HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF FREE-RANGING ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES (MACROCHELYS TEMMINCKII) IN GEORGIA AND FLORIDA

• DOI: 10.7589/0090-3558-44.3.670
• Publication Date: 2013-10-01T03:09:53Z
• Authors: Kristen Chaffin; Terry M. Norton; Kirsten Gilardi; Robert Poppenga; John B. Jensen; Paul Moler; Carolyn Cray; Ellen S. Dierenfeld; Tai Chen; Marcie Oliva; Francesco C. Origgi; Samantha Gibbs; Lisa Mazzaro; Jonna Mazet
• Keywords: Tortoise; Chelydra; American alligator

The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle endemic to river systems that drain into the Gulf of Mexico. populations were sharply reduced by commercial harvest in 1970s and 1980s; however, species has yet be protected under Endangered Species Act. While anthropogenic stressors such as habitat fragmentation degradation illegal capture continue threaten populations, degree which disease may contributing any decline unknown. Data collected from 97 free-ranging Turtles nine waterways Florida Georgia 2001 2006. Eleven turtles captured more than once, resulting total sample pool 123. Reference ranges established for complete blood count, plasma biochemistry values, trace metals (mercury, zinc, copper, lead, arsenic), nutrient parameters (vitamins A, E, D, selenium). Variations location, sex, season detected likely resulted external factors diet. sampled one location positive tortoise herpesviral antibodies. Blood mercury values also differed among populations. This study provides justification use these long-lived aquatic biologic monitors health local ecosystems.