The Yellow Bellied Slider Natural History
Size
These turtles can reach a fair size, with females reaching up to 13 inches in length (from the front to the back of the shell) while males may only reach as large as 7 to 8 inches.
Habitat and Distribution
These river and pond turtles can be found in America through the Southeastern states such as Florida and Virginia.
Age
The average lifespan of these turtles may be up to 40 to 50 years.
Diet
The diet of an adult turtle is generally vegetarian however the younger ones will often eat a diet richer in protein to aid their growth. Such meals may consist of aquatic insects, frogspawn and fish.
Groups and Breeding
When enticing a female to mate with him, the males will flutter their long claws in the face of a female while under the water. if the female is receptive she will sink to the bottom of the water where he will mate with her. Females will lay between 15 and 20 eggs which are generally laid fairly near the edge of the water body their live in but out of reach of rising water levels. Eggs generally hatch after 45 to 55 days.
Threats
These animals are not threatened in the wild due to common numbers and a high success rate in terms of breeding and hatching. Through its range this species is considered to be by far the most common, and can even be found as feral populations in many European countries.
Interesting Facts
Many pet shops sell turtles of many species as good pets, however most will outgrow the space an average household is able to provide for them. Our turtle collection is made up of just some of the many turtles which are abandoned as a result of this trade.
The Yellow Bellied Slider During Your Day Out in Kent
The Yellow Bellied Sliders at Wingham Wildlife Park live in the ponds around the park and in the large lake situated in front of the lions, jaguars and pumas. They have free access to the majority of this lake and the banks surrounding it. They may be seen basking in the sun on land when the weather is warmer or alternatively swimming in the lake which they share with carp, ducks, geese, storks and several other turtle species such as Mississippi Map Turtles and Common Snapping Turtles.