New Guinea snake-necked turtle

New Guinea snake-necked turtle
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Testudines
Suborder:	Pleurodira
Family:	Chelidae
Subfamily:	Chelodininae
Genus:	Chelodina
Species:	C. novaeguineae
Binomial name
Chelodina novaeguineae Boulenger , 1888

Range and distribution

The New Guinea snake-necked turtle (Chelodina novaeguineae) is a species of turtle in the Chelidae family. It is found in northeastern Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea,and adjacent islands.

Habitat

Small and large freshwater bodies of water, jungle rivers with ample vegetation.

Characteristics

Carapace dark brown,almost black, but shows some variation from "normal" turtle patterns. The plastron is a light brown, tan color. Long neck and (including head) can sometimes exceed the length of the carapace. Skin mostly gray, has a black head and white on under pats of the skin.

Behavior

When resting, this turtle twists its long neck off to the side for protection. The highly flexible neck permits foraging in mud as well as snorkeling. It also allows the turtle to strike quickly to capture prey.

Reproduction

The snake-neck turtle is oviparous. 17-21 eggs are laid and incubation lasts 75–110 days depending on temperature.

References

• Asian Turtle Trade Working Group 2000. Chelodina novaeguineae. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 29 July 2007.

www.hoglezoo.org/meet_our_animals/animal_finder/New_Guinea_Snake_neck_Turtle