Northern Map Turtle Graptemys geographica (LeSueur, 1817)Endangered (MD)  -  S1 (Highly state rare)  -  Vulnerable    
Kingdom Animalia   >   Phylum Chordata   >   Class Reptilia   >   Order Testudines   >   Family Emydidae   >   Genus Graptemys   

Status:

Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in Maryland are restricted to the Susquehanna River and some of the river's tributaries, in Harford and Cecil Counties (Maryland DNR site). This turtle, the most widespread species of map turtle, tends to prefer large rivers or lakes with a muddy substrate over smaller, marginal habitats. Northern Maps are conspicuous and persistent baskers, and are often seen hauled out on rocks or debris. Its diet consists primarily of gastropods and crayfish (Conant & Collins, 1998). This turtle is ranked as S1 (highly state rare) in Maryland, and is considered state-endangered and vulnerable due to its restricted range.

Where to find:

They can occasionally be seen basking on rocks along the islands in the Susquehanna River. This is a wary species, and optics are recommended for viewing.

There are 55 records in the project database.

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A Northern Map Turtle photographed in Harford Co., Maryland. Photo by Scott McDaniel. (MBP list)

A young Northern Map Turtle in Cecil Co., Maryland (9/27/2021). Photo by Richard Crook. (MBP list)

A juvenile Northern Map Turtle photographed in Harford Co., Maryland. Photo by Scott McDaniel. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Cecil Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

A Northern Map Turtle photographed in Harford Co., Maryland. Photo by Scott McDaniel. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtles photographed in Harford Co., Maryland. Photo shows a male and a juvenile female. Photo by Scott McDaniel. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (6/17/2021). Photo by Mark Johnson. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) Josh Emm, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by Josh Emm. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Cecil Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) richard crook, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by rwcrook via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle habitat along the Susquehanna River along the Harford/Cecil Co. line in Maryland (5/25/2013). We were able to scope four large adults basking on a rock on this date. Towson researchers have already found young of the year. Photo by Bill Hubick. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)

Northern Map Turtle in Harford Co., Maryland (Date obscured). (c) jmcardle, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC). Photo by jmcardle via iNaturalist. (MBP list)


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