Snapping Back: Alligator Snapping Turtle Population on the Rise in Texas
Wading through the murky swamps of East Texas may not appeal to everyone, but for ecologists it recently came with a great reward. In a 2020-2021 study Stephen F. Austin State University Masters student David Rosenbaum and his team documented an increase in the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) population.
Nestled among the lush and diverse ecosystems of the southeastern United States, M. temminckii stands as a captivating and enigmatic creature. With its prehistoric appearance and unique adaptations, this ancient reptile has captured the curiosity of both scientists and nature enthusiasts.
Known for their distinctive features and intimidating presence, alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in North America, weighing in at upwards of 250 pounds!. These reptiles possess a remarkably powerful crushing bite (watch those fingers), earning them the reputation "dinosaurs of the turtle world." Found primarily in river systems, bayous, and swamps of the southeastern United States, their range extends from southern Illinois to the Florida Panhandle, and from eastern Texas to the western coast of Florida. These slow-paced and patient hunters spend most of their time waiting motionlessly at the bottom of murky waters, patiently luring prey with an unexpected bait.
This ambush predator possesses a remarkable tongue. Mimicking a worm or small fish, the tongue has a bright pink, fleshy appendage that acts like a lure. As unsuspecting fish approach, the turtle's jaw snaps shut, capturing its prey with blinding speed. This coupled with the slow metabolic rate and ability to go months without food, it is no wonder they dominated their ecosystems for millenia. However, these adaptations would not prevent the species anthropogenic decline.
Listed as threatened by Texas Parks and Wildlife the turtle was considered to have an unstable and decline population according to previous studies. But Rosenbaum's study is bringing new insight decades later showing potential population growth. Selecting 51 locations within major Texas watersheds the team employed 15 baited eight foot long loop traps. The team was able to catalog vital biological information such as weight, shell measurements and tissue samples for mercury levels. In total, more than 200 individuals were captured and released demonstrating a 61% presence at the sites.
Studies like these are crucial to wildlife policy as species status can fluctuate increasing or decreasing protection requirements. Species may also have multiple statuses simultaneously. The alligator snapping turtle is currently listed as vulnerable according the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, the US Fish and Wildlife Services department is seeking to list them as threatened throught the Southeast Region. Conversely, two states within this region, Louisiana and Mississippi, allow the recreational take of snappers despite the suspected low population and listing as rare.
If the alligator snapping turtle population is on the rise as Rosenbaum's study suggests, it demonstrates that the protections placed in the 1970s are working. Given the turtles slow reproductive rate these protections due take time. Population trends may not be noticeably impacted for 20-30 years. Replicating this study would give both the states and federal agency a modern snapshot of the species ecological health highlighting areas in need of further protection.
(This post was inspired by The Wildlife Society contributor Joshua Rapp Learn)
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