The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is excited to announce a draft recovery plan for the Pearl River map turtle, a freshwater turtle that inhabits flowing rivers and large creeks with sand and gravel bottoms in the Pearl River drainage in Mississippi and Louisiana. Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 2024, its draft recovery plan is now available here:
https://www.fws.gov/program/recovery/recovery-plans
Recovery plans are crucial for coordinating efforts and resources towards conserving endangered or threatened species, providing hope for these species’ future. This recovery plan outlines the criteria for delisting the species, along with necessary site-specific actions and their estimated time and costs. The plan for the Pearl River map turtle focuses on habitat conservation and restoration, reduction of threats to promote population growth, research to assess reproductive biology and ecological needs of the species to inform recovery efforts and increased public awareness and engagement.
The Service is seeking review and comment on this draft recovery plan from local, state, and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public until May 22, 2026.
Specifically, we are seeking submission of any information that enhances the necessary understanding of the (1) species’ biology and threats and (2) recovery needs and related implementation issues or concerns, to ensure that we have assembled, considered, and incorporated the best available scientific and commercial information into the draft recovery plan for this species.
Public participation is vital in shaping these plans and can help ensure these plans are effective and successful. For more information on the Pearl River map turtle, visit the Species Profile here:
https://www.fws.gov/species/pearl-river-map-turtle-graptemys-pearlensis
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/program/southeast-region. Connect with us on social media: Facebook, X, Flickr, and YouTube.
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