River Cooter (Psecudemys Concinna)
Conservation status
IUCN: Red List: Least Concern
Key Descriptions
A fairly large turtle commonly found basking on logs & rocks along rivers & streams, the River Cooter is the largest North American member of its family. The species is distinguished by its narrow yet oval – shaped shell which ranges from a dark murky green to brown colour. They are largely herbivorous, regularly foraging on aquatic plants & algae within their habitat.
Habitat
River cooters occur naturally in the eastern & central United States ranging from eastern Texas through Oklahoma & Tennessee to Virginia where they thrive in rivers with moderate current due to the adaptation of their powerful legs which allow them to traverse relatively fast on land or in water. Apart from basking on rocks & logs, River cooters spend a majority of time in water feeding on aquatic vegetation.
Social Life
These turtles prefer to live in groups. A diurnal species, River Cooters are prolific baskers who tend to pile on top of each other in the wild to maximize their UVB intake of the suns’ rays which is pivotal to temperature regulation & digestion. Rather shy animals, they slide into the water upon the first signs of danger, hiding mainly in aquatic vegetation within their ranges. In cooler climates, these turtles will remain dormant, lowering their metabolism.
Fun Facts
- The river cooter basks on logs or sun-warmed rocks, and is frequently found in the company of other aquatic basking turtles (sliders and painteds) sometimes piled up on top of each other. All are quick to slip into the water if disturbed.
- Diurnal by nature, P. concinna wakes with the warming sun to bask and forage. It can move with surprising speed in the water and on land.
- Mating takes place in early spring. Nesting usually occurs from May to June. The female chooses a site with sandy or loamy soil, within 100 ft (30 m) of the river’s edge. She looks for a rather open area, with no major obstacles for the future hatchings to negotiate on their way to the river. The nest is dug with the hind feet. She lays 10–25 or more eggs in one or more clutches
Diet
Fruits & Vegetables
Key Information
| Origin: | African |
| Size: | 23-33cm |
| Weight: | Up to 5kg |
| Lifespan: | 30-40 years |