About Chelydra acutirostris Peters, 1862
Taxonomic Classification
The South American snapping turtle, scientifically known as Chelydra acutirostris Peters, 1862, is a turtle species belonging to the Chelydridae family.
Endemism
This species is endemic to Central America and northwestern South America.
Previous Taxonomic Status
It was previously classified as a subspecies of Chelydra serpentina.
Colonization History
The restricted range it has in South America indicates that it arrived there relatively recently as part of the Great American Interchange.
Geographic Range
The known geographic range of Chelydra acutirostris includes Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
