Status and Distribution of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) in Northern Louisiana
Aaron C. Johnson1,*, Amy K. Shook1, John L. Carr1, and Neil H. Douglas1
1Biology – School of Sciences, University of Louisiana Monroe, 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA 71209. *Corresponding author.
Southeastern Naturalist,Volume 22, Special Issue 12 (2023): 157–170
Abstract
The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a species of conservation concern across its range due to past commercial harvest for consumption. Northern Louisiana was originally surveyed in the 1980s, but the survey data were not compiled and published. After almost 40 years, we resurveyed the region to validate the historic data as well as provide current data on the distribution of Alligator Snapping Turtles. From the 1980s, we provide demographic data for 300 Alligator Snapping Turtles collected from 17 Louisiana parishes. From 2018–2020, we captured and measured 62 Alligator Snapping Turtles from 19 trapping sites. We recommend continued surveying and monitoring efforts in Louisiana to track populations during the post-commercial–harvest period.
Download Full-text pdf (Accessible only to subscribers. To subscribe click here.)
Access Journal Content
Open access browsing of table of contents and abstract pages. Full text pdfs available for download for subscribers.
Issue-in-Progress: Vol. 23 (2) ... early view
Check out SENA's latest Special Issue: