Identification
A subspecies of the Hieroglyphic
River Cooter, this turtle has a dark brown to black carapace marked with
an intricate pattern of yellowish lines. The head, tail and limbs are dark or
blackish and striped with yellow. The plastron has a pattern of dark lines along
the seams. There are no markings behind the eye.
Distribution and Status
The Missouri River Cooter’s natural range extends from south central Missouri
through adjacent southeast Kansas, through eastern Oklahoma, western Arkansas,
extreme northwest Louisiana and eastern Texas through the Gulf. In the Midwest,
this subspecies lives in Illinois, where it is State Endangered, and in Missouri.
Ecology
These turtles prefer rivers with a moderate current and plentiful vegetation.
While they are highly aquatic, spending the majority of their time in the water,
they have been found basking in large groups. Missouri River Cooters are rarely
found in small bodies of water such as ponds or streams.
Threats and Management Issues
Humans are the greatest threat to this species, and adult turtles are harvested
for human consumption. Highways take the lives of many turtles, and pollution,
drainage, and habitat destruction also contribute to population declines. Juvenile
River Cooters were also formerly collected and used in the pet trade industry.
Resources
Ernst. C. H., J. E. Lovich and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, USA.
General reference guides and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499