Microhabitat, movement, and morphology of repatriated alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) from three sites in east Texas

This data publication contains morphological, spatial, and environmental data collected on confiscated alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) released at three sites within the Neches, Cypress, and Sabine river drainages in Texas. Morphological data on 23 (7-8 per site) alligator snapping turtles was recorded once before subsequent release. Telemetry data were collected approximately weekly from June 2021 to June 2022 via radiotelemetry. Microhabitat data were collected once during that same time period, via radiotelemetry. GPS coordinates and microhabitat data were collected at alligator snapping turtle localities and at random points.
The purpose of collecting these data was to assess the feasibility of repatriation as a conservation tool for confiscated alligator snapping turtles. These data were used to assess movement patterns, habitat use, and survival of repatriated alligator snapping turtles across three predetermined release sites.
For more information about this study and these data, see Adams et al. (2024).