Family: Kinosternidae, Musk and Mud Turtles view all from this family
Description 3-4 1/2" (7.6-11.4 cm). Carapace extremely flattened. Head and neck greenish, covered with dark, netlike pattern. Barbels on chin only. .
Endangered Status The Flattened Musk Turtle is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as threatened in Alabama, where it lives in the upper Black Warrior River system. This turtle is a desirable target for the pet trade and has been significantly reduced in number by collectors. The other major threat to its survival has been degradation of its waterways by silt and pollution caused by runoff from mining, industrial, residential, agricultural, and logging concerns. This runoff can be toxic to the turtles themselves (one apparent effect is erosion of the turtles' shells), kills their prey species, and may make them more susceptible to disease.
Breeding Little is known.
Habitat Rock-bottomed streams and their impoundments.
Range Black Warrior River system in nw. Alabama
Discussion A shy little turtle, it is most active during early morning. It interbreeds with the Stripe-necked in parts of its range and some consider it a subspecies of the Stripe-necked.
