Reptile · GBIF taxon 2443079
Ouachita Map Turtle
Graptemys ouachitensisOuachita map turtles spend long hours basking in tight clusters on fallen river snags, plunging into deep currents at the slightest disturbance. Females grow more than twice the size of males, using their broadened jaws to crush freshwater snails and mussels while smaller males hunt aquatic insects. Intricate yellow line networks and distinct post-orbital spots cover their skin, resembling contour lines on an elevation map.
AquaticBaskingReptile
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Freshwater mollusks
- Caddisfly larvae
- Filamentous algae
Predators
- Raccoons
- River otters
- Large predatory fish
ThreatsRiver channelization, loss of basking snags, water pollution, boat propeller strikes, and nest predation
HabitatsLarge, fast-flowing rivers, sloughs, and oxbow lakes with abundant deadwood and sandy nesting banks
Life span20–30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- SpeciesGraptemys ouachitensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Can deliver a sharp defensive bite if handled; observe safely from a distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Strong jaws designed for crushing mollusk shells can inflict a painful, skin-breaking bite when handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a prominent jagged dorsal keel and a large, squarish yellow blotch beneath each eye.
- What to do
- Do not capture or pick up wild individuals; if helping one cross a road, hold the back rim of the shell.
Responsible observation
- Viewing Distance: Keep a distance of at least 15 meters in a canoe or kayak, as they are exceptionally skittish.
- Optics Selection: Bring binoculars or a zoom lens to study the intricate yellow eye spots while they bask.
Frequent Companion (c) Laurent Lebois ©, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Frequent Companion no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Loveland · cc0
Close Relative (c) Charlotte Kirchner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Charlotte Kirchner · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Peter Paplanus, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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