Non-natives
In addition to the 11 native species we are studying in the Santa Fe River and springs, we have documented the occurrence of 4 non-native turtles. These non-native turtles are released pets and their offspring. Although released pets may survive and reproduce quite well in the Santa Fe River, they may cause harm to native turtles by competing for food and basking sites. Some non-native turtles even breed with our native turtles. Non-native turtles should never be released into the Santa Fe River or any other wild area where they do not naturally occur.
Red-eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
ID:
- red-mark on each side of head
- carapace length*: female 9.8" (250mm); male 8.6" (219mm)
Habitat: river and springs
Diet: omnivore
- native to Mississippi River drainage
- diurnal
- basks frequently
- breeds with Yellow-bellied Sliders to produce intergrade individuals
- illegal to buy or sell in Florida
Mississippi Map Turtle
Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii
ID:
- thick yellow line forms crescent shape around eye
- white iris
- carapace length**: female 9.8" (250mm); male 8.6" (219mm)
Habitat: rare in river
Diet: omnivore
* Carapace length listed is longest recorded in Santa Fe River
** Carapace length listed is longest recorded in native range