Are Florida Softshell Turtles Endangered
Trionyx ferox schneider florida softshell turtle.
Are florida softshell turtles endangered. Consumption is the number 1 threat and demand is in part due to. The florida softshell turtle is a species of american freshwater turtles and is one of the 26 species of turtles found in florida. Florida softshell turtle habitat. The florida softshell turtle ranges on the southern south carolina to mobile bay alabama from southeastern lower coastal plain.
They are the largest of the new world softshell turtles with the most old world characteristics of the old world like its longitudinally wrinkled carapace tolerance for brackish water and relatively large size. Catalogue of american amphibians and reptiles. The florida softshell turtle is common throughout florida and other parts of its range. However wild populations are subject to various threats at the hands of humans.
They are found in a wide variety of freshwater habitats including ponds lakes rivers canals swamps and suburban urban stormwater ponds. Florida softshell turtles are subject to harvest regulations in states where they occur but are not yet considered to be endangered or threatened on any federal or state list. They are a species of concern in south carolina. Some of these threats include commercial harvesting for meat harvesting for the pet trade and roadway mortalities.
The florida softshell turtle is quite abundant and not protected by georgia state law or federal law. It is commercially harvested for food in some areas.
