlings may also be eaten by aquatic snakes and great blue herons. Adults may be eaten by American alligators.[9]
Gallery
Hatchling
Hatchling, plastron
Hatchling, carapace view
