Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Pacific Coast giant musk turtle

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Native Range: Mexico (lowland Pacific drainages of Oaxaca and Chiapas), Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize (Uetz, 2012).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: The Pacific Coast Giant Musk Turtle inhabits slow-flowing waters with soft bottoms and aquatic vegetation (Ernst et al. 2012). Like other musk turtle species, they are carnivorous, eating various types of aquatic invertebrates, as well as fish, amphibians, and carrion. Clutches consist of 6–10 eggs that incubate from 80–210 days (Ernst et al. 2012).

Means of Introduction: Pet release.

Status: Unknown.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Ernst, C.H., Altenburg, R.G.M., and Barbour, R.W. 2012. Turtles of the world. Accessed 8/12/2012 at: http://wbd.etibioinformatics.nl/bis/turtles.php?menuentry=inleiding.

Smith, D.C, Krysko, K.L., Sorenson, T.A., and Sider, M.N. 2011. The Pacific coast giant musk turtle, Staurotypus salvinii Gray 1864 (Kinosternidae), a new non-indigenous species in Florida. IRCF Reptiles and Amphibians 18(1):55—56.

Uetz, P., ed. 2012. The Reptile Database. Accessed 8/3/2012 at: http://www.reptile-database.org.

Author: Fuller, P.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.