Ouachita Map Turtle

The Ouachita map turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle named after the Ouachita River in Arkansas. It is known for its contour-like shell markings and prominent ridge. It has distinctive yellow spots behind the eyes. These turtles inhabit large rivers, streams and oxbows with moderate to fast-flowing waters. Ouachita map turtles may live more than 35 years. Males don’t reproduce until they’re at least 2 years old, while females wait until they’re at least 6 years old. Females lay six to 15 eggs in late spring to early summer that hatch after 60 to 80 days. Threats to Ouachita map turtles include habitat loss and degradation, as well as water level fluctuations and road mortality.