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Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
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| Description: Also known as the
red-belly. A large freshwater turtle that grows up to about 13 inches in
length. Top of the shell is usually olive, greenish, brown, or black with
cream, yellow , orange, or red markings. The bottom is usually cream,
yellow, red, or orange with dark markings. The head and legs are dark with
yellow striping. The front toenails are long and sharp.
Distribution by County: The red-bellied turtle is endemic to the lower Mobile-Tensaw River Delta in Alabama and has been found in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, at Dauphin Island, in Weeks Bay and the lower Fish River in Baldwin County, and in the Little River in Monroe County.
Most Recent Revision:
09/20/06 |
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Forestry
Considerations: Declines in water quality that threaten the beds of
submerged vegetation they feed on are the only threats forestry activities
might have on these turtles. Adherence to Alabama’s Best Management
Practices for Forestry and herbicide labels should protect them from those
impacts. Predation on nests and the turtles themselves by humans,
alligators, coons, crows, and fire ants add to the woes of this species. 
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