As a swarm of superficially similar taxa with largely overlapping distributions, the taxonomy and distribution of the pseudogeographica and ouachitensis groups have a long and intertwined history, of which the extensive revision by Vogt (1993) is the most recent and is followed for the red list assessments.

For present assessment, Graptemys pseudogeographica includes two subspecies: G. p. pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831), and G. p. kohnii (Baur, 1890).

While specific populations of Graptemys pseudogeographica have been impacted by habitat effects, exploitation and direct human-related mortality, the subspecies kohnii is widespread and locally abundant, while its mobility and reproductive potential appear sufficient to recover relatively rapidly (by turtle standards) from local population impacts.  The subspecies pseudogeographica lacks sufficient data to determine its Red List status with confidence.

Overall, the species appears secure in its conservation outlook for the foreseeable future based on the abundance of subspecies kohni , warranting Least Concern.

Graptemys pseudogeographica ranges through the Mississippi-Missouri basin from Louisiana up to North Dakota and Ohio, and inhabits the Mermenteau and Calcasieu river drainages of Louisiana and the Sabine, Trinity and Brazos river systems in Texas (Iverson 1992, Vogt 1993, Lindeman pers. comm. 2010).

• G. p. pseudogeographica: Missouri, Ohio and upper Mississippi rivers;
• G. p. kohnii: lower Misissippi basin, including the Arkansas, Red, Mermenteau, Calcasieu, Sabine, Trinity and Brazos rivers.

An extensive intergradation zone exists across much of Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky and Tennessee (Vogt 1993).

Graptemys pseudogeographica shows great variation in local abundance, ranging from a rare element in a turtle community to being by far the dominant species (particularly populations of G. p. kohnii). Subspecies pseudogeographica represents less than 10% of the turtle community in the upper Mississippi, and is abundant only in the upper part of the Missouri. Population declines have been reported from main rivers downstream of Kansas City and St. Louis (attributed to pollution) and elsewhere in Missouri (from pollution, channelization, loss of nesting sites, siltation and wanton shooting) (see data summarized by Ernst and Lovich 2009). Graptemys pseudogeographica was considered the third commonest Graptemys species by Lindeman (pers. comm. 6 Aug 2009) based on extensive basking surveys.

Graptemys pseudogeographica is a turtle of rivers, lakes, ponds, oxbows and occasionally marshlands; mud bottoms are preferred, as are areas with dense aquatic vegetation, and abundant basking sites; it is apparently more generalist in its habitat use than sympatric G. ouachitensis. Nests are placed on sandy banks.

Mississippi Map Turtles are generalist omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of small animal prey including bivalves, carrion, and plant parts. Males reach 15 cm carapace length (CL), females 27 cm CL. Maturity is reached at 4–6 years in males, and at eight years in females; size at maturity is apparently unknown. Longevity may exceed 35 years in captivity. Generation time has not been calculated.

Females may produce up to four clutches of about 14 (8–22) eggs. Incubation takes 60–82 days. Hatchlings measure 25–37 mm.

Graptemys pseudogeographica suffered local declines from the 1940s, attributed to pollution from large riverside cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Historically, the species was apparently exploited in substantial quantities for domestic consumption. Bycatch mortality of this species in commercial riverine fisheries, at 8% of trapped turtles, is substantial. Habitat impacts include channelization, loss of nesting sites, siltation, and pollution. Wanton shooting is a contributing factor.

Graptemys pseudogeographica was commercially valuable for the consumption trade in the first half of the 20^th century. In recent years, it has been steadily traded in the pet trade.

Graptemys pseudogeographica is included in CITES Appendix III (United States) since 14 June 2006, meaning its export quantities are monitored.

The Mississippi Map Turtle occurs in several more or less protected areas.

Research of the species' conservation biology, conservation status, and possible conservation actions are desirable, as are minimizing fisheries bycatch through gear modification.