Life of a River-Biology
Life cycles of terrestrial
animals
Many animals rely on a combination of upland and
stream habitats in order to complete their life
cycles. Both wetlands and sandy uplands are
necessary for the Blanding's turtle to complete its
life cycle. Fluvial outwash plains, such as those
in Weaver Bottoms along the Mississippi River,
provide nesting habitat for Blanding's turtles,
bullsnakes (also called gopher snakes), hognose
snakes, map turtles, tiger beetles, jumping
spiders, grassland birds (such as meadowlarks), and
more. Fox snakes live in forested riparian
habitats.
The rare wood turtle hibernates in rivers, nests
on exposed sandy banks, but spends much of its time
in nearby upland forests eating berries, mushrooms,
insects and earthworms. An ancient resident, wood
turtles can live up to 40 years under favorable
habitat conditions. Threats to this protected
species include illegal harvesting, predation, and
vehicles.
Pictured animals:
Blanding's turtle, Ouchita map turtle, tiger
salamander, wood turtle
