| U.S. Appendix III: Turtles | ||||||||||||||||
The alligator snapping turtle is North America’s largest freshwater turtle and may reach a size of up to 250 pounds.
Effective June 14, 2006, the United States listed thirteen native freshwater turtle species in Appendix III of CITES – the alligator snapping turtle (Macroclemys [=Macrochelys] temminckii) and all 12 species of map turtle (Graptemys spp.). (A large number of tortoises and freshwater turtles are listed in CITES Appendices I and II, and all marine turtles are listed in Appendix I. Including the turtles listed by the United States, there are a total of 38 freshwater turtle species listed in Appendix III). Once a species is listed under CITES, any international trade in the species, either as live specimens or parts or products, must be accompanied by a valid CITES permit or certificate. Although many map turtle species and the alligator snapping turtle are regularly farmed or produced in captivity in the United States, those farmed turtles, and any parts or products from them, are also covered by the Appendix-III listing and CITES documentation requirements apply. Domestic trade in these species is not affected under Federal law due to their listing in CITES Appendix III. CITES requirements only apply when the species are being exported, imported, or re-exported across international borders.
General Information
U.S. Appendix III: Turtle Import/Export ProceduresThe Division of Management Authority has established a two-tiered approach to permit issuance for the export of Appendix-III native turtle specimens. Turtles derived from State-registered or recognized production facilities (i.e., “farms”) that are being exported after hatching (2 inches or less for map turtles and 3 inches or less for alligator snapping turtles, measuring the straight line of their carapace) can be handled in an expedited manner. This consists of establishing a “Master file,” with multiple single-use permits issued off of that file. Other specimens that are either removed directly from the wild or are being exported some time after hatching will be handled on a permit-by-permit basis. If, after reading the following discussion, you are unclear about which approach applies to you or your operation, please feel free to contact the Division of Management Authority at 1-800-358-2104. “Farm” ProductionBased on information obtained from State agencies and public information on how farms produce and export turtles, the Division of Management Authority has established a permitting process to facilitate quick turnaround time between the hatching of turtles and their export. Given that farms are exporting turtles within days of hatching, the Division of Management Authority recognizes the typical permit process of applying for an export permit after the specimens have been born does not meet the circumstance of export for Appendix-III turtles coming from these farm operations. Therefore, we recommend that these types of production facilities establish an annual “Master file.” The facility, following the instructions provided, first submits an application to establish a Master file. Once the Master file is established, the Division of Management Authority issues a number of partially completed export permits that allow the farm to export specimens within days of the turtles hatching. Commercial Dealers, Zoological and Other ExportsAs stated above, the Division of Management Authority has established a two-tiered approach to handling the issuance of export permits for Appendix-III turtles. Facilities that are exporting turtles directly from their farms can use the expedited process described above. All other exports must use the procedure provided. Upon completion of your application and approval by the Division of Management Authority, a single permit will be issued authorizing the export of specifically identified specimens. This is the same procedure that the Division of Management Authority follows for the export of wild-caught and captive-bred specimens of other reptile species. [NOTE: individuals wishing to export a personal pet should use application form 3-200-64, “Certificate of Ownership for Personal Owned Wildlife.”] ImportIf you plan to import Appendix-III turtles, you must follow the general CITES permit requirements for import/export and any applicable Service Law Enforcement requirements.
Appendix III: Related SitesThe list below, while not exhaustive, provides an overview of sites that contain information on CITES and these turtle species.
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U.S. Agency Sites