Common name : Mexican plateau slider
Scientific name : Trachemys gaigeae
Family : Emydidae
Native to : South-Western United States and Northern Mexico
Interesting fact : Young ones are carnivores and gradually become herbivores when they grow older.
Conservation status : Vulnerable
They are called sliders as they quickly slide into water from rocks or logs where they bask, when approached. A prominent orange spot adorns either side of the head. It’s named after the Big Bend region of Texas where it was first isolated from. They spend most of their time in water and only females come out on land to lay eggs.
