(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
                        Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                Species Id ESIS154013
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



TAXONOMY

NAME - TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA OTHER COMMON NAMES - TURTLE, RED-BELLIED and ALABAMA; RED-BELLY ELEMENT CODE - CATEGORY - Reptiles PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA, CLASS AND SUBCLASS - REPTILIA, ORDER AND SUBORDER - TESTUDINES, FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - EMYDIDAE, GENUS AND SUBGENUS - PSEUDEMYS, SPECIES AND SSP - ALABAMENSIS, SCIENTIFIC NAME - PSEUDEMYS ALABAMENSIS AUTHORITY - TAXONOMY REFERENCES - COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY - Alabama Red-bellied Turtle Pseudemys alabamensis Baur, 1893 KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Reptile PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Reptilia ORDER: Testudines FAMILY: Emydidae The Alabama red-bellied turtle is a large (20-25 cm or 8-10 inch carapace length), freshwater, herbivorous turtle, normally with an orange to reddish plastron and a prominent notch at the tip of the upper jaw, bordered on either side by a toothlike cusp. The elongated carapace is highly arched and elevated along the mid-line; its highest point is often anterior to the mid-body where the carapace is widest. The carapace is brown to olive, with yellow, orange, or reddish streaks and mottling that form distinct, light vertical bars on the pleural scutes. The skin is olive to black with yellow to light orange stripes. Characteristics most useful in distinguishing this species from other members of its genus in the Southeast include the number and configuration of stripes on the head (01,02,03). The Alabama red-bellied turtle has more stripes than the Florida red-bellied turtle, and both the former and latter have a prefrontal arrow which Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 is normally absent in the river cooter (Pseudemys concinna) and the cooter (Pseudemys floridana). Arching of the shell, and the presence of a notch with prominent cusps also distinguish the Alabama red-bellied turtle from the river cooter and the cooter; cusps and shell arching are normally absent in the latter two species. Although recognized as distinct as early as 1856 (04), the Alabama red-bellied turtle was not formally described until 1893 (05) (noted as Ptchemys mobiliensis), when the species was described from type specimens from Mobile Bay in the Gustav Kohn collection (now in the National Museum of Natural History, Wash., D.C.). The Alabama red-bellied turtle is considered to be a valid species by Carr and Crenshaw (06), Mount (02), McCoy and Vogt (07), Pritchard (08), Ward (09), and Dobie (03). Another scientific name given to this species is Chrysemys alabamensis. Another common name is the red-belly (16). Taxonomy - 2
                                  (DRAFT) - Status
                        Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                Species Id ESIS154013
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



STATUS

Coded Status Alabama; Federal Endangered Alabama; State Listed Alabama; Unofficially Listed E: Federal Endangered Commercial Commercial/consumption Game (Consumptive Recreational) COMMENTS ON STATUS - U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS: The Alabama red-bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis) has been designated as Endangered 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. All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any 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: Nongame Wildlife Species Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Alabama Div. of Game and Fish STATE STATUTE: Alabama Game and Fish Code 87-GF-7. UNOFFICIAL LIST: Threatened, Mount. 1986. Vertebrate animals of Alabama in need of Special Attention. AL Agr. Expt. Sta., Auburn Univ. 124 pp. INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS: The IUCN lists the Alabama red-bellied turtle as indeterminate, 1982. ECONOMIC STATUSES: Alabama red-bellied turtles and their eggs have historically served as a minor food source for man, however, their small numbers in comparison to the large number of turtles of other species indicates that they probably were never a major food resource, Dobie (03) reported that residents in the vicinity of the known nesting habitat of this turtle spent several days a year gathering and eating turtle eggs. This practice has apparently declined in response to decreases in the number of nesting females and eggs. Some Alabama red-bellied turtles have been trapped and sold as pets and food. Headlights and dip nets have been used to collect turtles in weed beds during warm months, especially for obtaining turtles for the pet trade. Pet dealers have advertised this species for up to twenty-five dollars per turtle. Trawling has been used to obtain winter estivating turtles for sale as food. In addition, Alabama red-bellied turtles are incidentally harvested by commercial fishermen and shrimpers in gill, hoop, and trammel nets, and crab traps. 77/06/06:42 FR 28903/ - Notice of Review 85/09/18:50 FR 37958/37967 - Notice of Review 86/07/08:51 FR 24727/24731 - Proposal for listing as Threatened 87/06/16:52 FR 22939/22943 - Final listing as Endangered no Crit. Hab. Status - 2
     

HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS

HABITAT - AQUATIC COASTAL LAND USE - Streams and Canals Bays and Estuaries Forested Wetland Nonforested Wetland Beaches Sandy Areas other than Beaches NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC Riverine, tidal AB2 Riverine, tidal AB1 Estuarine, intertidal EM5 COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS - The Alabama red-bellied turtle inhabits the lower part of the floodplain of the Mobile River System in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, Alabama. The turtle occurs in greatest numbers in the backwater areas of bays between Interstate Highway 10 and U.S. Highway 90 and north of Highway 90. Water depth in these bay backwaters is 1-2 meters (3.3 - 6.6 feet), and these areas have extensive beds of submerged and emergent aquatic vegetation. These broad, vegetated expanses of shallows are considered to be the principal habitat of this species (03,07). Dobie (03) suggested that dense beds of aquatic vegetation provide turtles with substrate for basking (these turtles are heliothermic) and predator avoidance, in addition to food. This turtle is believed to repeatedly nest in only one area, a sand beach area on an island spoil bank, although Dobie (03) suggested that the species may periodically nest along embankments of the causeway across Mobile Bay. The turtle may nest on the natural river levee at the edge of wooded swamp and destruction of this wooded swamp would likely result in erosion of this natural levee. This would eliminate one area where the turtle may nest (15). Habitat Associations - 1
                                (DRAFT) - Food Habits
                        Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                Species Id ESIS154013
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



FOOD HABITS

TROPHIC LEVEL - HERBIVORE LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART General General Floating aquat. plant General Vascular Plants-Submerged Nonwoody Food Habits - 1
                         (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
                        Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                Species Id ESIS154013
                                   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 Coastal Features: Sandy offshore islands G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands Environment Associations - 1
                               (DRAFT) - Life History
                        Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                Species Id ESIS154013
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



LIFE HISTORY

FOOD HABITS: No data are available on the specific food items consumed by Pseudemys alabamensis (Alabama red-bellied turtle). However, Dobie (03) reports that "over the course of several years study on alabamensis, I have not found any 'gut' contents in alabamensis other than vegetation. The aquatic plants serving as the primary food item for alabamensis are found along the rivers, creeks, and bayous, and in the bays north of U.S. Highway 90." HOME RANGE/TERRITORY: Unknown. PERIODICITY: This is a diurnal species. The females are nocturnal during egg laying season. The young probably emerge at night but are primarily diurnal. MIGRATION PATTERNS: This species is non-migratory. COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS: The Alabama red-bellied turtle utilizes floating mats of vegetation for cover. Nest sites are placed on sand beaches and natural river levees (03). REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS: The Alabama red-bellied turtle nests on sand beaches and natural levees. REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS: Clutch sizes observed in 1985 by Weisberger (10) ranged from 4 to 9 eggs (average of 6, which is low when compared to other Pseudemys). PARENTAL CARE: No parental care is provided. POPULATION BIOLOGY: Total population size of this species is poorly known. McCoy and Vogt (07) provided the only data on relative abundance for this turtle; they trapped 20 animals in 1008 hours of sampling (.02 turtles/hour). Dobie (03) questioned the utility of these relative abundance data since trapping was more opportunistic than systematic. However, age class data suggest a declining trend in this turtle. Dobie (14) showed a decline of young turtles in the population between 1970 and 1983. Of the 24 individuals collected from 1968 to 1970, 10 were juveniles and small adults, whereas only 1 of 20 collected between 1971 and 1983 was a juvenile or small adult. Dobie (03) believed that decline in recruitment was caused mostly by disturbance and egg predation on the known nesting area. Dobie (14) observed 63 nests of the species on the nesting area between 1971 and Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 1983. Fourteen Alabama red-bellied turtle nests were found on the same nesting area in the summer of 1985 (10). Clutch sizes observed in 1985 by Weisberger (10) ranged from 4 to 9 eggs (average of 6, which is low when compared to other Pseudemys). More information is needed to determine how turtles use certain micro-habitats to perform ecological functions, such as nesting, feeding, wintering, and thermoregulation. The Alabama red-bellied turtle is threatened primarily by human activities on this species' only known nesting site. Dobie (03) reported heavy use of the sand beach nesting habitat by campers on summer holidays during times when turtles were nesting. Camp lights, people, and noise associated with high recreational use likely reduce nesting by the Alabama red-bellied turtle on the island. The tires of three-wheeled vehicles which are driven over sand beaches were observed uncovering turtle nests, resulting in dehydration, predation, and breakage of eggs during the summer of 1985 (10). These disturbances to nesting habitat, and predation have apparently reduced reproductive success and recruitment since 1970. The remainder of the turtle's habitat, the marshes and bays of the lower part of the Mobile River System, are not as disturbed as the nesting island. Chemical treatments of 2,4-D herbicide, aimed at reducing aquatic vegetation (water hyacinth) in Lower Mobile area, began in the 1950's and were limited to only a few small areas. The Corps discontinued its program in 1978, although the State of Alabama has continued small treatments since 1981. The Service believes that these treatments have no significantly reduced the quality of Alabama red-bellied turtle habitat in the area. Rather, natural phenomina, such as movement of salt wedges up into bays during hurricanes, more likely account for major reductions in aquatic vegetation along the Lower Mobile Bay area. Dobie (03) reported that residents in the vicinity of the known nesting habitat of this turtle spent several days a year gathering and eating turtle eggs. This practice has apparently declined in response to decreases in the number of nesting females and egg. Some Alabama red-bellied turtles have been trapped and sold commercially as pets and used as food (03). Headlights and dip nets have been used to collect turtles in weed beds during warm months, especially for obtaining turtles for the pet trade (03). Pet dealers have advertised this species for up to twenty-five dollars per turtle (03). Trawling has been used to obtain winter estivating turtles for sale as food (03). In addition, Alabama red-bellied turtles are incidentally harvested by commercial fisherman and shrimpers in gill, hoop, and trammel nets, and crab traps (07). When combined with predation and physical disturbance to the nesting area, taking of this species increases the overall precarious nature of this turtle's future. There is no known threat from disease. The alligator is probably a frequent predator of red-bellied turtles as evidenced by the high frequency of tooth scars found on the shells of young turtles (03). Domestic pigs were released on the nesting island during the late 1960's. These pigs follow turtles from the water to nest sites where they eat eggs and subsequent to laying (03). Domestic pigs are still on the island, although their predation on turtle eggs has not been Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Life History Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 verified in recent years. Fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) predation appears to be one of the main factors limiting nest success of Alabama red-bellied turtles on the only known nesting site (03). Of nine red-bellied turtle nests (containing 3-6 eggs each) found between May 27 and July 15, 1978, 100 percent of the eggs had been destroyed by crows (12). Similar rates of predation were noted during the summer of 1985 (10). Fish crows also prey upon black-knobbed sawback turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda) nests on this island; 95 percent of the nests were destroyed by crows during a study by Lahanas (13). Heavy predation on Alabama red-bellied turtles is facilitated by concentration of nests on the sand banks of the island; these natural dry sand beaches are relatively rare within the vicinity of the island. Fire ants may also prey upon turtle eggs, as they have been found in the nest chambers of the Alabama red-bellied turtle. Hurricanes may periodically reduce vegetation by forcing salt water wedges up into bays. Historically, these losses of aquatic vegetation probably had no permanent impact on the species; turtle numbers were reduced in years immediately following hurricanes, but increased as aquatic vegetation became reestablished. However, a reduction in recruitment of young turtles since 1970, primarily due to predation, may decrease the ability of the Alabama red-bellied turtle to recover from catastrophic events such as hurricanes. SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS: As mentioned above the alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is probably a frequent predator of red-bellied turtles (03), and fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) predation appears to be one of the main factors limiting nest success of Alabama red-bellied turtles on the only known nesting site, an island (03). Floating aquatic vegetation is used for food and cover. Turtles may lay their eggs in alligator nests, but this information in still unconfirmed (15). OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS: None. Life History - 3
                           (DRAFT) - Management Practices
                        Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                Species Id ESIS154013
                                   Date 14 MAR 96



MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas Beneficial Land Acquisition Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use Beneficial Creating Artificial Habitat/Nesting Structure Beneficial Restricting Poaching Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vertebrates Beneficial Controlling/Removing Feral Animals Adverse Subsistence Hunting/Fishing/Trapping Existing Subsistence Hunting/Fishing/Trapping Adverse Incidental Capturing/Killing Existing Incidental Capturing/Killing Adverse Harassment/Vandalism/Indiscriminate Killing Existing Harassment/Vandalism/Indiscriminate Killing Adverse Collecting Existing Collecting Adverse Off Road Vehicles Existing Off Road Vehicles Adverse Hiking/Camping Existing Hiking/Camping Adverse Existing Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics Adverse Predation Existing Predation Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - The Alabama red-bellied turtle is threatened primarily by human activities on this species' only known nesting site, an island spoil bank. Dobie (03) reported heavy use of the sand beach nesting habitat by campers on summer holidays during times when turtles were nesting. Camp lights, people, and noise associated with high recreational use likely reduce nesting by the Alabama red-bellied turtle on the island. The tires of three-wheeled vehicles which are driven over sand beaches were observed uncovering turtle nests, resulting in dehydration, predation, and breakage of eggs during the summer of 1985 (10). These disturbances to nesting habitat, and predation, have apparently reduced reproductive success and recruitment since 1970. Recreational use of the beach areas is very heavy throughout the nesting season although there is no officially designated recreational area or facility (15). Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 The remainder of the turtle's habitat, the marshes and bays of the lower part of the Mobile River System, are not as disturbed as the nesting island. However, Dobie (03) observed what appeared to be areas with reduced amounts of aquatic vegetation south of Clover Leaf Landing. He suggested that these areas had been chemically treated. Mike Eubanks of the Mobile Office of the Corps of Engineers (Corps) (11) indicated that the Corps and State of Alabama had treated a limited amount of aquatic habitat with 2,4-D (a herbicide) within the Lower Mobile Bay area. These treatments started in the 1950's and were limited to only a few small areas. The Corps discontinued its program in 1978, although the State of Alabama has continued small treatments since 1981. Chemical treatments were initiated primarily to control introduced aquatic vegetation such as water hyacinth. The Service believes that these treatments have not significantly reduced the quality of Alabama red-bellied turtle habitat in the area. Rather, natural phenomena, such as movement of salt wedges up into bays during hurricanes, more likely account for major reductions in aquatic vegetation along the Lower Mobile Bay area. Historically, these losses of aquatic vegetation probably had no permanent impact on the species; turtle numbers were reduced in years immediately following hurricanes, but increased as aquatic vegetation became reestablished. However, a reduction in recruitment of young turtles since 1970, primarily due to predation, may decrease the ability of the Alabama red-bellied turtle to recover from catastrophic events such as hurricanes. Dobie (03) reported that residents in the vicinity of the known nesting habitat of this turtle spent several days a year gathering and eating turtle eggs. This practice has apparently declined in reponse to decreases in the number of nesting females and eggs. Clutch sizes observed in 1985 by Weisberger (10) ranged from 4 to 9 eggs (average of 6, which is low when compared to other Pseudemys). Some Alabama red-bellied turtles have been trapped and sold as pets and food (03). Headlights and dip nets have been used to collect turtles in weed beds during warm months, especially for obtaining turtles for the pet trade (03). Pet dealers have advertised this species for up to twenty-five dollars per turtle (03). Trawling has been used to obtain winter estivating turtles for sale as food (03). In addition, Alabama red-bellied turtles are incidentally harvested by commercial fisherman and shrimpers in gill, hoop, and trammel nets, and crab traps (07). When combined with predation and physical disturbance to the nesting area, taking of this species increases the overall precarious nature of this turtle's future. There is no known threat from disease. The alligator is probably a frequent predator of red-bellied turtles as evidenced by the high frequency of tooth scars found on the shells of young turtles (03). Domestic pigs were released on the nesting island during the late 1960's. These pigs follow turtles from the water to nest sites where they eat eggs during and subsequent to laying (03). Domestic pigs are still on the island, although their predation on turtle eggs has not been verified in recent years. Fish crow (Corvus ossifragus) predation appears to be one of the main factors limiting nest success of Alabama red-bellied turtles on the only known nesting site (03). Of nine red-bellied turtle nests Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 (containing 3-6 eggs each) found between May 27 and July 15, 1978, 100 percent of the eggs had been destroyed by crows (12). Similar rates of predation were noted during the summer of 1985 (10). Fish crows also prey upon black-knobbed sawback turtle (Graptemys nigrinoda) nests on this island; 95 percent of the nests were destroyed by crows during a study by Lahanas (13). Heavy predation on Alabama red-bellied turtles is facilitated by concentration of nests on the sand banks of the island; these natural dry sand beaches are relatively rare within the vicinity of the island. Fire ants may also prey upon turtle eggs, as they have been found in the nest chambers of the Alabama red-bellied turtle. UNAPPROVED PLAN: The Alabama red-bellied turtle recovery plan is in preparation and was available for technical review in September, 1987. The following outline includes management actions recommended for the recovery of the Alabama red-bellied turtle: 1. Determine population structure and status. A. Determine sex ratio, size, and age at maturity, age structure and survival rates by sex and age classes. B. Assess population trends based on juvenile/adult ratio and population indices. C. Determine reproductive success on known nesting areas. 2. Determine habitat requirements and locate acceptable habitats. A. Identify nesting locations. B. Determine nesting habitat requirements. C. Determine food and basking requirements and requirements for overwintering. D. Identify important feeding, basking and overwintering habitats. 3. Study reproductive, basking, feeding, and overwintering behavior. 4. Protect the species and its habitat. A. Obtain the assistance of local, State, and Federal law enforcement authorites in the prevention of egg collecting and shooting and collection of the Alabama red-bellied turtle itself for commercial and non-commercial purposes; B. Manage habitat for the Alabama red-bellied turtle by; a. prohibiting human activities that are incompatible with turtle reproduction on nesting habitat (i.e. limiting recreational access, ORV use, development, etc.; b. prohibit snagging in important basking areas. c. effect coordination with appropriate agencies to prevent destruction of food sources (aquatic vegetation) by herbicide application; Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - Management Practices Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 d. remove feral animals such as wild pigs and native vertebrates such as fish crow to protect nests from predation; e. protect and manage nesting area by cooperative agreement, easment, or acquisition; f. review Corps of Engineers Section 404 notices for possible impacts on species habitat. 5. Establish additional nesting habitat. A. Investigate feasibility of establishing additional nesting habitat through creation of dredge-spoil islands. B. Establish at least two additional nesting beaches on islands. 6. Conservation of the Alabama red-bellied turtle and its habitat. A. Prepare conservation education poster. B. Issue news release. There are no on-going recovery actions being implemented at this time. Management Practices - 4
                                   (DRAFT) - References
                           Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA
                                  Species Id ESIS154013
                                      Date 14 MAR 96



     

References

***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE ***** 01 Ernst, C.H., and R.W. Barbour. 1972. Turtles of the United States. Univ. Presses of Ky., Lexington. 347 pp. 02 Mount, R.H. 1975. The reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. Auburn Univ. Agri. Exp. Sta., Auburn, AL. 347 pp. 03 Dobie, J.L. 1985. Distribution and status of the Alabama red- bellied turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis Baur. Rept. to U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Contr. No. 14-16-0009-1546. 04 Agassiz, L. 1857. Contributions to the natural history of the United States. Vol. 1, Little, Brown, and Co. 452 pp. 05 Baur, G. 1893. Notes on the classification and taxonomy of the Testudinata. Proc. Amer. Phil. Soc. 31:210-225. 06 Carr, A.F., Jr., and J.W. Crenshaw, Jr. 1957. A taxonomic reappraisal of the turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis Baur. Bull. Fla. State Mus. 2:25-42. 07 McCoy, C.J., and R.C. Vogt. 1979. Distribution and population status of the Alabama red-bellied turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis. Rept. to U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Contr. No. 14-16-0004-79-038. 08 Pritchard, P.C.H. 1979. Encyclopedia of turtles. T.F.H. Publ., Inc. Ltd., Neptune, NJ. 895 pp. 09 Ward, J.P. 1984. Relationships of chrysemyd turtles of North America (Testudines:Emydidae). Special Publ. Mus. Tex. Tech. Univ. 21:1-51. 10 Weisberger, B. 1985. Pers. comm. Auburn Univ., Dept. of Zool. and Entomology, Auburn, AL. 11 Eubanks, M. 1985. Pers. comm. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, AL. 12 Meany, D.B. 1979. Nesting habits of the Alabama red-bellied turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis. J. Ala. Acad. Sci. 50:113. 13 Lahanas, P.N. 1982. Aspects of life history of the southern black-knobbed sawback, Graptemys nigrinoda delticola Folkerts and Mount. MS Thesis, Auburn Univ., Auburn, AL. 27 pp. 14 Dobie, J.L. 1985. Pers. knowledge and Unpubl. data. Auburn Univ., Auburn, AL. 15 Bagley, F.M. 1987. Pers. knowledge. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Jackson, MS. 16 Mount, R.H. 1986. Vertebrate animals of Alabama in need of special attention. Ala. Agr. Expt. Sta., Auburn Univ. 124 pp. ***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY ***** 01 Dobie, J.L. 1985. Distribution and status of the Alabama red- bellied turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis Baur. Unpubl. Rept. to U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Contr. No. 14-16-0009-1546. 02 Mount, R.H. 1975. The reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. Auburn Univ. Agri. Exp. Sta., Auburn, AL. 347 pp. 03 McCoy, C.J., and R.C. Vogt. 1979. Distribution and population status of the Alabama red-bellied turtle, Pseudemys alabamensis. Unpubl. Rept. to U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Contr. No. References - 1 (DRAFT) - References Species TURTLE, RED-BELLIED, ALABAMA Species Id ESIS154013 Date 14 MAR 96 14-16-0004-79-038. 04 Bagley, F.M. 1987. Pers. knowledge. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Jackson, MS. References - 2