Decline in numbers had been documented during the 1980's. Reasons for this decline include a decrease and disturbance of suitable nesting areas, illegal trapping for food and the pet trade, and entrapment and drowning in fishing nets and crab traps. Predation by alligators on adults and by crows on eggs also occurs. Raiding of nests for eggs by man may have contributed to the decline of the Alabama red-bellied turtle. Very few studies have been conducted on the Alabama red-bellied turtle and therefore little is known about its life history.
Future studies are necessary before successful management of the turtle can be accomplished.
The Act no. Reptiles and Amphibians in Alabama . Wildlife Section, Game and Fish Division, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.