For this episode, Nature Notes is teaming up with “West Texas Wonders” – a new reporting series where listeners ask questions and Marfa Public Radio finds answers.

What kinds of turtles live around Marfa?

The question comes from Nathan Stueve. The answer we found surprised us.

Marfa is surrounded by arid grasslands, stony summits and badland deserts. And yet, the area is home to multiple aquatic turtles – including the rarest turtle in the United States. 

The rough-footed mud turtle is a threatened species in Texas. Scientists are working to understand, and preserve, this mysterious creature.

The most familiar West Texas turtle is a land-dweller. Watching a desert box...