Literaturdatenbank
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Ewert, M. A., Jackson, D. R., & Moler, P. E. (2006). Macrochelys temminckii – alligator snapping turtle. In P. A. Meylan (Ed.), Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles Vol. 3, (pp. 58–71).
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (06 Jul 2014 16:10:43 UTC) |
| Resource type: Book Article BibTeX citation key: Ewert2006b View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Habitat - habitat, Nordamerika - North America, Schildkröten - turtles + tortoises, Testudinidae, Testudo horsfieldii Creators: Ewert, Jackson, Meylan, Moler Collection: Biology and Conservation of Florida Turtles |
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| Abstract |
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The alligator snapping turtle, Macrochelys temminckii, is the largest freshwater turtle in Florida. Males grow much larger than females; females rarely exceed 25 kg, whereas males may grow to 75 kg or more. The carapace has three prominent longitudinal ridges, the head is massive, and the mouth, often held wide open, has a darkly camouflaged soft lining and a strongly hooked beak. This highly aquatic species inhabits rivers that drain into the Gulf of Mexico from the Suwannee River westward across northern Florida. The fairly brief nesting season extends from late April through most of May. Females lay only one clutch of 17–52 moderately large eggs in a season. Incubation requires about 15–18 weeks, and the sex of hatchlings is strongly influenced by incubation temperature. The young are inclined toward piscivory, whereas adults consume a variety of items. Despite a history of take for human consumption, field surveys show that the species remains widespread and fairly numerous across its known Florida range. Although there is appreciable nest depredation, this may still occur within natural limits. Engineering modifications to rivers, while tolerated by this species, probably degrade habitat and lower carrying capacity. Reservoirs have reduced abundance of favored swamp forest habitat, whereas silt deprivation below dams, as in the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers, lowers the main channel and deprives connecting swamp forest channels. Because alligator snapping turtles rarely leave the water except to nest, little or no movement occurs between rivers. This has led to differentiation of Florida populations into three major genetic units: Suwannee, Ochlockonee/Apalachicola/Choctawhatchee, and Pensacola Bay drainages. The population in the Suwannee River drainage is the most genetically divergent; conservation planning should consider this population difference.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |