Sternotherus depressus (Family Kinosternidae) is a crevice-adapted species endemic to clear, clean streams and rivers of the upper Warrior River Basin, north-central Alabama. It is threatened by habitat alteration and degradation, disease, and possibly by collecting. The turtle is protected by United States federal and Alabama state law. Conservation measures should include research on life history, habitat use, demography, genetics of fragmented populations, and the effects of disease (if still present) on both individual turtles and affected populations. Historical locations, especially important sites sampled from 1981 to 2003, should be re-sampled and designated permanent monitoring sites. Local efforts to restore stream quality in the Warrior River Basin need to be undertaken, adjacent riparian habitats must be protected, laws and regulations should be enforced, and government agencies and non-governmental organizations should promote an understanding of the importance of biodiversity and endangered species management to residents and county officials.

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