The Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) announced last week that it has captured, tagged, and released the 99th and 100th alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Buffalo Bayou, located in Houston, TX.
The 99th turtle, a 131lb male nicknamed J.J. Watt after the Houston Texans football player, and the 100th turtle, a 31lb female, represent a milestone in the TSA’s conservation initiative. The species is listed as threatened by the state. Previously, it was thought that the alligator snapping turtle was no longer found in Harris County, until sightings were reported over the years in Buffalo Bayou. The TSA’s North American Freshwater Turtle Research Group (TSA-NAFTRG) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed the species’ presence in the bayou in 2016, culminating in the recent tagging of the 99th and 100th turtles since joint studies began in 2016. Eric Munscher, Director of TSA-NAFTRG, stated: ‘A thriving alligator snapping turtle population in the heart of the nation’s 4th largest city is a unique situation that should not be taken for granted. To reach 100 marked alligator snapping turtles in one ecosystem is a rare feat. It speaks to the dedication of the research group, the integrity of the ecosystem, and the unique ecological role of this environment to Houston, and Texas.’ In addition to finding 100 individuals in Buffalo Bayou, TSA-NAFTRG has determined a nearly 1:1 female to male ratio and identified three other bayou systems in Harris County with alligator snapping turtle populations. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Urban Biologist Kelly Norrid commented: ‘Bayous and creeks play a major role in the incredible diversity of wildlife we have here in the Bayou City. The discovery of this robust population of alligator snapping turtles will help bring awareness to the public on how special the bayous are and how much they need protection.’ Alligator Snapping Turtle Information: They are the largest turtle in North America and the largest freshwater turtle in the world, known for their powerful jaw and slow movements. They inhabit river and drainage systems of the Gulf Coast region and feed on fish, dead animal matter, and small mammals like muskrats. Related Headlines: North American Alligator Snapping Turtle Is Actually Three Different Species; Florida FWC Traps 100-Pound Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle; Man In Alabama Catches And Releases Huge Alligator Snapping Turtle.In 2014, researchers announced that there are three distinct species of alligator snapping turtle in North America.
The species include: – The Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis), which is found only in the Suwannee River flowing through Florida and Georgia. – The Apalachicola alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys apalachicolae), which inhabits the Apalachicola River in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. – The third species, which is still referred to as Macrochelys temminckii.
