Dangerous vulture tortoise in the garden: experts warn of bites!

Dangerous vulture tortoise in the garden: experts warn of bites!

A vulture tortoise (Macrochelys temminckii) was recently discovered in a private garden in Ummendorf, which was certainly a surprise guest for many. With an impressive size of 40 centimeters, the animal caused excitement and interest in the endangered species. The owners, who immediately reported the animal to the nature conservation authority in the district office, were playing it safe, because vulture tortoises are known for being able to cause considerable damage with their powerful teeth. Experts warn that these can sever turtle fingers, making them potential dangers.

The vulture tortoise, which lives to be around ten years old, is one of the largest freshwater turtle species in the world and in its natural habitat, the rivers of the southern United States, regularly grows up to 90 centimeters in size and can weigh up to 80 kilograms. In Europe they are rather rare and are often the result of species-inappropriate husbandry, which makes the situation all the more explosive. The male found has now been taken to a specialized facility in Freiburg.

Habitat and reproduction

These impressive reptiles prefer large, calm bodies of water with muddy bottoms and underwater caves near the shore in which they can hide. Vulture turtles are crepuscular hunters who move skillfully in the water and attract their prey with a reddish tongue extension. The diet consists mainly of fish, frogs, snails and smaller animals. During their reproductive season, which lasts from April to November, females lay between 10 and 50 eggs, which take around 100 to 110 days to incubate, depending on the temperature.

Despite their fascinating lifestyle, vulture tortoises are endangered, in part due to their fishing methods for the food market as well as the destruction of their habitat. In the USA, for example, the species has been listed as endangered since 1994 and has been regulated by the CITES agreement since 2016. In Germany, the keeping and marketing of these turtles is strictly prohibited, unless they are in zoologically specialized institutions.

Appeal to the owners and witnesses

In light of the recent discovery in Ummendorf, the community is appealing to the turtle's owner and witnesses to come forward. Not only can foreign species like the vulture tortoise harm local wildlife, but they have also made headlines in recent years for “turtle attacks” in waterways. The discovery of this vulture tortoise should be a wake-up call to think about the responsible management of endangered species and raise awareness about the regulations that protect native fauna.

The find not only raises questions about responsible animal husbandry, but also raises awareness of the need to protect endangered species and their habitats. Life in a home garden was certainly not ideal for the vulture tortoise and we hope that it will now find a safe and species-appropriate home in a suitable facility.