Snakes and Reptiles of Australia: Turtles

There are 17 species of freshwater turtles in Australia and all except one belong to a group known as side-necked turtles because the neck is folded under the carapace with one or more horizontal folds. Within this group some have very long necks and are known as long-necked or snake-necked turtles. The others are collectively called short-necked turtles.

Habitat and Feeding

Most bodies of freshwater are likely to have some freshwater turtles for they are found over much of mainland Australia. Some prefer the slow-flowing deeper inland rivers, while others are found in the rapid flowing clear rivers on the coast. Indeed on the east coast each river drainage seems to carry its own distinct freshwater turtle; some have not yet been scientifically described.

Some freshwater turtles feed mainly on plant material while others are carnivorous, taking crustacean and shell fish, insects,snails and any other suitably sized animals they can seize.Their extendable necks allow them to breathe while keeping their bodies submerged. These turtles feed in the water, some using the long neck to strike at prey'l‘he Broad-shelled Turtle, for example, relies on ambush to procure its food; buried in debris on the river bottom,it lunges its head and neck forward to take its prey.

Predation

The nests of freshwater turtles are constructed near water and the eggs deposited and left there.These nests are subject to very heavy predation and it is estimated that more than 90 per cent of eggs are taken,by foxes, pigs, feral cats and dogs, goannas and water rats. Baby turtles fall prey to birds, fish,

crocodiles and eels and, even when they grow larger, feral dogs, cats and foxes,as well as crocodiles, remain a threat.

Eastern Long Neck Turtles

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Leathery Turtle

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Eastern Long Neck Turtle

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Pig Nosed Turtle

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Manning River Turtle

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Turtles

Eastern Long Neck Turtles

Leathery Turtle

Eastern Long Neck Turtle

Pig Nosed Turtle

Manning River Turtle