Alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temminckii)

Species information

Videos and images

Threats

A major decline in numbers occurred as a result of over-collection by one of the major soup manufacturing companies in the U.S., and alligator snapping turtles are still threatened by over-harvesting for their meat in many areas of the U.S. (8) (12). Although some states now prohibit collection of this species, other states allow it with permits (13). Other threats to this turtle include habitat destruction and alteration, water pollution and pesticide accumulation (1) (9) (13).

Conservation

Collecting wild specimens is prohibited in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, but allowed with the necessary permit in Alabama, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The alligator snapping turtle has been found in reservoirs throughout its range, and dyking of rivers to create winter waterfowl refuges has increased the available habitat in Arkansas and the lower Mississippi Valley, which may help offset some of the habitat degradation and loss seen elsewhere (1).