New size record for Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in southern Quebec, Canada

Authors

  • Patrick Galois Amphibia-Nature
  • Ève-Lyne Grenier Amphibia-Nature
  • Martin Ouellet Amphibia-Nature

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v132i4.2021

Keywords:

Snapping Turtle, Chelydra serpentina, size record, Rivière du Sud, northeastern range, Quebec, Canada

Abstract

We report a new size record for a Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) in Quebec, Canada. We captured an adult male in good general condition in the Rivière du Sud in the southern Montérégie region. Its straight midline carapace length was 43.2 cm (maximum carapace length 45.1 cm), and it weighed 19.8 kg. This record contributes to our understanding of the maximum size of this species at the northeastern part of its range. More intensive effort will be necessary to document the Snapping Turtle population structure in Quebec to allow for sound comparisons with other populations, as well as a better understanding of the effects of elevation, latitude, and local habitat on Snapping Turtle growth and size.

Author Biographies

Patrick Galois, Amphibia-Nature

Biologist (Ph.D.)

Martin Ouellet, Amphibia-Nature

D.M.V., I.P.S.A.V.

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Published

2019-07-11

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Section

Notes