River Turtle Carapace - Trachemys scripta elegans - 7 cm - 16 cm - 20 cm - Non-CITES species - 1

Florida turtle (Emydidae)

The Florida turtle, native to the eastern United States, is a remarkable swimmer and highly adaptable. This aquatic turtle has been introduced in many countries, but it is now classified as an invasive species in certain regions, notably in France,

The Florida turtle competes with the European pond turtle, a local species, by monopolizing the sunny basking areas needed to warm itself, thereby compromising the survival of the latter.

Despite these ecological challenges, the Florida turtle remains fascinating for its impressive longevity, capable of living up to 40 years, and for its ability to adapt to a variety of aquatic environments. A resilient reptile, but its management is crucial to preserving ecological balance.