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Facts and Knowledge:
The snake necked turtle is Australia's most widespread and well known freshwater turtle. Exclusively meat eating, it hunts in many still and slow flowing waters. The snake necked turtle is also known in Australia as the long necked turtle. when fully extended, its head and neck and more than half the length of its shell. The snake necked turtle belongs to a family whose turtles fold their heads and necks along the sides of their shells rather than pulling them in.
Breeding: Mating takes place underwater, with the male swimming closely behind the female until he can rest his chin on her shell. He then moves forward and mounts, clasping the edge of the female's shell with his forefeet and tucking his tail beneath hers. Two months later the male prepares a hole in sandy, sparsely vegetated soil. She chooses a slope from which rainwater can drain easily, for even a few hours of soaking will kill the unborn hatchlings. She lays and arranges the eggs and scoops the soil back over them. The young turtles amy not emerge for six months. They immediately go into the water
Food & Feeding: The snaked necked turtle is a carnivore (meat eater), Its hunts actively during the day or a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp, insect larvae, crayfish, and mollusks, as well as or frogs. The turtles long, sinuous neck is critical ti its ability to catch prey. Once the turtle is within reach of prey, it draws its neck back into an S shape and then springs it forward. Underwater, instead of striking the prey, the turtle brings its head to a sudden halt alongside the creature and opens its mouth wide. Water rushes into the turtles mouth, pulling the prey along with it. The turtle then partially closes its mouth, forcing the water back out, but leaving the prey behind.
The snake necked turtle does not have powerful jaws for biting prey. Instead, the reptile appears to kill and dismember large prey in its throat with a rubbing action of its front legs. Its uses the same movement to position food for swallowing.
Behavior: The snake necked turtle is commonly seen both in and out of water. Streams, rivers, swamps, and lagoons are its favorite habitats. Its prefers slow moving, often muddy water, but it can occasionally be seen crossing small rapids, looking for food. The seasonal drop in temperature in the southern part of the snake necked turtles range sends many turtles into hibernation under water or on dry land. This species is known for its ability to colonize new, artificial ponds, usually with in about two years. Also, groups of snake necked turtles are frequently seen far from the waters edge. The turtle often takes a rambling path over dry land, readily changing direction to move around any barrier. But as soon as it sights water, it heads straight for it.
Predators: Many young turtles fail to hatch because their nests are raided by animals. the hatchlings are vulnerable as they journey to the water; and they face attack from fish and water birds when they arrive.
Key Facts: Sizes, Weight, breeding, lifestyle, related Species
Length: Shell, up to 11 in extended head
and neck, 5 1/2 in.
Weight: Average 2 1/2 lb.
Breeding:
Sexual Maturity: Males; 7 years, females;
10 - 11 years
Mating seasons: September to October
Incubation: 130 170 days
No of eggs: 6 - 24
Lifestyle:
Habit: Both water and land. Migrates over
land in groups.
Diet: Amphibians, crustaceans, worms,
insects, and mollusks.
Life span: 17 - 50 years
Related Species: There are 36 species of
turtle grouped into 9 genera within the family Chelidae.
Distribution: Widespread is slow moving
waters in eastern australia from southern South Australia to north Queensland
Conservation: This species is still common, but its has been widely trapped. many turtles have been killed by fishermen and vechiles and as a result of losing access to water.
Features of the Snake Necked Turtle:
There are two suborders of turtle; the side necked and the hidden necked turtles. They are distinguished by their neck and head movements. The snake necked turtles belongs to the side necked turtles (Testudines) found in Australia and South America.
Neck: Provides excellent vision because of turtles ability to move head freely. Can be coiled like a spring for seizing prey,
Did you know:
The snake necked turtle can breathe while resting on the bottom of shallow water. It stretches its long neck up and pokes its head above the surface.
This turtles eyes are set unusually far forward. The resulting accurate vision is vital for striking at the right spot.
The snake necked turtle is sometimes called the "sinker" because of the strong smelling liquid that it produces when caught. It can spray this fluid as far as three feet.
Western scientists first learned about the snake necked turtle from Sir Joseph banks. He collected a specimen during Captain Cook's voyage to Australia in 1770.
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