Rio Grande Cooter
Pseudemys gorzugi
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- P. gorzugi – Eddy Co, TX – photo by Matt Hollanders
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- P. gorzugi – Maverick Co, TX – photo by Carl J. Franklin
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- P. gorzugi – Maverick Co, TX – photo by Carl J. Franklin
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- Map by Steve Bledsoe, SWCHR
DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Pseudemys gorzugi occurs along the Rio Grande River in Texas from Brownsville northward into Val Verde and Terrel Counties. There is also an isolated population along the Pecos River drainage in far west Texas and into Eddy and Chaves Counties of New Mexico.
LEGAL STATUS: Pseudemys gorzugi is listed as Threatened by the State of New Mexico.
MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pseudemys gorzugi (Ward – 1984)
Genus: Pseudemys, Greek – pseudes = false, deceptive + emys = a freshwater tortoise – ref. this not being Emys
Species: gorzugi, honors George Zug
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962