Turtles (Order Testudines)

Following are the species accounts for the six families and 41 species of turtles which occur in the Southeast. Taxonomy in this section follows that of Ernst and others (1994). I consider this the most comprehensive book ever written on turtles and recommend it be used as the reference to answer any detailed questions regarding this taxon.

Species accounts are arranged alphabetically by family, then by genus, and finally by species. The families used are listed below:

• Sea Turtles (Families Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae)
• Snapping Turtles (Family Chelydridae)
• Water and Box Turtles (Family Emydidae)
• Mud and Musk Turtles (Kinosternonidae)
• Tortoises (Family Testudinidae)
• Softshell Turtles (Family Trionychidae)

Management Suggestions

Turtles, for management purposes, can be classified into three basic categories: the sea, the terrestrial, and the semi-aquatic and aquatic turtle species.

Management of the sea turtles needs to include their primary marine habitats and concerns with ocean pollution, fishing and shrimping impacts, and international regulations. Additionally, management should be concerned with the protection and management of the turtle’s primary nesting beaches. These considerations must deal with development of beaches, the problem of lights, and nest predation.

Water turtle, softshell turtle, and snapping turtle management must consider degradation of aquatic habitat (thermal pollution, draining, dredging, channelization, snag and stump removal, commercial fishing, snagging and trotlines, “sport ” turtle shooting) as well as protection of nesting beaches or adjacent nesting areas. Some species, particularly Clemmys and Graptemys species also have to be carefully regulated due to their increasing value in both the domestic and foreign pet markets.

The land turtles and box turtles are facing habitat destruction problems. Additionally the box turtle is being exploited by the pet trade for exportation to Europe and Japan. Hopefully new Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) listings will help to regulate this problem.