Sternotherus depressus Tinkle and Webb, 1955

Flattened musk turtle

Species recognized by P Uetz, TIGR Reptile Database external link in 
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU) external link Showing: scientific names

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Table of Contents

Overview

Summary

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises external link
Copyright
Copyright 2009 Chelonian Research Foundation. Some rights reserved external link
Author
 C. Kenneth Dodd Jr. external link
Location
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Citation

Sternotherus depressus (Family Kinosternidae) is a crevice-adapted species endemic to clear, clean streams and rivers of the upper Warrior River Basin, north-central Alabama. It is threatened by habitat alteration and degradation, disease, and possibly by collecting. The turtle is protected by United States federal and Alabama state law. Conservation measures should include research on life history, habitat use, demography, genetics of fragmented populations, and the effects of disease (if still present) on both individual turtles and affected populations. Historical locations, especially important sites sampled from 1981 to 2003, should be re-sampled and designated permanent monitoring sites. Local efforts to restore stream quality in the Warrior River Basin need to be undertaken, adjacent riparian habitats must be protected, laws and regulations should be enforced, and government agencies and non-governmental organizations should promote an understanding of the importance of biodiversity and endangered species management to residents and county officials.

Download the full article on the IUCN Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group site

References
  • Dodd, C.K., Jr. 2008. Sternotherus depressus Tinkle and Webb 1955 – flattened musk turtle. In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Pritchard, P.C.H., van Dijk, P.P., Saumure, R.A., Buhlmann, K.A., and Iverson, J.B. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs No. 5, pp. 013.1-013.7, doi:10.3854/crm.5.013.depressus.v1.2008, http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/cbftt/.

Biology

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
ARKive external link
Copyright
Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Citation

Unlike many aquatic turtles, this shy, secretive species rarely basks in the sunshine when healthy, instead showing a strong tendency towards crepuscular and nocturnal activity, particularly during summer (3). However, sick flattened musk turtles often bask in order to raise their body temperature, a phenomenon known as behavioural fever (4). Snails and clams are preferred food items, particularly the introduced Asian clam, but the diet also includes aquatic insects, arachnids, crayfish and the occasional dead fish (3) (6). Juveniles are apparently more active during the day than adults and rely more heavily on insects, although small snails are also consumed (3). Males mature at around four to six years of age, females at six to eight (3) (6). Females lay one to two clutches of eggs a year between May and early July (2) (3). Each clutch contains one to four eggs and is deposited in a shallow nest dug in a high sandy bank (3). Flattened musk turtles are long-lived, with a life span of 20 to 40 years (3). Juveniles are at risk from wading birds and possibly some predatory fish, while raccoons and possibly otters are thought to prey on adults and nests (3) (4). Large common snapping turtles are possible predators of both juveniles and adults (3).
"Sternotherus depressus Tinkle and Webb, 1955". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/790522". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.