Jim Rorabaugh/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Sonoyta mud turtle.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed protecting land in Pima County for an endangered aquatic turtle.

The agency says the designation of 12 acres as critical habitat is necessary for the survival of the Sonoyta mud turtle. Their habitat has been threatened by the diversion of surface water, groundwater pumping and prolonged drought.

The Center for Biological Diversity says legal action forced the agency to issue the habitat proposal.