Environmental group sues to protect turtle species

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A National environmental group is suing the federal government to gain greater protection for the Barbour's map turtle, found in parts of Florida and in some other southeastern states.

The Center for Biological Diversity filed its lawsuit on Thursday against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

According to the lawsuit, the Barbour's map turtle population is on the decline because of illegal harvesting, water pollution, dredging and disease.

The government agency has said the turtle may need additional protection, but environmentalists say it hasn't acted quickly enough to list the turtle as an endangered species.

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