Distribution and status of the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) in Georgia

Historically, the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii Harlan) was heavily collected in Georgia to provide meat to soup canneries. With the exception of previous studies of the Flint River population, the current status of this species in Georgia is poorly known. We trapped most navigable streams within the species' range in Georgia, except the Flint River, to evaluate the population status and distribution of this threatened species. Populations in the Chattahoochee River catchment and Spring Creek (Apalachicola River drainage) are more robust than those found elsewhere in the state. Despite extensive trapping, M. temminckii was not caught in the Suwannee River. The current prohibition against collecting this species in Georgia should enhance its ongoing recovery, although the Suwannee River drainage warrants further investigation and possibly more intensive recovery strategies.