Yellow-bellied Slider - Five Sisters Zoo

An aquatic (mainly water-dwelling) species of turtle, the Yellow-bellied Slider can be identified by the yellow streaks that run down its legs, the yellow splotches behind its eyes and the yellow colouration of their plastron or lower shell. They are a subspecies of the pond slider family and found only in the United States. They are a very popular species in the pet and wildlife trade, with certain places in the US breeding them specifically for this purpose.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; aquatic plants, aquatic invertebrates, fish, frog eggs and other aquatic animals.

Length:  13-33cm with males smaller than females

Habitat: Eastern coast of the US, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and others; lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Will also thrive in manmade spaces such as canals, park ponds and water features.

Life span:  25 years in the wild, up to 40 under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Able to adapt to higher water pollution levels
  • Will lay up to 30 eggs in a clutch and can clutch 3 times a year

Threats

  • Habitat loss and fragmentation

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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