Proposed Pearl turtle protection

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing endangered species protections for the Pearl River map turtle found only in Louisiana and Mississippi. FWS announced Nov. 22 that the freshwater turtle should be listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal follows more than a decade of pressure from environmental groups. Habitat loss, hunting, flooding, drought and sea level rises have cut the turtle’s population to an estimated 21,000, according to FWS. The science that FWS has gathered indicates it could become endangered in the near future. The Pearl River turtle may also be threatened by a proposal to build a new dam north of Jackson, Miss., called the One Lake Project. About 10 miles of turtle habitat is in an area the project intends to dredge, dam and turn into a 1,500-acre lake. Supporters say the project is vital to protecting homes/businesses from flooding. Detractors fear it may harm the lower reaches of the river in St. Tammany and Washington parishes and imperil other threatened species, including the sturgeon and mussels. The Pearl River map turtle is only found in creeks and rivers within the Pearl River drainage in Mississippi and Louisiana. The Pascagoula has a smaller range in its namesake river system. FWS has declined to give the Pascagoula turtle the act's full protection. Instead, will prohibit hunting and removal of them and Alabama, Escambia and Barbour turtles. FWS is accepting comments on the proposed protections at regulations.gov. In the site's search box, enter the Pearl River turtle's docket number, FWS–R4–ES–2021–0097. Comments must be received by Jan. 24. (Source: NOLA.com 11/22/21) Feds propose endangered species protections for turtle found only in Louisiana and Mississippi | Environment | nola.com