What is florida red-bellied turtle?

The Florida red-bellied turtle is a freshwater turtle species native to Florida, USA. It is also known as the red-bellied cooter or Florida cooter. The turtle is characterized by its distinctive red-orange colored belly, which contrasts with its dark brown or black carapace (upper shell) and yellow plastron (lower shell). The red-bellied turtle can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and weigh up to 7 pounds (3.2 kg).

These turtles are found in a wide range of freshwater habitats, including lakes, ponds, rivers, swamps, and marshes. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter such as algae, aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.

The Florida red-bellied turtle is listed as a species of special concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission due to habitat loss, pollution, and overcollection for the pet trade. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, nesting site management, and education programs to reduce the impact of human activities on their habitat.