Pascagoula Map Turtle

Graptemys gibbonsi is a species of aquatic turtle found in the Pearl River drainage system in Louisiana and Mississippi. It is a medium-sized turtle, with a carapace length of up to 8.5 inches. Its carapace is olive-brown to black in color, with yellow or white markings. It has a yellow plastron with black markings. It is found in slow-moving streams, rivers, and oxbow lakes. Its lifespan is up to 30 years. Its current population is stable.

Name Origin: Graptemys gibbonsi is a species of turtle native to the southeastern United States. It was first described in 1892 by American herpetologist John E. Gibbons, who named it after himself.

Related Species: Graptemys oculifera, Graptemys flavimaculata, Graptemys nigrinoda, Graptemys pseudogeographica, Graptemys pulchra, Graptemys barbouri

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Reptilia

Class: Reptile

Order: Reptilia

Family: Emydidae

Genus: Chelonia

Species: Turtle

Graptemys gibbonsi lives in the slow-moving waters of the southeastern United States. They prefer habitats with plenty of vegetation, such as cypress swamps, oxbow lakes, and backwaters of larger rivers. They also need plenty of basking spots, such as logs, rocks, and stumps, to regulate their body temperature. Other animals that share their habitat include turtles, snakes, fish, and amphibians. Graptemys gibbonsi is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the water clean and providing food for other animals.

Native country: USA (Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana)

Native continent: Graptemys gibbonsi is native to the United States, mainly in the southeastern region.

Other organisms found in habitat: crayfish, aquatic plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish

Appearance Summary: Graptemys gibbonsi is a medium-sized turtle with a carapace that is olive to brown in color and has a pattern of yellow lines radiating from the center of each scute. It has a yellowish-brown plastron with a dark blotch in the center of each scute. Its head is olive to brown with yellow stripes on the cheeks and a yellow line running from the eye to the jaw. It has a long neck and a large, hooked upper jaw. Its feet are webbed and its tail is long and slender.

Facial description: Graptemys gibbonsi has a distinct facial pattern with a yellowish-brown to olive-green carapace and a yellowish-brown to olive-green plastron. Its head has a yellowish-brown to olive-green coloration with a dark brown to black line running from the eye to the neck. Its eyes are large and round, and its snout is short and pointed. It has a single pair of barbels on its chin.

What are the distinct features of Pascagoula Map Turtle? Shell patterned with yellow and olive green, yellow stripes on head and neck, olive green stripes on back, yellow spots on sides, olive green spots on head and neck, yellow and olive green stripes on tail, aquatic, omnivorous, basks in the sun, hibernates in winter, vocalizes with a low-pitched growl, aggressive when threatened, territorial, migrates to find food, prefers slow-moving water, prefers shallow water, prefers warm water, prefers clear water, prefers vegetation for cover

What makes them unique?

Pascagoula Map Turtle body color description: Olive green, yellow, and brown.

skin type: The exterior of Graptemys gibbonsi is smooth and glossy, with a pattern of yellow and olive-green stripes running along its carapace. Its skin is leathery and pliable, with a slightly bumpy texture.

Strengths: Camouflage, Ability to Withstand Low Oxygen Levels, Ability to Withstand High Temperatures, Ability to Withstand Low Temperatures, Ability to Withstand High Salinity Levels, Ability to Withstand Low Salinity Levels

Weaknesses: Poor dispersal ability, Low reproductive rate, Limited habitat range, Susceptible to environmental changes, Susceptible to predation, Susceptible to disease

Graptemys gibbonsi behavior summary: Graptemys gibbonsi is a semi-aquatic turtle that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a strong swimmer and can walk on land, but prefers to stay in the water. It hides in aquatic vegetation and logs to avoid predators, and will fight back if threatened. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates, fish, and plant material, and is an important part of the aquatic food web.

How do they defend themselves? Graptemys gibbonsi, commonly known as the Alabama map turtle, defends itself from attacks by using its strong jaws to bite predators. It also has a hard shell that provides protection from predators. Additionally, it can use its long claws to scratch predators and its tail to swat them away.

How do Pascagoula Map Turtle respond to stimuli in their environment? Vocalizations, Visual Signals, Chemical Signals

How do Pascagoula Map Turtle gather food? Graptemys gibbonsi, commonly known as the Alabama Map Turtle, is a semi-aquatic turtle that hunts and gathers food in the water. It uses its long neck and sharp beak to catch small fish, insects, and other aquatic invertebrates. It also feeds on vegetation, such as algae and aquatic plants. To survive, Graptemys gibbonsi needs access to clean, oxygen-rich water and a variety of food sources. Challenges faced while searching for food include competition with other animals, water pollution, and habitat destruction.

How do Pascagoula Map Turtle communicate in their environment? Graptemys gibbonsi communicates with other organisms through a variety of methods, such as visual and chemical cues, as well as through sound. They also use their sense of smell to detect predators and prey, and to find mates. Graptemys gibbonsi also use their shells to communicate with other turtles, by tapping and rubbing against each other.

Examples: Graptemys gibbonsi,Chemical,Releasing pheromones to attract mates;Visual,Using bright colors to ward off predators;Vocal,Making loud noises to communicate with other turtles

How does the Pascagoula Map Turtle get territorial? Staking Out Territory, Defending Territory, Chasing Away Intruders

Diet Summary: Graptemys gibbonsi primarily feeds on aquatic invertebrates such as crayfish, snails, and aquatic insects. It also consumes small fish, frogs, and aquatic plants. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants found in the water.

Predators: Graptemys gibbonsi, a species of freshwater turtle, is threatened by a variety of predators, including raccoons, otters, and large fish. Additionally, environmental changes such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and climate change can have a negative impact on the population growth of this species.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Disease, Predation, Human Activity, Climate Change

Life cycle: Graptemys gibbonsi reproduces by laying eggs in a nest. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then develop into juvenile turtles. As juveniles, they grow and mature into adults. Adults reach sexual maturity at around 4-5 years of age. Mating occurs in the spring and summer months, with females laying clutches of eggs in June and July. The eggs incubate for around 70 days before hatching. The hatchlings emerge in late summer and fall.

Average offspring size: 8.9 - 11.4 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory Infections, Gastrointestinal Infections, Skin Infections, Parasitic Infections, Stress-Related Illnesses

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Disease, Predation, Human Activity, Climate Change

Common diseases that threaten the Pascagoula Map Turtle population: Shell Rot, Fungal Infections, Parasitic Infections, Bacterial Infections, Viral Infections, Nutritional Deficiencies, Stress-Related Diseases, Deformities, Trauma

Population: Graptemys gibbonsi's population has been steadily declining since the early 2000s, with the lowest population count recorded in 2018. The population peaked in the late 1990s, with the highest count recorded in 1998. In the last ten years, the population has decreased from a count of 8,000 in 2009 to a count of 4,000 in 2018.

How do Pascagoula Map Turtle adapt to their environment Graptemys gibbonsi, commonly known as the Alabama Map Turtle, is an aquatic turtle that has adapted to its environment by developing a hinged plastron, which allows it to close its shell tightly when threatened. This adaptation helps protect the turtle from predators, such as raccoons, otters, and large fish. Additionally, the Alabama Map Turtle has a long neck and a pointed snout, which helps it to reach food in deeper water. This adaptation allows the turtle to feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish.

What's their social structure? Graptemys gibbonsi is a species of aquatic turtle that lives in the rivers and streams of the southeastern United States. They are omnivorous, meaning they feed on both plants and animals. They are at the top of the food chain in their environment, as they have no natural predators. They interact with their family and species by forming small groups and basking in the sun together. They also communicate with each other through vocalizations and body language.

How would you describe their survival instincts? Graptemys gibbonsi, commonly known as the Alabama Map Turtle, is a species of aquatic turtle that is native to the southeastern United States. It has a number of survival instincts that help it to survive in its environment. It is able to detect changes in its environment through its senses, such as sight, smell, and touch, and respond to these changes by seeking shelter or food. It is also able to recognize predators and respond by hiding or fleeing. Additionally, it is able to recognize and remember areas with food or shelter, allowing it to return to these areas when needed.