Florida Softshell Turtle

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A round flat shell and pointed nose are the basic field identification clues for softshell turtles.

The Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) resides in a variety of Southeastern slow moving, fresh water bodies, with a preference for shallow water areas.

Females can reach a length of two feet, making them one of the largest residents in their territory. While their size immunizes them from most predation except from humans, their eggs are sought by a variety of local rodents, birds and mammals.

Because they are harvested as a food source in much of their range, population levels are dropping.

Recently the Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, expressed concern "that Florida's freshwater turtles are being harvested at an unsustainable rate to supply East Asian food and medicinal markets."

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels