San Diego Herpetological Society August Meeting

Conservation Ecology of the Alligator Snapping Turtle: Protecting One of America's Last Great Dinosaurs

Presented by Andrew Holzinger

Tuesday, August 18
7:00 PM
Prado Classroom 104 – Balboa Park, San Diego

The San Diego Herpetological Society is excited to welcome Andrew Holzinger for an evening exploring one of North America's most iconic and ancient reptiles—the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii).

Often described as a "living dinosaur," the Alligator Snapping Turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and an extraordinary predator of the swamps, rivers, and bayous of the southeastern United States. Despite surviving for millions of years, this remarkable species now faces increasing conservation challenges due to habitat loss, human impacts, and declining populations.

Join us as Andrew shares the natural history, conservation ecology, and ongoing research surrounding this incredible species, highlighting the work being done to help ensure these prehistoric turtles continue to thrive in the wild.

About the Speaker

Andrew Holzinger is a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and has worked on a wide variety of wildlife research and conservation projects throughout the United States and abroad.

Originally from southeast Florida, Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida in 2018. His career has included teaching Agricultural Sciences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, working on a commercial oyster farm and hatchery in Florida, and conducting woodpecker and Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys across Idaho.

Andrew recently completed his Master of Science in Biological Sciences (Herpetology) at the University of Southern Mississippi, where his research focused on reptile and amphibian inventory and population monitoring within two National Wildlife Refuges in central Mississippi. During his graduate studies, he also became heavily involved in research and conservation efforts focused on the enigmatic Alligator Snapping Turtle.

About the Presentation

The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one of the most recognizable reptiles in North America, yet it remains one of the least understood. While its prehistoric appearance suggests a species built to survive anything, populations have experienced significant declines throughout much of their native range.

In this presentation, Andrew will discuss the biology, ecology, conservation status, and ongoing research surrounding this incredible turtle. Attendees will learn about the threats facing the species, current conservation initiatives, and the scientific work being conducted to help protect one of America's last great "living dinosaurs."

Whether you're interested in turtles, conservation biology, field research, or simply enjoy learning about remarkable wildlife, this promises to be an engaging and informative evening.

Guests are always welcome!

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 PM in Prado Classroom 104, Balboa Park.