The recovered alligator snapping turtle is recognizable with its pointed beak and serrated shell - OFB

  • The specimen of this spectacular exotic species was discovered by passers-by in the pond of the Vaugrenier departmental natural park.
  • It was finally entrusted to the “Village des tortues”, an educational and conservation center in the Var department.

It is as rare as it is scary with its powerful jaw and sharp beak. And she could easily take with her one or more fingers of a hand that is a little too wandering. A dangerous alligator snapping turtle, a spectacular exotic species usually observed in the United States, was discovered at the end of April, in full confinement, by passers-by in the pond of the Vaugrenier departmental natural park, in Villeneuve-Loubet (Alpes-Maritimes) .

Recovered with great care, the toothed shell animal - like an alligator - had a time was entrusted to an individual. She was finally brought a few days ago to the "Village of turtles", an educational and conservation center located in the Var, reports this Thursday the French Office of Biodiversity (OFB).

No doubt "abandoned by a private collector"

On site, the reptile was measured and weighed. With 13 kg on the scale, this specimen of Macrochelys temminckii, yet already quite frightening, is still far from having reached 100 kg, maximum weight for this species which can measure up to 75 cm. Its longevity can reach 80 years, specifies the organization.

The tortoise was measured and weighed - OFB

"The specimen found was probably abandoned by a private collector," says the organization, recalling that "to hold this species classified as dangerous [ministerial order of November 21, 1997], a prefectural opening order and a certificate of capacity" are required.

The French Office for Biodiversity points out the danger of "releasing non-native species into the wild". "They can become invasive and are recognized as the third cause of the loss of global biodiversity," she says.

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