Graptemys ernsti

Escambia Map Turtle

Florida distribution: Escambia River in the western panhandle; Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties.

Identification: up to 30 cm for females with males reaching half that length. Distribution is also a key to ID. Light colored blotches behind eyes and on nose. Light colored marking along lower jaw which is thinner and extending farther along the neck than the Barbour's Map Turtle. Saw backed.

There is a possession limit of two. You are not allowed to buy, sell, or trade this species (i.e. no commercial activity) in  Florida. Even if specimens originate from outside the state. 

Basking Male on the Escambia River.