Hobbies And Interests
Background
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) named the Alabama red-bellied turtle as an endangered species in 1987. The primary reason for this decision was the unusually high mortality rate seen as a result of the turtle wandering into traffic. The USFWS designated the Alabama red-bellied turtle as the official state reptile of Alabama in 1990, only three years after it was placed on the endangered species list.
Appearance
The Alabama red-bellied turtle can grow to approximately 1 foot long, with the females growing slightly larger than the males. The upper shell, or carapace, is usually dark brown, green or black with orange, yellow or red markings along the side. The under shell, or plastron, can be yellow or red. Younger turtles tend to have more vivid colors than older ones. Yellow stripes can be seen along the legs, neck and head. Males can be distinguished by their elongated claws.
Habitat and Feeding
This turtle is typically found in the lower parts of the Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama. It makes nests in shallow vegetated areas near freshwater streams. The sandy earth near the bay makes a perfect location for the turtle to build soft habitats. The Alabama red-bellied turtle only eats vegetation, and prefers to feed on eel grass, hydrilla, pondweed, arrowhead and mud plantain. Many turtles are attacked in or near their habitats by alligators, snakes, birds or even fire ants.
Life Cycle
Sexual maturity is reached between 4 and 6 years of age. The female turtles lays about four to nine eggs on dry land during the summer months. If the eggs hatch too late in the fall, the young turtles will remain in the nest through the winter and emerge in the spring. Many predatory animals feed on the turtle eggs, which may contribute to their endangerment. The exact life span of the Alabama red-bellied turtle is unknown, but many similar turtles live 50 years or more.