South American snapping turtle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South American snapping turtle |
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| A South American snapping turtle in the Cali Zoo | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Chelydra
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| Species: |
acutirostris
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| Synonyms | |
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The South American snapping turtle (Chelydra acutirostris) is a cool type of turtle. It belongs to the family Chelydridae, which are known as snapping turtles. This species lives only in certain parts of Central and northwestern South America.
People used to think it was just a kind of common snapping turtle. But now we know it is its own special species! It arrived in South America more recently. This happened during a big natural event called the Great American Interchange. During this time, many animals moved between North and South America.
Where This Turtle Lives
The South American snapping turtle, Chelydra acutirostris, can be found in several countries. These include Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama in Central America. You can also find it in Colombia and Ecuador in South America.
Different Types?
Scientists do not recognize any different types or subspecies of C. acutirostris. This means there is only one known kind of South American snapping turtle.
