Ringed Map Turtle

Also called ringed sawback Map Turtles because of their pronounced dorsal spines, these very shy turtles are limited to fast parts of the Pearl and other nearby rivers in Mississippi. Their distinct yellow/orange ringed markings are visible right out of the egg. One of the narrow headed maps, Rings are highly carnivorous and constantly hunt their habitats for insects, fish, crustaceans and pellets.

Ringed Map Turtles have been on the losing end of man’s activities for a long time, habitat destruction and pollution have also taken their toll on this very rare species which has received the highest levels of federal protection for almost 30 years. Our Ringed breeding project has been many years in the making – and this year we have finally produced enough to offer a few to keepers. With apologies, as endangered species, they can only be ordered by Florida residents. This year our eggs were incubated at 77 – 81 degrees – and can turn out to be either sex. Next year we will incubate some at higher temperatures specifically to produce females.