(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
OTHER COMMON NAMES - TURTLE, MUSK and FLATTENED
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Reptiles
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - REPTILIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - TESTUDINES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - KINOSTERNIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - STERNOTHERUS,
SPECIES AND SSP - DEPRESSUS,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - STERNOTHERUS DEPRESSUS
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Flattened Musk Turtle
Sternotherus depressus Tinkle and Webb, 1955
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Reptile
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Testudines FAMILY: Kinosternidae
The flattened musk turtle is a small aquatic turtle having a
distinctively flattened carapace up to 119 mm (4.7 inches) long, with
keels virtually, if not altogether, lacking (12). The carapace is
dark brown to orange with dark bordered seams and is slightly serrated
behind (03). The plastron is pink to yellowish. The head is greenish
with a dark reticulum that often breaks up to form spots on the top
of the snout (12). Stripes on the top and sides of the neck, if
present, are narrow. There are two barbels on the chin, all four feet
are webbed, and males have thick, long, spine-tipped tails (03).
The flattened musk turtle was described by Tinkle and Webb (17)
as Sternotherus depressus. Seidel and Lucchino (15) and Seidel,
Reynolds, and Lucchino (16) considered S. depressus a full species,
based on electrophoretic analysis. Other herpetologists have
considered it to be a subspecies of Sternotherus minor (26). Estridge
(05) found evidence of interbreeding between S. depressus and S. minor
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
peltifer, and Mount (12) collected 16 integrade specimens at four
sites. Iverson (09) hypothesized that the elimination of fast water
environments over the shale substrates of the upper Black Warrior
River by extensive impounding could promote interbreeding between
S. minor and S. depressus. In any case, the flattened musk turtle is
a morphologically distinct turtle that is found only in the upper
Black Warrior River system of Alabama (15).
The holotype is located at Tulane University (no. 16171) and the
paratypes may be found at Tulane University (no. 15902 and 16062),
the Museum of Comparative Zoology (no. 54023) and the University of
Alabama (no. 52-1065) (17).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Threatened
Alabama; Unofficially Listed
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus) has been
designated a Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C.
1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including the State of Alabama.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation, or foreign law; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20). Management practices that
would cause detrimental changes in water temperature
or composition, water course blockage, or sediment
deposits within 100 feet of the edges of perennial
streams, lakes or other bodies of water are prohibited
(36 CFR 219.27(e)).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Alabama
DESIGNATED STATUS: None
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Alabama Div. of Game and Fish
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Threatened, Mount, R.H. (ed). 1986.
Vertebrate Animlas of Alabama in Need of
Special Attention. ALa. Agr. Expt. Sta.,
Auburn Univ. 124 pp.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The flattened musk turtle is listed by the IUCN Red List (1986)
as "Indeterminate".
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
Collecting (for the pet market) has been a large problem and
remains a current problem, as this turtle is still often sold by
dealers for as much as 80 dollars each. Documented collections have
included: 200 individuals from one stream, 162 individuals from two
streams, 136 from a four mile section of a stream, and 20-30 from a
single pool at one time.
77/06/06:42 FR 28903/ - Status review of 12 species of turtles
82/12/30:47 FR 58454/58460 - Notice of review
84/04/05:49 FR 13558/13559 - Notice on petition finding
85/11/01:50 FR 45638/45643 - Proposed rule
85/07/18:50 FR 29238/ - Notice of petition findings
86/01/16:51 FR 02410/ - Notice of public hearing; comment period
86/02/13:51 FR 05384/ - Extension of comment period
86/10/31:51 FR 39758/39759 - Extension of deadline, and comment period
87/02/18:52 FR 05068/ - Panel report; comment period closed
87/06/11:52 FR 22418/22430 - Final rule; listed as threatened
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
INLAND AQUATIC
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine shrub--seedling
Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine young tree
Loblolly Pine-Shortleaf Pine mature tree
shrub--seedling
young tree
mature tree
LAND USE -
Residential
Commercial and Services
Industrial
Mixed Urban or Built-up Land
Cropland and Pasture
Deciduous Forest Land
Evergreen Forest Land
Mixed Forest Land
Streams and Canals
Reservoirs
Strip Mines, Quarries, and Gravel Pits
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Lacustrine, limnetic
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
Riverine, upper perennial RB2
Riverine, upper perennial BB2
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Most authors have agreed that the ideal habitat for
Sternotherus depressus includes rocks, crevices, and logs. The
flattened musk turtle is principally a stream-dwelling turtle, though
the upper reaches of reservoirs are inhabited (this is considered
marginal habitat and it is uncertain if these individuals will survive
and reproduce - they may only be remnants). Deep water is avoided,
as are temporary pools, sluggish water, and ponds. Juveniles are
often found in shallow riffles and weed beds (02). The flattened
carapace is considered an adaptation to a stream crevice habitat (12).
Surrounding habitat types include: southern mixed forest
(consisting of oak/hickory and loblolly/shortleaf pine stands - in
some areas intensive lumbering operations have resulted in monotypic
stands of loblolly pine (28)), agricultural land (corn, soybeans,
cotton, wheat, hay and pasture), residential areas, commercial and
industrial areas, streams/canals, reservoirs, and strip mines (27).
Some activities in the above land associations may detrimentally
impact the species and its habitat (see field "N-REASONS).
Mount (12) reported optimal habitat conditions as follows:
1) drainage area between 50-500 square miles; 2) a depth averaging
2 feet (= 61 cm) with vegetated shallows alternating with deeper
pools; 3) pools containing a detachable current; 4) abundance of
Habitat Associations - 1 submerged rocks and crevices; 5) low silt load and minimal silt
deposits; 6) abundant molluscan fauna; 7) relatively low nutrient
content and bacterial count; 8) moderate temperature; and 9) minimal
pollution. Ernst et al. (04) noted that the flattened musk turtle
was found in sandy habitats if adequate cover and food were nearby.
They agreed that fine silt was a "decisive factor" in habitat quality
for the turtle, since such areas do not support good populations.
Only one nest of the flattened musk turtle has ever been
observed. On July 31, Dodd (02) found a natural nest on the north
shore of Sipsey Fork on a high, sandy bank. The nest was located
6.5 m from water in such a position that it would receive the
afternoon sun. Like the nests of S. minor (the loggerhead musk
turtle), it was shallow and located under slight vegetative cover.
More specific habitat requirements have not yet been determined.
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Arthropods
General Crustaceans
General Molluscs
General Fish
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Terrestrial Features: Downed logs
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
Mount (12) reported the flattened musk turtle to be an
opportunistic feeder, focusing on molluscs when present and arthropods
when molluscs were scarce or absent. Tinkle (18) noted a prevalence
of hapliplid beetles in the feces of juveniles he sampled. In a more
extensive food analysis, Marion et al. (10), found snails to make up
75% by weight of the diet, with Corbicula (12%), crayfish (3%),
insects and larvae (8%), fish (1%), and plant material (which is
inadvertently consumed during feeding on mollusks) (1%) constituting
the remainder.
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
The flattened musk turtle is nonterritorial. Movements ranged
from 0.5 to 460 meters overnight, though movements greater than 30 m
were unusual. Males usually moved greater distances than females.
They tend to stay in a particular area and return continuously to the
same cover sites. They occasionally make long distance movements
upstream for relatively short periods of time (one to two days).
Over-all summaries give the impression that turtles had no preferences
for type of cover sites, except females tended to prefer bed rock
cover (02).
PERIODICITY:
Flattened musk turtle adults seem to be primarily nocturnal
whereas juveniles appear to be more diurnal (02). They are active
during the months of April through October, according to Close (12).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
The flattened musk turtle is nonmigratory.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Most authors have agreed that the ideal habitat for the flattened
musk turtle includes rocks, crevices, and logs. It is principally a
stream-dwelling turtle, though the upper reaches of reservoirs are
inhabited. Deep water is avoided, as are temporary pools, slugglish
water, and ponds. Juveniles are often found in shallow riffles and
weed beds (02). The flattened carapace is considered an adaptation
to a stream crevice habitat (12). Mount (12) reported optimal cover
requirements as follows: 1) a depth averaging 2 feet (61 cm) with
vegetated shallows alternating with deeper ponds; 2) pools containing
a detectable current; 3) abundance of submerged rocks and crevices;
and 4) minimal silt deposits. Ernst et al. (04) noted that sandy
habitats were utilized if adequate cover and food were nearby.
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
Only one nest of the flattened musk turtle has ever been
observed. On July 31, Dodd (02) found a natural nest on the north
shore of Sipsey Fork on a high, sandy bank. The nest was located
6.5 m from water in such a position that it would receive the
afternoon sun. Like the nests of S. minor (the loggerhead musk
turtle), it was shallow and located under slight vegetative cover.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
Hatchlings would have only to go directly downhill to reach the water.
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
According to Close (02), male flattened musk turtles require
4-6 years (60-65 mm) to reach sexual maturity and females require
6-8 years (70-75 mm). Females lay two clutches of eggs per season
with an average of one to three eggs per clutch providing an average
reproductive potential of 4.2 eggs. The average length of incubation
was 92.4 days. Ovulation of the first clutch by most turtles occurred
in May and the second clutch ovulated in June. The last clutch is
probably laid from mid-June to early July. The egg averages 32 mm
long and 16 mm wide (02,12).
PARENTAL CARE:
There is no parental care provided by the flattened musk turtle.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Flattened musk turtle populations have a sex ratio of 1.5 males
to 1 female (02). This ratio varies from 1:1.8 to 4:1. Population
estimates range from 4.4 per hectare to 28.75 per hectare. The
percentage varies from site to site. Variation in sex ratio,
population size, and age structure seems to be dependent
upon habitat conditions such as silt accumulation, mollusc abundance,
over-collecting, and disease (i.e., parasitized by a protozoan agent
of turtle malaria - transmitted by leeches (27)).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Mining
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Disease Control Measures
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Adverse Poaching
Existing Poaching
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Food Supply Reduction
Existing Food Supply Reduction
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Hybridization
Existing Hybridization
Adverse Disease
Existing Disease
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Existing Rural Residential/Industrial Areas
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Siltation
Existing Siltation
Adverse Strip mining
Existing Strip mining
Adverse Reservoirs
Existing Reservoirs
Adverse Dredging
Existing Dredging
Adverse Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Existing Developing/maintaining stream bank vegetation
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The flattened musk turtle is threatened by habitat degradation
from siltation and water pollution reportedly from agriculture,
forestry, mining and industrial and residential sewage effluents.
Some of these threats have been reduced through better regulations and
enforcement (01,06,08,11,13,14,19,20,21,22,23,24,25). Siltation
appears to be a primary factor affecting the habitat of flattened
musk turtle. Adverse effects of silt include: (1) the extirpation
or reduction in populations of mollusks and other invertebrates on
which the turtles feed; (2) physical alteration of the rocky habitats
where the turtles seek food and cover; and (3) development of a
substrate in which chemicals that may be toxic to the turtles or their
food sources tend to accumulate and persist (27). Actions such as:
forest clearing, agricultural practices, heavy equipment use,
shoreline modification/development, bank modification/development,
channel modification, increased surface runoff, and construction and
maintenance of roads and railroads, all add to increased siltation
levels.
Agricultural pollution (i.e., pesticides, herbicides, and
fertilizers) is more common in the upper Mulberry and Locust Forks,
and mining is predominant in the lower Black Warrior Basin (of main
concern from these operations is acid runoff), and industrial and
residential sewage effluents are primarily associated with the
Birmingham area in the southeast portion of the Black Warrior Basin
(19).
Over collecting and disease (parasitized by a protozoan agent of
turtle malaraia - transmitted by leeches) seems to be a serious threat
to the turtle (02,04,05,12). Although permits and regulations
provide a measure of protection to the habitat of the turtle, the
species is not specifically considered in planning activities. Even
though a recent bill by the Alabama legislature prohibits taking of
the flattened musk turtle, commercial collecting is continuing (07).
Collecting has been a large problem and remains a current problem,
as this turtle is still often sold by dealers for as much as 80
dollars each. Documented collections have included: 200 individuals
from one stream, 162 individuals from two streams, 136 from a four
mile section of a stream, and 20-30 from a single pool at one time)
(27). A low reproductive rate (according to Close (02), male
flattened musk turtles require 4-6 years (60-65 mm) to reach sexual
maturity and females require 6-8 years (70-75 mm)), food habits, and
behavior magnify adverse impacts (12). Estridge (05) found evidence
of interbreeding (another problem for survival of this species)
between S. depressus and S. minor peltifer, and Mount (12) collected
16 integrade specimens at four sites. Iverson (09) hypothesized that
the elimination of fast water environments over the shale substrates
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
of the upper Black Warrior River by extensive impounding could promote
interbreeding between S. minor and S. depressus. Although all of
these threats are continuing, it is hoped that listing of the
flattened musk turtle will reduce them in the future.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
A recovery plan has yet been initiated. One is planed for initiated
in the fiscal year 1987.
The recovery of the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus
depressus) may be obtained by (1) habitat management such as reducing
siltation from mining and forestry operations (actions needed are:
restricting timber harvest, restrict mining, habitat revegetation,
and land rehabilitation), and agriculture (actions needed are:
controll/restrict agricultural practices, pesticides, and herbicides),
controlling pollution from sewage and industrial effluents, and
maintaining stream flow, (2) population improvement through
restricting commercial harvest, disease control, and possibly
transplanting and/or captive propagation for reintroduction.
Present commercial harvest is illegal according to State law, a
disease study is underway, and at least two abandoned mines have been
identified for the abandoned mine reclamation program.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Cole, F.F. 1985. Effects of coal mining on the water quality and
sedimentation of Lake Tuscaloosa and selected tributaries, North
River Basin, Alabama. U.S. Geo. Surv. Water-Res. Invest. Rept.
84-4310. 53 pp.
02 Dodd, C.K. Jr., K.M. Enge, and J.N. Stuart. 1986. The effects of
mining siltation on the distribution and abundance of the flattened
musk turtle, Sternotherus depressus, in northern Alabama. Unpubl.
Rept. to fullfill Interagency Agreement No. J5140132 between OSM
and USFWS. 82 pp.
03 Ernst, C.H., and R.W. Barbour. 1972. Turtles of the United
States. Univ. Press of Kentucky, Lexington. x + 37 pp.
04 Ernst, C.H., W.A. Cox, and K.R. Marion. 1983. The distribution
and status of the flattened musk turtle in the Warrior Basin of
Alabama. Unpubl. rept. to: AL Coal Assoc. 136 pp.
05 Estridge, R.E. 1970. The taxonomic status of Sternothaerus
depressus (Testudinata, Kinosternidae) with observations on its
ecology. M.S. thesis, Auburn Univ., Auburn, Al. 49 pp.
06 Geological Survey of Alabama. 1983. Biological and hydrological
impacts of surface mining for Federal minerals on the Tyro Creek
watershed, Alabama. Phase I. Premining - Aquatic Baseline
Information. Univ. of Alabama. 98 pp.
07 Guthrie, R.W. 1986. Derivation of a habitat quality predicting
functions for flattened musk turtle. Unpubl. rept. Birmingham
Field Office of OSM. 32 pp.
08 Harris, S.C., P.E. O'Neil, M.E. Mettee, and R.V. Chandler. 1985.
Impacts of surface mining on the biology and hydrology of a small
watershed in west-central Alabama. Geol. Surv. of AL Bull.
125. 124 pp.
09 Iverson, J.R. 1977. Sternotherus depressus. Cataloge of Am.
Amphibians and Reptiles. 194.1-194.2.
10 Marion, K.R., F.M. Love, W.A. Cox, and C.H. Ernst. 1986. Food
habits of the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus depressus). ASB
Bull. 33(2):62.
11 Matter, W.J., J.J. Ney, and O.E. Maughan. 1978. Sustained impact
of abandoned surface mines on fish and benthic invertebrate
populations in headwater streams of southwestern Virginia. Pp.
203-216. In: D.E. Samuel, J.R. Stauffer, C.H. Hocutt, and W.T.
Mason, Jr., eds. Surface mining and fish /wilife needs in the
eastern United States. Proc. of a Symp. U.S. Fish and Wildl.
Serv. 511 pp.
12 Mount, R.H. 1981. The status of the flowered musk turtl
Sternotherus minor depressus, Tinkle & Webb. Unpubl. rept. to the
U.S. Forest Serv., Atlanta, GA 119 pp.
13 Puente, C., and J.G. Newton. 1979. Effect of surface coal mining
on the hydrology of Crooked and Turkey Creek Basins, Jefferson
County, Alabama. U.S. Geo. Surv. Water-Res. Invest. Rept. 79-91.
39 pp.
14 Puente, C., J.G. Newton, and R.H. Ringham. 1982. Assessment of
hydrologic conditions in potential coal-lease tracts in the Warrior
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
Coal Field, Alabama. U.S. Geo. Surv. Water-Res. Invest. Open-File
Rept. 81-540. 42 pp.
15 Seidel, M.F., and R.V. Lucchino. 1981. Allozymic and
morphological variation among the musk turtles Sternotherus
carinatus, S. depressus, and S. minor (Kinosternidae). Copeia
1981:119-128.
16 Seidel, M.E., S.L. Reynolds, and R.V. Lucchino. 1981.
Phylogenetic relationships among musk turtles (genus Sternotherus)
and genetic variation in Sternotherus odoratus. Herp. 37(3):161-165.
17 Tinkle, D.W., and R.G. Webb. 1955. A new species of Sternotherus
with a discussion of the Sternotherus carinatus complex (Chelonia,
Kinosternidae). Tulane Studies in Zoology 3:52-67.
18 Tinkle, D.W. 1958. The systematics and ecolgy of the
Sternothaerus carinatus complex (Testudinata, Chelydridae). Tulane
Studies in Zoology. 6:1-56.
19 U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1980. Black Warrior River Basin
Cooperative Study. 217 pp.
20 U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1984. Soil Conservation Service
Watershed Progress Report - Alabama. iii + 45 pp + map.
21 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1982. Mobile District Project Maps.
22 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1984. Mobile District Corps of
Engineers Project in Alabama. Unpaginated data sheets.
23 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Endangered Species Field
Office Records. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Jackson, MS.
24 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983. Ecological indicators of
contaminant stress. P. 35, In: P.H. Eschmeyer and T.A. Scott, eds.
Fisheries and wildlife research, 1982. 199 pp.
25 Vaughn, G.L., A. Talak, and R.J. Anderson. 1978. The chronology
and character of recovery of aquatic communities from the effects
of strip mining for coal in east Tenessee. Pp. 119-125, In:
D.E. Samuel, J.R. Stauffer, C.H. Hocutt, and W.T. Mason, Jr., eds.
Surface mining and fish/wildlife needs in the eastern United
States, Proc. of a Symposium. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. 511 pp.
26 Mount, R.H. 1986. Pers. comm. Auburn University, AL.
27 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1986. Final rule listing
flattened musk turtle as threatened - Species listing package.
Part 1. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Washington, D.C.
28 Mount, R.H. 1987. Pers. comm. Auburn University, AL.
(conversation with: Mike Drummond, Div. of Endg. Sp. and Hab.
Conser., U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Washington, D.C.)
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Ernst, C.H., W.A. Cox, and K.R. Marion. 1983. The distribution
and status of the flattened musk turtle in the Warrior Basin of
Alabama. Unpubl. rept. to: AL Coal Assoc. 136 pp.
02 Estridge, R.E. 1970. The taxonomic status of Sternothaerus
depressus (Testudinata, Kinosternidae) with observations on its
ecology. M.S. thesis, Auburn Univ., Auburn, Al. 49 pp.
03 Guthrie, R.W. 1986. Derivation of a habitat quality predicting
functions for flattened musk turtle. Unpubl. rept. Birmingham
Field Office of OSM. 32 pp.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species TURTLE, MUSK, FLATTENED
Species Id ESIS154012
Date 14 MAR 96
04 Mount, R.H. 1976. Amphibians and reptiles, pp. 67-79, In:
H. Boschung, ed. Endangered and threatened plants and animals of
Alabama. Bull., AL Mus. of Nat. Hist., Univ. of AL. 93 pp.
05 Mount, R.H. 1981. The status of the flowered musk turtl
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