Macrochelys temminckii

(Troost, 1835)

Vernacular names
English : Alligator snapping turtle
French : Tortue alligator

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Testudines
Family : Chelydridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The biggest north American turtle species, reaching a record length of 80 cm and weight over 100 kg. Huge triangular head with large jaws. Shell has prominent scutes. Coloration is usually dark greenish-brown to dark beige.

Range and habitat
This species is endemic to the United States and occurs in most of the south-east and central-east states, in most river flowing to Gulf of Mexico. Lives in slow and fast moving rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species still has a huge range but global population trend is a steady decline and population densities are usually low. Locally protected.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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