Origin of the Alligator turtle
The Alligator turtle takes its name from its scaling shell Large sharp scales, its extremely powerful jaw and similar to that of an alligator in the literal sense of the term. Unlike his cousins terrestrial turtles, the alligators turtles have a long tail and a massive head which does not retract entirely below its shell.
This Chélonian Apply rivers and swamps and almost never come to land areas. Family of Chelydridae, the Alligator turtle is one of the two representatives of the genre Macrochelys. The latter is endemic to the United States.
The Alligator turtle is present in Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama ... recognized as an outstanding hunter, the Alligator turtle is a aquatic turtle Considered the largest freshwater turtle.
Alligator turtle: Characteristics of the Alligator turtle
The biggest alligator turtle in the world weighs up to 100 kg. Although it is aquatic, it has a heavy goods vehicle that affects its natory capacity making it very slow. Thus, the physical description of the alligator turtle varies depending on sex.
Adult Alligator Turtle
In adulthood, the Alligator turtle has a rough dark -colored shell with black brown with large conical scales. Known as an outstanding hunter, she camouflages herself easily through rocks and in rivers thanks to her shell generally covered algae To catch your prey.
It is also distinguished by its fins equipped with strong claws. Unlike female alligators turtles, male alligators turtles are often larger and have a wider tail base.
Turtle Alligator Size
The Alligator giant turtle measures on average 65 to 80 cm. This specimen has a large tail of an average of 75 cm, capable of exceeding the size of its entire body.
Alligator Turtle Price
To consider buying an alligator turtle, it takes around 159 euros for an alligator baby turtle. Its purchase in France requires the holding of Capacity certificate, Because it is an extremely dangerous species like a caiman, hence its name of Caiman turtle. However, it should be noted that the adult alligator turtle is protected and prohibited for sale in France.
Lifestyle of the alligator turtle
Being an imposing reptile in its environment, the Alligator turtle is considered a predator without predator. Thus, he uses his strength and aggressiveness to be able to feed on a daily basis.
Alligator Food Turtle
Reputed to be dangerous, the Alligator turtle is a dreaded predator that feeds on small fish, molluscs, crustaceans, corpses ... being a carnivorous turtle, she uses the appendix to the end of her powerful and bloody beak to catch her prey. Therefore, although not a poisonous turtle, it also feeds on smaller turtles that they, or even snakes.
Being a carnivore, the Alligator turtle also represents a threat to the fauna that surrounds it because it is a dominant predator and classified at the head of the food chain.
Average reproductive alligator turtle
Alligators turtles are oviparous reptiles. They mate in the spring from the age of 12, age at which maturity is reached. Subsequently, the females lay eggs after two months and the latter hatch 100 to 140 days later.
The temperature at which eggs are incubated determines the sex of future babies. Males evolve at low temperatures unlike females that develop at warmer temperatures. Juvenile turtles have the same appearance as adult turtles.
However, juvenile eggs and turtles poorly protected by their generator become prey for certain fish and rats washer. Although man remains the only predator of the Alligator turtle, the latter can prove to be dangerous For man if she is attacked.
Turtle Alligator Canal du Midi
The Alligator turtle in France is considered by theFrench Biodiversity Office as a endangered species and dangerous for the inhabitants. Since the beginning of May, a serpentine turtle And three small alligators were found in the streets of Toulouse.
It was near the midday channel that a 40cm alligator turtle was found in the morning of July 23, 2020, a fifth of its kind in just a few weeks. Being all formidable and prohibited species for sale, the appearance of these dangerous animals in the streets of France worry the French population and state.
Consequently, these species were in captivity by theNational Office for Hunting and Wildlife For the protection of man and his ecosystem.
Alligator turtle: a dangerous turtle?
Recognized for its tenacity and powerful jaw, the Alligator torto's attack can push it to bite you.
Alligator bite turtle
From adulthood, the Alligator turtle, considered by many to be a crocodile turtle because of its powerful jaw, can be dangerous for humans. It is true that this Chélonian looks harmless visibly, but do not trust his appearance. If you approach it, it is able to cut the member of a child or the fingers of an adult thanks to his overpowered jaw and his strong claws.
In France, it is advisable to call the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife in case you meet this type of specimen. This will allow you to avoid significant damage.
Life of life Turtle Alligator
Simply defined, longevity designates the lifespan. Generally, longevity represents the long service life of a species or an individual. The Alligator turtle therefore has a impressive longevity : She can live up to 70 years in captivity.
In the state of nature and in the face of climate aggressiveness, the life of the Alligator turtle is reduced. The latter can only reach only 50 years in its natural environment.
Conclusion
In short, the Alligator turtle is known as the largest aquatic turtle in the world. With a fairly special longevity, the latter has a rather special lifestyle.
Known for its powerful jaw, this reptile is a formidable predator. He can represent a great threat not only for humans but also for his ecosystem when it is not retained in captivity.
