Isolated turtle population receives federal listing

The Pearl River map turtle will be federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act as it faces habitat loss and degradation, illegal collection and climate change. Habitat projections also suggest the turtle populations are becoming more isolated, with only an estimated 21,000 Pearl River map turtles (Graptemys pearlensis) left in the wild. Other species, including the Alabama, Barbour’s, Escambia and Pascagoula map turtles, will also be listed as threatened due to similarity of appearance. These listings will alleviate state and federal law enforcement officers from having to tell the turtles apart during illegal collections. The listing decision will become effective on Aug. 12.

Read more at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.