The western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata pallida) has a hard, dull shell that ranges in color from dark greenish to grayish or black. As the only native freshwater turtle in western Riverside County, it inhabits streams, rivers, wetlands, and human-made ponds. The western pond turtle can be found in the French Valley Creek. 

To regulate their body temperature these turtles bask in the sun throughout the day and often travel over land to nest, find mates, or reach other bodies of water. Female turtles can nest in the uplands as far as 300 feet away from the water. Once this species reaches eight to ten years of age, they will lay 1-13 eggs on average. In contrast, its cousin, the invasive red-eared slider, matures more quickly—in about two to five years—and can lay up to 25 eggs.

This species of turtle can enjoy a large variety in its diet, consuming anything from aquatic vegetation, carrion, aquatic invertebrates such as worms, snails, small insects, tadpoles, frogs, and fish.

During colder months, the western pond turtle enters a state of estivation, significantly slowing its metabolic processes to conserve energy. However, it may remain minimally active and can take advantage of intermittent warming periods to engage in limited movement or basking behavior.

The western pond turtle is a Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan covered species, a California Species of Special Concern, and is currently petitioned for listing as Threatened or Endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. The species is declining throughout much of its range due to habitat loss and competition or predation from invasive species like red-eared sliders. The MSHCP identifies the conservation of at least 18,289 acres of suitable habitat to support the western pond turtle.

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