*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names:
Subspecies: The Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell, Apalone mutica calvata, occurs in the Florida Parishes of Louisiana, whereas the Midland Smooth Softshell, Apalone mutica mutica, occurs in the remaining range in the state.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Parts of west-central, central, and northern Louisiana, as well as the Florida Parishes; very few records from southern Louisiana.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Smooth Softshells are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Smooth Softshells have a ranking of S3 (rare and local throughout the state – 21-100 known extant populations) in Louisiana.
*** If you live in the range of this species in Louisiana and believe you may have observed this species please let me know (take a picture if possible), as there may be more unknown populations in the state.***
Author's Remarks: I have never observed this species in the wild.
