There are three species of red-bellied turtles in the United States: the endangered
Alabama red-bellied turtle (
Alabama's official state reptile), the threatened
Eastern red-bellied turtle (also known as the American red-bellied turtle or the Northern Red-bellied Cooter), and the
Florida red-bellied turtle.
The
threats to these brightly colored turtles are many, ranging from
wetland loss, habitat fragmentation, pollution, collection of turtles
for food and pets. In
Alabama, fences are being built to protect turtles crossing highways in search of nesting areas.
Alabama red-bellied turtle:
Print and Fold an Origami Red-Bellied Turtle:
Difficulty: Easy
Directions:
1A.
Print and cut out origami along outer solid lines.
1B. Fold up along line A. Unfold.
1C. Fold down along line B. Unfold.
2A. Turn paper over so that printed side is facing
down.
2B. Fold up along diagonal line C. Unfold.
2C. Fold up along diagonal line D. Unfold.
3A. Fold down along diagonal line E. Unfold.
3B. Fold down along diagonal line F. Unfold.
3C. Your origami should now be creased as illustrated.
4A. Fold bottom half up along creases as shown.
4B. Fold top half down along creases as shown.
4C. Your origami should appear as illustrated.
5A. Fold head up.
5B. Fold rear flipper down as shown.
5C. Repeat on other side.
6A. Turn your turtle over, so that the printed side is facing
up.
6B. Fold side of shell under as shown.
6C. Repeat on other side.
6D. Fold top of shell under.
"Accordian" fold the tail by tucking it back, then folding it forward. Your red-bellied turtle origami is done!
Print red-bellied turtle origami