Proposed plan to restore Pearl River map turtle numbers would take decades

A little-known turtle found only in Louisiana and Mississippi now has a slow but steady plan from the federal government to save its species from decline.

By: Elise Plunk

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: April 13, 2026

Words: 586

Last Updated: 3 months, 2 weeks ago

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A little-known turtle found only in Louisiana and Mississippi now has a slow but steady proposed plan from the federal government to save its species.

The Pearl River map turtle, named for the intricate, map-like details on its blue and yellow skin, earned Endangered Species Act protection in 2024 after 14 years of efforts to protect the species from habitat loss, poaching and controversial flood control projects. Environmental groups also filed …

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