Are Pearl River map turtles endangered?

Endangered (Population decreasing)Pearl River map turtle / Conservation status

How big do Pearl River map turtles get?

Adult males may reach up to around 7 inches, and females about 10 inches.

How many Pearl River map turtles are there?

21,000
Faced with the possibility of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range, the Pearl River map turtle has met the definition of a threatened species under the ESA. Currently it is estimated that there are only around 21,000 of these turtles left in the wild.

Is a map turtle a good pet?

Common map turtles generally do well as pets when captive-bred, although their size can present a special challenge, and as a semi-aquatic species, they are higher-maintenance than most. With good care, they may have a 20+ year lifespan.

Where was the Pearl River map turtle discovered?

The Pearl River map turtle is only found in creeks and rivers within the Pearl River drainage in Mississippi and Louisiana, while the Pascagoula has a relatively small range in its namesake river system in Mississippi.

Are Mississippi map turtles endangered?

Service Proposes Listing for Pearl River Map Turtle Native to Mississippi and Louisiana. Following a review of the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the Pearl River map turtle as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

What do Pearl River map turtles eat?

Diet: Pearl River map turtles will eat fish—living or dead—insects, worms and commercial turtle diets work well, too. They will also eat greens and mixed vegetables. Larger specimens will even eat whole mice of appropriate size. They really like clams and other mollusks, too.

Are map turtles good swimmers?

Originating in large flowing rivers, they are strong swimmers who feel right at home in mildly turbulent water flow. Full-grown map turtles need plenty of swimming space, but typically a 75-gallon fish tank will do well for one male turtle; females need about a 125-gallon tank.

What size tank does a map turtle need?

Full-grown map turtles need plenty of swimming space, but typically a 75-gallon fish tank will do well for one male turtle; females need about a 125-gallon tank. Gravel built up with some larger rocks to create a beach on one side of the tank serves well as a basking area and dry-docking station for your turtle.

Are turtles protected in Mississippi?

A person may possess and harvest from the wild no more than 10 other non-game turtles per license year. No more than FOUR (4) can be of the same species or subspecies. It is illegal to harvest turtles between April 1 to June 30. See the list of endangered species of amphibians and reptiles that cannot be taken.

Can you keep map turtles?

ENVIRONMENT & ENCLOSURE Map turtles are generally found in clear, fast-flowing rivers and so require plenty of filtration and oxygenated water in their captive enclosures. A 20-gallon long aquarium will still work well for two or three babies, but a keeper should be sure to keep the water clean.

Do map turtles bite?

False map turtles are generally docile and do not bite. They are creatures of flowing water and will require large aquatic environments with adequate filtration. The females get relatively large, and thus pose a challenge in an indoor setting.

Do map turtles need drinking water?

Map turtles are excellent swimmers and will do better in deeper waters. Even as juveniles they prefer (relatively) deeper water with plenty of cover for security. They tend to prefer habitat with abundant vegetation. Water should be kept clean and filtered.

Is tap water safe for turtles?

Do not use tap water for your tank, as tap water contains chlorine and possibly fluoride which can upset the pH balance of your system. De-chlorinated water needs to be used for the swimming area and filtered water for your turtle to drink.

How often do you feed map turtles?

Young turtles will have bigger appetites and should be fed daily. Adult Mississippi maps can be fed between 4 and 5 times per week.

How long do map turtles live for?

Lifespan: The estimated lifespan of the Ouachita Map Turtle is likely 30-50 years, similar to that of other Map Turtle species. It is difficult to reliably determine the age of Map Turtles over 15 years of age as the rings on their epidermal scutes become less and less visible.