Yellow mud turtleKinosternon flavescens
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Map accurate as of 1/31/2024
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Distribution: Yellow Mud Turtles occur in eastern Colorado, in the Republican, Arkansas and Cimarron River drainages at elevations below 5,000ft (1,525m). (Hammerson 1999)
Activity: Yellow Mud Turtles are a diurnal species that are typically active in Colorado in April through October. They are known to go through periods of dormancy throughout the mid summer, when conditions are too hot and dry. (Hammerson 1999)
Conservation Status: Due to low population numbers, in Colorado, yellow mud turtles are listed as a Species of Concern and Tier 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (CPW 2015). They’re fairly localized, but much less abundant within their historical Colorado range. (Hammerson 1999)
NatureServe rank: G5 (Globally Secure), S1 (State Critically Imperiled). |
Habitat: In Colorado Yellow Mud Turtles inhabit a wide variety of habitats, known to frequent streams, ponds, rain pools, irrigation ditches, flooded fields and sandhills. There are periods of the year where they use terrestrial habitat more than aquatic habitat. (Hammerson 1999)
Diet: Yellow Mud Turtles are known to prey upon invertebrates, amphibian larvae, fish and have been observed eating carcasses. (Hammerson 1999)
Defense: Yellow Mud Turtles will withdraw into their shells and close them when threatened, in addition they may secrete a foul smelling musk from musk glands found at the junction of their carapace and plastron. (Hammerson 1999)
Natural Predators: As juveniles Yellow Mud Turtles are probably preyed upon by fish, birds and aquatic snakes. As adults they are preyed upon by medium and large sized mammals and known to occasionally be stepped on by cattle. Often these turtles can be found with leeches attached to their skin. (Hammerson 1999)
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Cited & Additional Resources
Hammerson G. A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. University Press Colorado, Boulder.
https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/cwic_docs/CPWSpeciesProfiles/CPWProfiles_YellowMudTurtle.pdf
Hammerson G. A. 1999. Amphibians and Reptiles in Colorado. University Press Colorado, Boulder.
https://cnhp.colostate.edu/download/documents/cwic_docs/CPWSpeciesProfiles/CPWProfiles_YellowMudTurtle.pdf
Account compiled by: Rémi Pattyn
Reviewed by:
Last Updated: 3/25/2022 by Rémi Pattyn
Reviewed by:
Last Updated: 3/25/2022 by Rémi Pattyn
