Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: TURTLE, ALLIGATOR SNAPPING

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: REPTILIA

Order: TESTUDINES

Family: CHELYDRIDAE

Genus: MACROCHELYS

Species: TEMMINCKII

Taxonomic Authority: (TROOST)

Taxonomy References: 014 , 020 , 001

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G3G4

Status References: 024 , 018 , 003

Habitat Summary

"Occur in swamps, marshes, sloughs, streams, ponds, lakes and reservoirs with mud or silt bottom, slow current, moderate aquatic vegetation and deep water."

Primary Habitat: "Aquatic matrix"

References: 007 , 009 , 010 , 006

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Widespread drainage and channelization in southeastern Missouri has eliminated much of the state's former habitat *03*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BOLLINGER JEFFERSON ADAIR
BUTLER OREGON ANDREW
CAPE GIRARDEAU PERRY ATCHISON
DOUGLAS STE. GENEVIEVE AUDRAIN
DUNKLIN BARRY
HOWELL BARTON
MISSISSIPPI BATES
NEW MADRID BENTON
OZARK BOONE
PEMISCOT BUCHANAN
RIPLEY CALDWELL
SCOTT CALLAWAY
ST. FRANCOIS CAMDEN
STODDARD CARROLL
TANEY CARTER
WAYNE CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLARK
CLAY
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOLT
HOWARD
IRON
JACKSON
JASPER
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MCDONALD
MERCER
MILLER
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEWTON
NODAWAY
OSAGE
PETTIS
PHELPS
PIKE
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. LOUIS
STONE
SULLIVAN
TEXAS
VERNON
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 023 , 012 , 013 , 015 , 016 , 019 , 021 , 003 , 006

Distribution by Watersheds

South Fabius R.
Miss. R. from Des Moines R. to MO. R.; and North R.
Big R.
Miss. R. from River Aux Vases to Ohio R.
Castor R. and Castor R. Diversion Channel
Miss R. from Ohio R. to Arkansas Border
St. John's Ditch and Blue Ditch
St. Francis R. from Headwaters to Wappapello Dam
St. Francis R. from Wappapello Dam to Arkansas Border
Little R.
Area Bordered by Black R. and St. Francis R. South of Quintan, MO
White R. above Tablerock Dam
White R. below Tablerock Dam and Little North Fork White R.
North Fork White R.
Black R.
Current R.
Fourche Creek

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Central Till Plains, Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest
Southern Floodplain Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Glaciated Plains: Eastern
Ozark Border: Mississippi River
Ozark: St. Francois Mountains
Ozark: White River
Ozark: Lower Ozark
Mississippi Lowlands
Mississippi Lowlands: Crowley's Ridge
Mississippi Lowlands: Lowlands

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial/Aquatic" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Lacustrine
Palustrine
Riverine

Aquatic Associations:

"Lacustrine, limnetic", "Aquatic bed, unknown submergent"
"Lacustrine, limnetic", "Emergent, nonpersistent"
"Palustrine", "Aquatic bed, unknown submergent"
"Palustrine", "Forested"
"Riverine, lower perennial", "Unconsolidated bottom, mud"

References for Aquatic Associations: 007 , 009 , 002 , 006

Habitat Types:

Swamp
Pond, Lake, Reservoir
Marsh
Permanent Stream

References for Habitat Types: 007 , 004 , 002 , 006

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Wetland
Marshes
Freshwater Marsh
Pond Marsh
Swamps
Swamp
Pond Swamp
Shrub Swamp
Pond Shrub Swamp

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 007 , 002 , 006

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Omnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Juvenile diet similar to adult's; Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 002

Adult Food Habits

Osteichthyes (bony fishes); Not Specified
Plants; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 007 , 009 , 010 , 006

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

Soil type: clay soil
Soil type: loamy soil
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Distance to water specified in comments(00430)

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 007 , 008 , 011

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Aquatic vegetation
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Current velocity: slow current
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth: deep
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 007 , 009 , 006

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

Bottom type: mud or silt
Aquatic vegetation
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Current velocity: slow current
Water level: permanently flooded
Water depth: deep
Inland wetlands: swamp
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)

References for resting adult niche requirements: 007 , 009 , 017 , 006

Niche Requirement Summary

Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Aquatic vegetation
Bottom type: mud or silt
Current velocity: slow current
Density of aquatic vegetation: moderate
Distance to water specified in comments(00430)
Downed logs specified in comments(00660)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Inland wetlands: marsh
Inland wetlands: oxbow
Inland wetlands: permanent stream
Inland wetlands: pond, lake, reservoir
Inland wetlands: slough, bayou
Inland wetlands: swamp
Soil type specified in comments(00300)
Soil type: clay soil
Soil type: loamy soil
Underwater cover specified in comments(00105)
Underwater cover: log
Underwater cover: log complex
Underwater cover: stump
Underwater cover: submerged brush
Underwater cover: woody debris
Water depth: deep
Water level: permanently flooded

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
022 Age at maturity 11 to 13 years *08*.
034 Growth rate seems to be influenced by length of yearly activity period, food availability, and water temperatures *08*.
007 Breed any time during warm weather *07*. In MO, egg laying probably occurs in late June or July *06*. Nest is about 14-20" deep *06*
016 In GA, nest observed: 22.5 cm deep with diameter 7.5-8.5 cm. *11*
017 Incubation 3-4 months, in FL 100-108 days days*10* in LA 80-90 days *08*. Incubation in GA was minimum of 114 days and maximum of 142 days *11*.
018 Clutch 9 eggs in GA nest *11*. Clutch 15-50 *07,09*.
028 In LA radiotelemetry study, average home range length of females 1423.2 m, males 3495.1 m. Frequently returned to within 1.5 m of previously occupied sites *17*. In OK, mean linear home range was 715.6m, and occupied several core sites within home range including beaver dams and log jams and were used 1-14 days *022*.
030 Dig under mud in cold temperatures *08*. In LA, movement increased in April, showed sharp decline in August *17*.
035 Predation on young by skunks, raccoons, etc *09*. Man is diminishing habitat *03*.
099 Almost totally aquatic (except for nesting), but can't remain submerged for very long periods of time *07*. Does not bask very often. Are usually quite sedentary and seldom swim. Juveniles seem to have prehensile-like tails *09*. Longevity record in captivity 58 years, 8 months *09*.
003 Red-eared slider, common snapping turtle, commom musk turtle, and MS mud turtle are associated with the same habitat *022*.

Life History Information

Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Closely associated plant or animal species specified in comments(003)
Foraging strategy: grazing
Foraging strategy: stalking
Foraging sites: water
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Nest/den site: hole in the ground
Nest dimensions specified in comments(016)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Clutch/litter size specified in comments(018)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Development of young at birth/hatching: precocial
Parental care of young: no care
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
022 Age at maturity 11 to 13 years *08*.
034 Growth rate seems to be influenced by length of yearly activity period, food availability, and water temperatures *08*.
007 Breed any time during warm weather *07*. In MO, egg laying probably occurs in late June or July *06*. Nest is about 14-20" deep *06*
016 In GA, nest observed: 22.5 cm deep with diameter 7.5-8.5 cm. *11*
017 Incubation 3-4 months, in FL 100-108 days days*10* in LA 80-90 days *08*. Incubation in GA was minimum of 114 days and maximum of 142 days *11*.
018 Clutch 9 eggs in GA nest *11*. Clutch 15-50 *07,09*.
028 In LA radiotelemetry study, average home range length of females 1423.2 m, males 3495.1 m. Frequently returned to within 1.5 m of previously occupied sites *17*. In OK, mean linear home range was 715.6m, and occupied several core sites within home range including beaver dams and log jams and were used 1-14 days *022*.
030 Dig under mud in cold temperatures *08*. In LA, movement increased in April, showed sharp decline in August *17*.
035 Predation on young by skunks, raccoons, etc *09*. Man is diminishing habitat *03*.
099 Almost totally aquatic (except for nesting), but can't remain submerged for very long periods of time *07*. Does not bask very often. Are usually quite sedentary and seldom swim. Juveniles seem to have prehensile-like tails *09*. Longevity record in captivity 58 years, 8 months *09*.
003 Red-eared slider, common snapping turtle, commom musk turtle, and MS mud turtle are associated with the same habitat *022*.

References for life history: 007 , 008 , 009 , 011 , 013 , 017 , 022 , 002 , 003 , 006

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Water - develop/maintain spawning/nesting facilities
Water - develop/maintain lakes/ponds
Water - develop/maintain wetlands
Water - develop/maintain freshwater marsh
Water - control pollution (thermal, physical, chemical)
Water - develop/maintain submerged brush/timber/debris, etc.
Water - restrict human disturbance
Water - establish/maintain basking logs near shore

Beneficial Management References: 007 , 009 , 002 , 006

Adverse Managment Practices:

Water - application of herbicides
Water - application of pesticides
Water - application of insecticides
Water - application of fertilizer - organic
Water - application of fertilizer - inorganic
Water - dredging and filling
Water - control water levels
Water - navigational improvements (channelization, dams, locks)
Water - stream channelization
Water - drainage of wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes

Adverse Management References: 007 , 009 , 017 , 002 , 003 , 006

Comments on Management:
Should maintain natural habitat conditions, including a diverse native plant community, with normal water fluctuations in swamps, marshes and oxbow lakes. Drawdown and moist soil management are generally detrimental. Providing basking logs near shore will enhance marshes, swamps and oxbow lakes. *02* a LA study recommended protecting baldcypress habitat and prohibiting dredging *17*. Historic turtle nesting sites should be identified and protected. Turtles are slow to respond to change and have difficulty moving to a new site if an historic site is lost or altered. *02* In OK, the primary cause of species decline is habitat alteration and illegal harvest *022*. Provide information to the public to reduce illegal take. Monitor and survey existing populations *022*.

References for Management Comments: 017 , 022 , 002

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Unpb Missouri Department Of Conservation. Checklist Of Missouri Amphibians And Reptiles. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
002 Unpb Johnson, Tom R. Mo. Dept. Conserv. Po Box 180. Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. 573-751-4115.
003 Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp.
004 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation and U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
005 Thom, R.H. and J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
006 Anderson, P. 1965. The Reptiles Of Missouri. Univ. Missouri Press, Columbia, Mo. 330pp.
007 Collins, J.T. 1974. Amphibians And Reptiles In Kansas. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Publ. Ed. Series No. 1. Lawrence, Ks. 283 Pp.
008 Dobie, J.L. 1971. Reproduction And Growth In The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macroclemys Temmincki (Troost). Copeia 4:645-658.
009 Ernst, C.H. and R.W. Barbour. 1972. Turtles Of The United States. The Univ. Press Of Kentucky, Lexington. 347 Pp.
010 Allen, E.R. and W.T. Neill. 1950. (Cited In Reference 06) The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macroclemys Temmincki, In Florida. Ross Allens Reptile Inst. Spec. Publ. 4:15p.
011 Powders, V.N. 1978. Observations On Oviposition And Natural Incubation Of Eggs Of The Alligator Snapping Turtle, Macroclemys Temmincki, In Georgia. Copeia 1978(1):154-156.
012 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
013 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
014 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientifc Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
015 Powell, R., T.R. Johnson and D.D. Smith. 1993. New Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1993. Missouri Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 6:3-7.
016 Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
017 Harrel, J.B., C.M. Allen and S.J. Hebert. 1996. Movements And Habitat Use Of Subadult Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macroclemys Temminckii) In Louisiana. Am. Midl. Nat. 135:60-67.
018 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2004. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Missouri Department Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. 47 Pp.
019 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and T.R. Johnson. 1998. New And Previously Unreported Records Of Amphibians And Reptiles In Missouri For 1998. Mo Herpetol. Assoc. Newsletter 11:8-17.
020 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
021 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. 2003. New and previously unreported herpetological records from Missouri for 2003. Missouri Herpetol. Assoc. Newsletter 16: 11-15.
022 Riedle, J.D., P.A. Shipman, S.F. Fox, and D.M. Leslie, Jr. 1999. Status, distribution, and habitat use of the alligator snapping turtle in Okalhoma. OK Dept. of Wildl. Cons. Project E-40. 34p.
023 Daniel, Richard E., Brian S. Edmond and Jeffrey T. Briggler. 2020. New and previously unreported herpetological distribution records for Missouri in 2020. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 33:3-11.
024 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2022. Missouri species and communities of conservation concern checklist. Missouri Department of Conservation. Jefferson City, Missouri. pp. 57.