In the previous posts, I have already posted a few species of rare turtle and tortoise, I saw at the Singapore turtle and tortoise museum. Today let me share about Alligator Snapping Turtle ( macroclemys temminckii). It's my first time to see this species of turtle and I am very fascinated by its features.
Alligator snapping Turtle is native to fresh water habitats in the United States. This is the grant of the snapping turtle's family. It resembles the alligator and is extremely ferocious. It has a carapace full of keels or thorny-like structure protruding from the carapace. Its gigantic tail reminds us of the dinosaur.
An interesting facts is, it lures fishes and other preys into its mouth by the presence of a fleshy lure which resemble two " pink worms" in appearance. These two "pinks worms" wriggle and create an even more lifelike impression.
I was told by the keeper that although alligator snapping turtles are not prone to biting, but if provoked they are quite capable of delivering a powerful bite, which can cause significant injuries.
Although they are not an endangered species, it is listed as a threatened species. I hope we can learn to treasure and protect this dinosaur like turtle.
Julie Bawk ( Kachin)
Photos credit: Google Image