Chelydra rossignonii (Central American Snapping Turtle)
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Chelydra rossignonii, commonly known as the Central American snapping turtle, is a large, freshwater species native to Central America. Known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when threatened, it plays an essential role in aquatic ecosystems.
Native To These Regions
Belize, Campeche (Mexico), Chiapas (Mexico), Guatemala, Honduras, Quintana Roo (Mexico), Tabasco (Mexico), Veracruz (Mexico), Yucatán (Mexico)Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Testudines
- Family: Chelydridae
- Genus: Chelydra
- Species: Chelydra rossignonii
Common Names
- Central American Snapping Turtle
- Mexican Snapping Turtle
- Yucatán Snapping Turtle
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Identification
Description
The Central American snapping turtle has a rough, ridged carapace that can grow up to 50 cm in length, with a long, muscular tail and webbed feet. Its skin is dark brown or olive, and its head is large with a hooked beak. This species has a relatively smooth plastron and large claws that aid in gripping prey.
Sexual Dimorphism
Males are generally larger than females, with longer tails and more prominent cloacal openings. Females tend to have a more rounded shell.
Check more turtles from the Chelydra genus
Native Origin and Distribution
Geographical Range
Chelydra rossignonii is found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and swamps from southern Mexico to Honduras, including parts of Guatemala and Belize.
Preferred Habitat
This species prefers slow-moving freshwater bodies with muddy bottoms and dense vegetation, where it can easily ambush prey and hide from predators.
Behavior
Feeding Habits
Central American snapping turtles are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on fish, amphibians, invertebrates, and plant matter. They use a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, lunging at prey with powerful jaws.
Predators
As juveniles, they are vulnerable to larger fish, birds, and mammals. Adults have few natural predators due to their size and defensive nature, though humans pose a significant threat.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, between May and August.
Reproductive Method
Females lay clutches of 20-40 eggs in sandy or muddy areas near water sources. The eggs incubate for about 80-90 days, depending on temperature.
Conservation
Extinction Status
Chelydra rossignonii is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Threats
The species faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and illegal hunting for meat and the pet trade.
Conservation Measures
Efforts include habitat protection, stricter enforcement of hunting laws, and captive breeding programs to help maintain population levels.
Economic Importance
In some regions, Chelydra rossignonii is hunted for its meat and occasionally sold in the pet trade, contributing to local economies. However, overexploitation has led to a decline in populations.
Interesting Facts
- The bite force of a Central American snapping turtle is incredibly strong, capable of crushing bone.
- They have a highly developed sense of smell, which they use to locate food in murky waters.
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.
