Chelydra acutirostris (South American snapping turtle)

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Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_American_snapping_turtle

Chelydra acutirostris is a species of freshwater turtle commonly known as the South American snapping turtle. It is recognized for its aggressive behavior, strong jaws, and distinctive appearance. This turtle is native to Central America and is known to inhabit a variety of water bodies.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Chelydridae
  • Genus: Chelydra
  • Species: Chelydra acutirostris

Common Names

  • South American Snapping Turtle

Identification

Description

The Central American snapping turtle has a robust and heavily armored body with a large head and powerful jaws. Its carapace is rugged, dark brown or olive, often covered in algae. The plastron (underside of the shell) is small compared to its carapace. Its tail is long, almost as long as the carapace, with a serrated ridge along the top.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males tend to be larger than females, and their tails are longer and thicker, while females have shorter, thinner tails. Males also exhibit more prominent head and jaw structure.

Native Origin and Distribution

Geographical Range

Chelydra acutirostris is found in Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to northern South America, including countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Colombia.

Preferred Habitat

This species thrives in slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, swamps, marshes, rivers, and streams. It prefers muddy bottoms and abundant vegetation, where it can remain camouflaged and hunt for prey.

Behavior

Feeding Habits

Chelydra acutirostris is an opportunistic omnivore, feeding on fish, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates, and plants. It is known for its ambush-style hunting, staying motionless in the water and snapping at prey with its powerful jaws.

Predators

Adults have few natural predators due to their size and aggression, but juveniles may be vulnerable to birds, larger fish, and mammals.

Reproduction

Breeding Season

The breeding season typically occurs during the rainy season, when food and water levels are abundant.

Reproductive Method

Females lay eggs on land, digging nests in sandy or soft soil near water sources. Clutch sizes vary but generally contain 20 to 40 eggs, which hatch after about 80 to 120 days of incubation.

Conservation

Extinction Status

Currently, Chelydra acutirostris is not classified as endangered but is of conservation concern in certain areas due to habitat loss and exploitation.

Threats

The primary threats to this species are habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal collection for the pet trade or consumption.

Conservation Measures

Efforts to conserve this species include habitat protection, regulation of trade, and environmental education programs to raise awareness about its ecological importance.

Economic Importance

The species is sometimes harvested for food in local communities, and its distinctive appearance has made it popular in the exotic pet trade, though it is not commonly kept due to its aggressive nature.

Interesting Facts

  • Chelydra acutirostris can remain underwater for long periods due to its ability to absorb oxygen through its skin.
  • Despite their aggressive reputation, these turtles are shy in the wild and often avoid human interaction.
  • Their strong jaws can deliver a painful bite, leading them to be feared by many people in their native regions.

About Author

Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.