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  3. Macrochelys temminckii

Macrochelys temminckii

Basic information
Scientific name Macrochelys temminckii

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ワニガメ
Major synonym Macroclemys temminckii, Macroclemmys temminckii
Common names Alligator snapper, Alligator snapping turtle
Higher taxon Chelydridae, Testudines, Reptilia
Natural range SE USA
Habitat River, Lake, Pond, etc.
Invasion information
Range in Japan Escaping turtles are sometimes reported. An alligator snapper laying eggs was captured in Shinobazunoike Pond, Tokyo. Range in Japan
Origin USA
Date Under Construction.
Route Deliberate: Release of pet animal
Impact Potentially: predation on native aquatic species; competition with native turtles; biting human.
Native organism(s) affected: Native amphibians, fishes, freshwater invertebrates (predation), native freshwater turtles (competition), human (biting)
Regulation in Japan Keeping this species without permission is prohibited in Japan. CITES Appendix III. Keeping this species is prohibited in Shiga Pref. Release of this species is prohibited in Aichi Pref.
Introduced range in other countries Unknown.
Reference Notes
  • DECO (ed) (2006) Dictionary of Alien Species. Tokyo-Shoseki. (in Jpn)
  • JWRC (ed) (2008) A Photographic Guide to the Invasive Alien Species in Japan. Heibonsha. (in Jpn)
  • CITES website http://www.cites.org/
  • etc.