The Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macroclemys temmincki) in Southeast Oklahoma

The historic and current status of the alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys temmincki) in the Little River system of southeast Oklahoma was studied by locating specimens that were taken in the study area, and by gathering anecdotal records dating from 1935 to 1996 in interviews with local fishermen. Hydrologic changes that could affect population levels of this species in the study area such as nutrification, siltation, chemical contaminants, and construction of flood control dams are discussed. It is probable that this species has suffered a drastic population decline in southeast Oklahoma during the past 60 years. ©1998 Oklahoma Academy of Science