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NKA massive adult male Alligator Snapping Turtle captured during a permitted trapping survey with @gregsturtlehaven and @naturewithgabe. This was an unmarked turtle captured in a new section of creek that weighed 93.9lbs. This beast was released back into the water after measurements were taken and the turtle was marked for future identification. With any luck this turtle will continue thriving and eventually be captured again, potentially years from now, providing valuable data on the growth and movements of this iconic and declining species.
The Alligator Snapping Turtles in the Apalachicola River drainage are a different species from the recently described and federally listed Suwannee Alligator Snapping turtle found in the Suwannee River drainage, but are still declining and possibly in need of further protection to prevent poaching and habitat degradation. Alligator Snapping Turtles of all species are a long lived and slow growing species, taking years to reach sexual maturity. This means that removal of only a few reproductive age females could have devastating effects on any given population, particularly those that are small or isolated in degraded habitat. Our southeastern river systems are a natural treasure, and it’s time to give the rivers and the animals that inhabit them the care and respect they are long overdue!
@nkfherping
