Trachemys terrapen
VU

Trachemys terrapen

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican_slider

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Trachemys terrapen faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal wetlands and freshwater systems are converted for agriculture and urban development throughout its Caribbean range. The species is heavily exploited for local consumption and international pet trade, with adults and eggs collected unsustainably from wild populations. Introduced predators and competing turtle species further threaten remaining populations, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades water quality in critical breeding habitats.

Threat summary

Habitat

This freshwater turtle inhabits slow-moving rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal wetlands across the Caribbean islands. It prefers shallow waters with abundant aquatic vegetation and muddy substrates that provide both feeding opportunities and nesting sites along sandy or soft soil banks.

Other threatened species in EMYDIDAE

EN

Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata

Declining
VU

Eastern Box Turtle

Terrapene carolina

Declining
Bog TurtleCR

Bog Turtle

Glyptemys muhlenbergii

Unknown
VU

Trachemys decorata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Trachemys terrapen classified as Vulnerable?
Trachemys terrapen is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Trachemys terrapen faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal wetlands and freshwater systems are converted for agriculture and urban development throughout its Caribbean range. The species is heavily exploited for local consumption and international pet trade, with adults and eggs collected unsustainably from wild populations. Introduced predators and competing turtle species further threaten remaining populations, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades water quality in critical breeding habitats.
Where does Trachemys terrapen live?
Trachemys terrapen occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Trachemys terrapen?
The main threats to Trachemys terrapen are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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