Range: The Sabine Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis sabinensis) is found in the Sabine River. The Sabine River is the border of Texas and Louisiana. This turtle is also found in a lot of the streams and lakes that are connected or close to the Sabine River.
Description: G. o. sabinensis is a medium to large size turtle that has two yellow circular spots on the top of the head behind the eyes ( postorbital) . G. ouachitensis , as a species, is known by the yellow spots on the side of the face, under the eyes. These spots are much smaller on G. o. sabinensis as compared to G. o. ouachitensis. Males are typically around 4-5 inches long and sexually mature females are generally 6-9 inches long. The Ouachita Map turtle has an extensive plastral pattern. This is a narrow-head species and therefore specializes on insects, but will eat crustaceans, fish and carrion.
Habitat: The Sabine Map Turtle is fond of brush piles and other partially submerged objects near the shore of the Sabine River. It can also be seen basking on rocks. This turtle lives in a muddy/silty/sandy river.
Legal Status: Not protected in Louisiana, Texas - Special Hunting License (Type 102, 107 or 157) needed to collect plus, a non-game permit to sell to another non-game permittee or to possess more than 25.... or Special Hunting License and a Dealer Nongame permit (Type 549 or 551) to sell to everyone else.
Other Information: Where I have observed G. o. sabinensis it is not uncommon. This is one of the Graptemys species that has a "subspecies". Some other species of turtle that are commonly found with G. o. sabinensis are Graptemys pseudogeographica kohni (Mississippi Map Turtle), Trachemys scripta elegans (Red Eared Slider), Pseudemys concinna (River Cooters), Apalone spinifera pallidus (Pallid Softshell Turtle), Macroclemys temmincki (Alligator Snapping Turtle), Chelydra serpentina (Snapping Turtle), Sternotherus odoratus (Common Musk), Sternotherus carinatus (Razor-back Musk).
Previous Taxonomy: Graptemys pseudogeographica sabinensis Cagle, 1953, Malaclemys pseudogeographica sabinensis (Cagle, 1953)
