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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 hybrids
• illegal to buy or sell in Florida


red-eared
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Mesoamerican Slider
Trachemys venusta

ID:thin red-orange stripe behind eye     
      thin red-orange ocelli on carapace
      carapace length*: male 9.6" (243 mm)
Habitat: river
Diet: omnivore
• native to Mexico and Central America



False map Turtle
Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica

ID: thick yellow line behind eye
     carapace length**: female 10.6" (269 mm); male 5.9" (150 mm)
Habitat: river
Diet: omnivore
• native to Mississippi River drainage
• diurnal
• basks frequently

 


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: river
Diet: omnivore
• diurnal
• basks frequently

Mississippi map
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* Carapace length listed is longest recorded in Santa Fe River
** Carapace length listed is longest recorded in native range

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