Crocodile-catching turtles are considered to be on the endangered species list due to a sharp decrease in population
One of the largest freshwater turtle species in North America is disappearing at an alarming rate due to decades of legal and illegal fishing, hunting and fishing practices.
There are an estimated 2,000 Suwannee alligator-biting turtles left in Florida and Georgia. After conducting a thorough assessment through the Species Status Assessment, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has propose They are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
These particular prehistoric-looking tortoises are found only in the Suwannee Basin of Georgia and Florida. They spend almost all of their time in the water. The only time the females come out is to lay eggs.
These crocodile baby turtles have a long way to go before becoming one of the largest freshwater turtles…
Sent by United States Fish and Wildlife Service above Friday, November 8, 2019
Follow With the National Wildlife Federation, this unique turtle has a 1,000-pound bite force, can break bones, and can hold its breath for up to 50 minutes.
Males can grow up to 200 pounds, and the species’ name comes from its strong jaws and spiky alligator-like shell.
“The science the Service has gathered about this turtle suggests it could become endangered in the near future” speak Area Manager of Leopoldo Miranda-Castro Services. “We fully understand how iconic and valuable this turtle is to the people of Florida and Georgia, and are determined to work with our partners to conserve and protect them by using best use of science available.”
This week, our biologists examined the traps set for the Suwannee crocodile, Macrochelys…
Sent by FWC . Fish and Wildlife Research Institute above Friday, August 21, 2020
The biggest threats this reptile faces are:
- Illegal harvesting
- Drowning due to recreational and commercial fishing
- Hook swallow
- Change the living environment
- Predation of the nest
The USFWS says it is a collaborative effort to conserve and restore species listed as threatened or endangered. They work with states, tribes, nonprofits, universities, researchers, private individuals, and other federal agencies.
A truly amazing sight! From our colleague Mike Knoerr! Suwannee crocodile snapping turtle (Macrochelys…
Sent by Turtle Survival Alliance above Tuesday, January 19, 2021
They hope to be able to help the Suwannee alligator catch turtle recover the way they did the American alligator. “American alligator populations hit an all-time low in the 1950s, largely due to market poaching and habitat loss. However, in 1987, the king crocodile was fully recovered, making it one of the first endangered species success stories,” Statuses USFWS.
