Protection Proposed for Alligator Snapping Turtle

US Fish & Wildlife Service has proposed placing the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) on the ESA's threatened species list. (likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future)  The IUCN considers the species vulnerable to extinction in the wild.  Although the turtle is protected in range states, except in Louisiana where one turtle a day may be taken, and Mississippi where one adult per year may be killed. It has yet to recover from human exploitation and habitat loss.  It was prized as the main ingredient in turtle soup. Turtle consumption peaked in the 1970's,  At one point in Georgia, four tons of alligator snapping turtle was harvested from the Flint River each day. [adult male; photo credit: AP]

Snappers are well armored, fierce predators. Males can grow up to 250 lbs and their jaws can snap bones. An estimated 360,000 live in the wild, but that number could dwindle to 5% if steps to protect it and its habitat is not protected.  Primarily a freshwater reptile that lives on the bottom under logs or overhanging banks, it inhabits rivers and connected bodies that drain into the Gulf of Mexico.  It once inhabited states as far north as Kansas and Indiana.  The turtles are long-lived, but reproduce slowly.  They are not sexually mature until eleven or twelve years of age, taking an average of 31 years, which accounts for their inability to recover quickly from human exploitation. A breeding female lays an average clutch of 27 eggs. Nest predation is a major contributor to young turtle mortality. This reproduction profile means that adult turtles must have a high survival rate (>98%) to sustain a stable population.

According to the Service, there is an illegal international trade in the species. Hatchlings can be sold for $100 each. The number of turtles exported in 2005 was 23,780.  The IUCN reports that most shipments from 2005 to 2018 were small turtles destined for Hong Kong and China.  There are captive breeding efforts ongoing in the United States.  Tishomingo Fish Hatchery in Oklahoma has been raising young turtles since 2002 to increase their chances of survival in wild. Then it released them in areas where the population has been lost or declining.  Breeding, reintroduction and monitoring of turtles also occurred in Illinois and Louisiana in 2014-16.  Released turtles include those confiscated by law enforcement.  The proposed listing is open for public comment.