SREL Reprint #2527

Conservation of freshwater turtles

Vincent J. Burke, Jeffrey E. Lovich, and J. Whitfield Gibbons

Introduction: Nonriverine freshwater turtles and semiaquatic turtles are commonly grouped together as those species that predominantly inhabit small streams, slow-flowing tributaries, or lentic (nonflowing) freshwater habitats for substantial portions of their life cycles. Turtle species in this category constitute a diverse assemblage that contains 160 species, or almost 60% of the world's approximately 270 turtle species (Iverson 1992a, as amended by descriptions of new species, e.g., Lovich and McCoy 1992; McCord et al. 1995). All of the species termed freshwater spend part of their life cycles, generally the nesting and incubation phases, in terrestrial habitats.
For the sake of brevity, nonriverine freshwater turtles and semiaquatic turtles will be collectively referred to as freshwater turtles throughout this chapter. Our categorization of freshwater is phylogenetically artificial because the grouping includes many unrelated lineages. In addition, several species can be argued to be both riverine and freshwater turtles, for example, sliders (Trachemys scripta ssp.) and alligator snapping turtles (Macroclemys temminckii). Turtles that are more typically riverine are considered separately in Chapter 5, a logical distinction from the standpoint of ecology and conservation because riverine and freshwater turtles generally differ with regard to both habitat use and threats to their survival.
The goals of this chapter are threefold. First, we will define, classify, and provide basic background information on freshwater turtles through a discussion of the families that contain such species. Second, we will discuss the concept of the life cycle as it applies to freshwater turtles and their conservation. Finally, we will generally and specifically describe the status of freshwater turtles, outline case studies of conservation problems, and provide recommendations for future conservation efforts. Our taxonomy is largely based on Iverson (1992a), although there are some amendments and disagreements that are largely inconsequential from the standpoint of ecology and conservation.

SREL Reprint #2527

Burke, V. J., J. E. Lovich, and J. W. Gibbons. 2000. Conservation of freshwater turtles. pp.156-179 In: M. Klemens (Ed.). Turtle Conservation. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).