[11] Typically, only nesting females venture onto open land. The mouth is then closed with tremendous speed and force, completing the ambush. [5][6], Although it was once believed that only one extant species exists in the genus Macrochelys, recent studies have shown that there are two species, the other being the Suwannee snapping turtle (M. suwanniensis) of the Suwannee River[7][8] A third species, the Apalachicola snapping turtle (M. apalachicolae), has been proposed,[9] but is generally not recognized.[7][8][10]. Today these animals face threats including habitat destruction, pollution, and overexploitation. One weighed at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was a 16-year resident giant alligator snapper weighing 113 kg (249 lb), sent to the Tennessee Aquarium as part of a breeding loan in 1999, where it subsequently died. [17][18][20] Among extant freshwater turtles, only the little-known giant softshell turtles of the genera Chitra, Rafetus, and Pelochelys, native to Asia, reach comparable sizes. They tend to mate in early spring. [21] No human deaths have been reported to have been caused by the alligator snapping turtle. [22] Its natural diet consist primarily of fish and fish carcasses, molluscs, carrion, and amphibians, but it is also known to eat snakes, snails,[23] crawfish, worms, clams,[23] water birds, aquatic plants, other turtles and sometimes even small alligators. These turtles are most active at night and will scavenge or hunt for food. It was most popular in the 1970s and 1980s for use in canned soup. The lagest fossil turtle, Archelon , was more than twice the length of the leatherback, at up to 4.5 metres. They act as a check on the populations of the species they consume, such as regulating the prevalence of certain fish. It is illegal to capture wild alligator snapping turtles in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee, and a permit is required in Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. "Growth and Viability of a Translocated Population of Alligator Snapping Turtles (, 10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T12589A3362355.en, 10.1894/0038-4909(2007)52[608:POASTM]2.0.CO;2, "Biographies of People Honored in the Herpetological Nomenclature of North America", http://www.invasives.org.za/component/k2/item/852-alligator-snapping-turtle-macrochelys-temmincki, "Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Alligator Snapping Turtle", "Health assessment of free-ranging alligator snapping turtles (, "Alligator Snapping Turtle: Giant of the Southeastern States", 10.1656/1528-7092(2006)5[443:fhomta]2.0.co;2, "Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle)", "Nashville Zoo: Alligator Snapping Turtle", The Bavarian village of Irsee is ramping up efforts to find alligator snapping turtle "Lotti", "Alligator Snapping Turtle – National Wildlife Federation", "Alligator Snapping Turtle and Map Turtles Gain International Protection", Recommendation for preliminary adoption of amendments to the list of endangered reptiles and amphibians in 312 IAC 9-5-4; Administrative Cause No. [34][35] In Hungary, one turtle was caught in the middle of a street near a lake. There are three, genetically distinct subpopulations of alligator snapping turtles. [25], In captivity, it may consume almost any kind of meat provided, including beef, chicken, rabbit, and pork. Males typically weigh between 155 and 175 pounds (70 and 80 kilograms). [27] Nests are typically excavated at least 50 yards from the water's edge to prevent them from being flooded and drowned. The base of the tail of the male is also thicker as compared to that of the female because of the hidden reproductive organs. This turtle must be handled with extreme care and considered potentially dangerous. It can grow to 2.5 feet (80 cm) long and weigh as much as 200 lbs. Their heavy heads, strong jaws and hooked beaks give them a prehistoric appearance, and their carapace, or shell, is spiked. The specific epithet temminckii is in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. [13][16][17][18] Males are typically larger than females. It prefers to feed on live fish, but will readily feed on other types of meat or leafy vegetables if offered. [37], Because of collection for the exotic pet trade, overharvesting for its meat, and habitat destruction, some states have imposed bans on collecting the alligator snapping turtle from the wild. It is found from the Florida Panhandle west to East Texas, north to southeastern Kansas, Missouri, southeastern Iowa, western Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, and western Tennessee. Many require special care and live for a long time. [14] The species generally does not grow quite that large. As they wear down, they are replaced. Cooters (Pseudemys sp.) This is called temperature dependant sex determination, and it is used by all turtle species to determine sex. Activities in these areas lead to the degradation of aquatic habitats downstream, because agrochemicals, pesticides, silts and other dissolved solids reach the water and are carried downstream. We are not announcing a reopening date at this time and will provide updates on our websites and social media. Alligator snapping turtles reach sexual maturity between 11 and 13 years. 10-170D, "Prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle is not wanted in Oregon", Alligator vs. common snapping turtle – Chelydra.org, "Kajmanka supí zaútočila v Bavorsku na dítě. Breeding maturity is attained around 8 kg (18 lb), when the straight carapace length is around 33 cm (13 in), but then the species continues to grow throughout life. Their range stretches from Iowa, west into Texas, and east into Georgia and northern Florida.  Genetic analyses revealed that there are three genetically distinct subpopulations of alligator snapping turtles, residing in the greater Mississippi River watershed, the Gulf coastal rivers east of the Mississippi River and the Suwannee River drainage system in Florida. [39], The alligator snapping turtle is now endangered in several states, including Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri, where it is protected by state law. Shop the Zoo’s online gift shop for a limited selection of items including holiday- and animal … These protections, in turn, help maintain the overall health of that ecosystem. The alligator snapping turtle is found primarily in waters of the southeastern United States. Alligator Snapping turtles have a limited range in the panhandle, east to the Suwannee River. Clutch sizes range from 10 to 60, and the eggs incubate for about 100 days. MRC 5516 They will start to eat turtles, raccoons, carrion, turtles, frogs, fish and snakes. An appendage on the alligator snapping turtle's tongue resembles a worm, helping this ambush predator lure prey. Another large turtle reportedly weighed 135 kg (298 lb). [33] In Bohemia, four turtles of this species have been caught. Two snapping turtles can be found in Florida. The alligator snapping turtle is given its common name because of its immensely powerful jaws and distinct ridges on its shell that are similar in appearance to the rough, ridged skin of an alligator. [29] In captivity, it typically lives between 20 and 70 years. M. temminckii is a solid gray, brown, black, or olive-green in color, and often covered with algae. Organize or attend a stream, river, lake or other waterway cleanup in your area to preserve aquatic habitats for local species. The eyes are also surrounded by a star-shaped arrangement of fleshy, filamentous "eyelashes". However, if provoked it is quite capable of delivering a powerful bite which can easily amputate fingers or cause other significant injuries such as cuts. Species such as the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and the Puerto Rican boa are currently categorized as endangered under the U.S. endangered species list. [21] Though not a regular food source for them, adult alligator snappers have even been known to kill and eat small American alligators. In Bavaria, one turtle caused injury to a child, but was not caught. They are found in rivers and streams that feed into the Gulf of Mexico. The Kemp's ridley turtle … Consumers making informed, responsible choices about exotic meats and agricultural products can lessen the pressure on these animals. In the wild, they use their powerful jaws and long necks (that they can stretch over 12 inches) to catch a wide variety of prey. Alligators can live anywhere from 30 to 50 years in the wild, although some in captivity have been estimated to live upwards of 70 years. Males can weigh up to 90 kilograms (200 pounds) with a carapace length of up to 80 centimeters (31 inches).Â, Educational Activities You Can Do at Home, About the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, #PandaStory: Venturing Where the Sidewalk Ends. [36] These countries have strong laws against keeping the alligator snapping turtle without permission. [citation needed], There are non-native established invasive populations of the alligator snapping turtle in South Africa.[12]. [27], The alligator snapping turtle is sometimes captive-bred as a pet and is readily available in the exotic animal trade. [4], Humans are also a threat to the alligator snapping turtle. [32] Some U.S. states, where the alligator snapping turtle does not naturally occur (such as California), prohibit it from being kept as a pet by residents. Alligator snapping turtles are primarily carnivorous. Snapping turtles are an introduced species in some western states, including Washington state. Extreme temperatures are known to affect the turtle's appetite and would result in the turtle refusing to feed until it has been remedied. Alligator snapping turtles are predominantly aquatic, spending most of their time in the water. Common Snapping Turtles occur throughout the state. Learn More ... Northern alligator lizards are small to medium-sized rough-scaled lizards with short limbs and a long tail. It is the largest freshwater species of turtle in North America. Although armed with powerful jaws and sharp claws, the alligator snapper is still a turtle, after all, and can’t chase after prey at high speed. A mature male's cloaca extends beyond the carapace edge, a female's is placed exactly on the edge if not nearer to the plastron. It may also hunt diurnally, however. Alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) Barbour's map turtles (Graptemys barbouri) Suwannee cooters (Pseudemys suwanniensis) Also prohibited is taking species that look similar to the imperiled species, which include common snapping turtles and cooters. The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temmincki) lives in the deep, slow-moving streams and backwaters of the U.S. Gulf Coast. M. temminckii is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. They can stay submerged for 40 to 50 minutes before needing to surface for air. In October 2013, one was found in the Prineville Reservoir in Oregon. Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008, PO Box 37012 Incubation takes from 100 to 140 days, and hatchlings emerge in the early fall. [22] The vermiform tongue imitates the movements of a worm, luring prey to the turtle's mouth. Alligator snapping turtles have long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that looks like a worm to attract prey. Algae growing on these turtles' backs lends camouflage among the muddy river beds they inhabit. [28], Though its potential lifespan in the wild is unknown, the alligator snapping turtle is believed to be capable of living to 200 years of age, but 80 to 120 is more likely. Escambia Map Turtle (Graptemys ernsti) Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). [3] It is the largest freshwater species of turtle in North America. The prehistoric-looking alligator snapping turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and among the largest in the world. Snapping Turtle. Alligator snapping turtles are native to the southern United States. The eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is commonly considered an aquatic turtle, yet it spends the summer months in dormancy, estivating beneath vegetation in woodlands adjacent to its pond and stream habitats. Choose your pets wisely, and do your research before bringing an animal home. The alligator snapping turtle is physically different from the common snapping turtle in a number of ways. The most obvious difference is the snapper’s shell, which has three distinct rows (keels) of spikes that give it a decidedly more primitive look. The alligator snapping turtle's defining characteristics are its large head, strong jaws and hooked beak. Alligator snapping turtles are apex predators and, because of their position at the top of the food web, play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a species of turtle in the family Chelydridae. On average, alligators tend to be smaller than crocodiles, weighing anywhere from 70 to 1,000 pounds.Chinese alligators are also usually shorter than their American counterparts; they’ve been measured at 4.5 to 5 feet, whereas American alligators can range … Hand feeding is dangerous. It was captured and euthanized by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which considers alligator snapping turtles to be an invasive species. [15] Excluding exceptionally large specimens, adult alligator snapping turtles generally range in carapace length from 35 to 80.8 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in) and weigh from 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb). The species is native to freshwater habitats in the United States. [21], The alligator snapping turtle is an opportunistic feeder that is almost entirely carnivorous. Městečko je na nohou", turtles of the world 2017 update: Annotated checklist and atlas of taxonomy, synonymy, distribution, and conservation status, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alligator_snapping_turtle&oldid=1006647030, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2011, Articles with unsourced statements from March 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 14 February 2021, at 00:42. Taking individuals from one or more of these populations could lead to local extirpation, which reduces the overall genetic variability that protects populations from disease outbreaks. Sea turtles range in size from about two to six feet long, depending on the species, and weigh between 100 and 2,000 pounds. However, juveniles may be found in smaller streams. [21][22] In one study conducted in Louisiana, 79.8% of the stomach contents of adult alligator snapping turtles was found to be composed of other turtles, although the resistance of shell and reptile-bone fragments to digestion may have led these fragments to remain longer in the digestive tract than other items. They are only found in freshwater systems and tend to prefer the deeper beds of large rivers, canals and lakes. Roadside attractions range from the historical, such as Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton and National Route 66 and Transportation Museum in Elk City, to the odd, ... where you can see a 120-year-old alligator snapping turtle. It can be immediately distinguished from the common snapping turtle by the three distinct rows of spikes and raised plates on the carapace, whereas the common snapping turtle has a smoother carapace. The eggs can be eaten by birds or mammals. By day, it may try to attract fish and other prey by sitting quietly at the bottom of murky water and letting its jaws hang open to reveal its tongue appendage, which looks like a small, pink, worm in the back of its gray mouth, and lure the prey into striking distance. It relies on both live food caught by itself and dead organisms which it scavenges. The large, fourth tooth in the lower jaw of an alligator fits into a socket in the upper jaw and is not visible when the mouth is closed. Learn More Southern Alligator Lizard. It has a spiked, dark-brown carapace. CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (, Moore DB, Ligon D, Fillmore BM, Fox SF (2013). [43] This one was the first found in the state. In mature specimens, those with a straight carapace length over 30 cm (12 in), males and females can be differentiated by the position of the cloaca from the carapace, and by the thickness of the base of the tail. Fishermen have glorified the species' ability to catch fish and to deplete fish populations, whereas in fact it largely targets any abundant and easily caught prey, and rarely has any extensive deleterious effect on fish populations. Address: 300 Aquarium Drive, Jenks, Oklahoma. Although the turtle does not actively hunt its prey, it can detect chemosensory cues from prey, like the mud turtle in order to choose the location in which it is most likely to catch food. In general, it will eat almost anything it can catch. They are member states of the EU, which has laws against invasive species. The largest threat facing alligator snapping turtles has been uncontrolled wild harvesting for their meat, unique shells and to sell as exotic pets. [19] This species can bite through the handle of a broom and rare cases have been reported in which human fingers have been cleanly bitten off by the species. [30], The alligator snapping turtle is most vulnerable to predators before and shortly after hatching. The alligator snapping turtle's defining characteristics are its large head, strong jaws and hooked beak. This does not happen in crocodiles. The picture shows a common snapping turtle. Small turtles can be held by the sides of the shell with relative safety, but large individuals must be held by grabbing the turtle's shell just behind the head and in front of the tail. The alligator snapping turtle is the largest species of freshwater turtle. As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, all Smithsonian museums will temporarily close. The risk of predation decreases as the turtle gets bigger, so the adult turtle does not have as many predators. [26] Mating takes place yearly, in early spring in the southern part of its geographic range, and in later spring in the northern part. Now more than ever, we need your support. Even when our gates are closed, we are still here, working as always to save species. We hope you will join us in this important work. An alligator … This species was assessed in 1996 by the IUCN Red List and is listed as vulnerable. Alligator snapping turtles have long, narrow tongues equipped with an appendage that looks like a worm to attract prey. The male mounts the back of the female and holds her shell with all four feet during copulation. Females then travel inland about 50 miles to dig nests in the sand. The inside of the turtle's mouth is camouflaged, and it possesses a vermiform (worm-shaped) appendage on the tip of its tongue used to lure fish, a form of aggressive mimicry. As scavengers, they provide an additional service by removing the remains of deceased animals. Despite its reputation, the alligator snapping turtle is typically not prone to biting. Another weighing 107 kg (236 lb) was housed at the Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago. Because they are large and easy to capture, the turtles' meat is harvested for consumption in domestic and international markets. Some alligator snapping turtles were released or escaped into waters of the Czech Republic, Germany and Hungary. Florida Mud Turtles Riverside developments usurp the turtles by removing nesting sites. They generally lay only one clutch per year, or possibly one every other year. It is also slightly less commonly known as "the loggerhead snapper" (not to be confused with the loggerhead sea turtle or loggerhead musk turtle). Find resources to engage learners in grades preK-12 with science, the natural world, wildlife and conservation. After the alligator’s initial rapid growth rate, the alligator will begin to only grow little by little for the rest of its life. Though not verified, a 183 kg (403 lb) alligator snapping turtle was found in Kansas in 1937,[13] but the largest verifiable one is debatable. It is also protected under a listing in the CITES Appendix III. The Common Snapping Turtle is an inexpensive, spunky species that, with the right care and husbandry, can be a great addition to your home. [20] This species may also, on occasion, prey on aquatic rodents, including nutrias and muskrats or even snatch small to mid-sized other mammals, including squirrels, mice, opossums, raccoons, and armadillos when they attempt to swim or come near the water's edge. [19] 88 adult alligator snapping turtles averaged 21.05 kg (46.4 lb), 92 averaged 19.72 kg (43.5 lb), and 249 averaged 13.5 kg (30 lb). These freshwater turtles are common throughout most of North America and is the official reptile of New York state.. Read more. The Zoo has a range of exciting in-person programs and virtual programs for everyone, and we’ve made them safe for you and your family to enjoy. The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a species of turtle in the family Chelydridae.The species is native to freshwater habitats in the United States. It is said that a 400-pound (180-kilogram) alligator snapping turtle was caught in Kansas in 1937, but there isn’t sufficient evidence to confirm the claim. Shop the Zoo. Because they are typically solitary, they may have to travel to find a mate. [16] The sex of the young depends on the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1929 specifically for the purpose of developing and managing the water resources of an entire river basin, the Brazos River Authority develops and distributes water supplies, provides water and wastewater treatment, monitors water quality, and pursues water conservation through public education programs. Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in the world. When hunting, these ambush predators stay motionless in the water and reveal the worm-like appendage on their tongues to lure unsuspecting prey. By becoming a member, you'll help the Zoo save species and get great benefits for you and your family each time you visit! Agriculture in areas that formerly hosted bottomland hardwood forest and streams also impacts alligator snapping turtles. [4] It is often associated with, but not closely related to, the common snapping turtle, which is in the genus Chelydra. The United States is home to a diverse range of reptiles. Alligators have between 74 and 80 teeth in their mouth at a time. In the United States, protections for the alligator snapping turtle vary from state to state, ranging from prohibitions on collecting wild individuals for commercial use and personal use to restrictions on commercial use. It will refuse to eat if exposed to extremes in temperature. (91 kg). Alligator snapping turtle This infamous predator is the largest freshwater turtle in North America; it can weigh up to 100 kgs or more, and lives in southern US lakes, rivers and swamps. Programs in Arkansas and the Lower Mississippi Valley that establish and protect waterfowl habitat have countered some of these impacts by maintaining suitable habitat for other freshwater species like the alligator snapping turtle. [24] Small fish, such as minnows, are often caught in this way by younger alligator snapping turtles, whereas adults must eat a greater quantity per day and must forage more actively. Never release animals that have been kept as pets into the wild. The alligator snapping turtle is characterized by a large, heavy head, and a long, thick shell with three dorsal ridges of large scales (osteoderms), giving it a primitive appearance reminiscent of some of the plated dinosaurs, most notably Ankylosaurus. Many of these species, like the red-cockaded woodpecker and alligator snapping turtle, are globally imperiled. This dwarfs even the better-known alligator snapping turtle, the largest chelonian in North America, which attains a shell length of up to 80 cm (31½ in) and a weight of about 60 kg (170 lb). It has radiating yellow patterns around the eyes, serving to break up the outline of the eyes to keep the turtle camouflaged. [21], The alligator snapping turtle seemingly most often hunts at night. About two months later, the female builds a nest and lays a clutch of 10–50 eggs. Phylogenetic arrangement of turtles based on. Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in the world. [40][41] It is designated as "in need of conservation" in Kansas.[42]. [38] The IUCN lists it as a threatened species, and as of June 14, 2006, it was afforded some international protection by being listed as a CITES III species (which will put limits on exportation from the United States and all international trade in this species). They eat fish and other aquatic animals, but have also been known to eat small mammals and some vegetation. Losing that genetic diversity would also make it more difficult to find founders for populations in breeding programs designed for species conservation. The hatchlings will range between 6-8 inches when they are born. [citation needed], Maturity is reached around 12 years of age. It has a spiked, dark-brown carapace. Usually very old males comprise the specimens that weigh in excess of 45 kg (99 lb) per most population studies. These added inputs alter the pH, turbidity and flow of water in sites well beyond the reaches of human settlements. For the alligator snapping turtle, higher temperatures produce more males in a clutch. M. temminckii is one of the heaviest freshwater turtles in the world. Tropical reptiles and small mammals are often traded internationally and may be victims of the illegal pet trade. Due to its sheer size, handling adult specimens can pose significant problems. Due to its potential size and specific needs, it does not make a particularly good pet for any but the most experienced aquatic turtle keepers.[31].